Florida State Sociology Professor John Reynolds published a study that shows high school seniors’ expectations of success are wildly outpacing their actual production.  The article is available on-line for a fee; here is a free synopsis.  Telling a student to “reach for the stars” or “the world is your oyster” may seem like great advice but evidence paints a more realistic picture.  The divergent paths of expectations and results lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, depression.

According to a recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Healthcare workers (and others who provide personal services) are among the most depressing career paths to travel.

Fields like “Architecture” and “Maintenance and Repairs” are among the least depressing.   Now, I’m no Epidemiologist (remember this phrase for later) but even I can see the cause-and-effect correlation here.  It seems to me we have found a “lefty loosey, righty tighty” guideline here for turning on the feel-good Endorphin faucets in the brain.  Turns out the “helping people” analogy for caregivers is no where near as rewarding as the “Bob-the-Builder” motivation to create or fix something.  No wonder kids drop the baby dolls and kitchenettes whenever an Erector-Sets or Legos come into the room!

In front of me was a rough-looking kid wearing an oversized leather jacket and baggy pants; he had a "doo-rag" on his head and iPod ear pieces in his ears-- you know the type.  In front of my doo-rag wearing friend was a little old lady wearing a doo-rag of her own.  A woman I would estimate to be in her early 70's wearing a shower cap over some hair curlers-- you know the type... 

Merry Christmas! 

When you read this greeting I’m sure many of you thought “how can he wish everyone a Merry Christmas?  He doesn’t know if we celebrate this holiday or not.” I thought that way too until a co-worker taught me this lesson last year: 

If it were possible for something to be both more SAFE and more INTIMATE wouldn’t you choose it also? That is what Generation Next (or Generation Text) thinks about text messaging; it is both more SAFE and more INTIMATE!

When receiving a text message they are free to react in any way they deem appropriate. Since they are out of sight and sound of the sender they can react as profusely or strongly as they like whether it be hysterically, violently, profanely or more likely; violently hysterical and/or profusely profane!! And, they can respond honestly for the same reason. The receiver is out of sight and sound.

Full of Boundless Energy and Creativity

Television has a huge influence on Cultural Trends; the argument is whether or not this is a good thing!? A study by RAND Corporation demonstrated the positive impact and lasting affect a show like Friends, specifically a single episode had on youth in practicing Safe Sex and Abstinence. So, in summary, Television is a tool capable of having both a positive and negative impact on Cultural Trends.