The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

08:50 Jul 26 2010
Times Read: 940

For boys and girls, single or not. Sit down and have a read :)



I was watching an episode of "Home Improvement" (yes I still watch stuff like that) and it was dealing with Tims habit of staring at other women and how Jill didn't like it. Well that got me thinking on the subject and the broader topic in general.



The 'problem' of men looking at other women (or men) is a fairly common one in relationships and can cause some pretty major issues actually especially if the man does more than a quick glance.



There are a number of theories why men do this and one that alleviates "guilt" and makes feminists happy (re-enforcing the notion than men are helpless cave dwellers) is that back in the caveman days in order to preserve the species men needed to impregnate as many women as possible. Of course women, needed to find the one man that would stick around and protect/support her and their children. And so checking out other people is just something left over from that time period.



The "caveman days" solution to many of these common guilt associated issues is a pretty popular explanation but it's one I'm fairly tired of hearing. It may be (and it is only an explanation, it isn't fact) the root issue at play but really folks it's just human nature. Women look at men just as well only they do it far less often when in a relationship.



I prefer the notion that it is purely human nature the same that it's normal and nothing to feel sorry about to masturbate, be gay (or have mixed feelings), to not make a big deal out of age, cry, fart or any of the other dozens of normal behaviours.



But back to the topic.



Men are, by nature, far more visual than women and we tend to look at things we find attractive. It doesn't mean we find the person we're with less attractive it's just that we saw someone else who is also attractive. Women need to understand this and not flip out.



Now, men can definitely do things the wrong way by staring, commenting or doing it all the time. But the occasional glance really doesn't mean a darn thing.



Of course there is the issue of manners and being a decent person.



If you're with your wife/husband/partner OR if you're out on a date you really do need to make a conscious effort to not look at other men or women.



When I'm out with Kevin I really do try to not look at other guys, just because it's a habit to look at them. When I'm with him he is the only thing I care to look at and the only person on my mind. Now at times if a really cute guy walks by I do take a look but not so much because he's cute but because I look at everyone who comes into my field of view.



When I'm alone I look at everyone and if I see a hottie I might take a peak (everyone does) but it doesn't change the fact that all I'm doing is looking at someone attractive and it doesn't change the fact that I'm with an amazing guy and there's no reason to start acting like a horny teenager and pursue every pretty thing that moves.



One thing that does annoy me is when, in the past, I've been on dates and the guy I was with would look at every other guy in the room. Yes it's just a date and yes we're both men and thus visually oriented but the fact remains you are on a date with an individual and your attention should be on that one person.



However, at the end of it all, the occasional glance at a man or a women by a man or woman really is not a big deal and will happen from time to time. So ladies (and some men) stop over reacting and remember that he/she may be looking for a second of their life but they're with you for months and years.



And men (some women) make sure to pay attention to your actions and remember that you're with someone special and that it's rude to stare.

03:08 Jul 21 2010
Times Read: 964

*Warning, potential racism ahead*



I finished reading a story where protests turned to arrests in a North Carolina school district. The debate was over the districts decision to end their diversity policy. The policy basically groups poor, rich, black, white etc kids together in their own groups but in the same district..in order to "create" an artificialy diverse school district.



Well to me that's a dumb idea and I'm glad they got rid of it.



There are two things we have to understand about race and diversity and until we learn these the problem isn't going to go away.



1. There's something called the Law of Natural Segregation, something I've personally worked on.



Basically, people want to be around similar people. Blacks want to be with blacks, the rich with rich, educated with educated and racists with racists.



Societies are formed with this fundamental aspect of human behaviour. Without it there would be far fewer cultures and in fact without it diversity wouldn't really occur. Now it doesn't apply to race alone but to everything that could possibly create a group. We, on VR, are actually a product of the LoNS. We all have similar interests and we joined a group specific website to further those interests. The NAACP is a race specific group, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is a sex specific group and the US is a citizen specific group.



The problem is people think it's wrong to belong to any group at all unless it is made up of an equal amount of diverse members. (which doesn't exist in humanity or nature anywhere)



This is where we run into the next issue we need to learn about.



2. The US has a population of 309 million people. Of those people:



65% White

15.4% Hispanic (of any race)

12.4% Black

4.4% Asian

0.8% American Indian

2% "other"



According to many the train of thought is "we should have 1/2 white, 1/2 black, 1/2 hispanic" and sorry but that just doesn't work.



Schools should reflect the society and area they are in which means some will have 90% white and other 90% black. Now yes there should be some level of diversity but not to where the school's demographics are completely foreign to the real way this country is.



And then furthermore should we enforce some lunatic notion of "total diversity" we have:



4% of the population is gay

12% are poor

51% Protestant

1.7% Jewish

0.6% Muslim

8% Left-handed



Should apply the 50/50/50 rule there as well? And if not you then leave out groups of people who's numbers can be in the millions. Now that doesn't sound very "fair" to me.



"Diversity" can be taken far to seriously. The goal should be that schools need to represent the community they're in, not the world. We may work as part of a global economy but the student lives in North Carolina, Texas, NY, TN, CA, AK, etc



And until we understand that groups are not bad and diversity includes majorities then we're never going to be a "post-race" nation.



--Xzavier

19:52 Jul 05 2010
Times Read: 1,002

Folks in the UK, you've GOT to be kidding!



You're having a budget crisis (as is most of the Western World) so like all good people you try to find ways of cutting expenses. With an economy of $2 trillion and a government income of $820 billion the place you look at first is the Monarchy?



The price of your Queen and the entire institution costs $57.8 million and you want to cut costs there? Besides the fact that the Monarchy holds/protects/controls several billions in art, property etc you think that by saving a few million by further restricting your nations brightest symbol and one of the worlds oldest institutions is really going to help your economy?



The Monarchy costs each of you $0.94 per year...nevermind your 68.5% deficit, you bitch over a few pence?



Seriously come on. Go after something that's actually going to make a difference, not an 84 year old woman and the thousands she employees directly and indirectly.



Note to the Brits: The Monarchy is a GOOD thing for your country but out of control spending by your elected officials is a BAD thing.



The amount the Queen herself gets hasn't risen in 20 years, how about your national spending?



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Now I know the US isn't any better but token changes to spending (which we're great at) doesn't really do a damn thing. The US has been around for 234 years now, the UK has been around for 303 years proper and 1,083 years since the founding of the Kingdom of England. The point, you should have a better understanding of common sense than those of us across the pond.

03:23 Jul 04 2010
Times Read: 1,021

The 4th is upon us but before you go and buy/wear that American flag tee-shirt you might want to read the US Flag Code.



It's the flag of a Sovereign nation, treat it that way.



http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm

02:59 Jul 03 2010
Times Read: 1,033

Here's an article I think you may find interesting. It deals with saving on gas. The tips are easy but the savings really can be massive (up to $1,000/yr+)

10 Tips to Save on Gas



The United States has a reputation for guzzling gasoline, especially in summer, when increased demand and processing costs drive up the price by an average of 10 to 20 cents per gallon. And while the recession has helped reduce U.S. gas demand in recent years, summer heat — combined with unforeseen variables like hurricanes and oil spills — can still wreak havoc with prices at the pump.



But whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or just trying to avoid spending your paycheck on commuting, there's plenty you can do to save money on gasoline. The best strategy is to simply drive less often, maybe carpooling or biking instead, but don't feel discouraged if that's not an option.



Check out these 10 ideas for ways to cut back the amount of time and money you spend at gas stations this summer:



1) Slow and steady wins the race

Gasoline mileage drops off in most cars once you're going faster than about 60 mph (see chart at left). For every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you're essentially paying an extra 24 cents per gallon of gas.



Xzavier: For a 100 mile trip on the Interstate that's an additional $3.89 you save by going 60 instead of 75mph, at 18mpg.



Try using cruise control on interstates and other highways to maintain a constant speed. It can also help to use your car's overdrive gears, which save fuel and engine wear by reducing your speed.





2) Be cool in traffic

Aggressive driving — speeding, swerving, sudden acceleration and braking — is not only dangerous, it can lower your gas mileage 33 percent on highways and 5 percent on city streets. Revving your engine while stopped is even more wasteful.



Xzavier: Spending 50 miles per month driving agressivly will cost you approx. $30/year



3) But not too cool

Air conditioning can be a big drain on gasoline, so make sure you don't just leave it on absentmindedly, and certainly don't leave it on while windows are open, even if they're just cracked. You can improve your fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic by turning off the A/C and rolling down the windows instead, but that's not necessarily always the best idea.



When driving above 55 mph, especially for long periods on highways, the opposite is true — open windows make a vehicle less aerodynamic by letting in air, which increases air resistance and decreases fuel efficiency. On long road trips, using air conditioning could actually improve your mileage by up to 20 percent.





4) Don't just sit there

On top of pointlessly pumping out greenhouse gases without actually getting you anywhere, idling automobiles also contribute to ground-level ozone, airborne particulate matter, and other near-surface air pollution. These emissions can aggravate asthma and even hinder breathing in otherwise healthy people, especially children and the elderly.



If you're just idling to warm up your car in winter, it still only needs to run about a minute. Anything beyond that is just wasting gas.





5) Stay in tune

Fixing a car that needs a tune-up or has failed an emissions test can improve its fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent. More serious problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can reduce mileage by up to 40 percent.



And don't forget to get an oil change roughly every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first (or you could look into installing an Electro-Lube Oil Refiner, which reportedly eliminates the need for oil changes while boosting efficiency 3 to 4 percent).



Xzavier: Keeping your car tuned up can save you $67.50-$900/year in gas depending on the problem.



6) Get pumped

Keeping a car's tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by about 3.3 percent. It's also safer and lengthens the lifespan of your tires, since under-inflated tires lose their tread quickly in addition to wasting fuel. Regular checkups for your tires' alignment and balance aren't a bad idea, either.



Xzavier: This will save you $74.25/year



7) Take a load off

While it mainly affects smaller cars, carrying extra weight means burning extra gasoline, no matter how big your vehicle is. On average, you may be cutting your fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent for every 100 extra pounds you haul.



Xzavier: This could save about $50/year by simply taking out things you don't need.



8) Develop motor skills

Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can boost mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Try to also use the lowest grade of gasoline that's appropriate for your car, since high-octane grades cost several cents more per gallon.



Check your owner's manual to be sure, but as long as your engine doesn't start knocking, you're probably OK. Switching from premium to regular gasoline would save hundreds of dollars every year.



Xzavier: Potential savings $45/year.



9) There's a cap for that

Gasoline can evaporate from a vehicle's fuel tank if it's able to find an opening, which is bad for your wallet and your lungs. Make sure your gas tank's cap is tightened securely after you fill up, and if the cap's threading is stripped or it fits too loosely, you might want to buy a new one.





10) Join the masses

Carpool or, even better, don't take a car at all — walk, ride a bike, or take mass transit. It saves you money, improves your personal health, and helps the planet by keeping greenhouse gases out of its atmosphere. See MNN's guide to greening your commute for more ideas.



Xzavier: Not driving 1 day a week can save you $80/yr in gas.



Xzavier: Now I know these amounts aren't a ton for most people (unless you have a really sucky car) but saving a minimum of $377/year really isn't all that bad. Especially when you combine it with other simple things to save money.



Article Source: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/50/10-ways-to-save-money-on-gasoline.html



For the figures I used 18 mpg, $2.70/gal. and 15,000 miles per year.