24/7: A Real-Time Social Experiment
A few months ago, I changed the name of this site from just “Ronald Lewis Dot Com” to “24/7 with Ronald Lewis”. The change, while simple, was also the beginning of an emerging experiment in new / social media. Now, as a consumer of social media tools and one who produces content for society as a blogger, podcaster and recently, lifecaster, I’ve witnessed an interesting transformation in my life.
In particular, I’ve been broadcasting my life 24/7 via various platforms for about three months now. I’ve found users of Justin.TV to be the most engaging, with BlogTV being a distant second. I’m making new friends, securing prospective opportunities, and engaging a crowd with thought-provoking topics and interests.
However, this new experiment in real-time engagement is more than just broadcasting one’s life. It’s an opportunity for human beings to learn, share, connect and learn together. It’s a social evolution for everyone involved. Let’s watch it flourish — together.
“I Love You To Pieces”
Here’s another gem of a find on Craigslist Denver. This girl is 22 and is professing her undying love for what appears to be a boyfriend, but has “feelings” for someone else.
i know i am being crazy, and so confused. i can’t say any of this to you because if i change my mind again it would be devastating. but i love you so much. and i do have feelings for someone else. but i love you to pieces. i can’t be with you now, but i want to be with you someday. please forgive me and try to understand. i think about you all the time.
love
I feel sorry for the poor sap and I hope he saddles up and hits the road soon — leaving this indecisive, inconsiderate and emotion-driven piece of shit behind him. Never — EVER — give people like this the TIME OF DAY. They will bleed your life of all energy, focus and happiness.
Having personally experienced someone like this, I can tell you that it will be devastating for this guy. If only he knew this, but she won’t be mature enough to let this guy be. Instead, he dangles on the “Rope of Hope” while she invests her time and “feelings” into another man — all while this guy sits in the wing thinking that things are now “okay” — when they’re clearly not.
Reading stories like these (and I’ve seen and heard plenty of them) reminds me of why I’m single and to keep most women at a distance. You cannot trust a majority of people to have your best interest at heart.
Double Viking: It Sucks To Be a Man
I stumbled upon this article on Digg.com today. In simple language, Double Viking says what I’ve always known: It sucks to be a man (at least sexually, anyway).
From the bedroom, to the streets, men bear an unbalanced responsibility in dating and relationships — everyday. It’s because of this known fact — one which was etched into my head as a teenager — that I rarely ever entertain the idea of dating.
The article also uncovers the myths and truths about sex and why men generally seek it more than women. I agree with the article that sex is simply more enjoyable for them. I will admit that I am envious of a woman’s ability to have multiple orgasms — back-to-back, even. There’s also what seems to be a million ways to stimulate her — it seems the entire female body (I’m exaggerating here) is an erogenous zone.
What do men get? A shaft with a head. Few options to be stimulated. No multiple orgasms (although I’ve managed not to lose an erection after one). Overall, I think men just got a bad deal.
Thinking of Marriage? NoMarriage.com Will Help!
In America, men today are still clueless about the modern day marriage. This must change. Effectively, marriage is simply a relationship — with a legal document attached. It has nothing to do with religion — that’s all smokescreen to keep the cycle going. Men today need to understand that our society’s values today differ drastically from those 50 and 60 years ago.
Gone are the days of the “nuclear family”. Both men and women today are rarely interested in a long-term relationship — yet, thousands are married every week — and for what purpose? Marriage is a legal “safety net” — and it doesn’t benefit the man.
Any man who wishes to become engaged or married must rethink his decision. There are too many good and decent men today who are suffering at the hands of their wives. I know several of them. No human being should have to suffer or endure any pain simply because they love their mate. Love shouldn’t be about misery — but happiness. And there’s a lot of unhappy men out there, but most are trapped because of their “marriage”, commitments and children.
It is my belief that a relationship needn’t be recognized by anyone to be “official”. We must end the fairytale stories we’ve been told for eons and get back to basics: Marriage is yet another social construct and ideology. It does not make one love the other more. It does not make one more loyal, giving, etc. In fact, many people change after marriage — and almost immediately.
Overall, marriage in 2007 is just a bad idea. Web sites like NoMarriage.com and others point to the reasons why. There are too many horror stories. Too many good and decent men getting shafted by the legal system. Too many reasons to avoid it like the joke it is. Good luck.