According to recent study the brains of men and women respond differently to items of beauty. Men apparently use the right side of the brain to process beauty while women use their who brains.

“It is well known that there are differences between brain activity in women and men in cognitive tasks. However, why should this kind of difference appear in the case of appreciation of beauty?” said Researcher Camilo J. Cela-Conde of the University of Baleares in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

He explained that when women look at a visual object they link it to language unlike men who tend to concentrate on the spatial aspects of the object.

Wow, they needed a study to scientifically prove that men and women see things differently. I always knew that we did and there is no more guessing that women use more brain power. What do you think?

Today I attended a career awareness fair at Roxana Junior High School. I will say that I found it interesting in the fact that 8th graders were learning about occupations and the education needed to get the job. The kids learned that the basic skills they are learning today – math, science and language arts (reading, writing and communication) – are used daily in many professions.

When I was in the 8th grade I don’t remember attending anything like this and if I did I probably would have never given it much thought. I wouldn’t say I hated school, but I was not found of math or science. I had no idea what I wanted to do, other than it would be something creative.

By the time I graduated high school I had earned a scholarship in commercial art. I went a semester and realized I wasn’t ready for all the other classes too – especially the math. I waited and the next year I attempted another semester and again I didn’t feel the time was right. So instead I worked at several low paying jobs before enlisting in the Army.

Next, I got married. Then, I got divorced. So, I went back to college.

This time it fit. I knew I was ready. Maybe because I was now a single parent and I wanted to provide more for my son. I wanted to show him that education was important. So on his first day of school I started my first day at Lewis and Clark Community College. I still didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew I needed my education.

I took a class on media and BAM! I knew what career path I wanted. Although media encompasses quite a bit, at least I was moving in the right direction. After graduating from LCCC I then went to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and majored in mass communication. I planned on taking public relations, but when all the classes were full I took a writing class that somehow changed the direction I wanted to go in again. It was then that I realized I liked journalism and reporting.

I guess if someone would have told me how much math, or sometime science, I would be doing in my job, I would have thought they were crazy. I use math on stories all the time, especially when it comes to figuring out percentages or crunching numbers in a municipal budget, or even putting statistics together. Most people don’t think reporters do anything more than write, but we have to know a little about a lot, or at least be willing to learn it.

So I want to say to any student who doesn’t quite know what they want to do that it’s alright. However, you do need the basic educational skills for nearly every job, even the ones you may consider menial. If you don’t have someone if your life who encourages you to be your best, there are mentors in schools, churches and other organizations who will. The future holds a lot of possibilities and you have to know how to grab hold of it.

As everyone watched the 81st Academy Awards Sunday night, many were paying close attention – not to the award ceremony itself- but rather the fashion worn by the actors and if their attire was a hit or miss. Here are a few looks that I found striking, whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em they are sure to stand out.

penelope cruz

kate winslet

marissa tomei

amy adams

diane lane

Today, The Telegraph featured a story I wrote about an East Alton woman arrested for prostitution. I’ve read a few comments and I’ve snickered at others, but I can I see both sides of the story.

Many readers think that East Alton police wasted time investigating the case. They think prostitution shouldn’t be a crime. OK here is it, the woman’s neighbors were tired of “john’s” visiting their neighborhood, which is also near the school. Police were also not aware of the activity until residents made them aware. It always seems police are damed if they do and damed if the don’t by a certain segment of society.

Often times people refuse to report crimes because they don’t want to be considered a snitch. Well I was always taught if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. If you want things to change then you need to take action.

Most people are commenting on how prostitution should be legal and that is should be considered a business. Most people are quick to say how it works in places such as Nevada and European countries.Well if it were legal do you want the business next door to your house?

I’ve been to Europe. I lived there for two years. I visited Amsterdam and the Red Light district so I could see for myself why so many military men thought it was attractive. I was shocked to see women standing in windows on display like a piece of meat in a butchers shop.

Better yet, the thing I remember most was the first time I saw the brothel near our Post Exchange in Heidelberg, Germany. I had no clue what the nice building with big red neon heart was until I asked a sergeant and she said “It’s a whore house honey.” I thought it was a boutique. How was I suppose to know? In Germany the only legal place for prostitutes is a brothel and they are clearly marked.

What I learned about the women was that they had no self worth. There were at several men in my unit who frequented a brothel or took a trip to Amsterdam and what I learned was that they held no respect for women in general. Men who hold esteem for women do not frequent prostitutes.

Like marijuana use, people will always debate the issue of the world’s oldest profession and how it should be legalized. Maybe it should, but like other things that are legal – drinking and smoking – there will always be people who try and get around it – drinking and driving and smoking indoors – and put others in harms way. So until then those who decide to partake in it will find themselves under arrest.

I feel bad because I haven’t blogged for the past week. It’s seems like sometimes we get so busy that we aren’t able to do the things we plan on.

I try to blog at least three times a week. It varies depending on what my schedule looks like. It seems like lately though I’ve been a lot busier and therefore haven’t been able to sit down and actually type what’s been on my mind. I actually wrote one Sunday, but as computer problems go around here at The Telegraph it got lost when the computer froze. No big deal I thought I would just write it again, but news happened and I couldn’t get to it.

There are other things I often have time getting to during my week and I feel bad. However, I want to say that I have stuck to one of my New Year’s resolutions. This year I decided that I would take time out and create a menu plan for the week. That way I wouldn’t have to worry about what I was going to make after a long day and my son would know too so there would be no complaints.

Well the plan is working. I actually get to do one of the things I enjoy – cooking – and I get to have a meal with my son. I seem to spend less money and I’m not grabbing food from somewhere because I didn’t plan a meal out in advance. I have on the menu for tonight breakfast tacos. Cole actually found the recipe in one of my Pampered Chef cookbooks and said it looked tasty and wanted to try it. He’s actually found a few others that we had as well.

I really didn’t make any other resolutions, but at least I can proudly say that I’m sticking to the one I did make. How are you doing with the resolutions that you made? Did you break them yet or are you still going strong? Let me know.

Yesterday felt like spring, so it was only befitting that I would get to see the debut of a new musical – Spring Awakening – in St. Louis. WOW! The harmonious play, which opened last night at the Fox Theatre was fabulous.

It’s strange because last year I downloaded a song titled The Bitch of Living for free off of iTunes. I thought it was upbeat and poppy and never realized it was on the soundtrack of the musical that was the 2007 winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical. So to know be able to see the song the way it was intended was even better.

The musical peaked my interest thanks to a disclaimer that said “parental advisory.” Well anything with a disclaimer usually gets my attention.

The show is based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play with the same name. It’s set against the backdrop of a repressive 19th century Germany and even though it may sound dull the musical score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater brings the timeless tale about teenagers to life. It’s about self-discovery and budding sexuality. It’s both haunting and provacative.

Despite the fact that it took place a century ago the theme remains universal. Teens are and will always be interested in sex and what they don’t learn about at home, they will learn somewhere else. Knowledge is power.

The show opened with a pop inspired song and wasted no time with a young woman asking her mother about sex. Her mother was too uptight and prudish to answer her questions and so the journey began. The play continues in a classroom full of boys learning Latin before erupting into rock and roll concert with “The Bitch of Living.” The rock-n-roll outbursts happened over and over throughout the play.

It will make you laugh, cry and gasp during a few parts. I don’t want to give away too many of the details, because I think you should go and see it for yourself. I believe this is a must see musical. This is the first time the show, which opened off-Broadway in 2006, has went on the road. Spring Awakening will be at the Fox through Feb. 22.

It’s a beautiful day outside. It makes you wish spring were here already doesn’t it?

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I did. I went to watch a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute band at Mac’s Time Out in downtown Alton, which was fabulous and I attended the American Cancer Society‘s Mardi Gras Ball at Lockhaven Country Club.

If you haven’t been to Mac’s lately you should check it out. There have been many changes during the past year, including the addition of a new kitchen and food items. There are new events such as concerts like the CSNY and a benefit is being held Friday to raise money for the Special Olympics.

I will say though I got to get all girly on Saturday night and dress up for the 38th annual Mardi Gras Ball. It was a wonderful way to help raise money for cancer research and spend time with some wonderful people. I mean who doesn’t like getting all dressed up for a good cause? What made it even more enjoyable for me is that I took part in helping put the event, which was hosted this year by Dr. Marty and Linda Carrow and Bob and Karen Brncic, together. I liked working with the team of people and the night was made even more special because my son also volunteered his time as well.

I enjoy spending my time in local establishments and with the people I like and know. Of course I don’t mind traveling every now and then, but for this past weekend I let the good times roll with music and Mardi Gras right here in the Riverbend.

Last night I took my son to see Rain, a tribute to The Beatles, at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. Let me say the show was fabulous and Cole raved about it.When we we’re leaving he asked how they managed to get four men who looked and sounded like the original Fab Four.

If you get a chance definitely go and see the show. There is another performance tonight, but if you cannot make it be sure and check them out next time they’re in town.

So what made the performance so good? Beside the music, I think the atmosphere at the Fox is what made it phenomenal. It was Cole’s first time there, so not only did he get to enjoy the show, but the beauty of the venue as well. I remember my first time there. It was in high school and I felt the same way when I walked in. WOW.

The show is a multi-media, multi-dimensional event that features five different scene and costume changes, three video screens and live camera project, combining television commercials and historical video footage from the 1960s. The band is portrayed by Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr,) Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney,) Joe Bithorn (George Harrison,) Steve Landes (John Lennon) and friend Mark Lewis on keyboards and percussion. The performers actually play and sing throughout the whole show.

If you didn’t know Rain began as an offshoot of the Broadway production of Beatlemania and has grown into one of the highest-grossing acts of its kind. The quartet first started in 1979, when Dick Clark hired a session band to perform songs for his Birth of the Beatles. At that time, the band had no affiliation with a Broadway production; however, when the show closed in 1982, cast members began to join Rain.

The musical journey starts off with the quartet on the Ed Sullivan Show, visits Shea Stadium, then the set of Hard Day’s Night, before taking off into the Sgt. Pepper’s era, “Summer of Love” and finishing with Abbey Road.

They played many Beatles favorites, but the house really started rocking with Get Back and Revolution. The show ended with Hey Jude.

Cole said on the drive back home, “Who would ever think I would get to see something like that. It’s as if I was actually watching The Beatles. It was so cool.”

Since my son started playing guitar several years ago I’ve learned more about music than I ever did before. I mean his favorite play to shop is Guitar Center.

Well today I came across a story that Eddie Van Halen designed a new guitar called the Wolfgang. It’s named for his son, who now plays bass for the band.

OK, so I check it out. It looks cool and I know it’s something that any guitarist would like, but at $3,000 I believe my son will have to save his pennies to purchase one. Van Halen said one of the reasons he designed it the way he did is that he was tired of his instruments breaking and wearing down. The new guitar actually has stainless steel frets and parts of the wood are left untreated so that it can breathe “like a Stradivarius,” the 54-year-old musician said in an interview with CNN.

What I liked about reading the story is that I will be able to share the info with Cole and it gives us something to talk about. I really do like learning about his interests. Last year we took our vacation to Memphis, Tenn. for the sole purpose of visiting the Gibson Guitar factory. We had a great time and I learned a little about music and a lot about my son.

Cole’s interest are in music and I know one day he is planning on pursuing a career in it. He’s says he would like to get into the production end. Whatever he chooses to do I know I will support his dream. Unlike the frets on guitars that eventually wear out, I don’t believe I will ever have fret over what he will do with his life. I know he will make beautiful music with his life.

Let’s face it at one time or another we all face a battle with our weight. Some of us will complain that we need to loose a few pounds, but do nothing about it. Others will work tirelessly to try and shed it off, but get no where.

I think society places to much emphasis on weight. I mean look at how Hollywood reacts when a starlet puts on a few pounds. The most recent one to take a hit is Jessica Simpson. I’ve seen the photos and you know she may look bigger than she did in past , but you know she still looks great.

According to Simpson’s reps they said that bad styling and a awkward lens angle is what caused Jessica to look larger. You know it really didn’t matter to me if she gained weight and that’s what plenty of other celebrities said too.

What is great is to see women comfortable in their own skin. It sends a positive message to women to see others like themselves and fighting the same battles they do with weight.It seems like the only message Hollywood sends women is that they need to be skinny to be appreciated

Several popular plus-size models include: Mia Tyler (Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler’s daughter,) Toccara Jones (America’s Next Top model,)Barbara Brickner and Emme, who has been chosen twice as one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.”

I think being healthy is important and if that means exercising for those reasons great, but to be a size 2 (of course all of you who know me knows I’m not) then well I don’t need to be there. I’m glad to see more fashion designers embracing plus size women, which by the way are the majority of women in the United States who are size 14 and up. We all go on our avoirdupois (French meaning goods of weight) adventures, because if we didn’t we wouldn’t get to eat any chocolate cake.