It sounds like a lesser crime, but it's worse...

I have become increasingly frustrated with the use of the term "sexual assault". It seems like people just want to shy away from the uncomfortable term "rape"--as in, "she was a victim of sexual assault", instead of saying, "she was raped".

Yesterday I heard about the 14 people taken hostage in a Nordstrom store near L.A  It was reported that one of the hostages was 'sexually assaulted'.  One radio station even reported that the victim was 'sexually abused'. Sexually abused? Was her uncle the perp? Give me a break.

But I did some poking around this morning, and it turns out the terms 'rape' and 'sexual assault' are actually different. I always thought they were interchangeable, the latter being preferred because folks were squeamish (or worse, they were downplaying the incident).  But, no. Rape, by definition, means "vaginal penetration without consent". Sexual assault, however, is broad in scope, and "includes oral and anal penetration without consent and is not limited to body parts such as a penis or fingers doing the penetration". (taken from Answers.com)

So, while I truly believe there is a war on women, apparently the use of the word 'rape' is not  a part of it.

"Forever Lazy": this is why people hate us...

Just a few days into a new year, and I fear we're already doomed. Culturally, that is. I saw an ad for this gem the other day: "Forever Lazy, the wearable blanket". Really? The ad boasts that you can now relax without the  inconvenience and general aggravations that accompany the use of a traditional blanket. You know, having to cover yourself up, and of course the biggest disadvantage of all--that a regular blanket does not come with footie attachments. Or maybe the biggest problem for you is having to remove the blanket (and yourself from the couch) when "nature calls". Not an issue with "Forever Lazy"! This one-piece delight comes with zippered openings in the front and back so you don't have to bother removing the entire "garment" before using the potty. You probably don't need to bother with having relationships with other people, either, since buying one of these indicates that you have reached the end of your journey on the path to "giving up". Or have you? The makers of "Forever Lazy" insist you'll want to wear your big-kid onesie everywhere--tailgating before the big game, partying with your friends, or just relaxing with your pets (who are the only beings that won't crack up when you put on your wearable blanket).
We wonder why so many people hate us.  Could this be it?  That they view Americans as lazy, unimaginative, and lacking the type of moral fiber that prevents one from taking such a product seriously? And I thought the "Snuggie" was a disgrace...

P.S. If you still want one of these after my disparaging post, here's the website to get your very own "Forever Lazy": https://www.orderforeverlazy.com/