"MySpace"- Plague of the Minds and more importantly, the Soul

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I am sure you know that "MySpace" is now the most popular website today, with most visitors and most "extravaganza." From what I have observed, Myspace is a place where anyone can post a page about them, their friends, collegues, likes, dislikes, etc. Everywhere I go people mention myspace, and even my sister, who is 13, is a regular advocate of myspace. Instead of writing a long melodramatic text I will bring out my main point and leave the rest for discussion.

MySpace is an annihilator of the human soul, restricting it to only a page worth of internet, where the person's inner most thoughts and feelings can be revealed. Their family, friends, occupation, predilections, everything can be etched onto an evanescent material known as the internet. How dull to just reveal oneself like that to countless eyes. For this reason is the thread name as it is. Myspace is a microcosm of the feared world- a world where a man is practically nothing, and where masses, as those devotees of myspace may be called (no offense to those that use myspace here of course) thrive.

Feel free to express your opinions.

[maul]

Debussy symbolism - the epitome of unoriginality.

[asyncopated]

Greetings.

I am sure you know that "MySpace" is now the most popular website today, with most visitors and most "extravaganza." From what I have observed, Myspace is a place where anyone can post a page about them, their friends, collegues, likes, dislikes, etc. Everywhere I go people mention myspace, and even my sister, who is 13, is a regular advocate of myspace. Instead of writing a long melodramatic text I will bring out my main point and leave the rest for discussion.

MySpace is an annihilator of the human soul, restricting it to only a page worth of internet, where the person's inner most thoughts and feelings can be revealed. Their family, friends, occupation, predilections, everything can be etched onto an evanescent material known as the internet. How dull to just reveal oneself like that to countless eyes. For this reason is the thread name as it is. Myspace is a microcosm of the feared world- a world where a man is practically nothing, and where masses, as those devotees of myspace may be called (no offense to those that use myspace here of course) thrive.

Feel free to express your opinions.

If you are elitist like I am, try facebook.  This was developed at havard a couple of years back(i think) and in general just has less junk and more serious people.

Keep the rif raf out I say.

[Waldszenen]

MySpace is the gathering place of emos and troubled teenagers.

[debussy symbolism]

Debussy symbolism - the epitome of unoriginality.

You obviously do not know the meaning of humour and a tad of sarcasm.

MySpace is the gathering place of emos and troubled teenagers.

Perhaps and probably is. The way I see it, my space features everything that a man with some dignity opposes. I just do not understand the function of posting your own private page with everything about you on the internet along with billions of other pages. To me that is a vain attempt in exposing yourself to the society, again, something that I utterly despise.

[dnephi]

All the friends my age have myspaces.  That's how we keep in touch.

My school friends (who are 5+ years older than I am) keep in touch via facebook. 

MySpace is a more friendly environment if you choose friends wisely.

[rc]

Never really looked at myspace, though I know a few of my friends use it.  Not much sense in going through the internet when I could just ride a bike and see them face to face.  But I do like e-mail to keep in touch with someone who's travelled away.

[jpianoflorida]

Debussy......   No offense to you, but you have made it clear in out chat room discussions that you don't like to just "hang out" with people, you don't like the "going out" type things that most people like to do!   I'm 41, I still like to "hang out" with my friends, dinners, dating,movies, sports, just about anything at all.      Since you don't like that kind of thing and think it's a waste of time,  that's perfectly ok.    You have the right to live your live anyway you choose.    However, many people I know use myspace..they are social, they like people, and they like hanging out.    There is nothign wrong with that either.    I think you are a very smart , intelligent person, but sometimes DUDE you need to relax, enjoy things more, don't make EVERYTHING such an issue! Smell the roses, GO OUT, go see a movie....just do something out of the ordinary.   Try new things!

from your friend,
jay

[donjuan]

Debussy......   No offense to you, but you have made it clear in out chat room discussions that you don't like to just "hang out" with people, you don't like the "going out" type things that most people like to do!   I'm 41, I still like to "hang out" with my friends, dinners, dating,movies, sports, just about anything at all.      Since you don't like that kind of thing and think it's a waste of time,  that's perfectly ok.    You have the right to live your live anyway you choose.    However, many people I know use myspace..they are social, they like people, and they like hanging out.    There is nothign wrong with that either.    I think you are a very smart , intelligent person, but sometimes DUDE you need to relax, enjoy things more, don't make EVERYTHING such an issue! Smell the roses, GO OUT, go see a movie....just do something out of the ordinary.   Try new things!

from your friend,
jay

agreed. 

debussy symbolism, if you change your perspective a bit, you'll see that the people you look down on actually have a lot going for them.  A loner myself, I envy the interesting personalities on Myspace and even the immature, ridiculous people on amateur youtube videos..  These people are more socially endowed than I am; they have a lot of fun that I miss out on all too often.

[jpianoflorida]

agreed. 

debussy symbolism, if you change your perspective a bit, you'll see that the people you look down on actually have a lot going for them.  A loner myself, I envy the interesting personalities on Myspace and even the immature, ridiculous people on amateur youtube videos..  These people are more socially endowed than I am; they have a lot of fun that I miss out on all too often.

good post don juan.... I use to be very shy, quiet, etc  when i was a teen and early adult..I know it must be really tough out there these days and I really feel for you younger people.     But I missed out on so much by not just accepting friendships and "putting myself out there"..so I encourage you to try.   I know it's not easy...it's a risk to have friends, but it's worth it.    donjuan I have a feeling you would be fun to hang around, you already see that people of all walks of life can be interesting and fun to be around.

[debussy symbolism]

I am not putting down people, I am putting down "MySpace." It is the most popular website up to date, and the impression I get from youth is that half their day is spent there, not to mention the usage of other internet websites. Internet is the most time consuming activity in human history, ignoring of course the necessary functions such as breathing, sleeping, eating, etc.

I have nothing against social people, but certain things are just pushing it. Endless parties, clubs, shopping, and now myspace coupled with other internet activity. Does it end? I am sure you are all familiar with the "use it or lose it" theory, which claims that braincells die off if not used. Teen years are very important years for development; not just physical but mental also. With myspace and other internet accessories propagating themselves at such a rate, more and more young people are consumed by it, thus reducing their school participation, "afterschool" events, things as such. My point is that when one doesn't do anything, one becomes stupid. Why would anyone want to be stupid? I understand perfectly that not everyone values studying over socializing with friends, but websites such as myspace make it even harder for kids to focus on anything. Myspace is therefore no good.

Feel free to express your opinions.

[debussy symbolism]

All the friends my age have myspaces.  That's how we keep in touch.

My school friends (who are 5+ years older than I am) keep in touch via facebook. 

MySpace is a more friendly environment if you choose friends wisely.

I heard that myspace can pose danger as well. Posing as a "cute guy" can really get a girl's life in danger. You have no real knowledge of who you are dealing with there. Might be just another innocent boy of 15, but be in fact a grown sexual predator luring prey towards the light, as many deep sea fishes do.

[ada]

I heard that myspace can pose danger as well. Posing as a "cute guy" can really get a girl's life in danger. You have no real knowledge of who you are dealing with there.

hahaha same goes for PF.  How do we know you're really the earnest and innocent young man you make yourself out to be debussy?   

and btw if you're going to use metaphors don't mix em. You'll find moths are drawn to the light, not fish 

[ahinton]

and btw if you're going to use metaphors don't mix em.

Indeed - just as mixing eggs and skin grafts doesn't result in anything nicey spicey...

You'll find moths are drawn to the light, not fish 

I was never very good at "moths" at school but I remain curious as to what "fush" are drawn to...(Wellington's Victory? - sorry, I didn't mean to ask an Auckland question...)

Best,

Alistair

[donjuan]

post deleted

[jpianoflorida]

don juan ..you said:

this is where I can't agree with you.  Being smart is not exactly fun.  If you are an intelligent kid (i.e. you have parents that pushed you) who spends their life studying and being a teacher's pet, you will not have any friends at all.  (I speak from experience)  and then, when you finish highschool with stellar grades and go on to university, you will be around a bunch of really nice, social students.  However, because you have spent your life posting on internet forums and studying, you will not have the social skills to communicate with even the nicest peers.  and then you are alone for the rest of your life. (again, I speak from experience)

end quote.

you are so correct on this point!    I was that kid as well.    I pleased the parents, teachers, was always the teachers pet, the "grown up " kid.   I missed so much fun!   Now i try to make up for it.     Do you remember about a year ago, there was a child genious that finished college around age 12 or so.   He committed suicide.  He was such an outcast he couldn't relate. He didn't get a chance to grow up. Book learing isn't everything .

[jpianoflorida]

ps: don juan: how are things for you now? Are you doing ok?  are you adapting?   

[donjuan]

post deleted

[debussy symbolism]

this is true.  Josef Hofmann in his book made a diagram of how unreceptive adults are.  I think it was age 25 that the brain pretty much stops growing, thus making learning anything new very difficult.
you sure spend a lot of time on the internet..
this is where I can't agree with you.  Being smart is not exactly fun.  If you are an intelligent kid (i.e. you have parents that pushed you) who spends their life studying and being a teacher's pet, you will not have any friends at all.  (I speak from experience)  and then, when you finish highschool with stellar grades and go on to university, you will be around a bunch of really nice, social students.  However, because you have spent your life posting on internet forums and studying, you will not have the social skills to communicate with even the nicest peers.  and then you are alone for the rest of your life. (again, I speak from experience)

My parents have never much pushed me. My parents are very intelligent and of course support education. I love to study. When I was little I annoyed the crap out of everyone with science questions. I was, and still am (somewhat) a teacher's pet and never am reluctant to contribute to classroom discussion. When I was younger I also had somewhat of a stuttering problem and hence couldn't say everything I wanted to say. Did that stop me from expressing myself verbally? No. In fact, I am proud to have stuttered because at least I could say something, unlike the fluent in speech people who could say nothing at all, but express their outward stupidity with vain remarks.
 
Unreceptive adults? I wouldn't be so surpised. If you don't do anything during your teen years, your brain isn't adapted to learning so it is no great mystery why those that have done absolutely nothing in youth are unreceptive.

Being "smart" is fun. It just feels good to know anything. I belive there is a quote: "Education is like candy; the more you have it, the nicer you'll feel." I got it off of free sheet music site, but still like the quote. I am not trying to be seen as "smart," nor is "smart" an exact term that can be measured, but I do like putting forward ideas whether because of a certain connection, irony, or just a simple remark. I therefore do think that education is much better than no education.

I choose to be by myself simply because I like to be by myself. I am not implying that I am an unfriendly, expatriate kind of person, as I love to make jokes(often inapropriate), remarks, and other innocent remarks when around people. I can also communicate with people of course, just prefer to be on my own and to do things by myself.(Except of course when learning something and of course in need of a tutor).

[debussy symbolism]

If you look at my posts from like 2 years ago, you will see that I was pretty anal about stuff (kind of like debussy symbolism), and wanted to learn everything in order to be an "enlightened" individual.  I was in highschool at the time, and hated pretty much everyone who was there.  I also was pretty closed minded to most music styles.

But now, I am in Pharmacy at University, and the students I am around - they are some of the best people I have ever known.  They have excellent grades, work ethic, and they all seem to be friends with each other.  But even though I see how nice they are, I have such a hard time fitting in;  when they talk to me, all I can do is stutter and give one word answers.  And then they know I'm crap for conversation, so they go talk to others with more to offer.  Now I know how bad my cynical attitude from highschool was for me: it has ruined my ability to communicate with normal people; subconsciously, I can't tell them from the bad people. 

To answer your question, no, I haven't adapted.  I'm still an outsider, I know why I'm an outsider, and yet I can't do anything to change it.

Jay, you have lived for about 21 years more than me.  Any advice for how to get the ball rolling again?

donjuan

You stutter(d) too? You probably know how oppressing that is in a social environment. I hated most everyone in school to, but then realized that there is nothing really to be hateful for.

I often too feel that I am an outsider, even though I have no trouble making conversation(if somewhat) and appearing sane. . I can never make friends though. Probably because I have nothing in common with many people who only care about their silly parties and gatherings of food and booze, and probably because I am uncomfortable in social standings. Ironically, should I perform for a group of people such as guests, I really cherish that occasion and it is really exciting for me. That kind of social communication I do enjoy. Conversations where speech fluency is involved I am not so crazy about, as stuttering still makes it's presence known occasionally.

I hate stuttering, yet adore it (somewhat) because of it's exquisite touch that not many possess. Tell me about your experience with stuttering, if you want to.

[asyncopated]

this is true.  Josef Hofmann in his book made a diagram of how unreceptive adults are.  I think it was age 25 that the brain pretty much stops growing, thus making learning anything new very difficult.

I don't think this is a physiological phenomenon.  I think people choose to be dumb.  Babies are born with an amazing capacity to absorb things -- play and learn.  As we grow up, our view of the world becomes so tainted that we can't see anything new in it anymore, and thus stop learning.  Either that or we sit on our fat assess, choosing to watch an episode of neighbours rather than spending time exploring something new, or reading a good book.  The safe and comfortable path is always more appealing.

I'm quite convinced that's not really our ability to learn that diminishes but our conceitedness that prevents us from learning. 

C.f.  all the post that start go fall into the category ... "I am an adult, is it too late for me to start learning to play the piano?"  Once and for all, NOOO!!!

I choose to be by myself simply because I like to be by myself. I am not implying that I am an unfriendly, expatriate kind of person, as I love to make jokes(often inapropriate), remarks, and other innocent remarks when around people. I can also communicate with people of course, just prefer to be on my own and to do things by myself.(Except of course when learning something and of course in need of a tutor).

Welcome to the club!  Be proud to walk amongst the socially inapt.   I went though a phase where unless you can put in in the form of an equation, don't talk to me.

[debussy symbolism]

As much as I would like to believe that what you said about learning rate not diminishing with age is true, I am afraid that it does if you don't practice learning. Brain cells when not stimulated die off, or become weak. Chlildren do not learn faster, there are just fewer encumbrances for them that could get in the way of learning. As we grow older, we start bearing responsibilities that make less time for studying. We no longer go to school, and start occupying our time with jobs that do not necessarily develop our brains that much. That is why I hate such dull things such as caring for self in terms of hygiene( Of course I wash myself), cleaning dishes(I leave that up to parents , and other such things.

Discipline is another factor. Many smart kids become dull because they aren't disciplined. My sister isn't stupid, but because of her lazyness she can never get anything done. There is nothing that I hate more than an expression of "I am bored." I simply can't stand it! Oh yeah sure, waste your life, be bored, just don't complain when you are older and stuck with a boring, dead-end job. I will confess: I am naturally lazy. However, I know the consequence of ennui and for that I become sedulous in work. Being bored is one of the most dreadful feelings out there in my opinion. That is why kill boredom with things to do.

[asyncopated]

I am afraid that it does if you don't practice learning.

Yep we agree on this.  That's why I'm still in school and learning the play the piano!

We no longer go to school, and start occupying our time with jobs that do not necessarily develop our brains that much.

Excuses, excuses... blah.

That is why I hate such dull things such as caring for self in terms of hygiene( Of course I wash myself), cleaning dishes(I leave that up to parents , and other such things.

*pinching my nose*.  Enjoy whilst you can.  mummy = dishwasher, daddy = cashpoint.

Discipline is another factor. Many smart kids become dull because they aren't disciplined. My sister isn't stupid, but because of her lazyness she can never get anything done. There is nothing that I hate more than an expression of "I am bored." I simply can't stand it! Oh yeah sure, waste your life, be bored, just don't complain when you are older and stuck with a boring, dead-end job. I will confess: I am naturally lazy. However, I know the consequence of ennui and for that I become sedulous in work. Being bored is one of the most dreadful feelings out there in my opinion. That is why kill boredom with things to do.

From my experience, kids get bored because the don't get shown the cool stuff early.  Many are forced lots of algebra, or silly pendulum experiments, and don't see the point of it all.  I was one of those kids.  I was so bored during my 'o'-levels that I messed up 4 of my papers.  During my 'a'-levels I picked only subjects that were easy for me.  However my physics teacher was so lousy that I ended up learning absolutely nothing and sleeping in every class.  I suppose the make or brake point was the looming exams.  I finally decided that to only way to pass was to pick up a textbook and learn.  When I did pick up an 'a'-levels text, I hated it. 

Almost everything and everybody seemed so dumb and pointless.  In a final bid I went to another teacher who also gave us lectures, and she recommanded a university text.  Somehow, picking it up and reading it, the penny fell and I started to realise how elegant some of the things that were dumbed down for us really were -- I remember reading electromagnetism, and gauss's law for the first time, and thinking hey this is actually quite neat, I never realised that.  After that I never looked back, and now I am a physicist.  I am never bored, unless I am forced to do something I don't want to do -- there is always something else to look at and think about. 

Most people don't get that lucky a break.  many smart people that i know just plow through life not really knowing what they want.

I leave you with this
https://ririanproject.com/2006/11/03/22-ways-to-overclok-your-brain/

[debussy symbolism]

I agree with you on what you said about teaching methods. I find that a teacher that etches humor with teaching gets his point alot farther, rather than a prim teacher who barely knows the subject himself

I looked over the website you offered, and alot of the points they make concerning improving your brain functioning are really general and will probably not have a noticeable effect. I am however surprised to find out that exercise helps your brain. Might as well. The only exercise I get is that of the fingers and occasionally a walk through the park, settling down on a bench and looking over a river.

I hope you didn't take the hygiene remark I made ceriously. I just really detest those that shower ten times a day and their beauty is the top thing on their agenda list. Drives me nuts.

[emmdoubleew]

Greetings.

I am sure you know that "MySpace" is now the most popular website today, with most visitors and most "extravaganza." From what I have observed, Myspace is a place where anyone can post a page about them, their friends, collegues, likes, dislikes, etc. Everywhere I go people mention myspace, and even my sister, who is 13, is a regular advocate of myspace. Instead of writing a long melodramatic text I will bring out my main point and leave the rest for discussion.

MySpace is an annihilator of the human soul, restricting it to only a page worth of internet, where the person's inner most thoughts and feelings can be revealed. Their family, friends, occupation, predilections, everything can be etched onto an evanescent material known as the internet. How dull to just reveal oneself like that to countless eyes. For this reason is the thread name as it is. Myspace is a microcosm of the feared world- a world where a man is practically nothing, and where masses, as those devotees of myspace may be called (no offense to those that use myspace here of course) thrive.

Feel free to express your opinions.

I'd just like to take a minute to point out that aside from the complete lack of depth and intelligence reflected in your views, your writing is absymal.

ie: this sentence:
"Myspace is a microcosm of the feared world- a world where a man is practically nothing, and where masses, as those devotees of myspace may be called (no offense to those that use myspace here of course) thrive."

Which could be summarized as: "Myspace robs its members of their indiviudality and blends them with the masses." (very Nietszche-esque btw)

Now why would you have to bring in all these extraneous apologies and odd references to a "feared world" rather than say what you mean? The real loss of individualism is when people like you try to use writing as a way to prove their intelligence rather than communicate their ideas; the result is cluttered, unelegant sentences. The best writers write the least and show the most. Since we're on the subject of learning and teaching, try this lil post for your lesson of the day.

[debussy symbolism]

As condescending you post may sound to me, I am more than willing to take advice and hear comments both about my ideas and my writing.

Why I wrote out my ideas as I did? I did so for a purpose. Not to make me sound smarter, but to make the writing interesting to read. If I just come out and make my point it will lose all passion in it and be boring and uninteresting to read.

I am sorry if my writing may not be to your liking and am truly sorry for any grammatical mistakes I commit. (I don't have spellcheck here and generally don't review my posts).

That aside, you have yet to give me your opinions concerning myspace. Feel free to support it, or oppose it.

I will take your comments into account.

[donjuan]

Being "smart" is fun. It just feels good to know anything. I belive there is a quote: "Education is like candy; the more you have it, the nicer you'll feel." I got it off of free sheet music site, but still like the quote. I am not trying to be seen as "smart," nor is "smart" an exact term that can be measured, but I do like putting forward ideas whether because of a certain connection, irony, or just a simple remark. I therefore do think that education is much better than no education.

dont get me wrong; basic education is very important (this is one of the many reasons Africa is in such a mess)

but youd better think long and hard about making it your life.  It sounds like you sincerely enjoy learning, which is unique.  Just make sure you will always be interested in what you are interested in right now.  You dont want to get cornered if you have a change in taste (like I did).

myspace. Feel free to support it, or oppose it.

I will take your comments into account.

no you wont. and there's nothing wrong with that. you know you dont have to do anything

[debussy symbolism]

No I will. What I meant was: I will take them into account as in appreciate opinions and perhaps use them as a reference in the future. Only my opinion here isn't going to do any justice to the debate. Many opinions make the outcome alot more truthful.

[debussy symbolism]

What happened to you? What did you lose the interest in? When I was younger I was very interested in science, especially genetics. I read and memorized everything. I also had read many books concerning paleontology and memorized the different eras, subjects, etc. I am still curious about such things, just spend have found music as being my strongest point. I am now also interested in art. I never could draw. Absolutely couldn't. Now however for some strange reason I can draw better(still bad) than I used to. I absolutely adore reading about the painings of Dali and other Surrealists and am absolutely amazed at what they could conjure. I am particularly amazed at how Dali found a connection between religion and physics, as displayed in his "atomic" paintings, where parts swirl like electrons around a central figure- the nucleus. I also find it amazing how literature can be so beautiful. I absolutely adore reading Shakespeare's plays, and other literature. So much can be found there. I am also very interested in Freud's theories, especially the "Oedipus Complex." Fascinating. One doesn't always have to spend time on a single thing. The point is to always be learning, and not having to have to stare at a wall for a full day. Boredom is the most dreadful feeling out there.

Sorry to have drifted off. What happened to your interests?

[donjuan]

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[asyncopated]

But now I am in university:  I am getting back into Rock music, I am realizing that the problem is with me, not with society.  I also started getting into watching movies.  I started to like society again, but by now it's too late; I don't remember how to talk to people.  I'm socially dumb -  I go to funerals and can't understand why everyone is crying.  or if someone casually asks me "how are you?" I don't know what to say:  people automatically say 'fine, how are you?' but I cant seem to get the words out; I'm too preoccupied thinking 'does this persion really care how I feel, or is this just some common folkway?'

in a nutshell, you might say that my interest in education has ruined my ability to function in society that doesnt have the same interest in education.  Now I'm more interested in that society, therefore I'm a bit down on education.

I don't really get the connection. 

You speak fine, there is nothing wrong with you.  Also you should know that you are not the only human being that is socially retarded (I am another one of those). 

Basically, I can't carry out a conversation about things I am not interested in.  Say, fashion or Britney Spears.  After two sentences I go dumb and have nothing else to say, and after that the awkward silence.  It seems the only people who I can have conversions with talk about physics or science/technology in general, music, nowadays religion sometimes literature, art, philosophy and interesting ideas. 

Heres the funny thing.  I took an EQ test and it seems I score higher than normal.  So I can't really understand what the problem is.  Anyway, I use to worry about it.  Nowadays, it doesn't really bother me.  I go around doing what I want to do.  And if people think I am worth their time talking to, i will, if not they don't bother me and I don't bother them.

Sometimes my friends tell me that I phase out.  I sort of wonder off in my own head.  It's not a teenage thing, I way past being a teenager.  It's just the way my head works I focus on something that i think is interesting and can't let go.  Sometimes it's the conversation at hand, sometimes it's not and i just wonder off.   They don't mind me doing that, and are still quite happy being around me.


Oh you know the funaral thing you were talking about --- I can so relate to that. 

In general, i hate the holiday season, like christmas gatherings with the extended family.  The seems to me a completely strange arrangement, were we are linked not because of our characters but by chance that we happen to have sprung from the same person/people about 100 years back.  I have no idea of their person, ideas, morals and values and in all honesty don't care to know and they don't know about me.   We meet once or twice every year, exchange pleasentries and wait another year or so for the next time it happens.  It's completely rediculous to me.  I much rather be with friends, or be on my own.

[debussy symbolism]

Interesting story. I lived in Russia most of my life and moved to United States quite recently. I knew no English so had the burden of being sequestered into my own private space, understanding virtually no English. After about a year I could understand practically everything everyone said around me, and was put in a more advanced "English" class. I quit trying to make friends about the time I arrived in America though. I only had a couple of friends through out my life, but the difference in our life-style probably didn't allow for much friendship. Now, and I guess my story somewhat coincides with yours, I can not even manage to support a decent conversation, let alone friendship. I just feel very uncomfortable and have (seemingly) nothing to say. I cannot find ground on which to make myself more affable or appealing to talk to. Concerning appreciating music styles, I have grown to appreciate all of them as means of expression. I honestly like only classical and some instrumental style music. I used to listen to disco music earlier and still enjoy some of it today. Concerning "Rock" music, I did listen to some, such as "Pink floyd" and that is about it. It is good music sure, but I love classical much more. Having to have lived in Russia, I was very surprised at the different culture people have in America. The school system in Russia(and I am sure all of Europe in general) is much stricter and fast paced then in here. The mathematics classes here don't even compare with the ones there, until of course you get to college or the more advanced calculus/trigonometry in highschool. Math isn't my strong point, but still nice to make a comparison. What the American schools have though is emotional and social bonding. I find that extremely unique. In my opinion, and from experience, social support is amongst the top priorities in schools, with teamwork and socializing encouraged. Schools in Russia are like houses for wolves, with no emotional bonding whatsoever, not to mention the generally higher level of aggressiveness. Teamwork isn't encouraged as much in there, which is bad because a friendly social environment engenders friendlier kids with higher self-esteem. For several other reasons I also disagree with their school methods and wish to not have to linger there again.

In America there in fact is more freedom in the educational circles. I find that letting kids( and teens too) choose their own subjects of study doesn't oppress their emotions and expands their potential. Russian public schools force study on to their child and often do come into conflict with the child's true needs and abilities. I wouldn't even have heard of piano or classical music, were it not for living in America.

Concerning being social, I choose to not be. That doesn't however mean that I am unpleasant to be around. No, I can make wonderful conversation and have a way of humor that isn't boring and is generally(if somewhat inapropriate) pleasing.

Sorry to have to rant this long, and excuse my random skipping of topics, but I would also like to point out that I can never work well in a group. Whenever in school we would be assigned a project where other classmates were involved, I always was disapointed. I am much better learning in a one to one method. I do however get very competitive in class in terms of saying out answers and rasing questions.

Were you born in America?

[asyncopated]

Actually was born in singapore.  I moved to london about 9 years back, when I came to university.  The first couple of years were really odd and I had a hard time adjusting.  After that, i grew to really love london and the diversity it has to offer.

a couple of years back I went back to singapore and i realised that i really hated it there.  I everything seemed so weird.  It's like I ought to know the culture and the people, but I didn't.  Basically I could not understand how people thought, how fake they were, living their lives and moving around like money and material weath is the only important thing.  Either that or have this rediculous idea of what success and what i life is about and try to impose it on everyone else.  Anyway, enough of ranting.  I am now back in london, working, and enjoying myself.

It seems I work extremely well with russian or at least russian americans.  My only two "bosses" that I worked with were and are both russian american, one first generation and one second.  My former singing teacher is also russian american.   I think that we work so well together because I can relate the the technicality and the style.  I am quite a purist and insist on doing things "right".

[donjuan]

post deleted

[emmdoubleew]

As condescending you post may sound to me, I am more than willing to take advice and hear comments both about my ideas and my writing.

Why I wrote out my ideas as I did? I did so for a purpose. Not to make me sound smarter, but to make the writing interesting to read. If I just come out and make my point it will lose all passion in it and be boring and uninteresting to read.

I am sorry if my writing may not be to your liking and am truly sorry for any grammatical mistakes I commit. (I don't have spellcheck here and generally don't review my posts).

That aside, you have yet to give me your opinions concerning myspace. Feel free to support it, or oppose it.

I will take your comments into account.

Debussy,

Firstly I apologize for sounding brash. My nerves let go. And you're right, it was uncalled for and unnecessary.

You touch on a very crucial aspect of "good writing" when you say you wish to make your writing interesting to read. Unfortunately, the only way to be interesting is to make interesting points; you can't cheat yourself out of having a boring argument.

Once you have something interesting to say, you need to make your writing as simple, streamlined, and basic as possible so that the reader can follow you. If you try to use too many big words and complex sentence structures, the reader will not follow you and will think you are boring. If you want to write with style and panache, use fancy (but not necessarily multisyllabic) verbs! Spice up your sentences and try to avoid any conjugations "to make," "to be," and "to have." And don't be afraid to use a thesaurus.

Your mistakes were not grammatical but stylistic.

Best,
_MW

PS: Is this thread the Ayn Rand fan club or something?

[jpianoflorida]

Group work is a BIG problem for me too.  You see, in my pharmacy program, we have to do group projects all the time, and we are responsible for making our own groups.  You can imagine how hard this situation is for (me) someone without any friends in the class.

and even if I do manage to get a group, they will soon find out how shitty I am to work with, because I dont trust anyone and therefore want to do the whole thing myself.  and then for the next group assignment, they wont want anything to do with me.  and then I have to go beg another group of random strangers to let me in.. on and on and on and on

since you know what happens, you should be honest with the people and say "i know i can get tough to work with, I'm really trying, so please help me and let me know when i do something wrong"     what would you have to loose in saying that?    I know you lack selconfidence, but you have to work on that.      You assume everyone will not want to be around you.   You might find that you are really wrong, quit having that attitude.    If  you are already concerned about how people will react, then that shows you are a caring person! I have a feeling you are  a much better person and have a lot more to offer than you give yourself credit for!    You just need to find the right group of people to be around.   IT will happen.  Hang in there!

[debussy symbolism]

Debussy,

Firstly I apologize for sounding brash. My nerves let go. And you're right, it was uncalled for and unnecessary.

You touch on a very crucial aspect of "good writing" when you say you wish to make your writing interesting to read. Unfortunately, the only way to be interesting is to make interesting points; you can't cheat yourself out of having a boring argument.

Once you have something interesting to say, you need to make your writing as simple, streamlined, and basic as possible so that the reader can follow you. If you try to use too many big words and complex sentence structures, the reader will not follow you and will think you are boring. If you want to write with style and panache, use fancy (but not necessarily multisyllabic) verbs! Spice up your sentences and try to avoid any conjugations "to make," "to be," and "to have." And don't be afraid to use a thesaurus.

Your mistakes were not grammatical but stylistic.

Best,
_MW

PS: Is this thread the Ayn Rand fan club or something?

Thanks. I know what you are talking about. I have a similar problem with writing essays for an English class. In practically every single one of them, I lack "voice." I better consider you comments, and my insturctor's of course and really imbue my writing with something that can potentially be helpful.

Thanks.

[Derek]

One could view it as almost the precise opposite. Finally, now, there is a medium---the internet---where the average person can express his or herself in any way that he or she wishes. I think it is wonderful.  Now an average guy like me can share his piano music with the whole world, if they wish to listen, instead of being purely private with nobody ever benefiting from my knowledge or creations.  I am a staunch advocate of the internet, and of myspace. 

Yes, it is unfortunate that myspace is abused by such human filth as child pornographers or pedophiles or what have you, but then all institutions, even the church, has been used for such purposes. It is used by human beings, and some human beings are evil.  I choose to view the positive things in large institutions, and I see myspace as having tremendously good aspects to it.

[emmdoubleew]

Derek:

To play devil's advocate; feeling the necessity to share your work is an act of selflessness  (I am working from the premise that selflessness is bad, I don't feel I have to prove this) because you are thinking about how others view you instead of how you view yourself. Once you start losing your sense of self, you start blending in with the masses. So Debussy's argument stands. Basically, Myspace encourages display rather than self-satisfaction.

I don't necessarily believe in this, just something to think about.

_MW

PS: Derek, you could also use reading my comments on writing

[Derek]

I suppose for individuals who are not already in the habit of pleasing themselves may be encouraged by myspace to perpetuate being shallow and what have you---but those who are already concerned only with pleasing themselves (if we are speaking of myspace artists) now have a medium which allows them to share their talent with the world and remain a normal human being untainted by the corrupt world of performing artists.

I guess what I don't see is---MySpace as the cause of the problem of being shallow and caring about what other people think.  I think that problem was already there; MySpace is now just making it visible.

For those of us fortunate enough not to have those problems, it has all the benefits I listed above.