This toxic striving for perfection is a female thing. How many men obsess about being perfect? For men, generally, good enough is good enough.

If we as a nation are to break the cycle of poverty, crime and the growing underclass of young people ill equipped to be productive citizens, we need to not only implement effective programs to prevent teen pregnancy, but we must also help those who have already given birth so that they become effective, nurturing, bonding parents.

We all, in fact, carry so many people inside us; the only difference is that actors get paid for it, and we sort of spruce it up a bit.

Drink water between meals instead of with them so that the digestive juices will not be diluted.

I am still baffled by those who feel that criticizing America is unpatriotic, a view increasingly being adopted in the United States since 9/11 as an excuse to render suspect what has always been an American right. An active, brave, outspoken (and heard) citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy.

If you're ever in a situation where you're not getting served or you can't get what you need, just cry.

Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing. And always strive to be more interested than interesting.