We live in a world where studying and working hard is actually viewed as wrong. That is absurd! Seriously. If you study hard, you're a square, a nerd, someone who does not deserve respect. And you wonder why our culture and our planet are all going down the drain. I just can't believe that studying less and racial discrimination are actually being suggested as solutions!

I'm not speaking in favor of putting too much pressure on your kids, or even disencouraging social skills, at all, but diminishing these effects of the ever increasing competition to get into good colleges is a matter for parents and society as a whole to discuss and act upon. But not by punishing kids who study, by all means!

Why not have programs that encourage social skills and general good mental health for kids and college students? Why not show kids that studying is fun and they can help the world become a better place by learning? Encourage kids that don't study to do so, and make sure you show kids that do study that they're good kids because of who they are as a whole, not because they get good grades. Stop the racism (because THAT is what this is), start acting to actually educate kids to become better, more comprehensive human beings.

Flatland!

Oh, thank God someone said that.

Not to mention the awkward feeling that the conversation will never end. I mean, on the phone, you're being billed, there's a limit somewhere. But one the internet, specially on free video skype, you're trapped. There's no excuse to go anywhere or do anything else. And trust me, we need that, not because we hate our friends or family or whatever. Even when you're talking to someone you really miss and want to see, sometimes it's like hanging out but neither of you can move or zone out watching tv. You have to keep staring at each other. All the time.

Awkward.