Sexual issues and multicultural implications: A personal reflection

Abstract

The realm of sexuality is quite vast, with many individuals having different concepts of what “normal” looks like with respect to human sexuality. Some are influenced by their own experiences, family beliefs passed down over generations, from religious definitions, and even by what culture deems as acceptable. Counselors often work with clients who have a different background, which includes sexuality. Multicultural competency spans more than where someone comes from, their ethnic makeup, and their socioeconomic status; sexuality also plays a key role in establishing who a person is, just as much as the aforementioned aspects. This paper will identify some key sexuality topics, as well as how counselors can help their clients when working with diverse clients. Additionally, legal considerations for counselors will be addressed in regards to sexuality issues.

Sources of sexual information

            A challenge faced by many of the current generation stems from the plethora of sources available in which they can gain information about society, sexuality, and culture. In the past, people were more apt to share the outlooks and beliefs of their family and those in their social circle. However, advances in technology have afforded individuals to expand their horizon when it comes to sexuality, thus broadening the definition of what is considered “normal” in society.

            Many still receive their guidance on appropriate sexual behavior from their religious affiliations. While turning to faith may comfort some, it also can make others feel excluded. According to the literature, a shift in acceptable sexual standards has swayed away from that of which is associated with Biblical tradition (Williams, 2013). Within the Christian faith, especially those who observe strict interpretation of the Bible, sexuality that strays from heterosexual or sex for procreation reasons is shunned. Sadly, such an outlook excludes many people, leading to an increase in depression, guilt, anxiety and suicidal risk (Subhi & Geelan, 2012).

            An additional influence into the definition of sexual identity is geographic location, which is also a part of one’s culture. One study found that sexual practices could be categorized by either “good/normal” or “bad/abnormal,” based on Western cultural standards (Morrison, Ryan, Fox, McDermott, & Morrison, 2008). The same study revealed that in addition to the acceptable practices, there were differences between what was deemed “normal” when it comes to gender, with male sexual practices that include homosexual fantasy and submission to fall under the category of “abnormal,” whereas the same was not found among female sexuality practices.

Geographic location comes into play when analyzing the level of acceptance of practices that are deemed “abnormal,” with the United States, Ireland, and Poland being associated with conservative sexual practices. Canada, Norway and the Czech Republic were reported as being more liberal when it comes to “abnormal” sexual practices (Morrison, Ryan, Fox, McDermott, & Morrison, 2008). The most sexual liberal, when compared to the United States, is Sweden, which reports a more accepting stance on nudity, masturbation, and expressing a desire for sex, including those that were deemed as “abnormal.”

Education and exposure: Combating biases

            Within the United States, many receive their sexual education from uncomfortable school presentations, which focus largely on either abstinence-only or abstinence-plus programs that stress abstinence as the primary choice, but also provide information on condoms and contraceptives (Haglund & Fehring, 2010). While the programs do provide some information about sexual health, they often come up short when it comes to the broad definition of sexuality. Many focus on safe sex, including condoms, contraceptives, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (Kirby, Laris, & Rolleri, 2007), leaving a large percentage of sexuality unaddressed.

            The educational shortcoming is not limited to those in the K-12 grades, as medical residents have also reported a lack of formal education when it comes to sexual health practices. A lack of education was found among the topics of non-Western cultures and homosexual relationships, with less than 50% of medical schools in the United States and Canada spending more than two hours on sexual health (Morreale, Arfken, & Balon, 2010).

            While many physicians and mental health care workers have come to the consensus that sexuality plays a large role in the lives of their patients (Morreale, Arfken, & Balon, 2010), the educational system does not appear to mirror their sentiments. Individuals who identify as gay often report feeling left out of the sexual education present in the educational system, and are more prone to being the target of harassment (Sherblom & Bahr, 2008).

            Just as sexual orientation seems to be missing from the curriculum, so do many other aspects of sexuality, including sexual dysfunctions. The lack of education regarding sexual dysfunction is not limited to the K-12 area of knowledge, but it is also present at the physician level. Formal education among physicians in the realm of sexual health is often just a bare bones version, which ignores an aspect of life that has the ability to affect the lives of their patients. Many physicians have reported being uncomfortable discussing the topic of sexual issues with their patients (Foley, Wittmann, & Balon, 2010). However, data suggest that physicians, who are involved in continuing education and possess effective communication skills, are more apt to speak to their patients about sexual health related topics (Foley, Wittmann, & Balon, 2010).

Ethical considerations and sexual issues

            Personal beliefs are an important part of one’s identity, but it is important for physicians and those in the mental health profession to separate their personal beliefs from that of their client. Counselors are bound to encounter clients who have a different cultural background, which makes multicultural education, including sexual identity, an important part of continuing education.

            The American Counseling Association has set forth a code of ethics for those in the counseling field to abide by, which includes several references to cultural sensitivity. Specifically, Section A.4.b. addresses the idea that counselors are to be aware of their own values, and being cognizant of not imposing their own values onto their clients (ACA, 2005). Additionally, if counselors find that they are unable to treat clients, they are to cease treatment and offer referrals to other counselors that may be more adept within the scope of practice, as noted in section A.11.b. (ACA, 2005).

Conclusion

            The vast array of sexual issues that counselors may encounter during their practice makes personal reflection and continued education essential in providing quality services for clients. Cultural influence regarding what is deemed “normal” can vary due to religion, geographic region, and personal experiences, all of which contribute to an individual’s identity, including their sexual identity. Being aware that people vary within a culture is important for both those working in the mental health field, and society as a whole.

**References Available Upon Request**

The Facial Feedback Hypothesis: Applications and Implications

ABSTRACT

Is it possible to improve your mood, just by smiling?  Research into the facial feedback hypothesis indicates that there may be some credence to the old adage of “grin and bear it.”  Originally sparked by Charles Darwin in his book, The expression of the emotions in man and animals, in 1872, the concept of physiological changes having an impact on the experience of emotions had been addressed by researchers looking for confirmation ever since.  There have been a myriad of researchers who have addressed the facial feedback hypothesis from many angles.

There are many contributors involved in the expression of an emotion, supplied from external stimuli, internal states, and even culture.  While the exact neurological reason behind the impact outward expression has on emotional experience is still unclear, the psychological effects are evident.

THEORIES AND RESEARCH ON THE FACIAL FEEDBACK HYPOTHESIS

The facial feedback hypothesis is the thought that facial movement can influence emotional experience.  In a well documented experiment, participants were asked to hold a pen in their mouth, either between their lips or with their teeth, then asked to rate the humor of a cartoon (Strack, Martin, & Stepper, 1988).  Holding the pen between their lips, the participants contracted the orbicularis oris muscle, resulting in a frown, and were unable to contract the zygomatic major muscle involved in smiling.  However, those who held the pen between their teeth were able to contract this muscle and forced them to smile.  The results indicated that the participants who smiled while holding the pen in their teeth, were more likely to rate the cartoon as more funny.  This is quite an amazing discovery, considering the cartoon was the same in each condition, with the only difference lying in the contracting of the zygomatic major muscle.

The muscle contracted during the mouth pen holding experiment, the zygomatic major muscle, which causes the cheek muscles to draw lip corners up toward the cheekbones, is the same one that is associated with the Duchenne, or genuine smile.  This type of smile is usually thought of a more felt smile and also involves activation of the orbicularis oculi, or the muscle of the eye that causes the “crow’s feet” in the corners of the eye.  It is hypothesized that an individual experiences greater pleasure when displaying a genuine, Duchenne smile when compared to a non-Duchenne smile, which supports the facial feedback hypothesis (Surakka & Hietanen, 1998).

Another, more recent study, involved participant evaluation ratings regarding the pleasantness of pictures, composed of neutral faces or nature scenes (trees, forests, and landscapes).  The two experimental conditions in this study required the participants to look at the pictures while either elevating their cheeks (similar to a smile), or contracting their eyebrows (associated with frowning).  As with the Strack study, the results confirmed the facial feedback hypothesis, since the participants who were in the smiling group rated the pictures as more pleasant when compared to the frowning group (Dimberg & Söderkvist, 2010).

While there appears to be a plethora of research supporting the facial feedback hypothesis, there have been some opponents who have voiced their own opinions.  One of the first to suggest an alternative to the facial feedback hypothesis was William James who posited in 1884 that instead of a change in the muscles and facial expression producing the emotion, the emotion leads to the changes.  James proposed four steps in the generation of subjective experience of an emotion, which consist of: a sensory stimulus transmitted to the cortex and perceived; the reflex impulses travel to muscle and skin; the changes in these areas are transmitted back to the brain; the return impulses are perceived, and when combines with the original stimulus perception, produce the “object-emotionally-felt” effect (James, 1890).  James’ theory of emotion is similar to the facial feedback hypothesis, but in reverse, starting with the appraisal of the stimuli which leads to a change in the facial muscles, followed by an assessment by the brain, producing the emotional experience.

The Differential Emotions Theory, developed by Carroll Izard in 1971, suggested that the primary components of emotion include neural activity, striate muscle, and subjective experience of the individual.  Izard suggested that each emotion operates as a system of interacting neural, expressive, and experiential components, and upon cognition occurring, the emotion is expressed.  According to the differential emotions theory, emotions retain their adaptive and motivational functions, which aid in social interactions (Abe & Izard, 1999).

Another theory that arose in the light of the facial feedback hypothesis was that of the self-attribution theory of emotion, which suggests that emotions are a mixture of autonomic arousal and cognitive processing (Schachter, 1964).  The interesting part of the self-attribution theory is that the reaction to the emotion being experienced is able to be operationalized, therefore, less subjective, and possibly more reliable than the results gathered during self-reports from participants.

In 1980, Ross Buck suggested that there may be two different renderings of the facial feedback hypothesis, the between-subjects and the within-subjects versions.  The between-subjects design suggests that individual differences contribute to the experience of emotions, for example, if one person freely expresses their emotions, they will have a greater response when compared to someone who shows little expression.  Studying of the between-subject version has led to objective supporting evidence, particularly regarding nonexpressive people.  While holding in an emotional expression, it has been noted that there is an increase of heart rate and skin conductance when reacting to a stimuli.  This finding may suggest that facial feedback is not necessary for the experience of an emotion to occur. The within-subject aspect of Buck’s theory holds that when the free expressor is experiencing a given emotion, if they outwardly express rather than stifle the emotion, they will have a greater external response and the emotion will increase in intensity.

Building on Buck’s within-subject aspect of the facial feedback hypothesis, the difference between internalizers and externalizers needs to be addressed.  Individuals in the internalizing group do not freely express emotions, whereas externalizers freely express what they are feeling and experiencing.  According to a somewhat unethical study involving electric shock, those who exaggerated the intensity of the shock were actually experiencing more pain than a group who suppressed their pained expressions while receiving a shock of equal value (Lanzetta, Cartwright-Smith, & Kleck, 1976).  This research also revealed that when compared to the baseline, hiding a facial response to the shock also reduced the galvanic skin response (GSR). These findings suggest that when suppressing, or internalizing the reaction to a stimulus, the experience is actually less intense.  While the externalizer-internalizer distinction doesn’t seem to fit with, and may even contradict the facial feedback hypothesis, they are actually quite similar, since both examine the link between the external expression and the internal experience of emotions.

COGNITIVE LINK BETWEEN THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL

There is a complex network of nerves, muscles, and brain functions associated with the expression of an emotion that lies beneath the skin.  Although it has not been empirically shown, research has speculated that the feedback from the muscles of the face and skin during genuine and imitation expressions is sent to the amygdala and the neural network, where it leads to the experience of the expressed emotion (Hennenlotter, Dresel, Castrop, Cebellos-Baumann, Wohlschläger, & Haslinger, 2009).  The amygdala is a key component in the processing of emotions, and has been considered “the gateway to the emotions” (Aggleton & Mishkin, 1986).  Some of the roles of the amygdala include evaluating if a stimulus is dangerous or harmless, pleasant or unpleasant, and is a major contributor to the facial expressions of emotions, both intentional and unintentional (Habel, Windischberger, Derntl, Robinson, Kryspin-Exner, Gur, & Moser, 2007).

In order to research the role of the amygdala in the processing of emotions, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor activity in the brain when exposing participants to pictures of five basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust) along with neutral faces.  Participants were also asked to provide an approximate age for the person that was displaying the emotion.  Results show that when participants attempt to identify which emotion they are seeing, there is activation in the amygdala in both conditions (emotions and age); however, there was far greater activity present when trying to identify the emotion.  This suggests that the amygdala plays a large role in the identification of emotions, as well as appraisal of the emotions viewed (Habel et al., 2007).  It has also been noted that when processing a fearful expression, activity in the orbitofrontal cortex also occurs (Neta & Whalen, 2010).

INTERNALIZERS AND EXTERNALIZERS

As mentioned earlier in Buck’s within-subject version of the facial feedback hypothesis, there are two different kinds of individuals, those that freely express their emotions, externalizers, and those that stifle their expressions, internalizers.  Personal differences between internalizers and externalizers may also dictate which category a person may fall into.  Previous research has suggested that females are more facially expressive than males in emotion-provoking situations.

In a study conducted by Thurnberg and Dimberg (2000), researchers set out to determine whether females were generally more facially reactive, or if they were more emotionally reactive in general, compared to men.  Participants were deceived as to what the exact nature of the experiment was, in order to prevent bias or demand characteristics.  Two groups, composed of either male of female participants, were exposed to fear-relevant and fear-irrelevant stimuli while an electromyography machine monitored the activity from the corrugator supercilii muscle region (activity in this region is associated with the exhibition of the fear expression, which consists of the eyebrows being raised, opening the eyes widely).

In order to effectively induce a fear response in the participants, researchers used pictures of snakes, which has been shown to reliably produce an increase in corrugator muscle activity, and are usually consistently rated as being unpleasant.  Participants were also exposed to fear-irrelevant stimuli (flowers), which have been shown to induce either a neutral of slightly positive facial reaction (Dimberg, 1997), in order to determine if the changes in activity were due to the individual or the stimuli.  After exposure to each set of pictures, fear-relevant (snakes) and fear-irrelevant, the participants were asked to rate how unpleasant they experienced the stimuli.

When evaluating the results of the corrugator muscle activity, there was not a significant difference when comparing the fear-relevant and fear-irrelevant stimuli; however, there was a difference in the activity level between the two groups.  It was discovered that females not only produced a larger response than males to the fear-relevant stimuli (snake pictures), but the responses of the females differed between both stimuli as well; females showed a larger corrugator response to the fear-relevant than the fear-irrelevant stimuli.  In this experiment, the participants in the male group would be considered internalizers and the participants in the female group would be considered externalizers, since there was more corrugator muscle activity in response to the fear-stimuli.

Researchers have suggested many reasons as to why this difference between males and females exist, including genetics differences in the central nervous system, cultural influences that have worked to inhibit the fear expression in males (Brody & Hall, 1993), and even a possibility that females are more perceptually sensitive than males (Buck, 1984).  Females may also have a genetically evolved fear response that has developed out of necessity for protection of offspring in dangerous situations.

Many studies have supported the hypothesis of increased facial expressiveness of emotion is correlated with increased physiological arousal.  In a study involving exposing participants to pictures of people exhibiting happiness, sadness, anger, or fear, while monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, researchers discovered that there was a measureable correlation between the stimuli photos and the physiological reactions.  Fear and happiness were linked with and increased heart rate, however, in the fear condition, the heart rate increased more (Schwartz et al., 1981).  This increase in heart rate as a response to fear may be an example of the fight-or-flight response that has evolved in order to keep a species alive and able to escape danger.

The increase in emotional expression among externalizers has been thought of as a form of cathartic discharge, since according to some, emotion must find an exit, and if it cannot be vented outwardly through expression, it is routed inward, resulting in physiological changes.  According to Jones (1948), individuals who outwardly express emotion but show little arousal, or physiological changes, are externalizers; whereas those who show little to no outward emotion, but substantial autonomic physiological activity are internalizers.

When studying the physiological differences between internalizers and externalizers, the results are mixed.  Research involving voluntary facial expressions of anger, disgust, neutral, and control conditions during anger imagery showed that the voluntary facial anger reduced blood flow volume, but did not show an increase in heart rate, contrary to the findings of Schwartz et al. in the previous study (Ianni, Stettner, & Freedman, 1986).

It is suggested by researchers Boden and Dale, that internalizers are individuals who habitually and effectively control their emotions and that there are immediate and significant consequences to such regulation.  While devoting tremendous energy to prevent externalizing behavior from surfacing, there may be not only higher blood pressure and pulse present, but also possibly a diminished memory and cognitive processes (Boden & Baumeister, 1997).  It appears that internalizers may have a way of protecting themselves from unpleasant events, possibly by generating pleasant thoughts; they are able to avoid processing of unpleasant emotions.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FACIAL FEEDBACK PATHWAY IS BLOCKED?

In a quest to maintain a youthful appearance, many women, and some men, have turned to injections of botulinum toxin, or Botox, to prevent the appearance of wrinkles.  Botox, a deadly poison, causes temporary muscle paralysis by preventing acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, acting as a roadblock to expression formation (Dastoor, Misch, & Wang, 2007).  Patients are advised that Botox will not keep them from expressing themselves, just their facial expressions.  Some of the more popular areas for injection of Botox includes the glabellar rhytides (involved in furrowing of the brow), horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet, all areas involved in routine facial expressions (Alam, Barrett, Hodapp, & Arndt, 2007).  With these locations being paralyzed, would the inhibition of facial expressions lead to an interrupted facial feedback pathway?  Since the theory of the facial feedback hypothesis suggests that posing a facial expression should increase the intensity of the emotional experience, inhibiting the facial expression should decrease it.

Research into how Botox affects emotional experience suggests that when the facial feedback pathway is blocked, the strength of the emotional experience is decreased.  One study compared self-reports of emotional experience of participants before and after they received one of two types of cosmetic facial injections, either Botox or Restylane (Davis, Senghas, Brandt, & Ochsner).  Unlike Botox, Restylane acts as a filler and does not cause temporary muscle paralysis.  In order to evaluate any changes between the pre and post injection responses, emotional response to positive and negative video clips were recorded.  Upon analyzing the within-group results, there were no statistically significant findings, however, when comparing the between-group data, the participants who received Botox injections showed a significant decrease in the strength of emotional experience.  These results suggest that when the facial feedback pathway is inhibited, there is indeed a diminished experience of emotion, confirming the facial feedback hypothesis.

By paralyzing the target muscles, specifically the orbicularis oculi, less Duchenne-type smiles may occur, however, it may also result in a more positive mood.  By reducing the furrowing of the brow associated with negative emotional expressions, it may lead to a more positive emotional expression (Alam et al.).

According to the facial feedback hypothesis, expressing more positive emotions may lead to more smiling and a happier emotion, however, on the other side, by losing the ability to display negative emotions, the expressions of disgust, fear, and anger may be diminished.  With the possibility of losing the ability to express emotions, physicians who perform Botox injections are urged to consult with their patients, especially those who rely on demonstrative facial expressions (actors, salespersons, teachers), a side effect to injections may include distress due to the inability to effectively transmit their emotions (Singh, 2003).

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

If our emotional states are a result of our facial expressions, it would be presumed that by smiling, individuals who are depressed could improve their mood.  Impairment in the ability to smile may elevate the risk for depression, since according to the facial feedback hypothesis, if an emotion is not able to be expressed, that emotion will not be fully experienced (VanSwearingen, Cohn, & Bajaj-Luthra, 1999).  In addition to not being able to experience the emotion, another side effect to an inability to smile is that some may experience increased social isolation due to their impaired ability to communicate positive emotion in social contexts (Fridlund, 1991).  In a different study of individuals with depression, researchers discovered a positive correlation between patients with a higher level of EMG activity measurements of the corrugator and zygomatic face muscles and more positive treatment outcomes (Greden, Price, Genero, Feinberg, & Levine).
In studies involving individuals without smile impairment, some research has supported that facial expressions can influence emotions.  In an experiment, participants experienced increased positive moods when they engaged in positive facial expressions and decreased positive moods when they engaged in negative facial expressions (Kleinke, Peterson, & Rutledge, 1998).

Since, according to the facial feedback hypothesis, we are able to deliberately control and change our feelings and emotions, we are also able to control the physiological responses associated with them.  This idea would be quite useful in a clinical setting, and has been employed in many relaxation-based therapeutic practices.  It is suggested that relaxing facial and other muscles may produce a positive experience of relaxation, while reducing muscle tension and negative emotions (Duclos & Laird, 2001).

CONCLUSION

The debate over the facial feedback hypothesis, which was started over 200 years ago, is far from being over.  As with any good scientific method, researchers will continue to try to find supporting evidence as well as contrary evidence regarding how, and if, facial expressions do indeed have an impact on the emotional experience.  Some of the debate regards the inner workings of the brain and how it relays information; others are concerned primarily about the objectivity involved in the collection of data.  No matter which side of the hypothesis you may find yourself, you will find controversy, which is a sign of progress.

**References available upon request**

Crisis Helping and Traumatic Events

As the news outlets keep replaying the traumatic images, one has to wonder what impact, or even reason the media has for doing such. Repeated exposure to traumatic images and stories about the such events can often impact the viewers. Especially susceptible to vicarious trauma are those who have experienced traumatic events in their past. This can be seen with the recent rape and suicide events in the media, as well as the Boston marathon bombings. People running in the streets, unaware of what had just happened, with the pictures that are eerily similar to those in the direct aftermath of 9/11.

I am currently working towards becoming a trauma therapist, so I do have a vast array of tools at my disposal. Additionally, I have experience with countless hours of emergency, terrorism, and hazardous material spill drills. It’s what I do, what I know, where my passion lies. Using some aspects of social psychology, one can look at the past to tell the future. The outpouring of compassion, the sense of community, and camaraderie that we see now, in the wake of the bombings, will give way to a more individualistic culture that is more conducive to looking out for one’s self, just like what happened in the wake of 9/11. I am not a pessimist, just a realist. It’s the ebb and flow of human nature. It’s not right, nor wrong. But rather just is.

The following are some resources that may be of value during and after traumatic experiences:

• Explosions (section on After an Explosion)

http://www.ready.gov/explosions

FEMA – Ready.gov

• Coping with Disaster

http://www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster

FEMA – Ready.gov

• Managing traumatic stress: Tips for recovering from disaster and other traumatic events

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/recovering-disasters.aspx

American Psychological Association

• Taking Care of Your Emotional Health After a Disaster

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240142_EmotionalHealth.pdf

American Red Cross

• Recovering Emotionally

http://www.redcross.org/find-help/disaster-recovery/recovering-emotionally

American Red Cross

• Helping Children Cope with Disaster

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf

American Red Cross/US Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Disaster Distress Helpline (24/7 phone and text)

http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/about.aspx

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration

• Building Your Resilience

http://www.apapracticecentral.org/outreach/building-resilience.aspx

American Psychological Association

Customer Service Rant

Customer Service…some people just should not be in that line of work. Having done it myself, I know that it is not always the most pleasant thing, but it’s your job. Today I had to venture out into where the public is located…outside my door. I will name the stores, just on the off chance they happen to find this post, perhaps they will do something about their employees and train them…but I won’t hold my breath.

I called around to my favorite stores to see if they had a weighted vest in stock. They did not, but would have some in a week or so. That’s the way it is with the smaller stores. Great for when you need a common item, but not so great when you have your heart set on something…NOW. 

Anyways, since I didn’t feel like waiting, I decided to visit one of the newer stores to spring up in the area, Sports Authority. I had been to one in the past, but it was about an hour’s drive away. This new store was closer, but also smaller. I walked in, quickly figured out where the weighted vests would be located and started to look around. An employee approached and I told him I was looking for a weighted vest, preferably a 40 pound adjustable style. He pointed to the one on the shelf, which was a 16 pound vest and said that was the only one they had.

So, while that may have been true, that was poor customer service. I have been in situations where we did not carry what the customer was looking for, but I was able to see if there was another one available at one of the other stores in the chain. Even looking it up online to see if one could be ordered and shipped to the store for the customer. THAT is customer service. Not just pointing to the one on the shelf, stating that was all they carried, which was not even close to the requirements asked of by the customer.

Leaving there, I headed to the horrid Big 5 Sporting Goods Store, located down the street from the Sports Authority. I loathe Big 5, with a passion. Perhaps it’s just stores, employees, fellow shoppers, and humans I loathe. Oh, but I digress. An older male employee asked what I was looking for as I entered. I stated that I was interested in a weighted vest, preferably over 20 pounds and adjusts. He led me over to their location, and showed me that they had both a 20 and a 40 adjustable weight. 

I thanked him and went to grab the 40 pound. That is when his mistake occurred. He said, “You should really stick with the 20 pound version. The 40 is too heavy for women.” 

Um…really, buddy? He was just lucky I didn’t launch it and the medicine balls at him for that remark. I told him that I would like the 40 pound since it would allow me to grow with it as I grew stronger.  He again stated that 40 pounds was a lot of weight. I ignored him the best I could as I brought the vest up to the counter for him to ring me up.  As I was leaving, he said, “Well, don’t go hurting yourself!” Wanker.

The final poor customer service I experienced today was at another one of my least favorite stores, Kmart. It is located near Costco, which was a pleasant stop, as I kept my headphones on and used the self-checkout register. Anyhow, I was out of hand lotion (I like the Carmex lotion…it’s non-greasy and works well on my hands) and knew that Kmart had carried it in the past. Well, they didn’t have any in stock. I found a different lotion, and my sleeping medication (I have made my own nightly concoction, comprised of about 5 different sleeping medicines), and headed to the register. 

So far, not a horrible experience. There were no other customers in line, so there was no wait. I ended up having to wait for the cashier, as she was too busy talking to another employee about lunch plans and where she was going to go. Awesome. Do you think you could possibly trouble yourself for a minute and actually do your job? Cunt.

I can’t, I won’t, and ethics

I consider myself an ethical person so perhaps that is what brought me to the decision I made this week. I had offered my skills as a writer to an individual I found through an online freelance site. I worked for them for about a week, writing a variety of papers for their clients. However, I continued to have this nagging pain, which seemed to be emanating from deep inside, from where I imagine my soul would reside. 

I attempted to push that worry aside, but it kept festering and infecting my thoughts, just like the heartbeat famous in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. I tried to rationalize my actions, focusing on the fact that I was being paid to do something that I loved…research and academic writing. However, no matter how much I focused on that aspect, I felt the guilt suffocating me, like a scarf that was cinching down upon my windpipe. 

To make matters worse, the works that I had put many hours into researching and writing, were being critiqued by the customers, who themselves had horrid grammar, spelling, and punctuation. How could some rich brat of a kid criticize my work? The work that they themselves wouldn't even attempt? When I saw the replies to my submissions, I became furious and decided that I could not continue.

Perhaps it is because I would never think of paying someone to write something that I would then attach my name on, passing it off as my own work. When it boils down to it, I was helping an anonymous individual commit the academic crime of plagiarism, which I do not condone. Education is something that should be praised and enjoyed, for it is a lifelong process, not something that you pay someone else to do for you. 

Some of the assignments were for introductory courses in a community college. If students are buying papers in the beginning of their post-high school education, perhaps they need to reexamine their plan. Some companies charge upwards of $20 per page, depending on level of expertise and time constraints, and the sad thing…they are able to remain in business, as students are still willing to pay. I even helped to edit a thesis on turbojet engines. Granted, that was a bit of an easier job, and a necessary one, but it was based on the actual work of the student, rather than just a figment of the farmed out writer’s imagination. 

As the new quarter is about to start, finishing up my first year of graduate school, I wonder how many of my fellow students, both past and present, use such services. I'd rather earn a failing grade, than buy my way through life. Fortunately, I am able to maintain a near perfect grade point average and take pride in my work. When people buy papers, they really are just cheating themselves. 

#DoWorkDontCheat

Car Rentals In Malta

The Malta International Airport is the only one located in Malta, and can sometimes be heard referred to as Luqa or Valletta airport. A public facility, located 3 miles (5 km) southeast of the Maltese capital of Valletta, it contains two runways and services over 3.5 million passengers on an annual basis. The award winning airport boasts numerous seals of approval, including being named the Best Airport in Europe in 2011. Hosting over two dozen different airlines, some of the top destinations include the United Kingdom and Germany. Some of the airlines operate to certain destinations on a seasonal basis, so it is important to check with individual carriers to ensure arrival is possible during the desired time.

Public transport is quite easy to the airport, with some express bus services making regular trips around the clock. Shuttles, taxis and personal vehicles also offer access to the facility, with on site parking available for those driving to the airport. Both short term and long term parking are available, with the first 10 minutes free of charge. If arriving by motorcycle, there are no applicable parking fees.

If Malta is your destination, there are car hire desks located in the Welcomers’ Hall, just off of the baggage reclaim area. There are 16 car rental companies located on site or near the airport, including Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and Europcar. Car choices range from economy and compact, to full-size luxury and minivans. Additionally, some car hire companies offer convertible vehicles, allowing customers to enjoy the weather, which consists of over 200 days of sunshine per year. 

Customers are required to be between the ages of 25 and 70, holding their license for a minimum of two years. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 years, and over 70 are required to be insured at a daily premium charge for most car hire companies in Malta. It is suggested that customers check with their individual car rental companies to determine which regulations apply and to inquire about special rental needs (child seats, satellite navigation systems) when placing reservations.

Staying in Malta is easy, with a large variety of lodging options available. Whether travelers are looking for a rustic locale or a pampering experience, there is something available to suit every need. Many hotels offer Mediterranean Sea views from balconies, high-speed internet connections, and on site parking. 

Additionally, some offer complimentary transportation to surrounding tourist destinations including Valletta, Sliema Shopping Centre, the Casino, and the Royal Malta Golf Course. Due to its location, some of the freshest seafood accompanies many of the meals, which is often paired with local wine selections. Local events occur regularly, including an international fireworks festival in April and a large variety of concerts happening throughout the year.

Treviso Airport Car Rentals

The Treviso, Venice Treviso, or Treviso-Sant’Angelo airport is located 2 miles (3 km) west-southwest of Treviso, Italy. The airport serves over 2 million passengers annually, with service to 43 international destinations via six different public airlines and one private airline. Some of the destinations are offered on a seasonal basis, so it is requested that passengers check the time table with their individual airlines regarding the seasonal destinations.

Arrival to the airport is easy, and can be made by train, bus, taxi, and private vehicle. If arriving by personal vehicle, there is on site parking available, including short term and several long term car parks, with 50 short term and 468 long term spots, divided up among three different lots, with the furthest being only 200m away from the terminal. Regardless of parking location, the first 10 minutes are free of charge. While away on holiday, customers can elect to have their vehicles refueled, fluid levels topped off, and even have their car washed inside and out, offering a welcoming return.

If Treviso is your destination, there are 10 car rental companies available in the arrival hall, just past the baggage reclaim area at the airport, including AutoEuropa, Avis, Europcar Italy, and Easycar. The rental vehicles offered range from economical to luxurious, even some full size vans if there are a lot of passengers to accommodate. The age requirements vary depending on the car hire company, with some allowing customers as young as 19 years of age for certain classes of cars, and 25 years of age for other car groups. Young drivers may be charged an additional surcharge, so it is important to check with the individual car hire company when making reservations. 

If the vehicle will be crossing into Berlin, Cologne, or Hannover, it will require an “Emissions Sticker,” and without the sticker, the driver will be fined, so if customers will be visiting those locations, it is important to check that the vehicle has the appropriate documentations prior to leaving the airport. Additionally, if crossing into Germany during the winter months, it is mandatory for all vehicles to have winter tires installed. Child seats, snow chains, ski racks, and satellite navigation systems are also available for an additional charge if desired. In Italy, motorists use the right-hand side of the road.

Staying in Treviso is easy, with over 100 hotels available for guests, ranging from a comfortable two star, to a luxurious four star, with many located in historic areas, just walking distance from the main tourist attractions. Some facilities offer Wi-Fi internet access, on site breakfast bar, private parking, and even pools. If visitors require special accommodations, it is suggested that requests are made at time of reservation.

Car rentals at the Rome Train Station

The Roma Termini, or Rome train station, is the main railway station of Rome, Italy. Built in 1862, it has nearly 30 platforms, serving 14 different lines, to various destinations. The station handles over 150 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest train stations in Europe. Due to its size and central location, it also serves as the main hub for public transportation within Rome, with destinations including the Leonardo Da Vinci airport and the cities of Assisi, Florence, Milan, and Paris.

While at the train station, passengers are reminded to keep on the lookout for any suspicious activity, including people trying to help with luggage. Employees are easy to spot, as they wear red vests. Additionally, arrive prepared to scale a number of stairs, and it is best to arrive or depart midday to avoid the crowd.

Facilities at the train station include baggage lockers, a tourism office, restrooms (which require a fee to use), several places to eat, and currency exchanges for the convenience of travelers passing through. Additionally, there are several car rental agencies on site, including Alfa Service, Cooperativa Termini, Europcar, and Hertz to name a few. The car hires are located in the Ala Termini section (located near platform 24 and Giolitti 34). Operating hours vary depending on the rental car company, but most are open from 8AM, Monday thru Saturday, opening from 8:30AM on Sundays.

The vehicles offered range from a small and economical option that seats four passengers, to larger sport utility vehicles that can seat six or more passengers, with luggage. In order to rent a vehicle, drivers must have had their license for at least a year. Additionally, drivers cannot have any serious driving violations on their record. Drivers age 21 to 25 require an additional surcharge as do any additional drivers that will be listed on the rental contract. Likewise, there may be additional charges or limitations on the type of vehicle available for rental depending on the customer’s age. However, the ages may differ depending on company, so it is important to check with the individual car hire company when making reservations. Requests for special items, such as optional equipment can be added to the rental vehicle, including child seats, satellite navigation systems, ski rack, and snow chains if desired.

If customers are planning on taking the vehicle across country borders, it is important to check with individual companies, as some makes of vehicles are not allowed to cross into different countries. Some of the vehicles not allowed to cross into select countries include all vehicles in car groups IVMR, SVMR, and FVMR, which consist of Mercedes-Benz B class, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz Viano, vans, and rental trucks.

Bari Airport Car Rentals

The Bari Karol Wojtyla airport is located 5 miles (8 km) northwest from the town center, is also known as the Palese airport. With an upgraded facility, the airport handles close to 4 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest and most convenient locations for tourists visiting Italy. Bari is the second most important economic area in southern Italy, after Naples. Originally designed as a military airfield, the location has undergone many renovations, including a new passenger terminal, control tower, and an on site car park facility. There are nearly 30 airlines that provide service to the Bari airport, however some of the destinations are available on a seasonal basis, so it is suggested that passengers check with their individual carriers to make sure their destination is available when desired.

Getting to the airport is rather easy, and can be accessed by bus, taxi, or personal vehicle. If arriving by private vehicle, there is plenty of on site parking available, ranging from short stay to business and long term. There are 2100 parking spaces that are accessible 24 hours a day. However, effective January 2013, one of the parking structures is closed, but there are still plenty of accommodations available. If traveling during peak seasons, reservations are recommended, for if the parking lots are full, customers will not be allowed to access the facility.

If Bari is your destination, there are several car hire companies to choose from on site, located  just off the departure area. More than twenty car rental options at the airport and the surrounding vicinity, offering a variety of vehicles to choose from. Some of the on site companies include Hertz, Alamo, Budget, and Maggiore, and customers can often find reduced rental rates online. Available cars range from a fuel economic mini car group that can comfortably accommodate four adults, to a minivan that can hold up to seven adults. Both automatic and manual transmissions are available, as are optional extras that can be added on during time of reservation. Options include child seats, satellite navigation systems, ski racks, and snow chains.

Customers who want to rent a vehicle need to be licensed for a minimum of one year, and not have any major traffic violations on their record. Drivers age 21 to 24 will be required to pay an additional fee, as will an additional driver added to the rental car agreement. Cross border travel by rental cars are allowed, but there are some restrictions and additional charges that may apply. It is suggested that if customers are going to be crossing the borders, they check with their individual car rental companies prior to departing the facility to ensure their trip is possible.

Car rentals at Luton Airport

The London Luton airport is located 1.7 miles (2.8 km) east of the town center, in Bedfordshire, England, and is the fourth largest airport serving the London area. One of six international airports near London, the Luton is the fifth busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling over 9.6 million passengers annually. Several renovations have been made to the facility since opening in 1938, including a new terminal and departure hall. There are eight carriers that operate on the single runway, with an additional four carriers offering charter flights.

Access to the airport can be made via public transport, shuttle bus taxi, train, and private vehicle. If arriving by personal vehicle, there is on site parking available. There are three different car park options, including priority set down, in which cars must not be left unattended; short term, and mid term parking, with the latter offering a free drop off, free pick up and free parking for up to 30 minutes, and is located 2 minutes away via free shuttle bus ride.

If Luton is your destination, there are several car hire companies available on site, including both self drive and chauffeur driven services. The car rental providers are located in the arrivals hall in the Onward Travel Centre, and include Europcar, Alamo, Hertz, and Season Car Hire. Often customers can find reduced rental rates online. Each car hire company has different age restrictions, often requiring an additional fee for drivers under 25 years of age, with some companies not allowing drivers under the age of 21 to rent a vehicle. However, Hertz does allow customers as young as 19 years of age to rent vehicles, but a daily young driver’s surcharge applies. Likewise, an additional surcharge may apply for senior drivers, age 71 to 75 years of age. Additionally, the customer and all potential drivers must have a full license for a minimum of one year (or longer depending on the rental car type), with no major traffic tickets on their record. It is important to check with the individual rental car company when making reservations.

Additionally, when making reservations, customers can request certain additional items, including child seats, satellite navigation, disabled driver hand controls, and even entertainment systems. Amenities vary depending on car rental companies and may be limited in selection and availability. The selection of vehicles ranges from small car, vans, and even people carriers, guaranteeing a vehicle to fit the needs of any customer. Some car hire companies also offer meet and greet services if the vehicle is not located at the airport. If cross border travel is intended, it is important to check with the car hire representative, as some companies do not allow such travels.

Car rentals at Glasgow International Airport

The Glasgow International airport, formerly known as the Glasgow Abbotsinch airport is located 7 miles (11 km) west of Glasgow, Scotland. The second busiest in the country, over 7 million passengers pass through the facility on an annual basis. Originally serving as a military airport for the Royal Air Force in the 1930s, the facility has undergone vast reconstruction in order to handle the flow of annual passengers. However, physical growth is hampered by the location of the facility, as the motorways and towns surround the airport on the north and south sides. There are currently over thirty airlines offering service out of Glasgow, with some of the destinations offered on a seasonal basis. It is important to check with individual carriers regarding the destination availability when booking flights.

Due to its location, the proximity of motorways allows for easy access via express bus, taxi, or private vehicle. If arriving by personal vehicle, there are plenty of options for parking on site, including long stay, short stay, and fast track parking. The latter offering an additional perk of access to the Fast Track priority security lane, perfect for when passengers are running short on time. All of the parking options are located near the airport terminal for convenience. Since the long term car park is located a little further away, there is a courtesy shuttle offering service from the lot to the airport terminal.

If Glasgow is your destination, there is an array of car hire services located at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, National, and Budget, each offering a wide selection of rental vehicles to choose from. Vehicle choices range from mini and economy, to premium, offering the greatest level of luxury. Rental age and prices vary upon car hire company, but generally require drivers to be over 21 years of age. Different car groups may have different age restrictions, with younger drivers required to pay a young drivers surcharge, usually for those aged between 21-24 years of age. Some vehicle selections may require the driver to be at least 25 years of age, so it is important to check with the individual car hire company when making reservations. Additionally, some locations include a maximum age of 75 years for car hire services. For drivers under the age of 25 years, some rental companies require the driver to be licensed for at least two years prior to renting.

If traveling during the winter, some countries require vehicles to be fitted with weather appropriate equipment, including snow tires or snow chains, which are available at the time of booking for an additional charge. Rental vehicles are allowed to cross the border into another country, however if customers desire to do so, they may be required to purchase an additional service that covers overseas vehicle breakdowns.