I don't think it's such a huge thing—in my mind an 18 year old and a 14 year old are both kids (I teach high school now, so I see the range of 14-19 year olds every day). 18 may be technically an adult, but a lot of them are very young. Some of the 14 year olds I teach are more mature and thoughtful than some of the…

I'm not sure about blood tests, since that involves a medical act (someone trained and licensed has to draw the blood)—that seems like it would need specific parent approval since it has the possibility of going wrong (even if the chance of death via innacurate puncture is quite tiny). But at least at my high school…

Lots of public schools institute drug screenings of students (almost all of which are underage).

I kinda think the Prez puts a new spin on it.

+1

The fuck? Slow your vitriolic roll! Last time I checked, being fat or unattractive did not bar one from working. I know a hell of a lot of retail managers who would be unemployed if that were the case.

What does her weight have to do with this? Absolutely nothing, but for some reason you felt the need to throw that in there like it was proof of something. Also, I like the part where you presume to know her life circumstances, because it's always fun to make stuff up.

+1

I should have been clearer, I didn't mean "fantasy" as in the genre, (although I suppose it does fall into that) but "fantasy" as in "a self-indulgent teenage fantasy of romance" or somesuch.

The "redeeming qualities" are quite simply that it is fantasy. I don't know why so many people attack Twilight as if it is somehow masquerading as high literature. It is silly and self-indulgent, and I think a large percentage of the readers are aware of that, but like it anyway. Isn't that enough?

An endangered animal? That's so cheap! She couldn't even afford to get you guys some quality orphans? I mean, nobody resents an orphan!

I'm assuming it was cleaned for the photograph...

That was fantastic. +1

Yep, just like condoms, and birth control and abstinence... no?

I take it you haven't seen The Tempest (2010) with Hellen Mirren as Prospera? It's good stuff.

I'd prefer to take my Oath on the deluxe boxset of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

This is a large highrise apartment building we're talking about. That means that the middle of the building is going to be sheltered from rain and floodwater on all sides, as generally these buildings are structured so that all apartments face outwards to maximize the window space they can offer to residents. The…

How does sealing a building "stem the tide of the rising floodwaters"? What does "sealing" entail that it somehow helps with flooding?

Re: #4, is it legal to "seal" a building with people inside? I'm not sure what "sealing" a building consists of, but I assume it involves some sort of locks, since the article says that no one will be able to get in or *out*. This seems like a terrible fire hazard.

Yes, your stereotypes are showing, yes you are off-base, yes the term "white-washed" when applied to a POC is offensive... I could go on, but ugh, sorry, I'm just out of the energy to be offended by you.