Ultimate Buzz

            It’s a gray, muggy day for the Ultimate Buzz’s annual Red Versus White Game, held on Davis fields, where the Buzz split themselves up and play against each other.  The game is set for 3:30 in the afternoon but as 3:30 passes, the Buzz players are still spread across the field tossing around frisbees.  “We’re starting late in regular Buzz fashion,” states Sam Brennan, a Senior Captain of the Buzz.  About ten minutes later, the Buzz finally assembles into their red or white packs and the first frisbee of the game is thrown from one end of the field all the way down to the other.

            The Red Team quickly starts to dominate the field and tensions run high as the White Team tries to make up points.  Ultimate Frisbee is a unique sport in terms of rules.  Players call their own fouls, there are no referees, it is a self regulated sport.  It makes players more honest, more straightforward.  “When you’re working with the person you fouled, or who fouled you, you need to have some sort of understanding between you or a compromise.  That helps people come together more and have to be more easy going than say another sports team where you hate the other team, and you blame it on the ref,” Junior Ian Powell, one of next year’s captains, explains, “it takes that blame game away from [Ultimate Frisbee].”  In high stakes games, a referee-like role is present but they are called Observers.  While they are present on the field, they do not make active calls.  If there is a disagreement between players, Observers will come in to help make a call if the players can’t work it out.  No Observers are present at the Red Versus White Game, it is simply the players’ calls.

            The concept of players making their own calls generates a certain “spirit of the game,” as Powell puts it.  It’s about being a good sportsman and playing very hard.  Players aren’t as nasty on the field, they aren’t trying to hide fouls from refs.  In this game, each player has a say. “It forces you to work together with the opposite team and there’s more freedom in thinking about your opponent,” says Powell.  Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any explosions on the field.  As Adam Smith, player for The White Team, gets a good position on the frisbee coming into the end zone to score, Red Team player Trey Baughman jumps up to defend and in doing so fouls Smith.  Smith immediately erupts into an argument with Baughman about how Baughman had knocked Smith’s arm down resulting in Smith unable to make a catch.  The rest of the team observes and most agree with Smith, no matter what color their jerseys are.  Baughman quickly lets it go, agrees with Smith, and they are back to playing.

            The Buzz attracts a certain kind of athlete: former high school athletes who don’t want to play a varsity sport or maybe they didn’t make the cut for a Kalamazoo College varsity sport.  A lot of these players are competitive and need some kind of outlet.  While the Buzz definitely has a competitive edge, Senior Captain Ben Ayres believes that they also have a “well earned reputation of being a fun group of people.”  The Buzz knows when to turn their competitiveness on and off.  Powell believes they “work hard, play hard.”  For him, his experience on the field “leaks over into what we do personally,” especially in terms of terminology.  He believes the language used on the field sounds like a different language and that this language binds them together.  “Chilly” is a term used when a player gets the disc to remind them to chill and not make a hasty decision of who to throw to next.  Powell finds this word especially weaving into his everyday life, even when there isn’t anyone around that’s on the team.  “The Buzz in terms of non-playing Frisbee, is a group of guys coming together doing something that is kind of alternative,” he states.

            During the Red Versus White Game, Ayres recalls that “it was really intense, people were getting angry, but at the same time, as soon we finished that game, we’re all still friends, we’re all still just helping each other get better, just trying to press each other.”  On the sidelines, there is trash talk all over the place but there is also a mutual respect for one another.  Players make jokes with each other, often teasing each other for not making a catch or making a bad read on the disc.  Compliments can also be heard on the sidelines and they don’t limit themselves from complimenting players who are on the opposing team for the day.  Towards the end of the game, as White still struggles to get points against Red, Senior Ben Dilley on the Red Team stops cheering for Red and simply cheers “Go Buzz!”  He mentions how they should all be cheering for each other because after all they’re all each other’s teammates.

Intended Publication: The Index

Aaron Aupperlee

I really enjoyed Aaron Aupperlee's articles.  They were about a very tough subject and he did a good job of being transparent during his reporting.  I liked how he had an article about the general problem of heroin at first and then gets more specific talking about a man who overdoses on the drug.  I thought that was powerful because it not only talks about an issue in Jackson, it makes it personal by highlighting Jackson residents who have been deeply affected by Heroin's comeback. 

Aupperlee's articles really drew me in.  His use of imagery and choice of quotes was really powerful.  In the Part I article in the section where he talks about the Medical Examiner's Office the final quote gave me chills when talking about people who die from heroin overdoses: "'Usually the patients are found right there with the needle still in the vein,' Smith said."  Whoa!!  That puts a picture in my head and always teaches me how powerful it really is, that most people don't even make it to the hospital alive.  The quotes he picked for Part II were also equally powerful, especially when it came to the end.

These articles also helped me understand what an explanatory article looks like, an issue and how it affects a community.  I really enjoyed these articles.  They give insight into a major issue and draw the reader in through narrative.  Can't wait to talk about them in class.

Irving's Market: Built for Community

            The Kalamazoo Mall is home to many vibrant local restaurants and businesses, each one unique in its own way.  While it is possible to find a less original Quiznos or Jimmy John’s by straying off the mall, if you look a little harder you will not have to surrender yourself to the same sandwich you can find just about anywhere.  Tucked away in the Kalamazoo City Centre lives Irving’s Market, a local market and deli.  

            Walking down the mall, you won’t find a store front but you will spy a sign sitting next to the entrances of the Kalamazoo City Centre highlighting Irving’s offerings.  Irving’s Market has been around since February of 2005 when its doors were opened.  The building used to be the home of the Gilmore Brothers Department Store until the store closed in 1999 after more than 100 years of business.   The building was then bought in 2000 by the Meyer C. Weiner Company, a prominent developer known in Kalamazoo.  They wanted to convert the building into apartments on the fifth and sixth floors.  Kip Plew, owner of Irving’s, and a friend were in the commercial construction business at the time and helped with the construction of the apartments.  The first floor was originally planned to be the first floor lobby of the Rave Movie Theater located across the street, with escalators traveling across the street from the lobby to where the theaters would be.  But the plan fell through.  Plew didn’t think anything of it until he was told the original plans for the theater’s lobby weren’t going through.  When he found out there weren’t any plans for the first floor of the building, he was surprised and thought “if I was gonna do something down here, put in a little coffee shop or a convenience store or whatever, I simply started with the idea of ‘what would I call it?’”  Irving S. Gilmore used to be a customer of Plew’s in the early eighties, a very valuable customer to him, and a big philanthropist in Kalamazoo.  Plew with goosebumps on his arms, realized that “this is where Irving S. Gilmore lived.”  With this idea, and a blessing from Irving S. Gilmore’s niece, Irving’s Market was born.

            At the same time that the Walgreens a few store fronts down announced its closing in Downtown Kalamazoo, brainstorming for Irving’s Market had started.  The closing of Walgreens meant no one downtown could buy “even a pack of gum,” said Plew.  He sent out a survey to downtown businesses asking about items that people needed.  The two most wanted items were pantyhose and rotisserie chicken.  The idea of Irving’s went from a convenience store to a mini-market to a deli.  Plew did all the renovations himself and finally Irving’s Market was created.

            Irving’s Market caters to people who live in the building, people who work downtown, and people who simply enjoy the atmosphere.  Irving’s has a lot of regulars.  People who live in the building come in to Irving’s for their hot breakfast buffet or to simply to grab a cup of coffee.  Irving’s serves Water Street Coffee, another Kalamazoo favorite.  Plew likes to buy local, he likes to use all the local produce he can while it’s in season.  All of his suppliers are local and he has brought local food products in to Irving’s to help them get started.  When the farmer’s market is open, he sometimes gets produce from them.  Michigan wines and microbrews are located along the back wall.  On an adjacent wall lives fresh, and sometimes local, produce customers can pick up.

During the lunch rush, employees from Mangia Mangia, an Italian restaurant nearby, Radisson employees, and employees at the local running store, Gazelle, are all spotted.  Police officers are also found in the market during lunch, their station sitting across the street from Irving’s.  Plew is always out on the floor during lunch.  He can be spotted by the sandwiches, chatting with patrons as they order their food, writing their orders and their names on white lunch bags.  Two younger women come in and on their way over to the salad bar, they run into an older brunette woman who they know but didn’t plan on meeting at Irving’s.  They have a small exchange, complimenting each other, “Oh, I love your jacket,” as they make themselves taco salads.  Irving’s was recently downsized to open a gym for the downtown residents so their larger sitting area was broken up and most of the tables and chairs are now sitting out in the hallway.  Patrons think it feels “big city,” notes Plew. By about 12:30 P.M., every table is full of people taking their lunch break or meeting a friend for lunch.  One of the employees strikes up a conversation with a woman in her late twenties as she purchases a Mountain Dew, a Vitamin Water, and a bowl of soup.  When she mentions she couldn’t find something, he quickly helps her out.

            As the lunch rush dies down at about one o’clock, Irving’s still gets some stragglers.  “Hi Michael!” is heard across  the market, as the assumed Michael waves, then quickly heads out the door with a white lunch bag in hand.  Irving’s busiest time of day is coming to a close and Plew is still out there because “if [he doesn’t] know what the customer wants, then it’s not going to get done.” 

Intended audience: The Index 

The Events of October

I couldn't put this book down.  It was incredibly hard to read because of its subject but it pulled me in so much.  I was really impressed with how this book became a whole.  There are so many people Gail had to interview to get this story and then she was able to put it all together, not only telling a story but opening up a dialogue about violence towards women.  While at times, she is serves the job of a reporter and transparent, she also intertwines her thoughts and opinions about what has happened on campus and what should be taken away from the events of October.  I really want to know how she did that.  It wasn't awkward, the reader knows she is the narrator and giving all the facts but then she seamlessly adds commentary of her own and it isn't a surprise when her voice shows up.

I was particularly interested in how she put together the chapter "This Endless Night."  So much is happening in DeWaters on the eighteenth of October, so many characters: Maggie, Neenuf, the residents, her friends, the RA, the security guard, Kalamazoo Police, Jimmy Jones, Pat Ponto, the list goes on and on.  How did she put it all together?  There is a very distinct time line from when Neenuf's roommate leaves and tells Maggie to come over, with details of her leaving her room and her friends, to the gun shots, and then the aftermath.  With so many people involved, it seems like it would be hard to put together a succinct story but Gail does this in a way that is very easy to follow.

I also thought the choice of quotes was really great.  I feel like I get to know these characters.  There is definitely some character development going on, especially between Smizgirl and Ninjoda.  The IM's were so informative to get a small peak into their relationship.  (How is this information acquired?  I have no idea, I was just curious about it.)  The back and forth shown in these messages is really important to the story and Gail does a good job of adding it in and providing context to these conversations, leading the reader to think about what is really going on, what bad things are happening in the relationship and what they mean to the individuals. 

I'm really excited to talk about this in class tomorrow and learn about how a book like this comes to life.

Writing my profile...

Writing this profile was tough.  I've never written in a journalistic setting before, so I was really nervous about the whole process: going into Irving's, talking to the owner, and then somehow tying this all together.  I'm worried about the flow of this piece because I got a lot of information about the history of Irving's and wasn't sure how to intertwine that and also the experience of going there.  I also didn't know if I should be present in the profile, I do go to Irving's on occasion and so I didn't know if that should be a part of it, I didn't put that in, but because I wasn't present I wasn't sure how to put the customer in there and how to address the customer.  I used 'you' in the first couple of paragraphs but wasn't sure if that's okay/if it works.  I also didn't know how to end it and did the best I could with that so I hope you guys can help me out in workshop! :)

Irving's Market Profile

The Kalamazoo Mall is home to many vibrant local restaurants and businesses, each one unique in its own way.  While it is possible to find a less original Quiznos or Jimmy John’s by straying off the mall, if you look a little harder you will not have to surrender yourself to the same sandwich you can find just about anywhere.  Tucked away in the Kalamazoo City Centre lives Irving’s Market, a local market and deli.  

            Walking down the mall, you won’t find a store front but you will spy a sign sitting next to the entrances of the Kalamazoo City Centre highlighting Irving’s offerings.  The market is dimly lit and relaxing music, from jazz to light rock, pours into the space, inviting customers to slow down as they peruse the sandwiches, soups, and salads.  The sandwiches are on display behind a glass case, labeling each one, gourmet choices like Chicken Pesto Artichoke and Turkey Avocado, or classics like a Reuben or an Italian.  Sandwiches can be ordered hot or cold.  Next door neighbors to the sandwich case is where all sorts of cold salads are on display: Spinach Feta Pasta, Fresh Mozzarella Tomato, Tarragon Chicken Salad and more.  As the lunch rush comes in the owner, Kip Plew, stations himself near the sandwiches and chats with customers.  As they order, he writes their name down on a white lunch bag along with their order and hands it off to servers behind the counter who load up the Panini presses with customers’ sandwiches.  As sandwiches are grilled, customers look around the rest of the market, choosing from an array of beverages that line the walls of the market, anything from Coca Cola to Fiji Water.  Not feeling a sandwich?  Build your own salad at the salad bar and choose from a variety of ingredients.  Once you’ve made your decisions, head back to the counter and make your purchase.

            Irving’s Market has been around since February of 2005 when its doors were opened.  The building used to be the home of the Gilmore Brothers Department Store until the store closed in 1999 after over a 100 years of business.   The building was then bought in 2000 by the Meyer C. Weiner Company, a prominent developer known in Kalamazoo.  They wanted to convert the building into apartments on the fifth and sixth floors.  Plew and a friend were in the commercial construction business at the time and helped with the construction of the apartments.  The first floor was originally planned to be the first floor lobby of the Rave Movie Theater located across the street, with escalators traveling across the street from the lobby to where the theaters would be.  But the plan fell through.  Plew didn’t think anything of it until he was told the original plans for the theater’s lobby weren’t going through.  When he found out there weren’t any plans for the first floor of the building, he was surprised and thought “if I was gonna do something down here, put in a little coffee shop or a convenience store or whatever, I simply started with the idea of ‘what would I call it?’”  Irving S. Gilmore used to be a customer of Plew’s in the early eighties, a very valuable customer to him, and a big philanthropist in Kalamazoo.  Plew with goosebumps on his arms, realized that “this is where Irving S. Gilmore lived.”  With this idea, and a blessing from Irving S. Gilmore’s niece, Irving’s Market was born.

            At the same time that Walgreens announced its closing in Downtown Kalamazoo, brainstorming for Irving’s Market had started.  The closing of Walgreens meant no one downtown couldn’t buy “even a pack of gum,” said Plew.  He sent out a survey to downtown businesses asking about items that people needed.  The idea of Irving’s went from a convenience store to a mini-market to a deli.  Plew did all the renovations himself and finally Irving’s Market was created.

            Irving’s Market caters to a number of different people, people who live in the building, people who work downtown, and people who simply enjoy the atmosphere.  Irving’s has a lot of regulars.  They come in to pick up hot breakfast in the morning, to grab lunch, to stay and have lunch, to pick up food for dinner, or to pick up some ingredients.  Not only does Irving’s offer a variety of prepared food, all made in house from scratch, they offer a good amount of groceries and produce.  Yes, a place downtown where customers can buy fresh produce: lemons, limes, avocados, tomatoes, and cucumbers are all found in the produce section.  Irving’s tries to buy local as much as possible through local suppliers and when produce is in season.  Bags of Water Street Coffee and Kalamazoo Coffee Company are sold nearby the barista’s station.  Michigan wines and microbrews are located along the back wall.

            As the lunch rush dies down at about one o’clock, Irving’s still gets some stragglers.  “Hi Michael!” is heard across  the market, as the assumed Michael waves, then quickly heads out the door with a white lunch bag in hand.  Irving’s biggest business time of day is over but they’ll be coming back tomorrow.