What do you say when people ask you for money?
I usually say, “God bless you” as I hand them a five.Sometimes I say, “Jesus loves you,” as I hand them a five.If you have ANY money to give to charity, don’t give it to charity. Something I’ve learned during my harassment by organized crime (see my Quora profile) is that charities are great ways for criminals to launder money OR to manipulate “controlled opposition.”A member of the mafia even asked me if I would like to head a grassroots organization promoting patient safety in hospitals. (I’m being harassed by the mafia, in collusion with UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville Florida for reporting a mafia-connected social worker who broke patient privacy laws at UF Health). He apparently thought he could turn me into “controlled opposition” so that I’d stop agitating for safe hospitals.Plus, also in the course of my harassment, I learned that many “animal welfare” organizations are headed by people who make a lot of money off of animals.So I don’t give money to charity anymore. I give it to people who need it. Not to the con artists at the gas station who try to persuade me they just need 15 bucks of gas to get them back to Atlanta. I’m talking about people who are obviously homeless. They get my money now instead of charities...Edited to add: My controversial posts seem to get edited out of feeds. Please bookmark my Quora profile to read my controversial posts.
Why would have anyone ever supported the Hippie movement of the '60s and '70s?
Many of them were. Many of them were just as reprehensible as the self-centered materialistic people who held jobs and cared only about themselves. However, a small percentage of "hippies" made real changes, worked hard for the benefit of others and especially those less fortunate. They had very strong ideals and were dedicated to living those ideals. They made the "regular people" look like lumps of mud. One of the things we did was to set up a free health clinic in the inner city in New Orleans, for the poor people. A runaway house to shelter and counsel runaway teens. Free legal aid. Street first-aid paramedics for Mardi Gras (the police had no First Aid training at the time, and there was no paramedic presence .. and we are talking 10 blocks of shoulder to shoulder people drunk and stoned out of their minds .. SOMEONE had to tend to their health .. there were heart attacks, stabbings, grande mal seizures, etc). Sweetheart, we worked hard to help others, and all we got was room and board for it. But it wasn't about ourselves. Did we change the world? No. Did we change the lives of individuals? Yes. The ABBA Foundation in New Orleans, Mike Stark was our mentor. Then I went to the Ozarks and worked with New Life Farm for a while. We had government grants to go into communities and teach the people how to build simple, inexpensive solar heat collectors to attach to their houses and help them stay warm (lot of poor people there). We built a collector on a pre-screened home with these people, teaching them how to do it. Then I got married, got pregnant, and had to turn my attention to that more-personal side of life. Went back to university when my daughter entered elementary school ... etc. BTW, I didn't do drugs and I didn't drink. I meditated instead.
How do you define/describe Libertarians?
Basically, I understand that Libertarians focus on protecting citizens from the state. I'm mostly socially liberal: favouring seperation of church and state, sexual liberty, legalisation of some or all recreational drugs, etc. Not so sure about my stance on economic issues, but I'm veering now towards less government intervention, with some basic social welfare nets. I'm interested in the libertarian viewpoint but I need to learn more. Serious answers please. I beg you guys. No trolling..
What is the most useless college degree?
That answer all hangs on your motivation for getting a degree in the first place. If you love learning, then you will find profound meaning in any degree.If you are getting a degree to appease your parents, or a social construct, then you should take a moment to think. You are the one investing the money and time into this, not anyone else. I am a dancer and fashionista who holds a B.A. in Economics. Here is my story:Fall 2008- Fashion was it. It was my plan for the foreseeable future. Then the economy took a turn for the worst, and as a result my college fund was decimated. As a senior at a prep school, I prepared myself for community college. This prospect was disheartening to say the least. I had no acceptance letters, but I was empowered by the lack of commitment.While kids were being diagnosed for senioritis, I ramped up. I was clocking into school from 8 AM- 3:30 PM, and from 5 PM- 10:30 PM I was at rehearsal. I am proud to say I gained a great deal of my flexibility from studying case briefs, for AP Government in awkward positions. What I learned that semester, was that I was capable of a lot more than I thought, and I was focused on being MY BEST. Sometimes being self-centered really pays off. With graduation being a thing of the past, I was confronted with the future. Let it be known that no 18 year old, truly knows what they want to study. They spout off about disciplines that know nothing about, or very little. Sometimes knowing just a bit is enough to fuel the fire for the next four years. Just a bit was enough for me. I was sipping a ginger beer in my friend's family room when I said it for the first time. Economics. It was like a shiny trophy that I couldn't acquire, but desperately pined after. I was determined, and that made all the difference.Two years later I was at UC Davis. Two years after that I was at LSE and finishing my degree. I can't tell you what degree to choose, or not to choose. However, I can tell you that it is only your decision. If you aren't ready to make the decision, make a mature move and just explore, observe, and absorb. Explore your options.Observe others who have made that decision. Are they happy? Are they challenged? Do they have a comfortable lifestyle? Absorb everything around you, and never give up a chance to learn.For those of you curious about economics, start here @FreakonomicsThis one is my favorite @Hey Baby, Is That a Prius You’re Driving? Full Transcript
Is an Ivy League education worth the cost?
Few colleges are worth the list price, frankly. But most people don't have to pay full price.Ivies have good (often excellent) need-based financial aid, so are often the lowest cost option!However, they don't generally offer merit scholarships.So, if you can go for free to another institution, there is good reason to forego the Ivy. However, if you're wealthy enough that you don't get any need-based aid, you can perhaps afford it.A friend got a merit scholarship to UVA (fully paid). Harvard cost him $10k / year, and he thought the difference was worth it, so he chose Harvard.Another student got no aid at UVA but a full ride at Rutgers, so he chose Rutgers.It really depends on your options.Also, it depends on your fit for the particular ivy. If you'd be miserable in NH or NYC, Dartmouth and Columbia probably aren't worth the cost to you.
Best major in undergrad for law career?
Many different majors will lend themselves well to the study of law, including: English History Philosophy Political Science Business If you are a highly dedicated student who is willing to focus on a difficult curriculum for four years, I highly recommend St. John's College (Annapolis, MD and Sante Fe, NM) as superb preparation for law school. If you can identify two or three law schools that you are interested in, you can contact their admissions office. Ask there if there are specific undergraduate majors that they believe are most helpful in preparing a student for law school. DO NOT ask them which major is best. Ask them what majors BEST PREPARE a student for the curriculum and rigors of law school. Factor their input into your decision, but remember that if you don't like what you are studying -- if you don't have an affinity for it or if you do not see its relevance in your life -- you won't do well in it; so while input from others is helpful, you should make a decision based on YOU and who YOU are. Also consider calling or stopping in at a couple of law firms in your area. Tell the receptionist that you are a high school student who is interested in becoming a lawyer. Ask if there are any lawyers in the firm who might be willing to speak with you for 10 or 15 minutes. Have a list of questions ready, including your question about what majors would be helpful in best preparing you for law school. There are a lot of good people out there, and I'm sure you will encounter one or two who are willing to share their knowledge and experience -- so long as you are respectful of their time (that means ready with your questions, well-mannered, and keep to the 10 or 15 minutes that they agree to give you). All the best to you!
Why do people want to join the military?
Yes, I might be a bit judgmental but here is how I feel. Most of the people who join the military because they did not work hard during their high school years that help them get into a good university. They lack the disciples and motivations to make their life better. They think joining the military will help build some disciplines in them and help them find some motivations in life. Apparently, I see military as a four year summer camp that cut off from the rest of world by brainwash them. real men can stand back up even if they fall a thousands and continues chase after their dream. Yeah you work for your nation where they get pay worst than mini wage, 70K in four years working 24/7. Most people who join are from the ghetto because they do not have what it takes to be in the real world. Oh! the excuse of serve the country. Look at our nation, please open their freaking eyes; have a war in Iraq for oil, cut down all the educational funding all, reduce senior funding where they also serve the country as well as anyone, and oh! we re-elect the stupid selfish president Bush as our president where he allowed the oil companies to totally rip us off! Serving the nation! Please! Our era of justices and righteousness are over. The time where we defend our self during WWII, the time we protect the human equality during Civil War, those times are over. Yeah! after four years they serve the nation, deep down they are the same person they once were. Too bad summer camp is over. Oh! If you don't know, our government who is controlled by extreme high class people can't afford to let their sons and daughters do their dirty works for them, so they use those worthless stupid idiots fight their battle for them for selfish reason. yeah, way to go! American huh. I want to keep going, but whatever. Have fun serving your country.