tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44267945469005314072023-11-15T13:30:42.351-05:00Urban YankeeA blog about my life, urban planning, and sportsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-92120481063045178752011-06-27T00:35:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:35:48.366-04:00Gold Cup Final<div class="MsoNormal">The Gold Cup final game was one of the best games I have seen the US play in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we did not get the result we wanted, the game was fast, furious, and full of excitement for 90 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most USA games tend to start slow and build up as the US becomes more comfortable during the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first 20 minutes were obviously the USA’s best part of the game and they scored the first two goals right out of the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adu had wonderful distribution, Dempsey and Donovan made decisive and creative runs, and the defense played moderately well, with Lichaj and Cherundolo pushing the ball up the flank to create many chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that was all the US could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blame will obviously be placed on Bornstein, but honestly, as other reviews have cited, the bottom line is the US was thin when it came to back-ups fullbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I have never been a fan of Bornstein, but would Spector play better if put in the same situation? I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither Spector nor Bornstein played a single minute during the tourney, so I would argue both would have trouble coming into a game that already was being played at 110% percent and trying to adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was a tough situation. The defense just broke down as soon as Cherundolo came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, Mexico came out guns blazing and had a few chances before the US first goal, but once Bornstein came in, the defense looked disrupted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, I will blame Bradley and Jones for not helping more. I think after Bradley’s goal he was not really a factor in the game, and Jones never really did nothing special in my eyes. I think they both played well all tournaments but neither came out for this game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe fatigue played a factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also could see Edu coming in, and moving Jones back as a center back and then moving Bocanegra over, leaving Lichaj on the same side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just think that could have been a possibility, and Edu saw playing during the tourney, so that could have provided some better experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just my thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a USA fan, I must automatically hate Mexico, BUT they were very fun to watch and I believe they could be a major threat in the 2014 world cup/ future of world soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are relatively young, they have two phenomenal strikers, and they play a great game of soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see them being the Uruguay of 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dos Santos, Chicharito, and Barrera are very talented players and gave the US so much trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also Mexico played a very aggressive game and pressured the ball at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me of Barcelona’s press when they give up the ball, usually you find 2 if not 3 defenders surrounding the ball when a team tries to hold it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened a lot against the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overall, I felt this was a good tournament for the US. They bounced back from a bad loss to Panama and a un-enthusiastic win against Guadalupe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They found three players (Bedoya, Adu, and Lichaj) that I believe should become either regular roster spots for big games or should at least receive many more looks/chances to get onto the roster. I think they all played well and all showed Coach Bradley that they are ready to play more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to see Ream and Agudelo play more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ream had a bad start, and Agudelo played ok (I think he had a so-so game against Panama, and that is why Bradley elected to start Adu and Donovan at the top against Mexico), but I think with some more experience they will be great for the future of the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a tough lost, but the better team won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this rivalry will only get better because both teams are becoming bigger soccer threats in the world and I believe the next CONCACAF tourney will be great!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-12126509495411803552011-06-23T00:17:00.001-04:002011-06-23T00:19:54.462-04:00Back to the blogging world as USA goes back to the Gold Cup final<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Ok so I have been very bad at keeping up with my blog for the past few months. The biggest reason was because of school, but since May I have been on my summer vacation (aka work) so that is a bad excuse. I am going to try and do better from now on. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Back to my one of my passions: Soccer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">So the USA gold cup semi-final was on tonight. It was a good game. The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) struggled throughout the tournament so far. They played well against Canada (I attended), lost to Panama, and un-enthusiastically beat Guadeloupe in their last group stage game. I must admit, I was skeptical of their finals run after watching their group stages. After their impressive and dominant win against Jamaica where they unleashed a slightly different formation (4-2-3-1 with no Donovan in the starting 11) I was happy about their "if it’s not broken don’t fix it" mentality for their re-match against panama. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Tonight game showed me three major points that the USMNT struggled with over the past year since their world cup exit (and some might argue even longer since the Confederations Cup second place finish). First who are the main starters in the midfield and Defense? Is Coach Bradley still on the hot seat, or is he a better coach then everyone gives him credit for? And finally, who is the future of the USMTN after players like Donovan and Dempsey become too old after 2014? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">First, it is obvious Lichaj and Goodson embrace their starting roles. I would like to see Ream play more but I think their backline tonight is the best backline they have. Goodson was not afraid to make goal saving tackles and always plays well in the air. He also has decent distribution attributes in the back which allow him to move closer to the sideline as Cherundolo flies up the flank and Jones (or whoever is the CDM) hovers in the back to help out. Lichaj also does well flying up his left flank. He is obviously not perfect, and I believe the left is his weak side, so he has more work to do. But overall he seems hungry and when given the opportunity can help stretch opponent’s Defenses and put pressure on during a counter attack. Boca and Cherundolo are obviously done deals. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">As for the midfield, I think Jones is having a good tournament. Tonight was not his best game, but he allows Bradley to play a little more offensive and I think that helps the US with Jones as a solid CDM with a great shot and good distribution powers and Bradley can be more of a quarterback and allow Jones to connect to Bradley who can then distribute to Dempsey, or the wings depending on formation. Similarly, Bedoya I believe has been the best player for the USMNT that was not a) initially on the team and b) usually is found on the bench. I think he is always working hard, has great pace, good vision, and allows the US to stretch opponents on almost any offensive drive on his side. Especially if Cherundolo is overlapping and then they can really stretch the D. Also Bedoya gets back which helps Cherundolo. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Kljestan did not have a good game and I think Donovan was the perfect sub but Kljestan played well against Jamaica and I think can be a great player in the future. He is getting good experience now, which is helpful. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Coach Bradley's move at half time and then in the 65 min (or whenever Adu came in) were the two best moves by him this tournament. I know Donovan came in off the bench in the Jamaica game but Donovan had a larger impact this game (assisting the winning goal by Donovan). Also Adu had a major impact setting up the first goal, and working the right wing with some accurate passing and good creativity. Bradley proved he is a solid coach when he did well in the Confederations Cup and made it to the knock out stages in the World Cup. Some of Bradley’s criticisms are he is too complacent when it comes to formations and starters. He also tends to be more defensive than aggressive. But tonight showed he is willing to take risks, first by not starting Donovan (who by all accounts had lack-luster performance in the group stages) and then substituting in Adu when the US needed an offensive boost instead of subbing in Edu to strengthen the defensive midfield. I think Bradley is a great coach and I believe his philosophy with capping so many American players into the USMNT system will pay off in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Finally, this game proved to me that there are a few notable players that seem to be ready to be consistent starters or can be future starters and will be (or hopefully) great bench players. Lichaj, Goodson are two of them. As I mentioned above, I think they fit well in the system and are certainly playing better than Oneywu and Bornstein. I think Ream will also be the future in the back and although he has played below his club level, I think he will break out eventually. Bedoya is my biggest pick and I believe he should be a starter from now on. If the midfield consists of Bedoya on the right, Dempsey in the middle and Donovan on the right (in a 4-2-3-1) I think that could be a dominant midfield. Kljestan, although had a poor game, will be a good future player. I am still unsure of Edu only because Jones and Bradley are both young and good. Edu can be a great back-up but not a starter for right now. I loved seeing Adu play well, but I need to see it more before I jump on his band wagon. He can be great, we all know that, but can he be consistent? I would also like to see Wondolowski play, but I think Agudelo was a good sub for Altidore. I do think Agudelo is a little weak as a single striker, I just don’t think he can hold up the ball as well as he tries. He does better when he uses his speed and beats defenders to the corners. This does cause congestion problems for any of the wingers or LB/RB who are using the wings to stretch the Defense. Otherwise I think Agudelo certainly has tons of promise and is only 18!!! Just hope we don’t “Adu” him. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Overall, good win, but the US needs to be a little crisper if they hope to beat Mexico/Honduras. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-62354486356551582792011-03-14T10:47:00.001-04:002011-03-14T10:47:45.449-04:00Transparent and Progressive Complete Streets Planning<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This memo reviews Minnesota and Hennepin County’s planning process for implementing complete streets. To begin, Hennepin County and Minnesota’s historical infrastructure designs and standards proved to be a natural building block for implementing complete streets. In addition, Hennepin County and Minnesota serve as a great example of a Midwest County and State that systematically provides all levels of government with the resources and abilities to improve their existing infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting with Minnesota’s Complete Streets Report, Hennepin County’s Complete Streets Resolution and Policy, followed by Minnesota’s Complete Streets Law, Hennepin County has the tools to successfully build complete streets on existing and future infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Macomb County can refer to Hennepin County as a successful example of transparent and progressive planning, which allows complete streets to be implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Background <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Briefly, Hennepin County is located on the eastern portion of the Minneapolis region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is home to the City of Minneapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hennepin County has the largest population, budget, and estimated market value compared to the rest of the Minnesota counties.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its estimated 2009 population was 1,156,212.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past decades, Hennepin County worked hard to maintain access to safe and diverse modes of transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beginning in the late 1990’s the Federal Highway Administration developed a new set of principles, called Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for states to recognize that transportation, community, and environmental goals should be treated equally.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> In 2005 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) co-hosted the Midwest Context Sensitive Design and Solutions workshop to assist their State’s stakeholders in implementing CSS goals at the state, county, and local levels.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn4" name="_ednref4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Furthermore in 2008, Minnesota wanted to keep improving its infrastructure, mandating Mn/DOT to “study the benefits, feasibility, and cost of adopting a complete streets policy.”<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn5" name="_ednref5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Complete Streets Components<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Minnesota 2009 Complete Streets Final Report<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Complete Streets Report was compiled by the Commissioner of Transportation and the Mn/DOT Division of State Aid for Local Transportation in response to the legislative directive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal of the report was not to create policy, but to ensure that Minnesota could effectively implement complete streets at every level of government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The report summarized six key elements to assess the feasibility of complete streets:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gather and assess a list for complete street resources.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn6" name="_ednref6" style="mso-endnote-id: edn6;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Evaluate the State’s current design practices for complete streets.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn7" name="_ednref7" style="mso-endnote-id: edn7;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Asses the maintenance and operations impacts of complete streets.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn8" name="_ednref8" style="mso-endnote-id: edn8;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Analyze other state, county, and local complete streets policies and best practices.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn9" name="_ednref9" style="mso-endnote-id: edn9;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Review the costs, benefits, and feasibility of complete streets.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn10" name="_ednref10" style="mso-endnote-id: edn10;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[x]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Advocate implementation of complete streets policy.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn11" name="_ednref11" style="mso-endnote-id: edn11;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">First, the report found that funding resources are difficult to find, but may be obtained through various agencies and partnerships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although funding is difficult to obtain, Minnesota has strong infrastructure resources for complete streets implementation due to its previous CSS objectives. Next, the report stated that the design standards needed to be revised to eliminate inconsistencies and integrate all modes transportation.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn12" name="_ednref12" style="mso-endnote-id: edn12;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the new design standards involved operations and maintenance staff to minimize long-term maintenance costs.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn13" name="_ednref13" style="mso-endnote-id: edn13;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Furthermore, the report noted that no quantifiable benefit/cost analysis was performed, but they considered from other case studies that complete streets benefits outweigh their costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows the report to note, “Complete streets are considered feasible on the state, regional and local levels.”<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn14" name="_ednref14" style="mso-endnote-id: edn14;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Finally, the report explains that a Complete Streets policy must stress the importance of improving the safety for all user of the street.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn15" name="_ednref15" style="mso-endnote-id: edn15;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2009 Hennepin County Complete Streets Resolution<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As Mn/DOT was preparing their Complete Streets Report, Hennepin County created a Complete Streets Resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In December 2008, public officials from Hennepin County attended a Complete Streets workshop presented by national experts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, officials immediately began drafting a resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hennepin Complete Streets Resolution was passed by the local government in February 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The resolution aimed to create a Complete Streets policy stating:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hennepin County will adopt a Complete Streets philosophy to all transportation decisions to maintain a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn16" name="_ednref16" style="mso-endnote-id: edn16;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Complete streets allow Hennepin County to support Active Living, which permits physical activity in daily routines such as walking and biking.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn17" name="_ednref17" style="mso-endnote-id: edn17;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Transparency will be crucial in the successful adoption and implementation of Complete Streets policy.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn18" name="_ednref18" style="mso-endnote-id: edn18;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hennepin County encourages local, county, and state governments to work together to make complete streets a reality.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn19" name="_ednref19" style="mso-endnote-id: edn19;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2009 Hennepin County Complete Streets Policy<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">After the resolution was passed, Hennepin County passed their Complete Streets Policy in July 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The policy lays out six methods that Hennepin County will use to enforce and adopt their Complete Street Policy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Incorporate complete streets “principles and practices into transportation development projects.”<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn20" name="_ednref20" style="mso-endnote-id: edn20;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Assess and record existing corridors.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn21" name="_ednref21" style="mso-endnote-id: edn21;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Create a complete streets implementation procedure.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn22" name="_ednref22" style="mso-endnote-id: edn22;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Generate a complete streets evaluation method.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn23" name="_ednref23" style="mso-endnote-id: edn23;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Re-evaluate Hennepin County’s roadside enhancement partnership program.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn24" name="_ednref24" style="mso-endnote-id: edn24;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Integrate complete streets in the Transportation Systems Plan and other appropriate documents.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn25" name="_ednref25" style="mso-endnote-id: edn25;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">By implementing theses measures, Hennepin County believes complete streets will bring a better quality of life to its residents. In addition to the resolution and policy, Hennepin County organized a Complete Streets Task Force to oversee the implementation of the 2009 policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2010 Minnesota Complete Streets Law<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In addition to the Complete Streets Report and Hennepin County’s resolution, policy, and task force, Minnesota passed a Complete Streets Law in May 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The law frames five objectives for successful integration of complete streets in Minnesota:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Defines complete streets.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn26" name="_ednref26" style="mso-endnote-id: edn26;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Creates a complete streets implementation policy after consulting with stakeholders, agencies, authorities, and governments.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn27" name="_ednref27" style="mso-endnote-id: edn27;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Requests a complete streets implementation report in the agency’s biennial budget submission.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn28" name="_ednref28" style="mso-endnote-id: edn28;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Encourages, but does not require, local road authorities to adopt and implement complete streets policies.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn29" name="_ednref29" style="mso-endnote-id: edn29;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gives the commissioner control over variances from engineering standards.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn30" name="_ednref30" style="mso-endnote-id: edn30;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The law also stipulates the commissioner of transportation shall submit reports to the members of the house and senate summarizing steps taken to improve the transparency of the complete streets implantation process.<a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_edn31" name="_ednref31" style="mso-endnote-id: edn31;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Analysis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hennepin County and Minnesota serve as a great reference for Macomb County as they attempt to implement complete street policies. Hennepin County and Minnesota continually emphasizes transparency throughout all of their processes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Macomb wants to successfully implement complete streets polices, transparency must be a tool to highlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By allowing all units of governments to see what is going on, less time and resources are wasted trying to bring polices and implementation strategies to Macomb County and its municipalities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Furthermore, the political system in Hennepin County and Minnesota is similar to Macomb County and Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although they are similar, Minnesota and Hennepin County successfully integrates all levels of politics to focus on carrying out complete street polices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Macomb County must strive to work with all levels of government to find agreement on how complete streets will benefit their area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is understandable that Macomb County has a rich auto-centric culture and will face substantial opposition to a drastic change in the transportation culture. Moreover, Michigan does not have the historical building blocks for an easy transition to complete streets, like Minnesota and Hennepin County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Macomb will struggle to find most existing infrastructure already set up to handle complete streets planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This suggests that Macomb must work harder to achieve the same status as Hennepin, but certainly should not discourage any attempts to retrofit infrastructure to complete streets standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Finally, Hennepin County and Minnesota accomplished their complete streets policies through a stage by stage implementation process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This progressive planning process will be necessary for the future of Complete Streets in Macomb County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michigan has made progress by writing into law that 1% of all transportation funds be allocated to non-motorized infrastructure improvements. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Macomb County must reach out to all of its municipalities and state government, to make others aware of the benefits that can come from progressive complete streets policies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>Hennepin County, MN. (2011). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fast Facts About Hennepin</i>. <a href="http://hennepin.us/portal/site/HennepinUS/menuitem.b1ab75471750e40fa01dfb47ccf06498/?vgnextoid=9888822a9fe23210VgnVCM10000049114689RCRD">http://hennepin.us/portal/site/HennepinUS/menuitem.b1ab75471750e40fa01dfb47ccf06498/?vgnextoid=9888822a9fe23210VgnVCM10000049114689RCRD</a></div></div><div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>U.S. Census Bureau. (2009). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quick Facts: Hennepin, MN. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washington, DC. <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27/27053.html">http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27/27053.html</a></div></div><div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Minnestoa Department of Transportaion. (2009, December). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Report</i>. <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/completestreets/legislation.html">http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/completestreets/legislation.html</a> </div></div><div id="edn4" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref4" name="_edn4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn5" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref5" name="_edn5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Minnesota Legislature. (2008). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Chap 350 Sec 94</i>. Minneapolis, MN. <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=350&doctype=chapter&year=2008&type=0">https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=350&doctype=chapter&year=2008&type=0</a></div></div><div id="edn6" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref6" name="_edn6" style="mso-endnote-id: edn6;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Minnestoa Department of Transportaion. (2009, December). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Report</i>. <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/completestreets/legislation.html">http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/completestreets/legislation.html</a></div></div><div id="edn7" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref7" name="_edn7" style="mso-endnote-id: edn7;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn8" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref8" name="_edn8" style="mso-endnote-id: edn8;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn9" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref9" name="_edn9" style="mso-endnote-id: edn9;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn10" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref10" name="_edn10" style="mso-endnote-id: edn10;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[x]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn11" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref11" name="_edn11" style="mso-endnote-id: edn11;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn12" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref12" name="_edn12" style="mso-endnote-id: edn12;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn13" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref13" name="_edn13" style="mso-endnote-id: edn13;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn14" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref14" name="_edn14" style="mso-endnote-id: edn14;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn15" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref15" name="_edn15" style="mso-endnote-id: edn15;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Report.</i></div></div><div id="edn16" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref16" name="_edn16" style="mso-endnote-id: edn16;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. (2009, February). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Resolution 09-0058</i> <a href="http://board.co.hennepin.mn.us/sirepub/cache/246/4gw0k4fkl51hov45oa5x4jvb/6140003122011081954117.PDF">http://board.co.hennepin.mn.us/sirepub/cache/246/4gw0k4fkl51hov45oa5x4jvb/6140003122011081954117.PDF</a></div></div><div id="edn17" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref17" name="_edn17" style="mso-endnote-id: edn17;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Resolution 09-0058.</i></div></div><div id="edn18" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref18" name="_edn18" style="mso-endnote-id: edn18;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Resolution 09-0058.</i></div></div><div id="edn19" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref19" name="_edn19" style="mso-endnote-id: edn19;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Resolution 09-0058.</i></div></div><div id="edn20" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref20" name="_edn20" style="mso-endnote-id: edn20;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. (2009, July). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Policy. </i><a href="http://www.completestreets.org/webdocs/policy/cs-mn-hennepincounty-policy.pdf">http://www.completestreets.org/webdocs/policy/cs-mn-hennepincounty-policy.pdf</a></div></div><div id="edn21" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref21" name="_edn21" style="mso-endnote-id: edn21;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Policy.</i></div></div><div id="edn22" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref22" name="_edn22" style="mso-endnote-id: edn22;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Policy.</i></div></div><div id="edn23" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref23" name="_edn23" style="mso-endnote-id: edn23;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxiii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Policy.</i></div></div><div id="edn24" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref24" name="_edn24" style="mso-endnote-id: edn24;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxiv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Policy.</i></div></div><div id="edn25" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref25" name="_edn25" style="mso-endnote-id: edn25;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Policy.</i></div></div><div id="edn26" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref26" name="_edn26" style="mso-endnote-id: edn26;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxvi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Minnesota Legislature. (2010). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72</i> <a href="http://www.mncompletestreets.org/gfx/MNCompleteStreetsLaw.pdf">http://www.mncompletestreets.org/gfx/MNCompleteStreetsLaw.pdf</a></div></div><div id="edn27" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref27" name="_edn27" style="mso-endnote-id: edn27;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxvii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72.</i></div></div><div id="edn28" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref28" name="_edn28" style="mso-endnote-id: edn28;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxviii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72.</i></div></div><div id="edn29" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref29" name="_edn29" style="mso-endnote-id: edn29;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72.</i></div></div><div id="edn30" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref30" name="_edn30" style="mso-endnote-id: edn30;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxx]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72.</i></div></div><div id="edn31" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///F:/UP%20505%20Complete%20Streets/Case%20Study%20505.docx#_ednref31" name="_edn31" style="mso-endnote-id: edn31;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[xxxi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Complete Streets Chap 351 Sec 52 &72.</i></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-88940735624633674952011-03-07T17:19:00.000-05:002011-03-07T17:19:15.034-05:00Comments on Woodward Avenue Detroit Light Rail Alternatives<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/egc_MwazUWo?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-24478684456475208842011-02-08T10:32:00.001-05:002011-02-08T10:36:44.063-05:00Complete Streets, Macomb Style<div class="MsoNormal">So to begin, I am working on project in my “Fundamentals of Planning Practice” class that seems really interesting and fun. My group consisting of myself, Will, Dianna and Jon are tasked with putting a Complete Streets tool box together for Macomb County, Michigan. On Saturday, we went to Macomb County to visit our sites for a first part of our field investigation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To begin, <a href="http://www.completestreets.org/">Complete Streets</a> attempts to better integrate all users of the street – pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers - so that all ages and abilities are able to utilize the street in a safe manner, whether traveling for practical or recreational purposes. Since the 40’s streets have been designed specifically for the automobile. Pedestrians have been accommodated throughout the years, first with sidewalks but then with many additions to sidewalks to make pedestrians feel safer. For example, lighted streets, crosswalks, crossing signals, traffic cameras (to prevent cars from running red lights and killing pedestrians), and cross walk push buttons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our project consists of two areas, Van Dyke Ave from 8 to 10 Mile and Garfield Rd from 17 Mile to Hall Rd., which we must look at and figure out what tools would be needed to implement a complete street. These areas are principal arterial roads which carry thousands of cars a day and have little pedestrian and non-automobile facilities. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=209903408833601604561.00049ba37331eeb523a15&t=h&ll=42.538014,-82.98965&spn=0.179008,0.075274&output=embed" width="500"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=209903408833601604561.00049ba37331eeb523a15&t=h&ll=42.538014,-82.98965&spn=0.179008,0.075274&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Complete Streets Sections</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">We started at the Van Dyke site, and I noticed that the existing facilities were not as poorly maintained as I expected. Most sidewalks were plowed, most cross walks were safe, traffic lights and signals all worked properly, and I was most impressed with the street lighting that was spread evenly throughout the strip.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Street lamps looked like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFhoSFg9cI/AAAAAAAAADE/7jzPyFRScnI/s1600/100_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFhoSFg9cI/AAAAAAAAADE/7jzPyFRScnI/s320/100_0383.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was not impressed with the maintenance of the street corners, the terrible public transportation facilities, the lack of vegetation, and the overall abundance of vacant lots and/or buildings. First, the street corners had piles of snow in front of most corners along the route. Most corners seemed like they were newer or at least well paved and sloped to accommodate disabled people, but with the amount of snow in front of some of the corners, only a spry person on foot could navigate the rough terrain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFfuFaDWHI/AAAAAAAAACw/ZK_GZXkfuhE/s1600/100_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFfuFaDWHI/AAAAAAAAACw/ZK_GZXkfuhE/s320/100_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next, the public transportation signs and facilities were abysmal. All the signs varied in maintenance, some were fine, and others were bent over and destroyed slightly. Some signs were placed behind trees, so people would have a hard time seeing the signs from the road. Additionally, there were only two transit shelters for people waiting for the buses. These were both located at the 9 mile, but as you can see the transit centers were small, and did not look very inviting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFf9RL4M_I/AAAAAAAAAC4/6SFDXQUrWf4/s1600/100_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFf9RL4M_I/AAAAAAAAAC4/6SFDXQUrWf4/s320/100_0416.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFf5HZBpOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/_JpVhlQ3xC8/s1600/100_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFf5HZBpOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/_JpVhlQ3xC8/s320/100_0403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Furthermore, the lack of vegetation made the area look more run down then it was. With more vegetation, the area could look livelier. Finally, like most areas surrounding Detroit, about a third of the buildings were vacant or for lease/sale. This was not surprising.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After our Van Dyke excursion we moved north to Garfield Rd. As we moved toward our second destination, snow began to fall, and we were only able to spend about an hour at Garfield before we left because of deteriorating road conditions. What we saw on Garfield was very interesting. Unlike Van Dyke, we saw a lot of vegetation, although it seemed to be privately owned, and overall a generally more pepped up atmosphere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFhFReH8tI/AAAAAAAAADA/pXT_trOlVSE/s1600/DSCN0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFhFReH8tI/AAAAAAAAADA/pXT_trOlVSE/s320/DSCN0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Garfield strip was more suburbanized in nature, although there were many similarities to Van Dyke. <br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like Van Dyke Ave., Garfield had little pedestrian activity. The weather was a factor for this variable, but overall it seemed like the pedestrian infrastructures favored the driver rather than the walker or cyclist. Parts of Garfield did not even have sidewalks! Additionally, the bus stops were well maintained, but were just a metal post with a small red sign attached to the top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFgrrOfB6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/QVcbrUO2Moo/s1600/100_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TVFgrrOfB6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/QVcbrUO2Moo/s320/100_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There could be better ways to present public transit with more than just one small sign. Also no signs had bus routes or schedules on them (same at Van Dyke). Also, there were no bus shelters at all, making at least Van Dyke seem a little more practical. In addition, there were many for lease signs, and it seemed like there were more at Garfield then on Van Dyke. Finally, the biggest difference was the spacing of intersections. Van Dyke was a 2 mile strip with 3 major intersections at 8,9 and 10 mile with about 2-3 intersections in between. At Garfield there were 5 total intersections in a 3 mile span. That a .5 mile gap between crosswalks! That is a long way to walk to be able to walk in a safe manner. The intersections were well maintained but there was no way to safely cross a street except at the intersections. In addition, there were no major street lights. All the lighting was privately placed making it problematic for people walking around at night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overall it was a great trip and although it took us 3 hours to drive home, it normally takes 45 minutes, we enjoyed the time we spent together. It was great to survey the land and get a feel for what we will be working with. I can’t wait to go again and dive deeper into the project!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-88855897839108495592011-02-01T15:35:00.002-05:002011-02-01T15:37:39.782-05:00City of GoldHere is a nice complimentary video to my Detroit visit. I completely believe Detroit is a "City of Gold"!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="400" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i396QcuG784" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="550"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-73522340856339992262011-01-31T22:19:00.008-05:002011-02-01T13:00:37.523-05:00Motor City Experience<div class="MsoNormal">On Saturday I had my first opportunity to visit Detroit, and I had a blast. The original purpose of the trip was for a service learning project. I am on the MLK committee at my graduate college, and because of my previous education and HWS’s commitment to volunteer work, I figured this would be a great group to join. The Urban Planning MLK committee is a small group of about ten students (including myself) and one faculty member, who put together a roundtable discussion on January 18<sup>th</sup> and then was to follow that up with a service learning day on the 29<sup>th</sup>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Saturday, 12 urban planners headed out to the Gradmont Rosedale section of Detroit to work with the <a href="http://www.grdc.org/">Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation</a>. To preface, my knowledge of Detroit is very limited, but growing. I would like to learn more, am trying to learn more, but I certainly do not know any details about the neighborhoods or cultures of Detroit. The Grandmont Rosedale area is a very nice area of Detroit and it was fairly evident while driving through residential areas. The homes were not very big, but most were built with brick, and seemed like a middle class neighborhood. We did not work as long as we would have liked, or planned for, but that was not because of lack of efficiency or resources. In fact, to our surprise, when we arrived at the building to be briefed and get directions to our site, there were about 15 other volunteers eagerly waiting to get to the site as well. So instead of a 6 hour service learning project, 15 volunteers and 12 urban planning students, filled an entire dumpster full of garbage, cleaned out an entire basement full of furniture and other items, cleaned out an entire garage, filled that garage with more things to store, and tore out the entire first floor carpeting within three hours. It was a great effort by everyone!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although our service project only last half the day, we decided to use the other half exploring a city that rarely gets the time of day anymore. I instantly was mesmerized and excited for all the history, buildings, and experiences I would gain from my short visit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a Google Map of our route and the sites we saw:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<iframe width="550" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=209903408833601604561.00049b16637b7044f02ac&ll=42.364632,-83.136292&spn=0.242001,0.439453&z=11&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=209903408833601604561.00049b16637b7044f02ac&ll=42.364632,-83.136292&spn=0.242001,0.439453&z=11&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">MLK Service Day</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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We ended our service learning around 12:30pm and left for the Eastern Market to get some lunch. We were recommended to go to the Russell St Deli. So we began our way toward the center of Detroit/ Eastern Market. We started our downtown Detroit visit on Woodward Street right by Wayne State University. Nothing too out of the ordinary popped in my head. As we headed closer to the center, the GM Renaissance building popped its head above the skyline and I knew we were getting closer. As we drove on Woodward, I noticed two major urban planning issues. First, the road was extremely wide. Almost as wide as a highway, and what I would soon notice is most major streets leading to and from the center of Detroit were like this. The automobile truly shaped Detroit not just financially, but literally (although I knew this before I went, just had no firsthand experience). Second, I noticed how poorly maintained these major thoroughfares were. The streets (not just Woodward) were littered with potholes, some as small as a CD, others as large as a manhole cover. If you were not careful, you could easily destroy a tire after driving on one of these streets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we approached downtown, we turned toward Eastern Market and made our way past the sports stadiums, into what used to be the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewster-Douglass_Housing_Projects">Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects</a>. Before we came upon these edifices, I noticed a few run down stores, but nothing I had never seen before. As we approached the old projects, I immediately noticed how empty they were. Not one building had a full window. No building was clean of graffiti or other forms of vandalism. It was a ghost town. It was the single most shocking picture I have ever seen in a city before, although not the last. The Brewster projects are the epitome of Detroit’s identity. Run down and empty, but I must clarify, I do not hate Detroit, I am merely stating what I saw. Detroit is full of potential and I hope I can discover more, but the Brewster projects were a major imagine I will never erase from my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.corinevermeulen.com/files/gimgs/32_02brewsterprojects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.corinevermeulen.com/files/gimgs/32_02brewsterprojects.jpg" width="320" /></a>(<a href="http://www.corinevermeulen.com/">http://www.corinevermeulen.com/</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">After the projects we made our way to the <a href="http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/">Eastern Market</a>. It was a very nice area, with some people walking around and clearly activity going on. I know little about the Market itself, but it seemed that it was an open air market area with large coverings where a large amount of people could come and get produce and other goods. By the time we got there, the markets were not really up anymore because it seemed to be more of a morning operation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit1701.org/Graphics/EasternMarket1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://detroit1701.org/Graphics/EasternMarket1.JPG" width="320" /></a>(<a href="http://detroit1701.org/EasternMarket.htm">http://detroit1701.org/EasternMarket.htm</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although we were unable to discover the markets, we made our way to our lunch destination. <a href="http://www.russellstreetdeli.com/">Russell St. Deli</a> was a great place to eat. Lots of traditional deli style food, with a major focus on Corn Beef and Pastrami. I had a corn beef sandwich with some homemade slaw, amazing! Great place to get some lunch. Also next door was a great peanut place called <a href="http://www.rockypeanut.com/store/usermods/history.asp">Rocky’s Historic Eastern Market</a>. Originally it was a peanut place but has turned into a spices and peanut palace. It seemed like a great place to find good cooking spices. My dad would really like it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After we finished lunch, we continued with our windshield tour of Detroit. We made our way down to the center of the city, looped around past Martius Park, and onto Michigan Ave. Our next destination was the old Michigan Central Station. As we drove down Monroe St. we saw the monorail that apparently links little of Detroit together. This leads me to another big issue about Detroit, how little public transportation there is. If I was not in a car, or did not own a car in Detroit, getting from the Eastern Market to Mexican Town would be almost impossible. Even walking it would probably take a few hours. Detroit is very spread out and this issue has hindered the ability of Detroit to land on its feet in the recent times. Although the car companies might be out of major trouble, for now, people cannot easily get around and so it hinders development, which slows innovation, which ultimately kills cities. I do not think Detroit will die, but it seems to have hit rock bottom. If transportation was rejuvenated (although with what money) it might bring people back. Just a thought. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we headed toward Roosevelt Park/ <a href="http://www.forgottendetroit.com/mcs/index.html">Michigan Central Station</a>, similar themes kept popping up. Abandoned store fronts, wide roads, poor maintenance and little activity. This was all quelled by the startling and mesmerizing site of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Central_Station">Michigan Train Station</a>. This building was so beautiful it is hard to explain. It was built at the beginning of the 20<sup>th</sup> century (1913) and this was evident by the large columns and city beautiful like architecture (it is actually <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Beaux-Arts</span> style)</span>. Again, like the Brewster Projects, this building had been abandoned, run down, and vandalized for the past 20 or so. It was shut down in 1988. Although this building has been back and forth between historic preservation and demolition, it is still around and should be appreciated by everyone. It was maybe the coolest building I have ever seen. Sounds stupid, but honestly not many buildings today stand out quite like Michigan Central Station. The station was surrounded by very little, and it is so tall, it makes the building seem so much large than it really is. In fact, the entire top part of the building was never finished even when the building was in service. It must have been 20 to 30 stories tall. Maybe more. It was one of my major highlights of my Detroit experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vagabondish.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/michigan-central-station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.vagabondish.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/michigan-central-station.jpg" width="320" /></a>(<a href="http://www.vagabondish.com/high-rise-relics-ghost-structures-haunt-bangkok-and-detroit-michigan/">http://www.vagabondish.com/high-rise-relics-ghost-structures-haunt-bangkok-and-detroit-michigan/</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next door to the Michigan Central Station are an abandoned and rundown Hotel and home. Nothing too exciting about either of these two places except that I love adventures and apparently the house had an art installation in the back that was created by a University of Michigan student. Anyway it was cool but it was nothing compared to the Station.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally we made our way to Mexican town, just to see what it was like, and it seemed nice. There were a lot of Spanish and Mexican restaurants (hence the name of the neighborhood) but it still seemed like it was struggling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overall it was great adventure. I want to shout out all the people who participated in the MLK service day, and specifically the people in my van: Marilyn, Joe, Joel, Jake, Sylvia, and Anne! I had a great time with all of you and I hope we can do it again. Also being stuck in between Canada and the USA is always a fun story (inquire within). Great first trip to Detroit and I hope I can make many more. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-69071976636569917972011-01-11T15:08:00.002-05:002011-01-11T15:09:14.264-05:00Work Together<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">Saturday was a tragic day in the United States. An Arizona Congresswoman was shot and is in critical condition with many others injured, and a few others dead, notably a prominent judge and a young girl who was related to a baseball manager. This is a terrible event and unfortunately it comes at a very stressful time in our nation (no coincidence). With war still waging in the Middle East, the economy still sluggish and an election that just reversed political alignment in the US Congress, this was a cherry on top of all the negativity that our country has been going through.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">I find it ridiculous that a nation has not been able to truly come together to make our nation better. We came together during 9/11 and that patriotism and comradary has fallen by the way side year after year since that terrible September day. Now instead of coming together, we have separated ourselves, (some might argue more than ever) between Red and Blue, Liberal and Conservative, Democrat and Republican. And now people have physically been injured because of this divide. What is worse, people who only strengthen the divide are using this tragic opportunity to make themselves rise above the ashes and garner support for themselves.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">Here is a NY Times article discussing what Blue and Red want to do...<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/us/politics/10politics.html?hp">http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/us/politics/10politics.html?hp</a><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">The Republican's still want to repeal the health care bill this week. Dem's want to halt it because of this accident. Both are trying to use this opportunity to strengthen their own hands. This is nonsense! The Congress, as well as "The People", need to take a step back, and use this time to ask, "Are we really making America/ns' better?"<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">We should use this difficult time to look at what we have done over the last decade and make sure we understand what exactly we are doing. Are we sure that we are bringing a nation together? I am not sure. It seems, if anything, we are dividing a nation. We (The People) and Politicians need to make some sense of the Fox News v. CNN or MSNBC. We need to let go of the ridiculous back and forth about issues and start to say, how we can make everyone better. Healthcare would be a start. I am not for nor am I against but I believe everyone should have access to healthcare. Whether it is federally mandated or privately controlled, the bottom line is everyone should be able to get it. <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is just one example and I won’t go into all the issues, but we should want the best for everyone else. That’s how we make our nation better. Let’s stop bitching at the small things, and move on. Let’s make America the best country in the world by working together!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-14236511067975778032011-01-05T13:33:00.000-05:002011-01-05T13:33:50.575-05:00New Year New Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TSS5IjiPM-I/AAAAAAAAACg/85UDtWDDYJ8/s1600/Snapshot_20110105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TSS5IjiPM-I/AAAAAAAAACg/85UDtWDDYJ8/s320/Snapshot_20110105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here is the new goatee. Its a new year so I was thinking I should change it up a bit, and continue the facial hair change ever so often. Not sure what I will do next.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-47428248295138925362011-01-04T22:35:00.003-05:002011-01-04T22:55:13.926-05:00Great or Greatest New Year Ever???<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I haven’t posted in a while, but I just returned to Michigan from my winter break where I decided to do no writing, little reading, and a lot of do nothing/having fun. I had a great break. Maybe one of my favorite winter breaks of all time. I know break is not much for most people, but in college winter break was a great time to see you high school friends. Now in grad school, winter break is a great time to see as many people as possible and I did just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">First I must say thank you and I love you to my parents, for being the greatest parents in the world and always doing everything for me when I am home. Thank you over and over again.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The first week I was home, I saw some of my favorite girlfriends from high school. Jill, Annie and Sarah, it was so great to see you all. We had a great time together when we were around, and it was really great to see them. I had not seen them in over two years.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">During the same time, I also spent a lot of time with my best high school guy friends. We had good times as usual. It was also great to see Mike, who moved out west, and I had a great Christmas Eve with my friend Jack. No details, but Free Knowledge will become something one day. Mark my words. If anyone wants to know more, talk to me. I would really love to get something going. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Christmas day I spent at the Peacocks family dinner party. It was great to see the Peacock family and hang out with Jess and Brian, two of my closest friends from home. It was a fun afternoon/evening and for a Jewish kid and his wing-woman Perri, Christmas is always a fun time for me ha.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After Christmas I visited one of my best friends from college in PA. It was great to see Shane. We had two great days at his house, and it was awesome to catch up like old times. Old times= me beating him in FIFA, MLB, NHL and all other video games haha. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After I got home from Shane’s I spent a few days at home, and then I set off to NYC to see my best girlfriends, Zinnia and Marie. These girls are hands down some of the best girls in the world. They put me up for three days no questions asked and we had a great time! Best New Years of my life, so far. Anyway, there were also many visitors that were great to see, another best friend Pino, great to see him, Elena, Esthefanie and Kristen. Great to see you all and I had a great time with each of you. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What made new years so special, besides spending it with some of my closest friends, was a little adventure I took after our night out. Marie and Z live right down by Battery Park, and at 3am I was not tired. So I walked around Battery Park and Wall Street. It was a beautiful night and honestly I was in the best city in the world, in the most historic part of the city...how could I not walk around and admire the architecture, streets, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Staten Island ferry. I spent about two hours by myself, just walking around and staring into the Hudson toward the beautifully lit lady liberty. It was a magical night, and it made me realize how awesome New York City is. People will always say it’s great for its many amenities (diversity, neighborhoods, power, etc…), but what people might take for granted, and I’m sure I would if I lived in NYC, is its beauty. The city is a great place to see beautiful things. The Statue of Liberty shimmering with a golden glow was one of the most spectacular views I witnessed in a long time. It is the little things that make NYC so great and I really do want to move to NYC. If not NYC, at least some city that is similar because although I am preparing to study cities as a career, cities are a beautiful organism filled with joys that are so small to most people, but mean so much to me. New York City will always be my favorite, but cities in general will always be beautiful. I cannot wait to move to one and experience their beauties. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Because of this, I have come up with some new year resolutions:<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1) Enjoy the small things in life, like the views of the statue of liberty, or the stars in the sky. Things that every day/night people look over and take for granted.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2) Work harder to be an urban planner for the greatest cities in the world.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3) Try to see my friends and family as much as possible because they are my life and without them I would be nothing.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4) Read more, and yes read Harry Potter. (I know, I know, I have not read them, but I will try to this summer.)<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5) Be the best person you can be so you can make other peoples’ lives better. It starts with Free Knowledge<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6) Buy a noted pad and keep it with you at all times so you can jot down you ideas when not around a computer or notebook. It will come in handy later. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I’ll probably think of more but this is for now<o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Otherwise, it was a great New Year and break! Thank you to all who were apart of it!</span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-21762517077676825552010-12-12T15:25:00.003-05:002010-12-13T08:56:33.424-05:00Nobody like Castle St.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TQUvarvDG7I/AAAAAAAAACU/FFiYIL70ZYA/s1600/26681_536556833961_32003103_31850505_3359890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TQUvarvDG7I/AAAAAAAAACU/FFiYIL70ZYA/s320/26681_536556833961_32003103_31850505_3359890_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Its been a rough few days for the HWS community. I wont go into detail, but my heart goes out to them. This has led me to re-enforce my love toward my 4 best friends in the world. I just want to say, to all who did not live with me you are still in my heart and mind, but this is just specific to my housemates. Barto, Pino, Shane and Danica, I love you guys. Since day one, Barto and I have been roommates. Danica and Shane soon followed. Pino was always a friend of mine, but he became my rock during a tough year after I came home from abroad. I can not describe enough how much I love these people and how much they mean to me. We have been through thick and thin over the last four years, and I know we will make it a life time. These guys and girl are the best people i know and the best friends any person could have asked for. I am so thankful and happy that we stay in contact constantly and see each other as much as possible. You guys mean the world to me and I hope in tough times we pick each other up and in good times we drag each other along.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-9254963435851968292010-12-03T22:58:00.000-05:002010-12-03T22:58:36.717-05:00I root LebronOk so here is a random rant about Lebron James, but I think after last night this is a relevant rant.<br />
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I want to clearly state I still like Lebron James. He is still one of the best and most exciting player in the NBA, maybe minus Kobe, Durant and Carmello. So if you liked him before he left Cleveland you should still like him. My argument is against the Cavs. Yeah that's right, I am defending Lebron, but let me explain.<br />
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First I do not agree with how Lebron went about making his decision. It should have never been aired on TV like that, all the teams should have been notified before the national announcement, and no body besides the teams, and James should have profited from the whole ordeal. <br />
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I blame media and some what Lebron for not having better sense but honestly Lebron is not a bad person. He has been nothing but a great role model (besides this thing) his entire NBA career. <br />
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So who do I blame for this whole mess...? The Cavaliers!<br />
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Lets go over this. Lebron James was the face and franchise of the Cavaliers for seven seasons. That means the Cavs office had 7 years to build a championship caliber team around Lebron. What did they do, they pathetically tried and miserably failed. They brought in veterans like shaq, didnt work. They thought their point guards (Mo Williams), was better then he really was. Varajeo just gets in the way, and Ilgausks was the only player who has been any sort of success besides Lebron from the Cavs and now he isn't even there. Bottom line, the Cavs office did a terrrible job of making a championship team!<br />
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You might say well lebron quit during some games. Fine you can say that but he is still going to make any team better no matter if he plays at 50%. He is better then any player even when he is playing at 50%, he is just that good. Also, if lebron isn't playing well, why didn't his teammates pick him up and shine. Well as i previously stated, they couldn't because they really were not a good team. They had some players, play key roles at times, but not on a consistent basis and it proved come play off time. When the Celtics Ray Allen has a down game, KG and Pierce pick him up and Vice Versa. Same with the lakers, if Kobe isn't playing well then Gasol, Odom, Fisher, or any number of their players step up. A truly good team has players that can shine in moments of hardship. <br />
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You might argue that lebron was making too much money for the Cavs to be able to sign a high end player to work with Lebron. Well if they recruited better, they could have the same deal as Miami where Lebron took a pay cut! so throw that out...<br />
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The Fans say that lebron quit on them, that's total BS! He moved on with his life because he wants to win. He was never going to win with the Cavs and that was clear last night. Minus lebron, the Cavs have a similar team they had last year. What did they do against Lebron last night...look stupid? maybe. But they got blown out by lebron and company, who yet again proved why he is so good. <br />
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So cavs fans, stop crying! Stop bitching at lebron. The Cavs messed up. Turn your hate toward your team and not a single player. Its always easy to blame the most popular and best, because they are an easy target, but you are just going to fuel the fire. Why don't you think progressively and truly figure out it starts with the front office and how they deal with their star player. Cleary they didn't deal with it very well. <br />
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I hope Lebron wins championship. I don't agree with his grand announcement, but I don't blame him for leaving. How can you blame him? Kobe had players bought for him....Allen, KG, Pierce were put together, Jordan, Rodman and Pippen were put together...why cant the Heat take Lebron, Wade, and Bosh and put them together! yeah i understand they were all free agents and this is the first time something like this has ever happened, but i say its easy to point fingers. NBA move on with your life, Cavs look for a new prospect and build your team from scratch. Time to move on!<br />
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I root LebronAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-74802413456971559532010-12-01T11:17:00.000-05:002010-12-01T11:17:00.532-05:00No Shave NovemberNow that November is over, my beard has grown for a full 30 days. I started on October 31st with a clean shaven face, and now I have as you can see a pretty bushy beard. I am not sure what I am going to do after this. I am thinking that I will keep growing it and turn it into a finals beard...kind of like a playoff beard but for my last 2 1/2 weeks of classes and finals. Also I have little time now to play around with my facial hair styles so the best i will do now is just trim it up to make it a little more clean but still keep it long and growing. Here is the final product:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TPZ08_EK5hI/AAAAAAAAACI/7K7KBOak4hM/s1600/Snapshot_20101201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TPZ08_EK5hI/AAAAAAAAACI/7K7KBOak4hM/s320/Snapshot_20101201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-7011163244711423472010-11-25T12:05:00.004-05:002010-11-26T01:16:19.138-05:00Why I am thankful...<div class="MsoNormal">Today is a day of thanks. I am thankful for all my friends and family who have made me the person I am today and have helped me succeed in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thankful for my friends from home. Jack, Mike, Pat, Kail, Ed, Brian, Danny, Jess and Alyssa. We all grew up together, or spent our high school years together. I am so thankful that we have still stayed friends throughout all our separate journeys through college and beyond. Thank you guys and girls for always being there when it counted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thankful for my friends from HWS. Pino, Barto, Shane, Rick, Tyler, Sam, Danica, Marie, Zinnia, Julianne, Alex, Kate, Zosia, Elena and Heather. Thank you guys for making the last four years of my life, the best years of my life. All the trips to Heavy’s, Sideshow, Red Brick and more will always be remembered and cherished. All the Potter 3 shenanigans where it began and all the shenanigans where we ended at Castle St., 202 Pultney, the Yellow House and the apartments along main. Thank you guys and girls for making it the best!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you all the MUP’s and my roommates John, Jordan and Steve. This first semester has been a great experience and I only expect good times in the future! Thank you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, I have to thank my parents and siblings. Without my family I would not be where I am today. My brother and sister have become closer to me every day as I have grown up and no one will be as supportive and caring as Josh and Jennie. Mom and dad you have given me everything and if it was not for you I would certainly not be where I am today. Thank you for supporting me in everything I have ever done, and expecting me to succeed in all my endeavors. I love you guys so much, and I am soo thankful I have the best parents in the world! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you everybody for making my life the best it can be and I hope I can help make your lives just as great. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-62087260012817914542010-11-12T10:45:00.000-05:002010-11-12T10:45:44.149-05:00My usual styleSo I have grown my beard back to about the length i normally try to keep it. This is what I like the most, and this is how most of my friends know how I look. I am participating in no shave november or "novembeard" so I wont be trimming this for another 18 days. That also includes thanksgiving. I will put up another pic in a week or so and then I will post one last pic of my beard at the end of the month and right before I trim, shave or even keep it if I really like it ha. Hope you enjoy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TN1hHkb61_I/AAAAAAAAAB8/KotC07DclOs/s1600/Snapshot_20101112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TN1hHkb61_I/AAAAAAAAAB8/KotC07DclOs/s320/Snapshot_20101112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-87949431230681143752010-11-11T07:06:00.000-05:002010-11-11T07:06:54.274-05:00Manchester Derby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TNvb4t_5N2I/AAAAAAAAAB4/w1YyokwzK6Q/s1600/ferdy_1162020a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TNvb4t_5N2I/AAAAAAAAAB4/w1YyokwzK6Q/s320/ferdy_1162020a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is a photo from the The Sun (UK paper) from the Manchester Derby yesterday. Tevez and Ferdinand getting to know each other....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-75794653822354659842010-11-10T23:04:00.002-05:002010-11-10T23:04:57.391-05:00Hilarious own goal and team mate knockout - Melville Celtic<object style="background-image: url("http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/ctb3l2GmIEE/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ctb3l2GmIEE?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ctb3l2GmIEE?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-13966078300461388192010-11-03T21:18:00.000-04:002010-11-03T21:18:11.384-04:00Where is America Headed?Ok well its not a surprise how many seats the Dems lost last night. But it is people like Rand Paul that make me worry for the future of our country. I mean honestly, he said, "There are no rich, there are no middle class, there are no poor." then five seconds later he says, "we all work for rich people, or we sell stuff to rich people..." So basically he just went back on what he said. Additionally, he is all about "fiscal conservatism," where tax breaks are the main ideology. I mean people love tax breaks but we need taxes to lower our deficit. Additionally, he said he wants less government and government can not produce jobs. Well if Rand Paul read a history book, he would see that FDR (maybe one of the greatest or at least innovative Presidents of all time) created thousands of jobs in order to spur the economy in the worst Depression ever! So please, i really hope his extreme ideology does not carry over into congress. Check out the videos and see what i am talking about....<br />
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<a href="http://cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2010/11/02/exp.elx.paul.top.priority.cnn">http://cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2010/11/02/exp.elx.paul.top.priority.cnn</a><br />
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<a href="http://cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2010/11/02/rand.paul.wins.short.cnn">http://cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2010/11/02/rand.paul.wins.short.cnn </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-34547165120883534052010-10-31T13:02:00.001-04:002010-10-31T13:06:34.459-04:00Clean ShavenHavent been keeping up lately but this entry isnt going to be much anyway. So last was a big Halloween party and I dressed up as New Jersey, spiked hair, lots of cologne, button down club shirt, lots of fist pumping and of course my state ID ha. Although I was jaggerbombing and fist pumping all night, I did shave my face. So keeping up with my new theme of changing my facial hair style every few weeks, here is my clean cut look:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TM2gLBtx62I/AAAAAAAAAB0/gja1H6_5HwU/s1600/Snapshot_20101031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TM2gLBtx62I/AAAAAAAAAB0/gja1H6_5HwU/s320/Snapshot_20101031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now this is not my personal favorite and i have only been clean shaven about 5 times in the past 2 years. Mostly for job interviews (bc i was always "recommended" to shave for internship interview etc)...any way so i am clean shaven for now. I will not keep this bc i think I look like a 17 year old. Also my face feels so weird without any hair. Not sure what I will sport next, but "No Shave November" is coming up so maybe ill just go grizzly for the month? No shave at all...Or I heard about just sporting a mustache for a while. We will see. Ill post new pics though when I have progress on my new facial hair style.<br />
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Happy Halloween!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-33415270720024691352010-10-20T15:38:00.001-04:002010-10-20T15:43:14.353-04:00The end of the NFL...I think this weekend marked the starting point of the finish of the NFL. Most I’m sure would not agree with what I am saying but I’ll try to argue my point to the best of my ability. First let me say I love the NFL. Football is a great sport and it’s hard not to like it. Also, as an American I think it has surpassed Baseball as our more recent American Past time because MLB has been living under a cloud of steroids for the past 20 years and honestly people are sick of it. Furthermore, I believe the NFL makes more money than the MLB, has a larger fan bases and plays less games a year so more people anticipate. Baseball is a great sport, and I love baseball almost as much as football, but I think football has eclipsed baseball in numerous ways.<br />
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Why do I think the sport is dying? Well mostly because it’s a dangerous sport. First let’s start with the human athlete. Over the past 100 years, innovation and technology has made things more efficient, longer lasting, bigger or smaller (depending on what you discuss) and overall better (most things). The same has happened with athletes. Today you won’t find a serious athlete who is not in the gym or the practice field trying to get bigger stronger and faster (that’s what my trainers used to preach, and I think it is true). With that said every major athlete is going to be on a hardcore diet with a hardcore lifting and conditioning program to make sure they are better than the next person. So just within the last 20 years I would say from Emmitt Smith to Adrian Peterson, One might be stronger than the other. Raw talent wise they might be the same but honestly imagine Adrian Peterson 20 years ago. Would he not run past everybody?! If that’s not a great example then let’s go back 50 years. Would the best running back then be better than the best running back now? I doubt it. Why? Because today athletes are bigger stronger and faster then they have ever been. It’s just part of the technology and innovation crazed society.<br />
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Now with that said, with bigger stronger athletes come faster players and harder hits. People fly out of nowhere to come knock people out. Kick off Units cruise down the field at top speed just to knock out the player with the ball. This weekend a tragic play occurred on such a play when a young man from Rutgers became paralyzed from the neck down after colliding with the ball carrier. No matter what it is too obvious that the game has been stepped up a notch from years ago. So many concussions, so many injuries, and players are giving it 100% at all times. Not a formula for safety.<br />
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There is another aspect which I blame on all parties and that is the lack of teaching. Players don’t tackle anymore. They try to either knock you out, or they trip you up. Rarely in games is there a good tackle. No one teaches good tackling anymore. The only sport worth noting here is Rugby. Go to a rugby game, or watch a match on TV. They don’t even where pads, but I am willing to bet they have fewer injuries. Why!? Because they tackle properly. I am not saying people don’t get hurt ever or knocked out, but the intent to injury is nullified by a good education on tackling and by a good culture of not trying to go head first into someone else’s head. Tackling needs to be re taught to the kids and college athletes, and maybe injuries will go down.<br />
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On to the NFL. So the NFL is dying because of these reasons plus all the sanctions/penalties that the NFL is implementing. First it started with the horse collar. Fine, maybe a good call. Then Helmet to helmet. Now essentially you can hit anyone hard! I’m not saying it’s ridiculous, but for god sake it’s ridiculous! I mean how are linebackers and DE's supposed to play. Are they supposed to be worried how hard they are going to hit a running back with 4.3 speeds? No I don’t think that is going to happen. If you are going to make a play, you are going to make it! I understand that people are getting hurt, but sacrificing the integrity of the game will cost the NFL. Soon they are going to replace pads with flags, and it will be flag football, with limited touch! Yeah that could happen.<br />
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Here are some ideas that might be able to keep the game the same, but add safety features. How about making better helmets. We might not be able to cure cancer yet, but don’t you think we have the technology to make a good helmet?????!!!!!! I would hope so. Next how about better mouth guards. I was always preached too by my hockey coaches to wear your mouth guard for two reasons: 1) so you don’t bite your tongue off and jam your teeth together and 2) because it prevents concussions because it limits the shock. I understand if you get the daylights knocked out of you your mouth guard might not do anything but still. In addition, how about changing the surface of the field. My roommates keep saying this but instead of laying the turf with concrete, how about a layer of rubber, concrete, rubber and maybe something a little softer of concrete so when a body is thrown to the ground, you are not falling on hard grass. I know it sounds a little out there, but again with today’s innovation it should be possible.<br />
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Overall it seems like the dark cloud from baseball and steroids is moving over to the NFL and hard hits. The NFL is in for some real trouble if they keep adding sanctions and penalties for hitting. That’s part of the game, and if the NFL keeps its actions up, kids/fans will get less interested, which will create less football athletes and in 30 years, the NFL will be dried up like a desert. I don’t see any other way it can be turned around. All I know is come Sunday if I see flags and hear about suspensions for hits that might be hard, but could have been harder or something along those lines, I think I will be proving my point. Also, if come Sunday more injuries occur, my point will also be proven. Either or the NFL better get its umbrella because a storms' a comin.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-31659921160204123352010-10-19T14:52:00.003-04:002010-10-19T14:54:14.404-04:00God Damn YankeesWell we have had three disappointing starts. CC was not lights out, Hughes was ok but not great, plus our bullpen and batlessness syndrome did not help and then last night, Pettitte made one mistake and that was enough, plus again batlessness syndrome. So basically it’s been a disappoint series so far. I knew it was going to be a test but I figured we would have put up a little more of a fight than we have thus far.<br />
<br />
The game 1 comeback was awesome and I figured taking 1 of 2 from Texas at Texas was pretty good. In addition, i figured that might fuel the team to win game 2. It did not. In fact, it almost seemed like they thought they could do it again in Game 2 and when they did not, it was not a great feeling. Again though, taking 1 of 2 on the road is a pretty good thing.<br />
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Game 3 was going to be a battle. Anytime you face cliff lee you know it is going to be a battle. Pettitte pitched really well, but gave up 2 runs of 1 hit, and it was a HR to Hamilton. I mean it wasn’t a terrible pitch; Hamilton just reached out and got it. And that was the game. The Yankees bats were quite, very quiet, and our bullpen really had a chance to put the game in a comeback situation, but it gave up SIX RUNS IN THE 9th! Are you kidding me! That’s a great way to lose a game. Our bullpen has actually been doing well up until the last two games, but it looks like we are back to normal. Let me rephrase that a little. Kerry Wood has been doing very well. Mariano Rivera is the best. It’s the rest that really just can’t do it. It’s too bad, because if we were down only 2 runs going into the bottom of the ninth with a young reliever coming into the game (or it could have been a somewhat tired cliff lee again if the inning wasn’t so long) we could have had an opportunity. But once you give up the third run and maybe the fourth run, the chances of comeback are cut in half and then a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth run, there is no chance for a comeback.<br />
I just hope tonight Burnett (if he even does pitch, last minute Girardi could technically put CC in) pitches well. I feel like even though he has not had a good year, and has technically been benched this first part of the playoffs; he will have some desire and fire in his mind and throw a great game. That’s just what I would like to see. If we lose tonight series is over. Maybe we win one more at home but I don’t think we will win two at Texas. Just not going to happen.<br />
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On another note, if people did not notice, the cubs hired their interim manager for a 2 year deal. What does that do to Girardi now? The Yankees haven’t offered him an extension and the rumors were Girardi was most likely going to go to the cubs if the Yanks didn’t offer him anything. Looks like the tables have turned.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-31020495575978303182010-10-18T15:17:00.001-04:002010-10-18T15:18:16.425-04:00changin up...Ok so this weekend, a friend of mine and his roommates were throwing a country party, and keeping that in mind, I decided to shave my face accordingly. That is right...I will post three pictures of my awesome facial hair...that is correct I said AWESOME!...and you can be the judge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydFr-zTvI/AAAAAAAAABE/JCBlQ-SVG0U/s1600/Snapshot_20101018_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydFr-zTvI/AAAAAAAAABE/JCBlQ-SVG0U/s320/Snapshot_20101018_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydHvfLv5I/AAAAAAAAABI/eSn2tErQCtY/s1600/Snapshot_20101018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydHvfLv5I/AAAAAAAAABI/eSn2tErQCtY/s320/Snapshot_20101018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydIhNp55I/AAAAAAAAABM/MmUhGXRQhrw/s1600/Snapshot_20101018_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZrqMfcokK7I/TLydIhNp55I/AAAAAAAAABM/MmUhGXRQhrw/s320/Snapshot_20101018_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But this has led me to something more than just a facial configuration for a party. Instead I think I will be shaving every 2 weeks and creating new facial hair styles every so often. The only reason I cant do it every week is because my hair doesn't grow that fast or that thick. As you will see my handlebar mustache is not as thick and lovely as the true supporters of such look. Instead it was a sample of what is to come ha. enjoy...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-47742551468223366952010-10-12T21:02:00.003-04:002010-10-14T14:21:09.520-04:00Progressive thinking in sports! LET'S GO!Ok so first I know I'm a little late on the subject but the Michigan game this weekend was a disappointment but not surprise to me. Honestly has Michigan played a worthy opponent besides MSU? I argue no. Basically Uconn flopped and has had a mediocre season, Umass gave us trouble which immediately points to flaws in our defense, Notre Dame was a win only because the their starting QB was knocked out but also they have had a less than impressive year, and Indiana was a shoot out which in my mind says they were even opponents. O yeah and bowling green, well thank god we pulled away. Anyway, out true light showed finally. Robinson was held to less than par numbers and our Defense got out played. I don't necessarily put all the blame on one person but here is my thinking: 1) it seemed like Robinson was a lot more conservative in his running game and I think that is because Rich Rod was afraid if he ran the ball like he has, he would get injured because MSU had a legitimate defense, 2) I think our defense actually showed promise at times, and they did actually get a few stops so I was happy about that, 3) Denard made poor throws, just no excuses for it. This game is going to lead to probably a few more losses in the Big 10. I just don't see how we can beat Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin. All very good teams and they have played legit teams and won and they have played crappy teams and blown them all out. We have done neither!<br />
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So I'm sure this will lead to discussions about Rich Rod's job future but I think the UM AD should not fire Rich Rod. I say this because he has only been there three years, and if he yanked him at the end of the season than the next coach is going to have to start from scratch and UM will have another three straight disappointing seasons. The problem with all of this is basic: Rich Rod came in with a complete overhaul of the system, further away from traditional Michigan football than it has ever been, and so new players and personnel had to be brought in and it takes time for results to show when there is such a drastic change. Yeah he has had three years, BUT his first recruiting class is juniors! He really has not had enough time to implement the type of team he wants.<br />
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On the flip side, is his system going to even work in Big 10 football. Rich Rod has a very different system than most Big 10 schools. Michigan is not a big powerful team anymore, but now they are fast spread offense players. No more huge backs, instead you have a combination of small backs that barely get used. No professional QB, instead Denard Robinson. It’s completely different from the normal flow that I am not sure if will be able to hold up against Big 10 football. Again though, I think Rodriguez needs more time. <br />
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Ok on another note, let’s go USA soccer! They drew with Poland and are playing Colombia as I write this. Unfortunately was unable to see the Poland game, and am unable to see tonight's game. Sucks I know, but I rep'd my USA Onyewu Jersey today so shout out to America!<br />
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Ok finally, I just saw this article on ESPN.com and thought it was awesome but at the same time not surprising. Basically the article was written from an interview with ESPN the magazine that states a former sports agent paid players he was trying to recruit while they were in college. NOT A SHOCKER!<br />
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What is shocking is all of a sudden within the last few years the NCAA is trying to crack down on this and clearly LOSING! Honestly it’s like steroids in Pro sports. or illegal drugs in America. No matter what people try to do to prevent people from taking money from agents, using steroids in Pro sports, or smoking weed illegally, it’s going to happen! What the NCAA as well as other associations should figure out is that maybe players should make money in college. College is expensive FYI! And these players make the school Millions of dollars a year; let them sell their jerseys, sell autographed things...etc. Don't let them have a salary per se, but let up on the damn rules. Clearly they are not working! If a Heisman trophy winner got caught FIVE years after he was in college, imagine how much else the NCAA has missed or let go. SCARY! It’s time for an overhaul of the system and maybe a more progressive approach instead of the rudimentary crap they have been preaching over the past 40 years.<br />
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<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5678493%20">http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5678493 </a><br />
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LET’S GO!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-15349941414974690492010-10-08T11:34:00.000-04:002010-10-08T11:34:03.872-04:00Damn YankeesWell over the past two days, the baseball world has had some exciting games. First, Texas looks good! I am surprised they are beating up on Tampa because Tampa has post season experience and they had a great year. Maybe they slowed down at the end of the season and their momentum has not carried over to the post season. The phillies are the team to beat. There are no words to describe Halladay's no-hitter, but congrats to him. I am still rooting against the phillies but they look very strong. Didn't see the giants game last night, by Lincecum is one of the best pitchers in the majors and a 1-0 victory and 14 strikeouts is a normal outing for the young man. Scary i know. <br />
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Ok now on to the good stuff. How about those Yankees!? awesome! they are basically going to stretch their pitching out as much as they can because their bullpen has been shaky throughout the year minus the three guys they are starting (CC, Pettite and Hughes). I worry most about Hughes because he has the least experience but if he pitches well, he is one of the best pitchers in baseball i would argue. He did have 18 wins this season and only 8 loses so is definitely an well established pitcher. CC was supposed to win and the Yankees pulled off a great come from behind win on Wednesday night but last night really showed me some old school Yankees. Pettite who was a big question mark because he missed a few months due to a groin injury, and he did try to come back but his injury popped back up and people though he was done for the rest of the year. A lot of people thought if pettite was not available for the playoffs the Yankees would lose. Well pettite is certainly back and he is very necessary. last night he was in old and peak from, and the Yankees looked like they were back in 1996 as the under dogs beating up on a team that was expected to be better than them. Pettite pitched 7 great innings only giving up 2 runs and basically gave the ball to Kerry wood who looked great and than Marian Rivera closed the game out as he normally does. It was a great game. Not to mention their batting has been doing well. <br />
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Its been a great series so far and cant wait for more. hopefully the Yanks win and keep this momentum going. LETS GO!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426794546900531407.post-15133711363149498412010-10-05T22:56:00.001-04:002010-10-05T23:00:05.721-04:00Expanded Horizion trip to Philly.....and CamdenSo last week my class went on a five day field trip to Philadelphia, and a little excursion to Camden. The purpose of our trip was two fold: 1) was to see some of Philadelphia's planning offices and companies and 2) was to bond with my fellow class mates. Both were accomplished.<br />
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Philly is a cool city. Planning wise it is very simple with the downtown and most of the surrounding city planned in a grid like pattern. William Penn originally planned the city on a grid format and it has kept its general shape. Overall, the population has declined steadily over the past 20 years or so going from 2.5million to 1.5million. What has occurred through this population loss if many abandoned homes and areas, with high crime and poverty. The weird part about their population loss and abandonment of homes and areas in the outer parts of the city is the core of the cite has grown. I forget the numbers, but the core city has seen a boom in growth, and you can see a lot of condos and apartments being built or going up for sale. This seems like a good thing, especially because the core city is where a city should try to attract people. I think the problem with many cities, especially in today's urban sprawl, is too many people move out to the core of the city to gain amenities like lawns, cars (and driveways), garages etc... But then what ends up happening as has happened in Philly, is people either move out and cant fill their homes, or the economy tanks and more people do not want to move further away from the city but closer to the city so they can spend less on travel. Now Philly is having this boom in their downtown area and it is creating some problems, especially congestion problems. Some other interesting aspects of Philly was its waterfront. Route I-95 that runs from Maine to Florida, runs along the Delaware river and basically blocks off most of the water front from the view of the public. It is too bad because they said they have been trying to attract people through the water front and they are having little success. <br />
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Furthermore, two firms that I visited, <a href="http://www.hntb.com/">HNTB Transportation</a> and <a href="http://postgreen.com/">Post Green</a>, were really cool companies. HNTB is mainly an infrastructure engineering company that has developed some of the most famous bridges in America. Additionally they are the ones who are working on the High Speed Rail program. They were the real deal and sounded like an awesome company. I thought they would be hard to top but Post Green was pretty awesome. Post Green is an architecture firm that has been building sustainable houses for as little money as possible. Their claim to fame is the 100k house. This means that they uses 100-120 thousands dollars or less to pay for the materials to build the house. Additionally, the houses are LEED Platinum and are basically as green as it can get. They do not look aesthetically pleasing to the people who live in the area, but they seem popular with many young people and they certainly have the right ideas as to how a house should be built.<br />
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Aside from all the planning stuff i did on the trip, there was a social component, and a rather large one. Or at least we made it a large one ha. Anyway basically every night we had free we went out . We had many stories that i will not share on a public forum, but the basic conclusion we all became a lot closer and had a great time. O and some of us went to Camden, at 11pm at night. Not the best idea we have ever had, but some of my friends really wanted to go, so we took a cab over the BF bridge and before we knew it we were wondering the streets of downtown Camden. Not much going on in Camden, and after asking a police officer where the closest bar was, we were advised to leave because we were a "red flag." Yeah, again not the smartest idea we had, but it was a good story for the rest of the trip.<br />
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Overall great time and good first month of the program. I cant wait for the rest of the year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04306187944248738606noreply@blogger.com1