Recently, I've started to read the new testament with a friend of mine daily starting from Matthews which narrates the birth of Jesus.
Now whether you know a lot about Christianity or nothing at all, I'm not making a big leap of conclusion in that the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin is a big deal to a lot of people (for obvious reasons), and one of the main indicators that Jesus was the Jesus that was prophecized in the Old Testament. I'm sure that if you googled this particular aspect of Jesus, tons and tons of results will come out.
Today though, something hit me hard. Is born of a virgin all that special?
First of all, we define virgin as "a person who has never had sexual intercourse" according to dictionary.com. And while it's quite impossible back in the old days for people to conceive babies without sex, it's not exactly impossible nowadays what with all the artificial insemination and whatever else technology out there.
Yes, there is a semen involved, and Jesus was technically born of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1 "For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."), so that is still one big distinction right there.
But did the old testament prophecy that Jesus will be born of the Holy Spirit? My knowledge is limited...but as far as I know, it was only prophecized that Jesus will be born of a virgin. Which -technically-, according to the definition of a virgin, nowadays, is nothing all that spectacular.
Just a random thought...I am not trying to say that Jesus was bogus or fake or anything of the sort...
'Til Next Time
TM
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Mommies
So today I saw this girl that was from my Math "study hall" last semester. I don't know her name or anything, but I would always recall this one conversation she had with another person during that class.
Long story short, her mother wanted her to go back home for Thanksgiving weekend. She didn't want to for whatever reason, so her mom tried ways to convince her. In the end, it worked because according to her (and I quote) "The only reason I'm going back is because she offered to shop with me."
Wow.
I think it's pretty depressing to have children and end up letting them treat you like that... Exactly what went wrong? I can't help but think that this is going to be a circular tragedy. One day, this girl will probably experience the same thing that she did to her mother - and then she will realize what she had done, but it'll be all too late.
So, all of you kids out there, really think about what you're doing to your parents (and who else might see your actions towards them).
'Til Next Time
TM
Long story short, her mother wanted her to go back home for Thanksgiving weekend. She didn't want to for whatever reason, so her mom tried ways to convince her. In the end, it worked because according to her (and I quote) "The only reason I'm going back is because she offered to shop with me."
Wow.
I think it's pretty depressing to have children and end up letting them treat you like that... Exactly what went wrong? I can't help but think that this is going to be a circular tragedy. One day, this girl will probably experience the same thing that she did to her mother - and then she will realize what she had done, but it'll be all too late.
So, all of you kids out there, really think about what you're doing to your parents (and who else might see your actions towards them).
'Til Next Time
TM
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Southwestern
I've been saving this one...because this will be LOOONG.
Anyways, for all of you college students out there looking for internships, you might come across this program associated Southwestern.
What do you do? You sell books. Textbooks.
My advice? Don't do it. Especially if money is your primary reason. If you're studying to be a salesperson, this does not apply you.
Their whole selection process bugs me from the beginning. I got a call about 8-9 pm at night from this person from this company offering me this opportunity to start this selection process. Apparently, they got my name AND phone number from an internship/job service. Problem is, I never signed up for one. Strike one.
But hey, I decided to give it a shot since at the time, my summer wasn't planned. The guy told me to attend a group meeting in which I counted about 15 people. Apparently, there's another session too, and I'm assuming that about the same amount of people attended, so 30 in total. Remember this number, it'll come in play later.
Anyways, at this group session, a guy from the company presented some background history of the company and how the job will be like, and then proceeded to have one-on-one sessions with the students. He also handed out some forms for you to fill out and sign, one of which is a contract - BEFORE YOU WERE EVER OFFERED A JOB. Strike two. Then everyone got a packet, which has their mission statement, a page for you to fill out your fears, questions, good points, etc., and a short story called The Black Door. You're told to fill this all out before meeting with your sponsor about 2-7days later depending.
Before I proceed, here's some info that's presented at the group meeting.
-You will need to travel somewhere else to sell books. So for example, if you're from Kentucky, you'd have to go to Texas to sell books.
-There is no guarantee of a return, theoretically, students can earn anything from $0 to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on how much books you can sell.
-You are not an employee, but an independent contractor (the form they made you sign)This is very important. They are not legally responsible for you, and people on this internship have gotten into legal troubles. Please PLEASE research this term and all it details if you're planning to actually accept this internship.
-They do not take care of your food, transportation, or whatever else you have.
-You have to attend their sales school, which you will get communication credits, but the expenses to the sales school is up to you. They will pay your housing and food while at sales school.
Moving on to my first private meeting with my sponsor. He went over the packet he gave me, showed me an album of pictures, went over how much the profits are distributed, and gave me another packet to fill out with a list of phone numbers of students who've participated in this program the year before. He encouraged me to call four of them to ask them how their experience was. Oh, he also mailed out this form to my parents which basically says that they're responsible to pay for whatever books I damage/destroy/steal. That's a boost of confidence huh? Strike three.
Several things to take note of in this meeting.
ONE: Money.
There are two types of books that they sell. The first type is a textbook reference kind of book and cost I think around 180. The other type is 6-7 kids books which you have to sell all or nothing and cost about 180. Now they call this a unit. 6-7 kids books = 1 unit and 1 reference book = 3 units. Your profit per unit is $5.
Looking at this as a percentage. 5/180 is approximately 2.77%. If you haven't figured it out, this is a horrible deal already.
Now let's look at it this way. You work Monday-Saturday, about 10 hours per day - that means you work 60 hours per week on average. They're expecting you to sell 2 books per day, which means you get $60 per day/$360 per week/$1440 per month. Ideally. That means for every hour you're working, you're getting paid about $6. Compare that with minimum wage of about $7.25. If you worked 60 hours every week for minimum wage, you will get $1740 a month. But don't forget to subtract the extra costs that you will have by going to this intern program. For one, you need to subtract your transportation to sales school (several hundred at least for airplane ticket) and your gas money for 3 months. Worth it? That's for you to decide. And let me stress this again, that is IDEALLY. There can be days when you sell nothing. NOTHING. Strike four.
TWO: Dishonesty.
Remember that number I told you to remember awhile ago? It was 30 in case you forgot. I told you that he gave me a list of all the people who attended this program last year from my college and encouraged me to call them. Guess how many people are on that list? 25. Now let's see...25/30 is approximately what? 83%. But we'll dumb down that number since I'm not sure how many people there really are...so perhaps 70%. Competitive? NOT. Strike five. I can imagine that some of the people who backed out have better offers or are smart enough to realize that this program is out there to exploit YOU. Can't you?
Southwestern is desperate. They would allow everyone who shows interest in - unless you have seriously issues. Now during their meeting sessions, they will sound like their internship is prestigious and all, but it's not. It's just a sales tactic to get you to buy into their internship.
Also, on that list of students he encouraged me to call, he crossed off the person who made the least money and told me that she isn't available. I wonder why.
THREE: FORMS FORMS FORMS
I'm just so very wary of the forms that this company makes you sign. As I mentioned before, there was a form that you had to sign on the very first general meeting which basically says you agree to be an independent contractor - which takes away any protection you would normally have as an employee. Now, they're making your parents responsible for all those books too so THEY can have financial guarantee.
--------
Anyways, I was going to go through the entire interview just to see what other weird things they have, but at this point, this is beyond a waste of my time. I think on the next meeting, he was going to make me write an essay of why I wanted to do this. I'm having a hard time thinking of any reason.
If you're reading this, and you're still considering going on this internship, you should read what people who've actually done this says. You have to look for your own host family - which is beyond awkward. The food is horrible. You're on the run almost all the time. The supposedly relaxing Sunday is not relaxing at all. And your sponsor takes several percentages off of your check for himself. The only good thing about this? You have the potential to make a lot of money. But think about it...if some college student went knocking on your door to sell you a $180 textbook that you don't need, would you buy it?
-----------
If you would like to know more, you should read this blog. It's awesome in explaining even more evils of the Southwestern company.
Go here if you want to learn about independent contractors.
'Til Next Time
TM
Anyways, for all of you college students out there looking for internships, you might come across this program associated Southwestern.
What do you do? You sell books. Textbooks.
My advice? Don't do it. Especially if money is your primary reason. If you're studying to be a salesperson, this does not apply you.
Their whole selection process bugs me from the beginning. I got a call about 8-9 pm at night from this person from this company offering me this opportunity to start this selection process. Apparently, they got my name AND phone number from an internship/job service. Problem is, I never signed up for one. Strike one.
But hey, I decided to give it a shot since at the time, my summer wasn't planned. The guy told me to attend a group meeting in which I counted about 15 people. Apparently, there's another session too, and I'm assuming that about the same amount of people attended, so 30 in total. Remember this number, it'll come in play later.
Anyways, at this group session, a guy from the company presented some background history of the company and how the job will be like, and then proceeded to have one-on-one sessions with the students. He also handed out some forms for you to fill out and sign, one of which is a contract - BEFORE YOU WERE EVER OFFERED A JOB. Strike two. Then everyone got a packet, which has their mission statement, a page for you to fill out your fears, questions, good points, etc., and a short story called The Black Door. You're told to fill this all out before meeting with your sponsor about 2-7days later depending.
Before I proceed, here's some info that's presented at the group meeting.
-You will need to travel somewhere else to sell books. So for example, if you're from Kentucky, you'd have to go to Texas to sell books.
-There is no guarantee of a return, theoretically, students can earn anything from $0 to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on how much books you can sell.
-You are not an employee, but an independent contractor (the form they made you sign)This is very important. They are not legally responsible for you, and people on this internship have gotten into legal troubles. Please PLEASE research this term and all it details if you're planning to actually accept this internship.
-They do not take care of your food, transportation, or whatever else you have.
-You have to attend their sales school, which you will get communication credits, but the expenses to the sales school is up to you. They will pay your housing and food while at sales school.
Moving on to my first private meeting with my sponsor. He went over the packet he gave me, showed me an album of pictures, went over how much the profits are distributed, and gave me another packet to fill out with a list of phone numbers of students who've participated in this program the year before. He encouraged me to call four of them to ask them how their experience was. Oh, he also mailed out this form to my parents which basically says that they're responsible to pay for whatever books I damage/destroy/steal. That's a boost of confidence huh? Strike three.
Several things to take note of in this meeting.
ONE: Money.
There are two types of books that they sell. The first type is a textbook reference kind of book and cost I think around 180. The other type is 6-7 kids books which you have to sell all or nothing and cost about 180. Now they call this a unit. 6-7 kids books = 1 unit and 1 reference book = 3 units. Your profit per unit is $5.
Looking at this as a percentage. 5/180 is approximately 2.77%. If you haven't figured it out, this is a horrible deal already.
Now let's look at it this way. You work Monday-Saturday, about 10 hours per day - that means you work 60 hours per week on average. They're expecting you to sell 2 books per day, which means you get $60 per day/$360 per week/$1440 per month. Ideally. That means for every hour you're working, you're getting paid about $6. Compare that with minimum wage of about $7.25. If you worked 60 hours every week for minimum wage, you will get $1740 a month. But don't forget to subtract the extra costs that you will have by going to this intern program. For one, you need to subtract your transportation to sales school (several hundred at least for airplane ticket) and your gas money for 3 months. Worth it? That's for you to decide. And let me stress this again, that is IDEALLY. There can be days when you sell nothing. NOTHING. Strike four.
TWO: Dishonesty.
Remember that number I told you to remember awhile ago? It was 30 in case you forgot. I told you that he gave me a list of all the people who attended this program last year from my college and encouraged me to call them. Guess how many people are on that list? 25. Now let's see...25/30 is approximately what? 83%. But we'll dumb down that number since I'm not sure how many people there really are...so perhaps 70%. Competitive? NOT. Strike five. I can imagine that some of the people who backed out have better offers or are smart enough to realize that this program is out there to exploit YOU. Can't you?
Southwestern is desperate. They would allow everyone who shows interest in - unless you have seriously issues. Now during their meeting sessions, they will sound like their internship is prestigious and all, but it's not. It's just a sales tactic to get you to buy into their internship.
Also, on that list of students he encouraged me to call, he crossed off the person who made the least money and told me that she isn't available. I wonder why.
THREE: FORMS FORMS FORMS
I'm just so very wary of the forms that this company makes you sign. As I mentioned before, there was a form that you had to sign on the very first general meeting which basically says you agree to be an independent contractor - which takes away any protection you would normally have as an employee. Now, they're making your parents responsible for all those books too so THEY can have financial guarantee.
--------
Anyways, I was going to go through the entire interview just to see what other weird things they have, but at this point, this is beyond a waste of my time. I think on the next meeting, he was going to make me write an essay of why I wanted to do this. I'm having a hard time thinking of any reason.
If you're reading this, and you're still considering going on this internship, you should read what people who've actually done this says. You have to look for your own host family - which is beyond awkward. The food is horrible. You're on the run almost all the time. The supposedly relaxing Sunday is not relaxing at all. And your sponsor takes several percentages off of your check for himself. The only good thing about this? You have the potential to make a lot of money. But think about it...if some college student went knocking on your door to sell you a $180 textbook that you don't need, would you buy it?
-----------
If you would like to know more, you should read this blog. It's awesome in explaining even more evils of the Southwestern company.
Go here if you want to learn about independent contractors.
'Til Next Time
TM
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Spring Break I
Meh...this Spring Break I'm staying at Campus because I can't find a reasonably priced plane ticket to go back home...But this is proving to be an interesting experience.
There is practically nobody left. I'm guessing that in my dorm, there are maybe five other girls who're staying. So...the campus is really...empty. And you know what? It feels kind of nice.
It made me reflect on the difference between being alone and being lonely. Without the humdrum of noise all around me, I'm able to just stop and think and appreciate the things around me...and do stupid stuff without people knowing...like having a staring contest with squirrels.
Actually, I just realized that the squirrel's tail isn't all furry? I mean, it's not like a cat's tail or a dog's tail where it's just meat and fur. The squirrel's tail is kinda like a tree...with branches...actually I don't think I'm making much sense.
Anyways, today's Pi Day! As a math major, I feel obligated to point that out...but I don't really know how to celebrate it. The closest I've seen other people celebrating pi day is by writing pi on pie. Actually, speaking of pi, I know this guy who composed a whole piece using the number pi (with intervals). I think he said he started with a Eb cause that's the closest to 314 hertz...very creative of him....
'Til Next Time
TM
There is practically nobody left. I'm guessing that in my dorm, there are maybe five other girls who're staying. So...the campus is really...empty. And you know what? It feels kind of nice.
It made me reflect on the difference between being alone and being lonely. Without the humdrum of noise all around me, I'm able to just stop and think and appreciate the things around me...and do stupid stuff without people knowing...like having a staring contest with squirrels.
Actually, I just realized that the squirrel's tail isn't all furry? I mean, it's not like a cat's tail or a dog's tail where it's just meat and fur. The squirrel's tail is kinda like a tree...with branches...actually I don't think I'm making much sense.
Anyways, today's Pi Day! As a math major, I feel obligated to point that out...but I don't really know how to celebrate it. The closest I've seen other people celebrating pi day is by writing pi on pie. Actually, speaking of pi, I know this guy who composed a whole piece using the number pi (with intervals). I think he said he started with a Eb cause that's the closest to 314 hertz...very creative of him....
'Til Next Time
TM
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Still Alice
I find it kinda interesting that when I speak of a topic, I tend to go on a roll with it. Last time, it was soft drink related adds, this time it's Alzheimer.
I recently finished a book called Still Alice. Long story short, it's about Alice, a fictional professor at Harvard, and her struggle with early onset Alzheimer. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so that's as far as a summary as I will give. But this book certainly raised several questions in my mind.
What would I prefer? Alzheimer or Cancer? On one hand, Alzheimer is a progressive debilitating disease which eventually renders you senseless to the world - but by then, you wouldn't really care, would you? There's no cure for Alzheimer but at least you don't have to handle the pain or know your own incompetence at the very end. On the other hand, cancer is a struggle. You have ways of dealing with it whether by chemotherapy or whatever new technological advances are out there. But is it really worth it in the end...?
What would I choose between Alzheimer or death? This might seem like a stupid question, but at some point, I think I would rather die than deal with Alzheimer. I can't imagine being completely dependent on someone and the burden that would cause them. The thought that one day, I might not be able to dress myself, feed myself, or even find the restroom in my own house is just too much. The thought that one day, I'd stare at my parents or spouse or children and not recognize them is too unbearable. So if it ever comes down to it...I think I'd rather suicide - that is, if I still have enough sense to do it.
What does this mean for your children? Alzheimer, especially early onset Alzheimer is hereditary. Would you have children at all despite the chance that they have 1/2 a chance of getting Alzheimer too? Or perhaps you would use technology to pick out which zygote to keep or not...but is that ethical? It's definitely for a good cause, but then we'd have to consider does the infected egg still counts as a child...
What if one day my mom contracted Alzheimers? How would I react? Is there a time to give up on her? Would I give up on her? What if there comes a time that I can no longer take care of her? Would I be able to handle it if she looks at me like looking at a stranger?
I don't know.
'Til Next Time
TM
I recently finished a book called Still Alice. Long story short, it's about Alice, a fictional professor at Harvard, and her struggle with early onset Alzheimer. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so that's as far as a summary as I will give. But this book certainly raised several questions in my mind.
What would I prefer? Alzheimer or Cancer? On one hand, Alzheimer is a progressive debilitating disease which eventually renders you senseless to the world - but by then, you wouldn't really care, would you? There's no cure for Alzheimer but at least you don't have to handle the pain or know your own incompetence at the very end. On the other hand, cancer is a struggle. You have ways of dealing with it whether by chemotherapy or whatever new technological advances are out there. But is it really worth it in the end...?
What would I choose between Alzheimer or death? This might seem like a stupid question, but at some point, I think I would rather die than deal with Alzheimer. I can't imagine being completely dependent on someone and the burden that would cause them. The thought that one day, I might not be able to dress myself, feed myself, or even find the restroom in my own house is just too much. The thought that one day, I'd stare at my parents or spouse or children and not recognize them is too unbearable. So if it ever comes down to it...I think I'd rather suicide - that is, if I still have enough sense to do it.
What does this mean for your children? Alzheimer, especially early onset Alzheimer is hereditary. Would you have children at all despite the chance that they have 1/2 a chance of getting Alzheimer too? Or perhaps you would use technology to pick out which zygote to keep or not...but is that ethical? It's definitely for a good cause, but then we'd have to consider does the infected egg still counts as a child...
What if one day my mom contracted Alzheimers? How would I react? Is there a time to give up on her? Would I give up on her? What if there comes a time that I can no longer take care of her? Would I be able to handle it if she looks at me like looking at a stranger?
I don't know.
'Til Next Time
TM
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sales oh Sales....
On college campuses, it's no biggie for you to receive tons of brochures on various events going on campus. Today, I got this one.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EAM Male Sale
Go on an amazing date with a great guy!
The Auction will be from 6:00-9:00 on Saturday, March 6th at the
XXX Pavilion, XXXXX
$5 Admission
$10 T-Shirts
All proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association
Possible Date Locations:
Carino's Italian Grill, Olive Gardens, Madden's, La Riviera Restaurant and Bakery, Chili's
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's see...there's several 'problems' concerning this auction. Obviously, they're doing it for a good cause, and it's supposed to be kind of fun; but what does this imply?
First of all - the targets. What does this say about the girls in our generation? You read in books and from experiences that love can't be bought or sold...how does this auction reflect that? What about boys? What if they get a male bidder? Controversy? Should the fraternity reject? Either way - conflict.
Second of all - does the means justify the results? I'm sure this little fundraiser will be a success, but is the money earned 'dirty money'? I remember reading awhile back that Red Cross refused to accept donations from this...group who did...something (I can't remember what) that was not morally sound. Is this the same kind of situation?
Lastly, what does the concept of selling people - especially for the purpose of 'dates' - imply? I know I'm going overboard here, but it just strongly, strongly reminds me of prostitution, albeit I'm sure it is not.
'Til Next Time
TM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EAM Male Sale
Go on an amazing date with a great guy!
The Auction will be from 6:00-9:00 on Saturday, March 6th at the
XXX Pavilion, XXXXX
$5 Admission
$10 T-Shirts
All proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association
Possible Date Locations:
Carino's Italian Grill, Olive Gardens, Madden's, La Riviera Restaurant and Bakery, Chili's
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's see...there's several 'problems' concerning this auction. Obviously, they're doing it for a good cause, and it's supposed to be kind of fun; but what does this imply?
First of all - the targets. What does this say about the girls in our generation? You read in books and from experiences that love can't be bought or sold...how does this auction reflect that? What about boys? What if they get a male bidder? Controversy? Should the fraternity reject? Either way - conflict.
Second of all - does the means justify the results? I'm sure this little fundraiser will be a success, but is the money earned 'dirty money'? I remember reading awhile back that Red Cross refused to accept donations from this...group who did...something (I can't remember what) that was not morally sound. Is this the same kind of situation?
Lastly, what does the concept of selling people - especially for the purpose of 'dates' - imply? I know I'm going overboard here, but it just strongly, strongly reminds me of prostitution, albeit I'm sure it is not.
'Til Next Time
TM
Monday, March 1, 2010
Destined to Meet
Have you ever wondered why it is that you meet someone when you meet someone? It seems like sometimes, destiny brings certain people to you just to illuminate one fact to you or help you when you don't even know you need it.
My room mate is a great example. Asians are a minority in my college, so I wasn't surprised that my roommate for first semester is white. However, this semester, my room mate is not only the same nationality as me, she actually came from the same city in China as me and is attending school as an international student.
I can't explain how special living with her is. Because I moved to the US at a young age, I've always wondered what I would have been like if I have grown up at China. My room mate provided that mirror for me - the way she talks with her high school friends, her hobbies, her habits...
After living with her for the past month and a half, I can honestly say that I don't think I would've turned out all that differently if I stayed in China which was interesting to me because I always imagined this big gap. I suppose the only thing that would have been different is probably a lack of religious conviction...
'Til Next Time
TM
My room mate is a great example. Asians are a minority in my college, so I wasn't surprised that my roommate for first semester is white. However, this semester, my room mate is not only the same nationality as me, she actually came from the same city in China as me and is attending school as an international student.
I can't explain how special living with her is. Because I moved to the US at a young age, I've always wondered what I would have been like if I have grown up at China. My room mate provided that mirror for me - the way she talks with her high school friends, her hobbies, her habits...
After living with her for the past month and a half, I can honestly say that I don't think I would've turned out all that differently if I stayed in China which was interesting to me because I always imagined this big gap. I suppose the only thing that would have been different is probably a lack of religious conviction...
'Til Next Time
TM
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