JOU 285
Writer's Tribune Blog
Kamil Kuzminski
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Hello
My name is Kamil Kuzminski
I'm an aspiring Journalist, in my junior year at York College. I have an affinity to writing and interviewing. Therefore I knew journalism was the major for me. I'll cover various fields of topics, with a keen scope.
WELCOME
The theme of this site will consist of components in the metropolitan area and the city itself. Including feature articles on select individuals. Events and topics affecting New Yorkers. Also covering York College events.
Theoretical Blog Idea:
My idea for a blog would include having an engaging display when entering the site, with interesting stories in abundance. With that, a diverse arrangement of said stories to teach a broader audience. I would have to have a title that’s intriguing so it can perplex or bring out curiosity in any people passing by my blog. For interactive purposes. I would welcome comments in my designated section. The topics would be revealed around current events, sports, fashion, among others. If I could avoid politics, I would. Just don’t fancy it personally. I find it a toxic subject matter, but if my hand was tied, I would endure and write a piece or two. It would serve as a good resume tool as well for my career since I want to go into Journalism naturally. As it’s my major. Work or intern at a major paper and build up from there. Seems to be a good projected ambition, I think. The idea of a blog would be amazing, as I love the idea of writing and for an audience it would be awesome. Wix seems to be a great platform for this venture to pursue as it’s an empty template and I can take it any direction I think I would need to. I would need to as I forgot to mention to include a color palette so it’s visually appealing as well. I figure it’s spontaneous but effective. These are just some of my thoughts on the matter of a hypothetical blog, I reckon it really would be a great process and successful too. Focusing on the blog’s thesis, I would opt for a modern theme around the city. Therefore I think I would cover stories in and around the city I love and have been living in for my whole life. A inclusion of the campus life somewhere wouldn’t be a bad shout as well.
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York College Event #1:
York held a most impressive event regarding encouraging positive self talk named One York Brotherhood. It was in room AC- 1G06. All youthful members eagerly waited after signing in with their name, email, Emplid ID, and their phone number.
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Before anything happened, everyone was given two minutes to introduce themselves to their new peers. Due to everyone's outgoing nature, all of us were able to meet most of the other members in attendance in the tight time frame. Others proceeded in a similar vein. We were tested to see how many names we remembered straight after. A frantic yet tantalizing time indeed. A grade of A+ for ambience must be distributed, as the whole hour passed by in the blink of an eye.
The atmosphere was very inviting, with an attendance of around seventeen. What is shared on the poster correlates well to what is actually experienced. No judgment for anyone who enters. Regardless of any perceptions, or what they choose to share, The safety without fear of backlash there was well appreciated.
Interesting that they cover other academic, cultural, social-economical, and emotional topics as the weeks go by. A diversity in subject matter can only appeal to a broader audience and encourage more to attend. The group who organized this session demonstrated ambition to address topics and aid the developing student body at York.
Very organized and professional as well, all speakers delivered an engaging tone as well. With a powerpoint presentation guiding everyone in the room. We all looked at terms linked with mentality and determined key words in said definitions.
I thought I was going to serve as an observer, yet I was so compelled that I participated in the event slowly but surely. An exercise of a time where a person struggled was shared with a peer. Along with an image/self belief and how we can tweak it to be more of a positive affirmation. The group shared these in pairs of two before with everyone as a unit.
The chance to interview freshmen Joshaun Jakes was available, who enlightened his peers with his thoughts on the event.
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“The workshop has a good balance of interaction and lecture to keep people engaged. The content of the workshop keeps people knowledgeable of how much control you can gain over your life just by believing and motivating yourself to do better.”
Safe to say that in the keenest estimation, the group thrived with each other. Sure people were timid, but everyone gelled and was vibrant in discussion. It’s a great event to network and meet new people as well.
Further days are from Feb 22nd - April 19th on every Wed. at 5pm for an hour. Having started the series of meetings on the 8th of this month. Ultimately, the event proved to be quite productive for students to get a better understanding of themselves. Everyone scanned the QR code to review the session, and make sure their attendance was recognized. It allows more sessions to come to fruition, if the interest is at an optimum level. As people left, a morale spike was evident.
Scripting In The NFL
Something riveting in recent days has been the news of the NFL being labeled 'scripted' by former Houston Texans running back Adrian Foster. It splattered all over Twitter after he spoke on Barstool Sports' podcast and the recorded clip was published. This has come to the shock of the corporation and many fans nationwide.       Mr. Foster stated, "The league is scripted. I remember in preseason we would get a script of how the upcoming season would go down. In 2015, I was going to get three touchdowns in week three. And in Week 6, I'd get a hamstring injury".       This mystic fortelling is odd as hell. Some factors are out of control The actions on the field in terms of result maybe yes. But scripting injuries is bizarre. What's even stranger is that this has been going on for decades allegedly. What needs to happen next is test the legitamacy of this by having a investigation before preseason next year. Ask more former players what their perspective is. Even some bold current ones who would be prepared to risk their career for the sake of truth. The positions of the players would be a interesting note, diversity in that regard would add even more context. The goal is to shed light on the validity of the NFL after this bombshell.       The NFL is trying to protect their image but have yet to comment on the matter. Fans are left bamboozled and many are quote tweeting the original tweet of Foster speaking with scenarios in the NFL that already happened. With the sarcasm of his theory attached. Maybe even a gif or image to really poke fun at the claim. The element of making a parody or mockery of the conspiracy theory is clear.       But it may have opened a can of worms for the major sports organization. The NFL and their reputation is crucial. Also the merit and integrity of the game is in question as well. To have all events preplanned is damaging to the sport. Views will go down, and everything will plummet after. Almost in a domino like effect. No money, no players, no teams is a accurate chain reaction to state. It all flows and links together from the revenue they get from fans. Whether it's tickets, merchandise, etc.       Perhaps the higher ups in corporate of the NFL only care about profit and the Superbowl commercial slots on an annual basis. It's important yes, but some consideration for the level of fair competition must be considered. All thirty-two teams must have a chance to win, yet half or more are touted to miss out before a ball is snapped. Ludicrous.       Oddly enough, the video has been removed. Perhaps Mr. Musk (the owner of Twitter) has been asked by the Comissioner Roger Goddell to do so. The controversy is sparking online for now, as the matter has only blossomed. Yet it will develop into more concrete serious instances in due course. More to follow. #decided #predetermined Here is a link to a article speaking further on the controversy below: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article272031617.html
Mental Health Awareness in NYC:
With respect to mental health awareness month, the city has had its up's and down's in terms of mental health. Below are some stats on mental health in New York City. 1 in 5 people in the city have been diagnosed with a condition per nyc.gov.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/nyc-well.page
Remember, it's ok and take care of yourself. There are many forms of assistance, via medication or talk therapy. Stigma in the bin.
Black History Month In the Eye of Retail
Black History Month in the month of February is important to be recognized. The opportunity arose to witness it being appreciated at the TJ Maxx in midtown Manhattan. The break room was spruced up with The main colors of the event were green, red, yellow, and black. Even staff were recommended to wear the same colors to help create a memorable atmosphere.
Customers were impressed with the level of decor. Unusual for a retail establishment perhaps to organize such an event. The feeling in the group of staff was that a portion of their staff felt recognized and appreciated, boosting their morale and production that hectic evening. Plenty of food was served for the staff, with items such as: ribs, mac & cheese, plantains, and fried chicken. The two in the picture below were supervisor coordinators at the location. Elijah Waife and Nehsha Patterson. Who are fixtures in the leadership team at the store.
Particularly, Eli was eager to talk about the importance of the event to himself. “I love that the company creates this. I’m able to celebrate my heritage, and be proud of my African roots in Ghana. Great environment to celebrate my culture”. His positive aura shined in the excellent ambience of the store.
All in all, it was indeed a good event to be organized as the culture is enhanced and elevated in further significance.
Op Ed Piece on "Why I Write" By George Orwell
I must start off my evaluation of this essay by saying that Mr. Orwell has commendable character and his background was riveting to read. Shame I am naive to not have known him before I was introduced to this essay. His desire to write was born from loneliness, which prompted him to create imaginary figures to speak his creative ideas to. Most would be deterred and stay clear of an individual in that state. That’s noteworthy of him to use that developmental stage in such a manner. To have one of your stories be published by the local paper at the age of eleven, is incredible. I was honored to be part of the school paper, yet his accomplishment is truly grand.
Poetry seems to be the platform to branch off of when going through a developing writing process. I appreciate how at an early age, and through the teenage years, he was very descriptive with his word choices in his work. Which branched or propelled him to write naturalistic novels. Those are a great genre because they offer a genuine experience to the reader, I find.
Keeping your temperament is massive as well when writing content, as you could be blinded by your tilted state of emotion and the message could be clouded as a result when it’s finalized.
It was a monumental point, when he raised the ambition element to the table. Because it had an influence on his projected height in literacy. Also feelings have to be measured precisely and considered as a factor. Mixing them with your ambitions, it will drive a certain product to the table in your writing.
When he discussed egoism, I was conflicted yet contested it. Yes, authors want to leave a legacy behind. However don’t feel entitled to it, produce and let the work speak for itself. Personally, I recommend trying to live as humble as possible. Ego is actually crippling, in my estimation. So long as one maintains a high morale, that should be the aim.
I welcomed the aesthetic enthusiasm section. Having appreciation for sounds’ relationship with one another and creating a fluid rhythm I think is crucial to maintain a good structure and flow to your piece. Helps keep the reader engaged.
I concur, history is pivotal, to stay true to the facts will keep your reputation as a journalist intact and your product valid.
Another part I have some friction with is the political presence section. It’s necessary to report and have a certain perspective, yes. But given my unique stance on politics causing more division and solutions, I have disdain for this part. Categorizes people far too much, yet as a journalist, I would have to be prepared to write about the genre. Given it’s a pertinent part of life.
He offers an intriguing tactic to address a lie or something wrong and tackle it in political pieces. The impact would be raising awareness, and either through reform or protest, a remedy might occur. That’s really clever, huh. A motive to be public spirited is encouraging, but a balance between that and more selfish might be more effective as one writer develops a catalog of their work.
Some other key notes were to keep jotting in a diary or journal of sorts, and if there's a published piece of work, (book or magazine) that inspires you, keep it cherished. Even as a reference to you when writer’s block occurs. A fantastic source for motivation and to keep all your ideas organized.
A quote that I found impactful is as follows, “And yet it is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one’s own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane”. Otherwise the work would be bland, if the writer hasn’t discovered themselves to a certain degree. Great imagery when elaborating prose, the visual made it even more profound for me. I simply had to have it resonate within me.
When expressing opinions’ in pieces, it’s true that our childhood and upbringing will have a say on our takes. That buildup is profound and has a permeating effect. A takeaway I got from this section is that the era in which you are born also has an influence depending on the environment and events that occur as you grow up.
Overall, I leave after reading this essay impressed and with several takeaways from
Mr. Orwell. Pleasure to learn his perspective. His intelligence illuminated as clear as day post-reading in my eye.
All About Mr. Pepaj
Final Project Idea:
(Possibility)
For my final project, it’ll be interesting to decide on a final topic. I have interviewed a talented artist in my previous work this semester, so to be honest something along the lines of an event in my neighborhood or the school would be promising. I enjoy the process of constructing this sort of project. To interview others gives me such joy. Then to gather all the materials and design it is quite remarkable. Nonetheless, I’ll be sure to include photos, some sources’ quotes, and even a short video. I reckon it’ll be manageable but tricky to fit it on one slide on my Wix site. Given the format and theme of my blog that has skyscrapers in it, I reckon I can do a project around a story in my neighborhood or even my building. I am more adamant on covering a story beyond campus to show some diversity. Where to look for a topic is now the issue. Something that is newsworthy and would have some resonance down the line. Nothing too trivial. Maybe a building event that is going on at my address would be an option. Or cover a community organization near me in Manhattan and shed light on the benefits they provide. An idea potentially could be the New York Blood Center, as I have donated several times, and access to interviews would be easier. Or an expose on my old acting ensemble the 52nd street project. They have a great tutoring program, but involve acting in the local youth’s activity list.
York College's Soccer Team Goal in the Air!
Developments are in progress after a delay in the construction of a new track and turf field for the soccer team at York College.
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Initially, Queensborough Football Club had plans to create a whole stadium in the backyard of York's Athletic complex, however plans have collapsed earlier this fall. That's what happens in business.
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NYCFC (New York City Football Club) has swooped in with a generous donation that will have cascading benefits on the community and the school athletes. That amount is roughly to be in the region of seven million dollars.
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Players will want to have optimal facilities to perform at their optimum regularly, and this news will support that mindset. Whether in training or games against other competing colleges. What is clear is that there is a ambition from staff and the athletes to improve the facilities to reach newer heights and aspirations.
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"It was very disappointing to hear the news that QBFC pulled out of building their stadium on campus. However, news of the very charitable donation by NYCFC was a big surprise, and now we are well under to having our own sports facilities that will serve the college and local community.", First team men's soccer Coach Boothe said reflectively.
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The donation will provide fresh new track and training ground for the school soccer team in the athletic complex building. With expected completion of the project to be in the next spring term of 2024. Considering the state of the field currently, it's a reasonable timeframe of completion.
York College Soccer Teams' Development (2022-23 Season)
In this video piece below, I examine how the chemistry between this year of soccer players at York has grown. In addition I have assesed how they are adapting to the traning regime and their hopes for the future.
Meet Kevin Ramirez
This is Kevin Ramirez.
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You might say who is this character? Well, time to dive in.
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Mr. Ramirez is young man aspiring in the field of Criminal Justice, pursing his education to cement a high position in that field.
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For work, he is in the loss prevention team that rotates across retail stores in the city. Even recently receiving for the effort he has demonstrated on the job to detective. Which is understood to be a prestigious and highly acclaimed upgrade.
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A notable good nature as well while developing in his own life, takes care and looks after his family. A quality not usually visible in society after a certain age.
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In the sports realm he supports this fraudulent team by the name of Manchester United (haha).
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Talent Meets Hard Work with Bryan Gathers
Bryan Gathers is another example of a commendable with exceptional quality. He lives upstate in the area of Beacon, producing music His artist name is BrySongz on Spotify and Apple Music respectively. He has ventured in playing basketball for SUNY Cobleskill, proving to be an asset for the team to a great effect. Averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 4 games. He has honed his recent success of streams to persisting at studios with drafting singles and to his belief in trusting the process.
https://www.instagram.com/tipwavy27/?hl=en
"If one take isn't good then you have to keep going until it has a good flow and rhythm. I want my audience to be able to connect to my synergy in my music."
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When asked on the effectiveness of talent and hard work, "Talent is the catalyst or drive for your goals, but the effort and time you invest is what carries you forward and toward new heights."
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Sunday Sermon Served on the Lower East Side:
On a breezy Sunday afternoon, there are many activities that a New Yorker can venture to. Look no further than the community gathering at Remnant Church. It's a religious oriented service hosted in an auditorium setting, and after the service, a supplementary gathering is held upstairs with food and music.
The pool of people in attendance was immensely diverse. Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, Asian. Matter of fact the whole sound crew is of Asian descent. A superb job by them Great ambience as everyone was fully intent on listening and participating when the choir called upon the audience to sing various religious hymns. Usually a speaker recites a portion of a scripture in the bible, with an aim of leaving the listeners with a moral lesson.
Furthermore, the opportunity came to speak to one of the sons, by the name of Richard. When proposed the question of what the aim of the sermon was, he said, "To spread the word of God in the community and rally everyone. Build a bond between all who attend with faith". Speaking more on the event's impact, he uttered, "The impact we as a family hope is beneficial to the community. Blessed to have a diverse pool of people attend, our doors are always open. That level of inclusion is tremendous. We see the harmony shine through when the hymns are on the screen and everyone is in full synchronicity singing gracefully".
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Mr. Aguirre, the organizer of the event relayed that some of the members in attendance were from Venezuela as migrants, as it was part of his humble nature to welcome them.
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"We all come from tough backgrounds, but with faith in God we can prevail", he said adamantly.
What's truly great about the event is that there is a big sense of family and togetherness. The sons of Mr. Aguirre all are talented musicians and assist in the musical element of the service. Playing guitars and drums between them.
If interested, you could visit every Sunday at 3pm at 206 E 29th St. Welcoming everyone and anyone willing to give it a chance. A brisk 5 minute walk from the six train 28th street station, and you're in for a fantastic treat. Guaranteed.
Come visit the Bowery Mission!
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Everyone goes through a bad patch or period in life. The less fortunate often are dealt the wrong hand and endure hardship. At the Bowery Mission, (located in Chinatown) they aim to help the homeless and impoverished. With the aid of volunteers, they provide clothing, temporary housing, and food for them. All forms of service are proving to be beneficial to the community. The other fellow first, is the motto to abide by.
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Rockaway Beach Boardwalk Closure Incoming!
The Rockaway Beach Boardwalk is set for parts to be under construction in certain areas per NY1. Leaving many beachgoers to the popular spot in the city very frustrated. It's no surprise either, as it has been part of a process over the last four summers under a project that cost $336 million to undertake that will aim to protect the peninsula from erosion and severe storms. Renovations will persist until 2026.
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The opportunity arose to speak to a local resident in the area, Edisson Rodriguez, to get his thoughts on this constant surgery that the boardwalk is receiving.
"I mean, yeah it's frustrating. I like to do my fair share of surfing, and immerse in the what the beach has to offer every summer. Yet at every turn it's restricted. Can't wait for it to be completed."
Inspirational Figure:
Charlie Rose, anchor for CBS
Rap's influence on Jan:
