INTERVIEW: Michael Hoang (REVIVE)

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.

The name is Mike. I’m the manager of the store as well as the brains behind our homepage (www.revivemi.com).  I’m also the in-house photographer shooting our products, store images, and daily shots.
 
What is life like up in Michigan, as far as music, fashion, and popular culture?

Life in Michigan is at ease.  Fashion wise, we’re lucky enough to get all 4 seasons so we can dress according to the weather.  Sometimes its not a good look, but its all good.  For music, we’re always growing.  Artists such as Big Sean, Mike Posner, and others also, rep Michigan very well.  Our culture here is very diverse.  We do have a lifestyle here that isnt exposed as much to the public.
 
Tell us a little about Revive and the people involved?

REVIVE is for everybody.  Usually when our customers come to shop, they sit back and chill for a minute because the atmosphere is cool.  Our team is always on the grind.  We work everyday of the week putting the good word out.  We each have our main aspects of what we do, then when it all comes together; its like a piece of art.  Shouts to the Revive Team: Aaron, Ben, Jerm, and 10mile.
 
What kind of brands does Revive carry?

Our brands range from The Hundreds, Mishka, Amongst Friends, Reason, and Rocksmith.  The city we’re located in tends to attract more of the upscale / high-end fashion.  We want to provide those clients as well as we house Generra, Naked & Famous, Blue Life, Heartloom, Black Orchid and Theory.
 
What are some of your favorite brands out right now?

One of my favorite brands is Amongst Friends.  Their quality is on-point.  Every season they produce great merchandise.  They have everyday wear is perfect for anyone.  Their Weekend Duffle bag is a new one for the holiday season which is very sleek.
 
What new upcoming events or releases are you currently working on?

One of our events we just had was our grand opening party sponsered by 944 Magazine.  It was a great turnout as we had a dj on the decks, drinks for all, and a Black Friday Sale.  Many new customers stepped in the store as well as our REVIVE heads.  An upcoming show we’ll be attending is a trunk show.  This is a event that gives brands and stores a chance to showcase some of their newest collections.
 
What would you say are the most difficult aspects or being in your line of work?

Hard work pays off.  When I come to REVIVE, its time to work.  Of course there are harder days, but I overcome it because I know tomorrow is a new day.
 
The fashion and music worlds are often tied together…What music artists out right now are grabbing your attention?

Music artists who grabs the attention to me as of now would be Wale, Chip Tha Ripper, Clipse, Trey Songz, Kanye West, etc.  There’s a lot to list, I’m a huge fan of music.

 

REVIVE

154 W. Maple

Birmingham, MI 48009

(1-248) 731-7849

www.revivemi.com

[Via http://thegoodiebag.wordpress.com]

Interview- "Stephanie"- Reading Specialist (for 12/9/09)

This week’s chosen staff member was “Stephanie”, the school’s reading specialist. Her answers were as follows:

In what ways (if any) have you experienced changes in standards–such as INTASC standards–and how do you see their impact in teaching practices?

Are you aware of the current changes in NJ regarding the “Understanding by Design” model? How do you think it will impact your teaching? What are the ways in which the school is addressing it? (If not, how could they address it?)  In what ways have they been helpful?

What are the challenges every time a new model–with new lesson plans, for instance–is required?

In order to be a teacher in the state of New Jersey, one must be very well-versed in the Core Curriculum Content Standards. Because of the increasing importance of the use of technology in the classroom, and the Internet, one must also think about how he or she can enhance lessons using these valuable teaching tools. It is also important to know that the curriculum has a nice flow. Across the board,  teachers need to understand what it is that the students are expected to learn, and how they are expected to learn it. It should be mapped across districts and grade levels.

The school has been helpful in the use of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). By allowing teachers who would like to work together to meet as a team, they are able to accomplish their goals as a group. By providing professional development, they will help teachers to understand how to implement what they have come up with.

Every time a new model is introduced, professional development should be provided to help the staff members understand the new principles. The teachers must also be given a good amount of time in which to practice these principles, and to find new material for their lessons.

[Via http://kristensstudentteaching.wordpress.com]