BxMuscle

I'm into fitness and notice that in-shape people with healthy skin, nice teeth, clear eyes and other features of health and vitality attract more attention and admiration with simple, well-fit clothes and accessories than average or unattractive ones sporting edgy, expensive or flamboyant their out-fits and "looks." Average or unattractive people need fashionable stuff, genuinely attractive ones really don't.

Several open seats and more Democrats than Republican up for re-election made their chances look good, but even some Republicans are saying that the shut-down and default threat now make a GOP majority unlikely.

These are two people who claim to "love each other to death" but can't get along. So they fight, separate, give themselves and others drama and then get back together. This has happened at least four times over two years. Would I be a bad friend if I said to the one I know that maybe she might get some professional advice (I really want to say that i'm so over their drama!)

This is a colleague who comes out with some of us after work or during lunch. He eats with and licks his fingers, thinks nothing of belching at the table after eating, and talks loud with his mouth full. Do I try to politely speak to him when no one's around, put up and shut up, or just skip these outings with other people whose company I enjoy?

Some think he can and should be deposed if he allows allows the government to re-open or the debt ceiling raised without major concessions on Obama-care. Others that the Tea-Party wing as over-played their hand and will be defeated and isolated.

"7 Deadly Sins" is a Medieval idea but which is worse for individuals, families and society? Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath or Pride?

I'm a big believer in what is and is not appropriate to wear, say and do in given circumstances but wonder when does this cross over into snobbishness or even class bias. I say it's when you use such standards to look down on others. Still, what do you do when you're at a good restaurant with someone who decides to eat his grilled fish with his fingers and defends it by saying "that's how I was brought up?"

Priapism is a permanent erection and can be caused by many things including serious medical issues. I know someone who obviously has this but seems clueless despite the fact that its often real obvious since he's clearly more "blessed" than most guys. There are medical treatments and specialized undergarments for guys with this but how do you mention this to someone who's more of an friendly acquaintance than a close friend?

If Obama-care did drive down health-care costs and cover the uninsured, wouldn't that encourage more unhealthy habits like smoking, bad diets and lack of exercise by people who could rely on taxpayer subsidies and cheaper prices to get treatment instead of living healthy lives that reduced risk of illness?

Senator Cruz and Michele Bachman, among others, have said that these fears are scare tactics used to force opponents of Obama-care to back down. So would a default really lead to an economic disaster?

I live in the Northeast and hear a growing chorus of Republican governors, House members and municipal officials attacking the Tea-Party for the shutdown, including New Jersey Governor Christie who wants to run for President in 2016. Should they all be shunned by the party for this?

Obama was elected twice, it was passed by House and Senate Democrats in 2009 and upheld by the Supreme Court last year. Opponents who the House in 2010 thanks to safe districts even though Democrats nationally won over a million votes more. Doesn't this prove that majority votes is not the best way to run government if it produces this?

Governor Christie of New Jersey, Representative King from the NYC suburbs, even Mitt Romney back in August attacking Ted Cruz's threat of a shutdown if Obamacare is not repealed are among Republicans attacking other Republicans for the shut-down as irresponsible. Should they be punished by the party and how?

If Democrats won't delay or de-fund it should the House Republicans refuse to vote to raise the debt ceiling this month, allowing the federal government to default on its debt whatever some say the consequences would be?

Some say put as many more border agents or even the army on the borders. Others that heavy fines on employers who use undocumented labor would do the trick better, faster and cheaper by removing the encentives for illegal immigration.

Even if the Senate is retaken in '14 Obama will veto any repeal so only a total Republican victory in House, Senate and Presidency in 2016 can assure legislative repeal. So shouldn't all tactics be used to defeat it now, including defaulting on the natiional debt later this month if necessary before it gains traction?

He suggested that the way to defeat Obama-care is for Republicans to start winning more elections rather than shutdown the government. Should he be allowed to remain in the party after this?

Canadian, British and Native American allies defeated two invasions with an eye to annexation during the war, but would Canada have been off as part of the States had annexation been successful?

I went to a elaborate 11AM wedding and very expensive reception at a beautiful and pricy venue in an up-scale suburb outside of town in August. Two or three women were wearing evening gowns, a couple had on cheap casual summer dresses and sandals and a few guys couldn't bother to put on a jacket. Does it make me a snob to think that this was inappropriate for the ocassion and setting?