I don't know why I love Batman so much. But alas, here is one of my favorites - dissociation at its finest. "Dr. Crane isn't here right now."

Paradoxical Intention

"Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."

Even though I am regularly forced to watch all six episodes of the Star Wars movies, including recent Clone Wars episodes, I always find Master Yoda to be incredibly profound. I've been fortunate to have my own Jedi Masters, and consider myself to be a Jedi in training. In this clip, Anakin receives counsel from Master Yoda, and it's the last thing he wants to hear. He is fearful and does not want Padme to die. In our own greed, insecurity and fear, we become captives to the very thing we fear the most. Cognitive behavioral therapists refer to this as paradoxical intention, or asking the client to do or wish for the very thing they fear most.

I Just Thought This Was Funny

Sexual Deviancy at it's Finest

The nerds of the anime world, living in the Akihabara province of Tokyo, Japan, are able to enjoy cross-dressing (transvestism, aka "crossdressing for the purpose of sexual arousal) maids who serve them cake and tea at local cafe's. There are even private rooms where your "maid" will rub your hands or legs, or other parts. These nerds spend so much time on the computer, they are reported to be unable to sustain normal relationships with other people. These reported repressed, schizotypical and socially impaired individuals also enjoy something called "ani mate" or a computer program which simulates an actual romantic relationship, conflicts and all. I'm trying to find a link for it, but have so far been unsuccessful. BTW, transvestism should not be confused with transexualism, or someone who identifies and wants to become someone of the opposite sex through reassignment surgery (thank you EPPP).

Yes, Tokyo as I'm discovering, is an interesting place. They also sport something called cat cafe's, where individuals can pay 8 to 12 dollars an hour to stroke a cat. Akihabara residents (yes, the same anime nerds) report that limited living spaces, long hours at work, and stressful jobs make the cat cafe a relaxing place to come during their lunch hour. It's good to know, however; that there are no private rooms in the cat cafe's.

The Animal Odd Couple

This is one of the most touching displays of love and companionship.

Another Senseless Tragedy

Two days ago, a 48 year old man walked into the Crystal Cathedral, knelt down at the altar and shot himself in the head. Reports are now that he was homeless and mentally ill. Of course, both Orange County Adult Mental Health Services and Los Angeles County Mental Health Services both are refusing to release or acknowledge that he received mental health services, citing privacy issues. The real truth...it is very likely that he received numerous services, and that he contributed to the revolving door of mental health in the state of California. He likely never received the type or quality of assistance to give him a chance.

"I Lobe You"

So, the other day I received a valentine from a super cute pre-school aged boy, and inside the valentine read, "I Lobe You." Mispelling? Did he mishear the teacher - well, he hasn't gotten to the letter "V" yet, so maybe he heard "B." Though most of our experience of love is centered in the pleasure center and the limbic system, along with the assistance from dopamine, seratonin and neuropeptides, I'd like to believe that some of my "lobes" are involved in the decision making process of love. I lobe you too.