Why Bother? (Week 8)

1.  Right now we have big problems homelessness among veterans.  What I don't get is why do we let people risk their lives for us and then let them get to the point of having to live on the street?  They were the ones to risk their lives yet they get kicked to the curb once they are out of the service.

 Response to companion:  I could do something about it but it seems too far over my head.  It would involve trying to reach out with people in the government that have high power.  

Companion:  What would you say to them?

Me:  Give them statistics on homeless veterans and a idea i have to help this problem a little.

Companion:  What's your idea?

Me:  Instead of having halfway houses for criminals, have these kind of houses for veterans who need to get back on their feet.  Help the people that fought to kept us safe instead of people who are felons.

2. Pollan begins by sounding a little pessimistic.  But then, you realize he is optimistic of the situation.  He says that maybe if one person starts something new, someone else will follow.  He says we should do what we believe in and be a leader.  Don't sit around thinking someone else will start to save the world like you want to- be the change you want to see.

3.  Believing Game:  Since we have progressed as a nation, we have progressed with transportation, mass production, etc.  We have become used to having things be so easy for us- we don't try to do what's better for the environment, we do what's better fo us individually.

Doubting Game:  There was no real facts added into the essay, it was more personal opinion than anything.  I don't think we have a problem with specialization- you put in the work and it effects you either positively or negatively.  I do think we need to change how we treat the environment but honestly, I dont think it will 'go to shit' if we dont change too drastically.

4.  Have you or someone near and dear to you served in the US military?  Now think about after they are out of the service- possible PTSD or disabled.  How would you feel if you/them ended up on the street after risking their lives for you?  In 2014, it was reported that roughly 49,900 veterans were homeless.  We need to work on lowering this number.  My proposal is instead of having alot of halfway houses for recently released criminals, we should have houses like these for veterans.  It wouldn't be the exact same thing, but similar.  We could house veterans instead of kicking them to the curb. 

http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/fact-sheet-veteran-homelessness

Review Essay RD

Kitzman 1

Kyla Kitzman

Professor Maltman

ENG 1101

19 February 2017

Getting Tattoos: Simple or Difficult?

Can you think of the most controversial decisions when it comes to hiring new employees at jobs?  Alright, did you think long and hard?  The answer is tattoos.  Although they are becoming more popular, people are still being discriminated against for tattoos.  But, what is it like really getting a tattoo and having a tattoo?  I currently have three tattoos myself, two from Rockin’ Tattoos in Eagan, MN, and the other from Canvas Tattoo in Prior Lake, MN.  Both are great places to get tattooed at.  I didn't get too lucky with finding these places though.  

The first shop I looked at was Aloha Monkey, in Burnsville, MN.  I was not a fan.  When I went to check out the shop, there was no other customers present.  Even with the shortage of people in the shop, the artists seemed like they did not have time for me.  They had short answers, were very rude about me asking a ton of questions, and quoted me for a lot more than I expected.  For my first tattoo, all I wanted was a small, simple quote on my ribs.  I was quoted a little over $250, which I knew was way too much for what I wanted.  It was almost like because they knew this was my first time,  they knew they could get away with anything.  It almost seemed like they were annoyed by me being a first timer.  So not how anyone should feel before getting something on their body forever!

Kitzman 2

The next place I went was High Noon in Northfield, MN.  When I went to check this place out, I loved it.  You walk in and it’s almost like a small art gallery, with pictures of the artists art hanging all over the walls.  High Noon has also won a ton of awards and my friend Noah had been tattooed there, so I kind of had that “this is a good place” thought in my mind already.  I met with Corrie, the owner of the shop.  I asked my continuous questions about tattoos, and asked him about the tattoo I was wanting to get.  He quoted me at $80, which seemed right for my the quote I wanted on my ribs.  I made a appointment for a week from then, and left the shop ecstatic.  It was all I could talk about for that week.  Fast forward to tattoo day.  I woke up and got ready as fast as I could, racing to High Noon.  I was suppose to be the first appointment of the day at one.  I arrived, parked, and hurried to the shop, just to find out the door was locked.  I was about 15 minutes early so I figured maybe Corrie was running late.  I sat on the sidewalk outside and waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Once one hit, I started to get a little worried.  I called the shop and there was no answer.  I continued to call the shop for the next two hours, hoping and praying someone would pick up.  After me calling what seemed like 100 times, I messaged the shop on Facebook.  They got back to me that way and said Corrie had a ‘dental emergency’.  I asked why I didn't get a call informing me no one would be there and they claimed they didn't have a way to contact me.  But, the thing about that is Corrie wrote my number down on his calendar newt to my name and appointment time.  I asked if we could do the tattoo sometime in the next couple days and they said they'd get back to me within a day.  That was in June, and I still haven't heard with them.  Since then, I have tried going back once to get my third tattoo.  It was in the afternoon, and we had checked the shops hours so we knew 

Kitzman 3

they were open.  When we got there, the place was empty, the door was locked, and no one answered the phone.  From now on, I will stay away from High Noon.  In the end, they were unprofessional and unreliable.

The third shop I tired was Rockin Tattoos in Eagan, MN.  The day I went to this shop, was the same day I was stood up by High Noon.  Originally, I hadn't even thought about going to Rockin Tattoos.  But, this is where my boyfriend has had two of his three tattoos done, and they are well designed and well done.  So, I figured I’d give it a shot.  I arrived at Rockin Tattoos later that day.  I walked in and loved it.  I was greeted instantly by an artist named Arthur.  It was filled with people, both getting tattoos and spectators watching their friends.  I talked with Arthur about what I wanted and asked him my questions.  The entire time I felt welcomed and accepted.  I decided right then and there I was getting this tattoo.  Arthur did a amazing job and I still love this tattoo.

For my second tattoo, I went back to Rockin Tattoos.  When I went back, I found out Arthur was a guest artist, so he wasn't available for me.  So, I went with the owner of the shop, Joseph.  We met and discussed my tattoo- a big piece on my back, a sun and moon.  I brought in pictures for reference of what I wanted and Joseph worked with it very well!  When I went to get the tattoo, Joseph showed me the design and I loved it, it was perfect for me.  It only took about two and a half hours, which was quick for how big of a piece it was.  I was and am still in love with this tattoo, and try to show it off every chance I get.  Rockin Tattoos is a experienced shop with great people with great skills and I recommend everyone who wants a tattoo to check it out.

Kitzman 4

For my third tattoo, I didn't really plan it out.  I had known I had wanted this tattoo but didn't meet with anyone before nor did I tell my parents.  I was with my friend and we decided to go to Canvas Tattoo in Prior Lake, MN.  Although I love Rockin in Eagan, they can be a little spendy.  With wanting a smaller tattoo, I decided to go to Canvas where they charged by the hour.  I walked in and was instantly greeted by William, who really took the time to discuss what I wanted- a lotus on the inner side of my left arm.  The tattoo only took 30 minutes and when he was done, I was in love again.  I even tried to show off my tattoo in short sleeves in the dead of winter!

When it comes down to it, tattoos really go person by person.  Some people love them, some people hate them.  Some like certain designs of tattoos and others like other designs.  It really all comes down to what you think.  If you love it, get it.  Don't let anyone stop you.  Cause once you get the tattoo, your confidence will boost and you'll be wanting to show it off  24/7.  Before the tattoo, make sure you do your research.  Look at multiple shops and make sure you love both the shop and the artist- you should feel comfortable and welcomed into the shop.  Once you find the right shop, you are ready to get anything your heart desires.