Anonymous
02/08/2015 22:37
Subject: Re:Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Maybe not a minority or niche opinion, but the 21 drinking age has outlived its usefulness and needs to be abolished in America. Old enough to vote, pay taxes or join the service= old enough to drink. States should be free to lower the legal age to 18 or maybe 19 to keep alcohol more out of reach from high school kids.
My college president was a member of "Choose Responsibility", a coalition of college presidents who banded together around 2008 and commendably acknowledged the fact that prohibition doesn't work, this stopping young adults from purchasing booze or coming into bars after certain hours= dangerous underground campus drinking culture. The group proposed a conditional drivers licenses for new drivers under 21 who completed extra alcohol education. Pass the class and you can buy beer or wine but not liquor. But if you get an alcohol-related driving offense then your alcohol and driving privileges get suspended til you're 21. I get why the Feds raised the age in the 80s, but now that road deaths are down and society now treats DWI seriously it's time we treated 18-20 year olds as real adults. A few schools (AU I believe) have gone bone dry and even 21+ students are barred from having alcohol at parties or in their dorm rooms. College frats and sororities now serve as the de facto campus speakeasies; I can't help but wonder how much less antisocial behavior (especially sexual assault) there'd be on campuses if we took some of the novelty/forbidden fruit aspect out and encouraged moderation instead. College kids will drink eventually...why kid ourselves that prohibition works?
My college president was a member of "Choose Responsibility", a coalition of college presidents who banded together around 2008 and commendably acknowledged the fact that prohibition doesn't work, this stopping young adults from purchasing booze or coming into bars after certain hours= dangerous underground campus drinking culture. The group proposed a conditional drivers licenses for new drivers under 21 who completed extra alcohol education. Pass the class and you can buy beer or wine but not liquor. But if you get an alcohol-related driving offense then your alcohol and driving privileges get suspended til you're 21. I get why the Feds raised the age in the 80s, but now that road deaths are down and society now treats DWI seriously it's time we treated 18-20 year olds as real adults. A few schools (AU I believe) have gone bone dry and even 21+ students are barred from having alcohol at parties or in their dorm rooms. College frats and sororities now serve as the de facto campus speakeasies; I can't help but wonder how much less antisocial behavior (especially sexual assault) there'd be on campuses if we took some of the novelty/forbidden fruit aspect out and encouraged moderation instead. College kids will drink eventually...why kid ourselves that prohibition works?
Anonymous
02/08/2015 22:08
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think everyone who hates McMansions and that 'lifestyle' secretly wants a 5,000sf house in Bethesda and a Range Rover
I can happily disabuse you of that notion. I want none of that. So there ya go.
You couldn't pay me to live in Bethesda or drive a Range Rover.
Rightttt
This is so funny that people can't believe this.
My parents were millionaires when I was a kid. self-made businessman, family-owned business
When they were looking to build (b/c he was also a builder before he learned another trade), they searched through Potomac. Both HATED it and opted to build in Silver Spring, which is where I grew up.
beautiful homes - but a normal size and well built
You'd never know how much money they had.
Material items are shit, folks. They mean nothing.
My family is much the same. Self made multimillionaires. We clipped coupons, shopped at Goodwill sometimes (for me it was mostly hand-me-downs), and cleaned up after ourselves. We had chores - real chores, real responsibilities - not just "did you make your bed?" We lived in a comfortable, but humble home, and you'd never know how much money they had - I had no idea until they died, and was flabbergasted.
Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to live in a big house, or own a fancy car, even though I could quite easily afford it. More is not necessarily better, and material items get phased out for more "new, better" stuff. Just stuff.
I feel like those who lust over big houses, expensive cars, and the perfect everything, are self-medicating some weird insecurity with things and stuff. Those things don't make you who you are.
I never really understand the cheap mindset. Why would your parents become millionaires if they wanted a blue collar lifestyle, why not enjoy your money while you are alive rather than surprising everyone when you are dead
We're just from very different family mindsets. I've never really understand the gluttonous, wasteful mindset.
For us, we'd rather take nice trips and vacations. Or pay for college. Or quality food. Experiences were worth spending money on. Things? Fancy things that weren't necessary? Not so much. I'm really grateful for the attitude my parents instilled in us, and truly, I would absolutely never desire the 5,000 sq. foot house or Mercedes/Lexus/Etc SUV.
If your parents had a 7 figure HHI as you claimed, Why not do both?
It's a matter of personal value. There's none to be found in an unnecessarily large house, with a lot of wasted space (the difference between a house, and a home). And what exactly is the point in a luxury car? Does it really serve a practical purpose, besides image?
Vacations, trips, explorations, college, food, all provide a value that can't be matched.
Luxury cars are far superior in almost every respect.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:44
Subject: Re:Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
*type* of American woman
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:42
Subject: Re:Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:American women are some of the most entitled, uptight, insufferable, bratty women in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm almost 30, SWM, good job, told I'm classically attractive, attended a top liberal arts college and live in the District. For the most part I enjoy living in the area and dig the local quality of life and social opportunities. However, having dated both foreign (mostly European) and American ladies in their 20s and early 30s while I've lived here, I never cease to be amazed by the differences in maturity, expectations, manners, fashion sense and social graces between many American women (especially the white collar DC crowd) and someone from a similar background who grew up in say, France, Latin America or Eastern Europe. American society seems to have infantilized the under 35 millennial generation (i.e. Draconian 21 drinking age vs. 18 everywhere else, over the top political correctness and radical "feminism" evolving into a white male-hating ethos vs. empowering women). On a first date, women around here will inevitably start playing 20 questions about my job, credentials, even how much $$$ I make, before chatting about each other's hobbies and interests outside work. My male coworkers and friends in DC and NYC feel the same way and relish the opportunity to date a foreign nanny, grad student or expat since so many American women in their mid-twenties act like they're 19 and vice versa for many ladies I've met who grew up overseas. Most also seem less prudish about sex, not as materialistic or bossy and more appreciative of charm, wit, culture (new foods, art). Ditto for social graces...like not checking the iPhone every five minutes
Am I implying that all foreigners are more sophisticated than us boorish Americans or that some men in the U.S. aren't childish and immature? Nope. But lately it seems that masculinity is almost a dirty word and criticizing men for their shortcomings is far more PC and acceptable than vice versa. I appreciate and respect an independent assertive women but holy cow, our society needs a reality check.
You need to find new people to date. Do you think maybe it's you who seems to be attracting a certain of American woman?
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:37
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think everyone who hates McMansions and that 'lifestyle' secretly wants a 5,000sf house in Bethesda and a Range Rover
I can happily disabuse you of that notion. I want none of that. So there ya go.
You couldn't pay me to live in Bethesda or drive a Range Rover.
Rightttt
This is so funny that people can't believe this.
My parents were millionaires when I was a kid. self-made businessman, family-owned business
When they were looking to build (b/c he was also a builder before he learned another trade), they searched through Potomac. Both HATED it and opted to build in Silver Spring, which is where I grew up.
beautiful homes - but a normal size and well built
You'd never know how much money they had.
Material items are shit, folks. They mean nothing.
My family is much the same. Self made multimillionaires. We clipped coupons, shopped at Goodwill sometimes (for me it was mostly hand-me-downs), and cleaned up after ourselves. We had chores - real chores, real responsibilities - not just "did you make your bed?" We lived in a comfortable, but humble home, and you'd never know how much money they had - I had no idea until they died, and was flabbergasted.
Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to live in a big house, or own a fancy car, even though I could quite easily afford it. More is not necessarily better, and material items get phased out for more "new, better" stuff. Just stuff.
I feel like those who lust over big houses, expensive cars, and the perfect everything, are self-medicating some weird insecurity with things and stuff. Those things don't make you who you are.
I never really understand the cheap mindset. Why would your parents become millionaires if they wanted a blue collar lifestyle, why not enjoy your money while you are alive rather than surprising everyone when you are dead
We're just from very different family mindsets. I've never really understand the gluttonous, wasteful mindset.
For us, we'd rather take nice trips and vacations. Or pay for college. Or quality food. Experiences were worth spending money on. Things? Fancy things that weren't necessary? Not so much. I'm really grateful for the attitude my parents instilled in us, and truly, I would absolutely never desire the 5,000 sq. foot house or Mercedes/Lexus/Etc SUV.
If your parents had a 7 figure HHI as you claimed, Why not do both?
It's a matter of personal value. There's none to be found in an unnecessarily large house, with a lot of wasted space (the difference between a house, and a home). And what exactly is the point in a luxury car? Does it really serve a practical purpose, besides image?
Vacations, trips, explorations, college, food, all provide a value that can't be matched.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:37
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:I think women who had epidurals are wimps.
I think the women who don't have epidurals or any other kind of pain relief are sanctimonious and need pats on the back for going natural. Good for you if you always wanted to experience transition and the ring of fire, but don't expect that you'll get a trophy or a cookie because you're so "tough."
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:34
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:That black people have some serious social problems that they themselves are responsible for. That until they stop blaming everyone else and take a long hard look in the mirror they will remain exactly where they are: with broken families, single mothers, in jail, marginilized, and ignorant.
While his name is sullied now, Bill Cosby has spoken to this a bit.
A cultural change in many communities is needed. However, there is also a lot of institutional racism/discrimination that can't be ignored.
It's frustrating-there has to be acceptance of the causes on all sides.
Well the fact still remains that if the black community can't change their mindset then they will remain in the dust as other minorities continue to blow by them. We can have symposiums where white people declared their sins, put in programs, even offer repriations and they will continue to remain stagnant or even slide backwards.
I actually don't even think my views are in the minority, people are just afraid to express them. So instead the rest of the country soldiers on without whose who don't want to do the hard work on themselves it takes to join in.
Yesterday, I went to drybar and then to have my nails done. The stylist at drybar was black, one illegitimate child and spent a singiciant amount of time talking about Kim Kardashian.
Afterwards, I go to the nail salon and the stylist (who didn't have a client) was sitting there practicing English with a coworker and reading a legitimate book.
The difference between African Americans and asians is unreal!
+1. AAs as a group (not every single AA) want to hold on to the slavery excuse and the discrimination excuses for the rest of their lives instead of trying to make something of themselves. I get that they went through slavery, but it's been decades -- move on. I get there is racial discrimination -- yet somehow African immigrants seem to come here for other, much poorer countries get themselves decent jobs, get their kids into decent schools and even ivys -- so doesn't race/skin color discrimination apply to them? And then there's the good number of AAs who only have NFL, NBA or rap star dreams; they don't seem to get that generation after generation getting jobs for 50-100k is what will uplift entire families, not just chasing the 1% shot that your son will score a multi million dollar NFL contract.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:17
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think everyone who hates McMansions and that 'lifestyle' secretly wants a 5,000sf house in Bethesda and a Range Rover
I can happily disabuse you of that notion. I want none of that. So there ya go.
You couldn't pay me to live in Bethesda or drive a Range Rover.
Rightttt
This is so funny that people can't believe this.
My parents were millionaires when I was a kid. self-made businessman, family-owned business
When they were looking to build (b/c he was also a builder before he learned another trade), they searched through Potomac. Both HATED it and opted to build in Silver Spring, which is where I grew up.
beautiful homes - but a normal size and well built
You'd never know how much money they had.
Material items are shit, folks. They mean nothing.
My family is much the same. Self made multimillionaires. We clipped coupons, shopped at Goodwill sometimes (for me it was mostly hand-me-downs), and cleaned up after ourselves. We had chores - real chores, real responsibilities - not just "did you make your bed?" We lived in a comfortable, but humble home, and you'd never know how much money they had - I had no idea until they died, and was flabbergasted.
Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to live in a big house, or own a fancy car, even though I could quite easily afford it. More is not necessarily better, and material items get phased out for more "new, better" stuff. Just stuff.
I feel like those who lust over big houses, expensive cars, and the perfect everything, are self-medicating some weird insecurity with things and stuff. Those things don't make you who you are.
I never really understand the cheap mindset. Why would your parents become millionaires if they wanted a blue collar lifestyle, why not enjoy your money while you are alive rather than surprising everyone when you are dead
We're just from very different family mindsets. I've never really understand the gluttonous, wasteful mindset.
For us, we'd rather take nice trips and vacations. Or pay for college. Or quality food. Experiences were worth spending money on. Things? Fancy things that weren't necessary? Not so much. I'm really grateful for the attitude my parents instilled in us, and truly, I would absolutely never desire the 5,000 sq. foot house or Mercedes/Lexus/Etc SUV.
If your parents had a 7 figure HHI as you claimed, Why not do both?
Anonymous
02/08/2015 21:15
Subject: Re:Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:American women are some of the most entitled, uptight, insufferable, bratty women in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm almost 30, SWM, good job, told I'm classically attractive, attended a top liberal arts college and live in the District. For the most part I enjoy living in the area and dig the local quality of life and social opportunities. However, having dated both foreign (mostly European) and American ladies in their 20s and early 30s while I've lived here, I never cease to be amazed by the differences in maturity, expectations, manners, fashion sense and social graces between many American women (especially the white collar DC crowd) and someone from a similar background who grew up in say, France, Latin America or Eastern Europe. American society seems to have infantilized the under 35 millennial generation (i.e. Draconian 21 drinking age vs. 18 everywhere else, over the top political correctness and radical "feminism" evolving into a white male-hating ethos vs. empowering women). On a first date, women around here will inevitably start playing 20 questions about my job, credentials, even how much $$$ I make, before chatting about each other's hobbies and interests outside work. My male coworkers and friends in DC and NYC feel the same way and relish the opportunity to date a foreign nanny, grad student or expat since so many American women in their mid-twenties act like they're 19 and vice versa for many ladies I've met who grew up overseas. Most also seem less prudish about sex, not as materialistic or bossy and more appreciative of charm, wit, culture (new foods, art). Ditto for social graces...like not checking the iPhone every five minutes
Am I implying that all foreigners are more sophisticated than us boorish Americans or that some men in the U.S. aren't childish and immature? Nope. But lately it seems that masculinity is almost a dirty word and criticizing men for their shortcomings is far more PC and acceptable than vice versa. I appreciate and respect an independent assertive women but holy cow, our society needs a reality check.
Brace yourself in 3...2....1
Anonymous
02/08/2015 20:31
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think everyone who hates McMansions and that 'lifestyle' secretly wants a 5,000sf house in Bethesda and a Range Rover
I can happily disabuse you of that notion. I want none of that. So there ya go.
You couldn't pay me to live in Bethesda or drive a Range Rover.
Rightttt
This is so funny that people can't believe this.
My parents were millionaires when I was a kid. self-made businessman, family-owned business
When they were looking to build (b/c he was also a builder before he learned another trade), they searched through Potomac. Both HATED it and opted to build in Silver Spring, which is where I grew up.
beautiful homes - but a normal size and well built
You'd never know how much money they had.
Material items are shit, folks. They mean nothing.
My family is much the same. Self made multimillionaires. We clipped coupons, shopped at Goodwill sometimes (for me it was mostly hand-me-downs), and cleaned up after ourselves. We had chores - real chores, real responsibilities - not just "did you make your bed?" We lived in a comfortable, but humble home, and you'd never know how much money they had - I had no idea until they died, and was flabbergasted.
Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to live in a big house, or own a fancy car, even though I could quite easily afford it. More is not necessarily better, and material items get phased out for more "new, better" stuff. Just stuff.
I feel like those who lust over big houses, expensive cars, and the perfect everything, are self-medicating some weird insecurity with things and stuff. Those things don't make you who you are.
I never really understand the cheap mindset. Why would your parents become millionaires if they wanted a blue collar lifestyle, why not enjoy your money while you are alive rather than surprising everyone when you are dead
We're just from very different family mindsets. I've never really understand the gluttonous, wasteful mindset.
For us, we'd rather take nice trips and vacations. Or pay for college. Or quality food. Experiences were worth spending money on. Things? Fancy things that weren't necessary? Not so much. I'm really grateful for the attitude my parents instilled in us, and truly, I would absolutely never desire the 5,000 sq. foot house or Mercedes/Lexus/Etc SUV.
lol
Anonymous
02/08/2015 20:02
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
I love this city. I know people always complain about how segregated it is, how hard it is to commute, the gentrification, the lack of culture, the complicated school system and history of corruption... The heat in the summer, the lack of emotion, the professional vibe, everything. But I can't imagine living anywhere else and I think it's a really cool place that I'm proud to call home, and I'm proud my children will get to grow up here.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 19:51
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's important for my kid to study a foreign language. Don't care about all these immersion programs.
I studied two languages and even minored in one in college. Besides being able to speak the language when traveling, there was no real benefit. And most people also spoke English anyway.
+1 but I think the only way to properly learn a language is starting in an immersion program while the child is young. None of this start in middle school crap where the kid will only speak the language for that one class. Hate that so much emphasis is placed on learning a foreign language as a requirement for college when the students could spend their time n more beneficial electives.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 19:35
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think everyone who hates McMansions and that 'lifestyle' secretly wants a 5,000sf house in Bethesda and a Range Rover
I can happily disabuse you of that notion. I want none of that. So there ya go.
You couldn't pay me to live in Bethesda or drive a Range Rover.
Rightttt
This is so funny that people can't believe this.
My parents were millionaires when I was a kid. self-made businessman, family-owned business
When they were looking to build (b/c he was also a builder before he learned another trade), they searched through Potomac. Both HATED it and opted to build in Silver Spring, which is where I grew up.
beautiful homes - but a normal size and well built
You'd never know how much money they had.
Material items are shit, folks. They mean nothing.
My family is much the same. Self made multimillionaires. We clipped coupons, shopped at Goodwill sometimes (for me it was mostly hand-me-downs), and cleaned up after ourselves. We had chores - real chores, real responsibilities - not just "did you make your bed?" We lived in a comfortable, but humble home, and you'd never know how much money they had - I had no idea until they died, and was flabbergasted.
Believe me, I have absolutely no desire to live in a big house, or own a fancy car, even though I could quite easily afford it. More is not necessarily better, and material items get phased out for more "new, better" stuff. Just stuff.
I feel like those who lust over big houses, expensive cars, and the perfect everything, are self-medicating some weird insecurity with things and stuff. Those things don't make you who you are.
I never really understand the cheap mindset. Why would your parents become millionaires if they wanted a blue collar lifestyle, why not enjoy your money while you are alive rather than surprising everyone when you are dead
We're just from very different family mindsets. I've never really understand the gluttonous, wasteful mindset.
For us, we'd rather take nice trips and vacations. Or pay for college. Or quality food. Experiences were worth spending money on. Things? Fancy things that weren't necessary? Not so much. I'm really grateful for the attitude my parents instilled in us, and truly, I would absolutely never desire the 5,000 sq. foot house or Mercedes/Lexus/Etc SUV.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 19:24
Subject: Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
I don't think it's important for my kid to study a foreign language. Don't care about all these immersion programs.
I studied two languages and even minored in one in college. Besides being able to speak the language when traveling, there was no real benefit. And most people also spoke English anyway.
I studied two languages and even minored in one in college. Besides being able to speak the language when traveling, there was no real benefit. And most people also spoke English anyway.
Anonymous
02/08/2015 19:19
Subject: Re:Tell an opinion you have that is in the strong minority
American women are some of the most entitled, uptight, insufferable, bratty women in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm almost 30, SWM, good job, told I'm classically attractive, attended a top liberal arts college and live in the District. For the most part I enjoy living in the area and dig the local quality of life and social opportunities. However, having dated both foreign (mostly European) and American ladies in their 20s and early 30s while I've lived here, I never cease to be amazed by the differences in maturity, expectations, manners, fashion sense and social graces between many American women (especially the white collar DC crowd) and someone from a similar background who grew up in say, France, Latin America or Eastern Europe. American society seems to have infantilized the under 35 millennial generation (i.e. Draconian 21 drinking age vs. 18 everywhere else, over the top political correctness and radical "feminism" evolving into a white male-hating ethos vs. empowering women). On a first date, women around here will inevitably start playing 20 questions about my job, credentials, even how much $$$ I make, before chatting about each other's hobbies and interests outside work. My male coworkers and friends in DC and NYC feel the same way and relish the opportunity to date a foreign nanny, grad student or expat since so many American women in their mid-twenties act like they're 19 and vice versa for many ladies I've met who grew up overseas. Most also seem less prudish about sex, not as materialistic or bossy and more appreciative of charm, wit, culture (new foods, art). Ditto for social graces...like not checking the iPhone every five minutes
Am I implying that all foreigners are more sophisticated than us boorish Americans or that some men in the U.S. aren't childish and immature? Nope. But lately it seems that masculinity is almost a dirty word and criticizing men for their shortcomings is far more PC and acceptable than vice versa. I appreciate and respect an independent assertive women but holy cow, our society needs a reality check.
I'm almost 30, SWM, good job, told I'm classically attractive, attended a top liberal arts college and live in the District. For the most part I enjoy living in the area and dig the local quality of life and social opportunities. However, having dated both foreign (mostly European) and American ladies in their 20s and early 30s while I've lived here, I never cease to be amazed by the differences in maturity, expectations, manners, fashion sense and social graces between many American women (especially the white collar DC crowd) and someone from a similar background who grew up in say, France, Latin America or Eastern Europe. American society seems to have infantilized the under 35 millennial generation (i.e. Draconian 21 drinking age vs. 18 everywhere else, over the top political correctness and radical "feminism" evolving into a white male-hating ethos vs. empowering women). On a first date, women around here will inevitably start playing 20 questions about my job, credentials, even how much $$$ I make, before chatting about each other's hobbies and interests outside work. My male coworkers and friends in DC and NYC feel the same way and relish the opportunity to date a foreign nanny, grad student or expat since so many American women in their mid-twenties act like they're 19 and vice versa for many ladies I've met who grew up overseas. Most also seem less prudish about sex, not as materialistic or bossy and more appreciative of charm, wit, culture (new foods, art). Ditto for social graces...like not checking the iPhone every five minutes
Am I implying that all foreigners are more sophisticated than us boorish Americans or that some men in the U.S. aren't childish and immature? Nope. But lately it seems that masculinity is almost a dirty word and criticizing men for their shortcomings is far more PC and acceptable than vice versa. I appreciate and respect an independent assertive women but holy cow, our society needs a reality check.