Funny thing... this diplomacy

I recently read an article in the NY Times that referred to the United State government's new policy of having talks with the "axis of evil" a.k.a Iran, Syria and North Korea. The first time (which was years ago) I heard of the US government's foreign policy of isolating the countries that did not comply with the whims and wishes of the US... it surprised me at first. Then the surprise turned to disbelief and then to anger and now, I simply shake my head and prefer not to go off on how pre-school'ish that decision was.

When we were young, we form clubs and people who don't agree with the club's rules are ignored and not a word is heard from them. Reason? Ha. Everything was about them rules, and there was nothing. As we grow older, great wisdom dawns on us and we think how immature we were then. You don't ignore your problems! You face them and try to reason out the best-possible solutions, even if it meant not having all the parties involved completely satisfied. Not everyone got their way all the time! Now to see the government behaving in that immature fashion makes all the behavior analysts very happy I'm sure. Toddler = immature. Teen = partial maturity. 20's+30's = mature. 40 plus = immature. Case closed. Simple. That's how the whole issue struck me as. Is that even remotely diplomatic? You put your hands over your ears and refuse to hear anything until the other country bends to your wishes?

Uhm. No. It's not rocket science to figure that out. The government now says it's opening up. C'mon. Who are we kidding here? They'll have the regular talks of oil prices, stocks, money, nuclear arms, yada yada. The government will put on it's Nosy hat and feed the press with information that is probably irrelevant, while cooking up something in the background. It's the same ol' story. Just the way they dealt with Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq earlier. But now they say, it's a "diplomatic initiative". Haven't we heard that before!

Let's say I'm interested how these diplomatic talks will turn out. After years of being isolated, I doubt one would welcome talks with open arms. Also would one go out there to please another, to an extent that it turns to servitude? Or even bend their backs to abide by the selfish policies of some country that claims openly to know the difference between good and evil? Like it was quoted in the NY Times article: "Successful diplomacy requires very careful preparation and very extensive follow-through."

I hope for once, people are good at keeping to their word and take a step in a mature manner after listening to all the intelligence.

HCFC-22, CFCs and everything "nice"

It looks like HCFC-22 made it to the headlines once again. Also known as Chlorodifluoromethane, halocarbon R22 or Freon 22, HCFC-22 was used as an alternative to the not-so-ozone-friendly CFC's in air-conditioners and roof top conditioning. Although it is only 5% as harmful as the CFC's, the increasing use of air conditioners around the globe, especially in India and southern China, has put scientists into really speculating the extent of ozone depletion.
Having lived in India for a while, I know the number of air conditioners one house can install for a mere family. Even when there's no one present in the house, the conditioning goes on, almost 24/7 (I say almost, because if people had their way, they would have it on all day, but power outtages don't seem to be on their side). My father made it a point never to have an A/C. We used the ol' cooler or evaporative coolers, which functioned on the basic principle of water evaporation. You can read about such coolers here. We had the money to get our entire house centrally air-conditoned, but we never did (Oh, the memories we have of standing in front of the coolers and doing kareoke...). It saved electricity, and it was a lot more environment-friendly. One big one placed strategically, and you have the entire house cooled within seconds (and it stays cool long after you've turned it off).

I'm not going to play the blame game and say I'm the most eco-friendly person you'll ever come across and everyone else is to blame for using air-conditioners. But its time we all stand up together and realize the consequences. My question is this: Why not use evaporative coolers? Instead of scientists looking for another gas that is maybe 2% as harmful as CFC's, why don't we do our part and utilize much more environment friendly air conditioning methods? I don't really care about the advantages an A/C has over a cooler. They aren't many and not very substantial either (especially when it comes to doing your part in not depleting the ozone layer).

People might well, argue like always do and whine about why they're the ones to blame, when the rest of the world uses the same technology, and might continue to do so if they did change. The answer, as it always is is BE THE CHANGE TO SEE CHANGE. Why China and India? Because these two countries have the most populous as of now (and by a huge margin from the third most populous country). They are also in the warmer regions, so they require air conditioning of some sort. The label of Its only 5% as harmful as the CFCs doesn't work in the countries's favor either because of the enormous amounts of HCFC-22 let out by the billions of air-conditioners used.

The problem is that a lot of the developing countries enjoy the backseat when it comes to global warming and environmental issues. Many companies help these countries to come up with newer chemicals, but fails to manufacture newer and environ-friendly chemicals. Everything that is environ-friendly is expensive and obviously, no one buys something expensive when you can get the same job done at a much lower price. This low-cost job doesn't consider environmental aspects, but it gets the job done. CFCs are still in the market in India (as I got to know when I was there over winter break). They are cheaper, and people using older cars prefer their air-conditioners to be fixed the old way. No one really seemed to give a rat's ass about the environment or how much CFC is being let out by just one car.

Then they say its legal because people are still selling it and a majority of the people are using it. Yes, its still sold. So are drugs to minors. In Gore's documentary, An Inconvinient Truth, the developed nations are targetted to a large extent. It's the western hemisphere that takes 80% of the blame for whatever holes we have in the ozone layer and the marine life at risk due to oil spills, etc etc. But it IS the world we're talking about, right? And whether the country's developed or under-developed... is it not part of the globe? Does the label of "developing" give the country the right to pollute at everyone's expense? I don't think so. When it comes to the environment, everyone is to blame or be patted on the back. The environment has no boundries. And so shouldn't the people in it create any on such issues that concern humanity as a whole.

It's HCFC-22 now. R-410A next. And something else after a decade. Is that the answer then? A better than worse answer? For how long can we keep fooling ourselves that some better man-made chemical can solve all our environmental issues? Has ANY man-made chemical benefitted the environment for long? Sadly, no.

Personally, I sort of dislike blogging about global warming/environmetal issues because I know once a reader sees the "global warming" tag, they think "how boring", or even "here we go again, another rant". I blog about something I care, maybe make people think for a bit, but then you hit the "Next Blog" button and you've forgotten everything. Also a lot of such rants make people think "All they do is yap/talk. No one acts on it. If they were taking some action, they wouldn't be blogging about it here now would they?" True. I don't drive an electric car, neither do I avoid air-conditioned malls, but that doesn't mean I don't care. I still recycle. I still avoid yellow bulbs and turn off all lights whenever possible. I still never drive over 70mph (that is the speed at which the fuel has the highest efficiency). I never waste food, water. Maybe it is the way I was brought up because I saw a lot of people not have what I have and it made me thankful for what I was given and all the stories I've read of the consequences of the little things we do. But what I'm trying to say is, if at all this post or any documentary concerning our environment you see... give it the honor of some thought and implement tiny changes in your life that can make a huge difference if it becomes a habit.

I'd also like to mention the whole idea of the Daylight Savings time being shifted almost a month earlier. The idea behind it is noble and saves a lot of electricity all over the United States. It's a step towards change and a good start to changing our habits. Quote: "Energy savings was the reason given for the addition of four weeks. A California Energy Commission document said studies have generally found that longer daylight hours save money on electricity because people run fewer lights when the sun is shining." (Day Time Will Be Early - Get Set, San Fransisco Chronicle)

So that's my rant for tonight. Let's begin the new month with one change.

Picture courtesy: In the middle of a shave, O Kyoto by Nik Scott

The campaign for real beauty

Isn't it IRONIC that Dove, a cosmetic-based corporation, should start a Campaign for Real Beauty? We've all seen the ads. They've been on air for a while now.

Defining Beauty
Many a time I've found myself asking whoever created these "guidelines" for beauty. Who said that having a 26inch waist was ideal, or the oval-shaped face was most desired by women. When did the perfect profile mean a straight nose, perfect chin, no double-chin, etc etc. Can you define beauty in your own words? Shouldn't beauty, literally, be in the eyes of the beholder? If you argue that that statement still holds true, why do we have women being categorized into "cute", "hot", "gorgeous", "sweet, but not sexy", "ugly", "unattractive"? Or even men being rated as "geeky", "hot", "hunk-ish"? Shouldn't you be deciding who looks a particular way, and not using the rules set down by commercials, products, magazines, music divas and peers to make a conclusion? But why draw a conclusion on someone's outward appearance? If we were all born blind, would it matter? Would we still go to a website and rate women?

On the Picture
Look at the picture. Do half of the women in the world look like this? Let's get real. A trip down to the nudie beach can be quite eye-opening if you think women look like this most of the time. But yes, according to the numerous campaigns, these women are a step-down from the runway models. Most real women wouldn't pose in underwear for a beauty campaign. BEfore I forget, courtesy for this picture goes to Dove's website, who's image caption was img_curvy_girls (which I believe says image of curvy girls). So now curvy is the new "in"? What about a bunch of those who look, well, not curvy?

Beauty and Race
If beauty can be defined, so can race. As I mentioned above, if we were born blind, beauty would hold no importance to us. The same way, if we were born colour-blind, no one would give jack about a person's race (to a large extent). Racism arises from the discrimination against one's race. Discrimination against one's "beauty" or appearance would be called... ? We don't have a word for it, of course. Racism is rebelled against in most places around the world. They say it cannot be tolerated. They say the person experiencing such a behavior becomes upset and is effected mentally and emotionally. Since God knows when, race has been an underlying cause for most of the wars fought and has sadly, taken many lives. But is that statistic as alarming as people dying from anorexia? Does a comment, "Who'd go out with YOU?" take an emotional toll as a similar moderate racist comment? So I say they're similar. One is already being addressed all over the globe by caring individuals who live by example. The other is being done by the forerunners of beauty promotion.

Re-defining Beauty
Is it not time to embrace people for who they are, for the ideals they stand by and move on from this superficial world we've created? After all, they are like us. They grumble to go to work so early in the morning, they go to schools, they come back home, eat dinner and watch TV like the rest of us. But the only difference between them and the others is that they were born in such a way and which, is beyond their control. They were not born with the "B gene", the beauty gene. So they resorted to the options offered by society, and tried to fit in with the people they saw on a flat-screen. They still weren't satisfied. So once again, they fell at the merciful hands of cosmetics, surgery, etc. A couple people out of a million were satisfied by the end of it all. They WERE the perfect homosapiens, with el natural looking looks that fooled others. But what they didn't realize that in the process of fooling the world, they were fooling themselves. The world loved them for who they were not. The world wanted a Marilyn Monroe, a Jackie Kennedy, a Paris Hilton, a Salma Hayek, a Beyonce. The not-so-perfect people conformed to become like one of those women, in the process losing any originality that would have come with age. Were they happy? That is a matter of personal consciousness. Were the majority happy? No. Was the world happy to learn about the truth at some point in time? Definitely not. The world called them liars. Not Monroe or Hilton. The world put on a halo and everyone became angels, prophesizing real beauty. They campaigned for real beauty in the day. But they were back to their true, shallow selves by night. It took too much energy to change the world. It was no point starting with themselves, when the world would not follow. After all, what can a small group of people believing in re-defining beauty do to bring change? The world would see it as a passing phase.

Read Isabella Mori's Carnival of Eating Disorders. It's truely enlightening with references to many more people's thoughts.

Bloggerama Updates

I'm back! And alive 'n kicking. First off, a very happy new year to everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year celebration and stuck to their new year resolutions through January ;) I didn't keep any last year and the year before that out of fear of not keeping up with any the previous years, but this year I did. And so far, I've stuck with it! I need to put a reminder on here to make a post about Resolutions 101 another day. Secondly, CHECK OUT THE NEW BLOGGER FEATURES!! (I'm floored)

As I wished (and God willed), I've started working this quarter. As our university follows the co-op program, we alternate 4 quarters working and studying. I love my current job. Its in the Marketing/Engineering department, and being not much of a technical person (I made it quite clear in my multiple interviews with my company), I think it suits me perfectly. It basically involves talking to our customers (who range from the US government to GM) who use our products, listen to the issues they're having with the products, think of a possible solution, solve and work with the Engineering department (the techie guys down in the labs) and bring the best possible service to the customers' doorstep. One of the main reasons I chose this job over the engineering one (which in fact, should have been my first choice as I'm an engineering major), is the people interaction the job entails. The Marketing job gives you the taste of the real world, real people, real customers and has you interacting with more people, as opposed to the Engineering job, which has one sitting infront of the computer, performing tests and basically using all the technical expertise to perform projects (and the MArketing people are involved in that too). I won't say I'm a hardcore people-person, but I somehow measure my success and personal satisfaction to the number of people I've helped in a day, or when it comes to my job, how many people I've been of avail to. 30 minutes of not talking to a person really has me fidgeting! And 'til now, I interact with people from all departments and its been a good time.

Anyway, moving on, Valentine's Day is coming up! Okay, maybe I shouldn't have sounded as excited, but hell... all these Hallmark greetings and tiny "gifts" on Facebook people keep sending makes you excited and feelin' good about the whole thing. On Saturday, we visited a friend who had had a pretty nasty accident and broken 3-4 ribs, and possibly injured a couple more (hope for the best for him). Over the regular banter, we started to talk about V-day and how it came into existence. I faintly recalled reading somewhere years ago it was because some St. Valentine was killed. It never made me think of the meaning behind the day. And now when I think of it, the more I'm convinced that we have skewed the meaning behind the day to something completely different. There are stories of a Valentine who was imprisoned and who performed a miracle on the jailor's daughter and the night before he was beheaded, signed a note with, "From your Valentine". But the story about the Bishop in Italy who secretrly maried off couples contrary to the Roman laws prevailing then. It is said he was burnt at the stake for it.

So am I the only one who thinks that the logic of celebrating someone's death is somewhat twisted? I've personally not heard of people "celebrating" former President's assassinations. Or Martin Luther King or Gandhi's deaths. We always have a moment of silence for them. Then why in the case of this Valentine (whoever he might be and for whatever reason he was killed), do we do the opposite and celebrate love? Does anyone know when he was born? Woudln't THAT be the appropriate day to celebrate Valentines Day? Its just one of those things you think about and wonder how in the world did it ever come to the way it is today. Recently, after I was intrigued by such thoughts and seeked familiarity, I came across a number of schools around the world that honor the 14th of February as a mourning day for the death of a certain Valentine. For instance, a City Montessori School in Lucknow (the largest school in the world, as of 2001) is one of them. You can read about it here. Its something to think about, yeah?

(that would mean I won't be doing anything out of the ordinary this V-day)

And that would be my chit-chat for today. Everyone have a good Monday! (although I'm not sure of Monday and "good" go hand in hand, especially with the worst snowstorm headed once again our way... but do drive safe this evening, there's always someone waiting for you at home). I'll be back with more hot topics to talk about later on this week. Until then.

-Mia

On Jolie

Yup, I'm talking of none other than Angelina Jolie. Most of us know her as the hot, sultry woman in Tomb Raider, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, smoking up the screen with... everything she's got. I'll even admit she was one of the few actresses I looked at and had to do a double take just to get another look haha, I guess there's something about her. Something sensual? Exotic? Enchanting? Probably. I like to call it a strenght within that just radiates out of her. A confidence, a feeling that you could trust her and a mystery that doesn't send out sexual innuendos, no. But a mystery that makes her more human - like there is a reality in all that glamour. That isn't the point of this entry though. It's more of a growing admiration for a woman who is giving her all to people who need everything they can get. Currently, she's in Namibia, pregnant with Brad Pitt's child and doing what she loves in a place she loves, taking care of others, when she is the one who needs to be taken care of at the moment. I watched her latest interview with a reporter about her work there, her to-be-born child and her mission. Hearing her speak itself is amazing. She's passionate about what she's doing, modest and as down-to-earth about it as possible. I guess I relate more to what she's saying because I myself love doing what she's doing. And sort of watching her juggling her personal and professional life at the same time gives me hope that I too, will be able to do all that I want to do. My spring break in New Orleans was a breather from the regular, fast-paced life of an average college student and I hope I'll be able to keep doing similar things... really hope, as my major has nothing to do with helping people. Sure, probably create the next smallest nanochip or whatever, but polluting the environs in the process is some way or the other. Ironic huh. Jolie's an actress. Still is. She's still doing it all. It no doubt, makes you want to know more about her - to look past fan sites that portray her as every other "HOT HOLLYWOOD STAR!!!" and to recognize her efforts. In educating people. In helping out children, refugees. And you know what the sad part is... most people would still view her as Lara Croft, "can't get enough" of her pictures in leather and lace. Maybe appreciate her for one second, but forget about it all the next. Like a lot of people out there get motivated to do something for that second and snap! back to their own lives. Who wants to do all that when there's so much to do at home itself? Who wants to do all that when our bosses are constantly harping or making our lives a living hell? And who wants to do it when exams and quizzes won't give us a break? Truthfully speaking, no one should in that case... it's more spiritual or a matter of the heart, if you may call it, when you do such things. A peace, a happiness that consumes oneself after doing all that. It is true. There does exist such a thing. Opening our minds, educating ourselves if not others, is important. There is really so much to learn, so much to see, that we would need a lot more lifetimes to do it all. Being in New Orleans made me, made all of us down there feel so small. So helpless. It disheartened us at the thought of all the work that needed to be done. But only for a second. We thought, If not now, then when? If people kept getting discouraged, would all the dreams of all these people ever come true? Would we ever get a "peaceful" world? And by peaceful I don't mean a world with no wars or whatever non-violence leaders define it as. It's the peacefulness of the minds of other people. And it'll only come about when we realize it's about giving more than what you get. I'm not saying everyone should go to Africa, New Orleans or any other place that needs us, but we need to start thinking about it. Yes, hardly do we get time to think about anything other than our work, social outings, parties or getting that personal high to satisfy us for that one moment. And not thinking comes so easy to a few people it truely is incredible. Something that doesn't suit them, or doesn't comply with their regular lives is not to be given a thought eh. Neverthless we all have grey cells. Hightime we put it to use when our bodies are able and fit enough to do something. Think about it. Even if it is for a few minutes. Not everyone can become an activist or a social worker. But acting on your thoughts... take college students for example. Summer breaks, spring breaks - they are such good opportunities to travel, even if it is to Louisiana, Mexico, Chile, or some other city/country which isn't as developed or is struck by a natural disaster, and volunteer and help others. Even if it is only once. Money shouldn't be an issue as I've seen a lot of people out there ready to fund a good cause. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. People who work, have money, should fund a child's education, or make a child's dream come true (like Make A Wish foundation tries to do). It's great how certain scholarships require certain number of community hours to be renewed every year. All the hours make you feel differently - about your life, your friends, people who you interact with on a daily basis, your coursework. And definitely sets priorities straight - atleast for me it did... It made me realize a lot about my life in general, about my "friends", people who mattered to me and people who didn't really need all the attention I was giving to them and yeah, a craving to do more. In all, it defines you as a better human being if nothing else...

That being said, I guess I rambled off a little there. If given a chance I'd bore you with more of my thoughts, but this is it I guess for the night. Do take the time and watch Jolie's video. You'll love listening to her :) I especially liked all of her videos where she spoke of her work. If a person is passionate about something, it definitely sounds a whole lot better when they're doing the talking heh. And I know you will agree with her belief that there is a potential is everyone to do something. I'd love to create an aud blog right here, right now instead of having said all that... but inconviniences hold me back. Typing fatigue for one. Ohhh, do visit our Orleans website too. It was my idea basically... so I need to atleast advertize it somewhere. Ah, Angelina Jolie. Jolie... I guess this is how it feels when you have someone to look up to for the first time in your life. Almost like a role-model eh.

per·cep·tion (pər-sĕp'shən)

1. The process, act, or faculty of perceiving.
2. The effect or product of perceiving.
3. Psychology.
a. Recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli based chiefly on memory.
b. The neurological processes by which such recognition and interpretation are effected.
c. Insight, intuition, or knowledge gained by perceiving.
d. The capacity for such insight.

It is how different people look at things differently. Sadly, I read a "friend's" blog entry today and it dawned on me how people perceive things just to ridicule people. This person was specifically talking about a person at their workplace, who they thought was gay; because he looked like one and behaved like one (oh yeah, behaved... we're the next generation, out to create a world devoid of stereotypes). So one day they find out that he in fact, had a rather young girlfriend, who was pregnant with his kid.

Apologetic realization? Quit laughing behind his back? Yeah right.

They laugh some more over a couple of beers. Mock more the next day. Sneer whenever they pass him by etc etc. We've all met such people. Who, I have no idea what, get whatever trivial pleasure out of all this. I'd go as far calling it almost... racist. No offense, but thats just me.

I don't get why people hide behind f'ing lame excuses like "Oh, its just how I perceive things", "Get off my back, wtf is your problem?", "We just think differently". And you blog about it and show what sort of an ignorant fool you are. If that person's reading this - f u dude! I DON'T get people like you - you go to lengths in drawing conclusions based on someone's appearance, the way someone talks and just the way someone is. And you say, "Everyone's different". This is how you accept them, huh. What happens when the world turns the tables on you and makes equally outrageous statements? Then you just get depressed some more and blog why ohh whyyyy aren't people more understanding and why the world thinks you're an arse. Well, I'm not going to lie to you... they ain't wrong. Such people must be lacking ANY dignity if they come looking for sympathy from others. And God help the people who set up to help them. I know it is just plain rude to say that, but I'm sure the person is well-accustomed with this. Doesn't rudeness start with you and end in you? No? Alright then, call me rude. And now that I am, I just want to let them know how callous, heartless, pitiful and retarded their thinking is, and the key to creating a better world is WITH THEM! Stop "breeding" people like yourself! If I'm not mistaken, isn't that how you had reacted to the guy at your workplace having a kid?

I'm sure such people have their good qualities, but there's a bloody limit to everything. Maybe I'm over-reacting because when people turn so freaking blind towards a person who they think is gay, I just lose it. I've been brought up in a whole bunch of places and met people who are gay or bi. It was sort of uncomfortable when I was 9 years old. But now its almost normal to me and thats why I have pretty large group of friends who are the way they are. I love my friends and at times come out too strong when people like this person act their macho bullshit and snicker and talk rotten behind their backs. They don't have the guts to come right out and say it to the person (of course, unless the victim is all alone and "my boys are there to back me up"). Its truely pitiful.

I find it hilarious that I actually sympathized with this person when they were going through a rough time. Its just too bad you just proved a lot of people who you really are, eh?

Call me shallow and fickle for changing my mind so fast.

But its just the way how I perceive things.

"Who AM I??"

Thats a pretty deep question. And for those who know me... I avoid such questions. But there have been moments when people have told me about this dilemma of theirs.

"Who am I?"
"What IS my religion? My dad follows this... my mom practices that..."
"Is there something wrong with being an atheist?"
"What do my parents want me to follow?"
"What do I want to follow?"
"How do I see what is right for me?"
"When do I see the *light*?"
"I've never been an overly spiritual person. Is it too late to start being one?"

And the questions go on and on. I couldn't answer those Q's (I never will)... but today morning, when I woke up, I couldn't help laughing at what I saw.

Last night, after a long day of Chem, I decided to read one of Vonnegut's books. Instead, I found this book - Light For My Path: Illuminating Selections from the Bible - which I had bought last year when I was going around the bookstore grabbing like a maniac at books on Christianity and Buddhism. Don't ask...

I'd read the Bible in the 7th or 8th grade, when I was in a catholic school for a couple of years. So I started reading the excerpts and it was like vising the old days of sitting in the Chapel and staring at the Cross for hours. So anyway, this morning I woke up, had a quick shower and when I came back to my room, I saw the Bhagavat Gita (thats the Holy book for the Hindus) kept ontop of the Light For My Path.

That's when I laughed. I actually laughed! My first assumption was, "Aw jeez... either mom or dad want me to read the Gita instead of the Bible." (one of those silent parent commands) I went out and casually asked who had placed the book on my table. Turned out to be my dad O_o Though his intentions were good. When I asked him why, he said something like, "Well, I wanted you to read both the books and see the similarities between the two."

No idea, but that made me feel grateful. Really really grateful.

Probably because I was dreading I would hear, "You should be reading this instead of that." Really, what greater fear than your parents (indirectly) wanting you to follow a particular religion. We've all seen it in documetaries and read it in books. It IS a terrible feeling.

I guess I'm neither here or there. And its better that way. I get to pick the things that ring true to me and fit 'em into my life. Not being a very religious person, being told to be who I want to be and having the liberty to choose to do what I want when it came to such matters... is indeed a blessing.



Picture courtesy : La confusion de l'arbre

Drinking to Get Drunk

That apparently is the new trend at college. Everyone does it - from first year students to fifth year seniors (at least the latter are officially allowed).

Its like you drink just because your friends are, 'cuz you want to go with the crowd, or wish want to taste it (just once? twice?) or (this one's a classic) its a part of "college experience".

Yeah right.

Like any other sober kid on campus, I'm not against drinking or booze in general. Its the number of bottles that go down that is scary. I agree drinking is a social thing, that people do it in clubs, bars, at home when they're with someone or just kicking back after a long day at work. I myself did it a couple of times, but it was at home where I could make sure I didn't get carried away and be cautious of the way I behaved. It was with friends, we all had fun, watched TV, played games, talked and didn't "lose it". Few might consider it "boring" or "whats the big deal anyway. Home or bar, you're still with friends and having a good time". Sure, but you're not drinking responsibly. If you can differentiate between that, great!

I used to always tell (or rather challenge) my parents that it was better to drink a few glasses of whatever they were having with them, rather than me going out and them finding me passed out on the couch in the morn. They didn't object, even though I was 16 then. Plus, I made it a point not to take advantage of their trust and have more than a few sips. It just made me giddy thinking I was "growing up" and was "one of the adults". At 18, my half glass has remained the same but I can now taste a larger variety. Parents should themselves introduce their children to such things, instead of the teens going out in the world and drinking on their own. And there are so many types of drinks... its amazing. Wine-tasting is my favorite. We have one every month at our university (though I haven't gone to one...yet) for a few bucks. So you see? THATS developing a taste. Guzzling down booze for over an hour isn't fun. Or is it? If you think it is... well, I really don't know what to say. I could go on and on about the horrendous things such heavy drinking does to one's liver, immune system and your senses, but I guess you've probably heard it all. And by heavy drinking I don't exclude binge drinking, like drinking once a week (but again, drinking to get drunk).

Keep it simple. Keep a limit. So that you don't end up doing something, saying something that you wouldn't under normal circumstances. When drunk, you're hardly in your senses. Its almost like anyone can get you to do or say something that you don't want to. But you do... because you feel "above all the shyness and conflicting emotions" (which is NOT good and trust me, it makes one look like a careless person and someone not in control). So why allow it? Why place yourself in such a position? Where people can take advantage of your state or simply put, manage YOUR life for a few minutes! Sounds revolting, doesn't it? It does to me. No sane person would want anyone else taking over their mind/actions/words even for a second.

A person can have fun. And still drink with friends or alone. And chill out. And not get wasted. Ask yourself, is there any part of getting drunk that is "fun"? Or relaxing? And then go for that fifth beer can.