"I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of. . . Pennsylvania?" It seems that way anymore, with all attention being lavished upon that holy grail of voter, the Swing Voter. Because like it or lump it, the Electoral College system means the presidential race is decided really by 15ish states — those with the big enough electoral "score" to make a difference in the race to the magic winning number of 270. PA's hefty score makes those votes more attractive and potentially a bigger deal than others.
Want to find out how "swingy" your own vote is? Slate has put together this handy calculator to figure out that very thing. Slot in six easy facts about you and see both your "pull" and swing factor. The tool weights the state you're voting in higher than any other factor, and then adds in key demographics about race and education, finishing off with how many people there are like you in your state. The guts of the calculator are based purely on polls, so it is only a close facsimile of voter behavior — but with a week left, if the needle points sharply to one side or the other when you put in your info, clear off the sofa. You can bet one of the campaigns will be paying you a visit.
Dear Sugar,
I have never been a real commitment person. I have had a couple flings in the past year but nothing serious. I'm ready to open up to a more serious relationship and am actively looking, but I haven't found anything worthwhile so far. I have been told, repeatedly, that I am constantly putting up "single signals," which apparently keep others from approaching me. What are these and how can I stop them? — Playing the Field Phoebe
Halloween is almost upon us! If you haven't yet decided what to dress up as, here's a helpful guide on what costumes are guaranteed to cause ridicule, disgust, and in some cases, outright nausea. Presenting the Halloween Hall of Shame. Warning: not for the faint of heart . . . or gag reflex.
Source
Federal, state, and local agents in 29 US cities recently joined forces to uproot 12 child-prostitution rings. The three-day operation was part of a larger five-year plan to stop sex trafficking of children. Minor sex trafficking is on the rise as the Internet has created a market for underage sex workers.
Forty-seven children were rescued, and a total of 642 people were arrested, including 73 pimps and 575 adult prostitutes. Apparently police took in no "johns."
The Department of Justice estimates that 293,000 youth in America are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The at-risk children come from abusive homes, or have run from or been abandoned by their families. Others children might end up in the situation after abduction, pressure from parents, or deceptive agreements between families and traffickers.
Now that these 47 children have been rescued, let's hope an effective healing process can begin. Do you think it's fair to treat prostitutes as victims when they're minors, but criminals after they turn 18?
I have been on and off with my current boyfriend for almost three years now. With the drama and fights we've been through, I'm surprised we're still together. I know the majority of it is my doing and I accept that. I am completely jealous — every guy I've been with has cheated on me numerous times. I know that's no excuse, but I always overreact when a girl texts, calls, or comments on my boyfriend's Facebook. I used to never be like this. I keep promising him I will change, but it always happens again. Even if he hooked up with a girl while we were broken up, I still get extremely upset and freak out.
I have a hard time letting the past go. Sometimes I just pick fights for no good reason at all. He has been there for me through thick and thin. I just find it so hard to put all of my trust in someone, because every time I do, I get let down. How do I work on my trust issues? How do I learn to trust him as well as others? He understands people cannot just change overnight, but I know one person can only take so much. He wants me to prove myself to him, and for us to stay friends until I change. I realize I have a lot of growing up and changing to do, but I have no idea where to start.
Both my parents have betrayed me many times and walked out on me in times of need. I am well aware that the way I was brought up affects who I am today, but I don't want to use that excuse anymore. I have done some counseling, but not much. I want to change, but I just need direction. I would really love some advice. I am at my wit's end and willing to do anything I can to get better.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Greg Palast wrote in the Huffington Post yesterday, that while Republicans had the media searching for links between Barack Obama and ACORN, RNC operatives were completing one of the most massive voter suppression and purging efforts in US history. RFK, Jr.'s piece asserts that none of ACORN's bad registration signatures will impact the election; but an obstacle course of barriers for November 4 voters, including purging legitimate voters from the list, and creating mayhem and long lines at the polls, has been created on behalf of Republicans.
In its story about what might go wrong on Election Day, Time Magazine offers advice of what you can do to make sure your vote counts. Tips include: contacting your local registrar or going to canivote.org to verify your info; making sure you know your polling location and ID requirements; not taking no for an answer. If you get turned away, request an emergency paper ballot or cast a provisional ballot if you must. You can also call 866-OUR-VOTE if you have an issue.
Here's to hoping both sides play fair on Election Day!
Although people have varying opinions on whether or not guys and girls can really just be friends, I do think there’s something to be said for having the male perspective at your disposal. If you’re wondering why your male co-worker always asks you to lunch but never asks you out, your guy friend may be able to shed some light on a subject that your female friends wouldn’t. But would you take it one step further and describe to him a problem or question you have related to sex? Though a man’s viewpoint might be helpful, talking sex with an actual boyfriend can be tricky enough. So ladies, tell me, do you talk about sex with your male friends?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of. . . Pennsylvania?" It seems that way anymore, with all attention being lavished upon that holy grail of voter, the Swing Voter. Because like it or lump it, the Electoral College system means the presidential race is decided really by 15ish states — those with the big enough electoral "score" to make a difference in the race to the magic winning number of 270. PA's hefty score makes those votes more attractive and potentially a bigger deal than others. 
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Kit Heath
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