This has been bugging me for a while...

I am sick and tired of seeing ads on TV that portray women in an inferior way. 

Offender #1: Twix.  If I have to see one more commercial that paints a woman as an uptight idiot, I am going to formally complain to the company.  In fact, I might just formally complain anyway.

Offender #2: Go Daddy.  This is the worst because there is a woman spokesperson who is belittling her own gender.  All Go Daddy does is use porn stars and sports to promote web hosting.  It's sick and degrading. 

And it's not just TV ads.  It's movie promos as well.  The worst offender right now is Katherine Heigl's new movie.  First of all, she's done this before.  She makes movie after movie that portrays women to be prey and fodder for low brow and perverted men.  This movie is going to be released and just like her past few movies she's going to condemn it for being degrading to women.  Why sign on to do the movie if you don't like the message it sends?  It's asinine.  Also, this new movie portrays itself as being a how-to guide for getting men.  News Flash! There isn't really much of a difference between men and women.  It's all TV and Movie lies to make both sexes feel insecure and confused so that we will go see their dumb movies and watch their shallow TV shows.

Ok, I'm done.  I've run out of anger.  I feel better now.

When is creativity a cry for attention?

When does free-spiritedness and creativity turn into a cry for attention?

I think of myself as a creative person.  I like to write short stories and poetry.  I love learning about the past.  I love speculating about the significance of historical finds and technological innovations.  I enjoy clothes that I feel are unique and help give strangers a glimpse into my creative side.  And I love having healthy debates, that usually borderline on the absurd and fantastic, about topics that I find interesting and important.  But when does a person’s creative side turn into an incessant need for attention?  When does a person’s free-spirit attitude borderline on being psychotic?  If you ask me, it’s a very fine line that some people teeter on every single day of their lives.

For example, clothes.  I usually shop at some stores in the mall, or if I’m in a rush and just need a freshened up wardrobe, I grab a few new shirts at Wal-Mart or Target.  Sometimes I’ll alter a piece or two, but it usually consists of just adding a cluster of buttons to a shirt to give is a little personal flare.  But what honestly possesses people to dress like Lady Gaga or an animal?  What is seriously going on in someone’s head that they think leotards, no pants, and a bra with a fur coat is really appropriate to wear…ever?  There is a very fine line between dressing to make yourself look and feel good and dressing to get people to look at you.  Some people dress in a way that doesn’t inspire others to be fashionable or creative, but rather, young women look at someone like Lady Gaga and think ‘If that’s what it takes to get attention, then so be it.’  It’s unhealthy.  And, to be honest, the clothes are just downright ugly.  Some people might think that if the clothes are ugly it will amplify the person’s beauty, it doesn’t.  It makes you look ugly, too.

The same applies to people who dress a certain way to fit in with their friends or a certain subculture.  When I see someone dressed like a vampire, Goth, punk, etc.  I don’t think they are a unique individual, but rather, I see a person who is in the throws of low self-concept and an identity crisis.  When someone thinks they have to dress outlandishly, like wearing rabbit ears when it’s not Easter, to me that says that person doesn’t think there is anything unique about their personality so they make up for it with crazy clothes.  They try to create an image of uniqueness instead of taking an honest look in the mirror to see themselves for who they really are, which is a beautifully unique individual.

And what about people who confuse free-spiritedness with being completely creepy and weird.  The one area I have the most concern with is people who think it’s okay to tell perfect strangers their intimate life details.  This is how you know you have a problem.  If you are in a checkout line at the grocery store and you decide to stray from the routine conversation, i.e. the weather or traffic, and instead you feel compelled to tell the person behind you that you were molested as a child or that your father was an alcoholic, then you have a problem.  Instances similar to this have happened to me on several occasions.  These are things you should be discussing with a trained therapist, not with me in the middle of Costco.

There isn’t much else I can say on the subject.  I just think it would be worthwhile to say that as a person you shouldn’t feel obligated to be an open book, nor should you ever think that your personality is tethered to your outward appearance.  You don’t have to look a certain way to act a certain way.  That’s called labeling and it’s harmful to a person on so many levels.  Just remember to be truly honest to yourself – I promise it’s much better to live in reality with everyone else than to be stuck in some fantasy world that doesn’t exist.  You might wake up one day and realize your finally ready to face real life, only to find that your time has run out.  You don’t want to run out of time.  Despite what you may have heard, consciousness is not cyclical.  You won’t get a second chance.

THE Book Everyone Should Own

A few years ago, while browsing lazily through the stacks at Borders, I came across a book that looked to be serene and unassuming.  The cover was painted in shades of grey with shadowed, smooth pebbles - very Zen, I thought.  And I was right.  The book was the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing) by Stephen Mitchell.  It is the book that every person should have in their possession.  If I can, I'll try to explain the best way I can.

This is the main book of Taoism, which is an ancient Chinese religion.  It is unpretentious and simplistic, yet at the same time so complex and intimidating.  When you read the neatly written poems quietly to yourself, you feel a sense of calmness and understanding, almost like the world finally makes sense, but if you had to explain what you just read to another person, it would be near impossible.  You can try, but it would never be the same as allowing the person to read the poem themself.

The book is anthropologically succint.  It is truthful.  It doesn't try to force a person to act and feel contradictory to human nature, yet it inspires one to be a better person, a smarter person, a more efficient and productive person. To get the best out of life, but recognizing and accepting life for what it is.  This book may not change your life overnight, it may never change it at all, but what it will do is embed itself into your subconcious.  It will awaken your mind to the reality of life and the universe.  It will make you aware of what purity of body and mind really means.

That's the best I can explain it.  It would be the perfect supplement to anyone's library and life.  I really encourage you all to give it a try.  I've found that I love the Mitchell translation for its clearness and brevity, but there is an online version here: http://www.sacred-texts.com/tao/taote.htm

Top Five Cartoons and Their Creators

I love cartoons.  Even though I am in my twenties and have an above average intelligence, it warms my heart to watch my favorite animated shows.  The best laughs and the deepest thoughts I've ever had have occurred while watching cartoons.  Here are my top five:

(1) South Park created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.  For those of you who have never given South Park a chance, I urge you to watch it.  If you take away the swearing and crude humor, you are left with one of the freshest, most thought-provoking shows on television today. 

(2) Metalocalypse created by Brendan Small, also the creator of Home Movies.  These are two of the best cartoons ever, and demonstrate the genius and range of their creator Brendan Small.  He may not be as famous as my number 4 choice but I would argue that he is just as, if not more, talented.

(3) The Venture Bros. by Christopher McCulloch.  This show lampoons old school cartoons like Johnny Quest.  Its characters are unique and leave a lasting impression, plus they get extra points for having Patrick Warburton, you know, Elaine's boyfriend from Seinfeld.

(4) Family Guy and American Dad by Seth MacFarlane.  I am adding Seth MacFarlane not because of his two wildly popular shows but because he has had stints as a writer on several of my most favorite cartoons, including Johnny Bravo, Dexter's Laboratory, and Cow & Chicken. 

(5) King of the Hill co-created by Mike Judge.  This show is in it's 13th season and is funnier than I think one would expect, in fact, I didn't realize how funny it was until I started watching it in re-runs.  The best part is that Mike Judge created one of the most controversial shows of the '90s, Beavis and Butthead.

Well, that's my top five.  Now I would like to list, in no particular order, all of the other cartoons that I also love.

The Simpsons

Futurama

The Boondocks

Aqua Teen Hunger Force

The Brak Show

Space Ghost Coast to Coast

Frisky Dingo

Harvey Birdman

Sealab 2021

Squidbillies

Ed, Edd n Eddy

Animaniacs

The Tick

Freakazoid

Mission Hill

Tiny Toons

Rugrats

Spongebob Squarepants

Courage the Cowardly Dog

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

Fosters Home for Imaginary Pets

The Fairly Oddparents

The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack

And in the category of stop-animation:

Robot Chicken

Moral Orel

Kablaam!

Gumby

I'm sure there are some that I am forgetting but now that I see them all listed like this, I think I need to find a new hobby.

Seven Steps to Healthy Eating

I am tired of so many people telling you what the best foods are to eat.  Just today I saw a headline telling people what not to eat when going to the movies.  Now, I've never been overweight, so I don't know what it feels like to be overweight, but I do know that many women who think that they are overweight are dead wrong.  So here are my tips:

1. Veggies.  Always portion veggies into your meal. And veggies should always outweigh the meat portion on the plate.  Raw fresh veggies are best, but you can have canned veggies as well, but make sure they are low sodium.  You can deep fry your veggies but you have to make sure you are using healthy oils and good batter.

2. Meat should be lean and all natural if you can manage it.  If you are having potatoes with your meat always make sure that the potato portion is smaller than the meat portion.  Your plate should be 50% veggies, 30% meat, and 20% potato, that is if you're having all three.  It should never be half and half though if there are two items; don't be afraid to leave some of the plate empty.

3. This might be the most important step.  No one ever thinks about measuring.  Now I don't mean with a measuring cup.  If you usually use a large dinner plate, instead use a small salad plate.  Then give yourself a 'scoop' limit.  Use a normal serving spoon, and then dish it out.  Also don't pile up your food, your plate should never look like a mountain range.

4. Chew your food! I know people always talk about this but it's true.  If you take your time and chew thoughtfully and pace yourself you will eat less.  This slow down gives your body time to react to the food in your stomach.  Too many people eat too fast and that causes a plethora of problems, from your stomach down. 

5. If you are prone to snacking, substitute unhealthy snakes with fresh cut veggies or you can have half a can of veggies.  Fruit is also great, as well as yogurt, or a bowl of healthy cereal.  I, myself, am quite partial to buttery club crackers or poptarts if I want something sweet.

6. I know people love fast food, but it might be better for people to have french fries or hamburgers at home.  In fact, I know that veggie burgers have gotten a bad name in the past, but they have come a long way, and are amazing.  It's also okay to deep fry potato strips at home.  I've had some fries cooked in healthy oils and they are really wonderful and crunchy.

7. Eating a salad or drinking a glass of water before a meal can also cut back on intake if you are an over eater.  Also if you eat and feel hungry later, then instead of eating three meals a day, then eat six smaller meals a day.  Usually people eat more when they are really hungry so if you stave the hunger pangs off and eat more in a routine pattern then you will train your stomach to eat in a different way and it will make you healthier over all.

That's all I can think of for now as far as tips are concerned but this is what I want people to remember.  Diet does not have to mean starving or depriving yourself, or counting calories.  A diet really means the foods you eat on a daily basis.  You need to recognize the foods that are the unhealthiest in your kitchen and find the healthier substitute for it.  Also if you eat healthy all day, then give yourself a break, have some ice cream or some cheese cake.  Beating yourself up over food is only going to make food an enemy and it's not an enemy, you need food, so you better learn to get along with it.

Also, remember that most of the people on diets don't have to be on diets in the first place.  If you eat healthy and get daily activity, then your body will slowly and surely improve.  Plus you should also put things in perspective.  Do you know how big a human stomach is? Not very.  Maybe looking up an actual size image of your stomach might put things in better perspective for some people.  It might take a while but it will change and it will be for the better.  The best tip I can give is to be realistic and be patient.  It is really true that good things happen to people who wait.  Good luck, everyone.

In Opposition to Puppy Mills

I have a confession to make - my terrier came from a Puppy Mill.  I'm not proud of it, they are despicable places, but I do love my dog and I'm glad that I was able to rescue her from such an awful place.  I'm also glad that I was able to see what a Puppy Mill looks like in person, for myself, because now I can truly say that they are horrible, inhumane places.

When I was 17, I wanted a dog for my birthday.  Our Beagle, Zeus (who passed away this January), needed a friend and he wasn't getting any younger.  At this time Zeus was not neutered, but since he was having prostate problems we had decided to get it done at the beginning of the summer, after my birthday.  Now, talking my parents into letting me get another dog was not an easy task and when they decided to let me, I was thrilled.  The first place we went was the SPCA of York County, Pennsylvania.  We went and looked at the available dogs and, bless their hearts, there were two Beagles, a girl pup and old boy, who just looked like they deserved to come home with us.  I asked my mom if she would consider adopting both of the Beagles, because after all, the older dog looked like he didn't have many years left in him and I knew we both would hate to see the old boy die in a cage or be killed because no one wanted him.  She said she would definitely do it.  We then went to the desk and told the people that we were considering the two Beagles.  They asked us to fill out the forms.  When they got the forms back they told us that we couldn't have the female until she was spayed and that could take three months or more, and the same for the male, and further more we couldn't even have the female because our dog wasn't neutered yet.  We told them that we were planning on getting Zeus neutered in the coming month and that we would even be willing to foot the bill and arrange to have the other two dogs spayed and neutered, as well, by our personal veterinarian.  But they said that they couldn't allow that, that it was against the rules.  I couldn't believe it!  We wanted the dogs and we were willing to pay for the surgeries and they still said no. 

Unfortunately, I was 17 and I didn't want to wait for three or more months for a dog.  Not to mention my parents and I were made to feel as though we were guilty of cruelty to animals because we had a kennel we used to put Zeus in outside.  The only thing we used the kennel for was to put him outside if it was nice day, especially if we were going away for a few hours and didn't want him cooped up in the house, or we locked him up if he happened to roll around in something disgusting and he was waiting for a bath, otherwise he was free to roam around the yard as he pleased.  The kennel even had a dog house with a heat lamp in it.  That dog was treated better than most children and the SPCA made us out to be animal-beaters just because we had a kennel.  So, we decided to look elsewhere.  Still, to this day, I remember the looks of those two Beagles in that cage.  They were so happy to have someone come to visit them.  I don't know if they ever got adopted or if they were eventually both put down.  Either fate was possible.

So after a few weeks, my father announced to me that he saw an ad in the merchandiser, and had arranged for us to go see some dogs at another kennel.  It was all the way down in Peach Bottom, which was almost a two hour drive.  When we showed up it looked like a normal farm, and it looked clean, but you could already hear the dogs barking from the roadway.  The woman who owned the place asked what we were looking for and we told her that we weren't sure, so she decided to take us into the barn first.  The barn is where they kept all of the higher priced puppies, small and pure bred, they were put into horse stables, in dozens, and had toys and pine chips to sleep on.  They looked healthy and happy.  But these dogs cost around a thousand dollars or more and no way my dad was paying that, so we went to look at the kennels outside.  It was appalling.  Whatever thoughts I had about this being a nice, clean place were quickly squashed.  It was horrific.  Large dogs, different types of Labradors and Boxers, were put in large sized rabbit hutches, two, three at a time.  The medium-sized dogs in groups of fives and sixes.  They barely had room to walk around, let alone lay down to sleep properly.  The smell of feces and urine permeated the air.  And the smaller dogs, different types of terriers and schnauzers were put into cages by the dozens.  Most cages were single rowed but some were stacked on top of others.  These dogs were walking on filth and were helpless looking, their food was indiscernible from the mess and the water was dirty.  It broke my heart.  I felt as though I could have taken that woman and locked her in one of those hutches, to let her stew in her own filth and drink dirty water, to be bitten by starving, skittish little dogs, for treating animals this way.  It was absolutely monstrous.  I thought this was a disgusting, inhumane place, and I knew I had to rescue a dog from this hell-hole, and at the same time I was disgusted with myself for doing so because I knew I was funding the exploitation, but it needed to be done.  We chose a cute little female Jack Russell from on the pens, and  I called her Lola.  She's about seven years old now.

She sat under my feet the whole ride home and stuffed herself under the front seat because she was scared.  Right away she had problems.  She wasn't house broken, but caught on quick and it took a year or so to break her of the nervous habit of peeing when she got excited.  We had her spayed as soon as possible, and at her first check-up we found out that she had "kennel cough."  Kennel cough is when a dog has a parasite growing in its lungs.  Lola used to cough up and then chew and swallow pieces of this parasite.  It was disgusting to listen to.  She also, to this day, refuses to eat standing at her bowl.  In the hutch that she shared with the other dogs she would have to grab as much food as she could and go somewhere else with it.  That's what she does.  She would get a mouthful and take it to her pillow, away from Zeus.  Now, that Zeus is gone, she still does it.  The only time she doesn't is if it's special food like Mighty Dog or if she's lucky enough to get a scrap of meat in her dog dish, then she'll stay put.  If it's kibble, she takes it somewhere else.  It also was hard on her to adjust to car rides.  At first she kept getting car sick and throwing up, but now she loves to stick her head out the window and can even take a nap on the passenger seat without getting sick.  In the beginning, it was obvious that she didn't know how to play nicely, and she still doesn't, and she still gets very testy towards our cats.  Now she even gets territorial about the beds.  If she's in my bed and a cat jumps up she flies into a fit of growling.  But I just put her under the covers and she calms down.  She's adjusted pretty well, for having been raised in such a horrid place, but she has a look about her that suggests she'll never get over it, and I'm reminded of where she comes from every time she takes a mouth full of kibble under the kitchen table.

The thing that hurts the most is to know that other dogs from that Mill weren't as lucky.  And the worst part is that Pennsylvania, where I live, is the state with the most Puppy Mills, and yet we condone, legalize, and regulate the horrid exploitation of animals.  Even though there have been laws passed limiting the number of kennels a person can have and regulating the sizes of said kennels and outlawing their stacking, it hasn't done any good.  Puppy Mills should be illegal altogether.  There's absolutely no need for animals to be bred in such a manner, and the business of selling animals for profit is tantamount to harvesting organs or selling children.  It's one thing if a person decides to breed their dog one or twice before getting it spayed or neutered, and selling them for a reasonable price, but there should be laws on how high those prices can be and limits on how many times a dog can be bred.  As for pet shops, they shouldn't be allowed to sell dogs (or cats), but rather should be obligated to work in tandem with the SPCA to adopt as many animals out as the can.  Right out of high school, I worked for PetSmart and I know for a fact that they only adopt cats out through the SPCA, and host local shelters for the adoption of dogs.  This proved that it can be done and the selling of dogs is unnecessary.

I also feel that the SPCA needs to change some of it's rules and regulations when it comes to adopting animals to good homes.  I have a large yard and lot of love, those Beagles would have been in heaven with me.  And there are a lot of people who can say the same thing.  I think the problem lies in the fact that the SPCA lacks follow up.  If you were to bind a person to contract that is backed up by the local authorities (many areas have animal cruelty divisions), then many more animals could find good homes.  If a family is willing to spay or neuter the animal then it should be allowed to go home with that family as soon as possible and the family should have a six week period where they must get the animal spayed or neutered and receive its shots(or within six weeks of the animal being old enough to do so).  If these requirements are not met, then the animals will be removed.  A way to make sure that the surgery is completed in a legitimate way and not forged would be to have veterinarians in the state be responsible for calling the shelter personally and faxing all of the necessary forms directly to the shelter.  There is no need for animals to have to euthanized while in the care of the SPCA.  These deaths are avoidable and the SPCA should be working towards minimizing the number of healthy animals being euthanized.  Most importantly, the SPCA shouldn't have to do this all by itself, the families of the adopted pets and the local veterinarians should all be willing to do their part to ensure that these animals are protected, and should always hold up their end of the agreement.  Anyone who truly loves animals would be willing to do so, and will always make time to make and keep appointments pertaining to their pet.

As for Puppy Mills, I already said that they should be made illegal.  And the legal definition of what makes a Puppy Mill should be more clearly defined.  Personal breeders will also be restricted to no more than three litters at a time, and a Puppy Mill would be defined as any breeder with more than three litters on their property.  All breeders would be obligated to register their dogs with the AKC and the State.  Failure to do so will result in massive fines and in some cases seizure of dogs as property.  Also all of the Puppy Mills (property included) that are shut down should be given to the care of the SPCA,  especially the cases in which the number of animals on the property are too great for the SPCA to take into their established facilities and would result in unnecessary deaths.  The breeders who own the Puppy Mill will be able to stay on as a care taker for the animals and will be able to facilitate in the adoption of the animals, but will not be allowed to profit off the adoption of the animals and can only charge the necessary amount for the upkeep and care of the animals, a price that will be determined by the State.  If the breeder wishes to not stay on as a caretaker then they will have to forfeit the property on which the Mill resides to the State temporarily until the animals are assessed and determined fit for adoption, and then until the animals are all safely moved to shelters or are adopted out from the seized property will the residence be given back to the owner.  As for the medical care of the animals, veterinarians will be urged to volunteer their services (but not required), to either house or treat the animals temporarily or to help find them homes.  Government assistance should be given to those veterinarians who are willing to do so.  Also private families will be able to take in animals from Mills on a temporary foster basis and should be allowed to assist in the placement of these animals in proper homes.  Of course high risk animals will not be placed in homes with children or personal pets, because these animals usually require special treatment.  High risk animals would be those animals that have been abused or exhibit aggressive behavior.  Families who choose to foster animals will also be paid a small government stipend to pay for the cost of food.  No more than three animals will be allowed to a household.

My belief is that these amendments to rules and regulations are not too much to ask and if everyone in the community who consider themselves "animal lovers" would be more than willing to follow these changes.  People who run Puppy Mills are not animal lovers and only see these poor creatures as a commodity that can help them turn a profit.  It is consumerism to the most heinous degree and there is no reason why animals should be tortured in this manner.  It's unhealthy and unconscionable and must be stopped.

Happy Holidays!

I know I have a bad habit of always being a day late and a dollar short, but all of this Christmas crap has got me to thinking. 

Every year, and I mean every year, all of the talk show pundits (who are usually the most closeminded and uninformed of all people) start harping on and on about there being a "WAR ON CHRISTMAS."

There is no such thing as a "War on Christmas."  No one cares if you celebrate Christmas or not.  No one.  Celebrate it all you want.  Just because some people choose to be inclusive and considerate by saying 'Happy Holidays' doesn't mean that they are trying to eradicate Christmas.  All they are trying to do is be nice.  People who say 'Happy Holidays' recognize and accept the fact that Christmas is not the only winter holiday and that some people might actually be sick of hearing 'Merry Christmas' when they don't celebrate it. 

Also, it's irritating when people who refuse to acknowledge other winter holidays get self-righteous and offended when people say 'Happy Holidays' to them.  As if Christmas were the only real holiday or the only one that should matter to anyone.  It's ignorant and rude and they should be ashamed of themselves.

My advice would be to get over yourself and accept the fact that there is diversity and culture in this world, because it's never going to go away.

Men Were Sluts First

Let's talk about sluts.

Ever since I was a wee 'tween I have been assaulted by popstars who have been trying to tell me that since men are allowed to be promiscuous that women should go right ahead and follow suit.  I have a lot of problems with this.

First of all, promiscuous men are the minority of men.  They are the lowest of men.  They are the ones who cheat and have insatiable egos and believe that they are entitled to whatever they please.  They are also the men most likely to be abusive and controlling.  Why I ask should women aspire to be as low as they are?  I think it's appalling.  Secondly, if women have such a huge problem with men being promiscuous, why don't they do something about it, like, I don't know, encourage other women not to have sex with these horrible men?  I mean, come on, the only reason men get this reputation in the first place is because there are too many women with no standards who believe that they deserve nothing but the crap they are dealt in life.  Also, any good man should be pissed off and fuming.  Bad men ruin good women and it makes it harder for them to trust any man, especially the good ones.   

Women need to have more selectivity in who they date.  They also need to understand that there is a difference between love and sex.  Sex is an act that will last a few minutes (if you're lucky) and usually ends with one person being more satisfied than the other.  Love is an emotional attachment and intimate relationship that involves, among other things, sex.  This sex, however, is unselfish sex that leaves both parties happy.  What is "unselfish" sex, you may be wondering?  It's when two people, rather than trying to have an orgasm for themself, are trying to sexually satisfy their partner.  It ceases to be about the individual and starts to be about the couple. 

Here's another point I'd like to make.  It is not in the nature of humans to be either monogamous or polygamous, these are learned behaviors.  They reflect your wolrdview and your values.  But there is nothing wrong with either of them, because here's the catch.  Polygamy is relationships between three or more consenting people.  This means that everyone knows about everyone else and they all approve; if they don't approve, they leave the relationship.  Cheating is not practicing polygamy.  I'm tired of people trying to say that they are polygamists and not cheaters.  In an affair, there are three or more people involved, and the partners involved do not consent to the situation.

And another thing.  If you have children, talk to them honestly about sex.  Get sex ed books for everyone involved.  If you can't be honest about sex with your kids then they are going to get sex ed from school and we all know that not all schools teach realistic sex ed courses.  You need to impress upon your children that sex should not be used as a means to become popular, or to get a person to like them back.  You need to tell your kids that the likelyhood of pregnancy exponentially increases with every time they have sex.  You also need to impress upon them that women are more likely to contract STD's and Virus's than men, especially diseases that can result in sterility.  Parents of young men also need to stress the importance of respecting women.  If men think of women as material objects or property, then they are more likely to abuse and violate women. 

Most importantly, I'd like to point out that as a nation we act as though we are completely healthy in our sexual practices.  That because we are a majority Christian nation that we have nothing to worry about.  This is not true.  This is a national facade.  Keeping up appearances.  In reality, sex is an individually learned action fueled by emotion.  If you are taught negatively and falsely about sex then you are more likely to not take the act responsilby, but if you are taught about it honestly and accurately, you're behaviors are going to be more responsible.  People need to just be realistic about sex.  It's fun, it's pleasing, it's the best part of a relationship.  It's not a substitute for self esteem, nor should it be a means of validation.  However, there is not a national solution to fixing this decline in rational behavior.  It is something that needs to be taken care of at an individual level.  And there are many more factors that go into than just learned environmental behaviors.  Every aspect of your life affects how you perceive sex and love.

The only thing we can hope is that these people who are empty and unfulfilled will grow to realize that sex cannot substitute self image, and that just because there is a double standard it doesn't need to be corrected.  I believe that this is one area where men and women don't been to be equals, especially if being equal means lowering one's standards.

What's Wrong With People?

I've realized something recently that I'd like to get some feedback on. 

There seems to me to be a growing number of people who lack a social filter.  That part of the brain that tells you when someone is a stranger and you shouldn't tell them intimate details about your private life seems to be non-existent in some people.  It honestly feels like some people can't tell the difference between a person who is a friend, an acquaintance, or a complete stranger in the grocery store. 

There could be a few reasons for this: (1) It could be that people just lack basic etiquette; (2) or that some people just don't care even though they have etiquette; (3) today's people could be mentally and emotionally more damaged than previous decades; (4) or people could be at a point where they no longer seek real relationships built on trust and quite frankly don't know how to act appropriately towards any other human beings.

What does anyone else think?  Have you ever encountered one of those people who want to tell you their whole life story?  Or about a very intimate detail of their life that is something they shouldn't be telling random people on the street?