Shock Value: Entry 33 "There Is An Epidemic Going On Outside: Part 3"

Topic: Drunk Driving aka Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Like it or not, I am going to do my part to try and educate those among us who lack it. As a person who has never taken a sip of alcohol; I am have a PHD in Designated Driving. I don't care how much you tell me, "dude I got it, or I'm straight." You WON'T get those keys in my presence. I don't ride with people who drink and drive and I don't allow anyone I care for to get in that care either. Remember, Friends Don't Let Friends, Drink and Drive. If you want to take that chance, do it by yourself. Most of the time, its some innocent child or mother of four that ends up dying because of someone else's stupidity. Check the facts.

Alcohol & Drunk Driving:

What is It?

Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented, a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol. Alcohol has different forms and can be used as a cleaner or antiseptic; however the kind of alcohol that people drink is ethanol, which is a sedative. When alcohol is consumed, it's absorbed into a person's bloodstream. From there, it affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which controls virtually all body functions. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing.⁴

In 2006, more than 19% of drivers ages 16 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking alcohol.

Source: Dept of Transportation (US), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic Safety Facts 2006: Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Washington (DC): NHTSA; 2008 [cited 2008 Oct 22]. Available at URL:http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810801.PDF

Of the 1,746 traffic fatalities among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2006, about one out of every six (17%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Source: Dept of Transportation (US), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic Safety Facts 2006: Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Washington (DC): NHTSA; 2008 [cited 2008 Oct 22]. Available at URL:http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810801.PDF

The younger you are when you start drinking, the greater your chance of becoming addicted to alcohol at some point in your life. More than 4 in 10 people who begin drinking before age 15 eventually become alcoholics.

Source: NIAAA; Underage Drinking: A Major Public Health Challenge, 2003

People who use both alcohol and drugs also are at risk for dangerous interactions between these substances. For example, a person who uses alcohol with depressants, whether these drugs are prescribed or taken illegally, is at increased risk of fatal poisoning.

Source: NIAAA Alcohol Alert: ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS, 2008

Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause, nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, loss of coordination.

Source: NIAAA. Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines, 2007

Some medications — including many painkillers and cough, cold, and allergy remedies—contains more than one ingredient that can react with alcohol.

Source: NIAAA. Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines, 2007

Depending on the type of medication, mixing with alcohol can cause: increased risk for overdose, fainting, changes in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, liver damage, stomach bleeding, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, increased risk of seizures, death.

Source: NIAAA. Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines, 2007

Combing alcohol with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications can cause: increased risk of overdose, increased feelings of depression or hopelessness, and suicide in adolescents.

Source: NIAAA. Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines, 2007

Be smart and make good decisions. You only get one shot at life and there is no do-over button. If your friend, spouse, or family member drinks and drives, let them know the dangers of this. If they continue even after you have shared with them the info, just make sure you aren't in the car when they try to play dodge ball with a tree or light pole on the freeway. Trust me; they won't win!

~Truth Hurts

Shock Value: Entry 32 "There Is An Epidemic Going On Outside: Part 2"

Today Topic: Teenage Pregnancy a.k.a. "Babies Having Babies"

Now once again in my effort not to sound like I am venting I want to let you all know I genuinely have a problem with the aforementioned topic. I am so frustrated by the sight of a young girl galavanting around with her token baby as if it was a good luck charm. When did cabbage patch kids go out of style?! These days these little girls show off their babies like they are a new benz or beamer. Its like they are proud to have someone to love them. (Message!) Having a baby today, is synonymous with copping a new pair of Jordans. Its like if you don't have a baby by 18 you are definitely not the business. Its sad, because on the surface it seems like young mothers are encouraging their young girls to have babies by not educating them on the proper ways they can take preventative measures. I am sickened by the thought of a great grandmother, mother, and child all having children in the same decade. To me education is the key. Check the facts below and open your mind and close your legs.

Teen sex statistics regarding contraceptives and pregnancy (www.pregnantteenhelp.org)

Here are statistics revolving around contraceptives. It is clear that education in this area can help prevent unwanted pregnancies:

• If a sexually active teen does not use contraceptives, there is a 90 percent chance that she will become pregnant inside a year.
• Most sexually active females use some sort of birth control. A condom is most common, since access to the pill is limited.
• 70 percent of teens whose parents are unaware of their sexual activity would not use contraceptives if their parents were made aware of their visits to family planning centers and clinics.
• 21 states (plus the District of Columbia) allow contraceptive services without parental involvement. The other states - with the exception of Utah and Texas, where parental consent is necessary - have notification policies, but consent is not required.
• 20 percent of teens whose parents are unaware of their contraceptive use say that they would continue having sex - even if methods of contraception were not available to them.
• Of all the developed nations, the U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy. The U.S. has a teen pregnancy rate that is twice that of England and Canada and eight times that as Japan and the Netherlands.
• 82 percent of pregnancies amongst teens are unplanned. About 20 percent of all intended pregnancies each year are related to teenagers.
• 29 percent of teen pregnancies end in abortion. Most parents support a teen’s choice to have an abortion

Whatever you do for a living, if you encounter a young female or know one, tell her little fast anus to SLOW DOWN! Men are not all they are cracked up to be and if he loves you he would want you to have a future minus the trials and tribulations of trying to raise a child in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Little girls should be playing with dolls and easy bake ovens and stuff, not themselves and boys who think grabbing their nuts and conquering little girls is manly. Its sad! Teens are doing things today that I would never think of doing at my ripe old age. Shaking My Dang Head in disappointment.

~ I Ought To Change My Name To Truth Hurts.

Pissed,

Truth Hurts

Shock Value: Entry 32 "There Is An Epidemic Going On Outside"

I want to take a moment to share some real info with you all this week. For some reason, it has been put on my mind to take this week to share statistics relating to various things around the nation. Each day I will talk about a different issue that is oftentimes spoken about, but not nearly enough.

Today's Topic is HIV:

I was walking through the world famous Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on yesterday and for some strange reason I decided to begin a photo journal of my life. Now, I already have a hand-written one, but I figured I could add these images to my own personal biography. Anyway, I stumbled across this sign that read, "Every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV." (www.actagainstaids.org) I was shocked at first and then I begin to think about the significance of these numbers. This means that in the course of one hour a little over 6 people will become infected, 153 people in one day, and over 1000 in a week's time. Maybe that doesn't raise a red flag for you, but it does for me.

I know oftentimes people, especially young adults, tend to think that this won't/can't happen to me. But please don't spend your life in denial. If it can happen to famous people like Eric "Easy-E" Wright and Erving "Magic" Johnson; it can most certainty happen to you.

There are a number of reasons for the HIV/AIDS epidemic: people sharing needles, unprotected sex, and other irresponsible behaviors. I am no preacher, but I just want to encourage you all to protect yourself first. It doesn't matter how good looking he or she is; they may give you something that soap or bleach CAN'T WASH OFF!

As the old commercial use to say, "Wrap It Up!" The only way we can fight an epidemic is by being more responsible and educating those among us who we know aren't the most responsible. This is serious people and we all have to play our part to protect our friends, family, and others who are near and dear to us. Please get tested! I did.

Just Trying To Do My Part,

One Lub

Shock Value: Entry 31 "A Blog For Momma"

I know that each and every one of you that are Blessed to rise this morning have plans to spend with your: wife, mother, grandmother, madea', mother-in-law, and/or that special women in your life that has done what no men will ever be able to do, bring a child into this world. On behalf of all men in this nation and world-wide, I want to say "Thank you for all that you do, and if no one else that appreciates you, I do and GOD too."

To those of you who are future mothers, we celebrate you in advance. We honor you and thank you for what you have done for all of us as well. You too have played a major role in this world through your love, encouragement, and support.

Lastly, to all of you who have lost your mother figure, whomever she was, all of us will pause in a moment of silence right now in remembrance of them. (pause) (thanks)

To all females, young and mature, we appreciate you. But to our mothers we honor, praise, revere, and thank you for being who your are.

Thank You Mother Earth. Sings, "LOVING YOU IS LIKE FOOD TO MY SOUL!"

Shock Value: Entry 30 "Water Works"

Okay, now I know most of you are wondering what in the world does water works mean? Give me just a few minutes of your time and I will elaborate. Over the course of the past few weeks we have experienced extreme heat and humidity. Not one to say I told you so, but every week, its getting hotter and hotter. Now there is nothing anyone can do about the weather, but there is something you can do....

In the midst of these unusual weather conditions you need to make sure you not only stay hydrated, but plan activities that you and the family can enjoy. Water works wonders for the body and the skin. What I mean is, this is time for you to break out the super soakers/water guns, hit the pool, run to the water park, and/or turn that sprinkler system or fire hydrant on in your neighborhood. {The fire hydrant joint is for my up north people. That takes the experience to a whole new level.}

I know you may not be able to swim or you can't get that new do wet, but you will be amazed with how you will feel once you partake in a little water driven activity. Not only is there peace and serenity in water related activites like fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling, but they also soothe the mind, body, and soul. Take it from one who knows; there is nothing like experiencing life under the sea. Yeah, I have swam with schools of fish. Fish, not fishes..LOL! Anyway, it was a life altering experience.

Water works! The heat is not being very friendly or playing fair right now, but THE ALMIGHTY made something in those first days to deal with it---Water. Don't let another moment pass you by. You don't need anything elaborate to enjoy the wet blistfulness either. The shower and the tub is just a room away.

Enjoy!

Shock Value: Entry 29 "Be The Change..."

What it do WoodWorkz Nation? First, I have to take a moment to give thanks to the Most High for waking me/us up this morning and giving me/us the opportunity to complete another week. I am not the most popular blogger on the net these days since my last message, but I believe that all of us have a right to state our opinions. Anywho, I want to give you all a little powerful piece of inspiration that became even more relevant with the election of the nation's first black President of these United States. Today more than any other day I want to encourage you to: "Be The Change You Want To See In This World."

I remember being told in grade school that change is the only thing constant in this life. Oftentimes, we see things that need to be fixed and have the know how to do something abou it, but don't display the courage to take the necessary steps to activate ourselves to make the difference. I just want all of you to know that no matter what anyone says, you have the ability to make changes in your everyday life and in this world. Don't hesitate when the opportunity presents itself. We spend way too much time talking/gossiping about what others should be doing. What about what we could/should be doing? We need to spend more time reflecting on ourselves and the things we can do to change the world. All of us have the ability to be change agents. Simply put, we all can do and say a little more about the things that are going on in our schools, neighborhoods, jobs, in our personal lives. Remember, we all came together to elect the first black president, now it is our civic duty to work aggressively to make sure we all our playing our part in his successes, which ultimately are successes for us all.

Be reminded: If you want to see change, look in the mirror. If you want to be change, look no further than your own life. They are plenty of chances/opportunities for us our there. Lets stop talking about it, and be about it.

Good Humor: Man in a Box

Good Humor: Shout out to Greg at Man In a box! Dudes a genius

Now its time for some Laughs! We will be doing a double shot of Good Humor Today!

Shock Value 27 & 28 Amendment:

People People People!

I must concur with the sentiments of my General! His words are not intended to injure, offend, or disrespect anyone in particular.

I don't know about you guys, but whenever I read opinion pieces I read and interpret them in a way that will be enlightening and beneficial to me as a person; not as a male or female and not just as an African American, but as a human being. I'm sure that at some point or another, we are ALL guilty of some of the thinking and behaviors illustrated by brother DJ. Lest we forget that we are not perfect beings. The idea is to NOT take the message personal (that is unless you fall into 5 or more of the categories in which case its pretty much over for you...LOL), but to be honest with ourselves. We could all benefit from a little dose of “self examination”...
Period Point Blank, I am very much a man and this opinion piece challenged me on many levels. I'll admit it, I am guilty of some of DJs points, but as a result, I am taking the time to do some self examination and self purging... I sincerely hope that other readers can can muster the strength to do the same. With that in mind, please remember; we here at the Nation are all about progression, not stagnation! After all, you cant focus on being your best if you're pointing out the worse in everyone else.

4Tenantes:

1.Get your money up!
2.Get your knowledge up!
3.Enlighten yourself and others!
4.Build your character!

NOW I AM A BITTER....OK, IF YOU SAY SO.

PEOPLE, THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

FINE, I WILL DO ANOTHER ONE!

I GUESS NOW I AM UNCLE RUCKUS!

KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK COMING!!!!

Shock Value: Entry 27 & 28 "Ladies..Listen Up.."

I want to begin today's message with a special public service announcement. "IF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ BELOW DOESN'T APPLY TO YOU, PLEASE DON'T TAKE OFFENSE. THESE ARE ONLY MY FACTS BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCES OR THOSE ARTICULATED TO ME BY OTHERS. THEY MAY NOT BE TRUE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES."

Okay, I know after today, I may lose a few fans. I only have about 2 or 3 faithful followers and one manages the site (lol), but I still have a job to do. I can see my favorite girl taking off my high school letterman jacket right now and returning it to me immediately; my grandmother shaking her head at me in extreme disbelief and disappointment; and my pastor breaking out a huge bottle of that good ol' oil to anoint me right now. But, at some point in life you have to say what needs to be said and deal with the consequences. So here I go.

Today's message has been something that has been problematic for me my entire existence. As a male who already has two strikes against him: 1) being black & 2) being a male. I don't need any other hindrances on my journey to my destiny. Oftentimes, I spend my days researching black men, young black men & hip hop, and they young black male experience. I have had the opportunity to meet tons of powerful men in society and one thing seems to be consistent with all of them. When the lights are off, the cameras aren't flashing, and the curtains are closed they have a strong women in their corner. Some have mothers, wives, girlfriends, female associates, and/or colleagues, but they all have someone to support them. Women who have positive energy, attitudes, and are genuinely in great spirits.

I mention this because in my life I have had some terrible experiences with women. Not all women, just 99% of them. Now let me first say, "its probably me, but in all cases; I seriously doubt it." However, I want to share a few points with my dear female readers. Now, I am no expert, but I have spent enough time in the company of all types of females to make the following statements. If you are soft-hearted, have minor heart problems, get dizzy easily, have shortness of breath, or are pregnant, you might want to close this blog right about Now. Don't Say I Didn't Warn You!

My responses, based on statements women make:

1) "All men are dogs." No sweetheart your vagina is a kennel.

2) "All successful black men do is date white women." Listen to yourself. Would you want to come home to such ignorance and hatred? Love has no boundaries. Perhaps if you kept your mouth shut a little more and worked harder on your personal self awareness and esteem; you wouldn't be bothered by people who chose to date for love, instead of the material b.s. you tend to fall for.

3) "Do you think he will cheat on me?" Ma'am! He cheated to be with you, of course he is going to cheat on you. What sucks is you are only the side piece and don't even know it. You getting a HO-tel room and a couple fake purses and she getting her mortgage are car note paid----you do the math.

4) "He don't take care of his kid(s)." Let me see. If taking care of his kids includes adding in enough for you to get an up-do or your nails and feet done, of course he doesn't. His obligation is to make sure his kids have what they need, not your sorry, lazy, my baby daddy is this and that anus..If he didn't take care of you properly, what made you think he was going to take care of a bi-product of both of you? Try abstinence! Close your legs and your mouth---Gold Dugger! (And yes I meant Dugger.)

5) "Why he always with his boys?" Because he is cheating on your annoying behind. You spend more time naggin' then you do pleasing him. The old adage states, "what one person won't do, the next one will." Perhaps you need to take a moment to realize that your ish' does stink and no matter how pretty and fine you use to be, you are not a fine wine and are not getting better with age. Hit the gym, open yourself up to try new things, or drop him like a bad habit. You probably deserve better.

6) "My girl said I should leave him." I know you are not talking about the trifling female of a dog that you wouldn't leave alone in a room with your son, let alone your man. Its funny how the single one---who is always single by the way, always has advice to give out. Listen to her if you want. You will find yourself, by yourself. All she wants if for you to be just as unhappy as her butt and she is getting it.

7) "I hate my job." Don't worry, your job hates you too! Not only do you make everyone else in the office unhappy you "Debbie Downer," but you unfortunately are ruining what some people have worked hard to develop. Now people think all women act like you because you are the one they encounter and you are always complaining about something. Shut the heck up and work, before you and your nasty attitude end up on welfare or unemployment, like the rest of your family or homegirls.

8) "This is me, love it or leave it." Really, does that even work? Your fake and feeble attempts at making people believe you have this high level of self-esteem is a major fail. People know you are insecure and depressed. It is evidenced by your eating to make me feel good behaviors or the fact you rape other people's ears with your pointless conversations about how good of a woman you are. If you were all this and that, the words me and alone wouldn't register so often in your mind.

9) "All men lie & just aren't on my level." All men lie, well at least in your mind, because you are dumb enough to believe them. NO man on earth is on your level because your are unleveled and crazy. The rest of us are on planet earth and you are on this make believe planet called, "dumb as I wanna be." It's sad how unequally yolked you were with all your past relationships, but you have the audacity to make a statement regarding men not being on your level. Guess what? The good thing about today's society is you have options. If men aren't working out, try women or animals you ungrateful piece of walking dead flesh. {wow, that just happened!}

10) "I just get approached by all the wrong men; they aren't any good men left."Now, it may be true that you are attracting men that you would rather have a one-night stand with then a future, but you are dressed like that is what you are shopping for. I have always been amazed by women who act so rudely towards men and other women and get upset because they are called a b*tch. Guess what? Its just like a referee baby; some people have the ability to ONLY call it like they see it. Perhaps, if you try a little niceness along with that tramp perfume, you will get the reaction you seek. Also, the environment you inhabit determines the attention you gain or the company your attract. Good men aren't in the club looking for a wife. There are tons of talented, motivated, and educated men out there. They just aren't looking for your no drive having, no goal setting, always got something negative to say face. There is a good man educating your ignorant butt right now with his hands grazing across these home-row keys. (For those of you who missed that---I am referring to myself.)

Now I know by now, most of those who started reading have vacated the premises like roaches when the lights come on, but that is fine. I am going to still end this blog on a positive note. No, I don't truly believe all women are mean. I believe there are a number of nice women out there, but you evil heifers are blocking them. I also want you all to know that I am not venting. Personally, I have lovely females in my life who treat me with the utmost respect and are fairly nice to me. I wrote the above because of experiences I have had or have been told. Judge me if you will and call me out my name please. Slay me with your misguided words, but remember you are the same trick who finds yourself stuck somewhere between 1-10.

If you want help, I can help you find someone in your area, town, or city that can deliver you from that mean, hateful person you are. Remember I just tell you the truth, because I love you Oh, and GOD loves you too---you SHE DEVILS!

Good Humor: COBE? WTF???

Shock Value: Entry 26 "What Happened to Customer Service? Arrrggg!!!"

So I was in Wally World (Wal-Mart) the other day. Now, I am the most peaceful person in the world when I am doing my favorite thing, shopping. I usually walk around with my headphones on just to enjoy my own mental serenity. But, I have to tell you all about this situation. So, I walked up to the young lady who was working the 20 items or less line. Here is how the exchange went: I stated, "Ms lady, I noticed you don't have anyone in your line, I have 22 items; do you think you can check me out?" She paused for a moment and then she said with a scowl on her face, "Well the sign does say 20 items or less." Now if this was me 10 years ago; I would have let here have it. But the kid is trying to be more couthed these days. I simply replied to her, "It's okay, I will catch another line," and I keep it pushing.

Now, there are two ways one can look at the scenario. I will start with me, because I believe self reflection is imperative. Yes, I was wrong when I asked her to provide me with a service because I had more than 20 items. But, I never expected the response I was given. I guess if it was me, I wouldn't have had a problem assisting a customer, but I wasn't the person behind the register. Anyway, like I stated previously, I guess shouldn't have asked her to help me, but I thought as a customer, I deserved to be serviced. But what was I thinking.

Now, conversely, I think she could've helped me. She had no one in her line, and I could've rung up the TWO measly items I had over the 20 item limit. This scenerio and many others of this nature has called me to question this whole idea of customer service. I mean customers are important. They are the reason we get paid. Perhaps as a cashier one does not realize how important customers are. But once customers stop patronizing your establishment and people begin to lose jobs, maybe even you, one will realize how important customer service is.

Maybe I am just vented, but I do believe that while customer's aren't always right, we all have a duty to try to make them feel as comfortable with their experience as possible. While you may not want to got the extra mile, at least do your job and try to be as nice as possible. Even if it hurts.

Again I asked, What happened to customer service? Do you know, because I have no idea.

Disappointed I am; ARRGGG!

P.S. And yes she was a sistah. Its on tomorrow. The topic: "Why Are Women So Mean?" Its going down!

Beauty of the Day: That Chettah Print aint the only Print Im diggin... Thats nasty, I know...But hey!!

Eve in london preparing for the Gumball 3000 marathon. Shawty been laying low for a hot minute. She's most definatly a talented artist/actress, too bad the game changed and flushed her career down the toilet. Now its all about fake boobs fake asses and wack sexually explict lyrics...

Shock Value: Entry 25 "Let's Get It"

Morning to All of You-

Well I know all of you would rather be on a tropical island this morning versus being at work or on our way to work. But, guess what, we aren't? The reality is that we all have to work to survive. It's like what Andre' 3 Stacks said, "If we don't move my our feet then we don't eat..." I want to motivate all of you this am to take today by the reigns and LETS GET IT.

As stated previously, there are millions of people who aren't in the position as we are. We are gainfully employed, whether we like it or not, so we have to be thankful. So today, more than any other day this year, I want you to work diligently to make today the best day ever.

Unfortunately, we all have to work to pay bills and take care of other life expenses. I know many people are waiting to hit the "Mega-Millions," so at that point, they will move beyond having to work like all of us. However, I hate to be a kill joy, but one has a better chance of being hit by lighting in the same spot, twice, on a Wednesday, in Paris, France, while eating French fries with a Wendy's Frosty and a pack of Boston Bakebeans. But hey, go for it---you never know.

Anyway, I think we all need to be more motivated regarding our future, beginning today. Each day we rise is another opportunity to take advantage of the number opportunities out there. I know it seems hard to even consider going back to school or changing jobs in this recession/post-recession, but move slowly. Don't let what you immediately see in front of you determine where you can go beyond that. There is a difference between an obstacle and a detour; one has to learn the difference between the two. S0, come on people. There is no time like the present.

Today is the day we all do what we always wanted to do, but never had the courage to do. Let's Get It!!!

Chicken Noodle Soup Ish'

Faded and Underated: Theophilus London... This young man is on fire--Got shawty doing the monkey arm swing...So Jazzy...

Shock Value: Entry 24 "Sun-Day"

I am not Al Gore, nor do I know the inconvenient truth, but Global Warming or something is affecting the weather nowadays. I have never been in these type of situations. Just yesterday: a threat of rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes, but we were under an extreme heat advisory---90 (+) degrees and it isn't even summer yet. It is terrible, because you don't know whether to grab a poncho, shorts, or sun tan lotion. Note to self: You might want to grab all three.

No matter what happens over the next few days, pray for more Sun today and less rain. I know for the purpose of crops and vegetables we need precipitation, but I hate rain. Rain is indeed so depressing and brings my ever so high spirits down.

So, once you have digested your after church meal, please join me in doing a ceremonial rain dance or the stanky leg. Whichever you prefer.

---Chants, "Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Back Another Day."---

Late'

Shock Value: Entry 23 "To Date or Not to Date?"

So...It is not often that I share publicly the things that my associates & clients have shared with me in private, but I have asked permission and today they have given it to me. In order to keep names anonymous, I will make general statements and redact names from this blog.

Anyway, the question of whether or not one should date keeps being asked to me. Now, by my own admission, I can honestly say, "I don't think I have every been on a real date," but I do believe people should date if it is something they think will help them find a mate. In this viral world, one can meet people from a state away or a nation away. So cyber dating is also something that may be attempted as well. I am not a person that believes love has limits, so one may be able to find their soul mate online, or in a line at the grocery store.

I frequent social sites often and notice their are a lot of single women today. It makes me wonder, where are the men? Now, I do not agree with the statements, "there aren't any good men left," or the every so pointless, "all men are dogs" suggestion. I strongly believe there are a number of good men left and all men aren't dogs. It just takes time and patience to find Mr. Right, not Mr. Right now. But, as with guys, oftentimes women let Mr. Right Now occupy way too much time, thus Mr. Right is never revealed. This is one reason I believe that dating may be imperative. Dating opens up all kinds of opportunities to get to know an individual, but I do believe that it is misleading at times too. Because I hear people say, "he or she wasn't they way they are now when we were dating, they changed as soon as we got into a relationship."

Now, I am no Dear Abby, but I do counsel people on relationships fairly often. I have also attended a few singles vacations, meetings, and retreats. All I have to say is, there are a number of people out their with good hearts and beautiful minds. We all just have to get over all the superficial things that the media tells us our mate should have. Every man isn't going to be tall dark and handsome. And every female isn't going to look like Halle Berry. But, no matter what they look like on the outside, if they love you with all they have, cherish you, and compliment you; you might want to give them a trial run.

To Date or Not to Date? That is the question. There are a number of pros to dating and a number of cons as well. You just have to decided what works for you. Personally, I am biased and believe that relationships as a whole are overrated. People in my opinion are together for all the wrong reasons: children, money, or they are just comfortable and are afraid to try something thing new. Now, I know this isn't everyone, but I am sure some of you who are reading this blog can relate. Anyway, dating is an option available to all of us.---Well you married adulterous people should stay out the mix, but we all know married people who are still playing the game. Its sad, but all so true.

If you are tired of being alone, like Al Green, go for it. Set up a date tonight. What do you have to lose other then minutes of your life, that you can never get back. ( I kid, I kid)

Late'