Is there such a thing as too much choice?

You do what you want with this topic...

A picture of hell

I am going to take a very exteme stance as to try to fuel some argument about this topic. Think about a classic suburban setting from the point of an alien...

These areas generally degrade city centers making them areas of violence and poverty. They move out in the name of a "better quality of life." But is it really? I have to live in a subdivision or a cloistered neighborhood where people have houses that seem too large for what they may actually need (most likely not using very ecological, but cheap products). The children instead of going to a neighborhood park to play will sit inside and play video games, go on the computer, or watch TV. The neighbors themselves rather keep to themselves and do not generally come together for activities. People in these suburbs may or may not come together in forms of social clubs to discuss issues that may be important to them. The people in this area don't even share things as simple as lawn mowers. And then there's the biggest problem: you have to drive everywhere...even to get to your local conveniences which are huge beyond what they need to be. The suburbs aren't made for pedestrians or even bikes. The suburbs are made for cars.

Anyone ready to return to urban renewal? Or is the suburban system correct? Did I paint a bad picture (probably), but what does this picture tell us?

Cars or Public Transportation?

To show how conflicted I am as a human being...I love the styling, the feel, and the drive of a great car, but I don't believe it should be the regular mode of transportation for individuals. I am a real advocate for public transportation. I would take that any day over driving a car. Do I have any proponents who are okay with are current system of driving? I really would like to hear views on this as I think driving to get places is inane.

Favorite Cars of 2007

Here's a list of my favorite cars from 2007. Comment with you own choices.

Honda Civic Hybrid - Best Overall

Porsche Boxster - Best Sports Car

Acura TL - Best 4 door sedan

Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition - Best Stationwagon

Toyota 4Runner - Best SUV

Mini Cooper - Best urban vehicle/ Most customizable

Other noteables:

Volkswagon R32 - Kickass engine and versatility, but lacks reliability and is a bit too pricey for the package

Honda Fit - Unbelievably nice car for the price tag of $13,000. It however, has to compete with the Mini Cooper and I think BMW just has it right with that vehicle.

In sad news, the Acura RSX will not return in the lineup for honda. *Tear*

The categories above are missing categories for minivans, pick-up trucks, muscle cars, and luxury vehicles. Feel free to list things you might think would fit into these categories as well and provide reasons.

Logic Game

On which nights this week (M-F) will Joe get less than 8 hours of sleep?

Joe has a midterm for Finance on Tuesday.
Joe has a brief due on Wednesday for Political Science.
Joe has a statistics project due on Wednesday along with his statistics homework.
Joe has nothing on Thursday.
Joe has a Philosophy paper due on Friday.
Joe has an oral exam on Saturday in Political Science.

The answer will come on Sunday of this week:)

Eiffel Tower

"Why is it that so many people, especially women, are so infatuated with the Eiffel Tower? Does this go back to the days of Jean Luc-Godard and the presentation of Paris as "the" place for teenages or youths? Or maybe also as in "The Sun also Rises?" What is it?

Why does the Eiffel Tower bring about such emotions of pure and joy, almost to the point of ecstasy?"

*This post comes from someone else, but I thought it valid so I thus post it*

My Top Music Picks for 2007 - so far...

1.) Kate Rusby
2.) The Profits
3.) Angelique Kidjo
4.) Hillary Hahn
5.) Bajofondo Tango Club

Honorary Mention: Rodrigo y Gabriella

This was my favorite music from 2007. Feel free to post your own favorites:)

Is argumentation a zero-sum game?

I have this theory that when people argue they believe that one side must win and one side of the argument must lose. Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, then can there be an existence where people argue with the purpose of furthering a body of knowledge rather than thinking in terms of winning or losing.

What are peoples favorite dishes/entrees for Thanksgiving?

Mine is pumpkin pie:) Delicious.

Microfinancing in the States

I was having a random thought when I was out on a walk tonight. What if there was a way to lend money to poor people in your community with the hope of getting a return on your investment? I don't know how it would work, but I want to hear your thoughts on my idea. My roommate and girlfriend think I'm crazy:)

What do you do to help people in your community?

I was wondering what types of things people do to help others who are need. If you do not want to tell people what you do or if you don't do some type of service then come up with some things that you think are good forms of community service.

Musicians' ability to play

Is it more prolific that Beethoven played without being able to hear or Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles play without being able to see. I choose Beethoven's situation. Prove me wrong.

Why do people drink?

Drinking to me seems like such a strange act. I'm putting a harmful chemical down my throat that will hinder my judgment. I would be interested to hear why different people think drinking is important or why you personally drink.

Who's our most important Middle Eastern ally?

I'd be interested to know who people think who they think is the U.S.'s most important ally in the middle east? I will initially side with Turkey as I think they could become a good bridge between the Western and Eastern countries. However, I think their "secular" efforts could hurt them.

Tell me what you think and we'll see if you can change my judgment.

Crazy Preacher on State Street

There is this guy on State Street who keeps yelling random things like, "I'm great and everyone sucks." and "Look at me I'm special." I think he's trying to make fun of the "regulars" on State Street. What do you all think about this?

Sleep

What is the ideal amount of sleep for a college student? I would argue the standard 8 hours. Is this too much or too little?

Universal Debate: Chunky or Smooth

I prefer Chunky peanut butter to Smooth. Do you???

Who will win the Super Bowl?

Does society need more people who try to actively do things (Doers) or people who contemplate our moral issues (Thinkers)?

What makes you think someone is a "good person"?

How do you quantify good music?