What is wrong with people? OK, maybe that is unfair, but if your family member inadvertently was buried with someone else's belongings, would you really feel the need to exhume him or her to have it removed from the coffin if it was something that could easily be replaced? Apparently some do.
When 76-year old Mr. Manis from Tennessee died a couple of weeks ago, his room mate's dentures were placed with his personal belongings that were given to the family. These were in turn placed in a box in Mr. Manis' coffin when he was buried. Obviously I can understand the other patient whose dentures were buried, wanting a new set, and I can see wanting to remove the wrong dentures from the coffin if they were placed in Mr. Manis' mouth, but I have a hard time finding any reason why the family cannot find closure with these dentures in a box, until the hospital pays to have him exhumed to have them removed. Maybe I'm cold hearted, but all I can think is gold diggers wanting to sue for something to claim "pain and suffering"....but that is after all the American way.
You can read the whole article about this mishap in The Star.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tourist Left Behind on Great Barrier Reef
Summer is here, so I guess this is the season for freaky tourist stories. We have probably all at one time or another been through loosing a camera, leaving a credit card behind, or misplacing travel documents. All very irritating, and some times costly mistakes. Even more irritating are the times when flights and hotels are overbooked, causing delays or having to travel alternate routes, but we live through those with ease; or should at least.
Much worse, is having to deal with getting sick, or having sick children in a foreign country, having to treat in not so desirable medical facilities and hoping that the treating doctor actually went to medical school. Or God forbid, getting arrested in some remote location for something you had no idea was illegal.
Traveling on a cruise? Then CruiseJunkie.com is worth visiting, listing quite a few events tourists have encountered over the years, some quite helpful even if not on a cruise.
However, the winner of the best story (or worst...) so far this year, I have to say is Ian Cole. The 28 year old from Michigan went snorkeling near the Great Barrier Reef, and surfaced only to find the tourist boat had left him behind. Luckily the story has a happy ending, but I can just imagine his moments of panic!! This is why I only snorkel where I can stand...or at least swim to land. You can read more about Ian's adventure here.
Hope you all have a safe and happy summer!
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| Photo by Digitalart/FreeDigitialPhotos.net |
Much worse, is having to deal with getting sick, or having sick children in a foreign country, having to treat in not so desirable medical facilities and hoping that the treating doctor actually went to medical school. Or God forbid, getting arrested in some remote location for something you had no idea was illegal.
Traveling on a cruise? Then CruiseJunkie.com is worth visiting, listing quite a few events tourists have encountered over the years, some quite helpful even if not on a cruise.
However, the winner of the best story (or worst...) so far this year, I have to say is Ian Cole. The 28 year old from Michigan went snorkeling near the Great Barrier Reef, and surfaced only to find the tourist boat had left him behind. Luckily the story has a happy ending, but I can just imagine his moments of panic!! This is why I only snorkel where I can stand...or at least swim to land. You can read more about Ian's adventure here.
Hope you all have a safe and happy summer!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Why Men Don't Have a Clue & Women Always Need More Shoes
I keep adding to my summer reading list. Hopefully I will have time to actually read a whole book soon. But this one is definitely going on my list: Why Men Don't Have a Clue & Women Always Need More Shoes. Relationship issues and differences between men and women explained quite well.
"Men and women call each other the "opposite sex" for the same reason - they are opposites. Both men and women have assumptions that they understand each other. However, women have a different way of looking at things compared to men. Having one-track minds, men tend to think in boxes. This means that although men are able to hear the complaints of their wives, they can only process and provide one solution at a time. Focusing on a relationship is not a natural part of the male psyche. In fact, there are times when men just don't try at all, or they give up too early because they find the way women think too complex. Still, this does not mean that men do not aspire for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. For men, preparation is the key. Women also have to stop assuming that a man automatically understands her because he loves her."
Women do not see themselves as naggers, they are merely reminding the men in their lives of things they have neglected to do... And why do women make better naggers? According to the authors, "Women's brains are wired for communication, more so than men. That's why women feel that men never say anything, and men feel that women never seem to shut up. The female brain is organized for multi-tracking. This means that women can do 4 to 5 different things at the same time, and can be very detailed about each item. It's typical to see a young mom, anywhere on the planet, holding a baby, while cooking dinner, while talking on the phone to her mother, and writing out a check for a utility, all at the same time!
Men can only concentrate on one thing at a time." Of course it also goes on to explain why nagging never works, but that's a different story.
The book also offers solutions to the mysteries about men, such as why men avoid commitment. Again, according to the authors, "The problem with men is that they do not know that they are in a relationship unless they are told so. Women expect men to be committed after they've gone out together a few times. Men, on the other hand, say, "We are just friends." So girls, if you want to hold on to your man, you better tell him he is all yours.
The list of what turns men and women on are included, as well as answers to why women cry and the danger of emotional blackmail.
Bottom line is, none of us are perfect, but this one might add some insight to how we can get along.
"Men and women call each other the "opposite sex" for the same reason - they are opposites. Both men and women have assumptions that they understand each other. However, women have a different way of looking at things compared to men. Having one-track minds, men tend to think in boxes. This means that although men are able to hear the complaints of their wives, they can only process and provide one solution at a time. Focusing on a relationship is not a natural part of the male psyche. In fact, there are times when men just don't try at all, or they give up too early because they find the way women think too complex. Still, this does not mean that men do not aspire for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. For men, preparation is the key. Women also have to stop assuming that a man automatically understands her because he loves her."
Women do not see themselves as naggers, they are merely reminding the men in their lives of things they have neglected to do... And why do women make better naggers? According to the authors, "Women's brains are wired for communication, more so than men. That's why women feel that men never say anything, and men feel that women never seem to shut up. The female brain is organized for multi-tracking. This means that women can do 4 to 5 different things at the same time, and can be very detailed about each item. It's typical to see a young mom, anywhere on the planet, holding a baby, while cooking dinner, while talking on the phone to her mother, and writing out a check for a utility, all at the same time!
Male brains, on the other hand, are organized for mono-tracking.
Men can only concentrate on one thing at a time." Of course it also goes on to explain why nagging never works, but that's a different story.
The book also offers solutions to the mysteries about men, such as why men avoid commitment. Again, according to the authors, "The problem with men is that they do not know that they are in a relationship unless they are told so. Women expect men to be committed after they've gone out together a few times. Men, on the other hand, say, "We are just friends." So girls, if you want to hold on to your man, you better tell him he is all yours.
The list of what turns men and women on are included, as well as answers to why women cry and the danger of emotional blackmail.
Bottom line is, none of us are perfect, but this one might add some insight to how we can get along.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Meaning To Life
Often it is easy to just wallow in ones sorrow; feel sorry for oneself and wonder why things don't go the way they were supposed to. Especially in these trying economic times, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has posed the "Why me?" question more often, and wondered when my knight in shining armor is coming to save me.
But lets face it. My life is my responsibility, and my choices, good or bad, are the deciding factors of my happiness. Having had parents who mistakenly thought I was smart enough to make good decisions about my future as a teenager, I have often said, "if they would have just pushed me more, my life would have turned out very different." However, bottom line is that because of the choices I made, I have had great experiences, met wonderful people, seen some beautiful places, and feel like I really have lived.
Could I have done things differently? Of course. Financially it would probably have been smarter to buy the house we had saved for instead of using the down payment on an awesome vacation. But I wouldn't have gotten to see all the places I did, nor meet some of the people that later have become really close friends. And all the great memories will live with me forever.
Career wise, I definitely should have stayed in school when I got married, rather than taking a lower paying job instead of living on student loans for a couple of years. But by doing so I learned a new trade, got trained by the best, and excelled in a line of work I never would have pictured myself in.
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| Photo by Simon Howden/FreeDigitialPhotos.net |
In hindsight I can find many examples of things I could have done differently, situations I should have handled better etc., but every choice I made, every experience I have had, every person I have met, and every place I have visited have all been part of defining my life. Being at the halfway point of my life, I have to say I have had a good life so far. Point is, it is far from over, and I have far from defined the rest of my life.
I read this great saying today: "You don't go to find meaning in life, you bring meaning to your life. Meaning isn't something out there waiting for you to discover. The meaning of your life is what you infuse it with - beauty or ugliness, happiness or sadness. It is totally your choice."
So there it is. Make your life be exactly what you want it to be. It is your choice. While weathering a few storms, I still choose to be happy, surround myself with great friends and positive people, and continuously look forward to new opportunities.
When times are tough and it's hard to see how life will ever improve, surround yourself with good friends, because "friends are angles who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly".
Wishing you all a great week!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Dating Site Spends $100,000 to Remove 30,000 "Ugly" Members
As internet dating continues to gain popularity, some sites apparently see it fit to make their member list more exclusive, whether it be for income levels, education, religion, age or looks.
BeautifulPeople.com is one, where members ruthlessly select new members and exclude those who do not match their definition of beautiful. However, Guardian reports, that last month, they were attacked by a virus, Shrek, that allowed 30,000 new members to gain access that otherwise would not have met their beauty requirements.
A little harsh, but says Greg Hodge, managing director of BeautifulPeople.com "We have to stick to our founding principles of only accepting beautiful people – that's what our members have paid for. We can't just sweep 30,000 ugly people under the carpet." Are you rolling your eyes right along with me?
Sadly, this is not the first time they have pushed their beauty requirements. Last year, they cut another 5,000 members who appeared to have put on weight during Christmas. Again, rolling my eyes!! And how would they know? Do they have to post updated pictures weekly?
I find the whole site laughable, because it speaks volumes of the values of its members. Don't get me wrong, I too find looks important. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I truly find that someones personality and values adds or deducts from his/her attractiveness. Even so, I still feel sorry for the members who were booted off the site. Or to quote Hodge again, "for the unfortunate people who were wrongly admitted to the site and believed, albeit for a short time, that they were beautiful".
Guess I'm also cheering for the ones trying to get back on the site. Rachel Godfrey, a 31-year-old Australian nanny living in LA, said she received an email telling her she was rejected two weeks after being accepted. "I was getting on really well with this American guy and we were going to go on a date and then they said I'd been chucked off and they locked me out of the site," she said. "Now I can't get in touch with him."
Godfrey said she is planning to have a makeover and professional photo shoot before reapplying to the website. "What if he's the one? This is only way I'll be able to get in touch with him," she said. "If that doesn't work I'll see what I can do with Photoshop." You go girl! Post those pictures that look nothing like yourself. Especially during Christmas.
Contemplating trying internet dating? Not so beautiful? Then an alternative is the NotSoBeautifulPeople.com , "a dating community of average folks, a place where you can relax, be yourself and never worry about being judged by the hot people." Or you can do like me and stick to meeting people the good old fashioned way...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Words of Wisdom
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| Photo by Sura Nualpradid/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
I am strong because I am weak. I am beautiful because I know my flaws. I am a lover because I am a fighter. I am fearless because I have been afraid. I am wise because I have been foolish. And I can laugh because I have known sadness.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Male Brains Aren't Designed to Listen to Female Voices
Do you ever get annoyed that men just tune us out? Well there is apparently a reason they do this, other than than they don't find anything we say interesting. According to an article on StyleCaster, men process female voices differently than they do other men's voices.
I'm pretty sure a man came up with this, but in a study published in the journal NeuroImage, researchers found that there are major differences in the way male and female brains process voice sounds. Different brain regions are activated in men, depending on whether they're hearing a male or female voice.
Apparently, the vibration and number of sound waves in our voice makes it harder for men to decipher what we're saying. When it comes to processing a woman's voice, they use the more complex auditory part of the brain that processes music, not human voices. But the guys in the study could easily hear and understand other men’s voices as speech because that uses a simpler brain mechanism at the back of the brain.
So does that mean that to men we are in an ongoing musical?
I guess next time your man didn't hear a word you said, you don't have to feel bad, because there is a scientific reason for that...still annoying as hell. I think their next study should be how to improve those listening skills and learning to process the words coming out of our mouths - music or not.
I'm pretty sure a man came up with this, but in a study published in the journal NeuroImage, researchers found that there are major differences in the way male and female brains process voice sounds. Different brain regions are activated in men, depending on whether they're hearing a male or female voice.
So does that mean that to men we are in an ongoing musical?
I guess next time your man didn't hear a word you said, you don't have to feel bad, because there is a scientific reason for that...still annoying as hell. I think their next study should be how to improve those listening skills and learning to process the words coming out of our mouths - music or not.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Real Life Superheroes
Did you ever dream of becoming a superhero? Well now you can!
According to Real Life Superheroes, "the same values that make a hero today are the same in the late 1930s when the first comic book superheroes were being invented: trustworthiness, bravery, selflessness, and passion." I guess if you have these qualities, all you need is a cool name and a costume to join them.
This group of everyday, ordinary people, are apparently turning in to superheroes at night, "working to make the world a better place by doing civic activities, charity work, public safety patrols, hospital visits, school talks, distributing wanted and missing person fliers, helping the homeless, community clean-ups, and more. From crime fighting to charity work real life superheroes seek to help make a positive difference in their communities."
What makes them fun, is that they actually dress up as superheroes. Like Phoenix Jones, who wears his costume under his street clothes in case he encounters crime, as he regularly patrols neighborhoods. And he is just one of many.
Is there a Superhero in you? You can read more about the movement, what they do and how to join or support them here.
According to Real Life Superheroes, "the same values that make a hero today are the same in the late 1930s when the first comic book superheroes were being invented: trustworthiness, bravery, selflessness, and passion." I guess if you have these qualities, all you need is a cool name and a costume to join them.
What makes them fun, is that they actually dress up as superheroes. Like Phoenix Jones, who wears his costume under his street clothes in case he encounters crime, as he regularly patrols neighborhoods. And he is just one of many.
Is there a Superhero in you? You can read more about the movement, what they do and how to join or support them here.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The DNA List
Don't we all have those people in our contact list that we only keep there for one reason; so we don't answer when they call? By now there was quite a few of those in my phone, and I finally put them all on a list - DNA - Do Not Answer and gave the list it's own ringtone - "Get Lost".
How did the list get so long? Well, apparently I still have to work on my communication skills... Some seemed nice, and I thought they might be fun to go out with, until I got home and changed my mind. And why go through the awkwardness of explaining why, when you can just ignore the calls? A couple made it through that first date, and I have no desire to go on a second. Others I met at networking events and gave them my business card in hopes of building up my business network, just to get calls asking me out for dinner and dancing.... Again, I could really use that Rosetta Stone class in body language.
So having made my DNA list, I thought it might be fun to categorize the rest of my contact list too. This is what I ended up with:
Have a great weekend!
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| Photo By Renjith Krishnan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
So having made my DNA list, I thought it might be fun to categorize the rest of my contact list too. This is what I ended up with:
- LTTTAT - Love To Talk To Any Time - ringtone "I Want to Talk to You"
- OAWIGM - Only Answer When In Good Mood - ringtone: "Give me strength"
- GC - Great Customer - Ringtone - Cash register sound
- BCSWA - Bitchy Customer Smile When Answer - ringtone "Put a Smile Upon Your Face"
- BFFWSD - BFF, Will Save the Day - ringtone "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" (she's the one who will save me when I think I can still handle Tequila..)
- WTFAB - Will Talk Forever Act Busy - ringtone "Out of Time"
- BDAB! - Boss, Definitely Act Busy! - ringtone "Working 9 to 5"
- FIL - Family Members I like - ringtone "We Are Family"
- FILTA - Family Members I'd Like To Avoid - ringtone "Family Problems"
- NSWTI - Not Sure Who This Is (when I figure it out, he/she will be moved to other category) - Ringtone "Mystery Man"
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Pains of Getting Older
As we get older, there is all kinds of probing and squeezing that seems necessary to keep us healthy. I guess laughing at it, might be the best idea. So here to the tune of Credence Clearwater Revival's "Looking Out My Backdoor" is the musical parody for colon cancer awareness, "Looking Up My Backdoor". Enjoy!
Too Much Money?
I always tell my kids that when you have to work for something, you appreciate it so much more. Probably because I never got anything for free. But just listen; if you work all year, do you not agree that you appreciate your vacation travel more than if you had unlimited money, didn't have to work and could travel all the time?
As a kid, wasn't it the wishing for, but having to wait for that special gift for Christmas, what made it so special?
And didn't the hard work to come up with the down payment on your first home make is so much better to be a home owner?
At 22, most are still struggling and trying to figure out what to do with their lives. But not Petra Ecclestone. who just put down $85Million on a mansion in Los Angeles, earning her a place on Anderson Cooper's "Ridiculist."
OK, so she didn't get it all for free. But she is 22, and this her second home. I admit it, I'm just jealous...
As a kid, wasn't it the wishing for, but having to wait for that special gift for Christmas, what made it so special?
And didn't the hard work to come up with the down payment on your first home make is so much better to be a home owner?
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| Photo by DailyMail.co.uk |
At 22, most are still struggling and trying to figure out what to do with their lives. But not Petra Ecclestone. who just put down $85Million on a mansion in Los Angeles, earning her a place on Anderson Cooper's "Ridiculist."
OK, so she didn't get it all for free. But she is 22, and this her second home. I admit it, I'm just jealous...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Is Texting Cheating?
This is not a new issue, but Anthony Weiner's recent actions has made it quite news worthy lately. So is texting or sexting cheating? I don't think there is an easy answer to that.
Different people have different levels of what is acceptable in a relationship; from completely "open" relationships, where not only texting and sexting is acceptable, but also sexual relations with others, to the very traditional and conservative relationships where everything outside the two involved could be considered cheating. And then of course everything in between. Which level of virtual activity that is acceptable, will vary right along with it.
Without having any more expertise than being a woman and having been in relationships, my opinion is that anything you do in a relationship with regards to relations with other women/men, whether on-line or in person, that you would not reveal to your partner, could be considered cheating.
Is there really a difference between watching porn movies or texting/sexting with someone, as long as the relationship stays completely "virtual"? Both, I guess, are just forms of fantasies, but the big difference is one you watch, the other your are involved in. If you feel comfortable telling your partner about your activity, then in my mind, there is no harm done.
However, failing to be honest about these "relations" can spark the following reaction: "I found out two days ago that my husband had been text messaging and calling a woman he met on a business trip. This has been going on for about 5 months. He swears nothing else happened--that it was just flirting. I feel like I am dying right now. We've had a great marriage and I don't know why he would do something like this."
I actually think most of us would feel like this woman. And after the initial hurt, we would try to figure out what we did wrong for our man to feel the need to do this... But it takes two to tango, and men are obviously not the only ones that engage in texting and sexting. I can't imagine that a man finding out about his wife or girlfriend's "virtual activities" would feel any different about it, if she wasn't honest about it up front.
Back to the Weiner case. Let me first say, I don't condone his actions, but I feel more sorry for his wife for the public humiliation aspect of this than for what he actually did. And I truly find it ridiculous that we expect him to get treatment...?!? Is there actually treatment offered for sexting? If so, when do you reach a level where treatment is necessary?
And last, some, of course, just want to cash in on it all. HeroBuilders.com is now offering an Anthony Weiner action figure. For an extra $10, you can get the Anthony Weiner - Weiner anatomically correct, adult only action figure. But it might work well as a voodoo doll too, should you ever find the need for one.
Different people have different levels of what is acceptable in a relationship; from completely "open" relationships, where not only texting and sexting is acceptable, but also sexual relations with others, to the very traditional and conservative relationships where everything outside the two involved could be considered cheating. And then of course everything in between. Which level of virtual activity that is acceptable, will vary right along with it.
Without having any more expertise than being a woman and having been in relationships, my opinion is that anything you do in a relationship with regards to relations with other women/men, whether on-line or in person, that you would not reveal to your partner, could be considered cheating.
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| Photo by Andy Newson/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Is there really a difference between watching porn movies or texting/sexting with someone, as long as the relationship stays completely "virtual"? Both, I guess, are just forms of fantasies, but the big difference is one you watch, the other your are involved in. If you feel comfortable telling your partner about your activity, then in my mind, there is no harm done.
However, failing to be honest about these "relations" can spark the following reaction: "I found out two days ago that my husband had been text messaging and calling a woman he met on a business trip. This has been going on for about 5 months. He swears nothing else happened--that it was just flirting. I feel like I am dying right now. We've had a great marriage and I don't know why he would do something like this."
I actually think most of us would feel like this woman. And after the initial hurt, we would try to figure out what we did wrong for our man to feel the need to do this... But it takes two to tango, and men are obviously not the only ones that engage in texting and sexting. I can't imagine that a man finding out about his wife or girlfriend's "virtual activities" would feel any different about it, if she wasn't honest about it up front.
Back to the Weiner case. Let me first say, I don't condone his actions, but I feel more sorry for his wife for the public humiliation aspect of this than for what he actually did. And I truly find it ridiculous that we expect him to get treatment...?!? Is there actually treatment offered for sexting? If so, when do you reach a level where treatment is necessary?
And last, some, of course, just want to cash in on it all. HeroBuilders.com is now offering an Anthony Weiner action figure. For an extra $10, you can get the Anthony Weiner - Weiner anatomically correct, adult only action figure. But it might work well as a voodoo doll too, should you ever find the need for one.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Women2Drive
I don't mean to go all feminist on you here, but some issues are important to support.
After IT security consultant Manal al-Sharif posted this video of herself on YouTube, she was arrested and held for 9 days - for driving a car!?!
Friday, women in Saudi Arabia, the only country in the world where women are not allowed to drive, will get behind the wheel and sadly risk arrest for doing so. Support their cause and let the Saudi Arabian officials know the world is watching.
Check out the link for Women2Drive on Facebook for up to date information.
After IT security consultant Manal al-Sharif posted this video of herself on YouTube, she was arrested and held for 9 days - for driving a car!?!
What is so sickening, is that the governments around the world is so afraid to speak out to Saudi Arabia because of their oil. So when the government refuses to speak out, let at least us "commoners" do so!
Check out the link for Women2Drive on Facebook for up to date information.
Here is how you can support them:
- Send a letter to key Saudi Arabian Government Officials (via Feminist Majority Foundation)
- Have a friend take a video of you behind the wheel and honk to show your support for Saudi women! Send your video to honkforsaudiwomen@gmail.com. The videos are posted to their YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/HonkforSaudiWomen.
- Attend the Washington, DC Women’s Drive to Drive Rally at the Saudi Embassy tomorrow, Location: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Time: 12:00-4:00 PM Wednesday, June 15th
Monday, June 13, 2011
Yes to Sluts!
I remember spending a cold night out with my girlfriend, having wine and trying to stay warm at an outdoor bar in town. It was not bad at all, but we had dressed well with boots and jackets, scarfs and gloves, and were enjoying our night and stayed warm, having found a seat close to the fire pit.
But how much fun did we not have making fun of the ones just old enough to be there, dressed in short dresses barely covering their butts, spaghetti straps and strutting all they had trying to get attention from the men. We were laughing as they were shaking trying to hold on to their drinks and smiling with lips that had turned almost blue. Our joke for the night was that no man is worth pneumonia. Pretty sure we labeled them desperate, but I don't recall us thinking that they deserved to be treated worse by any means based on how they dressed.
However, some apparently still do. In January of this year, Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police Officer, made the remarks that in order to avoid being victimized, "women should stop dressing like sluts. "
I am horrified to see that in 2011, in a modern, Western Country, some still have the attitude that women are responsible for not being victimized, rather than men being responsible for not committing rape. And a police officer nonetheless. "No" means "no". I don't care if you are naked and in bed together. "No" means "no".
Luckily I'm far from the only one that finds this attitude ridiculous, and Mr. Sanguinetti's comments have sparked a now worldwide movement of women (and men) protesting the belief that any aspect of a woman's appearance can explain or excuse rape. SlutWalk started in Toronto on April 3rd, and has since spread across Canada, the US, Europe, Australia and now to Mexico as well as some countries in Asia. You can find a listing of past and upcoming events here.
And here is the video from the event in Toronto:
I think I have to pull out some super slutty clothing and join this one when they come to our town! Put the responsibility back where it belongs!
But how much fun did we not have making fun of the ones just old enough to be there, dressed in short dresses barely covering their butts, spaghetti straps and strutting all they had trying to get attention from the men. We were laughing as they were shaking trying to hold on to their drinks and smiling with lips that had turned almost blue. Our joke for the night was that no man is worth pneumonia. Pretty sure we labeled them desperate, but I don't recall us thinking that they deserved to be treated worse by any means based on how they dressed.
However, some apparently still do. In January of this year, Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police Officer, made the remarks that in order to avoid being victimized, "women should stop dressing like sluts. "
I am horrified to see that in 2011, in a modern, Western Country, some still have the attitude that women are responsible for not being victimized, rather than men being responsible for not committing rape. And a police officer nonetheless. "No" means "no". I don't care if you are naked and in bed together. "No" means "no".
Luckily I'm far from the only one that finds this attitude ridiculous, and Mr. Sanguinetti's comments have sparked a now worldwide movement of women (and men) protesting the belief that any aspect of a woman's appearance can explain or excuse rape. SlutWalk started in Toronto on April 3rd, and has since spread across Canada, the US, Europe, Australia and now to Mexico as well as some countries in Asia. You can find a listing of past and upcoming events here.
And here is the video from the event in Toronto:
I think I have to pull out some super slutty clothing and join this one when they come to our town! Put the responsibility back where it belongs!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sex in the Digital Age - No Human Contact Needed?
If you are my age or older, you certainly remember the times before computers and cellphones. Seems like ancient history, doesn't it? And judging by how we all have a need to always be reachable, either via email, social media or phone, and feel almost naked without our cellphones, I sometimes wonder how we ever got by without all our gadgets. I won't say it was the "good ol' days", but it certainly was a much simpler time.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my gadgets, staying in touch with friends and family who are now scattered not only across the country, but all over the world. Texting seems so much easier than actually talking,especially when you just have met, and I will admit I write things in a text that I wold never say out loud, and suspect I'm not the only one.
However, I still enjoy human contact. I want to be surrounded by, talk to, text with, chat with, email with REAL people. That apparently is not an idea shared by everyone.
Yahoo News reports that advances in artificial intelligence, now allows for virtual girlfriends/boyfriends and spouses, and that apparently the group of people interested in such is growing. Sherry Turkle, director of MIT's Initiative on Society and Self said to Innovation News Daily: "I did find people who were interested in artificial boyfriends and girlfriends, in artificial spouses,". "They were not being ironic. They felt that people had failed them. And that a robot would be a safe choice."
In Japan, virtual girlfriends and boyfriends are abound, and are enjoying popularity since its release in 2009. Apparently they also have resorts dedicated to "vacations" with the virtual partners!?!
I'm quite speechless....No I'm not. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Technology is meant to assist us, not replace our real life. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems the younger generation are starting to lack some of the social skills we took for granted. They are less apt to speak to each other, and rather chat online or text. That is one thing, but if that leads to substituting a real life partner for a virtual one, I would say we're in trouble, don't you agree? Where on earth is the pleasure in that?
Obviously with the sex-phone lines and on-line chats that provide the "dirty talk" that are available today, I understand that aspect of a virtual partner being "fun" or interesting. But if we have gotten to a point where we no longer see the need for a real life person to share our lives with, and instead will settle for a fantasy, something is seriously wrong with our society.
When I think of what I like about being in a relationship, the physical presence is too important for me to ever fathom how "dating" a virtual person could ever be satisfying, and I'm not talking about sex. The hugs and kisses, or just a peck on the cheek. Cuddling. Waking up next to the person you love. Holding hands while strolling down the street. Sharing a laugh, or having a shoulder to cry on. Having arguments, and making up. All those things that make a relationship real. I don't care how "artificially intelligent" a virtual boyfriend/girlfriend can be, they can never provide those things. So how can that be satisfying for anyone?
Didn't I already say in an earlier post that our kissing averages were way too low? Well, here's the problem. So get off the computer and be with real people!!
Have a great weekend!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my gadgets, staying in touch with friends and family who are now scattered not only across the country, but all over the world. Texting seems so much easier than actually talking,especially when you just have met, and I will admit I write things in a text that I wold never say out loud, and suspect I'm not the only one.
However, I still enjoy human contact. I want to be surrounded by, talk to, text with, chat with, email with REAL people. That apparently is not an idea shared by everyone.
Yahoo News reports that advances in artificial intelligence, now allows for virtual girlfriends/boyfriends and spouses, and that apparently the group of people interested in such is growing. Sherry Turkle, director of MIT's Initiative on Society and Self said to Innovation News Daily: "I did find people who were interested in artificial boyfriends and girlfriends, in artificial spouses,". "They were not being ironic. They felt that people had failed them. And that a robot would be a safe choice."
 |
| Photo by Luigi Diamanti/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
In Japan, virtual girlfriends and boyfriends are abound, and are enjoying popularity since its release in 2009. Apparently they also have resorts dedicated to "vacations" with the virtual partners!?!
I'm quite speechless....No I'm not. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Technology is meant to assist us, not replace our real life. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems the younger generation are starting to lack some of the social skills we took for granted. They are less apt to speak to each other, and rather chat online or text. That is one thing, but if that leads to substituting a real life partner for a virtual one, I would say we're in trouble, don't you agree? Where on earth is the pleasure in that?
Obviously with the sex-phone lines and on-line chats that provide the "dirty talk" that are available today, I understand that aspect of a virtual partner being "fun" or interesting. But if we have gotten to a point where we no longer see the need for a real life person to share our lives with, and instead will settle for a fantasy, something is seriously wrong with our society.
 |
| Photo by Photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
When I think of what I like about being in a relationship, the physical presence is too important for me to ever fathom how "dating" a virtual person could ever be satisfying, and I'm not talking about sex. The hugs and kisses, or just a peck on the cheek. Cuddling. Waking up next to the person you love. Holding hands while strolling down the street. Sharing a laugh, or having a shoulder to cry on. Having arguments, and making up. All those things that make a relationship real. I don't care how "artificially intelligent" a virtual boyfriend/girlfriend can be, they can never provide those things. So how can that be satisfying for anyone?
Didn't I already say in an earlier post that our kissing averages were way too low? Well, here's the problem. So get off the computer and be with real people!!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Locust Invasion
There is one thing I truly hate; Bugs!! Can't stand them! Get the heebie-jeebies just thinking of them. So I am very happy I don't live in Southern Russia right now, where million of locusts have invaded their farmland.
Can you imagine living with millions of these jumping around? I would have to move! Check the video of it here.
Good thing there is a large ocean between us.
Can you imagine living with millions of these jumping around? I would have to move! Check the video of it here.
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| Photo by Freedigitalphotos.net |
Good thing there is a large ocean between us.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Exercise!!
I've been a little lazy lately, and don't have many hours of exercise to brag about. Not t hat I've gained a whole lot, but I could certainly use a little more energy. So I was all set on starting a vigorous exercising program to really get in shape. Until I received these images in my inbox, that is.
This just keeps getting worse....it's like Tarzan in a dress...
Frightening.....
I would seriously argue that I look better in my bikini than this...
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| And I thought my thighs were big.... |
Determined not to ever look like this, so I think I'll take a nap instead.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Wave At the Bus
As my kids are approaching their teen years, I am fully aware I will soon be the embarrassment of their lives...so then, why not take it all out like Dale Price did, and be fully rewarded by their embarrassment every day of the year.
When Mr. Price found out the school bus carrying his 16 year old son had changed routes and would be passing his house every day, he decided to stand outside and wave every morning. As if that was not embarrassing enough, he also dressed up in costumes - 170 different ones throughout the year ranging from a wedding dress to secret service. I love it!
His efforts of showing a father's love, has been documented by the family here. Enjoy!!
When Mr. Price found out the school bus carrying his 16 year old son had changed routes and would be passing his house every day, he decided to stand outside and wave every morning. As if that was not embarrassing enough, he also dressed up in costumes - 170 different ones throughout the year ranging from a wedding dress to secret service. I love it!
His efforts of showing a father's love, has been documented by the family here. Enjoy!!
First Man "Functionally Cured" of HIV
You would think that after 30 million people world wide has died from this disease over the past 30 years, that this story would get publicized a bit more. Nonetheless, the story is great.
Timothy Ray Brown, also known as the "Berlin Patient", suffered from both leukemia and HIV when he received a bone marrow transplant in 2007. The transplant came from a man immune to HIV, which I didn't know was possible either, but apparently 1% of Caucasians are. What happened next is the amazing part; his HIV disappeared.
"He has no replicating virus and he isn't taking any medication. And he will now probably never have any problems with HIV," his doctor Gero Huetter told Reuters. Brown now lives in the Bay Area, and suffers from some mild neurological difficulties after the operation. "It makes me very happy," he says of the incredible cure.
His leukemia came back a year later, and he received another transplant from the same donor. The HIV has not returned.
You can read more about Mr. Brown here or watch him talk about his cure in this CBS Video Report . Hopefully this can lead to further research and eventually a cure for this horrible disease.
Timothy Ray Brown, also known as the "Berlin Patient", suffered from both leukemia and HIV when he received a bone marrow transplant in 2007. The transplant came from a man immune to HIV, which I didn't know was possible either, but apparently 1% of Caucasians are. What happened next is the amazing part; his HIV disappeared.
"He has no replicating virus and he isn't taking any medication. And he will now probably never have any problems with HIV," his doctor Gero Huetter told Reuters. Brown now lives in the Bay Area, and suffers from some mild neurological difficulties after the operation. "It makes me very happy," he says of the incredible cure.
His leukemia came back a year later, and he received another transplant from the same donor. The HIV has not returned.
You can read more about Mr. Brown here or watch him talk about his cure in this CBS Video Report . Hopefully this can lead to further research and eventually a cure for this horrible disease.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
What's Wrong With Men?
We had beautiful summer weather today, and I spent the day on the beach with two girlfriends and kids. It was a great break from our normal busy days.
We are all single, raising the kids on our own, and never thought twice about it. Is it always easy? No, of course not. Some days I just want to run away, or at least crawl under my covers and hide out for the day. But that's not an option. When you are solely responsible for the financial security of your family, the education, emotional and physical well being of your kids, giving up is never an option. You do what you have to do, and make it work. The hard part is doing it all with a smile and enthusiasm.
As we sat on the beach watching our kids play in the water and on the sand, chit-chatting and sharing laughs, my friend says; "Here we are, three wonderful women; smart, decent looking, good sense of humor, raising our kids and having our lives together, yet we are all single. First I thought, what is wrong with us? But you know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with us. What is wrong with the guys who can't see that women like us are a catch?"
Well said, my friend! Why on earth do we always feel like we don't measure up, when we consistently are told "I don't know how you do it all".
Who made us think it is us there is something wrong with when our marriages or relationships didn't last, or our exes chose not to be involved in the children's lives?
Where did we ever learn that as single, working mothers, we have to live up to a level of perfectionism unheard of for other living creatures, before we can feel we are "good enough"? So our beach time turned in to a little pep talk for ourselves, and apparently a well needed one.
No, my kids are not perfect, but their mine - so to me they are.
My house could desperately need a scrub down, but fun time with my kids was so much more important than a clean house. And since when did a few dust bunnies hurt anybody?
No, I'm not quite where I want to be professionally or personally, but I have my goals and I'm working diligently to get there. I will say that by now, I'm damn good at overcoming obstacles, and you'd be hard pressed to put me in a situation I couldn't find my way out of (knock on wood...I really could use a break from obstacles!!)
I probably won't be shopping for sexy lingerie in the very near future, but I did get the ego boost today, that I didn't get while visiting the lingerie website last week. Nope, my body doesn't fit the measurements of the perfect woman, but I'm 40, gave birth to children and still wear a bikini to the beach. If some 22 year old thinks I'm too old, too fat, too saggy or whatever, tough shit! I'm really not trying to impress anybody, especially not someone under 30!
Obviously the pep talk worked. We left the beach content with ourselves, our lives and our singleness. I, at least, had a bit of a refreshed outlook on my future, and the knowledge that no matter how tough things can seem, or how down you can be on yourself, girlfriends will always have your back.
So what's wrong with men? I don't know. Some are total assholes, but others are wonderful. Some make choices I will never understand, others make perfect sense. Why are all three of us still single? We just didn't meet the right ones yet, or maybe we just don't want to.
We are all single, raising the kids on our own, and never thought twice about it. Is it always easy? No, of course not. Some days I just want to run away, or at least crawl under my covers and hide out for the day. But that's not an option. When you are solely responsible for the financial security of your family, the education, emotional and physical well being of your kids, giving up is never an option. You do what you have to do, and make it work. The hard part is doing it all with a smile and enthusiasm.
As we sat on the beach watching our kids play in the water and on the sand, chit-chatting and sharing laughs, my friend says; "Here we are, three wonderful women; smart, decent looking, good sense of humor, raising our kids and having our lives together, yet we are all single. First I thought, what is wrong with us? But you know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with us. What is wrong with the guys who can't see that women like us are a catch?"
 |
| Photo by Vongvanvi/FreeDigitalPhoto.net |
Well said, my friend! Why on earth do we always feel like we don't measure up, when we consistently are told "I don't know how you do it all".
Who made us think it is us there is something wrong with when our marriages or relationships didn't last, or our exes chose not to be involved in the children's lives?
Where did we ever learn that as single, working mothers, we have to live up to a level of perfectionism unheard of for other living creatures, before we can feel we are "good enough"? So our beach time turned in to a little pep talk for ourselves, and apparently a well needed one.
No, my kids are not perfect, but their mine - so to me they are.
My house could desperately need a scrub down, but fun time with my kids was so much more important than a clean house. And since when did a few dust bunnies hurt anybody?
No, I'm not quite where I want to be professionally or personally, but I have my goals and I'm working diligently to get there. I will say that by now, I'm damn good at overcoming obstacles, and you'd be hard pressed to put me in a situation I couldn't find my way out of (knock on wood...I really could use a break from obstacles!!)
I probably won't be shopping for sexy lingerie in the very near future, but I did get the ego boost today, that I didn't get while visiting the lingerie website last week. Nope, my body doesn't fit the measurements of the perfect woman, but I'm 40, gave birth to children and still wear a bikini to the beach. If some 22 year old thinks I'm too old, too fat, too saggy or whatever, tough shit! I'm really not trying to impress anybody, especially not someone under 30!
Obviously the pep talk worked. We left the beach content with ourselves, our lives and our singleness. I, at least, had a bit of a refreshed outlook on my future, and the knowledge that no matter how tough things can seem, or how down you can be on yourself, girlfriends will always have your back.
So what's wrong with men? I don't know. Some are total assholes, but others are wonderful. Some make choices I will never understand, others make perfect sense. Why are all three of us still single? We just didn't meet the right ones yet, or maybe we just don't want to.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Cougar Effect Boosts Lingerie Sales
When googling for fun stuff going on around the world, an article from last year popped up from Daily Mail in the UK stating that lingerie sales among women in their 40's and 50's have soared following "positive role models" as Courtney Cox and our beloved Sex In The City crew.
So I took a good look at the women mentioned in the article and thought that if they can wear sexy underwear, why shouldn't I? Granted the only thing I have in common with these women is age, but that is not the point. Why waste my money, you say? Well, even though I will be the only one ever seeing the lingerie, I figured it might make me feel better and at least a tad more sexy. I wasn't quite up to going to the department stores to browse through their assortment though, having my bikini episode fresh in mind, and decided to start on-line instead.
My friend has lingerie website, so I figured that was a great place to start. There was no problem finding sexy stuff to wear, along with some very interesting costumes, and I seriously considered buying a few pieces until I read the charts for sizes....Do the perfect 36-26-36 women actually exist anymore? Then what do you do when just one of those measurements fit? Check the queen size....?
And so I did. Sadly, the ego boost I was expecting from definitely looking better than the queen size models never came. Seriously?!? That is what a plus size model looks like? Then what category do I fit in? Heffer? Back to Google we go. "Sexy lingerie for sagging butt, boobs and love handles." The results? "This is not your Mother's Girdle." Really? The best we can do is the "suck me in and reshape" undergarments? And exactly which part of those are sexy? God, it sucks to be 40!
Luckily I also found a site for an exercise program that "tackles that extra jiggle in your tummy, butt or boob". I am now starting my boot-camp for boobs and butt, and expect to look like a 20 year old within a couple of weeks. You just wait. "Hot Mama" will be back shopping for lingerie in no time - maybe still the queen size, but at least I'll be out of the heffer category.
So I took a good look at the women mentioned in the article and thought that if they can wear sexy underwear, why shouldn't I? Granted the only thing I have in common with these women is age, but that is not the point. Why waste my money, you say? Well, even though I will be the only one ever seeing the lingerie, I figured it might make me feel better and at least a tad more sexy. I wasn't quite up to going to the department stores to browse through their assortment though, having my bikini episode fresh in mind, and decided to start on-line instead.
 |
| Photo by Roland Darby/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
My friend has lingerie website, so I figured that was a great place to start. There was no problem finding sexy stuff to wear, along with some very interesting costumes, and I seriously considered buying a few pieces until I read the charts for sizes....Do the perfect 36-26-36 women actually exist anymore? Then what do you do when just one of those measurements fit? Check the queen size....?
And so I did. Sadly, the ego boost I was expecting from definitely looking better than the queen size models never came. Seriously?!? That is what a plus size model looks like? Then what category do I fit in? Heffer? Back to Google we go. "Sexy lingerie for sagging butt, boobs and love handles." The results? "This is not your Mother's Girdle." Really? The best we can do is the "suck me in and reshape" undergarments? And exactly which part of those are sexy? God, it sucks to be 40!
Luckily I also found a site for an exercise program that "tackles that extra jiggle in your tummy, butt or boob". I am now starting my boot-camp for boobs and butt, and expect to look like a 20 year old within a couple of weeks. You just wait. "Hot Mama" will be back shopping for lingerie in no time - maybe still the queen size, but at least I'll be out of the heffer category.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A little technically challenged here, and can't get the Facebook link on my blog, so here it is. You can also find me on Facebook: Ms-Pinks-Midlife-Crisis
Homeless, But Not Hopeless
Some people are worth paying attention to, and I find Brianna Karp to be one of those people.
After loosing her job in 2008, the 23-year old sold her furniture and piano, and moved back with her parents. When that did not work out, she moved in to an old trailer, and parked it in a Walmart parking lot. She has since blogged about her life as homeless, struggling to get by day by day, all while trying to get back in the work force and make a life for herself. Her blog has landed her a book deal; "The Girl's Guide To Homelessness".
Adding this to my summer reading list. You can read more about Brianna, her book and her blog here.
After loosing her job in 2008, the 23-year old sold her furniture and piano, and moved back with her parents. When that did not work out, she moved in to an old trailer, and parked it in a Walmart parking lot. She has since blogged about her life as homeless, struggling to get by day by day, all while trying to get back in the work force and make a life for herself. Her blog has landed her a book deal; "The Girl's Guide To Homelessness".
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| Photo by Excsodus/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Adding this to my summer reading list. You can read more about Brianna, her book and her blog here.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Teeth Don't Lie
Ms. Tina Gonzalez of East Naples, FL will certainly not be nominated for Mother of the Year Award. But as sad as the story is, it is still funny.
Memorial Day, Ms. Gonzalez threw a big birthday party for her son. And I guess, customary in East Naples, she served liquor and beer along with the birthday cake. After drinking for a few hours, she got in to a scuffle with her neighbor, threw some cake at her, punched her and wrestled her to the floor, where Ms. Gonzalez proceeded to bite her neighbor.
The cops came, and according to the deputy, they were certain the perpetrator was Gonzalez, because "the bite marks matched the teeth and gaps of Gonzales. Other subjects that were present either had no teeth at all or only a few." How sad is that? It could only have been her, because she was the only one with enough teeth to match the bite mark?? LMAO.
Memorial Day, Ms. Gonzalez threw a big birthday party for her son. And I guess, customary in East Naples, she served liquor and beer along with the birthday cake. After drinking for a few hours, she got in to a scuffle with her neighbor, threw some cake at her, punched her and wrestled her to the floor, where Ms. Gonzalez proceeded to bite her neighbor.
The cops came, and according to the deputy, they were certain the perpetrator was Gonzalez, because "the bite marks matched the teeth and gaps of Gonzales. Other subjects that were present either had no teeth at all or only a few." How sad is that? It could only have been her, because she was the only one with enough teeth to match the bite mark?? LMAO.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Count Your Blessings For Being Born in a Western Country
Yet again, let me emphasize how happy I am to have been born in a Western country, where women have equal rights, and we have freedom of speech.
According to CNN, an Egyptian general is now admitting to performing virginity checks on women arrested in demonstrations earlier this year. The reason?
CNN reports "The general said the virginity checks were done so that the women wouldn't later claim they had been raped by Egyptian authorities.
According to CNN, an Egyptian general is now admitting to performing virginity checks on women arrested in demonstrations earlier this year. The reason?
CNN reports "The general said the virginity checks were done so that the women wouldn't later claim they had been raped by Egyptian authorities.
"We didn't want them to say we had sexually assaulted or raped them, so we wanted to prove that they weren't virgins in the first place," the general said. "None of them were (virgins)."
Yeah, and of course, if they were not already virgins, that would prove that they were not assaulted after the virginity test was performed. Idiots! I cringe when I hear stories like this, and really wonder what century these men are stuck in.
I don't usually wish bad stuff on people, but secretly I do wish that these men just once are put in a similarly undignified position, just for payback. Maybe the new government should do an anal check on all military personnel - with a few women watching on as witnesses, just to make sure they have not engaged in anal sex? Pretty sure that disqualifies an Egyptian soldier from continuing his career, don't you think?
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