Texsox

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 6, 2008 -> 09:27 AM) It sounds like you've already made up your mind. I'm just telling you what I know based on my 4 years in a Psych grad program. Of the clinicians I know that left with masters, two are working in a prison doing a job they could have with a BA, one switched field and one was living in his car and campaigning for Obama. Of the experimentals I know that left, two are working as college admissions officers, one has been looking for a year for a teaching job (unsuccessfully) and another is still looking for a job. My point is that you are really going to want to think about job opportunities. I would honestly talk to people with the MA you are looking for that are NOT affiliated with the program you are thinking about going into. That way you will get a view of what it's like once you have attained the degree you want. I'm just trying to make sure you know how glutted the market is with Clinical PhD's, MA's in counseling and PsyD's. Even since I've entered grad school the market has gotten very competitive. It's difficult to find a post without a post-doc fellowship--beyond the PhD. Then maybe I am missing something, don't you have to have a Masters before a PhD? And honestly, the only decision that has been made is to continue. The next decision is the toughest, English or Psychology. And I am in a position where I can seek knowledge for knowledge. I guess if I was looking at a 50 year career, I would be thinking different, but honestly, I'll have maybe 5-10 years, if I am lucky, post PhD. I re read your post. Clinical is a choice based on not being able to move right away and being available here at UTPA.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Nov 6, 2008 -> 07:31 AM) The poll predictions on 538 were all close to dead-on, all over the country. The only state he missed on predicting was Indiana and even then it was only by a couple of points (it was predicted to go barely red, ended up going barely blue). The actual election Bradley was in was a result of poor polling, furthermore, this year's GE polls were done nationally with different demographics all over the region, and to my knowledge none of them showed any significant anomalies. OK. Which proves that in national elections the "bradley effect" is negligible, it doesn't prove there is no bradley effect. To prove a negative, that it doesn't exist, you basically have to prove that no where is there a single person that tells a pollster they are voting for the black candidate and insteads votes for the white. To prove it does exist, you would need to find one person who did. Basically it is usually impossible to prove a negative in an academic sense.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 12:05 AM) Can I get out my shovel to bury the Bradley Effect? No. The effect is there as long as it applies to someone. What gets added to the information is the number of voters is insignificant, thus the effect is not a factor in National Elections.

The timing with Palin was a mistake. If the party gave her four years to polish and prepare, she could have kicked ass. As things are working out, getting her into that Senate seat for example would have given her about the same prep as Obama, with Governor for a day or so tossed in. I fear this probably ruined her national career. I had secretly hoped McCain would have found a cross over Dem to join him.

QUOTE (sircaffey @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:03 PM) He needs to spend more time in Illinois and less in Texas. Nope. That crazy s*** snow and ice is something to be avoided. And Austin as about as perfect a place to be as you will find anywhere.

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 03:16 PM) Remember that your teaching potential will be limited with just a masters. You'll be looking at community college or untenured college/university posts that don't have the best perks. And my friends that have left with just a masters in Psych haven't been able to land teaching stuff. A terminal masters in Psych (in my opinion) is not going to get you tons further than a BA in Psych. I understand and a PhD is something I would like to do, but remember I have some age and other considerations that may not allow that to happen. Which works in English's favor. Many more options there for teaching. But overall, with almost any field no degree And I need to take it one step at a time. In Texas, a Masters would allow me to sit for the license test and open my own practice. That seems like a huge difference.

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 01:49 PM) I don't know if you would be happy catering to wealthy people who can afford the help and need it far less. You are not the first one to mention that. Honestly, I think I would be best in some teaching position at this point. And teaching opportunities seem greater for English than Psychology. Remember, I'm not an argumentative s.o.b. in person, just here Another factor that a friend good enough to slap me figuratively across the face said that Psychology has more prestige than English and that I crave the ego stroke.

QUOTE (bmags @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 01:34 PM) It appears that will happen. I'd like to know more about Bob Gates, he seems to have no ego, or rather, a non-politician forced to work with politicians. Just a man very good at his job that cares about how it's done. Huge supporter of Boy Scouts of America. Was President of the National Eagle Scout Association. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice and he is the most genuine person you could imagine. I heard a story where after accepting the position he honored a prior commitment he made to attend a camping trip with his son and the rest of the Troop. They were the safest Scouts anywhere that weekend with Secret Service behind every rock.

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 01:26 PM) Can I put in a plug for Social Work? I think you'll go farther with that degree than with an MA in Counseling/Clinical. I'm too old. I just don't have the emotional reserve anymore to tackle that population. Twenty years ago, yes.

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 01:25 PM) I AM TOTALLY OFFENDED BY THAT--wait, no, I agree. Wait, you agree with the gambling, hookers or the booze?

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 01:16 PM) If the government has to use a different name for marriage across the board, so be it. In principle I am against this sort of sleight of hand to have something passed. Plus, I think it makes it harder, not easier to pass. People put up their defenses when they believe they are being tricked.

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 12:24 PM) I see a big difference. You cant file as married in a civil union on your federal tax returns. You have no federal rights as a couple in a civil union. I guess if that is what marriage means to you, then there is a difference. I stand corrected based on the current laws.However, every voter should realize (if they don't already) that eventually there will be total equality between civil unions and marriages. It goes step by step and the first step is the hardest.

QUOTE (Middle Buffalo @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 11:44 AM) We've seen very little evidence of the loser having an impact post election. Carter.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 11:50 AM) Are civil unions legal in California? To me, civil unions and marriages are very different. I will say I'm not a fan of voiding already legal marriages though. I fail to see any difference between a civil union and a marriage. The two people involved after either event would have the same rights and privileges. On an emotional level is one couple less committed to the other than in the other couple? Are they any less in love? Are they any less a lifelong coupling? Currently is there a difference between a couple who gets married before a Judge and one who stands in front of Clergy? I have always failed to see a difference in the results of either event. If the results are the same and the relationship that each couple feels is the same, how can they be very different?

QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 11:01 AM) Psychology is a soft science, really just barely more than pseudoscience, and you're better off spending your money on gambling, hookers, and booze than getting a Psych degree. I've already covered the necessities . . .

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:42 AM) Honest opinion: Think hard about if you want a terminal masters in Clinical/counseling Psych. My general understanding is that the market is rather flooded with those degrees and PsyD's and PhD's. I personally know a few unemployed clinicians (and this is from a program that has won national training awards repeatedly). So, think about that, and if you're considering going for that, you may want to think about going whole hog and doing a full PhD program. That has kind of been a subset of the Psychology decision. I love the research as well, but that seems more tenuous than clinical.Based on age and a couple other consideration, I am taking this step by step and leaving the door open, but not deciding on a PhD program. Which eliminated one MA-PhD program I looked at in English.

QUOTE (CanOfCorn @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:25 AM) Not to belabor the point, but compare the two parties (not political, but actual party) last night. You had McCain's at the Biltmore, which is one of the nicest hotels in Phoenix and comparable to a Four Seasons. Not to mention his crowd which was primarily white, older and male (in that order). Then they show Grant Park. Open to the public, somewhat. A mix of races, cultures, gender, it was amazing to see and the first thing I said to my wife was, "Now THAT'S America." What McCain had at his rally was America in the 1800's, unfortunately. I hope, for their sake, Republicans saw what I saw. Because that's the America of the future (actually, the present). Great point.

I will shortly have a B.A. in Psychology and English, I double majored. Both departments have urged, suggested, arm twisted, encouraged, and in general enticed me to consider Grad School in that field. I know I am going to Grad School, so that is not the question, the question is do I pursue a Masters in Psychology probably in the Clinical program or a Masters in English, Literature? Psychology. That was my major in 1979 and I have not wavered. I look forward to every class. I hear things like, it's a lot of work and very stressful, but once you earn your MA or PhD, it is a very rewarding career. You have the talent and brain power to do really well. Afterward, I could start a pratice in most states doing private counseling. English. It was my minor, then I was urged to double major. I look forward to every class. Next semester, South Texas Literature and Reading Harry Potter. I hear things like, you will love it, you will have so much fun, you are a natural at this, we have a TA spot with your name on it. This seems like less stress, more leisure time, more fun, and lower dollars. The lower dollars is not a top 5 factor in my decision. I would probably be a teacher at some level between Middle School and College. I also wonder, those that went and those that didn't, what factors did you consider?

QUOTE (YASNY @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:13 AM) At his age, John McCain will now just fade away. OMG No. He's now, or shortly will be, on the major speaking tour. What he once gave away for free, will now cost some Foundation or Corporation $X,000,000.00 to hear.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:14 AM) Not to mention a city that consistantly re-elects a corrupt mayor with 80% of the vote, or has had 3 straight governors indicted (or will soon enough). I hadn't really thought about it but statewide and in the major cities, Texas has a fairly honest government.

I am thinking about the comparisons to Reagan and how they are so similar to what Obama is facing. The previous President (Ford-Carter, Bush) was inefficient, low approval ratings, and with world events seeming bigger than the President. A recent President (Nixon, Clinton) was technically good but morally bankrupt. A weak economy that seems to have bottomed out and poised for a rebound, but in need to consumer confidence. America had been bullied by a little pissant (Vietnam, Iraq) of a country and looking for a hero. Obama, like Reagan, fits adjectives like incredibly confident, charismatic, "movie star", great communicator, teflon, larger than life. We need a cheerleader and someone to make us feel good about ourselves.

I had a strange moment last night as I watched Obama walk onto the stage in Grant Park (via TV). For a moment I thought we had elected, for the first time in my life, someone younger than myself as President. Turns out he is about three weeks older than me, so I've avoided that milestone. I am such a slacker. B) It may sound funny, but that has triggered a "what have I done with my life?" moment. I wonder how Obama's victory will make small changes in a lot of people. Certainly many, many, Americans will find hope that anything is possible in America. My son commented that Obama has accomplished the greatest feat ever for a black man. I struggled to think of anyone to really compare him to on that scale.

Happy Birthday!

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 07:16 AM) He should have just run like it was 2000. Forget the right wing of the party. That makes so much sense, but I wonder if he could have doine that and still been McCain? One of the qualities I've admired about McCain is his ability to unite people. The question becomes, how can he unite Dems and Reps if he could not unite his own party? I'm not certain there is an answer to that. I am sad for him, and very excited for Obama.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 08:34 AM) I am confident that this country finally elected its next great President. It is almost indescribable the opportunity Obama has. If he somehow keeps together this base of support and can expand it even a little, we have something close to the America we think we have and the image we want to project around the world. I have always believe we grow from the bottom up, not the top down. He has fired up the bottom, fix them, and we fix the world. If we fails, it will be sad, but we will fail while attempting something special.