The Sun and Capri Sun Save the Day

Greetings from this fine Saturday. It was sunny and in the 50s here in Madison, can't get much better than that. I momentarily broke out of the SAD-induced coma I always fall into this time of year. Yes people, I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder pretty hardcore. I'm a ball of contradictory emotions in the winter—wanting to socialize but preferring to hibernate, hoping to work out but settling on sleep and food, motivating myself to study but prioritizing "America's Next Top Model" marathons. However, even though I know today was just a tease, I needed it. 

My journalism advisor told our class to make ourselves "more marketable," we should all start professional, mature blogs to show how media savvy and knowledgeable we are on current events. Um... well, I already have a blog, and I know after employers read this gold, they're gonna want to hire me on the spot. But to appease her, I bring you this clip:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/02/04/zimmer.fl.child.saves.dad.WTSP?iref=videosearch

I know it's not exactly hard-hitting stuff, but how tight is this kid? 

So every American with ovaries is pumped about "He's Just Not That Into You," but frankly, I'm not sure what I think of the whole thing. I haven't seen it yet or read the book, but I don't like the idea of all these women swearing by this one writer's words. What makes him such an expert? Being a dude does not an expert make. If I were ever to write a book like that—which I wouldn't because what do I know about dating/who the hell would read it?—my opinions would be vastly different than the next girl's. 

"Gimme a break—I'm Justin Long, the cool Mac guy." 

I don't care, I will criticize you anyway. 

I just think it's unfair that a TV show, then publishing house, and now film studio can bank on the fact women put themselves through endless emotional angst trying to read guys' minds. I simply can't imagine something like "She's Just Not That Into You" or "He's Just Not That Into You (For Gay Men)" ever taking off. I'm not boycotting the film or the book because I'm sure both are entertaining, and I'll probably eventually check one out. I'm just pointing out an unfortunate reality rooted in societal gender roles assigned long ago. 

Before I leave you thinking I'm an angry femi-nazi who can't figure out why she can't meet a good guy, I'd like to defend my previous claims of resembling Jerri Blank from "Strangers With Candy." Look at the overwhelming evidence:

"I was a boozer, a user, and a loser." 

Now that I shared that entirely necessary comparison, I can't think of anything else to say. Until next time, hugs not drugs (take the advice of a 46-year-old ex-junkie prostitute, alright?). 

-J.