[ravstrike]

51. The 'measure twice cut once' requires two tools: a measuring device and a cutting implement. I'll start with the measuring device. A standard US bill is about 6 inches long, it can be used end to end for larger lengths and when folded properly (in half and thirds) and give you one inch. (Non US currency might work for this purpose, pardon my inexperience) The best and most convenient cutting tool is a pocket knife. Carry one. Some area do not allow them; question their logic of permitting Bic pens (metal tipped spears), books (blunt objects), clothing (strangulation), etc.... anything can be used as a weapon if a dangerous mind is applied to it. I fear the pen the most as it can easily pierce the chest cavity and is far more dangerous than a 3 inch blade on a leatherman or swiss army knife. Remember the movie Cast Away, think of how better off he'd have been if he took the knife off the car keys before he left. A small knife is a tool first.
52. Ladies: If you have not already done so talk to your doctor directly (kick mom out) about birth control and make sure you're both on the same page. You do not want to find out too late that he/she will not prescribe what you may feel you need. Specifically regarding preventative contraception, a pharmacist is violating the basic medical premise to do no harm if he/she refuses to fill such a prescription. They do not even know why you need to have it filled and they don't need to. Hormone therapy can reduce the chance of ovarian cancer and some people have conditions that require it to survive. Find out about filling the other prescriptions as well for the same reason you should talk to your doctor ahead.
53. Know all your real options so that you can make the best decision. Applies directly above and everywhere else.
54. Regarding the choice/life debate. Men should stay out of it as they are not as directly involved. Men are welcome to an opinion and it counts at the same level of involvement; her nine months relative to his nine minutes works out to less than 1%. Men should support her in what ever her decision is. The worst part of the whole thing is that a government predominantly men decide whether women can decide. There is probably something wrong with that.
55. Use as precise language whenever possible and know what the word means before you use it. Political candidates consult highly paid teams of psycholinguistic experts before deciding to call each other 'elite'.
56. The constitution of the Unites States of America gives the Congress the power to declare war and such declarations are between nations. The Iraq war ended with our victory when the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein fell; 'mission accomplished' banner, toppling of statues in Baghdad and other cities, execution of Saddam Hussein. If the war was still going on simply because we are there then by that logic so are several others including WWII. It is an occupation and 'victory' in an occupation is usually when the oppressive overseers are ousted by freedom fighters. Though we may feel that we are not oppressive, we are overseers and their history will record it as such regardless of our intentions there. The other wars are not real. There is no nation so there is no one to declare war on. The 'war on' series were created to you to keep you scared and/or distracted. Question authority.
57. Motivated Self-interest. It is the truth behind the actions of everyone around you. Even Mother Theresa on some level deep down thought that she was earning brownie point for the hereafter.
58. If you yell 'NO' at your cat (or dog or etc.), do not bother to yell, "What part of 'NO' do you not understand?" The pet either does not and will not ever understand any part of the word 'NO' or, does and would never tell you as it would give itself away. Anything smart enough to understand 'NO' and pass for 'stupid' animal is extremely intelligent.
59. Love everyone. You do not have to like them, however.
60. Cogito Ergo Sum: It is not and never was I think therefore I am. The original quote is 'dubito ergo sum' I doubt therefore I am. You have to exist as you are either the doubter or the object of doubt. It is the basis of solipsism and the only thing that you can ever really know for sure. Therefore, there is no reason to feel shy. Pretend that everyone else is fiction, as you only know that you are not.