A gift from you, does not mean a gift from me, ass!

Richard Bach, acclaimed author, philosipher and humanitarian once wrote "Every gift from a friend, is a wish for your happiness." I truly find this to be my belief and by in large the belief shared by the people I've revolved around in life. Maybe I'm just nieve, but I've always viewed gifts in any size for whatever reason (within reason) to demand no form of payment in return except gratfulness. One dictionary defines gift as 1. something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present. 2. the act of giving. The way I was brought up gifts are generosity because they ask of nothing in return. I can understand an argument of America giving money to another country and the forced humility might not be too favorable, but regardless smiling nice for the cameras is nothing when considering what could be done with what has appeared from nothing. I don't believe unless for malicious intent a gift can be considered ill favourable just because the same could not be given in exchange. Gifts are beautiful because they are from someone, and each gift says somethign different about the giver. Just because America bleads money, doesn't mean it's obvious gift of money should be see as a way of asserting ourselves over others, but an embaracing, but otherwise a handy gift. The only implications I feel gifts make are the one assumed by the reciever and those are simply their own crosses to bear so to speak. I'm not going to cry myself to sleep because someone else can't think of a more badass present than mine was.

what time is it in ethiopian time?

2b) If you are from another cultural background than most of the students around you, briefly describe any differences or similarities you notice between your own notion and approach to time and those that are dominant here.

My father was born in Ethiopia and also lived in Greece for a while. Whenever we get together with the Ethiopian side of the family we never meet up at a definite time. They may say they are coming over at 1pm and they might not arrive until 5 or 6pm. My mom has taught my father to be on time more often. In the United States, if you say something starts at a certain time, or you are going to be somewhere at this hour, it is expected. Their perception of time is much different than what is 'acceptable' here. I have no problem with it, but it bothers my mother!