So during finals week I was very partial to chocolate. My roommate and I decided to go to Walgreens and buy some.
As I looked through the aisles of dots, kit-kats, and starbursts I rested on these Dove chocolates. On the shelf I had a choice. I could get the ones that are in the regular packaging or I could purchase the one's that say promises of hope that are packaged in support of breast cancer awareness.
I chose the ones that were in support of breast cancer awareness. Why did I do that? Why do I think it's better to eat those chocolates? I believed I would be a better person for purchasing that bag verses the regular packaging. I believed that I would be doing some sort of altruistic gesture by giving proceeds to breast cancer awareness.
How much does marketing play a role in what we believe?
I also watch the Freecreditreport.com commercials quite frequently on Fox News. I used to see them multiple times a day when I did my internship. I started to fear on a daily basis that someone would steal my identity. Could I really stop it by purchasing this product?
I feel that the best way to deal with commercial persuasion is to really think it out in your mind. Say I don't buy those chocolates...how much money is actually lost? Could I be helping more by directly donating to the foundation rather than buying the candy?
Onto the commerical, are there ways of stopping identity theft without using this website? What are some other ways of finding my credit report? How much does it actually cost per month? What if my identity is never stolen, wouldn't it cost more in the long run to have this monthly payment to freecreditreport.com?
So I did buy the chocolates, and at one point I also purchased freecreditreport.com. However, I got rid of my credit report subscription and realized that proper thinking can really prevent over priced commercial purchases.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
I Will Never Shop At Walmart Again
I recently watched an eye opening documentary about true dirty socialism...Walmart.
If you're looking for a company to take over and run down small communities...SAY HELLO TO WALMART
If you enjoy employees in China living in dirty confined spaces so that they can work for less than $3.00 an hour...LOOK TO WALMART
If you also enjoy other helpless people in India working 14 hour days for less than 20 cents an hour...SHOP AT WALMART
If you like a corporation to descrimination against women...CHECK OUT WALMART
If you want your Black neighbor down the street to be called racial slurs on his lunch hour...GO TO WALMART
If you want to see your family owned business default on the mortgage...FIND A WALMART
If you want your taxpayer dollars to go to subsidies for cheap Walmart property...SEEK A WALMART
If you would like to see a multi-billion dollar company ignore charity and the environment...DRIVE TO WALMART
If you don't believe what I'm saying then please visit the links below. If you're also passionate about these corporations taking over human decency then you will add a comment to this note declaring that YOU TOO WON'T SHOP AT WALMART. Also feel free to copy and paste this not in forwards, emails, links, your own note, blogs, etc...
Here is the link to the website of the documentary I viewed. You can order it via Netflix or watch it instantly with Netflix.
http://www.walmartmovie.com/
----------------
Walmarts Labor Record [As Documented by the Congressman George Miller and the Democratic Staff of the Committee on Education and the Workforce
U.S. House of Representatives]
http://www.mindfully.org/Industry/2004/Wal-Mart-Labor-Record16feb04.htm
---------------
Walmart Employees Speak Out Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWkWn9O75jk
----------------
Funny Promo for the Documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JEEuU0luvM
---------------
"It's Not Easy Being Green: The Truth About Walmart's Environmental Makeover"
http://walmartwatch.com/img/blog/enviro_white_paper.pdf
--------------
Article Below from the Pasadena-Star News
"Wal-Mart settles wage claims
NEW YORK - Wal-Mart said on Tuesday it would pay at least $352 million to settle claims from across the country that it forced employees to work off the clock.
The company reportedly agreed to settle 63 cases pending in federal and state courts in 42 states. The workers and their lawyers will receive at least $352 million, and the payments could reach $640 million, depending on how many claims affected workers submit.
Each of the settlements is subject to approval by the trial court, and the total amount to be paid will depend on the amount of claims that are
submitted by class members.
Also, as part of the settlements, Wal-Mart has agreed to continue to use various electronic systems and other measures designed to maintain compliance with its wage and hour policies and applicable law."
-From Staff and Wire Reports
If you're looking for a company to take over and run down small communities...SAY HELLO TO WALMART
If you enjoy employees in China living in dirty confined spaces so that they can work for less than $3.00 an hour...LOOK TO WALMART
If you also enjoy other helpless people in India working 14 hour days for less than 20 cents an hour...SHOP AT WALMART
If you like a corporation to descrimination against women...CHECK OUT WALMART
If you want your Black neighbor down the street to be called racial slurs on his lunch hour...GO TO WALMART
If you want to see your family owned business default on the mortgage...FIND A WALMART
If you want your taxpayer dollars to go to subsidies for cheap Walmart property...SEEK A WALMART
If you would like to see a multi-billion dollar company ignore charity and the environment...DRIVE TO WALMART
If you don't believe what I'm saying then please visit the links below. If you're also passionate about these corporations taking over human decency then you will add a comment to this note declaring that YOU TOO WON'T SHOP AT WALMART. Also feel free to copy and paste this not in forwards, emails, links, your own note, blogs, etc...
Here is the link to the website of the documentary I viewed. You can order it via Netflix or watch it instantly with Netflix.
http://www.walmartmovie.com/
----------------
Walmarts Labor Record [As Documented by the Congressman George Miller and the Democratic Staff of the Committee on Education and the Workforce
U.S. House of Representatives]
http://www.mindfully.org/Industry/2004/Wal-Mart-Labor-Record16feb04.htm
---------------
Walmart Employees Speak Out Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWkWn9O75jk
----------------
Funny Promo for the Documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JEEuU0luvM
---------------
"It's Not Easy Being Green: The Truth About Walmart's Environmental Makeover"
http://walmartwatch.com/img/blog/enviro_white_paper.pdf
--------------
Article Below from the Pasadena-Star News
"Wal-Mart settles wage claims
NEW YORK - Wal-Mart said on Tuesday it would pay at least $352 million to settle claims from across the country that it forced employees to work off the clock.
The company reportedly agreed to settle 63 cases pending in federal and state courts in 42 states. The workers and their lawyers will receive at least $352 million, and the payments could reach $640 million, depending on how many claims affected workers submit.
Each of the settlements is subject to approval by the trial court, and the total amount to be paid will depend on the amount of claims that are
submitted by class members.
Also, as part of the settlements, Wal-Mart has agreed to continue to use various electronic systems and other measures designed to maintain compliance with its wage and hour policies and applicable law."
-From Staff and Wire Reports
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Stem Cell Research
Today we discussed stem cell research in my persuasion class. My professor said I made some good arguments and was very articulate in my speech.
I won't get into huge detail on the subject because I don't have time, however, I do want to say this...
I don't feel that it's right to discard unused embryonic stem cells while good human beings are dying because they need organ transplants. Those stem cells could save their lives but instead they aren't used.
Stem cells thrown away and needy people die. Stem cells get saved and used to create organs and people live. What is ethical?
I think killing a human being whose in need over saving/discarding an embryo is unethical.
We're also told to "multiply and replenish the earth". If we are to do that then wouldn't it make sense to "replenish" the lives of dying individuals in our country.
I don't think it's right to abort a child into the first term of pregnancy but I don't believe in the embryonic view of life. I suppose it is important to delineate that understanding but it's also important to help those in need.
Perhaps God not only gave us the ability to procreate but to also maintain existing life.
There are many things you could say on this issue. You could bring in legal ramifications and various scenarios but the issue is out there and I think it's important to have an opinion now before it becomes apparent in the media again.
I won't get into huge detail on the subject because I don't have time, however, I do want to say this...
I don't feel that it's right to discard unused embryonic stem cells while good human beings are dying because they need organ transplants. Those stem cells could save their lives but instead they aren't used.
Stem cells thrown away and needy people die. Stem cells get saved and used to create organs and people live. What is ethical?
I think killing a human being whose in need over saving/discarding an embryo is unethical.
We're also told to "multiply and replenish the earth". If we are to do that then wouldn't it make sense to "replenish" the lives of dying individuals in our country.
I don't think it's right to abort a child into the first term of pregnancy but I don't believe in the embryonic view of life. I suppose it is important to delineate that understanding but it's also important to help those in need.
Perhaps God not only gave us the ability to procreate but to also maintain existing life.
There are many things you could say on this issue. You could bring in legal ramifications and various scenarios but the issue is out there and I think it's important to have an opinion now before it becomes apparent in the media again.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Honestly Honorable
So something has been weighing on my professional conscience for a while. It is the problem of being a good LDS example in the media and entertainment industry.
Recently, in my directing class some students were in a somewhat inappropriate sketch. They were given a script that included the phrase SOB but it wasn't an acronym. There were other things within the scene that could be deemed awkward and immoral.
Prior to the students doing this scene, our professor said we shouldn't be afraid to have adult concepts within our scenes. He said that because I cut out the subject of "good sex" from a scene I directed.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm liberal on many things. I'm not "molly mormon" or staunch...but I am a member of the LDS church and I do have standards.
After the SOB sketch, the professor said that the phrase was unneeded. I was pleased. But he only said it after one student had the courage to speak up.
This whole situation made me think about how important it is not to give up your beliefs, morals, and standards because you're in the limelight and/or need a quick buck.
Some may say...oh it's not too bad. People do worse on other networks. But if we keep letting our guard down little by little then eventually no good LDS members will be part of the entertainment business.
The best thing a latter day saint could do is be a good example in the media. Don't do a scene if it has vulgar adult subject matter. Instead, write your own. Don't take that casting callback if there is a sex scene that you feel isn't worth losing your feeling of worthiness.
Furthermore, someone in one of my classes made an amazingly good comment about mormons making movies and the TV industry.
NO ONE WILL CARE ABOUT US UNTIL WE START MAKING QUALITY PRODUCTS.
Stop making "Mormon Films" and start making real films. Start producing good wholesome art that people outside of the church would understand. Start writing music that isn't just gospel oriented but is written well and could fall into the mainstream fix without sounding like verbal diarrhea.
So let's take a moral stand as actors, writers, artists, directors, musicians, etc...
1. Stop promoting and performing in it.
2. Start creating moral, quality, art.
Recently, in my directing class some students were in a somewhat inappropriate sketch. They were given a script that included the phrase SOB but it wasn't an acronym. There were other things within the scene that could be deemed awkward and immoral.
Prior to the students doing this scene, our professor said we shouldn't be afraid to have adult concepts within our scenes. He said that because I cut out the subject of "good sex" from a scene I directed.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm liberal on many things. I'm not "molly mormon" or staunch...but I am a member of the LDS church and I do have standards.
After the SOB sketch, the professor said that the phrase was unneeded. I was pleased. But he only said it after one student had the courage to speak up.
This whole situation made me think about how important it is not to give up your beliefs, morals, and standards because you're in the limelight and/or need a quick buck.
Some may say...oh it's not too bad. People do worse on other networks. But if we keep letting our guard down little by little then eventually no good LDS members will be part of the entertainment business.
The best thing a latter day saint could do is be a good example in the media. Don't do a scene if it has vulgar adult subject matter. Instead, write your own. Don't take that casting callback if there is a sex scene that you feel isn't worth losing your feeling of worthiness.
Furthermore, someone in one of my classes made an amazingly good comment about mormons making movies and the TV industry.
NO ONE WILL CARE ABOUT US UNTIL WE START MAKING QUALITY PRODUCTS.
Stop making "Mormon Films" and start making real films. Start producing good wholesome art that people outside of the church would understand. Start writing music that isn't just gospel oriented but is written well and could fall into the mainstream fix without sounding like verbal diarrhea.
So let's take a moral stand as actors, writers, artists, directors, musicians, etc...
1. Stop promoting and performing in it.
2. Start creating moral, quality, art.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lately
Some things currently going on in my life...
1. I got an %81 on a math test. That is amazing for me. The last time I tried to take math 110 I got a %40 on the first test and dropped the class.
2. I have officially decided I want to move back to NYC. Even if I have to work some crap job. I love it so much and since I don't much enjoy driving NYC is a wonderful place for me.
3. I directed my first scene in directing class. It was from the movie When Harry Met Sally. It went all right.
4. the Talent Performance Board just had their Best Of Guitars Unplugged show. It went really well. The danced sucked though.
5. One of my roommates moved out. Everyone who finds out in our ward seems to look at us as if it's our fault that she left. I don't enjoy when people assume I've done something. I was kind to her and befriended her. She left on her own terms.
6. I am the ward activities chair. It's a bit overwhelming but my committee is pretty good.
7. I'm not dating anyone, married, pregnant. I don't look forward to the mission/marriage/dating questions when I get home.
8. I graduate on December 12th! Or 13th! ha not sure which.
That's all for now.
1. I got an %81 on a math test. That is amazing for me. The last time I tried to take math 110 I got a %40 on the first test and dropped the class.
2. I have officially decided I want to move back to NYC. Even if I have to work some crap job. I love it so much and since I don't much enjoy driving NYC is a wonderful place for me.
3. I directed my first scene in directing class. It was from the movie When Harry Met Sally. It went all right.
4. the Talent Performance Board just had their Best Of Guitars Unplugged show. It went really well. The danced sucked though.
5. One of my roommates moved out. Everyone who finds out in our ward seems to look at us as if it's our fault that she left. I don't enjoy when people assume I've done something. I was kind to her and befriended her. She left on her own terms.
6. I am the ward activities chair. It's a bit overwhelming but my committee is pretty good.
7. I'm not dating anyone, married, pregnant. I don't look forward to the mission/marriage/dating questions when I get home.
8. I graduate on December 12th! Or 13th! ha not sure which.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I Grind My Teeth
So if you don't know me well then you might not know that I grind my teeth when I'm stressed. I guess this morning my roomie woke me up because I was grinding my teeth again. I put my mouth guard in and went back to sleep.
So far this semester has been yes/no stressful. Some days I want to crawl into a ball, eat chocolate, and forget about the world. Other days I'm fine. I used to handle stress pretty well but now it's as if I just am so sick of going to school that EVERYTHING seems like stress.
Some other new developments in my life...
One of my roommates decided to move out mid semester. Not quite sure what that's all about.
The Talent Performance Board is going pretty well. More people are coming to shows and auditioning.
I just turned 23 on the 1st. It's weird to think where I am at this point in my life and how immature I was just a few years ago. Also, how immature I've become as I get older.
Now comes the fatal question: what are you going to do after you graduate?
As I've said before...I have no idea. I really really want to move back to NYC. I love it there. I think most people who live there for a short time fall in love with it. You find out things about yourself there. You learn things you like and dislike because you have everything you ever wanted right in one place. Whether you're a music person, an art person, a TV person, a financial person, or just a person...you can get SOMETHING out of that pollution filled, over-populated, joy fest!
Okay maybe it's weird that I call it a joy fest...but I do love and and I do miss it. And I also feel bad for mocking one of my good friends because she talked about NY too much. Now that's me and I understand why she felt the way she did.
Okay...I'm done rambling. But seriously if you have any ideas of what I should do with my life I would appriciate it.
Thanks!
So far this semester has been yes/no stressful. Some days I want to crawl into a ball, eat chocolate, and forget about the world. Other days I'm fine. I used to handle stress pretty well but now it's as if I just am so sick of going to school that EVERYTHING seems like stress.
Some other new developments in my life...
One of my roommates decided to move out mid semester. Not quite sure what that's all about.
The Talent Performance Board is going pretty well. More people are coming to shows and auditioning.
I just turned 23 on the 1st. It's weird to think where I am at this point in my life and how immature I was just a few years ago. Also, how immature I've become as I get older.
Now comes the fatal question: what are you going to do after you graduate?
As I've said before...I have no idea. I really really want to move back to NYC. I love it there. I think most people who live there for a short time fall in love with it. You find out things about yourself there. You learn things you like and dislike because you have everything you ever wanted right in one place. Whether you're a music person, an art person, a TV person, a financial person, or just a person...you can get SOMETHING out of that pollution filled, over-populated, joy fest!
Okay maybe it's weird that I call it a joy fest...but I do love and and I do miss it. And I also feel bad for mocking one of my good friends because she talked about NY too much. Now that's me and I understand why she felt the way she did.
Okay...I'm done rambling. But seriously if you have any ideas of what I should do with my life I would appriciate it.
Thanks!
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