How does the Race for the Cure phenomenon work similarly to grassroots campaigns and the arguments regarding political speech and campaign-finance reform? Both are all about EXPOSURE and PERCEPTION. In other words, why are we constantly pounded with information about breast cancer, but not colorectal or prostate cancer? The rate of prostate cancer in men is actually higher than the rate of breast cancer in women, yet we have no Race for the Cure that supports research into curing prostate cancer. We don't have programs that support men calling each other up to remind them to go get their physical and have their prostate checked (granted, prostate checks are a lot different than breast self-exams, but are just as important for heading off cancer). Many have magnetic pink ribbons on their vehicles, and Colorado even has a pink ribbon license plate; there is no ribbon of any color for prostate cancer. By the way, I'm NOT ripping on those who have breast cancer or have had it, those who died from it, or those who are fighting it in various ways...I'm merely trying to make a point and we should all admit that breast cancer seems to get more regular and consistent support information and activities than just about any other charitable cause.
It's all about who has the money and resources to "raise awareness". That ultimately comes down to agendas, for everyone involved, including the "impartial entities" who merely transmit the messages. For whatever reason, there are other issues that are just as important but just don't get the "love". Prostate cancer is probably one of them. In fact, maybe we should be talking about education, child-welfare reform, fighting terrorism, fixing our overburdened criminal justice system with its out-of-whack priorities, and generally shoring up American moral fiber, instead of global warming, gay marriage, and universal health care. I've decided that when I win the Powerball, I'm going to buy some prime-time airtime on all four major networks and just rant about issues. THAT'S what it's really all about.
I'm beginning to be less interested in Land Rovers...well, the new ones, anyway. I've test-driven the LR3, and I like those pretty well. All the others really stink, though. I haven't liked the Range Rovers since they went to the new "luxury" styling. They look like toys now, not something you'd want to take off-road. My first Rover was a '93 Rangie, and it was totally capable of going off-road (and did take me down a Class 5 trail with no issues whatsoever). Forget the fact that it probably cost close to $70K when it was first purchased; it still had the looks and most importantly, the capability to go off-road immediately. They changed from the "Range Rover Classic" in 1995, then completely changed to the new luxury styling in the early 2000s. The Range Rover Sport, though slightly cooler, still doesn't really blow my skirt up.
And don't even get me started on the LR2. HELLO!!! FORD AND ROVER GUYS!!! We don't want a flipping crossover...we want the Defender back! And don't waste our time until you do it! Do the execs at Ford's Rover division SERIOUSLY think the market doesn't want the classic, rugged styling of the old Series Rovers and Defenders? Let's ask the folks at Toyota, who just released the FJ Cruiser that harkens back to the old FJ40 series of yesteryear. How about the Jeep Wrangler, that has consistently sold well in the States year after year, and now even has a 4-door edition (which is pretty darn cool, if I do say so myself...enough to make me want one). Sadly, if Ford doesn't get off its duff and bring back something that not only is capable but LOOKS like it's capable, the way the Wranglers and FJ Cruisers do...the Rover will quickly lose its esteem and prestige as the "Most Well-Traveled Vehicle on Earth" (click this link for a wonderful 5-minute video that discusses the Rover's history and heritage).
More sad news...WKY, the"Grand Old Man" of Oklahoma City radio and one of only about 30 stations that are west of the Mississippi that retain a W as the initial letter of its station call, converted late last year to Espanol. Just what the world needs...another piece of history steam-rolled by the influx of illegal immigrants.
So I enrolled today in my first class at DU. True, I had enrolled for the Spring term, but withdrew when I realized funding would be dicey...and I hadn't officially been accepted, anyway, and wanted to wait until I had that in hand. I'll be taking MALS 4020, "Graduate Research and Writing," basically Freshman Comp for Grad Students. I'm looking forward to it since it's the beginning of my new grad school life, but I'm not because it will be a lot of writing, and I'm taking it now just to get it out of the way as quickly as possible. Pray for me, please...I might need it. (Or if you're not a religious person, good luck wishes are also acceptable.)
Thanks to all for reading along.
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