Weighty Issues

I have nothing against Posh Spice, in fact I was a Spice Girl for a talent show in high school, BUT when I read things like this, combined with that frightening photograph, it saddens me. The state of our ideas on attractiveness have hit an all time low in my opinion, especially when women idolize and strive for a skin and bones body type.

Also women, do yourself a favor and get fitted for a bra. Apparently the average American breast is growing and we should take note of this and embrace our bodies and treat them right because they are amazing.

China Daily reports that women order french fries more often than anything else. Obviously this isn't the most scientific study, but quite interesting, especially as compared with the men's choices that the article reveals. Such opposing viewpoints when it comes to body image and food issues. Women are craving to have the body of Victoria Beckham, but are most frequently ordering french fries, burgers, and pizza at restaurants. No wonder there is an amazing spectrum of bodies, especially in the United States; overwhelming rates of eating disorders, yet similar problems with obesity. Hmmm.

And just because China Daily is quite amusing, I was intrigued by the idea of a"Semi-honeyed couple".

Thoughts?

Viva Italia!

I will be leaving for Italy on July 6, 2006 on a twelve day tour of the country. I am ecstatic. This is a map, courtesy of www.trafalgar.com which shows the route we'll be taking. Besides a semester of Italian in college, I'm not very well versed in the language, but I do have a lot of Spanish experience, which I am hoping will help. My family fell in love with Italy while they were there and have some suggestions, but anyone out there who has suggestions of places to visit, eat, drink, take photos of, meet people, or just have a grand old time, I'd love to hear them. I'm definitely going to try to blog my whole trip, but I'm not sure how the computer/internet situation is going to work. Ah! My time in New York is winding down to quickly and then it's Italy, back here, then off to start my new life in San Francisco. Just a regular jet-setter, but more than anything, I miss this:. When will I get back there?

Why can't we all just get along?

This AskMetafilter thread has some really interesting Asian stereotypes of other Asians. I have heard most of these, but surprisingly I was aware of more of the East Asian stereotypes than those of Indian people. The prompt and underlying motive of the discussion is a bit suspect considering it comes from someone who "doesn't know much about Asia" and is seeking to learn about stereotypes because of the fact that Asian countries are being more prominent and influential in the world. Someone in the thread calls this out though. My thoughts? Pretty much everyone has stereotypes of other people based on race, gender, occupation, etc. whether or not those are true of all people in those groups and whether or not there is any basis for them; The best way to change one's perceptions is to be exposed to all sorts of people and to realize that there are experiences and attributes unique to individuals. After all, I'm no "Lazy Indian".

Happy Fathers' Day

I was in Alabama last weekend seeing my grandparents and aunts and uncles etc. It was a wonderful and much needed get away. I'm working for a few more weeks and then will be off to Italy. A full coverage post of my pre-Italy preparations will follow soon.

I always hoped for an unusual name. Fun fact, my parents almost named me Candace. Do I seem like a Candace to you?