In an article on Fortune, I learned that Detroit and the tech center of America, Silicon Valley, are becoming more and more like each other. The two cities are transition into the type of work the other city specializes in today.
For example, Detroit has been one of the biggest manufacturing cities for over 100 years. From the amount of automotive plants and companies that produce in this city, Detroit knows a thing or two about hardware. Silicon Valley is starting to get more into manufacturing than they have been since the internet first boomed. It states in the article that 39% of Google's patents from 2007-2012 have all been for hardware things like energy and their autonomous car.
On the other hand, more tech jobs are being made throughout Detroit. Having seen it myself, the tech world is certainly being discovered by companies in the city like Quicken Loans and the growing amount of electronic start up companies. Also, a point to make is how much money the auto companies in Detroit invest into electronics.
The integration of manufacturing and technology in the two cities could lead to many great things like jobs returning from overseas and new areas for business in Detroit. Both cities could learn many things from the other. It surely is something to keep in mind as some of us going through college are interested in those fields.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Open Prompt #5: A Figure to Look At
Recently, I stumbled across this picture on the internet and it got me thinking about where Detroit is headed for the future. For myself, it's hard to really determine if this is, overall, is a positive trend. There are certainly some ups and some downs here. There are also a lot of questions to ask as well, like why the fluctuations of diversity and why increase in occupancy downtown yet a decrease in the workers.
There are many interesting numbers to look at here. How do you see it? Does it look like Detroit is getting better or worse?
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Monday, April 13, 2015
Synthesis Essay
Since the beginning of the semester, the blog project has been a constant reminder to me that there was always work that needed to be done. Each week required two posts and a comment, something I was always very good at putting off. However, more so than just a thorn in my side, the blog project had a purpose. The purpose was to get me to expand my preconceived notions into research and new ideas about the field of study that I have chosen for myself—economics. Through economics my goal is to one day become a lawyer or a sports/entertainment agent. The blog project helped me, more than anything else, realize that while reading long, black and white documents is prevalent in my field, learning from experts face to face is the best method for my style.
Throughout my past research assignments, I had always seemed to continue the same method of learning over and over again. Web sites and books were always the most common kinds, mostly because they were easy to obtain and generally were the fastest to access. As far as I believed, there hadn’t really been a problem with gathering enough important information from these kinds of material, but after taking different approaches because of the blog project, I have a new favorite kind of source.
In one of the week’s assignments, I had to interview a professional in my field of study. I had reached out to an older fraternity brother of mine who is a lawyer in metro Detroit right to about what kinds of qualities a person needs to possess to become successful in this field. I assumed, at first, I was going to get some decent information, but we ended up talking for almost two hours about what I need to work on and what he thought helped him out the most as he was going through undergraduate school at Michigan State. I had then realized that no web article or chapter in a book was a better source of information for me.
Maybe it was having to keep my mind thinking and creating new questions as time passed. Maybe it was just how we both knew how to talk and communicate with people well. Either way it was more helpful than any long or boring text I've read all year. We had a lot in common and it aided me greatly in being able to bring up new topics and ask different questions in the conversation. I could read a scholarly article on how to be a great lawyer or a Buzzfeed list on the “top 16 character traits a good lawyer possesses,” but it will never be as helpful is talking face to face with someone who knows and is willing to give me custom advice to help myself as who I am today.
Overall, the blog project has taught me new things about economics and the field of law. It built on what I knew and believed before this semester and allowed me to expand on ideas and explore them in a real practical and up-to-date manner. Searching for interesting topics to write about in my free posts allowed me to discover new sources for interesting and relevant information that I will continue to use as I grow up and gain more knowledge in the field. Even some of the other prompts that I didn’t enjoy so much helped me as well. Picking between a scholarly article or a short informal piece on website to use as a source wasn’t very fun, but it helped me realize who and where has the most helpful information in a user friendly source. While it was a constant hassle each week, the blog project expanded my mind on my field, allowed me to meet new people who can help me in the future, and helped me as a student, a researcher, and as a future professional in the field of law.
Overall, the blog project has taught me new things about economics and the field of law. It built on what I knew and believed before this semester and allowed me to expand on ideas and explore them in a real practical and up-to-date manner. Searching for interesting topics to write about in my free posts allowed me to discover new sources for interesting and relevant information that I will continue to use as I grow up and gain more knowledge in the field. Even some of the other prompts that I didn’t enjoy so much helped me as well. Picking between a scholarly article or a short informal piece on website to use as a source wasn’t very fun, but it helped me realize who and where has the most helpful information in a user friendly source. While it was a constant hassle each week, the blog project expanded my mind on my field, allowed me to meet new people who can help me in the future, and helped me as a student, a researcher, and as a future professional in the field of law.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Prompt #10: Recognizing Truth
A huge misconception about economists is that we are the kind of people who feel absolutely no remorse and that we are emotionally unaffected by situations. People claim that we can't feel pity, especially for people less fortunate than us. As long as it's for the good of the majority then we're completely content.
I found a New York Times article about how our stereotypes might be true. There have even been studies to test our personalities. For college students, they made a big point that there is a "loss of innocence." They say that people who take economics classes and become economics majors lose their innocence because of what they are taught. Also, if people majoring in economics haven't lost their innocence in college, it's because they lost it high school.
Economics in it's own nature is amoral. Emotions do not belong in the field and in order to be a good economist you have to be able to think rationally mores than emotionally. There are times when I agree with some stereotypes, but it's not always the case. I don't think that everyone loses their innocence completely. I know for a fact that I, myself, have sympathy and empathy for people in many different cases.
It's hard to completely label an entire group of diverse people with the same personal characteristics. I think that before someone was going to judge the entire community, they would have to talk in detail to a majority of the people.
I found a New York Times article about how our stereotypes might be true. There have even been studies to test our personalities. For college students, they made a big point that there is a "loss of innocence." They say that people who take economics classes and become economics majors lose their innocence because of what they are taught. Also, if people majoring in economics haven't lost their innocence in college, it's because they lost it high school.
Economics in it's own nature is amoral. Emotions do not belong in the field and in order to be a good economist you have to be able to think rationally mores than emotionally. There are times when I agree with some stereotypes, but it's not always the case. I don't think that everyone loses their innocence completely. I know for a fact that I, myself, have sympathy and empathy for people in many different cases.
It's hard to completely label an entire group of diverse people with the same personal characteristics. I think that before someone was going to judge the entire community, they would have to talk in detail to a majority of the people.
Prompt #6: Evaluating Sources
There's an article on businessinsider.com about the argument on whether or not to increase government spending to alter the private sector. This is a typical economic problem that happens a lot in many different countries.
Obviously, there are pros and cons for each side of the argument. If government spending increases, the private sector will have less control but unemployment might drop and it could promote economic growth.
On the other hand, if the government spending doesn't increase the confidence in the market will rise and could self-promote economic growth. If that doesn't work, then the economy could continue to be in the same shape.
In this situation I would agree with famous economist Paul Krugman, who is in favor of government spending increasing. Although, both sides of the argument show strong evidence it would be a really tough decision for the Fed to decide. The arguments for both sides are quite convincing in some ways and are effectively explained.
Take a look for yourself and decide which side you would choose: http://www.businessinsider.com/paul-krugman-is-right-2013-4
Monday, February 23, 2015
Open Prompt #4: Ending Homelessness in Detroit
Recently, I came across an article on mLive about how three former addicts are doing their best to clean up the city. They are called The Road Homes and they give the less fortunate a second chance at living a prospering life.
They go around the city generously trying to find homeless people and set them up with the right paperwork to give them a home. The article is a heartwarming one, starting off with the trials and tribulations of a man who is in pain, both physically and emotionally. He is lonely, and the only time he can sleep is in drug houses. Then The Road Home comes in.
The group has already helped so many people find temporary homes in the city. It's just the first step in getting someone to turn their life around.
I highly suggest anyone interested in helping the homeless to check out this article and look more into The Road Home.
Source: mLive
They go around the city generously trying to find homeless people and set them up with the right paperwork to give them a home. The article is a heartwarming one, starting off with the trials and tribulations of a man who is in pain, both physically and emotionally. He is lonely, and the only time he can sleep is in drug houses. Then The Road Home comes in.
The group has already helped so many people find temporary homes in the city. It's just the first step in getting someone to turn their life around.
I highly suggest anyone interested in helping the homeless to check out this article and look more into The Road Home.
Source: mLive
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Prompt #3: Exploring Communication
In the field of law, it's obvious that writing and communication is vital to the success of a person's career. Reading over cases and writing contracts are just two things that lawyers do with their skills in communication.
Recently, I got the opportunity to talk about what being a lawyer entails to a professional commercial litigator, Mike Serra. Mr. Serra, a graduate of Wayne State Law has been in the field for quite some time now. From his internship with Carl Levin to his current position at Bodman PLC, he has accumulated well enough knowledge and experience to give advice to a potential like myself.
In the interview I asked him several questions involving his undergraduate education. We talked about majors and which classes helped him the most and which didn't do too much for his career. One important characteristic to have as a successful litigator is the ability to listen. While it's impossible to completely see a situation through the eyes of someone else, to do your best to put yourself in the shoes of another can help you become a better lawyer.
In fact, he and I are both a part of the same fraternity at Michigan State. Outside of academics the fraternity has helped him communicate face to face with many different people in a number of situations.
Overall, the interview was very beneficial. The doubts I had about my future career were cleared up and I feel much more confident with my ability to one day follow the same path as Mike.
Recently, I got the opportunity to talk about what being a lawyer entails to a professional commercial litigator, Mike Serra. Mr. Serra, a graduate of Wayne State Law has been in the field for quite some time now. From his internship with Carl Levin to his current position at Bodman PLC, he has accumulated well enough knowledge and experience to give advice to a potential like myself.
In the interview I asked him several questions involving his undergraduate education. We talked about majors and which classes helped him the most and which didn't do too much for his career. One important characteristic to have as a successful litigator is the ability to listen. While it's impossible to completely see a situation through the eyes of someone else, to do your best to put yourself in the shoes of another can help you become a better lawyer.
In fact, he and I are both a part of the same fraternity at Michigan State. Outside of academics the fraternity has helped him communicate face to face with many different people in a number of situations.
Overall, the interview was very beneficial. The doubts I had about my future career were cleared up and I feel much more confident with my ability to one day follow the same path as Mike.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Open Prompt #3: How Detroit and Robocop Are Economically Related
Below is an intriguing and easy to watch video about how the '80's movie "RoboCop" has a odd correlation with Detroit's economic state today.
It's a quite interesting look on today's economic situation. The host makes a good point when he says that public goods are never just black and white, that there's always a grey area.
Sure, a new hockey stadium would be great to see, since the Red Wings have always been able to get fans in seats and win games, but in the end I believe that the several millions of tax payers' dollars should go to something more beneficial for the rest of the city, like increased crime deterrents.
I highly recommend checking out more of EconStories' Youtube channel. They have a plethora of relevant videos that teach economics in a more enticing approach.
Here's a link to their channel.
It's a quite interesting look on today's economic situation. The host makes a good point when he says that public goods are never just black and white, that there's always a grey area.
Sure, a new hockey stadium would be great to see, since the Red Wings have always been able to get fans in seats and win games, but in the end I believe that the several millions of tax payers' dollars should go to something more beneficial for the rest of the city, like increased crime deterrents.
I highly recommend checking out more of EconStories' Youtube channel. They have a plethora of relevant videos that teach economics in a more enticing approach.
Here's a link to their channel.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Prompt #4: Considering Delivery and Style
In the many different ways to go about publishing things on economics, each form has its own style and delivery. After analyzing two pieces about the field, the first being a blog about global economics and the second being an article about "owner structure and economic performance in the largest European countries," it has come to my attention that different sources equal different styles and deliveries.
The blog post has a style and delivery more suitable for people who want a brief overview of whatever the topic is about. There are a lot of breaks and its entirety is written in short paragraphs that are easy on the eyes.
Although, the author, Mike Shedlock includes a lot of outside information from more trusted sources besides just himself. The audience, I believe, is anyone who knows and is interested in economics but isn't trying to read something very time consuming or too in depth.
Then there is the article. It is in a PDF form and is much longer than the blog post. It also has a more formal delivery than the former. With many sources and even numbers and a figure to help express the information, this piece of writing is intended for audiences who are very knowledgeable in economics and are looking for deeply detailed essays that get to a specific point. More so than the blog, this is more of a source that could be used in another essay.
Even though the article is much more in detail and formal, I still would not count out the authenticity of Mr. Shedlock. From his information he seems to be a knowledgeable man in his field. I think that either source could be trusted.
The blog post has a style and delivery more suitable for people who want a brief overview of whatever the topic is about. There are a lot of breaks and its entirety is written in short paragraphs that are easy on the eyes.
Although, the author, Mike Shedlock includes a lot of outside information from more trusted sources besides just himself. The audience, I believe, is anyone who knows and is interested in economics but isn't trying to read something very time consuming or too in depth.
Then there is the article. It is in a PDF form and is much longer than the blog post. It also has a more formal delivery than the former. With many sources and even numbers and a figure to help express the information, this piece of writing is intended for audiences who are very knowledgeable in economics and are looking for deeply detailed essays that get to a specific point. More so than the blog, this is more of a source that could be used in another essay.
Even though the article is much more in detail and formal, I still would not count out the authenticity of Mr. Shedlock. From his information he seems to be a knowledgeable man in his field. I think that either source could be trusted.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Open Prompt #2: Progress in the Last Two Years
Many people don't see the advances that Detroit is making. It's astounding to be honest and I believe that it should be recognized. This video below shows a small glimpse of the outlook on the city back in 2013.
After seeing that, it seems as though there is a lot that needs to be done with the city. While, obviously we haven't fixed every issue at hand, the next video is from 2015 and President Obama tell us some good news.
After seeing that, it seems as though there is a lot that needs to be done with the city. While, obviously we haven't fixed every issue at hand, the next video is from 2015 and President Obama tell us some good news.
The second video is for sure a refreshing look on the city's state. Just a couple of weeks ago the president was praising all of the positive movements being made throughout Detroit. The biggest information that I took away was the ending of the saving of the auto industry. It's incredible to hear that all of what was owed to the taxpayers was returned. In just two years there are already a number of problems fixed. Who knows what else Detroit will accomplish in the years ahead.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Open Prompt #1: The Beauty of Detroit
I get it. I really do understand. It's such an easy target to focus so much negative feelings about. Detroit, in many people's opinion, is a wasteland that's better off being used for a never ending post apocalyptic theme park idea. GANGS GANGS VIOLENCE GUNS FIGHTING DRIVE BY'S MURDER. I get it. Honestly though, I can't stand hearing about everyone complain, especially when most of the people haven never even been into the heart of the city.
"I've seen '8 Mile' and I read those Buzzfeed lists about the most dangerous cities and Detroit is always at the top! I'm so informed!!1!!"
I hate these kinds of people.
Walk into the hear of Campus Martius, look me straight into my eyes, and lie to me about how unsafe you feel. It's just not something that can be done with a clear understanding of someone's true setting. I've walked around the city plenty of times, wearing my best clothes, with money in my pocket, and without my knife, and never was I worried about being in trouble. Then again, I have seen Gangland. I have had countless amounts of conversations with my mother about her time she spent there. (She worked at Sinai Grace Hospital, where I was born. Several times she had run into gangs and if it weren't for her street smarts, she would've been a victim to many crimes.) People's perceptions on a city with a size greater than Boston, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland, should not all be about sad streets like Gratiot Ave. and 7 Mile.
Yes, ok I didn't live in downtown Detroit my entire life. I grew up in Macomb county, which is Metro Detroit. Yes, I know this bothers people when people like me say they're from Detroit, but I believe that since I was born in the heart and grew up only twenty minutes away from my birth place, I have the right to say I'm from Detroit. I also think I have the right as a human being and a Michigander to take pride in what used to be our state's capital.
This was just a disclaimer before I write about Detroit and why I care about it so much. It's my home and I love to see it grow back into the safe and thriving area it used to be.
"I've seen '8 Mile' and I read those Buzzfeed lists about the most dangerous cities and Detroit is always at the top! I'm so informed!!1!!"
I hate these kinds of people.
Walk into the hear of Campus Martius, look me straight into my eyes, and lie to me about how unsafe you feel. It's just not something that can be done with a clear understanding of someone's true setting. I've walked around the city plenty of times, wearing my best clothes, with money in my pocket, and without my knife, and never was I worried about being in trouble. Then again, I have seen Gangland. I have had countless amounts of conversations with my mother about her time she spent there. (She worked at Sinai Grace Hospital, where I was born. Several times she had run into gangs and if it weren't for her street smarts, she would've been a victim to many crimes.) People's perceptions on a city with a size greater than Boston, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland, should not all be about sad streets like Gratiot Ave. and 7 Mile.
Yes, ok I didn't live in downtown Detroit my entire life. I grew up in Macomb county, which is Metro Detroit. Yes, I know this bothers people when people like me say they're from Detroit, but I believe that since I was born in the heart and grew up only twenty minutes away from my birth place, I have the right to say I'm from Detroit. I also think I have the right as a human being and a Michigander to take pride in what used to be our state's capital.
This was just a disclaimer before I write about Detroit and why I care about it so much. It's my home and I love to see it grow back into the safe and thriving area it used to be.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Prompt #1: Asking Questions and Breaking Assumptions
While I'm confident that I know enough about my major to be well off in succeeding in my goals, it's true that there are some things that I'm not exactly well informed about. Along with questions that should be answered, there are also assumptions that should be covered and corrected as well. Things like:
1. How versatile is a degree in economics?
2. What careers could it potentially lead to?
3. Economics involves a lot of calculus.
4. Economics only exists with money and policy making.
Economics is actually very versatile. What I mean by that is that there are many different ways that economics is used in todays society. This also covers the fourth point that people may be mistake about. If you read books like "Freakonomics," you can learn the economics doesn't always have something to do with money and policies. I've learned things from decreasing crime rate because of abortion to the deceiving world of sumo wrestling, all through books about economics.
As I should say up front, What I want to be in life is an intellectual property lawyer. Why? Law has always been an enticing career path and I believe that intellectual property is an interesting and relevant field of study. Although, I have a path I want to follow, who knows exactly where I am going to end up? In the case of not becoming a lawyer, I want to make sure that my major can set me up for future success. In my current textbook, "Microeconomics" by Paul Krugman and Robin Wells, there are many situations present of the possibility of using my major for several areas. Also, leading into the second question, econ is used EVERYWHERE. Almost any field will have positions and careers related to economics, so hopefully I'm in luck.
One of my weakest points in school is calculus. I have to be brutally honest, I'm not very good at it. So far in my studies however, I have not come across a large amount of calculus. I understand I have a long way to go, but many things in economics can be found out just by using simple algebraic equations.
1. How versatile is a degree in economics?
2. What careers could it potentially lead to?
3. Economics involves a lot of calculus.
4. Economics only exists with money and policy making.
Economics is actually very versatile. What I mean by that is that there are many different ways that economics is used in todays society. This also covers the fourth point that people may be mistake about. If you read books like "Freakonomics," you can learn the economics doesn't always have something to do with money and policies. I've learned things from decreasing crime rate because of abortion to the deceiving world of sumo wrestling, all through books about economics.
As I should say up front, What I want to be in life is an intellectual property lawyer. Why? Law has always been an enticing career path and I believe that intellectual property is an interesting and relevant field of study. Although, I have a path I want to follow, who knows exactly where I am going to end up? In the case of not becoming a lawyer, I want to make sure that my major can set me up for future success. In my current textbook, "Microeconomics" by Paul Krugman and Robin Wells, there are many situations present of the possibility of using my major for several areas. Also, leading into the second question, econ is used EVERYWHERE. Almost any field will have positions and careers related to economics, so hopefully I'm in luck.
One of my weakest points in school is calculus. I have to be brutally honest, I'm not very good at it. So far in my studies however, I have not come across a large amount of calculus. I understand I have a long way to go, but many things in economics can be found out just by using simple algebraic equations.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Prompt #2: Defining Ethics
The beauty of economics is that there are some topics where there is no concrete right or wrong answer. There are many different opinions that go into economics. It's not like medicine where a certain dose of something can save or end someone's life. That's why ethics is subjective in this field. Depending on what kind of economy you favor, your ethics can/will be different from someone else.
Capitalists may see that it would be ethical to keep the government out of economics as much as possible. On the other side, a communist may disagree and say it would be ethical for the government to keep it all centralized.
When it comes to people being aware of the ethics, it's hard to just state that, yes they are aware. To be aware is to have an opinion. No matter what a person's opinion may be, it all falls under them being aware that ethics is present in their choices and preferences. Do professionals always follow their ethics? I would say not always. There are times where someone may go against their core group of beliefs to find another answer to a problem. Even the most radical capitalist could find at least good use of the government in the economy.
More than just opinions being ethics based, there are actual operations in an economy that involves critical thinking and the applying of ethics. For example, in the article Ethics and Economics, there is a portion that talks about a woman inheriting a large fortune, then donating almost all of it to charity, then living on the only necessary money she had left. This is compared to another woman who worked her whole life to make the same amount of money, yet lives a comfortable life. The question is who is more ethically admirable?
As I grow older and more knowledgeable in this field, my ethics may change, but it will always play a significant role in economics.
Capitalists may see that it would be ethical to keep the government out of economics as much as possible. On the other side, a communist may disagree and say it would be ethical for the government to keep it all centralized.
When it comes to people being aware of the ethics, it's hard to just state that, yes they are aware. To be aware is to have an opinion. No matter what a person's opinion may be, it all falls under them being aware that ethics is present in their choices and preferences. Do professionals always follow their ethics? I would say not always. There are times where someone may go against their core group of beliefs to find another answer to a problem. Even the most radical capitalist could find at least good use of the government in the economy.
More than just opinions being ethics based, there are actual operations in an economy that involves critical thinking and the applying of ethics. For example, in the article Ethics and Economics, there is a portion that talks about a woman inheriting a large fortune, then donating almost all of it to charity, then living on the only necessary money she had left. This is compared to another woman who worked her whole life to make the same amount of money, yet lives a comfortable life. The question is who is more ethically admirable?
As I grow older and more knowledgeable in this field, my ethics may change, but it will always play a significant role in economics.
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