In defense of vanity

Let me begin by saying that I am not talking about narcissism or self-absorption here. I am talking about your garden variety vanity. Frankly, I think it gets a bum wrap. Many of the things we do that will help us to live healthier, longer lives are really outgrowths of vain behavior.
For instance, say a woman is concerned about sun spots and wrinkles. She therefore uses a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, tries not to tan, and regularly visits the dermatologist. These behaviors will help prevent skin cancer and/or catch it in an early, preventable stage.
Another example would be that a man who is concerned about getting paunchy, so he watches what he eats and goes to the gym. These behaviors help reduce, among other things, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
I think we all need a little vanity in our lives. After all, if you don't care about how you look, well, then frankly, no one else will care about you either. Harsh, I know, but true.

And now for something (slightly) different.

As my friends continue to point out, I am indeed most slack about this blog. Therefore, I have worked to devise a plan of recourse. On the one hand, one of my new year's resolutions is to try new things, which should provide some excellent fodder for posts. On the other hand, I intend to focus on doing short recommendations of various forms of entertainment that I have enjoyed. I'm not quite sure how this will all work out, but do intend to try.

So to start the recommendations off on a great foot I am going to start with something very old school. Home Entertainment Center by Steven Banks. I sadly do not own this in it's original format. However, someone has very kindly put it up in it's entirety on YouTube. Years and years ago, my sister's high school boyfriend had taped this off of HBO and it stayed at our house for roughly a year, during which time I watched it repeatedly. It is hysterically funny. If you don't think so then 1)something is wrong with you and 2)what on earth are you reading my blog for? Click on the link only if you have time to watch the whole thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62EePXzshX8