tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23079254190957573852024-03-19T06:45:04.257-04:00The Idiosyncrasies of LifeIn an attempt to improve/strengthen my writing, this blog concentrates on cultures, environments, the world and life (as broad as it may seem to be).Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-33232878436404215102011-03-14T11:23:00.010-04:002011-03-24T18:35:02.671-04:00Toilet Paper Orientation: Prefer over or under?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">An anonymous friend sent this link to me a while back with hope that it would spark a new post -- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_paper_orientation">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_paper_orientation</a>. Toilet paper orientation? To anyone else--those who are not, even in the slightest bit, intrigued by little peculiarities that make people tick a certain way--this subject is doomed to failure. To me, the headline not only sparked a smile, but achieved what my friend hoped for: a new post.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What prey tell is toilet paper orientation? Go-to encyclopedia, Wikipedia, says there are only two options available in toilet paper orientation when using a toilet roll holder with a horizontal axis: the toilet paper may hang <b>over</b> or <b>under</b> the roll. The decision of which supersedes the other is entirely up to the bathroom occupant and his or her personal preference. <i>Bathroom occupant? Why particular to whoever is in the bathroom? </i>Well, advice columnists like Ann Landers write the topic is so controversial, bathroom occupants may change the paper orientation in bathrooms not their own. <i>Who does that?!</i> Admittedly...[face runs parallel to floor]...me. Before releasing any judgement, I never change the toilet paper orientation in public restrooms, only if I'm at a friend's or a family's house. Okay, so it is a little strange. :|</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Want to know more? Here are the facts according to Wiki:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Over</b> reduces the risk of accidently brushing the wall or cabinet with one's knuckles, potentially transferring germs.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Over</b> makes it easier to visually locate and to grasp the loose end.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Over</b> offers hotels, cruise ships, and homeowners with guest bathrooms the option to fold over the last sheet to show that the room has been cleaned.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Over</b> is generally the intended direction of view for the manufacturer's branding, so patterned toilet paper looks better this way.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Under</b> provides a tidier appearance, in that the loose end can be more hidden from view.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Under</b> reduces the risk that a toddler or house pet (cat or dog) will completely unroll the toilet paper when batting at the roll. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Under</b> in a recreational vehicle may reduce unrolling during driving.</span></li></ul><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3dcc2wqQX5b_5JP0oR6TDjoYvNtCPyj32tK6d67nDlRCmG-mFFrwlD-D2DQ4kBrAvTesPe2DRRMlUPNNxNDryzQ6hCu7pZxqwuZtGJfmywsYmwH57R7JnI94AkKMhbkfOZkszHylQ_4/s320/toiletPaperOverUnder1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583955602875181202" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Interesting? Certainly, but it isn't over yet! Therapists and consultants take it one step further by offering theories on character traits for those who purposely chose one orientation over the other. The theories often range from sex, age, socioeconomic status to political philosophy. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The traits according to Wiki:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If you roll <b>over</b>, you like taking charge, crave organization and are likely to over-achieve.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If you roll <b>under</b>, you're laid-back, dependable and see relationships with strong foundations.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If you couldn't care less as long as a roll is actually available to use, you aim to reduce conflict, value flexibility/adaptablility and like putting yourself in new situations. </span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Columnist David Grimes notes the kind of person who prefers the paper to roll over the top is an out-going, free-spending type who gets his or her kicks trying to sneak 11 items through the 10-items-or-less line at the grocery store. On the other hand, he writes the kind of person who prefers the paper to roll from the bottom is a naturally suspicious sort who vacuums his or her house three times a day and believes Jerry Springer is God. The last bit is my favorite. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So, I guess the question of the day is evident. Are you over or under?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-19735182360245234312011-01-08T12:16:00.011-05:002011-01-12T15:44:30.116-05:00Restyled<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">January 7, 2011 marked my one-year anniversary of living in New York City. Several topics circulated throughout my brain that night: accomplishments, defeats, friends, lovers, apartments, cities, etc. I couldn't help but reflect on change. Moreover, how relocating to NYC has changed me. Was it possible for a metropolitan city to dramatically </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">restyle</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> a person in just one year? Dramatically? Most likely not. For me, I'll admit it certainly has. As I celebrated my anniversary with a few close friends and my older sister, Kathrine, I made a mental list of how the city effectively reshaped Samantha Grace McCullough. And this is what I came up with:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1) An above-average walking pace. My out-of-towner friends probably despise walking around the city with me since I (without realizing it) walk roughly five to ten feet ahead of them. Long legs aside, I completely forget about speed until one of my friends yells "Dude!"--resulting in an immediate halt and a dramatically slower pace for at least a few blocks until I resume my usual speed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2) Although not a health nut, I do aim to purchase organic or all-natural foods.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(3) Even more blunt deliveries. After studying abroad in France, my friends commented on a slight change of personality...sharper statements. Now, I'm beginning to believe it's not just the French, but more so metropolitan cities that modify this element of one's personality. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(4) Above all, I will admit the city's crave for fashion has conquered another. My overall fashion sense has undeniably changed since last year. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Without question, a bit of my personality is still visible in the clothes I buy. There are certainly clothing items I avoid and will continue to avoid. I loathe, for example, Uggs. But not Uggs by themselves. Oh no no no. Women who wear leggings with Uggs. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm sorry...and what exactly were you thinking when you put that combination together today??? </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course, I have some dear friends who enjoy this combination and I simply do my best to focus on why I love them--THEIR PERSONALITY. Haha!! KISSES TO YOU ALL!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other examples of unchanged style choices are similar to most women. Sure, models walk down runways wearing six-inch heals, but you won't find me strutting down Broadway or Fifth Ave wearing a pair. For those of you who know me well, you'd know socks aren't a must-have. Even in the winter, if I can avoid them, I will. For a case in point, just hang around my block on weekends and watch me walk to a bakery for bagels and/or coffee wearing thong sandals. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what's changed?? While at uni (university), I was either preppy, sporty or a fusion of both. Nowadays, my style focus has too many adjectives: classy, chic, classy chic, modestly sexy, hippy, preppy and sporty. How did I attain such a plethora of adjectives in my wardrobe?!?!?! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After classifying and categorizing my attire, I couldn't help but think about the rest of NYC residents and how diverse style is in the city. I often get such a kick out of subway rides from Brooklyn to Manhattan just by noticing the style changes. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some mild entertainment for the easily amused.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All this, of course, leads me to a question for my readers: What adjective accurately describes your wardrobe?</span></div></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-7737634958334918352010-12-27T20:06:00.010-05:002011-01-08T12:50:26.351-05:00Snow: Do you love it or hate it?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the way to work this morning, my sister walked by a limousine stuck in snow on the corner of Bergen Street and Flatbush Avenue inBrooklyn. On her way home from work this evening, she passed the limo once again. It--and the people who started clearing the snow out from underneath it this morning--was still there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuQrWzhhui4uOO0j3fNOi6URmy-pcI2k_nZL1vd2nI5sreoE4xV-dyPuCBMv0NWz9fdjyL97_iyA32vHtxwkT0BRTcKmhYaQke-ZBRroU05IcfSiFKVk2uEIFI9EZDgHYau1to_bWHaw/s320/27snow-chameleon-custom13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555564245882537714" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunday night's east-coast blizzard hurt the city, hurt travelers and hurt businesses. The cold, dry, powdery snow made drifting so easy, and left roughly all five boroughs with two feet of snow. Flights cancelled, delayed and passengers slept at Kennedy Airport in Queens.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqkeS6rwVhN6LgFWrrdfD9zz0Et4atgnmOMR7qFic_W-zLkIoFcIx5bfrMyRY7iGWIOQo6VLk77kWD7Jmo-E3CJHDhJth8gq0sud-Pgw6bOs6Zpn1eSVuh1vmlTfhY9tqDhJKNyYqEVs/s320/28snowch_1-custom1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555564248162752930" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This afternoon, I walked outside my apartment on Fifth Avenue and 95 percent of shops closed on account of weather. Mind you, Fifth Ave in Park Slope is one of the busiest streets. What?! Completely astonished, I shook my head and walked back up the two flights of stairs to my apartment and made myself some chai tea. It still amazes me the difference between Michiganders and the rest of the country in winter. We [Michiganders] truly are a special breed. I suppose I could include the rest of the midwest and even Colorado in there somewhere. Surely, if Michigan had major lake-effect snow and whiteouts, businesses would be open the next day. And those that weren't...flogged, mocked until the end of time. In short...declared pansies.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It seems after several years of the city experiencing a storm similar to Sunday night, it would be better prepared. My sister, however, made a valid point: The city experiences an intense blizzard approximately 15 days out of the entire year. Michigan experiences this lovely element of winter six months per year. Economically speaking, it wouldn't make sense for the city to assemble an army of snowplows like those in several cities in Michigan. They are quite pricey--certainly not like renting a limo. But come on!!!! Two feet and one of the most powerful, influential cities in the world completely shuts down. Uuhhh...really?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The week before Christmas, several friends and acquaintances said they wanted a white Christmas. Well, you asked and now you've received my friends. It's quite funny to notice the transition of people wishing for beautiful, flakey snow, then despising the wet, dirty, pain-in-the-ass of it all. Yo New Yorkers, just be thankful you don't have to live with it for half the year!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photos courtesy of Richard Perry of The New York Times. </span></i></div></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-7894197993648551282010-12-07T20:33:00.003-05:002010-12-07T20:57:21.471-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Women are crazy." Sound familiar?</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Deep inside the core of the majority of women around the world, it's even a challenge for them to disagree with this statement--especially after having seen this undesirable behavior in films such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Basic Instinct. Some women go as far as making a joke of it with friends. We hear about female lunatics in daily conversations with family and friends who recount their horrifying break-up stories with either tears and incomprehensible sentences (a.k.a word vomit) or cries of laughter.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I suppose the predominant question of this post stems from the origin of this insanity. How did women acquire this adjective, which is so frequently subsequent the noun??</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For this post, I think it's best to start with one <i>possible </i>explanation...small steps people, small steps.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Taking general relationships into consideration, it seems nowadays a woman is so concerned a man will leave her--ultimately shattering her heart (dramatics intended)--to the point she becomes insecure, emotional...even defensive. Eek!!! At the same time, a man is terrified at the thought of his partner taking a turn for the worst and becomes crazy or clingy--think Eduardo Saverin's girlfriend in The Social Network Movie--he, in turn, becomes distant, ultra sensitive and ultimately...hides in a cave or hunts for the next doe. Sure I might be generalizing a bit in my last sentence for my own amusement, but honestly, for the men who are reading this, have you ever experienced one or all of these behavioral changes at one time in your life? I'm merely curious and there's no judgement on my end if anyone answers yes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">According to some of my female friends (both single and in relationships), many confessed to me their greatest fear is of their boyfriends, husbands or lovers abandoning them or cheating. Although I optimistically await a rebuttal from my readers, after re-reading my post on men, women and relationships, the phrase<i> "the grass is always greener on the other side"</i> springs to mind. Cheating is as frequent as eating these days--pun intended. <i>I think there's a cause and effect in here somewhere. </i>Cause: The world figured out a way to increase sex appeal. Effect: It's easier to be greatly attracted to someone, thus increasing the likelihood of cheating.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>And hey!!! Side note: There's nothing wrong with looking at someone attractive while dating or being married to someone else. After all, aren't we animals, too?? We, however, are animals with very capable minds. Minds capable of self control and I believe it's something we've lost over time. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">With breast and butt implants, hair waxing, hair dying, makeup, push-up bras, tight clothes, low-rise jeans, high heals, and much more, it's a piece of cake for both sexes to appear attractive. It's certainly not like the 1940s or when turtlenecks were a fad and not just a stack of clothes piled up in GAP with a half-off sale poster in front. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Reflecting on the last decade, with all the changes--whether they were for the better or worse--I can't help but ask myself...Did we bring it on ourselves?? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Of course, I do not believe all women are crazy; nor do I think all men are selfish and distant--just using those stereotypes to stir up a little commotion. But honestly, does anyone think these adjectives were commonly associated with these nouns in the 18th century? Or the 1920s? Thoughts?</span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-81330741560367202672010-09-20T19:03:00.019-04:002010-12-02T18:20:32.968-05:00Homeownership: Let's move on shall we?Interspersed among Tea Party cover stories and Jewish holidays, an article on homeownership caught my attention in Time Magazine this month. Click on the link below to read The Case Against Homeownership by Barbara Kiviat.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2013684,00.html">http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2013684,00.html</a><br /><br /></div><div>For centuries, Americans were led to believe owning a home was one more item to be checked off life's list of must-dos. The 3800-word article summarized Geoge H.W. Bush's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp's theory on homeownership as such: "A house with a front lawn and a picket fence wasn't just a nice place to live or a risk-free investment; it was a way to transform a nation." Sure, this philosophy seems a little outdated; it was the 90s -- a decade filled with spandex shorts, Saved By The Bell, the Macarena, American Gladiators, Tamagotchi, Trapper Keepers and What Would Jesus Do wristbands. </div><div><br /></div><div>That was then, and 2010 is now. Yet surprisingly, after roughly two years of battling through an economic downturn, US citizens continue to aim (and struggle) to check off the not-so-small box on life's little list. Star Korajkic, a recent homeowner mentioned in the Time article, moved from an apartment in Burlington, Vermont, to a home in "a modest Cape Cod." Korajkic's husband works 11-hour shifts as a truck driver and Star works two jobs in order to pay their mortgage. According to Star, the sacrifice is worth it. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I ask you...is it really worth it? Would you rather rent a more affordable, smaller, yet comfortable apartment with one career in hand than own a home and work two jobs to break even?? Do homeowners work so much they barely have time to enjoy what they've built for themselves?? </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />This year, Fannie Mae conducted a survey on homeownership. The following are the two top reasons why people chose to own a home. </span></span></span></span></div><div>1.) "It means having a good place to raise children."</div><div>2.) "You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe." </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Really?? How can I put this delicately? What a crock!</i> Who took this survey? Religious traditionalists living in the suburbs? Are New Yorkers lacking physical structure and living in an unsafe environment? <i>Let's keep the cute comments down to a minimum, please. </i>I think writer Barbara Kiviat wrote it best, homeownership is "deeply imbedded in the national pyche." Almost as if anything less than it is classified as unsatisfactory.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Now, I know what you're thinking. <i>She is young. She has no family (no husband or kids). There's no need for her to have (or want) more space. </i>All this is very true; and clearly, I should provide a deeper look into Samantha McCullough before continuing on: (1) I love to travel; (2) I love to travel, so I move often; (3) I am committed to exploring the world's many cultures, yet I am not committed to one place; and (4) my parents built -- with their bare hands -- their dream house and divorced shortly after leaving their home to Mr. Joe Sixpack. To be frank, all that time, energy and dedication...completely out of the fucking window. Admittedly, I might still be slightly bitter about it considering my very own sweat and blood went into constructing this beautiful home that now belongs to Mr. Joe Sixpack. Nonetheless, based off of these four facts about me, surely enough, the formation of my opinion on homeownership should be clearer. Phew, now since that's out of the way...let's get back on track. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Explain to me the difference between these two photos.<br /><br /><div> </div>Photo A.<br /><div> </div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuzJNUaVKWJ7bHG16jAdetnjiOlJNDnZku0q5KQrgSekpb1aolcfRrjkMGLEUsAm0r90ADKcH7YkSaQoGG45rD2ndz_e3sYT1XEi2MzOpWc3xwAaQnhtu_PVR6lXCyxqXxbSmX7Q60HQ/s1600/FHTG.A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuzJNUaVKWJ7bHG16jAdetnjiOlJNDnZku0q5KQrgSekpb1aolcfRrjkMGLEUsAm0r90ADKcH7YkSaQoGG45rD2ndz_e3sYT1XEi2MzOpWc3xwAaQnhtu_PVR6lXCyxqXxbSmX7Q60HQ/s320/FHTG.A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519187196350703330" border="0" /></a></div> </div><div>Photo B.<br /><div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlN4kdLNvK37shjwTDH5uuWVmzsSsyK3h2AoLdcZ8R5IMLcjC0YicIgN5ofEUwBhiGzehenZnZWJhwOr79wg6m6Aqpse4hjufFcJIuadIyOfHCycUweezFoSYzHHj9KNe4EQPvsHFnc0/s1600/122809889_4329e66dd4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlN4kdLNvK37shjwTDH5uuWVmzsSsyK3h2AoLdcZ8R5IMLcjC0YicIgN5ofEUwBhiGzehenZnZWJhwOr79wg6m6Aqpse4hjufFcJIuadIyOfHCycUweezFoSYzHHj9KNe4EQPvsHFnc0/s320/122809889_4329e66dd4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519188005045333858" border="0" /></a></div> </div><br />Owning a home. "It means having a good place to raise children" and "you have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe."<br /><br />Which photo makes you feel more safe? Any difference? Since both images are of homes, are both good places to raise children? Or does one supersede the other? Like dropping a pin in Google maps, drop the house in Photo A near Park Slope, Brooklyn around the time of its latest memorable storm. Do you still feel safe?<br /><br />Imagine if you lived in a beautiful 1600-square-foot apartment in a safe neighborhood in San Francisco, Boston or New York. Would you want to raise your children there? Or would you still prefer the house in Photo A?<br /><br /><span>I think you get my point.</span><br /><br />Homeownership is over. Quality of life is key.<br /><br />Ever hear of Levittown?? Check out this website:<br /><a href="http://tigger.uic.edu/%7Epbhales/Levittown.html">http://tigger.uic.edu/~pbhales/Levittown.html</a><br /><br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-34667615424089595342010-06-19T11:07:00.023-04:002010-07-07T15:08:57.827-04:00Men, Women & Relationships<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fifty-plus years ago, there was significantly more continuity in regards to relationships between men and women. In other words, traditional ideals held a specific criteria for the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">right relationship: </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A man marries a woman; they buy a white house with a stunning white, picket fence in suburbia subsequent the marriage ceremony and honeymoon; woman births two children (although at that time, it was more likely five or six children); and every other stereotype we [the American society] has seen depicted through the film industry in the last 20 years (e.g. Mona Lisa Smile).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, pull yourself out of conservatism and conformity and glance at a calendar. My how the tables have turned. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The year is 2010 - the Digital Age, the Age of the iPhone, and the Age of Social Networks - and not just obtaining, but maintaining a relationship is harder than ever. In short, as times have changed, so have traditional ideals. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wow, really?! Okay Captain Obvious. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Although such a statement is quite evident, my purpose is to convey a disheartening truth: Long-lasting relationships are a rarity in not only the western hemisphere, but worldwide. Such truth prompts a certain well-known proverb, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FF33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the grass is always greener on the other side</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, which has reached its peak. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Examples??</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let's consider geography for a wee bit. New Yorkers tired of city life, for instance, dream of relocating to California where the sun is visible and stars are born. In contrast, Californians who have overused Coppertone or they are simply sick of Schwarzenegger, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vineyards, Hollywood and mudslides, vacation to the Big Apple for their dose of Sex and the City.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How do relationships intertwine with this proverb? Nowadays, it seems as though divorces are trendier than marriages. Why? Perhaps men and women are relying on mere physical attraction as reason enough to commence a relationship and once the truth is out - clashing personalities, contrasting religious backgrounds, and/or difference in social status - it's time to cut and run. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Has our society really become that shallow? Or is it something else?</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i>With social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc), medical advancements and technology as a whole, have we put ourselves out there too much? In my opinion, a social media profile is a watercolor of one's personality. From a distance, the painting is beautiful, smooth and clear; but up close, it's hard to see the truth of what is really there. Furthermore, profile pictures are updated to ensure the image adequately portrays the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">right</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> personality or character. And even then...through technology (e.g. Photoshop), one is able to alter physical features to create a more appealing image of oneself. Thus, our perception of beauty is somewhat clouded. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's a clip for readers who haven't yet seen "real beauty" in this century. Click on the link below to view this YouTube clip titled Dove Evolution Commercial.</span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After viewing the video and skimming through your friends profiles, I ask you...Did society have it right fifty-plus years ago? Was the grass as green as it could be because the truth was evident - no social media, technological or medical advancement to tell them otherwise? Or am I wrong and our present society has it right after all?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, similar to the Men, Women & Hair entry I posted a few months ago, the following is a list of questions regarding relationships - which don't particularly pertain to this post. Answers to these questions may turn this entry into a series and most questions can be answered by men and women. Additionally, these questions were created with help from friends and family members. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Please indulge me with your responses! To answer, comment below or feel free to send an email. Thank you.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(1) How can we maintain the excitement in relationships today?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(2) What scares you the most about a serious relationship?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(2) What turns you off most about women? What turns you off most about men?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(3) When does the "Oh shit, this is getting serious" moment generally arise in your relationships? Chandler Bing, anyone?!! Have you ever experienced such a moment and how did you handle it?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(4) How often do you change your mind about the women you date? (For instance, the transitions from liking to disliking and back to liking a woman.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(5) If you know the woman or man you are dating isn't someone you would be with long term, how long do you let the relationship last?? Several weeks? Couple of months? Until you've found that something </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FF33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">greener</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(6) How long does it take for you to be attracted to not only a woman's (or man's) physical characteristics, but other appealing attributes (e.g. intelligence, life goals, sense of humor, inner strength, etc)?</span></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-8074155395498355032010-04-10T14:06:00.028-04:002010-06-19T10:45:25.999-04:00Names<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Names have this unique ability of stiring up eye-narrowing conversations amongst women, men, boys, girls, educationalists and comedians. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mothers and fathers, for instance, spend hours prior to the arrival of their child's (or children's) birth scanning through the hippest baby name book, such as Beyond Ava & Aiden. Inevitably, some parents bestow the worst names imaginable for their child who then endures years of name-calling throughout their early education and even more years of therapy well after. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A little later in life, women tend to change their last names once married; or if their spouse's last name is utterly ridiculous (i.e. Butcus), it's thus forgotten or slipped at the end with a hyphen placed before it to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">clearly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> separate the two names. Whether it's a feminist who refuses to relinquish her father's name - her name - or the compromiser who agrees to adopt her spouse's name, names are generally a tricky business.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Looking at names culturally, the Bali society uses four names, and four names alone. The first born is Wayan (or Yan, for short); second is Made; third is Nyoman or Komang; and fourth is Ketut (or Tut). If the first born is Wayan, and there is a fifth child, he or she is then called Wayan Balik - that is, Wayan "again." The Balinese naming system stems from its caste system. According to Wikipedia - best, free encyclopedia ever (ha) - it's not the rigid caste system that exists in India, but rather an informal constitution bearing four different social structures. A system developed during the Medieval era, which consists of four distinct groups - the priests are Brahmana, the rulers are Ksatria, army members are Wesya and the rest (farmers and workers) are Sudra. Today, the caste system is merely symbolic. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You see, fascinating stuff!</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Why else do people change their names?</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Millions of people around the world change names to increase identity protection and security. Or even more popular, people change names for careers- actors, actresses (Meg Ryan - Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra), singers and song writers, politicians (Nelson Mandela - Rolihlahla Mandela), and even journalists. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Again, fairly interesting. Moving on...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Legal name-changing aside, through time, names have evolved. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Naturally. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Parents were either urged to be more creative; they were bored with the same-old, same-old (i.e. John or Jane); or they wished their child to be so unique and original, they picked even the most unlikely of names (Apple, Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter and Moses, her son). Gwyneth - you're great, but come on!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I think George Carlin said it best in one of his comedic performances called Goofy Boys Names. I couldn't articulate it any better, George. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Please click on the link below to watch the clip.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8CrY_ZfFk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8CrY_ZfFk </a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When did Nicky, Vinny and Tony turn into Todd, Kyle and Tucker??? William or Gilbert? Jane or Ocean? Samantha or Hopper (Sean Penn's kid)? </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After skimming down the list of '50 craziest celebrity baby names,' I couldn't help but wonder, is there an elite contest for the celebrity baby with the craziest name? Elite? Maybe not. But indeed, there are contests. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Contest+for+craziest+names&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Contest+for+craziest+names&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'd like to conclude this post with another prime example of my curious mind. Many people, myself included, have tied past/current relationships with friends, lovers and family members who share similar names.<i> Huh?!</i> Females named Brittney, for instance, rarely work well with me. Of course, there are exceptions (Miss Moody!), but the truth of the matter is, in my 23 years, five Brittneys have turned into some of my greatest enemies. Thus, I </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">try</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to avoid them by all means necessary. The name Chris (or Christopher) is another. The beholder of this name is labeled the Attractor - always grabs my attention. There have been five of those as well. Jeffs are the fun, crazy adventurers. Katies or Kathrines are the good girls or good friends. Surely there are more, however, I'd like to know yours!!! Please indulge me with your list and I hope you've enjoyed this topic of day.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-42589195467104111872010-03-22T17:59:00.035-04:002014-11-17T16:50:51.160-05:00Waking Up<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aside from pulling all-nighters and fun, long evenings with friends and family, generally, I am a morning person. Sleeping until noon lasted until the conclusion of my freshman year of college and naps, well naps have only been a necessity since I began serving breakfast at The Brasserie in Manhattan. Although this explanation is a tad cliche, mornings are a<i> fresh start</i> - no baggage from the previous day and if there is any, it's then carefully analyzed with a clear head OR chucked in the bin. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nowadays, it bewilders me that I actually look forward to my morning routines before work. Admittedly, at 4:30AM, my early-morning activities are somewhat redundant - shower, iron uniform (if needed), eat yogurt with dried cranberries and honey, and wait for my hair to dry. However, the commute to work is where the fun lies and thus, my bewilderment. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I walk the streets of New York, I become engrossed in the city as it wakes up and prepares itself for the day ahead. It's 5:15AM and I am headed out the door. The first few blocks in Park Slope, near Prospect Park, are rather quiet - allowing me just enough time to scroll down my iTunes recently played list and select the song of the morning. Today, it's Elysium (or Now We Are Free from Gladiator) - a personal favorite. I like peace in the morning. In just five minutes, I reach Flatbush Avenue - where life is indubitably more evident than Union Street. I'll often catch a glance of florists, for instance, as they clip the ends off of every flower's stem; doctors with lattes; construction workers on their latest sidewalk assignment; and also, servers, accountants, nurses, teachers and media personnel all marching to their closest metro station like zombies in Hollywood's latest thriller - or perhaps that's just me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The metro ride to the city prior to 6AM is one of my favorite moments. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> EVERYONE SLEEPS! And if they're not sleeping, each person is double-fisting with a double espresso and a soy latte. It's noiseless - no hearing impaired teenagers listening to the latest Jay-Z hit on full blast - and depending on the train, the cars are significantly less crowded than in the afternoon. The best seats in each railroad car are those on either side of the metro doors. Although meant for protection, the guardrails are a passenger's best friend equipped with a metal shoulder to lean on so early in the morning, or even after a long night of drinking. New Yorkers, be honest! Of course, its level of comfortability isn't equivalent to a down pillow; however, at 6:02AM...who really cares?!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Exiting the F train at 57th Street is another one of my favorite morning routines. It all begins with the climb up the steps to 57th street as a gust of steam releases through the road vents; city workers hosing down sidewalks, removing any remnants of the day before; and the shoe polishing boutique with seats already occupied by three, Park Avenue businessmen. Sure, it may be slightly bizarre to look forward to and anticipate these morning rituals. I admit it's a bit strange. All I can say is<i>...</i>to each his own. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But let's think about this...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Each of you have your own wake-up call filled with a single emotion or a plethora of different emotions (i.e. exhausted, content, thrilled, stressed, ecstatic, nervous, loved). It's endless. Exhausted, due to a late-night rendezvous with your friends or a work deadline. Loved, because of the person sleeping beside you whose arm is wrapped around your body protecting you from any harm. And ecstatic, because it's the first day at your new job after college. With the economy, jobless market and increased number of failed relationships, I wonder if more mornings are filled with positive or negative emotions; and furthermore, if </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fresh starts</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> truly exist with each new day. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For today...I'll remain positive and trust in <i>my</i> <i>fresh starts</i>. </span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-82687566850653452422010-02-14T21:13:00.011-05:002010-06-18T20:29:34.100-04:00Bikram Yoga<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After enduring a 90-minute sweatfest in a Bikram yoga class on Valentine's Day, I had only one question as I walked out of the studio: Are people crazy??!?</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">According to Wikipedia, Bikram yoga incorporates a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The key element, however, is the studio - a room heated to 105 degrees Farenheit with 40 percent humidity. Furthermore, the premise of Bikram yoga is the enhancement of general wellness and Bikram Choudhury (founder) claims the heated studio enables deeper stretching, stress and tension relief and injury prevention. Moreover, it claims to restore health to every muscle, joint and organ of the body. Seems worthwhile, right?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Generally, I aim to try everything at least once - food, exercises, activities, learning foreign languages, etc - and now I can say (to all Bikram yoga goers), "I went, I tried and I am done." Perhaps it's my northern Michigan blood, but I have never been one for extreme heat. I don't wear boots in the winter (in fact, I occasionally wear flip flops); and I got my first winter jacket just three years ago. In short, I love the cold. Additionally, to my friends and family, if you move to the south, it might be a while before I see you again. ;) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With all this in mind, once my sister opened the studio's door and following close behind her as she walked into the room, I quickly felt an unexpected heat wave. Undoubtedly with an unforgettable expression, I said to myself, "What the...!" Of course, in my 23 years, I have certainly spent more or less 20 minutes in a sauna once in a while; however, this was not merely sitting in a sauna. It was 90 minutes of intensive yoga postures WHILE IN A SAUNA. Um, thank you for the free session, but pilates in a 60-degree room has become most desirable. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Naturally, I do urge others to at least try Bikram yoga. It doesn't hurt and it is physically stimulating. Just bring an extra towel and be prepared to sweat.</span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-37539222809135932802010-01-24T22:04:00.012-05:002010-06-20T18:54:51.100-04:00Men, Women & Hair<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A seemingly silly question this evening, sparked a greater level of curiosity than I ever anticipated. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The question: Are men more intimidated by women with long hair than women with short hair?</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The story: A woman (who is also my roommate) has been peer-pressured to alter her look - a shorter hairstyle. Her insistent male friend claimed women with long hair are more intimidating than women with short hair, and that quite possibly, she may acquire more phone numbers from interested males if she was less intimidating. He might have been joking, but the idea caused both of us to narrow our eyes and ponder. <i>Really?</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Obviously, this concept intrigued me. Thus, I quickly cruised online and signed onto Facebook to see whether or not my male friends had a similar sentiment. I spoke with four friends (well, actually five, but that's another story) and all seemed to have a few similarities.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. In general, men tend to be more attracted to women with longer hair - the ability to run their fingers through hair is appealing, perhaps even seductive. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. If a man was, in fact, intimidated by a woman with longer hair, he has bigger issues to worry about. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Certain hairstyles work better with certain people (i.e. shorter women with short hair and taller women with long hair) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. Men are more likely to be intimidated by women who are taller, more intelligent and funnier, which I already knew. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As each conversation progressed, I became more and more curious and fascinated at the thought of something as simple as hair length affecting a man's interest/appeal. Ergo, I have created a list of my own questions; and for fun, a little poll. See above!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(These questions are for men only, thank you.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. What attracts you to a woman?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. What characteristics or features of a woman do you find intimidating?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Hypothetical question: You walk into a bar and glance around the room. Do you tend to notice the blondes or the brunettes first? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. Is it difficult for you to walk up to a woman in a bar and engage in a conversation? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5. If it is difficult to meet someone at a bar, why go? <i>Hope</i> of finding love? Fun flirtation? Fascinating conversations?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Of course, women generally have their own thoughts of men and hair. Again...all are merely generalizations.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Tall, DARK and handsome - ring a bell?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. Scruffy beards, not Santa Clause. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Clean cut. Doesn't mean avoid shaggy hair, just controlled - which tends to be true for men and women.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. Sure, baseball caps are fun, but let's not make it a daily addition to each outfit. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Keep in mind, all this is light and fun - just looking for some insight from the opposite sex. Cheers!</span></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-49266333696137158322010-01-16T17:55:00.004-05:002010-01-16T18:56:35.780-05:00The Big Apple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's been a little over a week since I moved to Brooklyn. Every morning I wake up from my eight-hour sleep and it feels as though I am waking up in any other place I've lived in before, if that makes any sense. It's not until I walk down the three flights of stairs, pass through two doors, place my earbuds into my ears, take a deep breath and gaze at Park Slope's scenery that I realize...I am living in New York City. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The quick, two-block route to the metro is plenty of time to listen to at least two great songs or one rather long song, a Beethoven classic for instance. Yes, I do still like the classics. My latest is the Cello Suite No. 1, which is probably most memorable from the poorly-directed film, The Soloist. For me, cellos are like bagpipes. Please don't be to quick to judge yet. I consider both bagpipes and cellos to be particularly difficult to play; thus, it takes incredibly talented musicians to surpass such a challenge. Once surpassed, it's hard for the audience to avoid such a magnificent sound - all the reason why I've listened to Cello Suite No. 1 at least ten times in the last two days. Huh...I may be obsessed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyways...I tend to get overly excited when it comes to instrumental music. Case in point I suppose.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Back to NYC. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Obama's motto for the presidential elections was change. Well, as I wait for the Q or R train to arrive in the metro, I tend to gander from side to side, looking at the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">real</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> New Yorkers - those who have lived in the city longer than a week. Based off of the 30 seconds it takes me to look at those nearest and farthest from me, some things </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">never</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> change. Black is still New Yorkers' preference of color and fashion sense...well, let's say it never ceases to amaze me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One aspect I love most about the city is its unpredictability; whether it's the unique passengers aboard the metro trains with dual personalities (ask and I'll explain) or whether it's the latest fashion trend - which hasn't yet hit the wee cities in Michigan. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Undoubtedly, I still have a lot to learn about this culturally diverse city; however, there is one thing I already know...I love it here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Note to readers: writing more often is on my agenda, so please stay tuned for my future excursions and unexpected events in the Big Apple.</span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-29832652459782848502009-12-30T17:55:00.000-05:002009-12-30T17:56:14.519-05:00University Graduate - It's Surreal<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The conclusion of such a long, intense chapter of one’s life is scarier than the surrealism of it all. For students fortunate enough to finish their undergraduate programs in less than four years, the surrealism of graduating from a university may not have the same magnitude as perhaps the “professional students” – those who spend a vast majority of their young adult lives working on their university degrees.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After over five years of higher education, the surrealism of graduating from Central Michigan University was overwhelming. I was consumed with thoughts of forgetting to register for a course, not passing a course (e.g. Geology), or the fear of the university adding yet another degree requirement to my Bachelor of Arts degree. Fortunately, at just over 11a.m. on Friday, Dec 10, the fat lady began singing! I had finished my final university exam; better yet, I finished my last geology exam. A sigh of relief came upon me once I flipped my exam over on top of several already completed exams. As I walked down the three flights of stairs in Brooks Hall it dawned on me: I definitely passed that exam; I definitely passed that course; holy crap, I am definitely graduating!! I was psyched, so psyched in fact that I said all of it aloud.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The less than half a mile walk back to my house in Mount Pleasant was so blissful. I could have slipped on the ice beneath my flats and still would have been more than ecstatic. And all of this is merely the result of ending such a long journey. On dirait, c’etait incroyable. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Two weeks later – after packing up my entire room in less than a day, after attending the graduation ceremony, and after flying to Florida for some RnR– I still find myself smothered with this surrealism of finally attaining a B.A. from CMU. It’s not that I took longer than any other student, or that I wasn’t a good student – far from it in fact. It all depends on the degree. Our parents and grandparents tend to forget when they graduated from college, academic requirements and options weren’t nearly as in depth as they are today. Study abroad, for instance, has grown tremendously in the last few years – a cultural opportunity for curious, adventurous students. More and more students crave it, and more and more employers demand it. Sure, it may add a few months or even a year to one’s academic career, but the possibilities it may bring to one’s career in the real world are endless. Or so they say. I’ll remain a believer even if it takes me longer than a year to find my place in the workforce. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thinking back on my undergraduate experience, I would take NOTHING back – not the people I met, not the experiences I had, nor the time it took me to complete it. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What’s next? Well, I have a flight to catch on Jan. 7 to New York City. Hopefully, the knowledge I’ve gained from over five years of studying at a university and my experiences abroad will help me land a job in the big city. Please keep me in your thoughts – it’s a rough market out there. Happy New Year! 2010…whoa. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-67784808449221988452009-11-05T10:48:00.006-05:002009-11-17T09:30:53.367-05:00Cellular Phones<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Five years ago, a certain pattern existed with our technological advancements. Our gadgets (i.e. cell phones, laptops, desktop computers, MP3 players and iPods) decreased dramatically in size. Remember when the Motorola Razor first launched? It was incredible - so small and lightweight. The perfect practical phone, of course, until its owner dropped the slim, fragile Razor on the floor, thus shattering it into several pieces. (I have seen this, it is true.) There is also the iPod shuffle - the size of an eraser. So small!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Today, I glanced around a lecture room in Moore Hall at fellow students and I noticed a world obsessed with technology: two-handed texting; web surfing on an iTouch, i Phone, Blackberry, T- Mobile, etc; and 17" Dell and 15" Mac laptops resting on laps. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two revelations became of this rather short gander around the classroom. First, our world has become intertwined with the world of technology. How many times per day does the average person check his or her email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc? For students: In class, is your cell phone on a classroom desk visible to the professor? How many times do you check your phone in class? Thinking back to my high school days, I do not remember feeling a loss of self without a cell phone. When did such a gadget become so vital to our lives? Is it more important than sight? A couple of classmates I have met over the years would forget their glasses or contacts, but remember their phones. Huh? Furthermore, those who text tend to completely ignore road safety laws. Exhibit A: I was walking behind a college student who was listening to music (with earbuds) and texting. Sounds relatively normal, right? Well, this "educated"college student continued to text, without lifting his head to check for a clear crosswalk, and almost got hit by a car. Niiiiice. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the Aussies like to say, well done mate.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Admittedly, I too, am a victim of this obsession. Fortunately, I do have some self control. My cellphone is not attached to my hip and I can go a few days without checking my email or Facebook (except during school, because it would be inexcusably unintelligent to ignore my uni's email account).</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGfmXVEN3mwx110EkIOiBFosHETlxTodki0SR9UiQs8Wyb3PsVfw0gqow5l7VRUQM1LiSOtAzkTfn8Ih7lUw9N36LYj2kHtXXwq9cZRPNvyD-ad37owaxdTTVwDXFPJRMtYAg0YOISY0/s320/newIpods.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400723423524841490" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The second revelation was the incredible size of cell phones nowadays. Wow. Our wee gadgets are not so small anymore. Think about it, an iTouch (a device I love oh so dearly</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) is equivalent to a 3x5 index card. Since texting has become more popular than talking on the phone, Samsung Rogue, equipped with a keyboard (accessible only by sliding the top half of the phone), has a width of 1-1.5 inches. The pockets of most skinny jeans would not be able to contain such a device. Just massive.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Undoubtedly, I think I will stick to the simple phones - my iTouch and MacBook Pro balance out my tech-savy-o-meter so it works out just fine. Flip phones have a special place in my heart , an unbreakable bond.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I would like to conclude this post with a few words of wisdom for which all states and countries should take to heart:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As a future New Yorker, texting, better yet cell phones altogether, should be prohibited while driving. Pull over the car if it is an emergency - as simple as pie. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>As my sister (a New Yorker), Kathrine, says: "Follow the words of the wise my little grasshoppers."</div><div><br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-29438875061934666892009-08-25T11:57:00.004-04:002009-08-26T11:16:35.321-04:00My Last, First Day of ClassesIt is noon and the delicious, mouth-watering aroma of a grande carmel cafe is beside my beautiful MacBook Pro and it just hit me - MY LAST, FIRST DAY OF CLASSES!<div><br /></div><div>I remember last spring when 80 percent of my household was so joyful at the thought of nearing the end of undergraduate school. Aside from mere jealousy, it was a small reminder that I still had another semester before I could join this wee celebration. Alas, my time has come! It's almost surreal, but I think the surreality will fade quickly and utter excitement will take its place. Who would not be enthusiastic about finishing a five and a half year degree?</div><div><br /></div><div>It is quite funny the first day of class remains the same from semester to semester: professors do a quick (or slow) run-through of their syllabus, underclassmen appear a bit too dolled-up for class (It is my understanding that we are not enrolled at New York's Fashion Institute), campus bookstores are chaotic and upperclassmen sit impatiently on uncomfortable classroom chairs wondering why on earth they were required to register for Geology 101: Prehistoric Life - blogger's current thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>For upperclassmen, the first week is not just redundant - buy books, go through syllabi, pay tuition, etc - but it is an opportunity for them to be leaders. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend, for example, I was walking home from work and a fellow student stopped me and asked, "Do you know where the Towers are located?" Why of course, just walk south on Washington Street and they are on the right. After the brief encounter, I continued on my path to my house with a high sense of seniority. Additionally, on Monday, I was headed to Kaya, a coffee shop, for French Conversation Hour and a woman leaned out of the window of her Jeep Cherokee and yelled, "Do you know where AnspaCH is?!" Unfortunately I did not have time to take out my headphones and respond, but the 'ch' pronunciation was clear as day and it just killed me. For those of you who are not in-the-know, the 'ch' is silent. Oh newbees...</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-31744784085854991742009-08-14T18:52:00.020-04:002010-10-12T20:04:39.529-04:00Selective Eating<span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love food. Plain and simple. Growing up, food was solely a necessity. There wasn't that passion to explore the various cuisines in the world. Basically, if I wanted to still be alive the following week, it was a good idea to chow down on my mom's goulash. Although, has anyone ever had goulash? I'd be lying if I said it was my favorite and the name kind of throws me as well. Goulash just doesn't seem to have that "mmmm" ring to it. Overall, my mom's culinary skills are more than adequate; I just happened to remember one of my least favorite meals she made once a month. When it comes to cooking, mothers do have it rough. They not only try to please their own taste buds, but those of their husbands, their sons and their daughters. Just imagine fulfilling the needs of six people. Ah?! So a wee toast to mothers!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />As I think back to my childhood, I recall being quite selective of most foods. At local restaurants, for example, I always ordered the greasy chicken fingers and salty French fries. You know the type, right? For the most part, my mom stuck to the basics: no peas, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, bizarre fish concoctions, split-pea soup and surely I am forgetting others.<br /><br />Oddly enough, after puberty, I was no longer a vexatious eater. In fact, aside from the repulsing fungi known as mushrooms, I will eat or at least try everything. If any of you are curious about my utter disgust for mushrooms, I provide you with a wee example: my mom would </span></span><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">sauté</span></strong></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> mushrooms in a separate pan so they wouldn't mix with the spaghetti sauce. Do keep in mind that all of my family members thoroughly enjoy mushrooms. Pretty terrific mom, eh?<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />Pssh, this blogger is full of it! She won't try everything. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br />Isn't that what all of you are thinking?<br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well, such a statement might not have been true two years ago when I was in France. My friend, Brandon Moblo, will back me up on this one for it was his host parents who invited me over for dinner one evening. What was on the menu? Cow tongue my friends, cow tongue. Both Brandon and I remember my slight burst of laughter along with a respectful decline. To be fair, there were several other foreign cuisines I did try while in France. It just so happened live prawns (with heads and all) and cow tongue didn't make the cut. Tant pis (too bad).<br /><br />In China, however, everything made the cut: cow tongue, sashimi, whole fish (that is an entire fish plopped on a plate), fish eggs, shrimp (with the heads and all), weird ice cream, lamb, sweet milk tea with jelly, fried beef with mayo (interesting), pumpkin pancakes, the spiciest beef in Beijing, Tsing Dao (beer), Bai Jiu (white alcohol, delicacy), fried noodles, fried bananas, egg tart, banana pancake, slightly raw beef and chicken, octopus, Beijing duck, etc. Hungry? Everything I listed was delicious, with maybe one or two exceptions. In my opinion, there is no harm in trying something once. In some cultures, it is considered rude to refuse any food from a host, friends, you name it. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With that in mind, it seems simpler to</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">just try it, enjoy it or suffer through it, and then just laugh about it with friends and family later.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> At the same time, if food poisoning does arise from adventurous tastings, permission is granted to those who wish to seek justice. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Um...that traditional Mexican flan dessert you had me try the other night...yeah, I was bloated the rest of the night. Do I get some sort of compensation for the pain you subjected me to?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> At the same time, this kind of method is merely a one-timer. You might loose friends and loved ones if this becomes a repeated episode of justice seeking.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />In short, I hope this post has encouraged selective eaters worldwide to try something new. It doesn't have to be cow tongue or octopus, but something that was once feared and left on the back-burner. Oh, and just to be clear...I will NEVER enjoy mushrooms. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Many</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> have tried to make me get over my distaste for such a fungi and </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">all</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> have failed. Admittedly, there are certain vegetables, fruits, grains and dairies people </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">can</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> just live without. Although at least I've tried mushrooms. Have you tried something you dislike? Think about it.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dZaviJMpzIpoRgIFEyUwklmBaYgl_uHLxbUaU6pZaJx5R1ktNI1dPW3ok4wFCLLBuJuh5OUbpgGBWXhYhB5eMta-JD_SGRNSJHSRr1ZG9U-fv5rvNl0VioIwXv4wuKUzl4_X-2ZJDSE/s1600-h/IMG_3451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dZaviJMpzIpoRgIFEyUwklmBaYgl_uHLxbUaU6pZaJx5R1ktNI1dPW3ok4wFCLLBuJuh5OUbpgGBWXhYhB5eMta-JD_SGRNSJHSRr1ZG9U-fv5rvNl0VioIwXv4wuKUzl4_X-2ZJDSE/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370372424388491106" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The image above is fried dumplings - a shanghainese delicacy. The trick with these is to take a small bite and sip the soup out from the inside of the dumpling and then dip the dumpling in a spicy sauce or eat it plain. Delicious, inexpensive and filling - excellent combination.<br /></span><br /></span></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-31680527486123241612009-08-11T13:31:00.017-04:002010-06-19T08:54:00.488-04:00Obesity in America<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">According to the American Obesity Association, obesity is a disease that has affected nearly </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">one-third</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> of the adult US-population. Furthermore, roughly </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">64.5 percent</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> of adults in America are classified as overweight or obese. Quite alarming figures, n'est pas? </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Traveling to multiple countries has a tremendous impact on the lives of curious explorers - for which most world travelers can vouch. In addition to discovering unique cultures, this hobby can occasionally generate a sense of patriotism to even the most unmotivated American. Before living in France, my involvement in politics (or American patriotism) was rather limited, with the exception of my electoral vote in the '04 Presidential Election. As a democrat, a liberal and an anti-Bush Jr. activist, it was easy as pie to criticize the American Government while in France. Yet, at the same time, I felt an overwhelming sense of duty to persuade my foreign friends that America, in fact, isn't such as bad place. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not all Americans</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">have a personality equivalent to that of Mr. Bush; </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">additionally</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">not all Americans are overweight</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. For the most part, it's all fun and games. Traveling buddies from time to time will inquire about the eating habits of most Americans: How much fast food do Americans consume per week? Do they really eat French fries everyday? My personal favorite is a confused stare that is quickly followed by "You are so thin. How is this possible?" Hmmm...yes, every American is obese. I just happened to forget that wee fact while traveling. Obesity is a problem in America; this is fact, not fiction. At the same time, there exists millions of Americans who not only exercise, but scan the grocery aisles for 100 percent organic vegetables, fruits and grains. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Really, it's not their fault - considering the American restaurants available worldwide are Burger King, Dominos, McDonald's and Pizza Hut (to name a few). In addition to those unhealthy options, ice cream conglomerates such as Coldstone, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic; line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Häagen-Dazs</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ben & Jerry's are easily accessible for the sweet toothers. Contrarily, the Subway addition to the list does tip the scale from </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">excessively</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> unhealthy to </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">very</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> unhealthy. Yey! Why is it only the most addictive, unhealthy restaurants survive abroad? Do these businesses get a special discount? Ten years from now, I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hope</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> America no longer has this ridiculous stereotype, but in order for this to be achieved, Americans need to change certain habits.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First, a bag of Cheetos does not equal a side salad appetizer. Furthermore, a side salad appetizer does nothing if accompanied with a cup of ranch or thousand island dressing. Second, after having read an article from TIME magazine - </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Myth About Exercise -</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> perpetual exercise does nothing without a balanced, healthy diet. It may seem as though the moist blueberry muffin from the local market is much-deserved after an hour on a StairMaster, yet the 77 minutes of cycling needed to burn off its 360 calories might tempt you otherwise. Portion control isn't a new philosophy; and for the most part, most Americans are aware restaurant chains, pop and candy bars are not acceptable substitutes for organic, nutritious, low calorie meals. So I ask you, if most Americans know this and have the means of balancing their diets, how is the percentage of obesity in America at 64.5 percent? Are Americans lazy? Are we apathetic? What can the American Government do to help control obesity in this nation?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Answers?? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">America isn't the only country with an obesity problem - check out China! The Chinese have been developing quite the sweet tooth lately. See below.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://shanghaiist.com/2008/07/15/france24_obesity_chinas_growing_epi.php">http://shanghaiist.com/2008/07/15/france24_obesity_chinas_growing_epi.php</a></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-47758127340681942552009-08-09T21:16:00.017-04:002010-06-18T20:14:35.411-04:00SSB<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What pray tell is SSB? It stands for Secret Single Behavior.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Within my small collection of DVDs, three terrific seasons of Sex and The City are squished between the sixth season of FRIENDS and Cujo (inside joke). Tonight, while adjusting the design of a blue jumper I got from China, I decided to watch a few episodes of faux-journalist Carrie Bradshaw. In season four, Carrie mentions SSB - wee habits women and men would never want their boyfriends or girlfriends to know. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Carrie's SSB:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I like to make a stack of saltines; I put grape jelly on them. I eat them standing up in the kitchen while reading fashion magazines." </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">f</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "I couldn't help but wonder..." What other bizarre SSBs are out there???</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Since "secret" is a critical word within the acronym, I'll only deliver one of my SSBs: Fashion faux pas at home.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As far as fashion goes, outside the house, I am quite careful when coordinating my outfits with my accessories. For instance, I seldom wear a black top with a brown wristwatch - sure I've lived in France, but my brown and black combos are limited. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Inside the house, however, it's another story. In short, my fashion sense goes completely out of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">window - a mixture of apathy, merely for self-amusement or nearing laundry day. Several friends, family members and college roommates can attest to this behavior; and if nothing else, it provides them with some mild entertainment. Comfortability is a vital aspect of outfits I enjoying throwing together; yet on occasion, colors and patterns often clash. Pssh...no big. I prefer not to dwell on the minor details in life. The picture below is classic example numero uno of my SSB. Do enjoy.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF04oDegbeAZmFWg7vwko9F4Ai-k5h1dTnffw1DpxqwHV7MeEG7CgF_oOHHUYx7Ds9ddxzbQ_gnig74Y0YVdX7mdnYeXW9N1zRONoMUTi1GmVKJKFAb8ugPtSRqq9d8A4vbmMrLn2x4c/s320/n21722138_34918666_6272.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368190333270142434" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All of this SSB talk leads me to one inevitable question; one which arises between most couples. Should couples live together before marriage? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sure, it raises a lot of questions; and for some, it's a rather controversial topic. (Hint: no sex before marriage.) At the same time, there is such a thing as will power. Couples learn a great deal about one another by living under the same roof: daily habits, quirks, pet peeves, etc. Thus, wouldn't you like to know your fiancé's SSB before marriage?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">H</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">m</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">m</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">k</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">x</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-66816313458053538112009-08-06T10:38:00.007-04:002010-06-18T19:42:53.053-04:00Thoughts on Sports<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sports are wonderful - full of energy, laughter, people, victory and defeat. In the past few weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed living in my house at Central Michigan University for several reasons: (1) Able to catch up on some reading and writing; (2) Relax after a two-month internship with the Shanghai Business Review magazine; (3) Hang out with friends; (4) And participate in numerous activities - not exclusive to sports (biking on nature paths, rollerblading, throwing a frisbee in my front yard, etc). </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An active lifestyle is a must for me; which might be another reason why I enjoy traveling as much as I do. In my opinion, getting involved in sport-like activities is not only an excellent way to occupy ones time, stay fit and healthy, but also an opportunity to build relationships. Without a doubt, the bond between Draper, Zetterberg, Helm, Datsyuk, Cleary and Osgood (Detroit Red Wings - hockey) is unmistakably different from let's say their university friends and neighbors. Sports bring people together - people sweat together, laugh together, cheer together, cry together and celebrate together. "In high school, sports gave me a sense of belonging - being a part of a team," said my good friend Laura Cochrun. At the same time, the Red Wings players may be a wee bit closer than the few regulars I play beach volleyball with every Wednesday night. Oh, the minor details. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A few sports I enjoy participating in, watching, or attempting to play are volleyball, soccer (or football for those of you outside the U.S.), hockey and American football - truly spectacular sports. I wouldn't say I am even close to the remarkable skills of Olympian Misty May, but I'd like to think my passion and love for volleyball runs neck n' neck - again...I would like to think this, but it doesn't particularly mean it's true. Misty's commitment to volleyball undoubtedly surpasses mine. But really, I would like to believe those who are active in sports have an inner desire to live up to the dedication and determination of any champion. Why not? We do it for everything else, don't we? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In China, my Mandarin tutor and I were discussing the sports we love. She casually slipped in her love of badminton and I just couldn't help but think it was also popular in the U.S...50 years ago. Again, minor details. It is always interesting to learn about the popular sports in different countries: Rugby in New Zealand, baseball in America, polo in England and soccer in most of Western Europe. Naturally, there are several countries with similar sport interests; I am merely naming a few that stick out in my mind. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All in all, sports or any physical activity for that matter add greatly to life. Some may be a bit more exciting that others (golf would be on my list of 'sports I could do without'), but for the most part all of them are entertaining and physically stimulating in one way or another. If nothing else, such activities are fantastic for releasing any negative energy lurking in our bodies. Bump, set and SPIKE IT TO THE GROUND! </span></div><div><br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-73266749193950268042009-08-05T11:29:00.012-04:002010-06-18T20:04:39.319-04:00Life after College<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The next chapter of my life is creeping up to me rather quickly. It is something I can't avoid, nor is it something I want to avoid. There are of course students who fear life after college. The oh-so-troublesome questions inevitably haunt them: "Where will I live? Who will pay my bills? I can't sleep in until noon anymore...whhaaaaat?!" </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ever since my sophomore year in high school, New York City has been my calling. Before summer of '07, the city was merely a dream, an American version of Paris. Upon returning from my nine-month stay in France, the city couldn't have been more lovely. Within a little over a month, I did almost everything most New Yorkers do on a daily basis: rooftop films; Sunday picnics in Central Park; roughly 40 rice pudding options to taste and love from Rice to Riches; Friday trips to the Guggenheim; working in the upper east side of Manhattan; grocery shopping at the local co-op with reusable bags; emailing in Starbucks; sweating profusely in the subway; hotdog stands (not by Times Square); concerts featuring new artists (Alice Smith); and drinking a beer with my sister, Kathrine, whilst sitting on a rusty, metal "porch" on the third floor of her Brooklyn apartment. I knew, based off of these wee excursions and daily routines that New York was in my blood - we were destined to be together (as foolish as it may seem).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Post-graduate destination cities are the topic of most discussions for seniors, fifth-year seniors, and dare I say it, sixth-year seniors. With the economy nowadays, though seemingly better than it was six months ago, students should accept the unavoidable possibility of NOT living in their home state. Sure, it is a scary thought, but hey, there ARE 50 other states in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico - :)) Some might not be the most desirable states to live in and I'll avoid listing those, but if jobs are lacking...start packing. The latest joke on the street these days is Trina Thompson, a woman who graduated from New York's Monroe College. Apparently, she is attempting to sue her alma mater $72,000 (the cost of her entire tuition), because she has been unsuccessful in finding a job. Huh, interesting - another prime example of the American philosophy - sue anyone for any darn reason. It is on these instances I wish I could teleport and look into these eyes of people like Trina and say, "Really?"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Honestly, I do not pity any graduate who has not found a job within six months after graduating college, unless of course he or she searched outside the comfortable, convenient radius of his or her hometown. Naturally, other factors may come into play if one hasn't acquired a job. Nonetheless, it might be risky to pack-up and move across the country, but what's the harm in taking risks? Considering the American theme nowadays is CHANGE, and Obama's "We Can" is sweeping across the world, take a chance...explore the beauty of the U.S.; explore the world. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Random facts to take into consideration: according to Time magazine, Michigan has the lowest employment rate at 0.01%, and Texas has the highest with 2.02%. Although Texas is NOT on my list of top five destination states, it may be on yours. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After graduating from CMU this December, if I haven't found a job - one that pays the bills -within four or five months of living in New York City, I will happily delete this post. Additionally, I toast to fellow students who aspire to go outside their cozy state borders. In short, venture out and experience life!</span></span></div><div><br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-37375536081189300022009-08-02T21:25:00.027-04:002010-06-20T19:08:51.505-04:00Marriage - remains a mystery<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In July, TIME magazine published an essay titled </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why Marriage Matters, by </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">journalist Caitlin Flanagan. The byline read, "Infidelity is eroding our most sacred institution. How to make marriage matter again." The piece was well-written and interesting - a focus on politicians such as Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards and Mark Sanford. It was story after story and infidelity was the main plot - quite sad if you think about it. These days marriage has sort of thrown me for a loop; and the loop has twisted and turned greatly after having lived in France and China.</span></span></span></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What is marriage? A bond between two people, a certificate with a legal stamp, or a rite of passage? Or perhaps a social obligation - all my friends are getting married, so maybe I should too?! In Shanghai, I was told on numerous occasions the importance of marriage to the Chinese. Everything was about status - good job, good car, good location, good house, etc. My roommate, Andrew (who was born in Hong Kong), once told me several women in Hong Kong would not even consider dating a man if he didn't have the following: a car, a relatively decent apartment and a promising career. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This, of course, is just hearsay. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was still in utter shock and amazement as to the importance of status in not just Hong Kong, but mainland China as well. </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Marriage has become quite the problem in China and the gender ratio does not help the issue - approximately 120 boys to 100 girls. It might not seem like a lot, but imagine such a ratio with a population over a billion. Wow. In an attempt to help young adults find love in Shanghai, every Sunday, parents and grandparents from all over the city come together and exchange the resumes of their daughters and sons. A resume?! Well, in short, a list including age, HEIGHT, sex, salary, interests and often without a picture. If the parents are pleased with the idea of their daughters and sons uniting, a date is set. According to several young adults with whom I spoke to in Shanghai, this practice is not all that favorable. I don't blame them, would you? </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the U.S., it is a bit of a different story. Getting married isn't the problem, keeping the marriage alive, however, is a problem. Infidelity, falling out of love, incompatibility, sex-life out the window, lack of adventure/loss of adventure and spontaneity, etc - a never ending list of reasons why divorce is so popular in America. It's quite sad really. I was watching a commercial in China and without boring you with the details I specifically remember one scene - an old man turning the volume down on his hearing aid to "mute" his wife. Sure, at the time, it was pretty hilarious. Although, after having thought about it a bit more, I would be quite upset if my husband of forty years did that to me. </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Of course, I do believe there are millions of marriages that are still going strong. More power to them! My sister, Carolyn, and brother-in-law, Matthew, are a prime example of a quality marriage. And high-profile marriages such as Kelly Preston and John Travolta, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, are doing quite well - or so the tabloids tell me. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Overall, I would consider myself the hopeful realist when it comes to marriage. I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hope</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> when/if I get married, it will last; I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hope</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> my husband always keeps me on my toes; and I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hope </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">my</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">husband</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">loves me unconditionally until death. At the same time, realistically, at 22, I do not see myself getting married anytime soon - stability is fairly important to me. Honestly, I am <b>only</b> 22...I've got time. Ladies and gents! Those of you who are around my age...you've got time! Really, no prize is given to the first married couple amongst your group of friends. Although, there may be a prize in the future if marriages last more than forty years. Kind of a scary thought, really - marriage stimulus package? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><br /></span></span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2307925419095757385.post-90356270634672247212009-07-30T14:11:00.006-04:002010-06-18T19:49:50.097-04:00Culture Shock<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Culture shock is a fascinating experience. After living in France for approximating nine months, I imagined my transition back to America to be much harsher than it actually was. On the other hand, instead of throwing myself back into a quaint city such as Petoskey (which is located in Michigan), I chose New York City. Over the last two weeks, I have quickly discovered highly populated and culturally diverse cities such as New York, Boston, Miami, L.A. and Washington D.C. are perfect pit stops for world travelers. Travelers are able to transition back to their "old lives" - a phrase for which I use loosely since the lives of most travelers change dramatically for every country visited - without seeming as though they traveled to Saturn and popped back to Earth for a wee visit.<br /><br />By definition, culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings of uncertainty and disorientation people feel when adapting to an unknown social environment - a.k.a, a foreign country. Europeans, though as much as they would emphatically disagree, are similar to North Americans in regards to expectations and life interests. Obviously, there are differences between these two continents. But point being, culturally speaking and based on my own experiences, there are more similarities than differences between Europeans and North Americans than let's say...North Americans and Asians. Quite different in fact.<br /><br />I recently returned from a two-month internship with the Shanghai Business Review, in China, and my utter fascination with attempting to understand the world has increased dramatically. It seems silly to think a two-month venture would make such an impact on my life, but in fact, it has in more ways than one - spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc. My transition back to the U.S. was slightly different this time around - and by slightly, I mean completely. At first glance, returning to my university town could not have been a better idea. Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is quiet in the summertime, the air is fresh, and it has just been a blessing to be around friends. Contrarily, after having spent 60 days in Shanghai - a city with roughly 16 million people, pollution, language barriers and just general culture differences - I would say I am going through re-culture shock. It is a new discovery, not a particularly great one, but new nonetheless. As previously mentioned, I have been home for roughly two weeks and the realization of this re-culture shock just hit me today. I am astounded to find myself out of place in a country I have lived in for 22 years, with family and friends I know and love. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Deep down, I know this experience will challenge me and allow me to grow - I just hope my friends and loved ones will be patient with me as I adjust, which I am sure they will.<br /><br />Overall, culture shock exists in us all and there is no preparation for it. It comes randomly, and we must trust in ourselves, family and friends to help us through such an endeavor. I would like to encourage fellow travelers to continuing experiencing the glory of discovering other cultures and to not let culture shock, or re-culture shock, hinder any prospects. Traveling is too great to quit. Peace to all!<br /></span></span></span><b></b><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0