Today's topic: dumbness

It doesn't amaze me half as much to see dumb people do stupid things as it does when smart people do even dumber things.

When I was young and did really dumb things, my granddad would shake his head and scoff, "Son, I wouldn't claim to be so dumb!"

Good thing he's not living now when dumbness garners news and is often believed to be the intelligent thing to do.

When someone else does it... it's dumb. When we do it... we've erred.

One person can vote a certain way and proclaim, "I vote intelligently".
Another person votes the exact opposite and proclaims, "I vote intelligently".
A third person sells his vote and has money in his pocket. He too feels he voted intelligently.

The child watched 'Forrest Gump' and when the movie ended, proudly proclaimed to his mother, "When I grow up I want to be just like him!" Later that day the child watched 'Dumb and Dumber'. When it was over he fretted, "Now I have a problem. I don't know which one I want to be."

A man sat at a bar, drowning his sorrows in drink. He looked at a man performing a menial job and thought "I'm glad I'm not dumb like him."
The man he was referring to contentedly thought to himself "I'm so glad I don't have the sorrows of that drunk. I'm living a good life and have much to be thankful for."

Definition: Spending too much time on the computer posting 'dumb' comments on Facebook. (Could be jogging; drinking a V8; and helping a little old lady cross the street.)

Do people get smarter as we age?

No, we just think we're smarter.

Defending, denying, and promoting one of the causes which propagate the crime.
(This one is actually happening locally on a fairly big scale this week)

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SlutWalk

Tomorrow is an event called the SlutWalk. It is being held in several cities nationwide, one being the city where I live. The purpose of this event is to absolve victim's of rape against any feeling that the event might have been brought on by them self. It is strictly the fault of the perpetrator. I more-or-less agree with this feeling... up to a logical point. What is bothersome is the way they're going about it. They encourage women to show-up dressed in their sluttiest attire. Their feeling is that nothing a woman wears or does brings about the response of rape or degradation. This is naturally an immature response, once again showing how little wisdom we have in today's do-anything, say-anything world.

In a sense they are expecting the potential rapist to show a higher standard than they themselves are willing to attain to. They want (and/or demand) good character and decent actions without the ethics and morality which alone can bring those traits into play. 
You cannot expect a person to act civil and upstanding if you're fanning the flames which lead them away from that expectation.

Their attitude is much like going on a diet of cake, ice cream, french fries and Coke... and still expect to lose weight. 

My feeling is that we all are responsible to demand responsible actions from each member of society... especially in what we refrain from!  Of course this post will only be interpreted that I am backing-up the statement which brought their whole march about in the first place. You cannot force logic down the throat of someone who does not see logic. Most people who practice the "as nasty as I wanna be" mentality (which seems to be those taking a strong stance on this issue) only want that freedom for their own self, they seldom want someone else to be as nasty as they want to be.


Be responsible and you won't need to pluck out anyone's eyes.
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In The Beginning - Autumn

In The Beginning - Autumn by taaos I'm not sure how this one slipped by me. It was completed over a month ago but I just now have posted it on SoundCloud. Additionally, the video for this should be completed in a few weeks as well.

Abs of Steel

"For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15)

Abomination? Boy! You sure don't hear that word much.
Abomination... not only bad, but about as bad as it gets.
And, it's also saying we're not like-minded with God... we're wayyyy off base!
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'Dem Smokies Agin'

'Dem Smokies Agin', a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Can't get enough of light doing it's thing on the mountains!

Friends and Enemies #11

Friends and Enemies #11

An enemy's words of praise are filled with venom.

A friend's words of encouragement are filled with grace and comfort.

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Friends and Enemies #16

Friends and Enemies #16

An enemy is someone who's absence brings a moment of relief.

A friend is someone who's absence creates a hole that can't be filled.
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Friends and Enemies #27

Friends and Enemies #27

An enemy is someone who expects to remain enemies after they've said something bad about you.

A friend is someone who hopes to remain friends after they've said something bad about you.
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Cascading Waters

Cascading Waters, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

I just love the sight of cascading waters.
I enjoy the sound.
On a hot day, I appreciate the cold soothing comfort (a cold winter day is another story).

Sometimes you have to hike a ways to reach such a treasure.
It's worth it.
Take a hike.

Smoky Mountain Vista #346

Smoky Mountain Vista #346, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Can't beat them Smokies!


"They've bene tryun' ta git me ta buy into ah timeshar. Why shuld ah be intrusted 'en sumtin' which ain't as purty as what ah got har at home?

Why, people come from all over the world ta see mah mountains... in mah own backyawd!"
-Bruce "Mountain Man"

Artbreak: Adelaide 2 by pdw ( tAaOS )

Artbreak: Adelaide 2 by pdw ( tAaOS )


I set out to do a series of one dozen portraits of Adelaide. The darn thing has already turned into four dozen... and growing!

Artbreak: Adelaide 1 by pdw ( tAaOS )

Artbreak: Adelaide 1 by pdw ( tAaOS )

I set out to do a series of one dozen portraits of Adelaide. The darn thing has already turned into four dozen... and growing!
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Unwelcome Anniversary

Dad passed away 21 years ago today. His was the most shocking and unexpected death I have experienced regarding anyone close to me. It has affected my reaction to "Mr. White" phone calls received since that day.

He has been greatly missed.
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Back to Your Closet

Note: If you make a regular practice of leaving negative comments; unfounded disagreements and/or debates; questionable practices; hurtful opinions... there's the door. Please kindly shut it as you leave. Bye!
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Sinless Sinners

While substitute teaching for a second grade class, I had one overly helpful girl who felt it was her job to keep me informed on the correct procedures of operation when the regular teacher is there. First thing she did was let me know who the classroom troublemakers were and who I should keep an eye on. The other kids then informed me that it was she who is the priviledged "teacher's pet." Throughout the day she was consistently out of her chair informing on every student doing something wrong or improper. Finally she approached me with, "Mr. White, Jason's out of his seat. The teacher doesn't let anyone out of their seats without permission. You have to give him a 'mark-out'." I looked at the girl 'standing' at my desk and proceeded to give her and Jason a mark-out for being out of their seats. She went back to her seat in tears.

It hurts when your sins are exposed... especially when you aren't even aware that you have any sins. The punishment of being marked-out didn't hurt the one accustomed to being a 'sinner' near as much as the one who felt a privileged position with the person in charge. Our actions should be to do what is pleasing to God... in authenticity and not in hypocrisy.

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Foolish Genius

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalms 14:1)

Some of the most intelligent persons of this and previous generations have boldly proclaimed “There is no God.” Of course this doesn't mean they are correct, it simply means they are fools (the Bible's verdict, not my own).

Intelligence and wisdom are two different things. The most intelligent person in the room could easily be the least wise. Know when to listen to them and when not to.
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Artbreak: Miller Road by tAaOS

Artbreak: Miller Road by pdw ( tAaOS )

All you motorcycle riders know where the Dragon is, of course. You love the road's curves, twists, turns, high elevation, and thrill of experience. Well, I'm one of them wimps who road it in a car. My verdict? Simply beautiful!

Every minute and mile offers a scenic wonderland of 'stop and take a picture' opportunity.

Water and mountains never looked so good.

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Global Warming

I'm confused about global warming. Does global warming make things wetter, with more rain and humid conditions? I had assumed it meant that things would be hotter with less precipitation, but boy... that sure isn't the way things have been happening. I should read-up more about it since it looks like we're all going to be living in one big rain forest.

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Junglebrook Cabin with Visitor

Family-0183035, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

The Last Millennium - Winter

The Last Millennium - Winter by taaos Yesterday I posted the Autumn variation, today it's 'The Last Millennium' Winter composition. As always, the Winter has the piano playing the melody. Enjoy.

That's the Way I Like It

"She's not very pretty. Actually, she's quite ugly... but that's the way I like my women!"
What!!?

Over the years I've laughed at the uncommon sentiment from one of my good friends at the time.
I occasionally apply his same logic to other situations, such as:
"It tastes pretty bad... but that's the way I like my food."
"It hurts my ears... but that's the way I like my music."
"It's pretty boring... but that's the way I like my entertainment."
LOL

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The Last Millennium - Autumn

The Last Millennium - Autumn by taaos

This was the alpha song. It was the first quarter of 2000 when I wrote this song pertaining to the millennium which had just ended. It started out as a little secular piece, but as God continued to work through my song-writing, this naturally evolved into a spiritual song expressing what He had done for me personally, and for humanity in general since His first coming upon this world. It wasn't for a couple of years until it dawned on me where this fit-in to the Alpha and Omega Suite… this would become the natural transaction piece between what God had done in the past and what lies ahead in our future. The Last Millennium is song #32. 

Ocean-0504

Ocean-0504, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Don't make waves.

God-given Rights

I have to shed a little light on the topic of personal rights.
This is one area where people have wrong ideas and much misunderstanding.

I will ask "what natural rights are you born with?"
Are you ready for the cynical truth?

You are born with absolutely no rights at all!!
You are only born with whatever rights people give to you... no more, no less.
If you believe anything more than this, then you believe in a supreme being who gives 'god-given rights'.

Now once you've matured and gain some physical power, you might demand and enforce some rights of your own choosing, but other than that you're at the mercy of whatever system is set in place when and where you're born. You are born completely at the mercy of those in charge, whoever they might be!

Does this sound terrible and depressing?
To some it might, to others it's just a natural part of Darwinism.

When you demand your rights, you are only demanding as much as what someone is willing to give you. If you want it bad enough you will have to fight for it.

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If you don't like what I wrote, remember... it's my right to say it.

"Your right!? Who says?"

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Ocean-911

Ocean-911, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Born What Way

No Lady Gaga, I have serious doubts that you authentically are 'Born This Way'. You, and everyone else, are a product of so many varying factors that it's highly doubtful that any one of us can give full blame/credit to genetics alone. I agree that your DNA highly affects much of who you are but I also factor-in those numerous life experiences, both good and bad, and other sociological variables. They have also left their great mark in shaping you into how you perceive yourself; the way you act and respond; and the choices and decisions you have made.

If you read the lyrics to your own song, you'll see that even it proclaims that no, you weren't fully born that way. Sorry.
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LP Gas Runs the Tractors

LP Gas Runs the Tractors, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Our first year of marriage. Mom and Dad were still on the farm. Carol by the LP tank/pump. Is LP still the cheapest fuel or has that changed as well?

Impartial or Partial?

Impartiality is almost always the goal we should strive for, but occasionally it's much better to be partial and put our foot down one way or the other.

Wise King Solomon gave the illusion of being impartial by declaring the baby should be cut in two so each woman could share in half. The guilty woman responded by feeling impartiality was a wonderful verdict. The authentic mother didn't want to share… she stated that the other woman could have the whole, living child. This revealed to Solomon who the real mother was… this was not a case where being impartial should even be considered!
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Lord, help me to give it up and let go

So much of what you consider to be heavenly in this life will not be considered heavenly in the next life. Is it worth clinging onto?

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9                                                        
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Be kind, be truthful

Proverbs 3:3

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.
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Summer Drive

StormySkies-74051, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Out in the country.

Ayers Rock

StormySkies-21420, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

In the very center of Australia sits the massive Ayers Rock. It was a hard climb to the top.

God is love... Or is He?

A common sign/placard seen at protest rallies states "My god loves everybody". This is a good statement and I believe in it. Problem is... it doesn't really say much of anything. Anyone who wants to create their own god would probably start out this way. It's simple, it's basic, but it really tells you nothing about this god you've made-up. It's very similar to the 'prince Charming' which some little girls fantasize about... all good, no bad, but no substance.

If you do believe in a god who loves everybody, you must complete his/her/it's description with a 'but' or an 'and' to make the statement have meaning. An example would be to state it the way I originally saw the description a long time ago, it said "My God loves everybody BUT he hates their sin." Now the simple sentiment gains a little substance, but it could still be a god you've come up with on your own. Especially if your god only hates the things which you personally hate. Your god is still just a reflection of you.

Now you can add some more buts or ands to this god of yours... "and my god gives me good gifts" or "my god wants me to live in a castle" or "my god loves me when I'm good and hates me when I'm bad", etc, etc. You're at the point that you really must look into studying to see if god has been revealed in other ways than what you're making-up. Your imagination could take you almost anywhere, you could end-up with a god more harmful than beneficial.

Find out three things (or more):
(1) Does god love everybody?
(2) If he hates our sin (our negative traits which might bring about harm or hurt) how is it possible for him to love what's not lovable?
(3) If god really does love everybody but hates our inward wickedness, what has he done about it? Does he ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist? Just what are these sins and why do I naturally commit them? Can I do anything about it? Has god done anything about it?

Going back to the basic premise "My god loves everybody" and restating it in two ways which come from thousands of Judeo/Christian* years of god carefully and meticulously unveiling himself... His nature; his likes; his dislikes; how he has worked in history; how he has communicated with various people; what people have made-up about him; what he has corrected about these made-up concepts, etc. (There are numerous god-aspects which must be laid on the line in order to really know about him), then the statement can gain much depth and insight by completing it with:
(1) "My god loves everybody but he hates their sin."
(2) "My god loves everybody and he sent his Messiah Jesus to be an atoning sacrifice on the cross to take care of our sins (that otherwise can not be legally overlooked)."

There. Now the simple statement takes on a depth which goes beyond our own god-creation and limited understanding. It now contains the doorway to explaining the whole picture which could only come from God Himself.

*The teachings, doctrines, beliefs, genealogy, and culture of Jesus are the referenced measuring stick which I use in learning about God. Other religions could also be referenced as well, but Jesus (and his nature) consistently prove a more accurate and complete standard on the topic of God.
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Castles-2222

Castles-2222, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

The Last Millinium has come together faster than any other piece so far.

Grace

Castles-5046, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

I love the concept of grace.
One of the important aspects of grace is that it allows you the freedom to fail without holding it against you. And once you've failed, it tells you to move on, try again, and perhaps you'll succeed the next time. But if you once again fail, grace says to go ahead and give it another shot!!

Castles-3342

Castles-3342, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Original iPad pixel paint art to be used in the Psalmists Sonata upcoming video.

The Omega Etude - Winter

The Omega Etude - Winter by taaos God's word has lovingly been given to mankind for our benefit and so we can know Him more intimately. The Messiah was promised and came for His first appearance... but He will appear again. We have seen the past; we're experiencing the present; and we humbly look forward to the future.

The Alpha Prelude - Winter

The Alpha Prelude - Winter by taaos The first half of the Suite is the Alpha. It portrays the God of history as He interacted and manifested Himself to the nation of Israel... the precious seed of Abraham. The Alpha's sixteen songs might be the most difficult for us to accept of any in the entire Suite. They are the ones which deal with the inward nature of man. They also paint a bleak picture of our broken spiritual condition. We are shown as rebels fighting against righteousness, holiness and all that is godly and good! We are full of wrath, violence and disobedience. Though we might be loving and kind on occasion, the deceitfulness of our heart even stains our virtues and good works. And because of the way we are on the inside, the judgmental side of God is portrayed... and that is one aspect of Him which we tend to dislike. Give us 'God the Loving' but don't show us 'God the Divine Judge'. But, if we are to accept what we find attractive, then we also need to realistically accept the authoritarian, strong and all-controlling part of God as well. And as we mature, we then see the benefits of those attributes. We love and admire Him for being that way!

The Omega Etude - Autumn

The Omega Etude - Autumn by taaos 'The Omega Etude - Autumn' from The Alpha & Omega Suite: the Seasons has been added to SoundCloud. This composition is the 33rd piece in the Suite.

The Alpha Prelude - Autumn

The Alpha Prelude - Autumn by taaos

Volcano

StormySkies-82313, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

One of the illustrations completed for 'Judgment Day' video (which should be completed and posted by next month).

No Need for Pride

Don't take pride in who you are.
Instead, take reassurance that God can change you into the person He desires you to be.
Who we are is far from being the highest and best. At the most it is nothing more than a compromise... a sliver of what our potential is.
God sees our potential and overlooks who we are at the moment.
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Parents are Parents... NOT Friends

When your kids say you're cool, or "all our friends think you're cool", you need to remind them that "no, I'm really not all that cool".
Why?

Because we must always remember that we are the parent, and being a parent is NOT all that cool to a kid. If their friends think you're cool, what that actually means is they think you're being permissive. You must remember to let them know that even though you might allow them to push the boundaries a bit, you're doing so with strings attached.

Your child and their friends are NOT your friends, they are in a different category all together...
    the parent/child one!
You are the authority figure...
    you make the rules, and
        you set the boundaries!

Make sure that by 'being cool' you are not actually being a little too permissive. The ideal area of being too lax and being too strict is not an easy place to be, but nobody ever said this role is an easy one.
Be the parent!

(I'm obviously preachin' to self on this one.)
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What is a gift?

A gift is what constitutes the majority of clutter which hides in your closet, which you know you should really get rid of because you will never use it but you cannot get rid of it because it has sentimental value... because it was a gift!

(whew! Talk about a long Davis sentence!)
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Sacrifice

Old System of Sacrifice

Was temporary (Heb 8:13)

Aaron first high priest (Lev 16:32)

From tribe of Levi (Heb 7:5)

Ministered on earth (Heb 8:4)

Used blood of animals (Lev 16:15)

Required many sacrifices (Lev 22:19)

Needed perfect animals (Lev 22:19)

Required careful approach to Tabernacle (Lev 16:2)

Looked forward to new system (Heb 10:1)

 

New System of Sacrifice

Is permanent (Heb 7:21)

Jesus only High Priest (Heb 4:14)

From tribe of Judah (Heb 7:14)

Ministers in heaven (Heb 8:1,2)

Uses blood of Christ (Heb 10:5-12)

Requires one sacrifice (Heb 9:28)

Needs a perfect life (Heb 5:9)

Encourages confident approach to throne (Heb 4:16)

Sets aside old system (Heb 10:9)
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Con-con-con-conclusions

Conclusions are far too often based on circumstances and the world around us than they are on cold, hard facts. The problem is if our world is skewed or topsy-turvy, then our conclusions have their basis on what is not correct to begin with. Accuracy is a difficult goal to achieve when you are grounded in a world of lifestyles, traditions, values, education, teachings, religions, peer pressure, media offerings, distorted historical perspective, and various other factors which might fly in the face of providing an accurate world view.

Don't jump to conclusions.
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Video for 'In The Beginning'

I just completed the first video from "the Seasons: Autumn". It's also my first video to be produced on the iPad. It is the second piece from the Alpha & Omega Suite... "In The Beginning". Because of the song's theme of 'new beginnings' I accompanied the music with art pieces from my personal early beginnings in Missouri and Tennessee. They in no way reflect the song's lyrics, but they do have personal significance.




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No 2nd Place for Jesus

One way we know if the Holy Spirit approves of a religion is by what that religion believes and teaches about Jesus. Another approach is to see if the  Holy Spirit is at work within that belief system (though some miraculous power can happen by demonic intervention to lead away from God). Scripture states that if Jesus is elevated as Lord and Savior, we know the teachings to be true. If Jesus is not acknowledged for who he claims to be then we know the teachings are in error. We cannot have a 'good' or complete religion which does not follow Christ's message, it is impossible to have it both ways.
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Hiking

Landscapes-0205720, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Hazy hike up House mountain.

Adelaide

Family-8115326, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

wings

Heaven is Not in Your Mind

Statement on some kid's blog:
"They say that people such as my best friends are all going to hell. Well, if that's where they're gonna be, that's where I want to be too."

Wow! Don't pity this kid.
They are grasping a concept which many adults fail to recognize... Heaven is not for everyone. It is only for those who desire to be there on heaven's terms, not their own. Otherwise, heaven would be a terrible place for those who have not regenerated to it's holy standards.

The unrepentant person would want no part in such a place.

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Millions in the Wrong

The majority is normally right.
Normally, but not always.

There are few things worse than when great numbers of people are all wrong and the individual who holds an opposing view is correct. Under such circumstances, the lone 'holdout' is pressured to change and reflect the majority in the matter. It takes a rare and bold individual to resist and stand-up to what they know is not right.

The more I read YouTube comments and personal blogs, the more I'm beginning to believe that the majority is seldom right.
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Crime and Punishment

It never ceases to amaze how when you try to be lax and avoid administering punishment, the perpetrator so often assumes they haven't really done anything wrong. If for no other reason, punishment serves the important purpose that a crime has been committed, regardless the opinion of the lawbreaker on the matter.

Perhaps some punishment is too strict, but reality dictates that some form of punishment should always be handed-out for the offense.
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Foolish Critics

13year old Rebecca Black's song 'Friday' has been classified (by fools) as the worst song ever written. Are they right? Hardly! I actually enjoy the song and wouldn't even put it in the top 500 worst songs of all time.

Rebecca, don't listen to those foolish people. Enjoy your youth... and your song.
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Porn Addiction

Pornography appeals to mental disorders... whether they're classified that way or not.
It feeds upon the disorder and thoroughly masks and covers-up the fact that there is a disorder in the first place.

And when the professional therapists also have a problem with porn addiction, they do their best to deny that porn is a problem and a catalyst to other problems. Thus, they give a clean bill of health to a sickness that should be addressed and treated accordingly.
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Don't tell me you're open minded

My definition of: Pop Culture Lemming
One who is easily influenced by the issues which pop culture states are important. Though feeling to be independent and open minded, this type of person (normally young) posts their 'about me' resume online thinking that it shows how unique they are, but in reality it only emphasizes how they've bought-in to the same issues as their peers have. Attending college only reinforces their stances and like-mindedness. The only hope is that maturity will eventually set-in and being political correct will take a back seat to reality.