Our offer on the house was countered. We then counter-counter offered. And they rejected it. Which leaves us home-less.
I really had my heart set on that house. Scott seems to think that the fat lady hasn't yet sung...something about a strategy on their part. I think not only has the fat lady sung, she has left the stage. Although I do tend to get a bit fatalistic when my dreams have been crushed into a fine, chalky powder.
We'll see and I'll keep you posted.
In other news...my friend, Martha, has told me she is pregnant! Yay for new babies! Boo for not telling me for SIX MONTHS!! Just because I live on the other side of the country doesn't give you an excuse not to spread the good news. At least it's just in time for our 10 year high school reunion next weekend. Can't wait to see the look on everyone's faces! And I can't wait to see pregnant Martha! :)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Off to the races!
Scott and I put our first ever offer on a house today! It's a bit exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. We really like the house - it has tons of charm, lots of what we're looking for, and just a great vibe - but we think the sellers are asking way too much for it. Even their agent admitted, in his own way, to our agent that he advised them to list it for less.
So we offered what is truly a fair price, but it's way lower than what they are asking. I'm just hoping that they see the light and realize that they really want to give this house to a young, deserving, loving couple. Because that's what it's all about, right? Not how much you get for a house, but who's going to take it from you.
Wish us luck...we hope to hear something soon!
So we offered what is truly a fair price, but it's way lower than what they are asking. I'm just hoping that they see the light and realize that they really want to give this house to a young, deserving, loving couple. Because that's what it's all about, right? Not how much you get for a house, but who's going to take it from you.
Wish us luck...we hope to hear something soon!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Women are revengeful, spiteful creatures
I can say that. I'm a woman.
Scott and I went running at our favorite trail at Lake Lynn and came across quite a sight in the parking lot: a little sports car (well, if you call a Pontiac a sports car) had all four tires slashed (and when I mean slashed, I mean someone almost completely carved out the spokes on one of the tires), had its rear window completely smashed in (glass littered the pavement), had a "spiderweb" on the front windshield from someone hitting it with a blunt object, was keyed down the side and had graffiti written all over the car (not suitable for reprint here).
We came the conclusion that it had to be a woman because only a woman would be this revengeful. Plus, the graffiti had graphics to go with the written insults and I just don't think a man would have that much attention to detail.
And then, a few days later, I heard Carrie Underwood's new song:
Scott and I went running at our favorite trail at Lake Lynn and came across quite a sight in the parking lot: a little sports car (well, if you call a Pontiac a sports car) had all four tires slashed (and when I mean slashed, I mean someone almost completely carved out the spokes on one of the tires), had its rear window completely smashed in (glass littered the pavement), had a "spiderweb" on the front windshield from someone hitting it with a blunt object, was keyed down the side and had graffiti written all over the car (not suitable for reprint here).
We came the conclusion that it had to be a woman because only a woman would be this revengeful. Plus, the graffiti had graphics to go with the written insults and I just don't think a man would have that much attention to detail.
And then, a few days later, I heard Carrie Underwood's new song:
I dug my key into the side
of his pretty little souped-up four wheel drive.
Carved my name into his leather seats.
Took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights
Slashed a hole in all four tires.
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.
Hmmm...life imitating art? Or maybe further evidence that woman are revengeful, spiteful creatures. And take their cues from other revengeful, spiteful women!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Save the Turtles
Like many states, North Carolina allows motorists to choose special-issue license plates. Perhaps you'd like to proudly display you're a Purple Heart recipient. North Carolina has a license plate for you. Or maybe you're a proud UNC-Chapel Hill fan. For a mere $49.95 a year, you can wear a tar heel on your license plate. (Yuck).
I came across one just the other day - Save the Turtles. While thinking about this great cause and what I could do to help save the turtles, I thought back to some international friends that went to school with me. Among the many cultural quirks they experienced in America, one of the most amusing to them was the obsession Americans have with their causes. We seem to have an organization for anything you can think of - Race for the Cure (breast cancer), March of Dimes (premature births), PETA (anti-fur), Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Greenpeace, Cropwalk, Autism Speaks...the list can go on and on. So why so many causes and why does this appear to be somewhat unique to us Americans?
Perhaps having passion for a cause, and rallying others around it, is part of the human condition. How that manifests itself may be more a factor of environment. The Taliban has passion for a cause and rallies others around this cause. In history, the same was true for the Crusades. Maybe in America, where the government is stable, people have disposable resources and people are relatively happy, we find other causes to get involved in. We could rally around religion or politics, as you find in other countries, but since we are relatively happy in our current state, we don't want to tip the balance too far. So we get more granular. More, well, frivilous. And our passion and causes get more and more segmented.
Which brings us back to the turtles.
I would like to save the turtles. I really would. But how can I save the turtles? And what am I saving them from? And why stop at turtles? I would like to save the dolphins, the oceans. The air, the unborn babies (yes, I said it. So what? I'm a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n roll), the rainforests, the poor. Basically, I would like to save the world. Can I get that on my North Carolina license plate?
I suspect we're saving the world from one another, from ourselves. If that's the case, then our cause seems fruitless and much too large for any one person (or even a big group of us) to tackle. Maybe that's why we segment: if we can find a group of people that feels passionately about turtles, then maybe we can help save just one piece of our planet. Maybe it's more than just belonging to a group, giving money, and getting others to believe in your cause. Maybe it starts with each one of us, for us to save the turtles, the babies, the world, from ourselves. Little things we could do everyday to make a small difference. Between a campaign of one and a campaign of many, perhaps we can save the world.
That would be a cool license plate.
I came across one just the other day - Save the Turtles. While thinking about this great cause and what I could do to help save the turtles, I thought back to some international friends that went to school with me. Among the many cultural quirks they experienced in America, one of the most amusing to them was the obsession Americans have with their causes. We seem to have an organization for anything you can think of - Race for the Cure (breast cancer), March of Dimes (premature births), PETA (anti-fur), Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Greenpeace, Cropwalk, Autism Speaks...the list can go on and on. So why so many causes and why does this appear to be somewhat unique to us Americans?
Perhaps having passion for a cause, and rallying others around it, is part of the human condition. How that manifests itself may be more a factor of environment. The Taliban has passion for a cause and rallies others around this cause. In history, the same was true for the Crusades. Maybe in America, where the government is stable, people have disposable resources and people are relatively happy, we find other causes to get involved in. We could rally around religion or politics, as you find in other countries, but since we are relatively happy in our current state, we don't want to tip the balance too far. So we get more granular. More, well, frivilous. And our passion and causes get more and more segmented.
Which brings us back to the turtles.
I would like to save the turtles. I really would. But how can I save the turtles? And what am I saving them from? And why stop at turtles? I would like to save the dolphins, the oceans. The air, the unborn babies (yes, I said it. So what? I'm a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n roll), the rainforests, the poor. Basically, I would like to save the world. Can I get that on my North Carolina license plate?
I suspect we're saving the world from one another, from ourselves. If that's the case, then our cause seems fruitless and much too large for any one person (or even a big group of us) to tackle. Maybe that's why we segment: if we can find a group of people that feels passionately about turtles, then maybe we can help save just one piece of our planet. Maybe it's more than just belonging to a group, giving money, and getting others to believe in your cause. Maybe it starts with each one of us, for us to save the turtles, the babies, the world, from ourselves. Little things we could do everyday to make a small difference. Between a campaign of one and a campaign of many, perhaps we can save the world.
That would be a cool license plate.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Another graduation in the family
This weekend, my sister graduated from Notre Dame. It's hard to imagine that this little person that I grew up with (we're six years apart) donned a cap and gown and is now going out in the real world. To do what, we don't know yet. But she's officially out of school! (What's the saying?..."You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here").
What I find so interesting about graduations is the wave. We've all done it. I did it last week. In the mass of families and friends present at graduation, we, the graduates, struggle to find the people we know in the crowd. And the family is just as guilty. They are waving like crazy to their graduate, somehow thinking that, among the thousands of people in an arena, their baby is going to spot them. And how did we accomplish this goal before cell phones? This weekend, along with everyone else around me, I stood on a bleacher, cell phone glued to ear, talking to my sister on the floor.
"See Section 110? The bleachers above the purple seats? Go up three rows. See me waving? No? Ok, now I'm jumping up and down? See me? Ok, see the woman in the bright pink shirt? I'm just to the left of her. See me now?"
And then the magic moment, when we spot each other. That click, that somehow, we stand out to someone. That someone knows exactly where we are, can find us, and that makes us feel a little better. That we are not just a blob among a sea of strangers. Someone loves us. Someone cares. And someone is always watching out for us.
What I find so interesting about graduations is the wave. We've all done it. I did it last week. In the mass of families and friends present at graduation, we, the graduates, struggle to find the people we know in the crowd. And the family is just as guilty. They are waving like crazy to their graduate, somehow thinking that, among the thousands of people in an arena, their baby is going to spot them. And how did we accomplish this goal before cell phones? This weekend, along with everyone else around me, I stood on a bleacher, cell phone glued to ear, talking to my sister on the floor.
"See Section 110? The bleachers above the purple seats? Go up three rows. See me waving? No? Ok, now I'm jumping up and down? See me? Ok, see the woman in the bright pink shirt? I'm just to the left of her. See me now?"
And then the magic moment, when we spot each other. That click, that somehow, we stand out to someone. That someone knows exactly where we are, can find us, and that makes us feel a little better. That we are not just a blob among a sea of strangers. Someone loves us. Someone cares. And someone is always watching out for us.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
I'm not sure about the healthy part, given that I've been too lazy to work out these past couple of weeks. And given that I have student loans out the ears, I can guarantee the wealthy part is non-existent. But I now have concrete proof that I'm definitely wiser...no thanks to the $80,000 I just donated to Duke.
My wisdom teeth are coming in.
That's right, I'm 27 (going on 28) years old and my wisdom teeth are just now coming in. And no, I never had them taken out when I was a teenager, despite the urging of many dentists through the years. I don't like surgery to begin with, especially when it comes to the mouth or eye area. My adult molars didn't come in until my early teens, and the dentist had to go in and cut out my baby molars to allow the adult ones to come in. There was a lot of cracking and extracting. And bleeding. It seemed like major surgery to me. So you can see why I was always reluctant to have the wisdom teeth taken out. Plus, I'm a weenie when it comes to pain. And I went through enough of that with braces.
So now I'm teething like a little baby. Somebody pass the Ambesol, please! The bottom right tooth is surfacing and the upper right is just starting to poke through. So my dentist told me the bad news...that I need to have them taken out. "Don't worry," he said. "It's not that bad." I may be a bit naive, but I'm no teenager. I've heard from my friends about the dry sockets, the drooling, the chipmunk cheeks, the having to sip food through a straw for a week. Don't lie to me. I can take it like a woman. Maybe.
The good news is that it's not an emergency. The doc said I could wait another six months, maybe even a year. So I'm praying that the new additions don't screw up the thousands of dollars of orthodontics my parents shelled out (thanks, guys) and that they stay clean and under the radar. I made it this long - the last thing I want is to have my wisdom teeth removed.
Plus, I'm kind of liking this whole "wiser" thing.
My wisdom teeth are coming in.
That's right, I'm 27 (going on 28) years old and my wisdom teeth are just now coming in. And no, I never had them taken out when I was a teenager, despite the urging of many dentists through the years. I don't like surgery to begin with, especially when it comes to the mouth or eye area. My adult molars didn't come in until my early teens, and the dentist had to go in and cut out my baby molars to allow the adult ones to come in. There was a lot of cracking and extracting. And bleeding. It seemed like major surgery to me. So you can see why I was always reluctant to have the wisdom teeth taken out. Plus, I'm a weenie when it comes to pain. And I went through enough of that with braces.
So now I'm teething like a little baby. Somebody pass the Ambesol, please! The bottom right tooth is surfacing and the upper right is just starting to poke through. So my dentist told me the bad news...that I need to have them taken out. "Don't worry," he said. "It's not that bad." I may be a bit naive, but I'm no teenager. I've heard from my friends about the dry sockets, the drooling, the chipmunk cheeks, the having to sip food through a straw for a week. Don't lie to me. I can take it like a woman. Maybe.
The good news is that it's not an emergency. The doc said I could wait another six months, maybe even a year. So I'm praying that the new additions don't screw up the thousands of dollars of orthodontics my parents shelled out (thanks, guys) and that they stay clean and under the radar. I made it this long - the last thing I want is to have my wisdom teeth removed.
Plus, I'm kind of liking this whole "wiser" thing.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Finished!
I've done it! I've graduated from Duke and officially have my Masters!
The ceremony was yesterday and my family and in-laws came in to help us celebrate. The ceremony was really nice and then we had a little get-together at our place with our family and friends. It was a nice to way to cap off two years of hard work.
I'm also a bit sad that it's all over. I came to school a bit insecure and doubtful of how I would do among so many talented people. There were some low points during the first year, when I struggled to understand concepts and do well. Looking back now, I think I surprised myself. I'm happy with how I did and feel I learned a lot. I got involved in many activities and am proud of my accomplishments, even though they were small.
Most of all, I'm sad to leave so many friends behind. We're going to scatter ourselves across the country and it's sad to close another chapter and move on, with the hope that we'll all keep in touch. So I'm excited to be done and to start back into the real world, but I'm also a little blue. I guess that's normal, right?
Cheers to all my fellow Duke MBA graduates this weekend, and to all the other graduates who are ready to close one chapter and move on to the next!
The ceremony was yesterday and my family and in-laws came in to help us celebrate. The ceremony was really nice and then we had a little get-together at our place with our family and friends. It was a nice to way to cap off two years of hard work.
I'm also a bit sad that it's all over. I came to school a bit insecure and doubtful of how I would do among so many talented people. There were some low points during the first year, when I struggled to understand concepts and do well. Looking back now, I think I surprised myself. I'm happy with how I did and feel I learned a lot. I got involved in many activities and am proud of my accomplishments, even though they were small.
Most of all, I'm sad to leave so many friends behind. We're going to scatter ourselves across the country and it's sad to close another chapter and move on, with the hope that we'll all keep in touch. So I'm excited to be done and to start back into the real world, but I'm also a little blue. I guess that's normal, right?
Cheers to all my fellow Duke MBA graduates this weekend, and to all the other graduates who are ready to close one chapter and move on to the next!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Si, Senorita
We're back from our trip to Costa Rica and it was a blast! We had beautiful weather, despite going during the "green" (read: rainy) season, saw magnificent beaches and wildlife and had a blast with our friends Abby and Nathan.
We started our trip in San Jose, where we spent the night and and had some great Tico food. Then early the next morning we were off by bus and boat to Tortuguero, which is on the Caribbean side of the country. This area is very remote. We did a zipline through the trees, saw monkeys in the distance, birdwatched, and just generally chilled. It was so humid in Tortuguero - my hair has never been so curly!
After a few days here, we left by plane to Corcovado, which is the southernmost pennisula on the Pacific side of the country. The plane ride itself was an experience...no security, no ID checks, no cockpit door, no airport (unless you count a 300 square foot room with plastic patio furniture an airport). But definitely an adventure!
In Corcovado, we stayed at Bosque del Cabo, which was a beautiful resort. Not as humid here and beaches that were gentle enough to swim in. The shoreline was breathtaking, and we hiked around the area, went horseback riding, and saw tons and tons of monkeys, macaws and tucans. There was so much wildlife all around, and the food was delicious! We loved our resort - we stayed in a hut that was open air and looked out onto the Pacific ocean. The best part was the shower - it was outside, but private and you felt as though you were showering in the jungle.
Of course, no vacation is without its hiccups. The airline lost Abby and Nathan's luggage...for four days! Luckily, we're all about the same size. And Scott and I got a bit sick for one day each. But we recovered, the luggage was found, and we had a great time nonetheless.
I have to highly recommend CentralAmerica.com for planning our vacation. All our transfers were smooth and flawless, the places we stayed were great, and everything went off without a hitch.
Now it's time to plan our next vacation...
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Cipro? Check. Chloroquin? Check. Bug Spray with 25% DEET? Check. Cost Rica, here we come!
Happy May Day!
Enough about Fuqua and cheating. That's old news. Let's move on to something more important and exciting....
We leave in the morning for Costa Rica! Scott and I have done a great job of packing a week's worth of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities into less-than-25-pound-bags. I even broke out my back-packing gear that I haven't used since my European trekking after college graduation. We're packed, medicated, Ti-Voed and ready to go!
Of course, I didn't forget my camera. I plan on taking lots of - what else? - monkey pictures to post on the blog! We're very excited and can't wait to share all our adventures and pictures with you. If I can make it to a cybercafe while I'm there, I'll be sure to share stories!
Until next week...
Enough about Fuqua and cheating. That's old news. Let's move on to something more important and exciting....
We leave in the morning for Costa Rica! Scott and I have done a great job of packing a week's worth of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities into less-than-25-pound-bags. I even broke out my back-packing gear that I haven't used since my European trekking after college graduation. We're packed, medicated, Ti-Voed and ready to go!
Of course, I didn't forget my camera. I plan on taking lots of - what else? - monkey pictures to post on the blog! We're very excited and can't wait to share all our adventures and pictures with you. If I can make it to a cybercafe while I'm there, I'll be sure to share stories!
Until next week...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A little something to talk about
A few boards have gotten some chatter about the Fuqua cheating incident and a few papers have picked up the story. But only the facts of the case are being published, while non-students speculate about the integrity and reputation of Fuqua. So I feel compelled to clarify my thoughts and feelings on the situation.
Fuqua is brave. As some people have pointed out, cheating surely happens at all universities and business schools. But Fuqua has taken a stand about cheating. They could have swept this incident under the rug and no one would have been the wiser. But instead, they had the courage and integrity to do the right thing, regardless of the negative publicity it may have caused. That speaks volumes about the character of the institution and its students.
Fuqua fosters integrity and teamwork. The actions of a few do not reflect the character of the whole. We are a school that supports one another, whether it be helping fellow classmates find jobs, understand an assignment, or comforting them through a difficult time. It's part of our culture and is what makes us unique and our alumni network strong. What's more, we value teamwork in the context of honor and integrity. This means while we are a support system, we also are careful not to cross ethical boundaries, especially when it comes to cheating. This incident has shaken our foundation, and that is why it is not being tolerated by Fuqua. The actions of a few have violated our trust, but it will not violate what we stand for.
Fuqua is compassionate. We all make mistakes. It's actually part of our culture and is what, in my opinion, makes the United States great. We can fail, learn from our failures, and then rise up to succeed and be applauded for it. As I mentioned before, business school is a training ground, and better to make these mistakes now then when it hurts even more people. If those students who were suspended for a year choose to return to Fuqua, I'm sure they will be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities as any other student. While cheating will not be tolerated at our school, a second chance will be given.
I love Fuqua. It was the best decision I could ever had made for business school. Not only have I learned so much, but I have made incredible friends, met incredible people and have a support system I can count on for the rest of my life. This incident has actually confirmed my passion for Fuqua, because I know that the school lives by its honor code; it's not just a plaque on a wall. And that means that the students it brings in will also live by that code. There will be exceptions every once in a while, but when that happens, I know that the school will take steps to make things right.
That's powerful. And maybe, just what the business world needs.
Fuqua is brave. As some people have pointed out, cheating surely happens at all universities and business schools. But Fuqua has taken a stand about cheating. They could have swept this incident under the rug and no one would have been the wiser. But instead, they had the courage and integrity to do the right thing, regardless of the negative publicity it may have caused. That speaks volumes about the character of the institution and its students.
Fuqua fosters integrity and teamwork. The actions of a few do not reflect the character of the whole. We are a school that supports one another, whether it be helping fellow classmates find jobs, understand an assignment, or comforting them through a difficult time. It's part of our culture and is what makes us unique and our alumni network strong. What's more, we value teamwork in the context of honor and integrity. This means while we are a support system, we also are careful not to cross ethical boundaries, especially when it comes to cheating. This incident has shaken our foundation, and that is why it is not being tolerated by Fuqua. The actions of a few have violated our trust, but it will not violate what we stand for.
Fuqua is compassionate. We all make mistakes. It's actually part of our culture and is what, in my opinion, makes the United States great. We can fail, learn from our failures, and then rise up to succeed and be applauded for it. As I mentioned before, business school is a training ground, and better to make these mistakes now then when it hurts even more people. If those students who were suspended for a year choose to return to Fuqua, I'm sure they will be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities as any other student. While cheating will not be tolerated at our school, a second chance will be given.
I love Fuqua. It was the best decision I could ever had made for business school. Not only have I learned so much, but I have made incredible friends, met incredible people and have a support system I can count on for the rest of my life. This incident has actually confirmed my passion for Fuqua, because I know that the school lives by its honor code; it's not just a plaque on a wall. And that means that the students it brings in will also live by that code. There will be exceptions every once in a while, but when that happens, I know that the school will take steps to make things right.
That's powerful. And maybe, just what the business world needs.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Here we go again
Last year, Duke made headlines, thanks to the men's lacrosse team. As I had blogged earlier (see post labels), this incident never really affected our business school community, since we were well-insulated from the antics of the undergrads. But now, this incident has hit a bit closer to home. Duke is in the news again, and this time, it's the business school students with the antics.
I've posted the article from the Durham Herald-Sun below. Hopefully this won't make quite the same headlines as the lacross scandal. I think this has hit us hard because Fuqua is a tight-knit commuity and most of us value the honor and integrity not only of each other and our school, but also of business itself. Business school is the training ground for (hopefully) leaders of tomorrow, and if we don't build an ethical foundation now, then we'll be sure to have more Enrons and WorldComs in the future.
I believe in celebrating different cultures, and I also believe that when you're in Rome, you do as the Romans due. And while there are shades of gray across cultures, there are some philosophies that remain constant. I believe ethics is one of them.
Last week, there were police officers tramping around Fuqua's campus. I went up to one and asked why they were there...after all, there are never police officers around our campus. They told me that the Dean had to tell some bad news to some students (the honor code violations) and, in light of the recent events at Virginia Tech, the Dean wanted the police there as a security measure. Anyway you look at this incident, I guess no one is insulated from the world anymore.
Fuqua students may face expulsion
BY BRIANNE DOPART
The Herald-Sun
April 27, 2007
Nine students at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business could be expelled for cheating on a take-home exam, according to Mike Hemmerich, the school's associate dean for strategy and institutional research.
Thirty-eight daytime business students at the school were accused of honor violations in 22 separate cases heard by the school's judicial board over the past several weeks. All but one of the 38 were accused of cheating in a third quarter class while one was charged with "a lying offense."
The charges stemmed from the outcome of a single take-home test taken by 410 of the first-year class's 411 students, Hemmerich said. Friday, the university's judicial board announced it found nine students guilty of "extremely severe offenses" while 15 were found guilty of "severe offenses" and 10 were found guilty of "minor offenses," he said.
Four students were found not guilty of violating the honor code.
The honor code, the preamble of which is posted in "any classroom at Fuqua" according to a statement released Friday by Douglas T. Breeden, dean of the school, is distributed to all students who enter Fuqua. Violations of the code include lying, cheating, stealing and failing to report those offenses.
The school's decision was explained to Fuqua students at a Friday afternoon session. Some students said they felt the punishment for the cheating students was not harsh enough, but at least one student said cultural differences might have confused some of those taking the test and therefore the punishment was too severe.
That student was putting up a poster, which read: "9 EXPULSION is all we need??????? PUNISHMENT OR EDUCATION?????" It also bore a statistic stemming from Duke's own Center for Academic Integrity that says 56 percent of American MBA students reported having cheated in a 2002-2004 survey.
Hemmerich declined to comment on reports that the majority of those charged with the offense were international students. The university is bound by law to keep the identity of the charges against students private, he said, and identifying the charged students as international students could "identify" some of them.
He said that international students do attend a summer program before entering the school that addresses the cultural differences between the U.S. and their respective countries of origin.
Erwin Chan, a second-year student who believes the expulsions were well warranted, said the school's decision to take action against the alleged cheaters spoke to Fuqua's commitment to integrity.
"I think you should see [the expulsions] as a sign we do take integrity very seriously," he said, adding that the school's decision to welcome back those found guilty of less offenses was a testament to his school's compassion.
According to the study performed by the Center for Academic Integrity, which polled 5,300 students, MBA students were more likely to cheat than their engineering, law and education student counterparts -- a finding that led the author of the study, Donald McCabe, to urge business schools to address their significant problem with cheating last fall.
"The type of student attracted to business is exceedingly decisive and often will substitute expediency for ethics," said the center's executive director Tim Dodd.
Hemmerich said the school's new fall curriculum will offer a class called "Global Institute" that will address the issues of leadership and ethics in business.
For the nine guilty of extremely severe offenses, the punishment will be expulsion and a notation that will appear on their transcript for four years.
The 15 guilty of severe offenses received a lesser punishment of a one-year suspension, an F in the related course and a notation that will appear on their transcript for three years. The punishment was similar for the 10 guilty of minor offenses, but the notation on those students' transcripts will appear for only one year.
The single student charged with lying received a zero grade on the take-home test and will have a notation on his or her transcript for three months.
I've posted the article from the Durham Herald-Sun below. Hopefully this won't make quite the same headlines as the lacross scandal. I think this has hit us hard because Fuqua is a tight-knit commuity and most of us value the honor and integrity not only of each other and our school, but also of business itself. Business school is the training ground for (hopefully) leaders of tomorrow, and if we don't build an ethical foundation now, then we'll be sure to have more Enrons and WorldComs in the future.
I believe in celebrating different cultures, and I also believe that when you're in Rome, you do as the Romans due. And while there are shades of gray across cultures, there are some philosophies that remain constant. I believe ethics is one of them.
Last week, there were police officers tramping around Fuqua's campus. I went up to one and asked why they were there...after all, there are never police officers around our campus. They told me that the Dean had to tell some bad news to some students (the honor code violations) and, in light of the recent events at Virginia Tech, the Dean wanted the police there as a security measure. Anyway you look at this incident, I guess no one is insulated from the world anymore.
Fuqua students may face expulsion
BY BRIANNE DOPART
The Herald-Sun
April 27, 2007
Nine students at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business could be expelled for cheating on a take-home exam, according to Mike Hemmerich, the school's associate dean for strategy and institutional research.
Thirty-eight daytime business students at the school were accused of honor violations in 22 separate cases heard by the school's judicial board over the past several weeks. All but one of the 38 were accused of cheating in a third quarter class while one was charged with "a lying offense."
The charges stemmed from the outcome of a single take-home test taken by 410 of the first-year class's 411 students, Hemmerich said. Friday, the university's judicial board announced it found nine students guilty of "extremely severe offenses" while 15 were found guilty of "severe offenses" and 10 were found guilty of "minor offenses," he said.
Four students were found not guilty of violating the honor code.
The honor code, the preamble of which is posted in "any classroom at Fuqua" according to a statement released Friday by Douglas T. Breeden, dean of the school, is distributed to all students who enter Fuqua. Violations of the code include lying, cheating, stealing and failing to report those offenses.
The school's decision was explained to Fuqua students at a Friday afternoon session. Some students said they felt the punishment for the cheating students was not harsh enough, but at least one student said cultural differences might have confused some of those taking the test and therefore the punishment was too severe.
That student was putting up a poster, which read: "9 EXPULSION is all we need??????? PUNISHMENT OR EDUCATION?????" It also bore a statistic stemming from Duke's own Center for Academic Integrity that says 56 percent of American MBA students reported having cheated in a 2002-2004 survey.
Hemmerich declined to comment on reports that the majority of those charged with the offense were international students. The university is bound by law to keep the identity of the charges against students private, he said, and identifying the charged students as international students could "identify" some of them.
He said that international students do attend a summer program before entering the school that addresses the cultural differences between the U.S. and their respective countries of origin.
Erwin Chan, a second-year student who believes the expulsions were well warranted, said the school's decision to take action against the alleged cheaters spoke to Fuqua's commitment to integrity.
"I think you should see [the expulsions] as a sign we do take integrity very seriously," he said, adding that the school's decision to welcome back those found guilty of less offenses was a testament to his school's compassion.
According to the study performed by the Center for Academic Integrity, which polled 5,300 students, MBA students were more likely to cheat than their engineering, law and education student counterparts -- a finding that led the author of the study, Donald McCabe, to urge business schools to address their significant problem with cheating last fall.
"The type of student attracted to business is exceedingly decisive and often will substitute expediency for ethics," said the center's executive director Tim Dodd.
Hemmerich said the school's new fall curriculum will offer a class called "Global Institute" that will address the issues of leadership and ethics in business.
For the nine guilty of extremely severe offenses, the punishment will be expulsion and a notation that will appear on their transcript for four years.
The 15 guilty of severe offenses received a lesser punishment of a one-year suspension, an F in the related course and a notation that will appear on their transcript for three years. The punishment was similar for the 10 guilty of minor offenses, but the notation on those students' transcripts will appear for only one year.
The single student charged with lying received a zero grade on the take-home test and will have a notation on his or her transcript for three months.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
You Ain't 'Cause You Not
I was driving in my car last week, windows down, wind in my hair, when I was suddenly roused to inspiration from the words coming from my radio:
This is why I'm hot.
This is why I'm hot.
This is why
This is why
This is why I'm hot.
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly.
You ain't
'Cause you not.
This is why
This is why
This is why I'm hot.
Who said the great orators of our time are dead? There are few that truly compare to the velvety eloquence of Mims, wouldn't you say?
Monday, April 23, 2007
The greatest invention in the world
I'm going ahead and taking a stand. It's risky - to name the greatest invention in the entire world - but I feel strongly about this and feel that my vote is warranted. This winner is....
The washing machine!
How great of an invention is the washing machine? As I type this, I am simultaneously washing 2 pairs of jeans, 2 bath towels, 1 washcloth, 4 pairs of men's shirts, 2 tank tops, 8 undershirts, 20 pairs of underwear and 5 pairs of socks.
Just think how much time and energy the washing machine saves us. I can do laundry while I sleep, while I go out for dinner, or while I clean the rest of the house. Can you imagine spending your day over a washtub filled with hot water, cleaning each individual clothing item by hand? No wonder it took so long for women to enter the workforce...we were busy doing laundry all the time! Actually, I think I hear that washing machines gave women the freedom to pursue other activities, like a job.
Washing machines get my vote! Of course, without electricity, there would be no washing machine....but now we're just splitting hairs!
The washing machine!
How great of an invention is the washing machine? As I type this, I am simultaneously washing 2 pairs of jeans, 2 bath towels, 1 washcloth, 4 pairs of men's shirts, 2 tank tops, 8 undershirts, 20 pairs of underwear and 5 pairs of socks.
Just think how much time and energy the washing machine saves us. I can do laundry while I sleep, while I go out for dinner, or while I clean the rest of the house. Can you imagine spending your day over a washtub filled with hot water, cleaning each individual clothing item by hand? No wonder it took so long for women to enter the workforce...we were busy doing laundry all the time! Actually, I think I hear that washing machines gave women the freedom to pursue other activities, like a job.
Washing machines get my vote! Of course, without electricity, there would be no washing machine....but now we're just splitting hairs!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I think I'm going to be sick
As I was driving back from seeing a house today (yes, we have officially started the house-hunting frenzy), I was cruising along a lovely, winding country road. It's a beautiful day in the Triangle, and I was enjoying the drive.
But then, a squirrel darts out into the middle of my lane. I slow down. It stops and looks like it's going to go back to the right, so I veer to the left. The squirrel changes directions and goes left just as I'm going past and I feel the tiny bump under my wheels. I scream and look in the rear view mirror to see the lifeless body of the squirrel on the pavement.
Why is killing a small animal so traumatic? Maybe it's because it's this innocent life that was minding its own business until I came along in the Dodge. Or maybe because I actually felt the body of the squirrel through the car. All I can imagine now is the poor creatures bones being crushed by the car wheels. I know, it's morbid. But the whole incident was upsetting.
When I was in second grade, a group of us were outside during recess and came across this hairy caterpillar. We formed a circle around it and some of the girls were gently stroking its fuzz and watching it crawl around. Then this boy said "I'm going to step on it." I told him he better not dare. And then he did. Green guts went everywhere. And I started to cry. Really cry...so much that I think other kids thought I was weird.
But again, it was traumatic for me. This little animal, this life, that we as humans just callously disregard. I think I'm finally over the caterpillar incident, although it's burned into my memory. Hopefully I can get over the squirrel incident, too.
But then, a squirrel darts out into the middle of my lane. I slow down. It stops and looks like it's going to go back to the right, so I veer to the left. The squirrel changes directions and goes left just as I'm going past and I feel the tiny bump under my wheels. I scream and look in the rear view mirror to see the lifeless body of the squirrel on the pavement.
Why is killing a small animal so traumatic? Maybe it's because it's this innocent life that was minding its own business until I came along in the Dodge. Or maybe because I actually felt the body of the squirrel through the car. All I can imagine now is the poor creatures bones being crushed by the car wheels. I know, it's morbid. But the whole incident was upsetting.
When I was in second grade, a group of us were outside during recess and came across this hairy caterpillar. We formed a circle around it and some of the girls were gently stroking its fuzz and watching it crawl around. Then this boy said "I'm going to step on it." I told him he better not dare. And then he did. Green guts went everywhere. And I started to cry. Really cry...so much that I think other kids thought I was weird.
But again, it was traumatic for me. This little animal, this life, that we as humans just callously disregard. I think I'm finally over the caterpillar incident, although it's burned into my memory. Hopefully I can get over the squirrel incident, too.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
My DC Weekend
I never realized just how close DC is to Raleigh until I drove it this past weekend. I made it in less than 4 hours! The cherry blossoms were on their way out, but the swarms of tourists were still around.
My friend Kristen had a bachelorette party on Saturday, which was so much fun. One of my favorite parts of the night was smoking to hookah, which I've never done before. I never knew mango-flavored tobacco could be so fun! A few fun pictures of Kristen posing with her lingerie and of our beloved hookah. Everyone had a great time and I have to give props to Kristen...she did her fair share of drinking and still made it up for 8:30 am church! Who needs sleep when you have champagne and good friends?
While I was up in the city, I got to catch up with a friend I haven't seen since high school. We were really close back in the day, but as is the case with a lot of high school friends, we kind of lost touch over the years. Last December (2005), I had a b-school friend (who was an alumni of the same college she went to) look her e-mail up an
d we started getting back in touch. She got married in December 2006 and I was bummed that I couldn't go to the wedding. But we finally caught up in person this weekend! It's funny how so many things can change in your life and you feel as if you've changed with it, but in the end, you're the same as you always were. That's how I feel with Jana - she was the same person - same sweetness, same mannerisms - as always, but with a whole new life.
d we started getting back in touch. She got married in December 2006 and I was bummed that I couldn't go to the wedding. But we finally caught up in person this weekend! It's funny how so many things can change in your life and you feel as if you've changed with it, but in the end, you're the same as you always were. That's how I feel with Jana - she was the same person - same sweetness, same mannerisms - as always, but with a whole new life.
So now I have lots of reasons to get back up to DC...an old friend, a new-old friend, and lots of dead presidents!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Life is funny
Life likes to play with us, just for fun. Just when things get good, everything changes and you have to start from scratch again.
My non-Fuqua friends keep asking me if I'm excited to graduate. My answer: yes and no. In a sick way, I'm excited to start working again and to try to integrate the information I've absorbed over the last two years with the real world. I'm excited to be on a more normal schedule and not stress about homework or case analysis that's due the next day. I'm excited to make money again and contribute (significantly, this time) to our future.
But there are things I'm really sad about. I'm sad to give up my two-week at-a-time vacations. I'm sad to leave an academic environment where I'm constantly learning new things. But most of all, I'm sad to leave the new friends I've made.
Over the last several weeks (ever since January), our friends have been hanging out together more, spending more time together. For most of us, the stress of the job search was over and our course load lighter (or at least, we didn't care anymore). So we have more time to spend together and do drinks with the girls or potlucks or dinners out or paintball. Yet, now that we're all becoming closer and actually forging those friendships we made earlier, we're also getting ready to leave each other. So why didn't we do this sooner? But any sooner and we would have been too busy.
So we only have time now because we're coming to the end. And because we have time, we're enjoying our friendships more. But just as we're enjoying our friendship more, we're coming to the end. Isn't life funny?
My non-Fuqua friends keep asking me if I'm excited to graduate. My answer: yes and no. In a sick way, I'm excited to start working again and to try to integrate the information I've absorbed over the last two years with the real world. I'm excited to be on a more normal schedule and not stress about homework or case analysis that's due the next day. I'm excited to make money again and contribute (significantly, this time) to our future.
But there are things I'm really sad about. I'm sad to give up my two-week at-a-time vacations. I'm sad to leave an academic environment where I'm constantly learning new things. But most of all, I'm sad to leave the new friends I've made.
Over the last several weeks (ever since January), our friends have been hanging out together more, spending more time together. For most of us, the stress of the job search was over and our course load lighter (or at least, we didn't care anymore). So we have more time to spend together and do drinks with the girls or potlucks or dinners out or paintball. Yet, now that we're all becoming closer and actually forging those friendships we made earlier, we're also getting ready to leave each other. So why didn't we do this sooner? But any sooner and we would have been too busy.
So we only have time now because we're coming to the end. And because we have time, we're enjoying our friendships more. But just as we're enjoying our friendship more, we're coming to the end. Isn't life funny?
Monday, April 02, 2007
The journey before Easter
This time of year is one of the most important ones for Christians. Really, this week is the crux of our convictions and beliefs. While I've always been interested in the history of religion, particularly Christianity (specifically, Catholicism), Islam and Judaism, this year I've been especially curious.
I just got back from a Seder (the first meal of Passover), celebrating with my Jewish friends. I wish I knew more about Judaism; it's like learning about your past to figure out who you are today. There are a lot of Catholic rituals that come from Jewish roots and I'd love to learn more about what we share and what our differences are. The Seder tonight did a great job of connecting some of the Old Testament stories into a cohesive history that explains a lot about the Jewish faith. As a Catholic, I felt closer to my own religion (and closer to truly understanding it) by celebrating a Jewish tradition and holiday.
I'm now on a quest to learn more about the history of religion...what beliefs do Christians, Muslims and Jews share and are our differences really all that different? What are the common ties? And how are we all interrelated?
If anyone has any great books or articles that they'd recommend, please let me know!
I just got back from a Seder (the first meal of Passover), celebrating with my Jewish friends. I wish I knew more about Judaism; it's like learning about your past to figure out who you are today. There are a lot of Catholic rituals that come from Jewish roots and I'd love to learn more about what we share and what our differences are. The Seder tonight did a great job of connecting some of the Old Testament stories into a cohesive history that explains a lot about the Jewish faith. As a Catholic, I felt closer to my own religion (and closer to truly understanding it) by celebrating a Jewish tradition and holiday.
I'm now on a quest to learn more about the history of religion...what beliefs do Christians, Muslims and Jews share and are our differences really all that different? What are the common ties? And how are we all interrelated?
If anyone has any great books or articles that they'd recommend, please let me know!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Alex, I'll take "What's Behind Door #1?" for $800, please
As of this morning, I am officially employed! Thank you to everyone who gave their insights and advice...it's amazing that the overwhelming majority of people really value the work environment over anything else. I guess it shows that, when you boil it down, it's more about the people you work with than about what you do.
I've decided to go with the first firm I listed in the last post. I, like most people I talked to, just couldn't walk away from the great work environment and the wonderful people. And I think the work will be interesting, too. I also had my very first salary negotiation, which was nerve-racking, but successful!
So now that the job search is officially over, what am I going to do with all this free time?
I've decided to go with the first firm I listed in the last post. I, like most people I talked to, just couldn't walk away from the great work environment and the wonderful people. And I think the work will be interesting, too. I also had my very first salary negotiation, which was nerve-racking, but successful!
So now that the job search is officially over, what am I going to do with all this free time?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Decisions, Decisions
Not too many weeks ago, I was complaining about how slow the job search was going. Well, I now have four job offers and need a little help in deciding which one to take:
Behind Door #1: Is a small firm (40 peeps) with a main office in Atlanta and one in Durham. The culture is awesome - wear jeans to work, bring your dog to work - and the people are truly awesome. I would get to do a lot of international traveling (which I love!) and the salary is great. I would be doing market research, which is something I wasn't exactly looking for, although it could be interesting to try out. I would basically be a niche consultant, working with a broad spectrum of clients.
Behind Door #2: Is a much larger firm (25,000 peeps) that specializes in doing lab testing. I would be working in their IT area, acting as a liason between the IT people and the lab people, discovering needs and concerns and coming up with strategies to solve them. Sort of like an internal consultant. Corporate culture with very nice people. I would have about a 50 minute commute each way.
Behind Door #3: Is an insurance company (4,000 peeps) where I would be doing segmentation marketing and figuring out which segments are profitable and how to target and communicate with that segment. Corporate culture with nice people.
Behind Door #4: Is a small company that specializes in all-natural cosmetics (I won't say the name of the company as it might bias you to pick this company). Cool culture with laid-back attitude and a focus on the environment (it's one of America's most socially-responsible brands). The marketing job would be mostly tactical, implementing marketing programs and working closely with the brand managers.
All great companies, and each has it's own pros and cons. So I need your help! Which door would you pick, if you had to choose?
Behind Door #1: Is a small firm (40 peeps) with a main office in Atlanta and one in Durham. The culture is awesome - wear jeans to work, bring your dog to work - and the people are truly awesome. I would get to do a lot of international traveling (which I love!) and the salary is great. I would be doing market research, which is something I wasn't exactly looking for, although it could be interesting to try out. I would basically be a niche consultant, working with a broad spectrum of clients.
Behind Door #2: Is a much larger firm (25,000 peeps) that specializes in doing lab testing. I would be working in their IT area, acting as a liason between the IT people and the lab people, discovering needs and concerns and coming up with strategies to solve them. Sort of like an internal consultant. Corporate culture with very nice people. I would have about a 50 minute commute each way.
Behind Door #3: Is an insurance company (4,000 peeps) where I would be doing segmentation marketing and figuring out which segments are profitable and how to target and communicate with that segment. Corporate culture with nice people.
Behind Door #4: Is a small company that specializes in all-natural cosmetics (I won't say the name of the company as it might bias you to pick this company). Cool culture with laid-back attitude and a focus on the environment (it's one of America's most socially-responsible brands). The marketing job would be mostly tactical, implementing marketing programs and working closely with the brand managers.
All great companies, and each has it's own pros and cons. So I need your help! Which door would you pick, if you had to choose?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Costa Rica!
It's been hard to adjust back to school after a two-and-a-half-week spring break. So this past week, I've found myself daydreaming in classes and what better thing to dream about than our upcoming trip to Costa Rica!From May 2-May 9, the hubby and I (and our friends Abby and Nathan from Chi-town) will be traveling to Costa Rica. It's kind of a pre-graduation graduation gift since I don't graduate until that following weekend, May 12. Plus, it'll just be fun to have a relaxing vacation.
We'll fly into San Jose the afternoon of May 2 and spend the night there. 
The next morning, we'll be shipped off to Tortuguero, which is on the Carribbean side of the country. The Tortugero area is primarily all rainforest and hopefully not very touristy. I'm hoping to get a ride on the zip-line and see lots of monkeys (of course!). We're staying at the Laguna Lodge, and I think it's going to be too cute!
The next morning, we'll be shipped off to Tortuguero, which is on the Carribbean side of the country. The Tortugero area is primarily all rainforest and hopefully not very touristy. I'm hoping to get a ride on the zip-line and see lots of monkeys (of course!). We're staying at the Laguna Lodge, and I think it's going to be too cute!After several days, we're flying to Corcovado area (in the lower 
pennisula) and staying at Bosque del Cabo, with the adorable thatched huts! Here, I think we'll get a lot of beach time. And hopefully see lots of monkeys!
pennisula) and staying at Bosque del Cabo, with the adorable thatched huts! Here, I think we'll get a lot of beach time. And hopefully see lots of monkeys!
I'm so excited...I've even been eyeing some new swimsuits at J Crew. Just six more weeks...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Spunk is Back
I was a little crazy in high school. Imagine how a highly-caffeinated, neurotic person would act, and that was me...all the time. In college, I mellowed out a bit. But I was still a bit neurotic (blamed partly on my mother) and still a touch crazy.
But in the years after graduation, I think I lost some of that "spunk." Maybe it was because I got busy with work. Or maybe because I lost some of that as I matured. I used to be "that person" who would start talking with you in the grocery line for no reason and I was happy all the time, but some of that went away.
That continued even last year during grad school. I noticed I was less outgoing, a little more shy, a little less comfortable in my own skin.
But over the last several months, and especially during this second year at grad school, the "spunk" is returning. Without consciously thinking about it, I'm randomly talking to people at the Krispy Kreme. I feel happier and am really comfortable with who I am. Maybe it's a bit of confidence with graduating from school. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the fact that I know my hard work is paying off (did I mention I have some offers to choose from??).
In any case, I'm excited to be back. I feel that I've regained a part of me that was silent for awhile. I don't think I'll quite regain my high school nickname of "Crazy Laura" anytime soon (which is probably a good thing for all involved), but I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. And I hope that spunk is here to stay!
But in the years after graduation, I think I lost some of that "spunk." Maybe it was because I got busy with work. Or maybe because I lost some of that as I matured. I used to be "that person" who would start talking with you in the grocery line for no reason and I was happy all the time, but some of that went away.
That continued even last year during grad school. I noticed I was less outgoing, a little more shy, a little less comfortable in my own skin.
But over the last several months, and especially during this second year at grad school, the "spunk" is returning. Without consciously thinking about it, I'm randomly talking to people at the Krispy Kreme. I feel happier and am really comfortable with who I am. Maybe it's a bit of confidence with graduating from school. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the fact that I know my hard work is paying off (did I mention I have some offers to choose from??).
In any case, I'm excited to be back. I feel that I've regained a part of me that was silent for awhile. I don't think I'll quite regain my high school nickname of "Crazy Laura" anytime soon (which is probably a good thing for all involved), but I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. And I hope that spunk is here to stay!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Free the Duke 3? Puhlease.
If you've been following the Duke Lacrosse scandal lately, you know that the rape charges against the Duke Lacrosse players have been dropped. The only charge that remains in a kidnapping charge, which is anticipated to also be dismissed.
Sales of Duke Lacrosse t-shirts have increased by over 8,000% at the Duke bookstore (that's not an exaggeration) and students are wearing blue bracelets that read "Free the Duke 3. 6 13 45" (the numbers being their jersey numbers.) I saw a bumper sticker on a car the other day, which had the same slogan, along with the website www.disbarnifong.com.
I can't help but think this is a little like dancing on a grave. Sure, evidence overwhelming supports the case that the girl in question was lying. And Nifong probably acting unethically in presenting his case. But while these boys may not have done anything illegal, they are far from innocent. Here's what probably happened: during a night of drunken debauchery, the team hired strippers to perform. Specifically, they hired white strippers. Two black strippers arrived and the guys yelled racial and derogatory slurs at them. One of the girls got mad and decided to get even. Heck, one player has even been convicted in DC for assaulting a homosexual man. One way or another, bigotry runs in this crowd.
The real victims in this case are the future rape and assault victims. What girl, white or black, is going to be taken seriously now if she comes forward with a rape charge? Through this "Free the Duke 3" campaign, proponents are essentially intimidating rape victims and throwing a healthy dose of skepticism the way of any girl that may come forward in the future. And I can't help but feel that this campaign legitimizes the Duke Lacrosse team's actions, however legal they were. Rape, bigotry, and assault are not things to be taken lightly, but this campaign somehow makes them the punchline and diminishes their seriousness.
The victims are not Collin, Dave or Reade. The victims are anyone they have hurt through their words. And those who do not yet know they are victims.
Sales of Duke Lacrosse t-shirts have increased by over 8,000% at the Duke bookstore (that's not an exaggeration) and students are wearing blue bracelets that read "Free the Duke 3. 6 13 45" (the numbers being their jersey numbers.) I saw a bumper sticker on a car the other day, which had the same slogan, along with the website www.disbarnifong.com.
I can't help but think this is a little like dancing on a grave. Sure, evidence overwhelming supports the case that the girl in question was lying. And Nifong probably acting unethically in presenting his case. But while these boys may not have done anything illegal, they are far from innocent. Here's what probably happened: during a night of drunken debauchery, the team hired strippers to perform. Specifically, they hired white strippers. Two black strippers arrived and the guys yelled racial and derogatory slurs at them. One of the girls got mad and decided to get even. Heck, one player has even been convicted in DC for assaulting a homosexual man. One way or another, bigotry runs in this crowd.
The real victims in this case are the future rape and assault victims. What girl, white or black, is going to be taken seriously now if she comes forward with a rape charge? Through this "Free the Duke 3" campaign, proponents are essentially intimidating rape victims and throwing a healthy dose of skepticism the way of any girl that may come forward in the future. And I can't help but feel that this campaign legitimizes the Duke Lacrosse team's actions, however legal they were. Rape, bigotry, and assault are not things to be taken lightly, but this campaign somehow makes them the punchline and diminishes their seriousness.
The victims are not Collin, Dave or Reade. The victims are anyone they have hurt through their words. And those who do not yet know they are victims.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
You've come a long way, baby...maybe
Two of these Tab commercials are from the 70s, one if from the 80s. My first thought when I saw these was "Wow." It's hard to imagine that, at one point in time, this type of advertising was acceptable. In one sense, we (women) really have come a long way in changing what is acceptable and what is important to us.
But have we? Or is this type of sexism just hidden under the guise of political correctness? And what have we traded to get here? Do we as women still fantasize about being a mindsticker? Sure, many of us exercise and diet to be healthier and feel better, but how many do that purely for the health factor? Deep down many of us do it to be noticed by the opposite sex. It's all around us - we see women shaking their booties in rap videos and even drunken girls in bars doing things to get male attention. And just look at how "shape" obsessed we are...these commercial models in the 70s and 80s were considered sexy and shapely. Today, they would be characterized as "plus-size" models.
While these may at first seem a bit appalling (as they should), perhaps, under the surface, not much has really changed since then.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Hotlanta
I took a little road trip down to Atlanta this weekend to see my friend, Chris. He just moved down there this past summer, and I wanted to see his new digs...he bought his first house!
While there, we went to the Fox to see Spamalot, which was hysterical. I've never seen Monty Python's The Holy Grail (I know, I know...I lead a sheltered life), so I wasn't sure if I was going to totally get the humor in Spamalot. But I did - so funny and so well done. Well worth going to see if you get the chance!
While there's lots of great places to eat and fun bars and hangouts, Atlanta is expensive! Not only is the cost of food more, but everything there is valet parking. Plus, with all the cute boutiques around, you can't help but drop a few "dubs."
We ate at Varsity's (apparently, a Hotlanta establishment), where I had two chili cheese dogs. And in the afternoon, we went to the Coke museum, where we tasted Coke products from different countries and I discovered how ethnocentric I really am ("I can't believe they like this stuff in Italy! Gross!"...in my defense, it is disgusting).
A fun, fun weekend! (in the picture, L to R, Chris' friend, Brett, Chris' g-friend, Anne, me and Chris)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sugar and Spice and Puppy Dog Tails
I was milling around Target last week, having already found the items that I needed but looking for items that I wanted (but didn't yet know that I wanted), when I wandered into the greeting cards area.
There was a special card section, announing "New! from Target." They were birthday cards, some for girls, some for boys. All the "For Girls" cards had My Little Ponies and rainbows on them. All the "For Boys" cards were Garbage Pail Kids' versions of balls (baseballs, footballs, soccerballs) with eyes popping out and green stuff oozing from their stitches.
What is wrong with this picture? I'd be fine if Target just displayed an array of birthday cards, without specifying if they were for boys or girls. But by labeling them, isn't Target just continuing the stereotype of boys and girls? Surely there are some girls that like gross balls, just like there are some boys that may love ponies and rainbows.
It's a little issue, I know. But my favorite mass merchant retailer rubbed me the wrong way. No more stereotypes, no more pigeonholes. Let's just offer the choices and let people make their own selection.
There was a special card section, announing "New! from Target." They were birthday cards, some for girls, some for boys. All the "For Girls" cards had My Little Ponies and rainbows on them. All the "For Boys" cards were Garbage Pail Kids' versions of balls (baseballs, footballs, soccerballs) with eyes popping out and green stuff oozing from their stitches.
What is wrong with this picture? I'd be fine if Target just displayed an array of birthday cards, without specifying if they were for boys or girls. But by labeling them, isn't Target just continuing the stereotype of boys and girls? Surely there are some girls that like gross balls, just like there are some boys that may love ponies and rainbows.
It's a little issue, I know. But my favorite mass merchant retailer rubbed me the wrong way. No more stereotypes, no more pigeonholes. Let's just offer the choices and let people make their own selection.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Lions and Tigers and...Monkeys?
CISARUA, Indonesia (AP) -- Call them the odd couples.
A pair of month-old Sumatran tiger twins have become inseparable playmates with a set of young orangutans, an unthinkable match in their natural jungle habitat in Indonesia's tropical rainforests.
The friendship between 5-month-old female baby primates Nia and Irma, and cubs Dema and Manis, has blossomed at the Taman Safari zoo where they share a room in the nursery.
After being abandoned by their mothers shortly after birth, the four play fight, nipping and teasing each other, and cuddling up for a shared nap when they are worn out.
After being abandoned by their mothers shortly after birth, the four play fight, nipping and teasing each other, and cuddling up for a shared nap when they are worn out.
"This is unusual and would never happen in the wild," said zoo keeper Sri Suwarni, bottle-feeding a baby chimp on Wednesday. "Like human babies, they only want to play."
The four have lived side-by-side for a month without a single act of hostility, she said.
Indonesian tigers and orangutans are both endangered species, threatened by rapidly shrinking habitats.
The four have lived side-by-side for a month without a single act of hostility, she said.
Indonesian tigers and orangutans are both endangered species, threatened by rapidly shrinking habitats.
Conservationists estimate there are fewer than 700 Sumatran tigers still alive, while fewer than 60,000 orangutans remain in the wild. Around 90 percent of the jungle has been destroyed by illegal logging, poaching and cut-and-burn farming practices on Borneo and Sumatra islands.
The exceptional friendship will likely be short-lived, said veterinarian Retno Sudarwati, because as the animals grow up their natural survival instincts will kick in.
The exceptional friendship will likely be short-lived, said veterinarian Retno Sudarwati, because as the animals grow up their natural survival instincts will kick in.
"When the time comes, they will have to be separated. It's sad, but we can't change their natural behavior," she said. "Tigers start eating meat when they are three months old."
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The Human Body is Awesome
It always amazes me how life - any life - can start out with just two cells (or, in some cases, a single cell) and, almost magically, become a human or a horse or a carrot. A sprinkling of amino acids, a dash of peptides and there you have it - life.
Last week, I sliced my finger with a tomato knife while cutting, well, a tomato. It hurt like a monkey and I used a whole paper towel to stop the bleeding. I didn't do much to it - just wrapped a band-aid around it to keep the flap of flesh smooshed down to protect the wound. And now, a week later, it's almost completely healed.
How does that happen? How does the body know what to do? Or even that it needs to fix something? Without me paying much attention to it - I went along my way going to class, studying, searching for jobs, doing yoga - my knife wound healed all by itself. And it goes back to just the way it was before - no scar, no disruption in the fingerprint grooves.
What amazes me is that I don't even know how my own body does it; I mean, I must know - my brain must be orchestrating the production of more blood to make up for what is lost and the production of more protein - but I don't know. Are the mind and brain two separate entities?
Good stuff. Although it hurts my brain to think about it. Or is it my mind? Either way, at least my finger is all better.
Last week, I sliced my finger with a tomato knife while cutting, well, a tomato. It hurt like a monkey and I used a whole paper towel to stop the bleeding. I didn't do much to it - just wrapped a band-aid around it to keep the flap of flesh smooshed down to protect the wound. And now, a week later, it's almost completely healed.
How does that happen? How does the body know what to do? Or even that it needs to fix something? Without me paying much attention to it - I went along my way going to class, studying, searching for jobs, doing yoga - my knife wound healed all by itself. And it goes back to just the way it was before - no scar, no disruption in the fingerprint grooves.
What amazes me is that I don't even know how my own body does it; I mean, I must know - my brain must be orchestrating the production of more blood to make up for what is lost and the production of more protein - but I don't know. Are the mind and brain two separate entities?
Good stuff. Although it hurts my brain to think about it. Or is it my mind? Either way, at least my finger is all better.
Monday, February 26, 2007
A Little Green Man Named Oscar
For those of you watching the Oscars last night, you saw Penelope's dress that looked like it was made from a muppet. You marveled over the quirky "shadow people." And you heard that the Oscars made history by going green.
The Academy didn't give too many specifics on how they went green this year, but I was excited to see a influential body make a statement and encourage others to do the same. By bringing conservation to the forefront of everyone's minds, they set a good example to a celebrity-captive audience.
Granted, there is still some work to do be done. For example, it would have been nice to hear more about the Academy's greening efforts throughout the night, rather than just a mention by Al Gore during his presentation. And the story about the Academy going green didn't even make it to the front page of Oscar.com...I had to click a bit to find it. But a journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step...or something.
You can also click here to read the Academy's tips for the rest of us - what we can do everyday, to make a small difference.
The Academy didn't give too many specifics on how they went green this year, but I was excited to see a influential body make a statement and encourage others to do the same. By bringing conservation to the forefront of everyone's minds, they set a good example to a celebrity-captive audience.
Granted, there is still some work to do be done. For example, it would have been nice to hear more about the Academy's greening efforts throughout the night, rather than just a mention by Al Gore during his presentation. And the story about the Academy going green didn't even make it to the front page of Oscar.com...I had to click a bit to find it. But a journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step...or something.
You can also click here to read the Academy's tips for the rest of us - what we can do everyday, to make a small difference.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
America is Really Bored
February is just about the time of year when people start getting bored. The holidays are over, New Years' Resolutions aren't so shiny anymore and Spring is a long way off. Never mind that the groundhog didn't see his shadow and spring is right around the corner - it's still really cold!
But that gives no excuse for the sad state of media affairs lately. First, it was Anna Nicole Smith. Now it's Britney's hair. Really?
It's one thing for these stories to make front page of The Superficial or People or US Weekly. It's quite another when it makes the front page of CNN and MSNBC. Are we truly that bored with the rest of the world that we devote all our energy to Britney's shaved head? And why do we devote video clip upon video clip about her motivations? Someone who has millions of dollars shaved her head. Why is this more newsworthy than, say, genocide in Darfur? Or, say, the Chinese New Year? Or, say, just about any other event that's going on that has some kind of connection to the rest of the world?
I know us Americans love our celebrities. And I will be the first to admit that I get hooked on celebrity gossip (just check out my link to the right). But there is a line, and we have crossed it. Maybe it's time to break out those New Year's Resolutions again...
But that gives no excuse for the sad state of media affairs lately. First, it was Anna Nicole Smith. Now it's Britney's hair. Really?
It's one thing for these stories to make front page of The Superficial or People or US Weekly. It's quite another when it makes the front page of CNN and MSNBC. Are we truly that bored with the rest of the world that we devote all our energy to Britney's shaved head? And why do we devote video clip upon video clip about her motivations? Someone who has millions of dollars shaved her head. Why is this more newsworthy than, say, genocide in Darfur? Or, say, the Chinese New Year? Or, say, just about any other event that's going on that has some kind of connection to the rest of the world?
I know us Americans love our celebrities. And I will be the first to admit that I get hooked on celebrity gossip (just check out my link to the right). But there is a line, and we have crossed it. Maybe it's time to break out those New Year's Resolutions again...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
You are a Superstar!
Have you noticed how "You" is everywhere? First, You posted your own videos on YouTube. Then You were Time's Person of the Year. Next, You were producing SuperBowl commercials for Doritos. And now, You performed live at the Grammy's with Justin Timberlake.
When did You become so popular? Last week Fuqua hosted a Marketing Conference, where many of the panel discussions focused around consumer-generated media. On one hand, companies like Frito Lay (the maker of Doritos) love this stuff, because they are able to accurately target their market and truly understand this demographic. And it's super cheap. On the other hand, are we going a little overboard? Now I see that Jeep is partnering with Marvel comics, encouraging people to create a comic centered around a new Jeep product. Are we getting an overdose of You?
And when did this trend start, anyway? I guess it could be traced back to blogs, where people finally had a way of voicing their opinion and really getting the attention of big business. And then it mushroomed when people had the chance to visually show their creative sides, courtesy of YouTube. But I think it started long before blogs.
My theory points the finger at reality TV and, specifically, Survivor. Being the mother of all reality TV shows, Survivor was the first chance to give real people, You and Me, a chance at 15 minutes of fame. We tuned in each week to watch ourselves compete for a tiki torch. And as more seasons were bought, it wasn't uncommon for us to know someone who knew someone who went to school with one of the Survivor contestants. Which made the show all that more real to us.
And slowly, through Darwin's natural selection, we've evolved from Survivor to American Idol to blogs to YouTube to SuperBowl to Grammy's. Surely, You will start to either die out, or continue to morph into the next great thing. Maybe it should be We.
When did You become so popular? Last week Fuqua hosted a Marketing Conference, where many of the panel discussions focused around consumer-generated media. On one hand, companies like Frito Lay (the maker of Doritos) love this stuff, because they are able to accurately target their market and truly understand this demographic. And it's super cheap. On the other hand, are we going a little overboard? Now I see that Jeep is partnering with Marvel comics, encouraging people to create a comic centered around a new Jeep product. Are we getting an overdose of You?
And when did this trend start, anyway? I guess it could be traced back to blogs, where people finally had a way of voicing their opinion and really getting the attention of big business. And then it mushroomed when people had the chance to visually show their creative sides, courtesy of YouTube. But I think it started long before blogs.
My theory points the finger at reality TV and, specifically, Survivor. Being the mother of all reality TV shows, Survivor was the first chance to give real people, You and Me, a chance at 15 minutes of fame. We tuned in each week to watch ourselves compete for a tiki torch. And as more seasons were bought, it wasn't uncommon for us to know someone who knew someone who went to school with one of the Survivor contestants. Which made the show all that more real to us.
And slowly, through Darwin's natural selection, we've evolved from Survivor to American Idol to blogs to YouTube to SuperBowl to Grammy's. Surely, You will start to either die out, or continue to morph into the next great thing. Maybe it should be We.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Because I like to ruffle feathers
I contribute regularly to the Fuqua Times, Fuqua's weekly magazine. This week, I submitted the following article. While I did contemplate hiring a bodyguard (as much for the protection as for the view), I was pleasantly surprised by the reactions. Scott was sure that I was going to burn networks, and maybe I have, but I've also received a lot of e-mails from people who agree with me. I had to share...
I Don’t Heart Duke Basketball
Welcome to ACC Country, where rivalries run blood deep and team colors are more sacred then religion. Perhaps the deepest seated rivalries in the ACC run along Tobacco Road, the 75-mile stretch of I-40 that starts in Winston-Salem and ends in Raleigh and whose history first began when tobacco tycoons RJ Reynolds and Washington Duke battled it out for cigarette market share in the late 1800s.
So, naturally, many people were baffled when this Wake Forest graduate told that she was attending Duke for graduate school. The question continues to pop up in interviews. And my answer is always the same: I have internal conflict. Because while I love Fuqua, I can never, I will never love Duke basketball.
However, by attending Duke University, it is assumed that I must love Duke basketball. The assumptions started the first day of FY orientation, when we were all herded, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, into a room where we were taught several Duke basketball cheers. I stood there, fuming, with my arms crossed, refusing to participate. Or when I received dirty stares from those in the student section at last years’ Wake-Duke game in Cameron (granted, I was dressed in all gold, screaming at the top of my lungs for the Deacons, but really?). Fast forward to SY, where I get quizzical looks from classmates when I mention I’m rooting for Clemson over Duke. Does it really surprise people that there are many students at Fuqua who despise the Blue Devils?
While I could give concrete reasons for this animosity, it really comes down to something much more irrational – emotion. For four years, I was bred to hate our rivals, who include Duke and Carolina. And we were truly rivals, as the Deacons were just coming off their back-to-back ACC Championships when I started (something that won’t be repeated this year, unfortunately). Like any true fan, we smeared it in our rivals’ faces when we won and hated them when we lost. How can anyone erase four years of wonderful college memories, rooting for the beloved Deacons? How can you replace hanging out in bars with the basketball team players? This is my alma mater, after all. Nothing will ever come between me and Wake Forest.
I can understand getting excited about Duke basketball if your alma mater wasn’t a big basketball school. And I don’t deny that it’s an experience to be squeezed into Cameron, deafened by the jeering crowd. And yes, I camped out last year, but it was just for the experience. I’ve done this basketball thing all before so I just can’t get excited about the Blue Devils…except when they lose. So, Orientation Leaders, please don’t force-feed cheers to the new class. And let’s make Fuqua a safe place for those whose loyalties lie elsewhere.
I love Fuqua and I will be proud to call myself a Duke Alumna when I graduate. But I will never cheer for the Blue Devils. I am, and will forever be, a Demon Deacon.
Laura is currently petitioning ESPN to star in a “Never Graduate” commercial, featuring pudding wrestling with the Deacon, the Devil and the Ram. Hunky male applicants for these roles are now being accepted.
I Don’t Heart Duke Basketball
Welcome to ACC Country, where rivalries run blood deep and team colors are more sacred then religion. Perhaps the deepest seated rivalries in the ACC run along Tobacco Road, the 75-mile stretch of I-40 that starts in Winston-Salem and ends in Raleigh and whose history first began when tobacco tycoons RJ Reynolds and Washington Duke battled it out for cigarette market share in the late 1800s.
So, naturally, many people were baffled when this Wake Forest graduate told that she was attending Duke for graduate school. The question continues to pop up in interviews. And my answer is always the same: I have internal conflict. Because while I love Fuqua, I can never, I will never love Duke basketball.
However, by attending Duke University, it is assumed that I must love Duke basketball. The assumptions started the first day of FY orientation, when we were all herded, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, into a room where we were taught several Duke basketball cheers. I stood there, fuming, with my arms crossed, refusing to participate. Or when I received dirty stares from those in the student section at last years’ Wake-Duke game in Cameron (granted, I was dressed in all gold, screaming at the top of my lungs for the Deacons, but really?). Fast forward to SY, where I get quizzical looks from classmates when I mention I’m rooting for Clemson over Duke. Does it really surprise people that there are many students at Fuqua who despise the Blue Devils?
While I could give concrete reasons for this animosity, it really comes down to something much more irrational – emotion. For four years, I was bred to hate our rivals, who include Duke and Carolina. And we were truly rivals, as the Deacons were just coming off their back-to-back ACC Championships when I started (something that won’t be repeated this year, unfortunately). Like any true fan, we smeared it in our rivals’ faces when we won and hated them when we lost. How can anyone erase four years of wonderful college memories, rooting for the beloved Deacons? How can you replace hanging out in bars with the basketball team players? This is my alma mater, after all. Nothing will ever come between me and Wake Forest.
I can understand getting excited about Duke basketball if your alma mater wasn’t a big basketball school. And I don’t deny that it’s an experience to be squeezed into Cameron, deafened by the jeering crowd. And yes, I camped out last year, but it was just for the experience. I’ve done this basketball thing all before so I just can’t get excited about the Blue Devils…except when they lose. So, Orientation Leaders, please don’t force-feed cheers to the new class. And let’s make Fuqua a safe place for those whose loyalties lie elsewhere.
I love Fuqua and I will be proud to call myself a Duke Alumna when I graduate. But I will never cheer for the Blue Devils. I am, and will forever be, a Demon Deacon.
Laura is currently petitioning ESPN to star in a “Never Graduate” commercial, featuring pudding wrestling with the Deacon, the Devil and the Ram. Hunky male applicants for these roles are now being accepted.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Power of Brand
I'm just going to go ahead and admit it: I'm a dork.
This past summer, my treat on the train ride from NYC back to CT was to pick up that week's The New Yorker and read it cover to cover in a mere 40 minutes. The articles are interesting, the writing is fantastic, and I loved to learn about all the goings-on in the city.
I'm not a big magazine reader to begin with, especially with school in full swing. I didn't renew my Traveler subscription because I never got around to reading it. But I found, in the months I've been back in NC, that I've missed my New Yorker.
So I subscribed. I may be the only North Carolinian to have a subscription to The New Yorker, but I love it. I love reading the articles, appreciating the writing, and learning about all the goings-on in the city, even though I'm too far away to appreciate them. But it's just a short plane ride away, right? Plus, I like being the only North Carolinian reading The New Yorker. I feel sophisticated, educated and cultured. At least, that's what the brand tells me I should feel.
I'll still get my celeb updates on thesuperficial.com, but I'm also chic enough to read about why Lieberman sees himself as the Lorax. Now that's good marketing!
This past summer, my treat on the train ride from NYC back to CT was to pick up that week's The New Yorker and read it cover to cover in a mere 40 minutes. The articles are interesting, the writing is fantastic, and I loved to learn about all the goings-on in the city.
I'm not a big magazine reader to begin with, especially with school in full swing. I didn't renew my Traveler subscription because I never got around to reading it. But I found, in the months I've been back in NC, that I've missed my New Yorker.
So I subscribed. I may be the only North Carolinian to have a subscription to The New Yorker, but I love it. I love reading the articles, appreciating the writing, and learning about all the goings-on in the city, even though I'm too far away to appreciate them. But it's just a short plane ride away, right? Plus, I like being the only North Carolinian reading The New Yorker. I feel sophisticated, educated and cultured. At least, that's what the brand tells me I should feel.
I'll still get my celeb updates on thesuperficial.com, but I'm also chic enough to read about why Lieberman sees himself as the Lorax. Now that's good marketing!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Baby steps
Inspired by the curmudgeon, I've decided to try to lower my electricity bill for this upcoming month. This past month's bill was $71! And we only live in a 1200 square foot aparment. Part of the problem, with the onslaught of colder weather, is that our apartment is not well insulated. If you stand by the windows, you can feel the cold air seeping through. So our heat runs non-stop. So, to help save the environment, and to help save for our upcoming trip to Costa Rica, I'm taking a few baby steps. If you have other suggestions, please let me know!
- Washing my clothes with only cold water
- Keeping my printer off until I actually print
- Putting my computer on "Stand By" at night and when I'm at school
- Lowering the thermostat when we're out of the house for long periods
- Shutting off lights when we're not in the room (I could buy those energy-saving bulbs, but I'll wait until the ones I have burn out)
Friday, February 02, 2007
'Tis the Season to be Stressed Out
There seems to be a lot of stress around Fuqua lately. The first years are just about fried by the summer internship interview process and are burned out from classes. The second years are stressed out because we are making decisions that will impact the rest of our lives.
Before school, our job and careers didn't really matter. We knew we would one day be returning to school and whatever job we held prior to school was just a bus stop on our journey. Our summer internship, while important, was just a way to postpone the inevitable decision. But now, NOW, we have to decide. And our decision is what will shape our future.
Where will we live? Where will we work? Am I choosing the right path? For some reason, my guy friends aren't as stressed out by these decisions as my girlfriends. Many of the girls feel torn between choosing what we want and what we'll compromise for. In many cases, husbands and wives want different things, but it's our husbands that get a loud voice. I don't see that in relationships where the husband is the student - he seems to make the decision that's best for him (and ultimately, his family). But why are we, as educated and career-driven women, forced to compromise? Why do we feel the angst of doing what is right for the whole family? Why are we the ones brought to tears as we struggle to make the right decision?
Perhaps, despite being as progressive as we'd like to think, we are still bound by an unspoken cultural tie in which the man is the head of the household. That he holds more power. Not that we aren't treated as equals, but we're also not the type of women to stomp our foot and demand that things go our way. Maybe we should. Maybe we're being too passive. Maybe...but I don't forsee any of my girlfriends who are in this situation doing anything differently.
Or maybe we're just trying to be fair to everyone in the relationship. But why does that burden fall on women?
Before school, our job and careers didn't really matter. We knew we would one day be returning to school and whatever job we held prior to school was just a bus stop on our journey. Our summer internship, while important, was just a way to postpone the inevitable decision. But now, NOW, we have to decide. And our decision is what will shape our future.
Where will we live? Where will we work? Am I choosing the right path? For some reason, my guy friends aren't as stressed out by these decisions as my girlfriends. Many of the girls feel torn between choosing what we want and what we'll compromise for. In many cases, husbands and wives want different things, but it's our husbands that get a loud voice. I don't see that in relationships where the husband is the student - he seems to make the decision that's best for him (and ultimately, his family). But why are we, as educated and career-driven women, forced to compromise? Why do we feel the angst of doing what is right for the whole family? Why are we the ones brought to tears as we struggle to make the right decision?
Perhaps, despite being as progressive as we'd like to think, we are still bound by an unspoken cultural tie in which the man is the head of the household. That he holds more power. Not that we aren't treated as equals, but we're also not the type of women to stomp our foot and demand that things go our way. Maybe we should. Maybe we're being too passive. Maybe...but I don't forsee any of my girlfriends who are in this situation doing anything differently.
Or maybe we're just trying to be fair to everyone in the relationship. But why does that burden fall on women?
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Supersize This
So I just finished watching Supersize Me! and I have mixed feelings about the movie. On one hand, it was really interesting and eye-opening to see just what kind of effect a high-fat diet can have on the human body and how disgusting fast food is. On the other hand, it completely lacked fairness and balance.
The movie makes fast food companies out to be greedy, manipulative engines. Let's just get one thing straight: we live in a capitalistic country. The goal of most businesses is to make money. It would be great if, in the process of making money, they are also doing societal good, but that would only work if people (read: consumers) (read: you) supported these efforts. In order to make money, cosumer goods companies must make their brand top-of-mind. This means money spent on advertising, product placement, consumer research. So, yes, we expect companies like Target, Nike, Dell, Whole Foods, and even McDonald's to spend lots of money in order to make lots of money.
The movie accuses McDonald's of hooking children onto their product, reeling them in at an early age so that, later in their life, warm fuzzy memories of McDonald's playgrounds will lure them back for a Big Mac. Watching the movie, you'd think these execs sat around an office coming up with ways to get those kids at a young age; to hook them for life. Isn't this a bit of revisionist history? This is like interpreting a novel after it's been written when, truly, we have no idea what the author's original intent was. Maybe McDonald's did consumer research and found that, at the time, their main consumer (read: busy mom) needed a quick bite to eat and 5 minutes away from her noisy brats. The McDonald's PlayPlace is born...to appease adult consumers. But now we interpret that as McDonald's devising PlayPlace to implant happy memories into children's minds. Most likely, no.
Where's the personal responsiblity? Everyday, we are bombarded by ads and messages. No one is holding a gun to our head, forcing us to purchase their product or idea. That decision is up to us. It is up to us to teach our children good eating and exercise habits. By now, every person on the planet, all 6.3 billion of us, should have a vague sense of how bad some foods are for us. So don't eat them. And if you do, run an extra mile.
Supersize Me! did make this point...at the very end. The great thing about this country is that we have free choice, free will. Let's exercise that freedom and make the right choices for ourselves and our kids. Stop pointing the finger at the fast food restaurants and pushing the blame and responsiblity off on others. Because if we keep doing that, we'll never stem this epidemic that's slowly killing us.
The movie makes fast food companies out to be greedy, manipulative engines. Let's just get one thing straight: we live in a capitalistic country. The goal of most businesses is to make money. It would be great if, in the process of making money, they are also doing societal good, but that would only work if people (read: consumers) (read: you) supported these efforts. In order to make money, cosumer goods companies must make their brand top-of-mind. This means money spent on advertising, product placement, consumer research. So, yes, we expect companies like Target, Nike, Dell, Whole Foods, and even McDonald's to spend lots of money in order to make lots of money.
The movie accuses McDonald's of hooking children onto their product, reeling them in at an early age so that, later in their life, warm fuzzy memories of McDonald's playgrounds will lure them back for a Big Mac. Watching the movie, you'd think these execs sat around an office coming up with ways to get those kids at a young age; to hook them for life. Isn't this a bit of revisionist history? This is like interpreting a novel after it's been written when, truly, we have no idea what the author's original intent was. Maybe McDonald's did consumer research and found that, at the time, their main consumer (read: busy mom) needed a quick bite to eat and 5 minutes away from her noisy brats. The McDonald's PlayPlace is born...to appease adult consumers. But now we interpret that as McDonald's devising PlayPlace to implant happy memories into children's minds. Most likely, no.
Where's the personal responsiblity? Everyday, we are bombarded by ads and messages. No one is holding a gun to our head, forcing us to purchase their product or idea. That decision is up to us. It is up to us to teach our children good eating and exercise habits. By now, every person on the planet, all 6.3 billion of us, should have a vague sense of how bad some foods are for us. So don't eat them. And if you do, run an extra mile.
Supersize Me! did make this point...at the very end. The great thing about this country is that we have free choice, free will. Let's exercise that freedom and make the right choices for ourselves and our kids. Stop pointing the finger at the fast food restaurants and pushing the blame and responsiblity off on others. Because if we keep doing that, we'll never stem this epidemic that's slowly killing us.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Global Warming is officially over
Some people have been jealous of North Carolina's 70+ degree weather these past several weeks. Me, I've been terrified. It was hard proof that global warming was alive and well.
But yesterday and today, we have had normal January-degree temperatures. It's been rainy, and cold, and the weather warrants gloves and scarves. I could never be happier. Even though global warming is still upon us, at least the colder temperatures will keep the melting ice caps at bay. For now.
Now if we could only get the oil companies to increase the price per gallon of gas...
But yesterday and today, we have had normal January-degree temperatures. It's been rainy, and cold, and the weather warrants gloves and scarves. I could never be happier. Even though global warming is still upon us, at least the colder temperatures will keep the melting ice caps at bay. For now.
Now if we could only get the oil companies to increase the price per gallon of gas...
Monday, January 15, 2007
Paper or Plastic?
Everytime I am asked this question, I have a brief, internal debate. Which is the lesser of the two evils?
On one hand, plastic prevents the mass destruction of trees and wildlife, preserving habitats for many of our world's species. It is also lighter and more compact, allowing more quantity to be shipped per truck, reducing transportation and decreasing the amount of fuel used and carbon dioxide emitted.
On the other hand, paper bags are recycleable, biodegradeable and use a renewable resource - you can always plant another tree, but you cannot easily replace the petroleum needed to create plastic. You can also fit more stuff in a paper bag, which reduces the quantity of bags needed and, in turn, the amount of waste created.
The ultimate answer would be for everyone to bring their own reusable bag. That would be the least amount of impact on the environment. But what if you forget? Or you're too lazy and cheap to go out and buy these bags?
I guess in the meantime, I'll go with paper. There's something comforting about knowing that my waste won't be hanging around for thousands of years.
On one hand, plastic prevents the mass destruction of trees and wildlife, preserving habitats for many of our world's species. It is also lighter and more compact, allowing more quantity to be shipped per truck, reducing transportation and decreasing the amount of fuel used and carbon dioxide emitted.
On the other hand, paper bags are recycleable, biodegradeable and use a renewable resource - you can always plant another tree, but you cannot easily replace the petroleum needed to create plastic. You can also fit more stuff in a paper bag, which reduces the quantity of bags needed and, in turn, the amount of waste created.
The ultimate answer would be for everyone to bring their own reusable bag. That would be the least amount of impact on the environment. But what if you forget? Or you're too lazy and cheap to go out and buy these bags?
I guess in the meantime, I'll go with paper. There's something comforting about knowing that my waste won't be hanging around for thousands of years.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
A Love Affair with Notre Dame
My parents have an unhealthy obsession. Ever since my sister started school at Notre Dame, my parents have been obesessed with everything about the school. It's not just the engraved beer mugs, etched wine glasses and countless shirts and hats, all emblazened with the Notre Dame logo. It's also the three Notre Dame car stickers and the point they make to go to football games and parents weekends.
When I went to Wake Forest, I wanted to put a Wake sticker on my parents car, to show the world that their precious first-born was a student there. But they balked, saying that it was tacky. So I'm a little stunned that there are three (3) Notre Dame stickers on their car today.
One guess to how many football games, basketball games or parents weekends my parents came to. In fact, my mother only came to Wake Forest three times - once to drop me off, once for my graduation, and once for Scott's law school graduation (and that was four years after I graduated). Granted, Wake is a bit farther from Illinois than is Notre Dame. But still - I thought Rule #1 in Parenting was not to have favorites. I'm feeling unloved!
After pointing out this unhealthy obsession over the past several years, my parents have been tyring to make amends. My mother even called me during the Orange Bowl to say she was watching. Of course, she and my father can't quite understand why Scott and I are still loyal to our alma mater. "You graduated...why do you still care about Wake?" she'll ask.
I have a funny feeling that, despite this sentiment, she'll still be caring deeply for Notre Dame long after Alisa has graduated. And I wouldn't be surprised if another sticker or two pops up on their car window.
When I went to Wake Forest, I wanted to put a Wake sticker on my parents car, to show the world that their precious first-born was a student there. But they balked, saying that it was tacky. So I'm a little stunned that there are three (3) Notre Dame stickers on their car today.
One guess to how many football games, basketball games or parents weekends my parents came to. In fact, my mother only came to Wake Forest three times - once to drop me off, once for my graduation, and once for Scott's law school graduation (and that was four years after I graduated). Granted, Wake is a bit farther from Illinois than is Notre Dame. But still - I thought Rule #1 in Parenting was not to have favorites. I'm feeling unloved!
After pointing out this unhealthy obsession over the past several years, my parents have been tyring to make amends. My mother even called me during the Orange Bowl to say she was watching. Of course, she and my father can't quite understand why Scott and I are still loyal to our alma mater. "You graduated...why do you still care about Wake?" she'll ask.
I have a funny feeling that, despite this sentiment, she'll still be caring deeply for Notre Dame long after Alisa has graduated. And I wouldn't be surprised if another sticker or two pops up on their car window.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Humiliation is...
...standing in front of a mirror in a black leotard and pink tights. I bought a few items for my first ballet class tonight, and the experience was worse than trying on bathing suits. Maybe it was because there was a six-year-old also trying on a black leotard with pink tights. It's not fair that she got to wear a tiara.
It was like something out of a movie: "The Giant, Lumpy Ballerina".
Nothing else has gotten me to the gym faster.
It was like something out of a movie: "The Giant, Lumpy Ballerina".
Nothing else has gotten me to the gym faster.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Dear Old Wake Forest
For those of you living under a rock, Wake Forest played Louisville in the BCS Orange Bowl last Monday. It was a sort of Cinderalla story for us, since we are not a football school, and we're one of the smallest schools in Division I. But this season, we stole a lot of touchdowns, and a lot of hearts. One of my favorite articles from the Orange Bowl...
JOSEPH: Demon Deacons charm Orange Bowl
Published January 3, 2007
MIAMI GARDENS -- Opposite world is cool.
That's what we learned here Tuesday night at the FedEx Orange Bowl. In a game featuring a school no one ever expected to be in a BCS game and in a game many thought would be tedious because it had no national championship implications or pre-game hype -- tiny Wake Forest gave Louisville's emerging program and an announced crowd of 74,470 a memorable game. How refreshing. Suddenly, a BCS game didn't have to be life-and-death to be appealing. It didn't have to come down to a coach's job on the line. It didn't have to feature behemoths like Florida State or Miami. It could star a small, tie-dyed school from Winston-Salem, N.C.
And it may wind up rivaling the best bowl game you'll see this season.Yes, the favored Cardinals won, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points to beat the Demon Deacons 24-13. But how could you not come away from this game enamored by the Demon Deacons?
Wake Forest. The little engine that could ... I think I can ... I think I can...
How could you not like a school of 6,700 students, only 4,300 undergraduates, stuffing it to those ACC giants like Florida State and Virginia Tech? How could you not like the smallest school to ever compete in a BCS game? These things don't happen anymore in big-time college football. Heck, even "little" Boise State has 18,000 students, Louisville 25,000. Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe had to put a team together with local kids who weren't highly recruited or necessarily motivated by the size of a school's stadium or, ironically, its chance of playing in a BCS game. Wake Forest. In a BCS game. Only in opposite world.
Think about it: If every current undergraduate and graduate student at Wake Forest attended Tuesday's game, Dolphin Stadium would have mirrored a Tuesday afternoon game in August between the Marlins and Nationals.
Heck, if every living Wake Forest graduate attended the Orange Bowl, there would still have be 20,000 empty seats Tuesday night.
But here were the Demon Deacons playing in a BCS game in front of probably the largest gathering of Wake Forest alumni in school history. Black-and-gold, tie-dyed crazies from Winston-Salem, N.C. The kind of students who celebrate school victories by covering the center of campus with toilet paper.
Every Deadhead should adopt this school. Jerry Garcia meets Mr. Whipple. The smallest school and coolest. And a team that refused to believe it couldn't succeed.This was the culmination for the Demon Deacons of an improbable year, one that could have been lost back in September when they managed to block a last-second field goal attempt to beat lowly Duke. Despite loses to Clemson and Virginia Tech, the Demon Deacons never went away. They beat Georgia Tech at home and Florida State and Maryland on the road. And they did it all after losing their starting quarterback, running back and left tackle. And now this.
After going down 10-3 after Louisville stole a play from their playbook by scoring on a modified flea flicker, Cinderella got mad.Wake Forest tied the game on a 30-yard touchdown to Nate Morton from Riley Skinner, formerly the Deacons' third-string quarterback. Then they took the lead in the fourth quarter on a 36-yard field goal by Sam Swank.But they fumbled deep inside Cardinals territory twice, and they couldn't stop the No. 5-ranked Cardinals in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, the magic had run out. Midnight had approached.
It was too bad, really. Back to the real world.
JOSEPH: Demon Deacons charm Orange Bowl
Published January 3, 2007
MIAMI GARDENS -- Opposite world is cool.
That's what we learned here Tuesday night at the FedEx Orange Bowl. In a game featuring a school no one ever expected to be in a BCS game and in a game many thought would be tedious because it had no national championship implications or pre-game hype -- tiny Wake Forest gave Louisville's emerging program and an announced crowd of 74,470 a memorable game. How refreshing. Suddenly, a BCS game didn't have to be life-and-death to be appealing. It didn't have to come down to a coach's job on the line. It didn't have to feature behemoths like Florida State or Miami. It could star a small, tie-dyed school from Winston-Salem, N.C.
And it may wind up rivaling the best bowl game you'll see this season.Yes, the favored Cardinals won, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points to beat the Demon Deacons 24-13. But how could you not come away from this game enamored by the Demon Deacons?
Wake Forest. The little engine that could ... I think I can ... I think I can...
How could you not like a school of 6,700 students, only 4,300 undergraduates, stuffing it to those ACC giants like Florida State and Virginia Tech? How could you not like the smallest school to ever compete in a BCS game? These things don't happen anymore in big-time college football. Heck, even "little" Boise State has 18,000 students, Louisville 25,000. Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe had to put a team together with local kids who weren't highly recruited or necessarily motivated by the size of a school's stadium or, ironically, its chance of playing in a BCS game. Wake Forest. In a BCS game. Only in opposite world.
Think about it: If every current undergraduate and graduate student at Wake Forest attended Tuesday's game, Dolphin Stadium would have mirrored a Tuesday afternoon game in August between the Marlins and Nationals.
Heck, if every living Wake Forest graduate attended the Orange Bowl, there would still have be 20,000 empty seats Tuesday night.
But here were the Demon Deacons playing in a BCS game in front of probably the largest gathering of Wake Forest alumni in school history. Black-and-gold, tie-dyed crazies from Winston-Salem, N.C. The kind of students who celebrate school victories by covering the center of campus with toilet paper.
Every Deadhead should adopt this school. Jerry Garcia meets Mr. Whipple. The smallest school and coolest. And a team that refused to believe it couldn't succeed.This was the culmination for the Demon Deacons of an improbable year, one that could have been lost back in September when they managed to block a last-second field goal attempt to beat lowly Duke. Despite loses to Clemson and Virginia Tech, the Demon Deacons never went away. They beat Georgia Tech at home and Florida State and Maryland on the road. And they did it all after losing their starting quarterback, running back and left tackle. And now this.
After going down 10-3 after Louisville stole a play from their playbook by scoring on a modified flea flicker, Cinderella got mad.Wake Forest tied the game on a 30-yard touchdown to Nate Morton from Riley Skinner, formerly the Deacons' third-string quarterback. Then they took the lead in the fourth quarter on a 36-yard field goal by Sam Swank.But they fumbled deep inside Cardinals territory twice, and they couldn't stop the No. 5-ranked Cardinals in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, the magic had run out. Midnight had approached.
It was too bad, really. Back to the real world.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
What ever happened to New Year's?
For the New Year, Abby and I decided to have a little fun with the New Year's celebrations. So we made Jell-O shots, Pudding Shots (delicious), and stopped by Wal-Mart (yes, the corrupt corporate giant has weaseled its way into little ol' Galena, Illinois) to pick up some New Year paraphenalia. Nothing too exotic - just your run-of-the-mill party hats, party poppers and party horns.
With our husbands drunk back at the ranch, and less than 30 hours to go before 2007, Abby and I scoured the Wal-Mart aisles. Our first instinct was to just enter the store; surely, with so few hours before the big night, there would be endcaps galore of the stuff. But nothing.
So we meandered to the birthday party aisle, thinking they lumped all party stuff together. There were birthday hats and birthday plates. But nothing New Year's.
Finally, we were regulated to asking one of the friendly Wal-Mart workers for advice. "I think they got poppers in the grocery section." Yes...one measly stand-alone in the middle of the aisle with picked-over favors. That was it.
Along the way in our search, we came across any entire aisle of Valentine's Day treats. An entire aisle! In December! But no New Year's stuff.
My point (and I'm eventually getting there) is that we, as consumers, are once again ushered through a holiday, just so we can get to the next milestone. With one foot still in the Christmas (er, holiday) season, we are distracted with another holiday which isn't for another two months. Are we living in a culture that needs constant stimuli? Are we incapable, as a society, of living in the present? Is business that greedy for the next nickel that they try to squeeze money out of consumers every chance they get?
Let's take a collective pause, catch our breath, and recognize where we are before our lives pass us by, marked only by holiday-themed candy and party favors. It is 2007. We have just celebrated Christmas and are still enjoying our holiday goodies.
I, for one, am not even going to think about pink and red hearts until Febraury 14th.
With our husbands drunk back at the ranch, and less than 30 hours to go before 2007, Abby and I scoured the Wal-Mart aisles. Our first instinct was to just enter the store; surely, with so few hours before the big night, there would be endcaps galore of the stuff. But nothing.
So we meandered to the birthday party aisle, thinking they lumped all party stuff together. There were birthday hats and birthday plates. But nothing New Year's.
Finally, we were regulated to asking one of the friendly Wal-Mart workers for advice. "I think they got poppers in the grocery section." Yes...one measly stand-alone in the middle of the aisle with picked-over favors. That was it.
Along the way in our search, we came across any entire aisle of Valentine's Day treats. An entire aisle! In December! But no New Year's stuff.
My point (and I'm eventually getting there) is that we, as consumers, are once again ushered through a holiday, just so we can get to the next milestone. With one foot still in the Christmas (er, holiday) season, we are distracted with another holiday which isn't for another two months. Are we living in a culture that needs constant stimuli? Are we incapable, as a society, of living in the present? Is business that greedy for the next nickel that they try to squeeze money out of consumers every chance they get?
Let's take a collective pause, catch our breath, and recognize where we are before our lives pass us by, marked only by holiday-themed candy and party favors. It is 2007. We have just celebrated Christmas and are still enjoying our holiday goodies.
I, for one, am not even going to think about pink and red hearts until Febraury 14th.
Friday, December 22, 2006
On the Road Again
We are safely in Illinois. After a 13 hour trek across four states, we have safely driven to my hometown in Illinois. Truth be told, we made much better time than I anticipated, and this included the time spent this afternoon when I had to pull over at a random exit in Paducah, Kentucky because Scott suddenly got the runs. Can someone please explain to me how you suddenly get the runs? Apparently, it's not a gradual build up. One second he's reading the paper while I'm driving. The next he's begging me to pull over so he can use the closest bathroom. Boys are gross.
What's amazing to me is that, while we traversed almost 900 miles in 13 hours, in the same amount of time, I could have flown to China. Literally. It's just mind boggling to see how fast planes can go.
I've also noticed that my family tends to drink when we're all in town together. For thirty years, my parents harbored fifths upon fifths of unopened alcohol in their cabinets. But yet in the time span that we'll be in town - about five days - we would have drained their reserve. I don't know if it's because my parents equate us being in town as a celebratory event or if it's a way to cope. For Scott and I, it's the latter. Did I mention that my grandmother and midget great-aunt are also staying with us this holiday season?
I'll drink to that. And to our own small 13 hour version of the westward expansion.
What's amazing to me is that, while we traversed almost 900 miles in 13 hours, in the same amount of time, I could have flown to China. Literally. It's just mind boggling to see how fast planes can go.
I've also noticed that my family tends to drink when we're all in town together. For thirty years, my parents harbored fifths upon fifths of unopened alcohol in their cabinets. But yet in the time span that we'll be in town - about five days - we would have drained their reserve. I don't know if it's because my parents equate us being in town as a celebratory event or if it's a way to cope. For Scott and I, it's the latter. Did I mention that my grandmother and midget great-aunt are also staying with us this holiday season?
I'll drink to that. And to our own small 13 hour version of the westward expansion.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Prima Donna
I've made a big decision. It's not quite official, but my mind is made up, so it's almost official - I'm going to be a ballerina.
That's right. Starting in January, I'll be taking ballet lessons. Lest you be surprised, remember that I used to be a ballerina when I was four, five and six, so I have some experience and background in the art. This will probably mean lots of ballet recitals, so for those friends who live in the area, be prepared to get invitations to my ballerina re-debut. And for those friends who don't live in the area, feel free to send roses. I like the pink ones. They'll match my new tutu.
These lessons are for adults in teens, so forget those images of me taking lessons with a bunch of four, five and six-year-olds. I'll be in the good company of other experienced ballerinas like myself.
So let the pirouettes, arabesques, and promenades begin! I'll be a ballerina, yet!
That's right. Starting in January, I'll be taking ballet lessons. Lest you be surprised, remember that I used to be a ballerina when I was four, five and six, so I have some experience and background in the art. This will probably mean lots of ballet recitals, so for those friends who live in the area, be prepared to get invitations to my ballerina re-debut. And for those friends who don't live in the area, feel free to send roses. I like the pink ones. They'll match my new tutu.
These lessons are for adults in teens, so forget those images of me taking lessons with a bunch of four, five and six-year-olds. I'll be in the good company of other experienced ballerinas like myself.
So let the pirouettes, arabesques, and promenades begin! I'll be a ballerina, yet!
Friday, December 15, 2006
A "Get Out of Shopping, Free" Card
As I was searching through Scott's pant pockets, making sure there wasn't loose change in them before I threw them into the laundry, I found a crumpled, yellow business card. I smoothed it open and on it was written "Get Out of Shopping, Free."
When I questioned Scott about this card, he says it was bestowed upon him on the day we got married. Unbeknownst to me, most guys get one when they get married. While the card is particularly relevant during the Christmas season, it's valid all year round, for any holiday in which gift-buying is necessary.
I've done a little research on the "Get Out of Shopping, Free" card. Apparently, it plays upon the myth that men become helpless after marriage and entitles him to never buy another gift for his mother, father, cousins, in-laws, aunts, uncles, or grandparents ever again. However, it does not relieve him of purchasing gifts for his wife.
Whoever is behind this "Get Out of Shopping, Free" conspiracy should be found and sentenced to year of forced gift-buying for everyone on his family's list for all holidays, birthdays, Mother's Days, Father's Days, and any other Days. Where is my "Get Out of Shopping, Free" card? Or better yet, where is my "Get Out of Cleaning the Apartment, Free" card?
Oh wait, I do have one of those...
When I questioned Scott about this card, he says it was bestowed upon him on the day we got married. Unbeknownst to me, most guys get one when they get married. While the card is particularly relevant during the Christmas season, it's valid all year round, for any holiday in which gift-buying is necessary.
I've done a little research on the "Get Out of Shopping, Free" card. Apparently, it plays upon the myth that men become helpless after marriage and entitles him to never buy another gift for his mother, father, cousins, in-laws, aunts, uncles, or grandparents ever again. However, it does not relieve him of purchasing gifts for his wife.
Whoever is behind this "Get Out of Shopping, Free" conspiracy should be found and sentenced to year of forced gift-buying for everyone on his family's list for all holidays, birthdays, Mother's Days, Father's Days, and any other Days. Where is my "Get Out of Shopping, Free" card? Or better yet, where is my "Get Out of Cleaning the Apartment, Free" card?
Oh wait, I do have one of those...
Thursday, December 14, 2006
What ever happened to Christmas?
I can say that I've done a fair bit of Christmas shopping this season. And I'm disappointed. Throughout the stores, on the storefronts, in the store windows, there just isn't much Christmas cheer. Sure, there are some glittery sparkles and greetings of "Happy Holidays" every now and again, but overall, just not much Christmas spirit is decking the halls of the retail stores.
It's not just me. In a recent report by Brandweek, consumers are noting the lack of Christmas decorations and are actually electing to take their business elsewhere, to those stores that do decorate for Christmas. The report didn't say why stores were decorating less this year, but I would guess it has to do with costs and politics. Funny thing is, when stores try to cut costs and try to become politically neutral, it may actually spell disaster.
It's Christmas. This is the season when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a big deal in the Christian religion, commercial or not. It's one of the biggest holidays of the Christian year. This time of year is also Hannakah, but Hannakah isn't a gift-giving season. It's not even a big Jewish holiday - it was just made that way because of the commercialization of Christmas. Even my Jewish friends get offended about the greeting "Happy Holidays". They feel that it's condescending because they recognize this as Christian feast, and that's fine with them. They don't need someone to pat them on the shoulder and make them feel included.
It's decent to be politically correct and we need to respect all peoples and all religions. But that doesn't mean that, to do so, we gloss over the important feasts of other religions. It's not just me - it's also consumers that are saying this now. Keep Christmas away, and the shoppers will stay away, too. So let's celebrate - commercialization and all - what this season is truly about.
It's not just me. In a recent report by Brandweek, consumers are noting the lack of Christmas decorations and are actually electing to take their business elsewhere, to those stores that do decorate for Christmas. The report didn't say why stores were decorating less this year, but I would guess it has to do with costs and politics. Funny thing is, when stores try to cut costs and try to become politically neutral, it may actually spell disaster.
It's Christmas. This is the season when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a big deal in the Christian religion, commercial or not. It's one of the biggest holidays of the Christian year. This time of year is also Hannakah, but Hannakah isn't a gift-giving season. It's not even a big Jewish holiday - it was just made that way because of the commercialization of Christmas. Even my Jewish friends get offended about the greeting "Happy Holidays". They feel that it's condescending because they recognize this as Christian feast, and that's fine with them. They don't need someone to pat them on the shoulder and make them feel included.
It's decent to be politically correct and we need to respect all peoples and all religions. But that doesn't mean that, to do so, we gloss over the important feasts of other religions. It's not just me - it's also consumers that are saying this now. Keep Christmas away, and the shoppers will stay away, too. So let's celebrate - commercialization and all - what this season is truly about.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Famous Celebrity Couples
Because I am officially done with my second term of school and I have nothing to do (except find a job, write Christmas cards, wrap presents, write an essay, clean the house...ok, I'm procrastinating), I have been having a little celebrity fun. Thanks to Jessica, I have found this website that matches celebrities that look like me. These don't even include the Asian actress and Beyonce.
And to have a little more fun, I did Scott, too. Admittingly, not the best picture of Scott, but basically, I'm married to either Bill Paxton or a vampire. I haven't decided which. When he was younger, Scott was told he looked like the lead singer from Smashing Pumpkins. I guess he's grown out of that phase.
And to have a little more fun, I did Scott, too. Admittingly, not the best picture of Scott, but basically, I'm married to either Bill Paxton or a vampire. I haven't decided which. When he was younger, Scott was told he looked like the lead singer from Smashing Pumpkins. I guess he's grown out of that phase.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A Bite of the Apple
Scott, me, Alison and James took a little trip to NYC this past weekend. Not only were Scott and I feeming for a little city-action to get us in the Christmas spirit, but we also wanted to show some of the sites to Alison, who had never been to the city before. She is now officially city-fied! A few highlights from our trip:
Thursday: Flew in (P.S. jetBlue may possibly be my new fave airline), had a few slices of pizza at 11:30 at night, and took a carriage ride through Central Park. Our "tour guide" was fantastic, pointing out certain attractions like the Trump Tower which is "owned by Donald Trump. He owns other buildings in the city." Looks like $50 in NYC just doesn't get you as far as it does down South.
Friday: Found a cute place for breakfast, hit Fifth Avenue, oggled at Tiffany's (where my classy husband yells out "Oh my God! This necklace costs $715,000!), ate dinner at Thalia's and then saw Martin Short's Fame Become Me, which was hilarious. I never knew Martin Short was such a talented person. He had a guest star show up - Goldie Hawn, who looks fabulous. I guess that's what a little surgery can do. Met some friends out at a bar after the show.
Saturday: Despite the line that literally wrapped around the Empire State Building,
James' friend, who works in the building, was able to get us past the lines and right to the top! Talk about celebrity status! The view was amazing. Ate lunch in the West Village at Chat 'n Chew and then hit Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and skaters. Very charming. For dinner, met up with Elizabeth, Chris, Carson, and Christine at Tao (alas, no celebrity sitings), had a few too many mojitos and grapefruit martinis and hit a little of the NYC scene.
Thursday: Flew in (P.S. jetBlue may possibly be my new fave airline), had a few slices of pizza at 11:30 at night, and took a carriage ride through Central Park. Our "tour guide" was fantastic, pointing out certain attractions like the Trump Tower which is "owned by Donald Trump. He owns other buildings in the city." Looks like $50 in NYC just doesn't get you as far as it does down South.
Friday: Found a cute place for breakfast, hit Fifth Avenue, oggled at Tiffany's (where my classy husband yells out "Oh my God! This necklace costs $715,000!), ate dinner at Thalia's and then saw Martin Short's Fame Become Me, which was hilarious. I never knew Martin Short was such a talented person. He had a guest star show up - Goldie Hawn, who looks fabulous. I guess that's what a little surgery can do. Met some friends out at a bar after the show.
Saturday: Despite the line that literally wrapped around the Empire State Building,
James' friend, who works in the building, was able to get us past the lines and right to the top! Talk about celebrity status! The view was amazing. Ate lunch in the West Village at Chat 'n Chew and then hit Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and skaters. Very charming. For dinner, met up with Elizabeth, Chris, Carson, and Christine at Tao (alas, no celebrity sitings), had a few too many mojitos and grapefruit martinis and hit a little of the NYC scene.
Sunday: Brunched in SoHo and did a little shopping. Got a cool necklace at one of the sidewalk vendors. Took a harrowing cab ride to JFK and said our goodbyes.
It was a great trip (when is a trip to NYC not?). Now I'm trying to convince Scott to buy a small little apartment in the city - our "city" escape, if you will. Still working on that...
It was a great trip (when is a trip to NYC not?). Now I'm trying to convince Scott to buy a small little apartment in the city - our "city" escape, if you will. Still working on that...
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Someone! Just give me a job! (please)
I'm a nice person. I work hard. I'm average intelligence, but I have a lot of motivation. Can someone just give me a job? Why does this have to be so hard?
I never knew looking for a job would be so much of a, well, job. It takes up most of my day and the added pressure comes from fellow students who are in the frenzy of interviewing and snatching up offers. Because I'm so geographically focused (damn you, American Bar Association and your stupid bar rules), things are a little slower for me. First, I'm trying to vet out all the possible job options here. Then, I'm trying to figure out if these businesses are offering jobs. And then I have to actually interview for the jobs. I'm still doing #1 and #2.
Let me tell you, the offer I do get better be good. It better be something I'm going to want to do for at least 30 years, because I ain't doing this job search again.
I never knew looking for a job would be so much of a, well, job. It takes up most of my day and the added pressure comes from fellow students who are in the frenzy of interviewing and snatching up offers. Because I'm so geographically focused (damn you, American Bar Association and your stupid bar rules), things are a little slower for me. First, I'm trying to vet out all the possible job options here. Then, I'm trying to figure out if these businesses are offering jobs. And then I have to actually interview for the jobs. I'm still doing #1 and #2.
Let me tell you, the offer I do get better be good. It better be something I'm going to want to do for at least 30 years, because I ain't doing this job search again.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
I Heart James Bond
I have seen the advertisements since May, and halfway around the world, at that. In Hong Kong, city buses roared by, covered in "Casino Royale" movie posters. There, blown up to 137 times his original size was Daniel Craig.
There wasn't a whole lot to him, then. In our own group, the guys talked about how this was the new James Bond and there were skeptical remarks about his ability in this role. Everyone said that they wanted to see the new movie, but weren't sure if this Daniel Craig would really be that good of a Bond character.
That was May. I had almost forgotten about Daniel and his Hong Kong advertisements. Now in November, I was dragged to the movies to see just another Bond movie.
But this was NOT just another Bond movie, and it was because of my dear, sweet Daniel. Those piercing blue eyes. Those perfectly formed biceps. That crooked smile. I am in love with the new Bond. He's rugged, he's human. And he's hot. I'm sure the movie studios knew what they were doing. For years and years, the guys had all the fun - their fantasy Bond with the cool gadgets, the cool car, and the easy women. What did we have? Nothing. But now, we have Daniel. The guys can take their cool car and their cool gadget. Heck, I'll even give them the beautiful, easy women. But just give me my Bond!
There wasn't a whole lot to him, then. In our own group, the guys talked about how this was the new James Bond and there were skeptical remarks about his ability in this role. Everyone said that they wanted to see the new movie, but weren't sure if this Daniel Craig would really be that good of a Bond character.
That was May. I had almost forgotten about Daniel and his Hong Kong advertisements. Now in November, I was dragged to the movies to see just another Bond movie.
But this was NOT just another Bond movie, and it was because of my dear, sweet Daniel. Those piercing blue eyes. Those perfectly formed biceps. That crooked smile. I am in love with the new Bond. He's rugged, he's human. And he's hot. I'm sure the movie studios knew what they were doing. For years and years, the guys had all the fun - their fantasy Bond with the cool gadgets, the cool car, and the easy women. What did we have? Nothing. But now, we have Daniel. The guys can take their cool car and their cool gadget. Heck, I'll even give them the beautiful, easy women. But just give me my Bond!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
A Turkey of a Relief
It's been a few weeks since my last post, but so many things have been going on since then. Thankfully, one of the things taking the most time is finally over, for the most part. The Brand Challenge happened last Friday and I think it was a success! So one event down, so now all that's left is just school, exams, job search, Conservation Week....
The Southern traditions here continue to amaze me. This Thanksgiving, I was introduced to the deep-fat fried turkey. For those not familiar with the south, this consists of pouring about 4-5 gallons of oil (peanut, in this case) in a big pot, heating it to a toasty 400 degrees, and dunking an entire turkey into the oil. The amazing thing is that it only takes about an hour to cook an 18 pound turkey. At first, I had a physical aversion to this kind of cooked turkey - after all, 5 gallons of peanut oil is enough to make anyone yack a bit. But I have to admit that the turkey was pretty darn good. Juicy and tender. While I don't see deep-fat fried turkey again in my future (I hope), I will say that I enjoyed this little tradition.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed your turkey - no matter in what tradition it was prepared.
The Southern traditions here continue to amaze me. This Thanksgiving, I was introduced to the deep-fat fried turkey. For those not familiar with the south, this consists of pouring about 4-5 gallons of oil (peanut, in this case) in a big pot, heating it to a toasty 400 degrees, and dunking an entire turkey into the oil. The amazing thing is that it only takes about an hour to cook an 18 pound turkey. At first, I had a physical aversion to this kind of cooked turkey - after all, 5 gallons of peanut oil is enough to make anyone yack a bit. But I have to admit that the turkey was pretty darn good. Juicy and tender. While I don't see deep-fat fried turkey again in my future (I hope), I will say that I enjoyed this little tradition.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed your turkey - no matter in what tradition it was prepared.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Globalization is cool
I'm all about globalization. I'm globalization's biggest fan. I say open the borders. Let's offshore and outsource. Let information flow freely. Globalization will be what fights poverty and terrorism and ultimately bring equality among the nations. Don't believe it? Read The World is Flat, and you'll be a believer.
One of the things I hate about Americans is that 99.8% of us only know one language - English. And sometimes even that is questionable. So I love globalization and I hate that we only know one language. So why do my feathers get ruffled when students come to a graduate program in this country and can't speak English?
If I was going to school in France (here I go on the French, again), you could bet your bottom dollar that not only would there be sunshine tomorrow, but I would learn French hard and fast before I set foot upon the tiled floors of their MBA school. And I would bet another dollar that those French bastards wouldn't admit me unless I could prove that I learned French hard and fast.
So why does Duke - and most other American b-schools, for that matter - proceed to admit students who can't speak English? Not only do they suffer, but so do we. And because we can't communicate, we regulate ourselves to our own ethnic enclaves and don't learn from each other. It's painful to hold a conversation with someone when they speak at 1/472 the speed that I do. I'm patient, I really am. But it's not only painful, it's frustrating because you can never get your idea truly across.
So b-schools of America, listen up. Do us all a favor and let's follow in the footsteps of our peers. Don't admit international students unless you can make damn sure that they are proficient in English. Then open the gates. Let globalization in. After all, you can't truly globalize unless you can communicate.
One of the things I hate about Americans is that 99.8% of us only know one language - English. And sometimes even that is questionable. So I love globalization and I hate that we only know one language. So why do my feathers get ruffled when students come to a graduate program in this country and can't speak English?
If I was going to school in France (here I go on the French, again), you could bet your bottom dollar that not only would there be sunshine tomorrow, but I would learn French hard and fast before I set foot upon the tiled floors of their MBA school. And I would bet another dollar that those French bastards wouldn't admit me unless I could prove that I learned French hard and fast.
So why does Duke - and most other American b-schools, for that matter - proceed to admit students who can't speak English? Not only do they suffer, but so do we. And because we can't communicate, we regulate ourselves to our own ethnic enclaves and don't learn from each other. It's painful to hold a conversation with someone when they speak at 1/472 the speed that I do. I'm patient, I really am. But it's not only painful, it's frustrating because you can never get your idea truly across.
So b-schools of America, listen up. Do us all a favor and let's follow in the footsteps of our peers. Don't admit international students unless you can make damn sure that they are proficient in English. Then open the gates. Let globalization in. After all, you can't truly globalize unless you can communicate.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Tabloids breed good journalists
Before today, I would pass by racks of tabloids at the grocery store check-out line and scan the headlines, understanding that most of the stories were exaggerations of the truth. Today, I now understand that they are NOT exaggerations, but stone-cold truths.
Over the past year, we read articles about how Britney took away K-Fed's credit card. How she gave him an allowance. How she regulated him to the basement. How she didn't trust him with his own baby and hired a manny. We started to believe these stories until Britney had her infamous interview with Matt Lauer, where she told us these stories were untruths and that her marriage to K-Fed was "awesome." Her mini-skirt and bra-strap showing tank top told me not to believe her, but I kind of did. Maybe she was just an innocent victim, whom the fashion police had not yet paid a visit.
But then today, the world shook. All LIES, LIES, LIES...by Britney! The esteemed journalists at the tabloid magazines were, in fact, telling us the truth. They had scooped out the scoop, telling us with unfettered honesty what Britney could not, would not.
I know, we shouldn't be surprised by the Britney-K-Fed divorce. But my faith in the institution of marriage may have been slightly shaken. And then her "surprise" appearance on David Letterman, looking svelte and stylish. All on the eve of her divorce announcement.
Hmmm...do I smell strategy?? We'll just have to wait for the tabloids.
Over the past year, we read articles about how Britney took away K-Fed's credit card. How she gave him an allowance. How she regulated him to the basement. How she didn't trust him with his own baby and hired a manny. We started to believe these stories until Britney had her infamous interview with Matt Lauer, where she told us these stories were untruths and that her marriage to K-Fed was "awesome." Her mini-skirt and bra-strap showing tank top told me not to believe her, but I kind of did. Maybe she was just an innocent victim, whom the fashion police had not yet paid a visit.
But then today, the world shook. All LIES, LIES, LIES...by Britney! The esteemed journalists at the tabloid magazines were, in fact, telling us the truth. They had scooped out the scoop, telling us with unfettered honesty what Britney could not, would not.
I know, we shouldn't be surprised by the Britney-K-Fed divorce. But my faith in the institution of marriage may have been slightly shaken. And then her "surprise" appearance on David Letterman, looking svelte and stylish. All on the eve of her divorce announcement.
Hmmm...do I smell strategy?? We'll just have to wait for the tabloids.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Everyone's a pundit
In the October 14 issue of the WSJ, there was a great op-ed piece by Peggy Noonan. What I love about her piece is that she has so eloquently put into words what I have always thought: that there is a strange irony when it comes to Democrats - they can be so closed-minded when the liberal doctrince calls for an open-minded perspective.
I don't mean to hate on the Dems. Lord knows the Republicans have their problems, too. But I noticed it from the first time I humored my husband and debated politics. Out of one side of his mouth, he was talking about how we need to be open-minded and accepting of all people and all religions (I agree). And then, out of the other side of his mouth, he was lambasting the right-wing conservatives and cursing their view points. Wait a minute. What happened to wanting debate?
Noonan brought to light four examples of this same behavior: the first happened when students at Columbia stormed the stage where Minutemen were invited to speak, effectively shutting down that forum. Early in October, the father of a boy killed at Columbine shared his views on violence entering our schools, in light of the Amish shootings. He thought the reason was because God was taken out of the school system. CBS silenced him. At her concert, Barbara Streisand spouted politics between songs. When an audience member shouted "What is this, a fundraiser?" Streisand became enraged and cursed the man. And, finally, on "The View", Rosie went off on gun control. Elizabeth Hasselbeck brought up the other side of the argument, and Rosie went blank-faced and proceeded to "educate" Elizabeth.
Everyone is entitled to speak his or her mind, where ever they want to do it. However, I don't like it when people say they want to debate, but they don't - they want their vision imposed. And if they don't get it, they'll stoop to cursing, intimidating. Noonan says that what's missing from the left of America - and I'll go as far to say both sides of America - is grace. "The kind of grace that assumes disagreements are part of the fabric, but we can make the fabric hold together." I agree. Don't just say you want debate, when all you really want is an excuse to push an agenda.
And that's why I'm content to sit up high on my little fence and not get dirty in the muck down below.
I don't mean to hate on the Dems. Lord knows the Republicans have their problems, too. But I noticed it from the first time I humored my husband and debated politics. Out of one side of his mouth, he was talking about how we need to be open-minded and accepting of all people and all religions (I agree). And then, out of the other side of his mouth, he was lambasting the right-wing conservatives and cursing their view points. Wait a minute. What happened to wanting debate?
Noonan brought to light four examples of this same behavior: the first happened when students at Columbia stormed the stage where Minutemen were invited to speak, effectively shutting down that forum. Early in October, the father of a boy killed at Columbine shared his views on violence entering our schools, in light of the Amish shootings. He thought the reason was because God was taken out of the school system. CBS silenced him. At her concert, Barbara Streisand spouted politics between songs. When an audience member shouted "What is this, a fundraiser?" Streisand became enraged and cursed the man. And, finally, on "The View", Rosie went off on gun control. Elizabeth Hasselbeck brought up the other side of the argument, and Rosie went blank-faced and proceeded to "educate" Elizabeth.
Everyone is entitled to speak his or her mind, where ever they want to do it. However, I don't like it when people say they want to debate, but they don't - they want their vision imposed. And if they don't get it, they'll stoop to cursing, intimidating. Noonan says that what's missing from the left of America - and I'll go as far to say both sides of America - is grace. "The kind of grace that assumes disagreements are part of the fabric, but we can make the fabric hold together." I agree. Don't just say you want debate, when all you really want is an excuse to push an agenda.
And that's why I'm content to sit up high on my little fence and not get dirty in the muck down below.
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