Open Question: Black women:Aren't you tired of "single black women" topic?

This is funny but true, i got it from Essence "Stop telling me how I think, what to do, how to look, who to date, when to exhale...I beg of you." I get it. I really do. Bashing or even borderline bruising Black women is what hot in da streetz. By bashing I mean telling us why we ain't nothing, ain't gonna have nothing, ain't gonna have nobody to share nothing with. Sure, it gets you book deals and blog views and radio shows and talk shows and photo ops and movie deals and basically... paid. I get it. You found a hustle that works and you only have to kick a group of people that are already down to do it. Oh, you think you're being helpful offering up your "self-help" and "how-to" and "best way" opinions to us? Even those of you that are not directly authoring the yada-yada, do you really think you're helping by adding in your "tsk-tsk" or "co-sign" two cents response to the media swirl about all the problems with the sisterhood? You're not. You are adding to the already cacophonous wall of noise. I respectfully request that right after commenting on this post J... everyone just shut up. I am talking to celebs and so-called relationship gurus, writers, columnists, bloggers, regular folks talking in the coffee shop, women and men, young and old, Black, White, and everything in between... just STOP. STOP re-quoting the statistics about successful educated Black women never getting married or having kids. Would you rather we stayed stupid and broke for the sake of a ring? Of course not, so how is reminding us of the statistics going to help? It's just going to make the desperate more desperate and the hopeless less hopeful. I can't see the good in that. Those of us staying optimistic become less so in the face of all the overwhelming evidence. Maybe we will (get married), maybe we won't but the continuous talk of a "crisis" in the community (because of our unmarried state) is just plain mean.
 STOP telling me how to look to catch a man. No, it's not my weight. I've been everything from a size 8 to a 22 and back again and had a man at every one of those sizes. No, it's not my hair, I've been straight, kinky, wavy, weaved, pony-tailed and darn near bald... had a man at every step of the way there, too. For every so-called flawless woman with a ring, I can name two so-called flawless women without one. Oh, magazines--this is for you, too. Stop telling us that this lipstick, that high-heeled boot, that pencil skirt is the thing we MUST own to snare Mr. Right.
 STOP telling me to date (or not to date) White men. All of you. Seriously. I'll date that blue dude from "Avatar" if I freakin' want to. People dating the rainbow coalition, good for you. People only attracted to a certain type, good for you. People who have given up on one type and are looking for another type to swoop in and save them, good luck with that. Either way, I'm tired of hearing about it. STOP looking for someone to blame. It's not that all Black women are mean or picky or high-maintenance--GTFOH with that. It's not that all Black men are trifling or thuggish or under-employed--that's bullshiggity, too. All the Black men are not in jail, all the sisters aren't expecting "too much"--those are cop out answers. I'm sure every woman who is single could sit down and point to a variety of reasons (good, bad and in-between) why they are that way today. Each story is an individual one both personal and unique to the person telling it. Let them own that story, quit painting with the broad strokes... 
 STOP acting like we are either sitting around waiting to exhale or are gasping our last breath surrounded by 20 cats. Can we not be vibrant, complete individuals regardless of relationship status? And this goes for you too other sisters... stop giving us the "I'm so sad for you" look because you have a man and we don't (at the moment). This just makes us angry and less sympathetic should things not work out between you and your boo. We don't need sympathy, just a little support and a smile. Please and thank you in advance. 
 STOP acting like my brains are a detriment. I shall not be dumbing it down for the cause of snaring a man. Nor will I emasculate him by pointing out all the stuff I may know that he doesn't. Not everybody can match my Scrabble game... I'm evil with it, son... evil. Don't come at me with the Trivial Pursuit either... moving on. This whole concept of acting like I'm less than I am to make a man feel like more than he is... that's crap. That means we are not a fit. Onto the next... hopefully. 
 STOP judging me because I have standards. Not prejudices... standards. Sure I would date the UPS man if we found each other attractive and interesting. But the UPS man who has four kids, four baby mamas, two parole officers and a habit of blowing his paycheck on a great batch of chronic... hell no. That doesn't make me snobby or bougie, that makes me self-aware of my own code of values, tolerance and limitations. 
 STOP asit is worth the read for black women because this is exactly how i feel. more

Resolved Question: Why is TV educational?

I have to do a persuasive essay on why TV is educational (I am pro-tv is educational), what would be a good counter argument (if someone said tv exposes bad stuff to kids)? Also, if you have any statistics that are pro-TV it would be helpful. Thanks! more

Resolved Question: I don't know if Love or Hate Egypt?

Hi I'm an Egyptian who was living in America, and i moved back to my country, you know for all those reasons like "family and friends, people are warm and friendly, the people are all the same religion as you so no discrimination, its safe, you can go outside anytime, people are decent not like Americans bla bla bla" But when i came here I found that people are rude, mean, opportunistic, greedy......people will be coming out of salat el gom3a and then rip people off and steal. and if you tell that thats haram, they look at you like you're some kind of extremist. Trying to get any paperwork is hell, and you have to pay bribes (which is haram, and once again if you tell anyone that they laugh at you "fee eh ya 3am el shie5 haha"), education sucks, economy sucks, the streets are dirty. Guys have girlfriends and they hold hands and kiss and hug (which I could have done of course in the US, bas I didn't 3ashan Rabena) Even people who act like your friends, aren't true to you. Even FAMILY, always get involved in your personal business, don't help you when you need it, but if you have gifts or anything they'll be glad to take it, or they take stuff from you and then complain and criticize your actions and they make you hate seeing them and visiting but then you remember "sellet el ra7em"... and its NOT safe, (well, I guess if you're gonna put like statistics and numbers its safe, but im taking practically) TWO times ppl got robbed in our street by some guys on motorcycles, a friend of mine's house got broken into, my uncle's mother in law was robbed, etc etc etc People aren't religious at all (alot of people anyway) they have big beards and zbeeba but they curse and steal and take bribes, girls wear hegab and 'dont shake hands' yet they wear tight jeans and have boyfriends and joke w/ guys physically and go out, or they have as their ringtone some little kids saying a du3a2 and then they turn around and curse and swear....some guy was talking about how he was visitng a PROSTITUTE and then his cell phone rang, and it was the ayah from the Qur'an that talks about hell "el nar ellati woqoudouha el nassou wel 7ejara" ... 0_o What's the point of moving back to Egypt? In America it has all the negative qualities of Egypt, but it's cleaner and more organized and you have more rights. And the positive things I thought Egypt had, it doesn't have.... And if you tell anyone, they're like, but we're the best country, we invented science, we've got the Pyramids, Sala7 el deen, October War, Ahmed Zewail, we won the Africa Cup bla bla bla.......is winning the Africa Cup gonna make the traffic any better? Because we invented science does that mean its ok that I'm afraid to go to doctor because he might give me a medicine that will make me more sick than the illness I had? Seriously? How can you distinguish between Egypt "The idea" and Egypt "the reality"Thanks in Advance more

Open Question: Help on why TV is educational?

I have to do a persuasive essay on why TV is educational (I am pro-tv is educational), what would be a good counter argument (if someone said tv exposes bad stuff to kids)? Also, if you have any statistics that are pro-TV it would be helpful. Thanks! more

Open Question: Chances of getting into a good college?

I'm real worried cus i have like 0 extracurriculars. But my unweighted gpa is 3.76 and im currently a sophomore. Im on my school newspaper as a staff writer and im probably going to be an opinion section editor next year. I have ZERO community service hours, but i will be going to china and teaching kids english and putting that on my college essays. im planning to try-out for basketball next year and about 70 percent sure ill make it. On PSAT i got a 1920 without studying and with some tutoring i think i can get at least 2200. my current classes are: AP Calculus BC Spanish 5-6 Honors Chemistry English Accelerated AP European History Journalism Next year i take AP Statistics AP Physics Honors English AP US History Spanish 7-8 Journalism Senior year AP Biology AP Spanish Some english course Multivariable calculus Journalism AP government/econ and pe if i dont make bball if i get about a 3.5 gpa unweighted do i have a good chance at cal berkeley or stanford? What ese should i do? I'm thining of volunteering at a local hospital but may need to drop some classes to do so. more

Voting Question: How many kids in high school read on their free time?

Does any one know statistics on anything pertaining to this subject? If so, please tell me what website you got them. Easy ten points! more

Voting Question: School cuts - where can i find statistics?

My school is on a low budget right now, and our district is cutting 30 teachers. 3 of the best teachers in the school, because they don't have seniority, have been given slips informing them that they are possibly going to be fired. School board is meeting on Monday, and I want to find some information to help these guys. Does anyone know where I can find statistics showing students overall class performance when they take classes of 'the arts'? ((music, art, FACS, etc)) Ex: Band kids seem to have more discipline and so we need to keep the band. Stuff like that :) Pleeeease and thanks !!!!!! more

Resolved Question: Should public education be reformed?

I say yes! I'm a freshman in high school, and go to one of the best school districts around (the houses around it are more expensive because people want their kids to go there) and still we hardly learn anything! 7 hours a day 5 days a week, and all we have to show for it is a report card. Nearly all of it goes straight through your head after you've taken the test, and I'd be willing to bet that less than 50% of the class time is spent teaching! The statistics say that the teacher to pupil ratio in texas is 14 to one. They are wrong its more like 20 to one AT LEAST. Also discipline is laxed, they hit us with the paddle until 5th grade, when the school district said that it was quote "a barbaric, out of date punishment style, which has no place in the positive learning environment we wish to create." I think this is crazy, since then fights and disrespect towards teachers has increased by probably 50% or more! The kids have no respect for authority or their teachers, we have a policeman at our school! A policeman! In one of the best districts around! I think that Obama should work on fixing the broken education system, not health care which isn't even broken. Teachers also rely heavily on homework, without fully teaching the subject, so it is very difficult to do it sometimes. 1 more thing, the TAKS test, the texas assessment of knowledge and skills is probably the easiest test ever made, a 3rd grader could probably pass it, and thats what you're supposed to know to graduate! They're making high school worthless, I don't know how the kids of my generation are going to make it in college, we don't learn a thing. Not a damn thing.Proud texan, i don't know if longer school days would help, they would probably make kids just hate school more. What they need to do, is train teachers better. Get creative, intelliget people to be teachers (some of them are, of course, but quite a few are just the backwash)Alex, You are my case and point! Texas schools are rated 14 in the nation, and you saw how terrible they were. Now imagine how horrible mississipi schools (the worst in the nation) must be. more

Resolved Question: Why muslims do not accept constructive critisism?

Here are just some statistics on recent Muslim achievements and they "expect not criticism": Muslims murdered some 3,000 innocent peoples in New York on September 11, 2001, and..... Expect no criticism! Muslims murder 202 tourists in Bali, and........... Expect no criticism! Muslims murder 333 school children and their teachers in Beslan, and.........Expect no criticism! Muslims murder 292 innocents, mainly Kenyans and Tanzanians at two US Embassies, .......And expect no criticism! Muslims murder 241 US and 58 French peacekeepers in Beirut, and..... Expect no criticism! Muslims fire 4,000 Katyusha/Stinger rockets into Northern Israel killing over 50 innocent civilians, and............ Expect no criticism! Muslims murder 52 commuters in London and 191 in Madrid, and..... Expect no criticism! Muslims murder some 200 people in Mumbai, and......... Expect no criticism! Muslims behead Western hostages in Iraq, Buddhist monks in Thailand and Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia, and............. Expect no Criticism! Muslim genocide in Sudan has claimed over 3 million lives since mid-1980; they massacred nearly 500,000 in Darfur since 2004, and........... Expect no criticism! Muslims regard Jews as 'sons of pigs and monkeys', and vow to nuke Israel out of existence, and.......... Expect no criticism! Muslims force women to wear hideous conical sacks, stone to death for getting raped and for leaving their homes unescorted, engage in honor-killing of sisters and daughters for unapproved dating/marriages, and...... Expect no criticism! Muslims danced in the streets and handed out sweets to their kids to celebrate the 9/11 atrocity, and......... Expect no Criticism! Since 9/11, Muslims have killed over 26,000 and wounded over 150,000 in terrorist attacks worldwide, and............ Still Expect no Criticism! Since 9/11 Muslims have committed terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chad, Chechnya, Dagestan, Denmark, East Timor, Egypt, England, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ingushetia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Jordan-Iraq, Kabardino-Balkans, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaza-Palestinian Authority, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka , Sudan , Syria , Tajikistan, Thailand , Tunisia , Turkey , United Arab Emirates, United Arab Republic , United States , Uzbekistan and Yemen, and............ STILL Expect No Criticism! Muslims have carried out over 13,000 fatal terrorist atrocities and damages to public and private buildings/vehicles since 9/11, and countless millions since the Islamic conquest began from 623 AD; and still they Expect No Criticism! But if the Pope dares to tell the truth about Islam's history, or a Danish Newspaper publish cartoons of Mohammed, they let the outpourings of Islamic rage, and.......... Expect no criticism! And, by some twisted reach of logics, these arrogant vandals demand apology from the Pope, and.......... Expect no criticism! more

Resolved Question: Just wondering what people think...?

I'm getting married this coming May. My fiance is currently at Parris Island for Marine basic training. He has been there since Feb. 10th and will be back May 7th. We are getting married during his 10-day leave and then I'm moving near where his MOS school will be (he has MCT before that, but that's another story - the details of military life). We officially started dating In the beginning of November (his birthday actually, haha). We talked for a month or so before that, and we new each other before hand, but didn't talk much. I practically lived at his house from almost the time we officially started dating until he left for boot camp. I know what to expect out of military life - I know he could be away a lot and we could be moving a lot and such. However, I'm used to being home alone - I was practically isolated from the world most of high school and am very introverted anyway and okay with being by myself (I say this because I know some people HATE being alone and can't take it, I can handle it - it's hard, I know, but do-able.) My family and his family and most of our friends totally support us getting married. In fact, when my family first met him (the day after I told them about him) they said they knew we'd get married, haha (I thought it was sweet because we were almost instantly talking about getting married.) We have discussed and agreed on lots of the basic things, what kind of house/cars we want. How many kids, when we want to achieve these goals, how to take care of kids, what kids of pets we want (we already have 4 cats combined so NO more for a while, lol - the youngest of the four we picked out together and we call him our cat child and we take him with us where ever we can - he's a bombay and enjoys it, lol) We agree on what kind of house chores need to be done, who should do them, when they should be done. We get along really well. Yes we have had disagreements - which if we didn't that would be a red flag because two people can never agree on everything all the time. But we know how to effectively resolve them. We know what each of us expects from each other. Most importantly, we are madly in love with each other - and we know this without a doubt (and I can confidently say this after 3 weeks of not being able to so much as speak a word to him, that I still feel exactly the same.) We know how to resolve problems. We've both faced having to care for ourselves and younger siblings at a very young age and are always being told that we're mature for our ages by several people - even friends' parents. Btw, we're 18 and 19. Anyway, we'll be financially stable because of his job (already worked out all possible scenarios - trust me - my dad never stops telling me about them...) and I have enough college credits to substitue teach also, so we'll be able to save a good amount too. We want kids right away - this year. We want to start trying by November (knowing us it'll be sooner though because we are both really excited to have kids and look forward to all the things we'll get to do with them, even the crappy things like drving them around and stuff. We said the first time they tell us they hate us we're going to be so excited, lol.) We don't take things for granted, we really are just trying to enjoy life and this is what we enjoy. We don't want to party and drink or whatever people think is "enjoying your youth". We have great friends that we have fun with, without partying and drinking. But most of them have joined the military too and will be away as well. I'm not having any doubts and niether is he. But a couple people think it's too fast, getting married after 6 months (with him being away for half of that), having kids so soon, and being young, plus with him in the military. Statistics are against us. But you know what? I have an autosomal dominant kidney disease (meaning you can only get it if a parent has it) and niether one of my parents has it (10% chance). We're also in that rare percentile of people who decided what they wanted to do when they were really young. So who's to say we won't be in that 30% of USMC marriages that make it, the 50% of all overall marriages that make it, the small percentage of young marriages that survive, and the percentage of marriages that make it when they were dating for 6 months prior. A lot of those over lap anyway. So that's atleast a 25% and, hey, that's a 150% higher chance than getting this kidney disease without a family history. Obviously we have a tendancy to defy the odds. We know in our hearts that this is the right thing to do. And nothing anyone suggests would change that. But, I was just wondering what other people thought of this. Of course, it's always nice to get, sweet supportive answers - but naturally I expect the obnoxious ones as well. (Then again, maybe this question can help someone else feel more comfortable with their decision.)haha, I just wanted to add that I've noticed that the people who know us well (i.e. my grandmother, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, his mom and 4 sibliings, and a couple of our close friends) who have seen and know the most (not everything - some thing are best kept private, haha, but the most) about our relationship are extremely supportive and excited. Only the people who don't know us well and haven't seen us much are doubtful. Also, I'm not having doubts, I said that a few times... so at least read the whole thing if you're going to start being negative. AND, we have a reason for getting married during his break, even his recruiters suggest and support that idea - we aren't going in to this blindly we know what to expect. btw, we're A LOT better with fiances than anyone else I know. We know our priorities. Did I miss anything? (haha, I'm surprised I'm getting responses with the length of this thing!) more

Voting Question: Looking for recent studies that show how much time kids spend on homework versus the time spent in leisure?

I'm conducting research on how much time kids spend on their homework compared with how much time they spend socially networking and on tv or gaming,etc. Specifically, looking for numbers and statistics. more

Resolved Question: Why are men thought to be more perverted than women when....?

...at a male strip club/show, even if there's a "no touching rule", the women sexually assault the men? I think if I saw a man and a woman hanging around a kid, I may be suspicious of both (unless it was innocent circumstances), but I may be more suspicious of the woman. Say what you want about statistics - they're based on reports, and male victims of female attackers are less likely to report anything, so statistics are irrelevant here.Enzyte Bob's Impotent Clone, how warped is YOUR thinking? You trust someone just because they’re female, despite the fact that females are much more likely to get away with crimes involving sexual abuse? I wouldn't explicitly trust anyone with my kid or kids, but I would be more suspicious of the type of person who is more likely to be a threat. aj<3, please read the question again, thanks. Touching someone in a sexual way without their consent is sexual assault, regardless of gender, yet women do it at male strip clubs. more

Resolved Question: Where can I find stats on kids going to college if parents do?

I need statistics showing what the chances of your kids going to college if you as a parent has gone to college. more

Voting Question: Would the drug found in Aleve called naproxen be good to kill yourself with?

Im doing a speech on drug overdoses and have the information on overdosing on tyenol but am trying to find out the amount of naproxen it would take to kill a an average kid about 180 pounds which is found in the anti imflamitory aleve . Im having a hard time finding this info on the web and if u know how many pills of aleve or naproxen it would take to kill you could u please give me some statistics for a male weighing 180 pounds because thats the set weight im doing for all overdose amounts. I would also like t know how it would kill you and if it would be painful. Thankyou more

Resolved Question: Penn/Brown/NYU/UC Berkeley chances?

I've applied to all RD. Stats: GPA: 3.8 Class rank: 32/292 (Top 10% are mostly smart kids who took lower-level classes to get better grades) SAT: 2080 (Math: 710, Reading: 680, Writing: 690) ACT: 31 AP Tests: European History - 4 Freshman classes: Honors Geometry - A/A English 9 - A/A Biology - A/A Honors US Studies - C (not my fault, guidance counselor expressed this)/US Studies - A Spanish II - A/A Health - A, Gym - A Band - A/A Sophomore classes: Honors Algebra II - C/B English 10 - B/A (One more mc question correct on 1st sem. exam would've given me an A) World Studies - A/A Chemistry - A/A Personal Finance - A, Web Page Design - A Spanish III - A/A Band - A/A Junior classes: Honors Pre-Calculus - B/A (One more mc question correct on 1st sem. exam would've given me an A) Honors English 11 - A/A Honors Physics - B/B AP European History - B/A Spanish IV - A/A Chinese I - A/A Band - A/A Senior classes (1st grading period grades): AP Calculus AB - A- AP Statistics - A- AP English Lit. - A- AP Spanish - A+ AP Physics C - B Government - A+ Band - A+ Taking AP Microeconomics this semester EC's: Marching Band (9-12, section leader 11-12) Symphony Orchestra (9-12, first-chair 11-12, featured soloist) Pep Band (10-12) Private music lessons (10-12) JSA (11-12) Spanish Club (11-12, president 12) Key Club (11-12, over 100 hours community service) Environmental Club (11-12) Misc. service outside of school (11-12, Ronald McDonald House, zoo, etc.) Part-time job at newspaper (10-12) Ham Radio (9-12) Awards: Misc. band awards Misc. school honor awards Misc. ham radio awards, some on national level Essays: good for all schools, discussed passion for music, languages, and ham radio Recommendations: Stellar! So, can you guys give me your opinions? more

Resolved Question: Hypothetical question here: If men who likes and has a hard wired need for "gender variant"?

dressing ie "crossdressing" suddenly could do it out in public whenever they wanted because society no longer had taboos governing gender norms (which are random and senseless when taken to the extreme, btw and it isn't the real reason you can wear whatever you want IMO) and they no longer feared the loss of marriages, kids, jobs, status, income, or reputation (this is the biggie because life can be much more difficult based on hateful and ignorant responses to the male CD rather than actual CDing itself.) I'm not saying that I think all men should wear dresses and the like because 90% of them would HATE IT WITH A PASSION, but I am posing a scenerio where the 10% of men who like and "need" to do it ( based on statistics look it up and learn if you don't believe me) to where it borders on "addiction" could do it freely, whenever they wanted, without the fear of massive life changing reprisals. In this blissfully tolerant scenerio for the male CD would the "addiction" lesson considerably (still has the addictive quality) because society accepts and tolerates? Is that what makes the addiction unbearable sometimes? because it's taboo? Trying to find someone who accepts in this society can be hard I'd imagine. Crossdressing mirrors the addiction response like with drugs, but it is more harmless and can't kill you physically (unless you kill yourself because you can't accept it- not into legalizing drugs for that reason.) If crossdressing was legal where the male CD could be in female attire whenever instead of hiding it and going long periods without doing it, then would the "addiction" decrease? How much if yes? Drastically? If no, then why not? Both gendes can answer although it would be nice to have a first hand opinion on this...What do you think? (Intelligent and thoughtful answers please- you can disagree, but do it respectfully. Any "stupid" answers will be reported...thank you.) more

Resolved Question: How has Google affected society? PLEASE HELP!?

For my speech class we have to (in a 5-7 minute presentation) present the person of the decade with the aid of a Powerpoint. We had to choose a "person" (or thing in my case) that was worthy of the title of person of the decade. I decided to choose Google because of it's massive impact on society in the past 10 years. However, the focus of this speech is to persuade my audience (my audience is a senior class of high school students) with added focus on the ability to provide evidence. My requirements are to have 11 slides (technically she would like us to have12 total--title slide, 10 content slides and a works cited slide, but if we can only get nine content slides my instructor said that would be okay. ) My question is how exactly has Google affected society. I mean, yes its the biggest search engine and yes it has defined the way people look for information but I still need more. So far these are the topics I want to touch base upon: Short History about Google (one slide) The statistics about the Google search engine Google's effect on periodicals like newspapers and news (now its old news thanks to google news and such) Youtube and other services (how google tends to go towards what their users want..youtube especially because it is a high school audience) Google's philanthropy work (google.org) I'm possibly thinking of putting the financial stuff in there...stocks but i don't want to bore these kids. PLEASE help me with any ideas on how else google has affected society. Also, what sort of things would persuade you into believing that google is indeed the "person" of the decade. more

Voting Question: Grade/College/Opinion Help???

Ok, so I'm a freshman in High school and I'm freaking out about grades. here are my grades for first quarter: Algebra II: 93% Orchestra: 93% English: 95% Geometry: 94% Civics/World Geography: 91% Spanish 1: 84% Biology: 93% Research: 85% And second quarter: Algebra II: 92% Orchestra: 100% English: 92% Geometry: 94% Civics/World Geography: 95% Spanish 1: 79% (I'm freaking out about this) Biology: 95% Research: 94% And now in third quarter I have great grades but still I am FREAKING out. I'm taking 3+ AP's next year, they are: AP World History, AP Statistics, and AP English as a sophomore, maybe more. I will also be taking Physics and Human Anatomy and Physiology. I am on Debate and Speech team, Math Club, Model UN, Chemistry Club, Debate Club, Biology Club, and on the staff of the literary magazine, the FORUM magazine. All this during my freshman year. Plus I will be doing community service, and I will be helping kids cope with bullying. What do you think? My first semester was horrid, I'll admit that. I want to be a Pre-Medical Major for college, in hopes of getting into Medical School. I really want to get into Duke, Brown, University of Michigan, Dartmouth, etc. Do you think I still have a chance if I'm like, WOW, the rest of my high school career? Also, do you have any advice, or extra curriculars you think I should get into? Or any tips? Thanks so much for responses! more

Resolved Question: Who else in here can agree that the deep south is by far one of the worst places in the US?

I have lived in this dump for about 6 years and here is what I have noticed. Comparing it to the other regions of the US. 1. The schools are way behind, most have kids that cannot even read at grade level. 2. The people are racist, very racist, and me being an Asian American only provokes that feeling. Also because of your race your opportunities get limited. 3. The people are close minded, most don't even know what goes around outside of their own state and most are heavily conservative. I have run into some people who believe that slavery should still be around. 4. There is nothing to do here and nothing ever goes on here, the town has little to do and statistics even say the southern states are the poorest in terms of average income. 5. The weather is just bad, plain out bad, the summers are extremely hot and there are tons of snakes, bugs and other insects just ready to take a bite out of you the second you walk outside. I mean seriously, the low cost of living is not worth it. I am currently a high senior who would be happier living in the northern tip of Canada than living here. It is my dream to get out of here, I would do so much to leave this place. Anyone agree? more

Resolved Question: Is one a hypocrite if they don't mind OTHER people being homos, but theyre not ok with theyr kids being homo?

Hello everyone! So, what if somebody doesn't care what anybody else do in their bedrooms, and by anybody i mean like friends, neighbors, co workers, president, etc.... but when it comes to close family members, like say, children or siblings, they're not ok... is that hypocritical? and also, why is it that people, homos and straights are so biased? nobody has to answer that, but did anybod else notice that if you look up statistics on homosexuality, sites that are clearly pro gay seem really one sided, and well it's the same for the other side, but still... why can't people just give real facts? by the way, im straight, and i'm not homophobic, but sometimes i suspect my little sister might be lesbian, or bi or something... more

Resolved Question: How bad is the American Public School System...?

I'm just curious as to how bad the education system is in the U.S through your experiences and statistics as well. ( I live in Canada btw, and it doesn't seem so bad). I have relatives in the States who are always complaining about how bad it is there (they live in TX and California). They want to put their kids into Private School now which I assume is a better choice. I just want to hear people's opinions on the matter. Does it also depend on the area that you are living in? Say for example if you're living in a really crappy neighborhood the schools tend to be crappy as well. There are schools like that here, but there are also a lot of very good public schools in wealthier neighborhoods. Thanks for your opinions. :) more

Resolved Question: do you agree with a population cap for America?

statistics say that blacks and mexicans have the highest spawning rate. i see so many poor people with more kids than they can afford.. what sense does that make? if you cant afford one, how could you be dumb enough to have another, and another. my neighbor is like that, a 30 year old guy living with his parents with his wife and 2 kids, one of them is a newborn. he doesnt work, but his wife does, i know because i stopped hanging with him after he told me that. thats unfair to the child. i would say that the US should implement a population cap , think about it, there arent enough jobs because there are too many people. i think people should have to go to a review board in order to have a child, but based on how much you make. a couple that makes only 60,000 yearly combined, should not be allowed to have more than two kids at the most. its about quality of life for the kid, that way there will be more jobs, less crime, and not as many kids in foster homes. it would also put less strain on the welfare and medicaid systems. i cant take time to write the whole proposal, but what do you think? its so unfair to a kid, whom you brought into this world, to be raised in an impoverished home, and to be neglected emotionally because the parents had more than they could take on. more

Resolved Question: Do fairness cremes really work?

I have a couple of questions that I very badly want to be answered regarding the question above and would highly appreciate any sort of help you can give at least to one question. I am a tan skinned 20 years old Sri Lankan boy.I know that people born dark cannot be turned fair by using fairness cremes but have heard that it is possible to retrieve the fairness that someone was born with the aid of fairness cremes. I used to be really fair when I was a kid but turned tan due to constant exposure to sun during schooling. (1)So is it really possible for me to turn fair using cremes? Areas of my body that usually stays covered (chest,upper arms...etc.) are comparatively fair.I have been trying on a couple of fairness cremes (mens') on my face and neck (specially on my which is disturbingly darker neck) so that they would match the rest of my body but have had no luck yet.Statistics on containers says that whatever the product has been proved affective to X% men on each.But none of them seem to have any effect on me. (2)Could it be because of a flaw in my methods of applying? Are there special tips? I got to read that leaving fairness cremes on your skin for a long time can cause burns which would worsen the darkness. (3)Is this true? Is there a time limit for cremes to be left without being washed away? Isn't the longer the better? A close inspection on my face revealed that the right side of my face is darker than the left side. (4)How come it be so? Could it be because I am sleeping on that side more? Now I use fairness creme on the right side of my face only and even changed the sleeping position.But still couldn't match the two sides. (5)Why is my neck dark? None of my parents have dark necks so I doubt it being something genetic.I wash it thoroughly too. Please help me resolve the five problems above.I would also highly appreciate any suggestions to improve my skin complexion from you. Thank you...!!! more

Resolved Question: Please help i need some answers!?

I need to find a statistics about amnesia. i've been looking for some kind of thing that tells me who it affects more for base on gender or race or base on the age if it's most likely to affect adults or kids or teens. i just need some kind legit statistics, i've been looking all over the internet and can't find any. please i need some help now my paper is due tomorrow more

Resolved Question: I am looking for a site that has statistics on board/card game trends for the past 1-2 years.?

I am trying to research the current board/card game trends specific to kids that are 8 and older. Looking for a site that gives me statistics. more

Voting Question: My boyfriends wants me to completely shave my pubes and I hate it!?

Okay. Long story time. I am a little bit on the furry side, and when I told him that he started saying how he preferred hairless vaginas. Even though he's a VIRGIN and has never even touched a vag in his life. He's always shaved his though (which I HATE!). Hairless pubes remind me of little kids and I find them utterly repulsive. He brought it up again today (about a month later), and said he wants me to do what would make me happiest. Yet it'd be "nice" if I did it. So I'm like "yeah i'll stop being a pussy and shave it all off now bye" (we were talking on IM) Well I went and did it, crying the whole way through, and injured myself along the way. I told him I did it and he got mad, called me, we talked it over and he said he'll be happy with whatever I do. But now, just hours later, he was giving me statistics about like how many guys prefer shaved! What the hell do I do??? I like having at least some pubes, but he appears to want me bald, despite him claiming otherwise. I know it's my life and my body, but I really want to make him happy and not disgust him. HELP more

Voting Question: Those who answered our last Candain Health Care questions, how many of you live in Canada?

The best answer hands done on my last question came from person number one, who has the statistics of our nations health care system. For the worst answer, the selfish people who live in our country and here, we take ANYONE and that causes even less care for my children. The state in which we come from, Missouri has a high risk pool, it is out of funds and there is a waiting list. For those Canadians who live here and plan to retire back to Canada, your not paying taxes to Canada and it only makes since, you would vote down any hike in taxes for us when you have a safe haven but that makes you a pretty miserable person. We are humans, not animals. Some very selfish only caring about themselves, others, like our President wanting to better this country. Some may say Canada has it right and America should follow suit. Instead of allowing everyone from all over no matter how sick or useless they are into our country. One asked what our family has to offer, my husband and I are both in health care! What sickens me are these cold heartless answers from some who are ripping our countries rewards but all to willing to deny the same treatment to those wanting to live in their place of birth. This country may be better off if we did the same and God forbid any of you ever have to be in the position we are in. Shame on those who are looking out for number one! Go see Extraordinary Measures and maybe then you'll get a glimpse into our life. Even then, we have three and employers find out fast who is putting a dent into their benefits and so were forced to job jump. and currently my husband is out of work. It always surprises me how caring some are and how cold others are. By the way our story is deep, our middle daughter was the first one sick and misdiagnosed at Mayo, we were told to bring another child into the world since her older brother didn't match, nobody knew that my oldest had it until after our youngest was born with it. Rare diseases are not easy to find out. We have a family web site and my own kids are told they should have been aborted. Then you have the far right screaming about abortion when they had eight years to change it, all the while kids like mine die everyday in hospitals across this country because they are poor, on Medicaid or the fight for insurance coverage took too long and they didn't make it. This is murder! This children are real, alive and have a chance but instead so many have no idea and those who do, turn their heads and are such hypocrites! Its all over the news, the facts are there. We are 39th in health care in the world, we spend more money allowing more people to die than France, Canada or any European developed country. We fall behind in live births the third world country Costa Rica who is 38th and Canada ranking at 30. France is ranked number one and they do it at half the cost. Health care is not a luxury but a right there and that is how all of them feel. For my kids, we look forward to death and a life of hell unless God alone can heal them and touch them. We have noway to better there lives as so many immigrants including my great grandfathers did. In fact, I can't even go back to where my true roots are. I am stuck watching my children and our family fade away without a country who cares. As a mother I will never give up trying and praying for if I did not have HOPE I would have nothing. Again, before you answer ask yourself what if it were I who had such a life? I hold nothing against any mother from third world countries who seek a better life for their children for I know their hearts, they are humans and I happen to care. For those who are bitter and angry, I feel sorry for. While our family has a hard road, we have love and compassion and we will look to Him for our answers. We may end up suffering here but we will do it with joy and not begrudge my sister or brother for doing what we want as well. Thank you for the kind answers and honest information. It looks as though we are stuck and for a free person, I feel very imprisoned. more

Resolved Question: I wish to know how exactly have women oppressed men?

I see this theme a great deal here and I would appreciate some facts and instances. If you would like to use child support as an argument, please do not forget to dig up statistics of women who are NCP's and pay child support, and also be as kind to note how a man or woman can make a kid by themselves (ie: asexual reproduction). I would love to see the statistics also, on human asexual reproduction, if it is to be argued one party alone is to be held responsible for the creation and maintenance of a child. Thank you in advance, and everyone have a happy Thursday.Hi there "the man" *giggles*: Thank you for that sterling contribution. Got your Henry Makow, Extra Hate- WimminHaterade and you're chugging away today eh, buddy boy? Smashing good show.Sniper...I actually agree with you. Airheaded plastique bimbos are giving real women a bad name. We see eye to eye on many things.@ "The man"...Seriously, can this fraction of instances you have obviously painstakingly scoured the internet for in hopes to add validity to your hatred of women (and amongst your fellow woman-hating cohorts) even begin to compare to the things men have imposed upon women for millenia? Nice try, but you are so blinded by hate that you can't see anything. I feel so sorry for you.Nothing useful to add huh, Missy A (as usual).Steve...are you serious? more

Voting Question: Should I stop playing WoW?

Well, I am a 36 y old male, and I have four kids. Other than my wife hating me at times, I try to play at night from 9-11pm EST. I would really like to get some statistics on how may "oldies" play the game. I always feel that I run the risk of talking to some 13 year old from Indiana. I just purchased a headset and I am anxious to give it a try. I have three level 20's on the Blood Furnace and Executus servers. I would really like to push for a lvl 70, but I like to rotate play between the three. I know one thing it is a better game than any of the GTA series. For the Horde! more

Voting Question: What are my chances of getting into college?

Freshman Year Honors English - A Honors Algebra 2 - A- Honors Biology - A Honors World History - A Spanish 1 - A+ French 1 - A+ Speech - A+ GPA ~ 4.3 Sophomore Year Honors Global Politics - B Honors Algebra 2 (they made me retake) - A Honors Literature - A Honors Chemistry - B Honors Spanish 2 - A- Honors French 3 - A- Tap - A+ Improv - A+ Acting - A+ Health - A+ GPA~ first quarter : 3.96 second quarter 3.71 third/fourth 4.1 Next Year (Senior Year) AP Biology AP European History AP Statistics AP English Honors Precalc Honors Spanish 3 Honors French 4 Summer Courses at a Community College Physics US history English SAT - 2150 Extracurriculars Volunteering with disabled kids - 3 years/100 hours a year Model UN - 3 years/won an award Academic Team - 3 years/varsity Shakespeare Competition - 3 years/ runner up Mock Trial - 2 years/won an award Dance Classes - 2 years/5 hours a week Plays and Musicals - 2 years/outside and in school I went to public school for freshman year and then I got a scholarship for a very difficult prep school so I transferred for sophomore year. The teachers did not like me because I came from public school and graded me harder than the rest of the kids. I am going to switch back to public school next year. I am also going to be graduating one year early. So it will technically be my junior/senior year. I want to go to Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Do you think that I will be able to get in and recieve a scholarship? Will transferring and graduating early look bad on my transcript? Thank you. more

Resolved Question: Can you help me get a later bedtime?

Next year I will be taking Honors Physical Science, Honors Trig, AP Statistics, AP US History, Gym/Health, and Honors English 10. However my parents still insist on making me go to bed at 9:30 every night, even on weekends. Many nights on schooldays, I don't even get my homework done because they're so insistent on my bedtime, yet when I get a bad grade, they say that its because of my time management, however all of my teachers tell me that I am great at time management. They also insist on staying up until I go to bed and checking on me until I'm asleep. My parents say that even next year with my difficult classes, the bedtime rule will remain the same. The kids that I know in those classes are generally up until about midnight every night doing homework for their classes, and I explained that to my parents but they gave me the "My house, my rules. If you don't like it then wait until you're 18 thing." The problem is, when I graduate from high school, I will be 18 so it will be too late to change the past. Their logic is that if I stay up past 9:30 every night studying, then I will "fail all of my classes" because I will be "too exhausted to even concentrate". The other thing is, I am a teenager and am invited to a lot of parties, and I cannot go to any of them because of the bedtime rule. I need to extend my bedtime to at least 11 o'clock in order to save my academic and social career. I feel as if my parents are holding me back in both areas just because they are being overprotective. Is there any advice that you can offer? I have tried many times to talk politely and nicely to them, saying that if I do bad in my classes its my fault, and explaining that the amount of homework in my classes for next year is necessary to stay up late; however they continue on holding the same rules. Please help me! 3 days ago - 1 day left to answer. Additional Details I have also played piano and cello since I was 5 and my parents expect me to excel in both. Currently, my typical schedule is getting home at 3:30, 3:30-5:30 practicing piano and cello (my parents expect an hour on each daily), 5:30-5:45 eat, either piano lesson, cello lesson, or symphony rehearsal from 6:00-7:00, 6:00-6:45, or 6:00-8:00 respectively. As soon as I get home I get right to work on my schoolwork and studying, This school year I usually have about 1.5 to 2 hours of homework per night, but with the classes I am taking next year, kids in those classes and my school counselor said I should expect between 3 and 4 hours of homework per night. more

Resolved Question: Statistics or facts about child harassment on the internet?

I have heard of a statistic that 1 in 5 children are sexually harassed over the internet. But, I also saw a study, or article or something talking about how that number is inaccurate. That most kids see little to no trouble on the computer. Can someone help me find these articles/studies/figures? Thank you!I'm a 15 year old girl, Frank. So shove your trolling up your ass, thanks. more

Resolved Question: I need to get a later bedtime.?

Next year I will be taking Honors Physical Science, Honors Trig, AP Statistics, AP US History, Gym/Health, and Honors English 10. However my parents still insist on making me go to bed at 9:30 every night, even on weekends. Many nights on schooldays, I don't even get my homework done because they're so insistent on my bedtime, yet when I get a bad grade, they say that its because of my time management, however all of my teachers tell me that I am great at time management. They also insist on staying up until I go to bed and checking on me until I'm asleep. My parents say that even next year with my difficult classes, the bedtime rule will remain the same. The kids that I know in those classes are generally up until about midnight every night doing homework for their classes, and I explained that to my parents but they gave me the "My house, my rules. If you don't like it then wait until you're 18 thing." The problem is, when I graduate from high school, I will be 18 so it will be too late to change the past. Their logic is that if I stay up past 9:30 every night studying, then I will "fail all of my classes" because I will be "too exhausted to even concentrate". The other thing is, I am a teenager and am invited to a lot of parties, and I cannot go to any of them because of the bedtime rule. I need to extend my bedtime to at least 11 o'clock in order to save my academic and social career. I feel as if my parents are holding me back in both areas just because they are being overprotective. Is there any advice that you can offer? I have tried many times to talk politely and nicely to them, saying that if I do bad in my classes its my fault, and explaining that the amount of homework in my classes for next year is necessary to stay up late; however they continue on holding the same rules. Please help me!I have also played piano and cello since I was 5 and my parents expect me to excel in both. Currently, my typical schedule is getting home at 3:30, 3:30-5:30 practicing piano and cello (my parents expect an hour on each daily), 5:30-5:45 eat, either piano lesson, cello lesson, or symphony rehearsal from 6:00-7:00, 6:00-6:45, or 6:00-8:00 respectively. As soon as I get home I get right to work on my schoolwork and studying, This school year I usually have about 1.5 to 2 hours of homework per night, but with the classes I am taking next year, kids in those classes and my school counselor said I should expect between 3 and 4 hours of homework per night. more

Voting Question: Shouldn't I be pregnant by now with these odds? Could I be infertile? Where could I go to get checked out?

My boyfriend and I have been having sex for about 2 years without the use of ANY contraception (no condoms, birth control, timing, nothing.) We've always used the "withdrawal" method (pulling-out) which I read has 60% effectiveness--meaning 40% chance of getting pregnant. Sometimes he didn't even withdrawal. We have always had sex quite often, maybe 2-3 times per week. I want a baby really badly, but he doesn't cum in me often because he thinks we should wait longer, though he does want one sometimes too. I'm fine with waiting, though I kind of push it sometimes, and we still have sex with the attitude that "if it happens, it happens." I've even begun timing our sex to when I'm supposedly "most fertile" according to ovulation testing kits, which appear to have abnormal results. (Before you yell at me, my boyfriend knows I time it to that and still has the attitude of if it happens, it happens, because deep down he wants it too, he's just kind of scared and wants to marry me first, but he also plans on marrying me sometime this year. I'm not worried whether or not our relationship is stable enough... we're soul-mates, and any comments regarding that we shouldn't be thinking about having a baby because of anything will be disregarded. I simply want to know the odds, and what I should do.) With these statistics, shouldn't I be pregnant by now? Shouldn't I be worried about infertility? The reason I think it's me is that I had unprotected sex ever since I was 14, always quite often... but back then I wasn't really half-assed, so-called, "trying" for it. It was always only the withdrawal method, though for a short time (about a year or two) I did use birth control to help regulate my period since I wasn't trying for it anyways. Now I haven't used birth control in two years. I know that some STD's can cause infertility, but I also know that's not a problem because I get tested twice annually and am 100% STD-free. I'm really worried, I want kids really badly--if not now, then someday... but I also want to know the truth about the odds of me being infertile. I know it's long, but I was trying to provide all the information necessary for me to get an accurate response. Thanks for taking the time to read and help someone out. more

Resolved Question: Statistics Question? Significance Levels and Power?

A bunch of kids in our class got points off on a test because we said as significance levels decrease, power levels increase. I thought that power is the probability of detecting a false null hypothesis when there is one, so having a low alpha level raises power because there is more of a probability on the outsides of a normal curve for there to be a false null. My teacher, however, says that power is the probability that you actually find a false null, regardless of the truth. With this logic, she says that a lower alpha level will decrease power because there's a lower probability that you'll find a p-value out there. I'm pretty sure that I'm right, and if I am, can you give me a credible online source that explicitly states my thinking so I can save my grade? And if not, can you give me a source that clearly shows that I'm wrong? All help is greatly appreciated. more

Voting Question: Anyone notice women outside your race treat you better?

To me the grass is greener on the other side. I'm white but will only date women outside of my race, and I make no exceptions. It just seems they are more respectful, appreciative, and less spoiled. Anyone else notice this? People act like men who prefer women outside their race have their mind clouded and are seeing things through rose tinted glasses but thats totally wrong. Just looking at statistics you'll see that women of color are more likely to stay thin, more likely not to get divorced, more likely not to have STD's, more likely not have kids out of wedlock, etc. more

Resolved Question: c-section or natural (vbac)? opinions plz! who has had both? which did you prefer?

I am pregnant with my second baby. my first one was an "emergency" c-section. (I don't think it was really needed) anyway. They are giving me the option of a vbac or a scheduled c-section. which one would you say is best. I have done my research on statistics etc. so I don't really needed that I just need personal preference stories. I plan on having 4 kids so I am thinking vbac but just wanted to check! more

Resolved Question: statistics about the pull out method?

so me and my significant other have had sex 5 times, each time pulling out. 3 of the times i heard him say "oops" and then there was some sperm in between my legs and a little on my vagina...what are the chances of me getting pregnant? i know it was stupid, but i just need to know. please don't tell me to be more responsible because if i get pregnant, i'm going to care for the baby and be the best mother there ever was. i love kids.rachelle, you're a sweet heart. more

Resolved Question: Scientific Experimentation and Audio Architecture?

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT ANY ONE OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED, NOR DO I REPRESENT EITHER OF THEM. I HAVE NO FINANCIAL OR LEGAL STAKE IN THIS MATTER. THIS IS SIMPLY A QUESTION, AND ONLY A QUESTION. NO OTHER INFORMATION SHOULD BE INFERRED. As you may know, Muzak, based in South Carolina, employs audio engineers which Muzak calls "Audio Architects". To my understanding, the Audio Architect (other companies have them, too) designs the music parameters for the store. In other words, the Audio Architect meets with the owner or store manager to consult with them on how the store can best use music to optimize the store's branding and themes, to increase sales and ultimately increase the store's profits. So, the Audio Architect determines the type of music (let's say, 90's pop-rock), the volume (let's say, 70 decibels), the musical parameters (let's say, high bass and low treble, low reverb, and many sound speaker locations, etc, etc, etc). Maybe he might even recommend adding a TV screen showing rock videos in the middle section of the store. OK. So here's my thought. Let's say a clothing store hires a Muzak Audio Architect to determine how they can maximize their revenue. The Audio Architect picks a bunch of parameters, and suggests ways to achieve better branding and make customers want to buy more, to increase the store's revenue. And let's say the Audio Architect doesn't make any guarantees. Result: The store gains 1.55 per cent in sales for the year, over the previous year. This is a 1.55 percent gain in a rough economy. But the store owner decides, "Looking at everything as a whole, and seeing the whole picture, this was probably a bad idea." So he gives the Muzak Audio Architect a call. They meet, and the Audio Architect replies, "You're wrong. Our company has proven results, and I have an excellent track record of proven sales increases and boosting profits." The clothing store owner relents, and they decide on slighty different parameters for all the music, speaker locations, reverb, loudness, etc, etc. The following year, the store only makes an 0.42 per cent gain in sales. So the clothing store owner decides, "Each year, my decision was a bad idea. With the market parameters, and our improved clothing quality, and our better shipping company, and our better and more professional clothing salespeople, we should have made at least 5 or 6 per cent profit each of those years." The Muzak Audio Architect replies, "You're wrong. We wrote the book on music-branding and audio architecture. Our system is failsafe." The clothing store owner says, "Yeah? Then why didn't our sales increase to 5 or 6 per cent?" Muzak Audio Architect replies, "I don't know, but our company statistics don't lie. Ours is a proven formula. And, we didn't guarantee you 5 percent anyway. In fact, we didn't guarantee 0.1 per cent. Maybe you made bad decisions on your shipping company, or your maintenance crew, or your returns policy. Say what you want, but you can never prove us wrong." So here's my question: is the Muzak Audio Architect correct? Is Muzak Audio Architecture a failsafe system? Can the Muzak Company back up their results with sophisticated scientific statistical-based studies? Please don't give an answer such as, "You've got to be kidding, man. Muzak has proven results, or companies all over the world wouldn't hire them. Muzak has testimonials from customers all over the world." OK, I agree that they have positive testimonials. But what do we say about negative testimonials? Is Muzak a failsafe system? How can we know that their statisticians are correct? Thank you for your answers = ) Perhaps you are an advertising professional? a statistician? a corporate branding firm? an expert in musicology? What say you? Thank you =)My purpose is to determine whether Muzak's verifiability is unfalsifiable. This case study, as I understand it, indeed provides experimental evidence. It was (is) an experiment in itself. In other words, the store owner experimented with Muzak's "formula", so to speak, and ultimately became skeptical. Consider the following truth. I asked a famous consultant to the entertainment industry, "There are retail stores that have a strict silence policy at all times. No Muzak, no Sirius Satellite, no TruSonic, no DMX, and no boom-boxes. And if you look at their in-store sales and revenue, they have done outstanding and are incredibly successful." He replied, "But you can't prove that they wouldn't have performed *even better* if they piped loud music into their stores." So I'm thinking, "Two can play that game! You can't prove that they *would* have done better with any broadcast piped-in music!" So we have an impasse here. What are your thoughts? Can either view be proven??? more

Resolved Question: How Can An Audio Architect Prove His Audio Architecture Made A Solid Difference?

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT ANY ONE OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED, NOR DO I REPRESENT EITHER OF THEM. I HAVE NO FINANCIAL OR LEGAL STAKE IN THIS MATTER. THIS IS SIMPLY A QUESTION, AND ONLY A QUESTION. NO OTHER INFORMATION SHOULD BE INFERRED. As you may know, Muzak, based in South Carolina, employs audio engineers which Muzak calls "Audio Architects". To my understanding, the Audio Architect (other companies have them, too) designs the music parameters for the store. In other words, the Audio Architect meets with the owner or store manager to consult with them on how the store can best use music to optimize the store's branding and themes, to increase sales and ultimately increase the store's profits. So, the Audio Architect determines the type of music (let's say, 90's pop-rock), the volume (let's say, 70 decibels), the musical parameters (let's say, high bass and low treble, low reverb, and many sound speaker locations, etc, etc, etc). Maybe he might even recommend adding a TV screen showing rock videos in the middle section of the store. OK. So here's my thought. Let's say a clothing store hires a Muzak Audio Architect to determine how they can maximize their revenue. The Audio Architect picks a bunch of parameters, and suggests ways to achieve better branding and make customers want to buy more, to increase the store's revenue. And let's say the Audio Architect doesn't make any guarantees. Result: The store gains 1.55 per cent in sales for the year, over the previous year. This is a 1.55 percent gain in a rough economy. But the store owner decides, "Looking at everything as a whole, and seeing the whole picture, this was probably a bad idea." So he gives the Muzak Audio Architect a call. They meet, and the Audio Architect replies, "You're wrong. Our company has proven results, and I have an excellent track record of proven sales increases and boosting profits." The clothing store owner relents, and they decide on slighty different parameters for all the music, speaker locations, reverb, loudness, etc, etc. The following year, the store only makes an 0.42 per cent gain in sales. So the clothing store owner decides, "Each year, my decision was a bad idea. With the market parameters, and our improved clothing quality, and our better shipping company, and our better and more professional clothing salespeople, we should have made at least 5 or 6 per cent profit each of those years." The Muzak Audio Architect replies, "You're wrong. We wrote the book on music-branding and audio architecture. Our system is failsafe." The clothing store owner says, "Yeah? Then why didn't our sales increase to 5 or 6 per cent?" Muzak Audio Architect replies, "I don't know, but our company statistics don't lie. Ours is a proven formula. And, we didn't guarantee you 5 percent anyway. In fact, we didn't guarantee 0.1 per cent. Maybe you made bad decisions on your shipping company, or your maintenance crew, or your returns policy. Say what you want, but you can never prove us wrong." So here's my question: is the Muzak Audio Architect correct? Is Muzak Audio Architecture a failsafe system? Can the Muzak Company back up their results with sophisticated scientific statistical-based studies? Please don't give an answer such as, "You've got to be kidding, man. Muzak has proven results, or companies all over the world wouldn't hire them. Muzak has testimonials from customers all over the world." OK, I agree that they have positive testimonials. But what do we say about negative testimonials? Is Muzak a failsafe system? How can we know that their statisticians are correct? Thank you for your answers = ) more

Voting Question: Am I setting myself up for failure?

This spring semester I will be taking 22 credit hours at my community college. The classes will be General Chemistry II, Elementary Spanish, Philosophy 102 (Logic), and Elementary Statistics. And on top of that, I am taking the Certified Nursing Assistant Program this semester as well. I don't work or have any kids and I live with my family. I do have a boyfriend who is very understanding of my situation. I'm not going into this semester thinking it will be a cakewalk... I'm going in knowing I will have to commit pretty much all of my time to my studies and I am more than willing to make the commitment necessary for me to succeed. However, I may be a little beyond myself and I do not want to get a "C" on my transcript in any of my classes since I am an aspiring Pre-Physician Student. Am I setting myself up for failure? more

Resolved Question: can i get into some good colleges?

I really wanted to get into University of Washington, and it is definitely my 1st option...is there still chance for me? I'm Indian and my brother will be graduating from UW this year. 3.5 cumulative GPA with some honors and AP classes -Honors Chemistry -AP World History -Advanced Chemistry -AP Statistics 1780 on the sat -520 reading -620 math -640 writing Extra Curricular -Marching band all 3 years(sophomore,junior,senior) -Wind Ensemble 2 years(junior and senior) -200 hours community service -Tutored kids for all 4 years of high school -German Club Treasurer -Job at Rite more

Voting Question: Life has no direction, have no charisma and feel that I am shy with nothing to say.?

Lately i've been feeling down and am afraid as to the person that I will turn into being shy amongst people involved within my family especially when my brother is in presence seeming like the ghost in the background where my voice is never heard when i wish to add something. I have always felt this way especially amongst my family and family friends where I am subjected to be treated like a little kid hidden behind my own shadow. Other than that looking back at my childhood I had been bullied at scholl a few times and was shy in class not saying much even being ridculed by my teachers as well as my self image being tarnished was my own appearance with ugly looking glasses long hair which made me look terrible. I could be like this due to my mother's overprotective nature which has got me to a state of not sticking up for myself when people become nasty and end up just being the 'nice guy' who ends up doing everything for anyone and nodding along. My self confidence is at an all time low and can never be proud of myself especially that with my now ex girlfriend of whom I have cheated on twice one of them being due to my relocation to another country and not being faithful as i should have due to lack of affection and it is hard for me to move on due to this reason as she always puts me in a sense of guilt making me feel unworthy and undeserved to do such a thing. My other grip is my career that at one point was looking up for me when i relocated abroad working in banking and being laid off 1 year after that returning to London to work at my Dad's office (car garage) feeling a bit useless and not using any of my skills and till now am unsure whether taking over the business would be my final stop. I'm always blaming myself for everything which has been worsened by my ex girlfriend making me feel guilty and putting in me a state of confusion and feel I never have the information to impress anyone in teh information age we live in ex. football statistics, celebrity news, finance where i am always outdone by everyone else around me. I get to the point of purposely making my life harder as I feel I dont deserve any luxuries from my attitude. Please help I dont think I need a therapist but may be the only way out! more

Voting Question: What are some good colleges that I can get into?

I really wanted to get into University of Washington, and it is definitely my 1st option...is there still chance for me? I'm Indian and my brother will be graduating from UW this year. 3.5 cumulative GPA with some honors and AP classes -Honors Chemistry -AP World History -Advanced Chemistry -AP Statistics 1780 on the sat -520 reading -620 math -640 writing Extra Curricular -Marching band all 3 years(sophomore,junior,senior) -Wind Ensemble 2 years(junior and senior) -200 hours community service -Tutored kids for all 4 years of high school -German Club Treasurer -Job at Rite more

Voting Question: Help -- Sibling trouble?

I am having a serious dysfunctional family dilemma. My brother dropped out of high school and took 2-3 years to get his GED. He went into a bad high school late and never adjusted. The kids were too much and he dropped out. We are a middle class family, my mother is a single mother raising 4 kids. We talk to our dad, but none of us want to associate a lot with him more than occasionally because he has Bipolar disorder and we cant tolerate his mood swings and crazy behavior. Of course this has caused problems, but what can you do. My mother went thru hell and back and still is with my brother. He was on drugs at a point, was in a day treatment program, thought he was the "Eminem" type (went thru that phase). He just recently finally got his GED at 21. He is still living at home. He is having a horrible time keeping a job and he has nowhere to go if my mother kicks him out and she is worried he'll end up on drugs again. So she lets him stay. I am worried too so I don't fight that. Plus, I am not going to judge. This is the worst part, Now my sister who is 17 and literally is supposed to graduate in MAY 2010 dropped out just yesterday. She is hanging with a horrible group who we tried to get her away from but she defiantly would not come home, stayed with them. The one girl is a drop out, the guy was enrolled in an Art Institute and they encouraged her to drop out and live with them. She has an inheritance coming from my grandfather of about 5,000 dollars in May when she turns 18. My mother and I fear they are looking to get that off her. She is also I feel bipolar. I feel she needs to be on meds but will not get on them. She has always got good grades, she has good grades. She even had friends! She was voted most creative in her class this year... we would be at the grocery store and all kinds of people would come up to her and say "hi beth!!" I truly feel its these people she has befriended and her bipolar possibly. I am devastated.. needless to say my mother is too and she is drained due to my brother as it is. She was just in tears last night and I had nothing to say other than maybe it will blow over and she can get her GED, take SATs and still enroll in college. but she moved out, took her things and is staying with these people. I am at a loss of what to do. Tried talking... she is beyond talking to. Its like she is brain washed. As for me I am 24 (just turned) and just graduated college with my BA. I have been living here because I have been finishing my degree. I went part time at first and then ended up finishing. It took me five years which is average. I am not looking for a job and an apartment for me and my dachshund mix. I think the fact I just graduated college is the only thing keeping my parents mentally from falling apart at this point. They are very upset this is happening. They do NOT have a bad life, they dont have everything but they certainly were not deprived -- she had plenty of clothes, etc. I am not sure what to do. Did anyone go through this? I am in shock because she was so intelligent that she helped me with my college statistics and foreign language (spanish) and did excellent in grades. She worked so hard, and just threw it all away. She went through a bout where she said she was suicidal for about a month prior to this, then announced she dropped out (the school let her sign the papers for whatever reasons) What can I do? more

Voting Question: Please help sibling trouble?

I am having a serious dysfunctional family dilemma. My brother dropped out of high school and took 2-3 years to get his GED. He went into a bad high school late and never adjusted. The kids were too much and he dropped out. We are a middle class family, my mother is a single mother raising 4 kids. We talk to our dad, but none of us want to associate a lot with him more than occasionally because he has Bipolar disorder and we cant tolerate his mood swings and crazy behavior. Of course this has caused problems, but what can you do. My mother went thru hell and back and still is with my brother. He was on drugs at a point, was in a day treatment program, thought he was the "Eminem" type (went thru that phase). He just recently finally got his GED at 21. He is still living at home. He is having a horrible time keeping a job and he has nowhere to go if my mother kicks him out and she is worried he'll end up on drugs again. So she lets him stay. I am worried too so I don't fight that. Plus, I am not going to judge. This is the worst part, Now my sister who is 17 and literally is supposed to graduate in MAY 2010 dropped out just yesterday. She is hanging with a horrible group who we tried to get her away from but she defiantly would not come home, stayed with them. The one girl is a drop out, the guy was enrolled in an Art Institute and they encouraged her to drop out and live with them. She has an inheritance coming from my grandfather of about 5,000 dollars in May when she turns 18. My mother and I fear they are looking to get that off her. She is also I feel bipolar. I feel she needs to be on meds but will not get on them. She has always got good grades, she has good grades. She even had friends! She was voted most creative in her class this year... we would be at the grocery store and all kinds of people would come up to her and say "hi beth!!" I truly feel its these people she has befriended and her bipolar possibly. I am devastated.. needless to say my mother is too and she is drained due to my brother as it is. She was just in tears last night and I had nothing to say other than maybe it will blow over and she can get her GED, take SATs and still enroll in college. but she moved out, took her things and is staying with these people. I am at a loss of what to do. Tried talking... she is beyond talking to. Its like she is brain washed. As for me I am 24 (just turned) and just graduated college with my BA. I have been living here because I have been finishing my degree. I went part time at first and then ended up finishing. It took me five years which is average. I am not looking for a job and an apartment for me and my dachshund mix. I think the fact I just graduated college is the only thing keeping my parents mentally from falling apart at this point. They are very upset this is happening. They do NOT have a bad life, they dont have everything but they certainly were not deprived -- she had plenty of clothes, etc. I am not sure what to do. Did anyone go through this? I am in shock because she was so intelligent that she helped me with my college statistics and foreign language (spanish) and did excellent in grades. She worked so hard, and just threw it all away. She went through a bout where she said she was suicidal for about a month prior to this, then announced she dropped out (the school let her sign the papers for whatever reasons) What can I do?tell them what???????????? more

Resolved Question: What good colleges can I get into?

I really wanted to get into University of Washington, and it is definitely my 1st option...is there still chance for me? I'm Indian and my brother will be graduating from UW this year. 3.5 cumulative GPA with some honors and AP classes -Honors Chemistry -AP World History -Advanced Chemistry -AP Statistics 1420 on the sat -420 reading -520 math -480 writing Extra Curricular -Marching band all 3 years(sophomore,junior,senior) -Wind Ensemble 2 years(junior and senior) -200 hours community service -Tutored kids for all 4 years of high school -German Club Treasurer -Job at Rite more

Resolved Question: What are some good colleges I get into?

I really wanted to get into University of Washington, and it is definitely my 1st option...is there still chance for me? I'm Indian and my brother will be graduating from UW this year. 3.5 cumulative GPA with some honors and AP classes -Honors Chemistry -AP World History -Advanced Chemistry -AP Statistics 1420 on the sat -420 reading -520 math -480 writing Extra Curricular -Marching band all 3 years(sophomore,junior,senior) -Wind Ensemble 2 years(junior and senior) -200 hours community service -Tutored kids for all 4 years of high school -German Club Treasurer -Job at Rite more

Resolved Question: What are my chances of getting into the University of Washington?

I really wanted to get into University of Washington, and it is definitely my 1st option...is there still chance for me? I'm Indian and my brother will be graduating from UW this year. 3.5 cumulative GPA with some honors and AP classes -Honors Chemistry -AP World History -Advanced Chemistry -AP Statistics 1420 on the sat -420 reading -520 math -480 writing Extra Curricular -Marching band all 3 years(sophomore,junior,senior) -Wind Ensemble 2 years(junior and senior) -200 hours community service -Tutored kids for all 4 years of high school -German Club Treasurer -Job at Rite more

Resolved Question: What to you think of this kid's suggestion to Obama on how to stimulate the economy?

Obama basically blew it off like it was obviously a stupid idea he would never consider. But according to Department of Agriculture statistics, marijuana is the United State's largest cash crop by far. What do you think?? Should Obama actually take some ideas back to the White House with him instead of doing another campaign style feel good tour?? http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/12/student-hey-obama-legalize-it.php?ref=fpb "I really appreciate how you're trying to stimulate the economy," the student said. "Maybe, if you checked out some of the statistics about legalizing prostitution, gambling, drugs and non-violent crime in order to stimulate some of the economy." The audience broke into giggles. "I appreciate the boldness of your question. That will not be my jobs strategy," Obama responded, to more giggles. "Part of what you're supposed to do in college is question conventional wisdom. So you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing." http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr2/cashcrops.html Based on a comparison with average production values of other crops from 2003 to 2005 marijuana is the top cash crop in 12 states, one of the top 3 cash crops in 30 states, and one of the top 5 cash crops in 39 states. [23] Marijuana is the largest cash crop in Alaska, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. (See Table 8 below.)1 Marijuana $35,803,591 2 Corn $23,299,601 3 Soybeans $17,312,200 4 Hay $12,236,638 5 Vegetables $11,080,733 6 Wheat $7,450,907 7 Cotton $5,314,870 8 Grapes $2,876,547 9 Apples $1,787,532 10 Rice $1,706,665 11 Oranges $1,583,009 12 Tobacco $1,466,633 13 Sugarbeets $1,158,078 14 Sugarcane $942,176 15 Sorghum $840,923 16 Cottonseed $821,655 17 Peanuts $819,617 18 Barley $653,095 19 Peaches $474,745 20 Beans $467,236 more

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