Ahhh… the holidays! A time of snow, Christmas cookies, family, friends, presents, childhood memories, and non-profit organizations. Giving has always been associated with the holidays, but do we volunteer during the holiday season out of love and generosity or guilt?
The only time we think about volunteering outside of November and December is if there are a required number of community service hours for school or if you got caught toilet papering, pumpkin stealing, or are a suspected terrorist and the court system gives you forty hours of community service. Either way, not a lot of teens are used to volunteering out of the goodness of their hearts when there are so many other things keeping us busy, like snowball fights, House marathons on TV, shopping on Amazon.com and daydreaming about singing snowman.
So, why do we tend to volunteer or give money to an organization we’ve never heard of during this season? I would bet on guilt. There are a lot of good-hearted people out there who do volunteer on regular basis because they want to be inducted into sainthood, but the majority of teens are in need of financial assistance themselves so they don’t see the purpose of philanthropy. If we are charity cases, why give to charities?
Maybe I am only speaking for myself here, but I’m guessing that there are some other people out there that also feel guilty for not being as charitable as Oprah. What’s so great about Oprah anyways!? So, she gives a lot of money to poor people. That’s because she has a ton of money. She is literally one of the richest people in the world, and I don’t see her solving world hunger. Oprah is worth 2.7 billion dollars. I am worth about 1, 300 dollars. So what do I have to donate in ordered to be equal to Oprah, since I can’t start a school in Africa. Here is the math: Oprah earns roughly about 275 million dollars a year and she donates about 50.2 millions dollars a year. That is about 18% of her income. OK, that’s kind of a lot, but that’s less than 2% of her net worth. So, since I’m worth 1,300 dollars I could donate 2% of my wealth which is about 26 dollars and be semi-equal to Oprah. That’s doable.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What the world doesn't need now.
A few things the world would be better without...
-Rust. I think it looks cool when things decay, but I feel bad for my car. It's not very old and it has already started to rust. Rust must be the wrinkles in the world of technology and metal, and I don't want any cars to feel less attractive.
-Cookies. I love them, but if I never had one before I would not miss them and I therefore wouldn't eat a dozen a day. Plus that way we could give Santa something like broccoli and then he wouldn't be fat. If Santa were in good physical shape, the reindeer would not have to work so hard because right now its borderline animal abuse.
-Treadmills. What is the point when you can run outside. If you're dedicated enough, you'll go outside. If you're not dedicated, then you won't but you probably have a treadmill/coat rack so what's the difference anyways. I just have a hatred for them, and that weird imbalanced feeling you get when you take your first steps off... ugh.
-High Heels. They do make a woman's butt look good, but what true purpose do they serve? I mean they were created for a man... Girls don't like being very tall anyways, so why do we feel the need to add 5 inches every time we "go out". Ah! what am I saying I love high heels... but my feet would be in better condition if I wore shoes with more support.
-Ear Buds. I miss the gigantic head phones we used to use. They were more comfortable and had better quality sound. Now, I'm too embarrassed to walk around with giant earmuffs. If they were in style I would very much appreciate it. So, lets throw out ear buds and rock the old school head phones.
-Plastic. It kills the environment, and its not like we use it that much anyways....
-Men. Haha, totally kidding. I am no feminist. Both sexes are equally needed.
-Synthesizers. No good music has ever come from that stupid machine. Prove me wrong.
-Nail guns. What's so difficult about pounding in nails by hand. Nail guns have been used too much as accidental weapons. That is a very gross way to die, and it should not have an opportunity to create more victims.
-Mosquitoes. Seriously! What purpose do they serve? Other than spread diseases and being a portion of a spider's diet. I don't really have any info on them, I'm just assuming. But if they do serve some natural purpose I'm sure we can create a man-made alternative so that we don't have to live with mosquito bites anymore. Have you ever seen a cloud, and then looked closer and realized that it was a swarm of mosquitoes? If so, then you understand my hatred.
-Shutters. They no longer serve any purpose on houses. Literally, they have no purpose other than decoration. They are attached to the side of the house! Its just pointless.
-Rust. I think it looks cool when things decay, but I feel bad for my car. It's not very old and it has already started to rust. Rust must be the wrinkles in the world of technology and metal, and I don't want any cars to feel less attractive.
-Cookies. I love them, but if I never had one before I would not miss them and I therefore wouldn't eat a dozen a day. Plus that way we could give Santa something like broccoli and then he wouldn't be fat. If Santa were in good physical shape, the reindeer would not have to work so hard because right now its borderline animal abuse.
-Treadmills. What is the point when you can run outside. If you're dedicated enough, you'll go outside. If you're not dedicated, then you won't but you probably have a treadmill/coat rack so what's the difference anyways. I just have a hatred for them, and that weird imbalanced feeling you get when you take your first steps off... ugh.
-High Heels. They do make a woman's butt look good, but what true purpose do they serve? I mean they were created for a man... Girls don't like being very tall anyways, so why do we feel the need to add 5 inches every time we "go out". Ah! what am I saying I love high heels... but my feet would be in better condition if I wore shoes with more support.
-Ear Buds. I miss the gigantic head phones we used to use. They were more comfortable and had better quality sound. Now, I'm too embarrassed to walk around with giant earmuffs. If they were in style I would very much appreciate it. So, lets throw out ear buds and rock the old school head phones.
-Plastic. It kills the environment, and its not like we use it that much anyways....
-Men. Haha, totally kidding. I am no feminist. Both sexes are equally needed.
-Synthesizers. No good music has ever come from that stupid machine. Prove me wrong.
-Nail guns. What's so difficult about pounding in nails by hand. Nail guns have been used too much as accidental weapons. That is a very gross way to die, and it should not have an opportunity to create more victims.
-Mosquitoes. Seriously! What purpose do they serve? Other than spread diseases and being a portion of a spider's diet. I don't really have any info on them, I'm just assuming. But if they do serve some natural purpose I'm sure we can create a man-made alternative so that we don't have to live with mosquito bites anymore. Have you ever seen a cloud, and then looked closer and realized that it was a swarm of mosquitoes? If so, then you understand my hatred.
-Shutters. They no longer serve any purpose on houses. Literally, they have no purpose other than decoration. They are attached to the side of the house! Its just pointless.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Despite the fact that we betrayed the indians....
I still love Thanksgiving. It's origins may be complete lies, and that peaceful meal may have ended in betrayal but it's the thought that counts, right??
Every year, because of that "meal" between the pilgrims and Indians, families across the nation get together and celebrate all that is good in their lives.
Other reasons why thanksgiving rocks:
-the rolls (put a little butter on those delicious Pillsbury dinner rolls and there is no need to ever eat anything else in your life)
-seeing cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc. that you don't get to see for months at a time
-a day when all you are required to do is eat and sleep, is the all around perfect day
-cheesy potatoes
-Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade
-a lot of really good movies come to theatres
-everyone has a food baby
-no school
-green bean casserole
-a day when you actually remember to be grateful
-stuffing
-black Friday sales
-seven layer salad (if you have never experienced this... you have not lived)
-no work (unless you work at a movie theater or a restaurant)
-another day to be proud to be an American (suck it Canada!)
-mashed potatoes and gravy
-you can feel the love radiating from your family and the turkey
-no ham! just turkey
-this is the perfect day to ask anyone for a favor, because we are all willing to boost our karma
-there are so many more, and I only have so much time
Overall, don't disrespect this beautiful holiday because of it's bleak origins.
Appreciate it for what it is meant to represent: peace and love between all people despite race, gender, nationality, previous feuds, etc.
Embrace it and appreciate all that you have been blessed with.
And you all have something to be thankful for, no matter what terrible things may be going on in your life.
Every year, because of that "meal" between the pilgrims and Indians, families across the nation get together and celebrate all that is good in their lives.
Other reasons why thanksgiving rocks:
-the rolls (put a little butter on those delicious Pillsbury dinner rolls and there is no need to ever eat anything else in your life)
-seeing cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc. that you don't get to see for months at a time
-a day when all you are required to do is eat and sleep, is the all around perfect day
-cheesy potatoes
-Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade
-a lot of really good movies come to theatres
-everyone has a food baby
-no school
-green bean casserole
-a day when you actually remember to be grateful
-stuffing
-black Friday sales
-seven layer salad (if you have never experienced this... you have not lived)
-no work (unless you work at a movie theater or a restaurant)
-another day to be proud to be an American (suck it Canada!)
-mashed potatoes and gravy
-you can feel the love radiating from your family and the turkey
-no ham! just turkey
-this is the perfect day to ask anyone for a favor, because we are all willing to boost our karma
-there are so many more, and I only have so much time
Overall, don't disrespect this beautiful holiday because of it's bleak origins.
Appreciate it for what it is meant to represent: peace and love between all people despite race, gender, nationality, previous feuds, etc.
Embrace it and appreciate all that you have been blessed with.
And you all have something to be thankful for, no matter what terrible things may be going on in your life.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Gender Bonding
So, I was watching I Love You, Man last night. When it got to the part where Sydney is appalled that Peter would ever bring a girl golfing, I asked the guys I was with why that was such a terrible thing. They did the whole, "psh, that's guy time. when we just do guy stuff." At first I was slightly offended but then when I started to think about it, I can see that it is totally understandable.
Males and females are totally different beings. No matter how boyish of a girl you are, or how feminine of a man you are there still are fundamental differences that the other sex just can't understand. It only makes since that these different creatures need to separate every once and awhile, and just let out natural behaviors run rampant.
I still don't agree that males have dubbed golfing, bowling, video games, jamming out, and many other sports as "guy time". Because women can physically golf and may even be good at it. But it is perfectly logical that they would want some male bonding time to gossip and make dirty jokes. Females have the same type of rituals, but they involve more things like alanis morissette, shopping, cosmo, and nail polish.
The whole process has evolved throughout the years. It used to be way more divided, back before that whole women's rights movement. Now at least there are bowling leagues of both sexes and pro golf for women. I wouldn't mind being invited to a round of nine holes with my guy friends, but I don't want the genders to blend too much more. It's nice to be one with your species and just feel totally at peace with your natural habits. I like being boyish and going skateboarding, cracking dirty jokes, video games, etc. but every once in awhile I like to revert back to my natural state: put some high heels on, wear too much eyeliner, listen to shania twain, and dance.
Males and females are totally different beings. No matter how boyish of a girl you are, or how feminine of a man you are there still are fundamental differences that the other sex just can't understand. It only makes since that these different creatures need to separate every once and awhile, and just let out natural behaviors run rampant.
I still don't agree that males have dubbed golfing, bowling, video games, jamming out, and many other sports as "guy time". Because women can physically golf and may even be good at it. But it is perfectly logical that they would want some male bonding time to gossip and make dirty jokes. Females have the same type of rituals, but they involve more things like alanis morissette, shopping, cosmo, and nail polish.
The whole process has evolved throughout the years. It used to be way more divided, back before that whole women's rights movement. Now at least there are bowling leagues of both sexes and pro golf for women. I wouldn't mind being invited to a round of nine holes with my guy friends, but I don't want the genders to blend too much more. It's nice to be one with your species and just feel totally at peace with your natural habits. I like being boyish and going skateboarding, cracking dirty jokes, video games, etc. but every once in awhile I like to revert back to my natural state: put some high heels on, wear too much eyeliner, listen to shania twain, and dance.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hygiene Habits
So, I've been reading the book Choosing Civility for LA105. Other than being extremely redundant and obvious it isn't terrible. Recently I got to the chapter titled "Mind Your Body" which is all about proper basic grooming is essential to being civil and having good manners. I personally think a lot of what the author was calling taboo, shouldn't be anymore.
Our generation has become more improper but in a good way. We don't expect perfection, we seem to understand that we are all humans with natural instincts. I like the way we have progressed. I don't want to go back to a society where "we offend people with our bodies", as the book states.
Some of the suggested hygiene habits are still important like having clean teeth, clean body and fresh breath. I don't expect everyone to have "finger- and toenails in perfect order", and a close shave is not necessary in our society where the scruffy look is totally in. Also it states that all grooming should be done in private. Never pick your teeth, scratch at your nose, stick your finger in your ear, spit, sniffle, chew you fingernails, etc. in public. Psh, I'm going to do what I want when I want. Why does this have to be taboo. We all do it, so why hide it?
Some things like farting and burping, I think are better placed in private. But, if it happens it's not a huge deal. Acceptance is key.
It is better to be clean, odor-free, and unrumpled but if you're not in perfect order, I will not think less of you. And I'm sure your doctor will forgive you if you don't take a second shower before coming in for your appointment, like this lovely novel suggests.
Why do people still insist to keep the bar at perfection? Go ahead and burp in public, I'll love you more because of it.
Our generation has become more improper but in a good way. We don't expect perfection, we seem to understand that we are all humans with natural instincts. I like the way we have progressed. I don't want to go back to a society where "we offend people with our bodies", as the book states.
Some of the suggested hygiene habits are still important like having clean teeth, clean body and fresh breath. I don't expect everyone to have "finger- and toenails in perfect order", and a close shave is not necessary in our society where the scruffy look is totally in. Also it states that all grooming should be done in private. Never pick your teeth, scratch at your nose, stick your finger in your ear, spit, sniffle, chew you fingernails, etc. in public. Psh, I'm going to do what I want when I want. Why does this have to be taboo. We all do it, so why hide it?
Some things like farting and burping, I think are better placed in private. But, if it happens it's not a huge deal. Acceptance is key.
It is better to be clean, odor-free, and unrumpled but if you're not in perfect order, I will not think less of you. And I'm sure your doctor will forgive you if you don't take a second shower before coming in for your appointment, like this lovely novel suggests.
Why do people still insist to keep the bar at perfection? Go ahead and burp in public, I'll love you more because of it.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Perscription Culture
Drugs have always been a part of life. There is no getting rid of them no matter if they are illegal. But that's not what bugs me. I don't care if you like to get high in your free time or deal drugs to ten year-olds. That's your prerogative. What I think can and should be changed in our society is our reliance on medications to fix every ache and pain in our bodies.
Pain is a part of life, bumper sticker rhetoric we can all agree with. People have been dealing with their physical ailments for years and they would become stronger because of it. But in our society if you get a headache you pop enough ibuprofen so that you don't have to feel anything anymore. What's so terrible about a little body ache? Yea, it sucks but you deal with it and it goes away.
The reason I feel I can speak this way is because I've never taken ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol, etc. And I mean never. I believe I have a stronger pain tolerance because of it and when I truly do need to take a pain killer because of severe pain I will not have built up any tolerance to the medication. How convenient!
I'm not saying you never need to take drugs to fix physical ailments. We are an advance society and we should take advantage of the cures we have created through medicine. But, we do not need to to drug up for every pain in our body. Your grandma is tougher than you are. She didn't pop a pill every time her stomach felt queasy or her head pounded. No, they kept on going and fought through it. Grow a pair!
Pain is a part of life, bumper sticker rhetoric we can all agree with. People have been dealing with their physical ailments for years and they would become stronger because of it. But in our society if you get a headache you pop enough ibuprofen so that you don't have to feel anything anymore. What's so terrible about a little body ache? Yea, it sucks but you deal with it and it goes away.
The reason I feel I can speak this way is because I've never taken ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol, etc. And I mean never. I believe I have a stronger pain tolerance because of it and when I truly do need to take a pain killer because of severe pain I will not have built up any tolerance to the medication. How convenient!
I'm not saying you never need to take drugs to fix physical ailments. We are an advance society and we should take advantage of the cures we have created through medicine. But, we do not need to to drug up for every pain in our body. Your grandma is tougher than you are. She didn't pop a pill every time her stomach felt queasy or her head pounded. No, they kept on going and fought through it. Grow a pair!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Book smart vs. Intellectual
When someone is considered smart, that can mean two things. Firstly it could mean: that they excel in school or a certain subject, will get a good degree from a prestigious school, and go on to a professional job. Secondly: they could be a person that picks up information from anything and everything, and has a huge wealth of knowledge. I would like to label these: being book/career smart and being an intellectual.
Everyone, probably, considers one of the "smarts" better than the other, but it varies depending on your goal/path in life. For me, I would prefer to be an intellectual. I would rather be wise and live an average, lower income job and be philosophical at my own times; than spend half of my life in school and compete the rest of my life to remain "smart".
I love knowing random facts about Charles Manson, popcorn and pop culture. And I feel that intelligence derived from culture, living life, philosophy, and libraries is more applicable to life than intelligence gained in a lecture hall. Both are important to living a successful and therefore happy life. So, one really shouldn't be praiseed over the other.
Sadly though, it seems that many people don't deem it necessary to be cultured because their life paths don't require them to know more than what will benefit them professionally. That's no way to live. Spend some time in the library or on the internet acquiring knowledge about the world. Not just your world, but the world that lays outside your classes this semester and the degree you'll receive in a couple years. And you may find that having a larger more cultured intelligence, helps in your studies and profession. Then you'll be able to have interesting conversations with strangers about the parole of Charles Manson.
Everyone, probably, considers one of the "smarts" better than the other, but it varies depending on your goal/path in life. For me, I would prefer to be an intellectual. I would rather be wise and live an average, lower income job and be philosophical at my own times; than spend half of my life in school and compete the rest of my life to remain "smart".
I love knowing random facts about Charles Manson, popcorn and pop culture. And I feel that intelligence derived from culture, living life, philosophy, and libraries is more applicable to life than intelligence gained in a lecture hall. Both are important to living a successful and therefore happy life. So, one really shouldn't be praiseed over the other.
Sadly though, it seems that many people don't deem it necessary to be cultured because their life paths don't require them to know more than what will benefit them professionally. That's no way to live. Spend some time in the library or on the internet acquiring knowledge about the world. Not just your world, but the world that lays outside your classes this semester and the degree you'll receive in a couple years. And you may find that having a larger more cultured intelligence, helps in your studies and profession. Then you'll be able to have interesting conversations with strangers about the parole of Charles Manson.
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