Analyzing Egg Activity

        This indeed was one of the most interesting and creative classes I have ever had in college. Our group had a lot of fun, and we really thought our egg will not brake. However, it did :( We certainly completed Step 1 in the planning process: our goal was to build an "egg-protection device", which was supposed to protect our egg from breaking when someone drops it from a height of 10 feet. According to Step 2, we evaluated our current situation and decided that no one really possessed any kind of engineering skills that could benefit us, so we decided to work and design our device all together. In Step 3, we developed a few alternative ideas for how to effectively build our device so that it will protect the egg.We also generated several alternative scenarios for what may happen: we used a paper ball instead of an egg and a bunch of pens instead of straws to visualize the possible results. Step 4 is to analyze the alternatives and make an actual plan. We were supposed to choose ONE alternative and design the device. And we actually did. But then we changed our minds a couple times choosing another alternatives and drawing the design for them too. So instead of focusing on one idea, we tried to think of a better one. Maybe if we would have focused on one idea and spend enough time designing it, we could have improved the effectiveness of our planning, our plan would work and the egg would not brake. Finally, according to Step 5 we implemented the best in our opinion plan and build our "egg-protection device". Unfortunately, our plan failed :( I think we did our best and hope that this class will teach us how to effectively organize the planning process.

Culture Shock in USA

     When I first came to US 4 years ago, I realized how significantly this country differs from my native country Russia. I had a hard time accepting and adjusting to all the differences. The first thing that shocked me was the friendliness of American people. Almost everyone  is polite, patient and very helpful.  If I was lost and asked for directions, people were always nice enough to help me and sometimes even walked me to the nearest subway station. Speaking of friendliness, another thing that was shocking for me is that Americans ALWAYS smile. Now, I understand if its for some reason: they are happy to see someone, something good happened in their life, they got promoted at work, won money, etc.  But people smile here all the time:  in the streets, in the subway, in the restrooms, in the grocery stores, EVERYWHERE. And its mostly automatic insincere smiles. I like when people are honest and sincere, and seeing somebody showing their teeth to you, but having cold eyes, makes me feel creepy.

     Also, it still makes me  very uncomfortable when people I barely know or don’t know at all ask me how I am doing. After spending some time in America I started to realize that there is no reason to freak out when people ask you “How Are You?”. And there is no reason to tell a stranger about everything that is going on in your life. Why dont just people say only "Hi" ->"Hi" instead of "hi how are you doing?" -> "Good how are you?" -> "Good". That is so unnecessary and insincere because no one really cares how you are doing today.

       There is also a huge difference between Russia and US when it comes to food. Let me begin with the size. The difference is HUGE.  People here have to have 3 thing on their plate: meat, some vegetables and carbohydrates (rice, pasta, etc.) And the whole thing is 2 times as big as the one in Russia. And they eat it all at once, at least 3 times a day. And this is exactly why most Americans are overweight. Speaking of overweight, how can i not mention American's obsession with fast food. Some people eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Russia, going to McDonald's for me was a once-in-two-weeks event. People eat normal food over there. I gained 15 lb after one year in US and it was really hard to lose these pound. In fact, most of my foreign friends say they they also gained weight after moving to US. 

       I accepted too friendly people, fake smiles and the food difference, but i never understood the way some Americans dress. Im talking about wearing sneakers with office clothes. It look so ridiculous. Especially when women wear sneakers with skirts (although i see them less often than guys wearing suits with sneakers). Another one is when guys dont wear socks with shoes or sneaker. I just dont get it.

      The list goes on, but I better shut up before you delete me from your blog.  Despite of everything I said, I love this country. There is no perfect culture and I am sure when Americans go to Russia or any Eastern European country, they will experience a culture shock as well. Probably, even a bigger one :)