One of the more difficult categories on The Slow Bleed Web site, “Culture” has been defined as “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” 

People should have the right to practice the beliefs, etc. associated with their individual cultures. 

Unfortunately, many people believe they have right to practice their own beliefs but don’t have to allow others the same right. Sure, there are fancy words for that type of behavior, but let’s just call it hypocritical.

For a society to function and grow, it is essential that we bring ideas from different individuals and cultures. However, the reverse seems to be happening.

OK, you are graduating, and you want to know what is out there for you. 

Well, if you are like most people I meet nowadays; you feel you deserve the corner office suite right out of the gate! And who is to stop you? 

I am sure the millions of hours you have accumulated in online gaming, binge drinking, and procrastination 101 are bound to get you into the top firms in the nation. 

Just in case, you might want a backup plan that does not include moving back in with your parents (as a parent I am allowed to say that). 

So what is probably going to be hot in a failing economy?

I guess it has been awhile since Vanity Fair has raised a few eyebrows with some controversial photos, but Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) certainly helped that situation.

Of course, Cyrus is apologizing about the photo shoot now, saying it was meant to be “artistic” and she “never intended for any of this to happen.” 

I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I got a hold of the picture (which was really easy since it seems to be all the news right now).

Here is what I think… 

Do I think the photos are over the top? Perhaps. I think her publicist or agent should have questioned whether Vanity should run with those photos. Do these help her career right now? Probably not. Does the general public have something better to talk about right now? Apparently not. 

As for the photos being “sexy” versus “artistic,” well, I suspect that depends on what you, the viewer, interprets in the photos. You either see a young girl in an artistic photo or you see, well, something else. I highly suspect, given the overreaction of society today, even Anne Geddes photos will come under fire someday (you remember, the photographer that took pictures of baby’s). 

Apparently the idea of lowering taxes has escaped Mayor Gonzola Navarette Munuz who will have physician’s hand out Viagra to older patients that request the pill. It is also no coincidence elections are coming soon, and Mayor Navarette is hoping for another term.

Whether this move is enough to get him re-elected remains to be seen. The response to the Mayor’s new plan in Chile has been favorable among older men, not so much among the women. 

But what about here in the states? 

Perhaps Chile is ahead of the curve and we can look forward to new campaign tactics here in the US before November. Both camps could consider the following to gain American votes… 

• Free Krispy Kreme Mondays 

• A new episode of American Idol each night 

• A new Ford “Earth Destroyer 2009” in every garage 

• Unlimited “nights” and “weekends” for NY state senators 

• Force McDonalds to bring back the “Supersize” menu 

• Nationwide ban on anything associated with Paris Hilton 

Nevermind…we probably have a better chance getting Viagra.

I am over it. Actually I was over it about one and a half episodes after it started.

There is nothing productive (or entertaining) about reality shows. I get enough “reality” in REAL life…I don’t need to watch it on TV as well. I want written-for-me comedy and drama — is that too much to ask? Here is what I don’t want…

I don’t need to see people thrown together in a house to see who cracks first. For that I need only have my family over for the holidays. 

I don’t need to see the super-real-housewives of the hills. For that I can go by Starbucks in the middle of a workday. 

I don’t need to see people lose weight, eat bugs, or try and destroy someone else for ratings. 

I don’t need to see insecure, 15-minutes-of-fame people cutting themselves up in an effort to “improve” their natural beauty. Stop buying magazines with supermodels on the cover, and you will probably be fine.

The federal court ruled today that the Bush administration must decide by mid-May whether polar bears deserve protection. This is being billed as a “huge victory” for the polar bear. 

Not exactly sure what kind of protection they are looking for… 

Better health care? 

To be a continued force in the “bear” market? 

Or do they need “protection” in the sense that they are being bullied for lunch money? 

Having read too many Far Side cartoons in the past, I find it difficult not to manifest a twisted opinion of bears in general (thanks, Gary). Sure, go ahead and try not to think about the one with the igloo. 

Whatever the case, I sure hope they get this resolved soon. Of all the news I could have found today…and this showed up on the TOP of a random news search. 

I knew all along that environmentalists controlled the Internet. 

Voter apathy amazes me. Although it seems to mostly apply to political issues since the last episode of American Idol had 63 million votes (granted some people probably voted more than once) and “Evolution of Dance” on YouTube has been viewed over 82 million times.

I think we just need shows like Presidential Idol. With only slight modifications to their song and dance, candidates could now attract young voters with their hip music videos. Better yet, throw them all in the Big Senator House - make them live together for 12 months and video tape everything. The candidate with the best ratings and viewer votes wins. 

Any significant bill or law could be decided by Survivor Law - Island of No Return. The legislations proponent would be put on an island with someone who opposes the law. There they can compete to see if the law passes or not. Only one person returns from the island, so I highly suspect term limits will take care of themselves.