androgynous

As our modern society has expanded, longevity has become the rule. While many will attribute this to medicine and excellent medical care, the true causes are closer to clean water, good sewers and plenty of food.

Controlling infection is what longevity is all about. The less trouble bugs can make the better we humans fare. And the more androgynous we become. Bugs are, after all the true cause of sexual reproduction. Without infectious agents, there is no need for sexual reproduction. When the future is predictable and infection in check, asexual reproduction is the way to go. It is easier and faster.

A recent study showed that women who live in countries with high mortality due to infectious disease, prefer more macho looking men. They also tolerate polygamy and prefer to share one alpha male with other women. All in all it is a better deal than having your own -somewhat less alpha- hubby.

Clearly, when the future is uncertain, we want sex and we want sexual dimorphism. We want men that look and behave like men. Like or not, but aggression seems part and parcel of such male behavior. It isn't just aggressive looks that women in such situations crave.

When the future is more certain, and our offspring are more likely to survive, we prefer men with more feminine and tolerant traits and we don't want share them. Hence we become monogamous.

If we could, I guess we would become genderless as well.

In that sense we are very much like other species that manipulate sexuality and gender according to the environment. We are, fortunately or unfortunately, a bit more constrained and we can't simply change gender or become genderless on a whim. But we do display all the other traits, just stopping short of actual physical transformation. That is, of course, if you ignore those transgender surgeries.

All in all those who long for the past, "when men were men...," here is a simple recipe: bring back the bugs. Unfortunately, it looks like that is about to happen.

the good of the universal church

Everybody who cares to open their eyes can see that religion is all about sex and control. What better place to bring this all together than having a priest, who represents ultimate power and control to the believers, mess with their young children? After all who can blame men who trumpet celibacy as a virtue, for the occasional transgression? There is only so much one can do to live against one's innate drives.

Isn't it funny that those who rally against non reproductive sex engage in such acts themselves?Or that those who rally the loudest against homosexuality are closeted homosexuals? Do we smell a whiff of denial here? Didn't we just see politicians with free government health insurance rally against such insurance for others?

Unfortunately idols get away with a lot. Just look at OJ. No doubt the pope too is hoping that this glove won't fit and his innocence be thusly demonstrated. It would be best for the good of the universal church after all!

sex and environmentalism

It isn't just a catchy title. The role of sex in environmentalism or lack thereof is deep and profound. It is also widely ignored. It goes beyond Arnold's lament that environmentalists have failed to make their cause sexy. Because some of the most sexy behavior is very destructive to the environment. There is nothing sexy about being frugal. Not unless times are hard, and even then displays of excess have followers.

Start with cars. If people bought cars for transportation we'd all be driving a sensible, high mileage and practical vehicle. But, as I have outlined in this blog before, if you don't know why people buy cars, ask any teen what the real value of "a set of wheels" is. Think about it, why do you need a big box with a 300hp engine to drive an average speed of 27 mph?

Or why do people travel? Remember I highlighted Bill Maher's statement that "people travel to get laid?" The opportunity to find new partners or causal sex is a major driver for the tourist business. Forget about those sight-seeing opportunities. Other than a different backdrop there isn't much to be had here.

How about fashion? Is not fashion intimately connected to sexuality? And what more is fashion than an excuse to throw away perfectly good items prematurely? Fashion is all about consumerism.

Why do teens buy gadgets like mp3 players, cell phones and cameras?

Or why build at 5,000+sq ft mansion? Why show off to your neighbors? Why, other than to show how important and powerful you really are?

Should you get a sailboat or a powerboat? As one guy once told me, "take a look in any marina and see where the chicks are."

Wastefulness in men is inherently sexy because it shows they can afford it. It shows they are a good bet for reproduction. They will be able to provide for the offspring.

So, it should be no surprise that wastefulness and power is an aphrodisiac for young women.

When something is so deeply imbedded in our brains, the chances for real change are minimal.