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Forum Post: Testosterone Deficiency in Young Men make them "less manly"

Posted 12 years ago on Jan. 25, 2012, 1:34 a.m. EST by SteveKJR (-497)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

Are the younger generation becoming "less manly" because they have "testosterone deficiency". I've often wondered why a lot of young men like the word "metroman". It fits their personality of being "less manly. .

A research group has shown that men with low "t" usually have problems being able to "be manly" because of less muscle development" and lower "sperm" count.

Think that has anything to do about why most of our younger generation can't fend for themselves?

Here is a link to the report - you decide.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/246662-testosterone-deficiency-in-young-men/

111 Comments

111 Comments


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[-] 2 points by truth2p0wer (135) 12 years ago

sounds like something right out of a Michael Savage show.

[-] -1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Could be, I do't know.

[-] 1 points by UncomonSense (386) 12 years ago

Talk about stating the obvious ...

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Wow. Why do you hate young people so much? I've seen other comments from you to that affect.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Maybe Steve is just a grumpy old man who has ingested too much estrogen and hence, suffering PMS now. But, nonetheless, we should thank him for bringing awareness to such a dire issue in our world today.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

You have to see some of his other posts. This is a ruse to attack young people. I saw your post below and it's interesting information, but I know plenty of quite manly young men so don't know what he's talking about exactly.

[-] 0 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I believe you. I see these type of pot-stirrers on here all the time. But, Beautiful, you should definitely head the warnings below and do some research. I'm 50 and I'm an environmental biologist and so I've not only been ' educated' on such topics but I also have 50 years of life experience that shows me how much more feminine males are today then when I was young. I'm not suggesting they are weak or less masculine in their behavior anymore than I would suggest that most women are more manly and aggressive but there is no doubt that the hormones are affecting our physiology in very harmful ways and that we are becoming a much more androgynous society. Do some research on estrogen dominance. Assuming you are female, it's very important that you especially educate yourself about this topic so that you can be proactive about protecting your health.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Okay. Here's the thing. The crux of his argument is that this somehow is the reason for why young people today are so unable to "fend for themselves." I know what you are saying. You are absolutely right. But, it is his use of this as evidence to explain away why young people today are so awful, in his opinion, that bothers me. The two things are not related at all.

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

That's the thing, sometimes cranks like steve spew in such volumes, that sometimes they get 'it' right, or half right.

But Gillian is correct, this is a serious problem for the human species, forget about the population bomb, if trends continue, it'll be the falling sperm counts, and subsequent lower birth rates.

Here's some links:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2009/09/68499003/1 This is a bad portent to the future of the human species as these endocrine problems have definitely affected both sperm counts and birth rates: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/out-for-the-count-why-levels-of-sperm-in-men-are-falling-1954149.html

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

I know all of that, but it doesn't cause young people to be unable to "fend for themselves." He did not post this to enlighten us about hormones.

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

Oh, I know, he ignores high rates of unemployment, lack of credit stability in the world, globalization etc.

I was just using his post to highlight a serious problem.

[-] 0 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

That's right Deb...using his post for the greater good is what we should all do. In fact, I try to turn all adversity into something positive when I can. Anger begets anger, war begets war, negative begets negativity and so on...love and respect beget love and respect. We must always try to be the change that we want to see in the world even though we will always encounter opposition.

[-] 0 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

It's a waste of time Beautiful to focus on those self serving comments and there will always be folks like Steve who deliberately mock the value of good information. Just ignore that part of Steve's post and focus on the important information. Your time is more valuable than to spend it focused on nonsense that is intended to bait someone into adversity. It's utter nonsense and you are more intelligent than that.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

No. I disagree with you. This post is not about testosterone deficiency. It is about disparaging young people

[-] 0 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

He was using the testosterone deficiency article to serve his own agenda...sort of the way people mock the Bible by using verses to justify their own beliefs and behaviors.

[-] -1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Why is it you call me a "pot-stirrer" but yet you agree with what I have posted. I have never "tried to stir the pot" but have always contributed information in a manner that get others engaged without the "hatred" monologue.

Now they may "agree" or "disagree" with what I post but at least they can make a decision about wanting to "engage" for there is no one holding a gun to their head.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

What does being a pot stirrer have to do with whether I agree with you or not?
I can agree with the information you posted but also ignore your arrogantly coy comment about hormones causing young people to be dependent. I should have addressed the reason why you posted the information but my time is limited so I ignored your comment and focused on what really should be the concern for each of us, even you Steve.

[-] -1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

No, it's not an "attack" on young people - just putting info out there and "not spewing hatred" like many do.

[-] 0 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Well then, what are your sincere thoughts and concerns ( if you sincerely have any) regarding our toxic overload and the impact on life on earth and our civilization? Ironically Steve, I have noticed over the years a correlation between men who feel sexually inadequate ( for various reasons) and their need to shoot guns and buy fast sporty cars. I'm not being facetious either. If indeed men are feeling more insecure due to their sexuality then perhaps this influences their need to increase the size of their social image.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Maybe it's because the men you have known are like that. Insecurity is a result of "low self esteem" and "lack of fortitude".

As far as the "toxic overload" and the "impace on life on earth and our civilization" our society claims no regard for neither for if they did, we would all be walking and living in caves.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Right...so what's causing all this low self esteem? Women are suffering this too. We've become so aggressive and competitive and yet we, as a nation are so spiritually hungry and unfulfilled. We have more stuff and fluff in our lives and yet no real satisfaction. The more we acquire and the more success we achieve, the more unfulfilled we seem to become and the more insulated from meaningful relationships. Even our political debates are so undignified and remind me of an episode of Jerry Springer. We seem to be in a constant state of ' needing more' which results in the dog eat dog appetite of greed, needing more success, needing more sex, needing more of everything in order to compete with the world that media projects as ' reality'.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

I agree with you 100%. Sometimes shutting off the computer, IPOD, Cell and games and have "quiet time" for maybe reading a book or just doing "nothing" has a real positive effect of a person.

However, todays society doesn't know how to do that - they are too busy "communicating"

[-] -1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

How can you say that I am a "grumpy old man". You don't even know me. You don't know anything about my lifestyle.

Just to prove that I am not a "grumpy old man" as you say I will provide you with some info about my happiness.

I go sailing, drive a Porsche, love to go dancing, enjoy all the great music from the 60's on through the 80's. After that it is just crap and makes no sense. I enjoy going to movies, dining out, reading books, technical manuals and travel on vacation whenever I can.

I enjoy shooting my firearms, reloading ammunition and working on guns. I can fix any plumbing problem, any heating and air conditiong problem or any electrical problem. I can install sheetrock when the need arises, patch and paint if necessary. I can professionally install floor tile, hardwood flooring, counter tops and refinish cabinets.

I can install piping systems, weld pipe, weld structural steel, supervise personell and run a business.

Ths is just a short list of things I am involved in and is not "all inclusive" of the other things I can do. So there you have it, as you see, I don't have time to be a "grumpy old man" but instead a really busy "involved individual".

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I said Maybe you are. I really don't care what you are or who you are. My comment was intended to be as equally arrogant and meaningless as your comment about young people being more dependent due to hormones.
FYI Steve, I doubt that the hormones have nearly as much influence on anyone's dependency as social conditioning does.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Go ahead and list any one of my comments that indicate "hate" as you have mentioned.

I may have posted info out there that people disagree with but it was all about "subject matter" and not about hatred.

I have never once personally attacked anyone on this forum nor have I "spewed hatred" as so many do with their "profanity", and their comments "about those with whom they disagree

In addition if they''re not staisfied by doing that then then make an attempt with to criticize them through "character assination".

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

I don't use ad hominem attacks either. But, why do you post this? Do you post this to inform us, the way Gillian wants to about the deleterious effects of hormones in the environment? We could have a great discussion about that. But, I think you post this because you want to disparage young people. You are linking this hormone deficiency to young mens' inability to fend for themselves. Is your main goal to disparage young people - say, the occupiers?

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Hey Beautiful, let's be fair and regardless of Steve's intentions, let's look at his post from a different perspective. I'm assuming and correct me if I'm wrong that you are much younger than I am and that Steve is maybe older or closer to my age. If Steve is older than me let's say, his post could be interpreted as coming from a man from a different time or generation when men were more hands-on, resourceful, and considered to be the head of household/bread winners. My grandpa and even my father were more in line with that family dynamic. I do agree with Steve that young folks today are less resourceful and independent than let's say someone like myself but that is a result of our culture, not our character. Likewise, youngsters today are more educated and worldly than my generation. I was a hands- on type of gal.....I cooked, built things, repaired my own car, was an artist, and worked for a handy man when I was 15. But, times were different then. Education was important but having a job before you graduated HS or college was pretty common. Education was different, the economy was different and divorce was rare when I was growing up which meant that men were still mostly the sole providers for their families. Men got paid enough in those days to be able to do that and it made them feel worthy. There are many things to consider about how and why the dynamic of the sexes has changed.
Fast food wasn't as common when I was growing up so it was just assumed that eating out was reserved for special events and both my brother and I cooked really well. Today, it's not even necessary to know how to cook or how to do anything really because there is always someone else to do it for you...even if it costs. So, that's why it's so expensive today to live. If more folks were doing their own plumbing, sewing, their own remodeling and repairs, cooking, farming, etc... that would drive the cost of living down enormously. But, as long as people are dependent on others and big corps, the demand will continue to drive the rise in costs.
It's interesting to examine and think about. These are just my thoughts and I'd welcome the perspective from a much younger person.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

You are kind to want to explore further, but I really think he just hates OWS. I'll indulge you though. He's probably closer to my father's age than my age, good guess on your part. I also think that men my age are much better fathers, in general, then men his age. They may not tinker in the garage as much but they are on the ground playing with their kids more. And, I hope, that even younger men will continue to connect with the human race in a much more meaningful way than running around like a bunch of peacocks.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

He may hate OWS and I don't care. There's so many out there who do. But, I really do like hearing what others have to say. My grandfather was mostly my ' dad' and he was always a really involved kinda guy. My father was too but he wasn't around for most of my life. Both would play with us, wrestle with us and take us places. I guess I was lucky because the men in my family were always family men who were involved with most things and not the type that came home from work and slouched on the couch. All the men in my family were engineers and very artistic too. My mom didn't cook so my dad taught me how to and my grandpa was hard working but he too did many domestic chores. My brother and husband are not very handy around the house and I'm the one who has to repair everything but I don't mind most of the time UNLESS my husband starts taking it for granted and then I feel hurt and offended. I don't like being the ' man' in our house but I'm also not going to assign sexist roles to anyone either. I have male friends who are raising their kids alone and they do a great job. However, it's interesting that their neighbors just assumed that they were gay or that something was wrong with them. I really think the type of parent one becomes depends on the type of parents they had and how well they related to them. My husband comes from a very patriarchal old school family and so I think he has a tendency to expect certain domestic behaviors from me more than most men I know. He tries to help me but it's usually not voluntary.
I can't say that men are better fathers today but I am biased because I didn't have a good mother and I believe that good parenting has to do with instilling good values and good character, not just supplying kids with popular gadgets, toys and showering them with attention. Maybe it's just more widely accepted that men are going to be more active members of the family besides work, hunt, fish or watch football and so men feel more at ease cooking, cleaning, playing with kids and doing other family things. Plus, I think it's socially ingrained in them to be involved more since both parents usually work and need to share the responsibility.
My brother couldn't fix anything if he wanted to. I remember when he started college and was majoring in Engineering. He called me one day and said that he was changing his major to Finance. He said that his car broke down and that when he attempted to fix it that he realized that he didn't want to or feel any desire to learn to do so and just wanted to earn enough money to be able to hire a mechanic. Fair enough and it was good that he's the type of guy who can admit that he hates working on cars and fixing other things instead of being the guy who tries and screws everything up! hahahahha

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

I don't value people on how smart they are or on their ability to fix stuff. I value people on their character.

I once heard Paul McCartney say "Don't try to emulate me for my musical ability, emulate me as a parent." I think that says it all.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I agree. I think everyone should find a mate that compliments them and then nurture the good in each other. My husband and I own a business and oh boy are we ever different animals with different talents. I don't try to make him do what I do and do it as well as I do and visa versa. If I tried that, I'd be trying till I died and be miserable in the interim. I just let him do what he's really good at and I stick with what I do best and that's that!

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Sounds like you have a nice life.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Not really but it's a lot better than many have it right now -even so, we are struggling to survive and I lose a lot of sleep over my concerns. I really don't know how anyone manages who has children. I don't have kids to worry about or to support. Yesterday I found out that an old friend of mine who lost her husband last year to cancer also lost her house in Sept. I found the foreclosure in the newspaper archives and it really ' hit' me in the worst way and I could not sleep all night. AIG foreclosure at that! I don't know what I would do if I were in her situation. The scary part is that they didn't pay squat for the house..only 100,000 and still ended up in foreclosure. Do you worry about that kind of stuff? My best piece of advice to anyone is to stay employed, no matter how awful your job is and if you must go into business for yourself , then make sure that it's just YOU and DON"T have any partners because it's an even worse nightmare and a heck of a lot more work and stress.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

I know 2 families that are in foreclosure right now at different stages. Both of these families are working at low paying jobs. It's insanity.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

1 points by beautifulworld (2504) 7 minutes ago

I know 2 families that are in foreclosure right now at different stages. Both of these families are working at low paying jobs. It's insanity. ↥like ↧dislike reply permalink

So I guess the question to be asked is:

Should they be able to afford their home?

Were they wrong in trying to buy their home?

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

They were able to afford their homes when they bought them. But, after unemployment and decreasing wages they no longer can pay the skyrocketing property taxes. You see, decreasing property values plus increased property tax plus unemployment plus decreasing wages plus increasing inflation on everything else equals a formula for disaster.

There are definitely some people out there who bought McMansions and such who were to blame. But these people live in modest homes and had good jobs when they bought their homes. I'm not buying it, that it was their fault.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

1 points by beautifulworld (2504) 0 minutes ago

What he wants to have happen, what should happen, and what will actually happen are all different things. We'll have to wait and see. ↥like ↧dislike permalink

Yes we will. In the mean time we continue to work in support of these goals, as well as other goals like clean energy and prosecution of economic criminals. It is all part of the on going clean-up and reform.

[-] 1 points by richardkentgates (3269) 12 years ago

why are you bumping this bullshit thread? stop feeding the trolls or I will begin trolling you.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

1 points by beautifulworld (2504) 25 minutes ago

So, we're not that far apart. I don't know the answer to that question. Do you?

Real-estate and banking/mortgage lender reform. The president mentioned it in his address, stating that current home owners should be able to refinance at a lower rate for a minimal fee ( currently needed is 20% by many who want to refinance ), basically stating that he knows as well as you or I, that values and costs do not reflect reality or fair business practice.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

What he wants to have happen, what should happen, and what will actually happen are all different things. We'll have to wait and see.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

So basically - Yes they should be able to afford their home.

All the more reason to push for Banking and mortgage lender reform as well as pushing for charges to be brought against the criminals in business responsible for the crash. The contributors to the economic melt down. Also damages to be paid or credited to the victims of the melt down.

Question: when fines or penalties are levied where dose that money go? Does any of it go to recompense victims?

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

So, we're not that far apart. I don't know the answer to that question. Do you?

[-] 0 points by economicallydiscardedcitizen (761) 12 years ago

Gillian, Re:partners in business-'been there,done that too. You're absolutely right and if anyone wants to consider a business partnership with me it better darn well be equal on all counts.

PS:If anyone can't hookup with a job that pays what the average unemployment benefit pays within a week of career displacement be VERY worried, continue applying for those types of jobs along with your normal non-subsidy qualifying average to above average income positions and after 3 months THEN is when you need to start your own business while STILL applying for gainful employment because you will need to anticipate the depletion of personal savings, Unemployment Insurance and/or BOTH and to add to the hassles of it all adjustments to lifestyle and maybe even a geographic relocation as happened to us.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

It's difficult being in business period..partner or not! People think it's got more perks than being employed by someone else but I would give anything to have a regular job now and not have to worry about paperwork, 70 hour work weeks, no holidays, no benefits, etc.. I'm sure you know what I mean....oh and taxes too. My life has been reduced to quarters. hahahahha ALSO...if anyone needs to go into business..make sure you get a license and a loan while your credit is good. You can always just have a business license, bank account, and a registered name without actually operating. But, if you need a start up loan, it's best to do that as soon as possible before your credit reflects any negatives.

[-] 0 points by economicallydiscardedcitizen (761) 12 years ago

It is difficult being in business, also, commission only positions are what I consider a 'mini-business.' Since you will need your own marketing budget equal to the numbers of people you will need to contact to make your sales and to be successful in any sales position you will be working 70+ hour work weeks. Oh, and PS:In more prosperous times those in real estate and loan brokerage used to be able to have 10 to 20 or more transactions in process in any given month. From the 80's to the 90's that dwindled to half or less and since 2006, more like 2 to 5 transactions and in today's marketplace it's more like 2 to 3 every 3 months, maybe more and not unheard of for better reps to mail out 10,000 + pieces of mail for their marketing in the hopes of generating business so it's important to 'know your numbers' and what the realistic marketing costs will be if you decide to work any commission only or part commission type of employment because in reality you are in business for yourself even though by being associated with a company you're not completely by yourself...

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Sales is the worse job I've ever done. It's horribly stressful and so much effort is needed to produce even small results. The internet helps cut a lot of costs but I would say that 90 percent or more of my annual sales are driven by consumer word of mouth...aka referrals and I like it that way because it's much easier to sell to someone who comes looking for me. That's why I make sure I take good care of the customers that I have today. If I lose one them, it's more than likely that within 6 months I will lose anyone associated with them. As they say: Birds of a feather flock together .

[-] 0 points by economicallydiscardedcitizen (761) 12 years ago

Referrals are great but in a malfunctioning economy the extra marketing is necessary when the referrals fail to generate over and above income goals. When the extra marketing in addition to the referral base fails to help the business owner to 'keep hitting the numbers' forcing an exit strategy decision by economic exhaustion in an irrational environment then you know you're in scary territory and truly an 'economicallydiscardedcitizen.'

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

No, my main goal is not to "disparage young people" for if it was I would be "condemming OWS" as do a lot of others here. I was just providing info that I thought was interesting to be shared.

And if I did make it sound like I was t "disparage young people" it wasn't for I have quite a few "young people" friends whom I get along with very well - even when I get on them about todays issues that relate to them.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

You are back-peddling. I saw another long post of yours somewhere in these threads that went on and on about how much better people are who were born between 1925 and 1970 or something like that. It was humorous, but you have an ulterior motive.

In the end, I'm a forgiving person. So, I'll forgive you.

[-] 1 points by GirlFriday (17435) 12 years ago

He didn't write that post. It has been all over the internet for a long time.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

The long one? LOL! These people are too much.

[-] 1 points by GirlFriday (17435) 12 years ago

Yep, the one where if you were born....

They are funny. :D

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

But it was true - people back then were "much happier" and had more time for themselves not so with todays.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Your point was that people were "better" back then if I remember the post, but I already forgave you, so let's move on.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

That was also true because they knew what "honor" and "responsibility" was.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

See. I got you. That's total crap. Sorry. Young people today know what honor and responsibility is. You have to be flexible, SteveKJR, times change, people change. It may not be exactly what you're looking for but engage a young person. They're fascinating today. They are very global in their worldview, generous and loving. Maybe they don't salute enough for you, I don't know.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Yes, I agree with you bw. I have three very enlightened daughters who are out there in the world making it a better place, all in their own way. They like you also know that some things in life are worth fighting for.

I remember reading about a political science professor in Cairo. He said, "if you would have told me five years ago that this generation was going to be the one to bring democracy to Egypt, I would have laughed." At one point not too long ago, I would have said the same thing about this generation, who is leading in the effort to bring a representative democracy to our country. I am very happy we were both wrong.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Exactly.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Hey, I'm not saying that there are not people out ther who know what "honor and responsibility".

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Okay. Just try and keep an open mind.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

When a person can't keep an "open mind" they are subject to "dissapointment" and eventually become "miserable.

I'm as "happy as a lark".

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

well, you have to admit that times are a lot tougher than when 'we' entered the workforce.

Kids today having a hard time fending for themselves has much more to do with them starting at lower wages than what I did 20+ years ago. Then pile on some inflation and it's no wonder kids are underwater

Though you did raise a salient point as to the hormone imbalances, but this is more a danger to mankinds depopulation then anything.

It's a recent problem to be sure, but just highlights why we need to be sure these hormones are kept out of the food and water supply. Which, yes, does mean more regulation of industry.

But, as you highlighted, it is a real problem, and is something we need to fix ASAP

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I think young folks earn a lot more today than I did BUT, the value of our dollar is so low because it costs so much more to live today. I never had cell phone bills for one thing. I never had credit cards or revolving debt. My college tuition was cheap as dirt and I could easily get grants to help me. I only earned a few dollars an hour at my jobs but I was still able to pay for my rent, car, gas and for most of my college and books, didn't even have a phone ( in the eighties!) I didn't eat out because I couldn't afford to. My social life consisted of hanging out in someone's house or going to a park or playing tennis. We couldn't afford bars or big concert events. We didn't have computers and all the expense associated with that either. It's truly astonishing to realize how much ' stuff' has become a part of our every day life just in 20 years. Heck I didn't have a computer until 1999!
My nieces who are both under 12 have ipads! I can't imagine being a parent and spending that on my kids. We got ONE BIG thing for Christmas like a new turntable stereo or a pair of cool boots or something and other petty things. We were the typical upper middle class then too. We were not poor by any means. But, when we did buy something, it lasted for years and years and so the value of our dollar was so great then. Today, people only have cars for a year or two, they buy appliances every few years, they buy trendy clothes all the time, new phones, new computers, new accessories. None of those things are built to last and even if they did, they would become obsolete. So, again, the value of our dollar is so incredibly low today and practically worthless compared to when I was growing up. When I got my first car, I also paid for it and I had to take out a loan. I was 17. My parents didn't help me with that and it never occurred to me to ask or expect it. But, I needed a car to get to work. My car payment was 58 dollars a month for a really nice used subaru that lasted me a good eight years and I even learned how to repair it and maintain it myself which included going to junk yards to buy parts really cheap. But, you can't even do that today! To repair even a tail light you have to spend 500 dollars on the whole damn fixture!

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

I'm guessing you entered the workforce in the late 70's then. For me it was the late eighties.

I, too, always had a job as a kid (paper route, then at 16 a factory job) and was always self sufficient, and always had money.

my first real job though paid around $10 an hour as an entry level position and went to $16 in just a couple years.Those same entry level positions still pay around $10-$16 to start, but with 20 years inflation added on, and in the late 80's I could afford to work and go to college and incur no debt, this is impossible today. That was my only point.

My next one would be that this needs to also be fixed, as otherwise my kids that are in their teens, will stay till they're 30 !!

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Oh and PS....Yes, be prepared for your kids to stay home for a long time. I moved out when I was 17, almost 18 but now kids are at home for the long haul. I've even known men who were living at home at 35. ( I wonder if they dated) My grandparents grew up in the depression and they rented rooms in their house for 2 to 10 dollars a month and the entire rent /house payment was around 20 dollars a month. The old rule that your rent should never be more than 25 percent of your monthly net income still holds true but one would need to make at least 5,000 dollars a month to afford a one bedroom apartment that rents for 12-1400 a month and flipping burgers doesn't pay that and never will. Your kids should learn a trade to fall back on for additional income.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I started mowing grass and doing babysitting when I was in elementary school in the late sixties, early seventies and I graduated HS in '79. I totally get your point and was just tossing in my some of my own thoughts from my perspective.
I managed a nature museum while I was in college and also worked in Pathology at the hospital but I wasn't paid much more than minimum wage which was??? 4.65/hr? or something like that. After college my first REAL job only paid me 9 bucks an hour which I thought was a LOT but that was salary too and so after working 50 hours a week, I probably only earned about 6 dollars an hour. The most I've ever made in combined earned income is around 85K and that was a good year. I remember though that during college two of my best friends graduated with degrees in architecture and they both continued to be cocktail waitresses because they earned more money doing that. I did it for a year and earned on average about 500 a week ( most of that in cash tips that I didn't even have to claim on my taxes). But, I tried to stay in my field of study so that I could have a resume when I graduated and I did indeed have one! There is no way that anyone could live an average lifestyle today on 25k a year without struggling. 12 dollars an hour is poverty even though it's well above the min. wage and although one ' could' live on it, there is no future in it...no room for children,debt , rent in an average suburb, an emergency or savings account. Hey, did you see the Tavis Smiley Rebuilding America discussion on PBS? It's in three parts and if you haven't watched it, go to his website and watch on there. Michael Moore, Suze Orman and many others are on the panel. They discuss this issue of how difficult it is to get out of poverty in this country and why. I highly recommend that everyone watch it.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Why is it that "kids today are having a hard time"? Is it because they want everything, instead of learning "moderation" that will get them through life.

[-] 2 points by WatTyler (263) 12 years ago

And stuffing BS in your brain makes you stupid.

[-] 1 points by nobnot (529) from Kapaa, HI 12 years ago

Why is a manly man like Stevekjr curious about sperm count?

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Not, just thought this info would "educate" some people

[-] 1 points by nobnot (529) from Kapaa, HI 12 years ago

Yea that's good thinking.What do you think about woman with beards.Im sure every body wants you to "educate"them

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Well, unless they are taking testosterone they have nothing to worry about.

[-] 1 points by nobnot (529) from Kapaa, HI 12 years ago

thanks for sharing Steve

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

The "Doctors" show made mention about this the other day and they mentioned the same thing I did. I thought it was interesting and never really thought about it until just now.

It reminds me of a job I was working on with a younger guy who was about 240 pounds and all muscle.

We were working on a piping system and were tightening up a union. The union was leaking and I was going to tighten it up but he said he would do it.

He was using two 24" wrenches and tightned the "begesis" out of them. We turned the water back on and they still leaked.

I said it was my turn and he looked at me sort of funny as if to say "I gave it all I had and you think you could do better" but not in a "disrespectful" way.

Now I am only about 155 pounds. Anyway when I placed the wrenches on the union and tightened them I was able to get another 1/8 turn and the leak stopped.

I could never understand why I was able to tighten it more then him but now I think I understand. Interesting because I was much older then him, he was around 35 years of age

As a follow up note, I beat him in arm wresling and he never did live that down.

[-] 1 points by nobnot (529) from Kapaa, HI 12 years ago

Steve get a dog and go for a long walk each and every day.And please turn off the electronics for awhile.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Hey, I have a cat and am in the process of "bluing" my 32 winchster special. That keeps me busy - been doing a lot of research on how to do it.

Has noting to do with being "insecure" though just like the "hobby" of owning guns, boats and cars.

[-] 1 points by cJessgo (729) from Port Jervis, PA 12 years ago

A mans gotta have a hobby

[-] 1 points by ithink (761) from York, PA 12 years ago

If there are more young men with less testosterone, I would be willing to bet it is because women find them more attractive. And over time, this trait would be more likely to be passed on.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23769) 12 years ago

Very insightful, ithink.

[-] 1 points by EndTheFed214 (113) 12 years ago

BPA,Flouride, Vaccines

HELLO!

[-] 1 points by ronimacarroni (1089) 12 years ago

Well isn't this insulting...

[-] 1 points by smmv2005 (106) 12 years ago

Hi dear Friends Do you know why USA keep about 27000 nuclear weapons, But Iran has no right even to have peaceful nuclear technology?

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Yes, because we think that we are a super power that does not need to adhere to the nuclear proliferation treaty. We think that we are the only humans on earth who can be trusted with such technology. If you read Jimmy Carter's book about values, he addresses this very topic in great depth.

[-] 1 points by smmv2005 (106) 12 years ago

With hundreds of thousands of people killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?!!! Yah, You are truly reliable!!!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

NO I dont know. We're talking about more important things here....testosterone..... and sperm counts,.... virility, and stuff like that.

[-] 1 points by smmv2005 (106) 12 years ago

غou right, these things are much more important than Human lives!!!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

No of course what we are talking about isn't near as important as human lives. I just think your comment is off topic, that's all. There are many other posts here where your comment/opinion would fit in. This isn't one of them. For the record though, I do support Iran.

[-] 1 points by XXAnonymouSXX (455) 12 years ago

A lot of it has to do with bpa which is an estrogen mimicker found in plastics. It hyper sensitizes men and women both. There are lots of studies showing the negative effects of these bpa's.

[-] 1 points by April (3196) 12 years ago

Really? Does this affect size?

[-] 1 points by XXAnonymouSXX (455) 12 years ago

Not sure about that. Its quite possible.

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 12 years ago

This message was brought to you by the testosterone producers association.

They also fully back the use of hormones and hormone mimicking chemicals in your food supply.

Look up the effects of atrazine.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

I do know that there are ads out there for "low "T"". Are they the ones behind those ads?

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 12 years ago

Would that surprise you???

At the very least, they likely invest in each other.

We should keep them separated, but that would effect profits. .

[-] 1 points by occupypuppies (71) 12 years ago

It doesnt matter. I like a guy to be strong but kind. Too much testosterone just leads to cruelty, really.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

It's probably not as much a deficiency as it is a lower ratio to estrogen-- hence, estrogen dominance which leads to a host of health problems in both males and females of any animal species. These xenohormones are endocrine disruptors. It's the ratio of hormones to one another that matters most and not the single level values of each hormone in a person's body. Environmental chemical estrogens aka xenoestrogens are so abundant in the air, food and water today and so our levels are much much higher compared to testosterone.
I remember back in the 60's how it was quite common for men to shave twice a day because they would develop the ' 5 o'clock shadow' but those days are over. The Jack Palances of the world are rare. Girls as young as 12 are getting hormone related cancers like breast cancers, beginning menses younger their mothers and developing reproductive disorders early in life. Estrogens also cause people to gain weight and sadly, the excess body fat stores even more estrogen. That is why being overweight puts a person at a higher risk for cancer. Young girls ( and women in general) are taking synthetic birth control hormones and that not only adds to their individual toxic load of estrogen early in life but adds more estrogen to our drinking water every time they urinate....water treatment methods have yet to develop methods to remove pharmaceutical waste from our drinking water. EPA has shown grave concern over the toxic levels of these hormonal compounds in our drinking water. Xenoestrogens are found in insecticides, pesticides, plastics, manufacturing processes and more. BPA is an estrogen. Most women ( and men) are estrogen dominant today which is rarely addressed by their doctors and yet we have a multitude of very obvious endocrine related disorders - thyroid, reproductive, cancers and more. http://www.setac.org/node/520

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

Reminds me of a report of a growing number of intersexed fish a few years back. Just found the article.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2009/09/68499003/1

This is a bad portent to the future of the human species as these endocrine problems have definitely affected both sperm counts and birth rates:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/out-for-the-count-why-levels-of-sperm-in-men-are-falling-1954149.html

antidotally, I have noticed many of todays boys and young men tend to be more subdued then, say twenty years ago. And if this trend continues, it's hard to say if there will even be a society in the developed world in the next couple generations.

Japan, china,europe and canada all seem to be in the same boat,

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

What's really scary is that in response to the reproductive disorders that so many women and men have today, researchers and doctors are responding with even more synthetic hormone treatments,artificial/unnatural means to impregnate women and cloning. I'm not concerned that the human race will become extinct but what will the ' new and improved' version of humanoids be like? For every action there is a consequence and no one gets a free lunch. We will have hell to pay for screwing with nature- as always!

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

No, I don't think man will phase himself out, as well. Just that if this continues then we'll face a generational and financial crisis in say, 40 years, that dwarfs anything we see today.

The dirty little secret to Italy's problems was that 30 years ago their birth rates crashed. And now today their social system and economy is falling apart, with no hope of growing out of their problems, unless they seriously attract immagrant workers from elsewhere. To an extent, they have been already doing this, just not enough.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Interesting. I had not thought about the implications of a smaller generation. All the more reason to increase the quality of our education and skilled labor. I recently, needed a furniture maker/ restorer and I could not find one that was worth a cent. My generation focused so much on education vs building trades that we have educated ourselves right out of business in the USA. We need more skilled labor in this country and the vocational trade schools need to promote their benefit and set a higher bar so their graduates can get paid a fair wage for their talents. There's no reason why we need to rely on immigrants for our blue collar work force.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Yes, I've seen, first hand in some of my research the toxic effects of hormones on marine life. It concerns me greatly. I also wonder about the effect on bees and other beneficial and necessary insects. The UK has been on top of this concern with a sincere mission unlike the US that patronizes us with a constant flow of opposing and confusing information. Males are much less naturally assertive than years before but they are more aggressive/competitive than ever before. I think the women's lib movement really confused men and women's roles and no one really knows how to behave around each other. Therefore, it may be possible that the male aggression today wears a different face.....attraction to excessively competitive and violent sports, greed, materialism, abuse, narcissism, an obsession with body image. But, let's also consider that generally speaking, the more intelligent a human is, the less aggressive they seem to be. What I mean is that intellectuals are generally not interested in becoming hunters and quarterbacks. Many aggressive competitive types tend to think of intellectuals as nerds, peace-making pansy waisted, pot-smoking poetry writers. There is definitely a correlation with insecure men and their need to bully and beat their chest like tarzan...women exhibit many of the same insecurities as well.

[-] 1 points by demcapitalist (977) 12 years ago

It probably has a lot to do with the crap we eat and feed our animals. Monsanto, keeping everybody fat stupid and useless as long as they get food stamps to buy more Monsanto products no problem for them.

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[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Is there any way we can link this to our corrupt political and financial institutions? Conspiracy....anything?

[-] 1 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

Naw, just enviromental blowback

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

I don't think so for they don't want to know about it.

[-] 0 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 12 years ago

WAAAAY off topic........!!!

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[-] 0 points by economicallydiscardedcitizen (761) 12 years ago

I have some herbal remedy books and in one that dates from the early 1970's it mentions that females wishing to conceive should abstain from usage of marijuana with the anecdote that the author had to abstain for three months before becoming pregnant with others reporting similar effects so it's not only male fertility/hormone levels affected by this member of the nightshade family of plants that if respected and used judiciously has its benefits.

[-] 0 points by economicallydiscardedcitizen (761) 12 years ago

Anyone who has observed and studies animals can spot the low vs high 'T' males in a sexually dimorphic species with the dominant males most frequently the leaders of the group as in baboons or gorillas. With humans similar observation is possible and even more easily done by comparing today's tv shows with those of the past. Consider watching Kojac, The Untouchables, Hawaii 5 O vs more recent shows such as Three's Company, House MD, Two and a Half Men and others and observe and compare the males in each to see for yourself which have the greater percentage of more masculine characters.

PS:Science and medicine now knows that much of the higher frequency of hormonal/endocrine disorders and even genito/urinary deformities and deficiencies is due in no small part by the increase in usage of plastics and the chemicals we all use and are exposed to in modern life.

[-] -1 points by Lardhead2 (67) 12 years ago

Go away faggot.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

With a moniker like "Lardhead" what does that say about you?

[-] 0 points by Lardhead2 (67) 12 years ago

With a moniker like " Lardhead" what does that say about you stupid assholes that are suckered in by an online moniker? Good GODDAMN you left-wing "people" are stupid! No wonder why you ultimately lose throughout history.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

Damm that was such an "intelligent" reply - see, you are an example of what I was talking about - being "insecure" in who you are and as a result you have to lash out with "profanity" and "verbal" assualts.