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This & That:
Guilt trippin', transit tips, DVD rundown...
Guilt Trippin'
Oftentimes, we talk about gender differences in the adjective. Women are "emotional," men are "apathetic," women are "irrational," men are "indifferent." Many of these answers came up in our own Relationship Survey, and it's no wonder there's such a consistency in the answers. It all boils down to one little word: guilt. Guilt plagues us all, in one way or another, and affects our responses differently - but if we stop and wonder about who's the guiltier party, it becomes clearer. One natural way of dealing with guilt is to become emotional, sometimes seemingly irrational. Alternatively, another way of dealing with guilt is to avoid it by being indifferent, almost emotionless.It is this guilt, and the feeling of it, whether real or unwarranted, that may explain why women feel emotion more strongly than men. Perhaps men feel less guilt than women, and therefore "forget to call" or bounce back from fights so effortlessly. They might seem to not care because they don't know that they should. Perhaps women feel more guilt, more often, and so feel burdened because of it.
Let's say that Harry meets Sally, and they exchange numbers. Now, Harry does not call Sally after their initial meeting, and feels no guilt over it because he hardly knows her. Or, let's say Sally sleeps with Harry after their first date, and never calls him again (unless he was very, very good and she needs a booty call). We may say that Sally's behaviour might mirror that of a man's, if only because she feels no guilt for her indiscretions, not because she's the whore of the town.
Why do women feel more guilt? Conversely, could that explain why it seems that women play the guilt trip and emotional blackmail card more often than men? If women felt less guilt, would the gender differences seem less wide? We may never find out the truth behind this theory, but it would explain why Harry's such a dick.
All About Toronto, Transit Style
The good ol' TTC will get you anywhere at any time...well, not literally.
This wouldn't be a proper Toronto issue without a little homage to its public transit system, which first opened its subway tunnel doors in 1954. Much like New York, if you want to get around and can't afford to sell another kidney while doing so, the Toronto Transit Commission strongly suggests that you take advantage of our relatively inexpensive commuter system (and help the environment along the way). From buses to streetcars to the subway, you can get from A to B in a fairly hassle-free way. Still, there are some things I've learned, as an environmental-loving citizen without a driver's license, on my twelve-year stint as a commuter, which I shall impart on our lovely readers:DVD Rundown
- During rush hour, wear a lot of padding. Hockey equipment springs to mind. This is so that you're prepared for all the pushing, backpacks jutting out and impaling you in the back, and angry old people who think they have the right to push you out of their way, even though you're standing five feet away from them. Don't push back; it's not nice to push old people. Just be comforted with the fact that down the road, you will be the one pushing without abandon.
- On the bus, always try to get a one-seater. This is not because you're anti-social and don't know how to share - it's because, chances are, someone who has a really bad body odour problem or reeks of alcohol is going to sit next to you. You know it's bound to happen.
- If the one-seaters are gone, aim for the middle of the bus. The front of the bus is reserved for crazy people who talk incessantly about nothing. The back of the bus is reserved for drunken teenagers. Unless you're drunk yourself - then it doesn't really matter.
- Never upset the driver or let anyone else upset him - your life, after all, depends on how well he can fume and drive at the same time. If you feel that he is being unfair, step out of the bus first, and then shake your fist at him.
- It doesn't matter how long you've been standing in line. Even if you're the first person and have been waiting for the bus for hours, inevitably this will mean nothing to the people crowding around behind you. As soon as those doors open, you'll be lucky if the stampede will even allow you to get on.
- In the winter, the heat will be on so high that you will be sweating in your parka. In the summer, the air conditioning will be on full blast and you'll be chattering in your tank top. The only way to combat this is forget everything you've heard about the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the bus ride.
- When you're running late, the transit system will be even later. When you're killing time and in no rush, you'll get there in record time.
If you're one of those people who like to do their Christmas shopping early, good for you. Nobody likes crowded malls and disgruntled salespeople. Just in time for the Christmas season, tons of old and new television shows alike are releasing their DVD boxed sets. Here's what you can expect to see at your local stores:"That '70's Show: The Complete First Season"
One of FOX's most popular sitcoms (and aren't they glad for that break), "That '70s Show" is on its last leg but just starting to pop up on DVD. You can pick up the complete first season and watch extras like original cast auditions and the Cheap Trick music video."The OC: The Complete First Season"
Although "The OC" is only in its second season, you can relive the first season (or catch up on what you've missed) with this season one boxed set. The best part is that you can skip all the scenes involving Marissa. Bonus material includes never seen before footage and a featurette on casting the series."Seinfeld Gift Set" (Includes Original Scripts, Season One to Three, Salt & Pepper Shakers, and Playing Cards)
Although you can probably catch "Seinfeld" on syndication every hour on some station, the DVD set packed with goodies is a great stocking stuffer for anyone in your life who loves referencing "Seinfeld" every chance they get. With all these extra goodies, the boxed set should be going fast this holiday. Bonus material includes too much to mention, spread out on eight disks."Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Complete Seventh Season"
This is for the one in your life who a) loves Sarah Michelle Gellar b) has an obsession with vampires, or c) has always wanted a "Willow Demon Guide" on DVD-ROM. This is the last season of the show, and even though it's by far one of the worst, it's a definite must-have for any "Buffy" fan. Bonus materials include outtakes and cast commentary."Friends: The Complete Eighth Season"
The eighth season picks up when Rachel announces her pregnancy, and progresses to the impending birth. Not recommended for those people that thought "Friends" starting sucking after the fifth season, or for people who are sick of Ross and Rachel going around in circles. Bonus material includes a gag reel and Friends of "Friends" video guest book. ¤ C.Ho.