G-R- you kidding m-E Exam

According to the GRE website, the exam “measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.”

If you’d ask me, I think it is an exam that is full of ****. Yes, I said it.

The GRE exam is one of many standardized exams. The only difference with all the exams is the cost to take them. The price tag for the GRE exam is $140.

Unfortunately, I will be taking this exam in late October. I plan on furthering my education in the Graduate realm. Most students in Political Science take the Law School route. I just want to take the time to tell them: Thank you, thank you for not being competition.

I thought about taking the Law School route but I realized if I did, all I could be is a lawyer. Weird, huh? Meanwhile, if I took the Grad school route I can be whatever I want.

I will never understand why it is that we need to take an exam in order to complete an application for Grad school. As much as I detest the exam and bash on it, I have to submit to it and take it.

I’ll put the effort to study for it, but let the record show I am not pleased. I’d rather have an interview of any kind, than take an exam. Especially, one that expects to test me on knowledge “acquired over a long period of time.”

If you know what a tome is then your ahead of the curve. (Oh, and if you have a Masters and/or Doctorate and you know the definition of the word, then you don’t count.) Now, if you don’t have a clue as to what the meaning of the word is then join the group. The creators of this exam have got to be kidding me.



Image Credit: http://www.someecards.com

XX + XY + 1 Contract = Marriage?

Marriage, what does it really mean? Every single one of us has a different definition of what marriage is, but it’s my blog so you’re only going to get my definition. Marriage, for me, is a process that a couple goes through which eventually creates a contract with unlimited uncertainty. It also is something that society pushes one into doing.

You might be asking yourself “how does society push one into getting married?” Well, if you think about it, when you’re in a relationship for quite sometime, somehow it gets expected. Your friends, siblings, and parents start asking you or your significant other “when are you guys going to get married?”

If you think like I do, then you’re going to agree with me about my next statement. I don’t think that getting married is something we all need to do. I mean honestly, what are the real benefits of signing your life away to another person? I can only think of one reason to get married, and that is (drum roll please) taxes.

Reality is that most marriages in the United States just don’t last. 2006 statistics show that for every 1,000 people there are 7.5 marriages and 3.6 divorces. Those figures might not mean a whole lot but it is something to think about.

Reading the news this morning I came across a piece on Gabriele Pauli. She is a politician in Germany running for a leadership position in her respective party. She spoke today on a new approach to marriage. She suggested that marriage should be a contract that should terminate after seven years. Once the time has expired then the partners can renew their contract or go their separate ways.

I think that is an excellent idea. One thing that I would suggest is that it be five year contracts and not seven; seven years seems to long. Imagine, you’re into the 3rd year of your marriage and you absolutely regret getting married. It’s ok though because just two more years and your home free. (Sigh of relief)

Once your contract is over it basically means no strings attached, nothing. No paying spousal support, nothing. I love that idea. Although I believe that most people around the world will probably shut that idea down. Some will say it devalues the concept of marriage. I think that it will actually give it value. Celebrating 10, 20, 30, or 40 year wedding anniversaries would mean that much more.

Some couples last together for the rest of their lives. Others aren't so lucky with this whole concept of marriage. What is certain though is that marriage is something we all come across. So what does it really mean? Who really knows what marriage is?

Image Credit : http://www.bankruptcyprofessor.com/lrc/images/divorce.jpg

The Value of College Basketball

It was bound to happen. I’m a guy and it’s only normal that I talk about sports. As a kid I never watched sports, but somehow one day I turned on the TV and watched a college basketball game. It has been over 11 years now since that fateful day. I continue to watch college basketball and I seem to find myself enjoying it more and more.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like watching NFL, MLB, and NBA games but they aren’t as pure as NCAA Basketball. Professional athletes attempt to perform at the highest levels for economic incentives. In college basketball, the players aren’t getting paid to play. They play for the love of the game, and for on court respect. What college players do receive are benefits like scholarships, which ultimately allow them to earn a degree, and they get to travel around the country.

When college basketball players take the court they seem to live for the moment. Each game they play with heart, intensity, and a fiery passion. Watching a game where a team hits a desperation three-pointer, with a few tenths of a second left, to win is what its all about. Following such a scenario results in the masses rushing the court to collectively celebrate the improbable win. I’m going to be honest; I get on the edge of my seat when a game goes down to the last shot.

College basketball isn’t just basketball, reputations are earned or destroyed. Dynasties are created or erased by a single shot. Traditions are established with each win. Every loss is taken with disdain and regret.

Around late February that’s when the real excitement begins. March Madness arrives and 64 teams begin their quest to be crowned the National Champs. Each game that passes is more intense than the previous one. Each team is constantly reminded that if they lose, they go home and it’s the end of the season for them.

Every year there are major upsets where an underdog takes down a heavily favorite in the early rounds of tournament. Just like every year there are favorites that make it deep into the tournament. Yet, the idea that anyone of the 64 teams can win it all, makes watching college basketball that much more interesting. March Madness is a tournament that everyone should watch to experience the true definition of college ball. It’s indescribable the feelings one gets watching the tournament unfold. College basketball isn’t just basketball; it’s a game that has value.



Photo Credit: http://content.clearchannel.com/Photos/sports_photos/College/Basketball/college_basketball_EzraShaw.jpg

Problems? Answer: Money...

I came across this artwork a few years ago. At first I recall laughing at what was written on it. Later, I thought about its significance. The artist who created it apparently was trying to send a message. I’ve seen many of Donny Miller’s work, I even own a few of his art books, but this piece quite frankly speaks to me.

Why does it speak to me? It must be the fact that it’s true. Money is something that we all want and need. Some of us might say, “Oh, it’s not that important to me.” Excuse me? No, believe me, it is important to all of us. In some way, shape or form, money plays a very important role in our everyday lives.

Think of the many uses we have for money. It gets us what we most desire and most importantly it gets us out of any problem. Lets take a moment to think about those who have lots of this so called, “Money.” Can they do whatever they want? Yes. Can they buy whatever they want? Yes. Are they happy? Of course they are.

For those of you who believe money doesn’t buy happiness. Are you sure? I mean seriously, think about it. I want more of it, I’m sure you do as well. If you don’t, then let those who want some get some of yours. It’s funny how green pieces of paper have rule over us. Yet, imagine yourself without any of it. Not a pretty picture. Take a hard look at the artwork, what do you think about it?

“Money fixes everything. Just rub it on any problem you have in your life.” – Donny Miller


Image Credit: http://www.donnymiller.com/archive/gallery/moneyfixeseverything.html