Rebecca Kay Bright, Author

Embracing Independence: Why I've Decided to Stop Dating In a world where dating apps and blind dates dominate the scene, I've made a bold decision: I've stopped dating altogether. And let me tell you, it's been the most liberating choice I've ever made. Gone are the days of stressing over what to wear, where to meet, and whether or not there will be a spark. Instead, I've embraced my independence and reclaimed control over my life. One of the key reasons behind my decision? Safety. Call me cautious, but I refuse to let anyone into my personal space. That means no inviting dates to my home or sharing my address. I've always been a "meet you there" kind of person, and I intend to keep it that way. Maintaining boundaries is crucial in today's world, especially when it comes to dating. By keeping my home and workplace off-limits to romantic interests, I ensure that my safety and security remain uncompromised. Let's talk about transportation. S

Shifting the Spotlight: Redirecting Attention to the True Victims of Hurricane Harvey As the news cycle continues to churn out coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, it's evident that certain areas are receiving more attention than others. While Houston's flooding woes dominate the headlines, there's a pressing need to refocus our efforts on the communities that bore the brunt of the storm's fury. Let's set the record straight: Houston's susceptibility to flooding is nothing new. What deserves our immediate attention are the towns and cities that were decimated by Hurricane Harvey's direct hit. Rockport, Corpus Christi, Victoria, Port Lavaca, and countless others are grappling with the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane, yet their plight risks being overshadowed by Houston-centric coverage. History has shown us the consequences of misplaced priorities. Just as the Mississippi coastline was overlooked in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we cannot aff

Standing Up Against Price Gouging During Hurricane Harvey As Hurricane Harvey barrels towards the Texas coast, thousands of residents are evacuating their homes in anticipation of the storm's impact. However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, evacuees are facing another challenge: price gouging. It's a harsh reality that no one should have to confront during a crisis. From gas stations to grocery stores, businesses are taking advantage of the situation by inflating prices and preying on the vulnerability of those seeking shelter and safety. But there's one group of individuals bearing the brunt of this exploitation: pet owners . As families flee the storm with their beloved four-legged companions, they're met with closed doors at hotels and shelters that typically don't accommodate pets. It's a heartbreaking situation that forces families to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their furry family members. In times like these, compassion and empa

Embracing True Friendship: Surrounding Yourself with Uplifting Souls In life's journey, we often come across individuals who shape our experiences and enrich our souls. True friends stand out as beacons of light, guiding us through the darkest times and celebrating our triumphs. A true friend is more than just a companion; they are a source of inspiration, lifting us up when we stumble and encouraging us to reach for the stars. They are the ones who lend a helping hand without hesitation, offering support and comfort when we need it most. What defines a true friend? It's simple: if they don't lift you up if they don't encourage you to do right, if they don't stand by your side when you're in need or feeling low, then they aren't truly a friend. In fact, they don't deserve a place in your precious life. Life is too short to surround yourself with negativity and toxicity. Instead, cultivate relationships with those who uplift your spirit and inspire you

Setting the Record Straight: Starbucks' Commitment to Veterans and Military Spouses In a world where misinformation often clouds our perceptions, it's crucial to set the record straight on matters of importance. Recently, Starbucks found itself at the center of controversy, with some questioning its commitment to veterans and military spouses. Let's clear the air: Starbucks has long been dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. This isn't a new initiative; it's been ingrained in the company's values since day one. From preferential hiring treatment to ongoing support programs, Starbucks has demonstrated its unwavering loyalty to those who have served our country. It's disheartening to see baseless accusations tarnish the reputation of a company that has consistently advocated for inclusivity and equality. Starbucks doesn't play favorites; it believes in helping every group of people, regardless of their background or affiliations. Beyond its

Mastering the Art of Critical Thinking: A Guide to Clarity and Precision In the realm of critical thinking, there exist seven essential standards that pave the way for clear, accurate, and insightful reasoning. Let's delve into each of these standards to uncover the keys to mastering the art of critical thinking. Clearness : The cornerstone of critical thinking lies in clarity. To achieve clarity, one must thoroughly understand the concepts at hand and adeptly articulate them. Additionally, tailoring your language to match your audience's level of understanding ensures that your points resonate clearly and precisely. Accuracy : The essence of critical thinking demands accuracy in presenting facts and information. By diligently researching and relying on credible sources, one can avoid inadvertently misleading their audience with inaccurate data. Importance : Critical thinkers recognize the significance of their subject matter and its relevance to their audience. Evaluating diff

Unveiling the Tapestry of Modern English: A Linguistic Journey Embark with me on a voyage through the intricate tapestry of the English language, a mosaic woven from the threads of countless linguistic influences. Contrary to popular belief, modern English isn't the product of a singular ancestral language but a vibrant amalgamation of diverse linguistic roots. Delving into the annals of history, we discover a rich tapestry of languages that have left an indelible mark on the evolution of English. From the Germanic tribes of antiquity to the Norman conquerors of medieval England, each wave of cultural exchange has contributed its own unique hue to the linguistic canvas. Venturing into academia, disciplines such as linguistics and British literature offer a window into the multifaceted nature of English's origins. These scholarly pursuits unveil the layers of influence, revealing the profound impact of Latin, French, Norse, and countless other languages on the development of mo

Cultivating the Garden of Love: A Reflection In the garden of the heart, love is the tender seedling that yearns for nurturing care to blossom into its full splendor. Much like a delicate flower, love requires constant attention and tending to thrive amidst life's ever-changing seasons. It's a notion that resonates deeply with me: the belief that true love, the kind that transcends fleeting infatuation and surface-level affection, possesses a resilience that withstands the test of time. For true love is not merely a passing fancy or a fleeting attraction—it is an enduring bond that weathers the storms of life and emerges stronger for it. In our fast-paced world, it's all too easy to mistake the spark of lust or the allure of fondness for the enduring flame of genuine love. Yet, true love is not defined by fleeting passions or fleeting pleasures; it is rooted in a deep and abiding connection that transcends the superficialities of attraction. Like any living thing, love requ

Unlocking the Truth: Debunking Gunshot Conspiracy Theories As someone who has been immersed in the world of shooting since the tender age of five, I feel compelled to shed light on a crucial aspect often overlooked in discussions about gun violence: the startling speed at which bullets can be fired from a regular handgun. Let's set the record straight: Two shots can be unleashed from a handgun in a matter of seconds—faster than the sound can travel from the muzzle to the nearest ears, let alone register the realization that a firearm has been discharged. The velocity at which bullets travel is astonishing, capable of ending lives in the blink of an eye. Let's not overlook the underlying issues fueling these senseless acts of brutality. The blame cannot be solely attributed to firearms themselves; rather, it lies at the intersection of societal ills such as bigotry, racism, violence, and hate. Furthermore, the dire lack of access to mental health services exacerbates an already

    Navigating the Complexities of Internet Regulation: A Call for Action Against Violent Pornography      In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, the debate over regulation, particularly concerning sexually explicit material, remains contentious. The question of how far regulation should extend is one that will continue to spark heated discussions for years to come. At the heart of this debate lies the clash between the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment and the need to protect individuals from harmful content, such as child pornography and other violent forms of exploitation.      The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides significant protection to expressions of speech. However, it's crucial to recognize that this protection is not absolute, especially when it comes to forms of expression that cause tangible harm. Child pornography and other violent depictions are not shielded by the First Amendment, as they are illegal in most jurisdictions a

Protecting the Planet and Workers: Why Fast-Track Deals Need a Makeover     Imagine a scenario where a country's leader rushes into trade agreements with nations known for their disregard for the environment and labor rights. Now, picture this leader shrugging off the importance of these issues, seemingly oblivious to their impact. Terrifying, right? Unfortunately, this isn't just a hypothetical; it's a real concern that we need to address head-on.      I'm deeply worried about the consequences of handing fast-track authority to a president who may prioritize profits over people and the planet. Without proper safeguards in place, such deals could easily overlook crucial stipulations to protect workers' rights and the environment. Let's face it, in a world where climate change is wreaking havoc and workers are often exploited, we simply can't afford to ignore these issues. That's why I'm advocating for a fundamental change in how we approach fast-tr

Judicial Policymaking      We must remember that the Supreme Court’s job is to look at the laws and the cases in front of them and compare them with the Constitution. If the laws or a prior decision in a case is unconstitutional, it is the Supreme Court's job to find them so. What many see as the Supreme Court making laws is really the Supreme Court setting precedent. This action of taking into account a higher court’s (or another court’s) rulings and ruling similarly has been common in all courts that stem from the English court system model – we can see similar occurrences in British, Canadian, and Austrian courts as well as our own. The Supreme Court of the United States’ job is not to enforce laws or their rulings overall. The Supreme Court’s job is to set legal standards of law while enforcement falls into the jurisdiction of the executive branch and through the executive branch the various law enforcement agencies and the lower courts follow precedent.      On the subjec

Creative writing exercise on the viewpoint of an individual during the time of the creation of the American Constitution: for the Constitution Constitution? Yes Please!      Through my various contacts I have procured a copy of what was called to be a revision of the Articles of Confederation, but being the intellectual giants that are the delegates of the Constitutional Convention they took it upon themselves to toss out the nonfunctioning Articles of Confederation and take up the work of writing a new document that is now to the states to be ratified. Though ominous as it might seem that these mere men would decide without the people’s consent to discard the Articles and draft a new constitution, the document they have constructed is truly ingenious. I say this not by what my contacts have told me, but by proof of my own eyes for I have been supplied a draft of this proposed constitution which I have read thoroughly and completely several times. This proposed constitution whil

Understanding Earthquakes: What You Need to Know      Earthquakes, those powerful and unpredictable forces of nature, have left their mark on our planet for centuries. In the United States, most seismic activity occurs along the Pacific coast, nestled within the infamous 'Ring of Fire'. However, regions like the Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River area, parts of South Carolina, and the northernmost states of New England also face seismic risks.      Having personally experienced a natural disaster and narrowly avoided another, I understand the profound impact these events can have on our lives. Living in areas prone to floods, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, or hurricanes isn't something I could easily reconcile with. If faced with a situation where my employer demanded I relocate to such an area without offering alternatives, I would seek other opportunities. After all, I firmly believe that no one should feel coerced into compromising their safety and well-being.

Evaluation  of  the  Sacred  Art  of  St.  William's  Catholic  Church,  Round  Rock,  Texas      There is a massive amount of art at St. William's Catholic Church in Round Rock, Texas. I was not able to speak with any of the staff there about the history behind the art but all of it is new along with the building. All of the buildings on the campus were finished in time for Advent 2006. I had visited the old sanctuary before they built their new location which was finished on  November  18,  2006,  located on 30 acres of land within three blocks of the original sanctuary.       The new home of St. William's has the look and feel of a Spanish Mission that was crossed with a small basilica. It has limestone 'stones' as the facade. The roof (minus the basilica dome) is made of clay roofing tiles. The shape and style of the building overall make one first think 'Spanish Mission' with the two rectangular espadañas with ironwork crosses on the apex of each. T

Wolves: Monster or Necessary?      Does   this   look  like  a  cold  blooded,   calculating   sheep   stealing,  calf   eating,   vandal   and   murder   to  you?  If  you  answered   yes  to  this question   than   you  are   as  naive,   uneducated,   closed   minded   and   blind  as   the   farmers   and   ranchers   in  southern   Canada   and   the   northern  Midwest   and  western   United   States. These   individuals   are   miss  informed   on  the   natural   behavior   of   Canius   Lupus   the   gray   wolf  –  and  all   wolves   –  an  endangered   species   and   to  shed   light   on  how conserving   our   natural   resources   and   all  species   currently   on  the  planet   specifically   keystone   species   such   as  the   gray   wolf  is  not   only advantageous   but   also   profitable.      The   majority   of  the   individuals   who  want   to  see   wolves  eliminated   from   the   Yellowstone   region   and   Alaska   and   thus   pushe