Your life is good. You have a loving partner, great home, wonderful kids, and decent-paying job. You're in good health, and your finances in order. But something always feels missing -- a void you can never quite seem to fill. And this makes for a life you perceive as not entirely fulfilling.  It may very well be that you have what I like to call Bigger Better Syndrome, or BBS. As you can probably guess, it means always being on the hunt for something bigger or better.  That could be the latest iPhone, a new car every year, or a different job. Maybe you just had a kid and are already thinking of the next one, or the condo you purchased recently is no longer cutting it.  You see the grass as always potentially greener on the other side. You become deeply invested in something, but once you acquire or succeed at it, you're on to your next conquest. It's as if you live more in the future than in the present.  Just why do we do this? Seeking others' approval Keeping up w...

Many of us would admit to drawing comparisons between ourselves and celebrities who have achieved great fame and wealth. Maybe you've compared your physique to that of Dwayne Johnson, your hair to that of Scarlett Johansson, or your zany sense of humor to that of Chris Rock. As long as you're not trying to be these people -- recognizing that while you can get inspiration from them, you're your own person -- I see no problem with it. After all, we can respect and admire the Hollywood elite without necessarily aping their mannerisms, buying all the products they endorse, and longing to be in their very shoes. However, when it comes to a relationship, you're dealing with someone you presumably love and trust, and who loves and trusts you. Someone who values you for who you are. These are the kinds of comparisons that will not only land you in water, but possibly put the relationship in serious jeopardy: 1. Comparing your partner to your ex, or someone you fee...

"Glee" star Mark Salling was arrested Tuesday on child pornography charges. Salling, 33, who starred in the hit Fox musical as a regular for four seasons and continued to appear through the series finale this spring, was arrested after the LAPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force procured a search warrant for his home in Sunland, Calif. Apparently, police officers found hundreds of images on Salling’s computer. This isn't Salling's first brush with the law. In 2013, he was sued by an ex-girlfriend, Roxanne Gorzela, for sexual battery. He denied the allegations and subsequently filed a cross-complaint, but earlier this year he settled the suit and was ordered by a judge to pay Gorzela $2.7 million. Salling’s bail is set at $20,000. First Jared Fogle, now this guy? What is going on with these Hollywood celebrities? They have the money and fame to be with whichever woman (or women) they desire, but choose to get off on child porn instead? This ill...

Over the next few months, I'll be posting fun facts on various U.S. states. Such tidbits will touch upon everything from history and geography to culture and wildlife. It's a good opportunity for you to get to know these states a little better, whether or not you've visited any of them. If you have been to any of these states, be sure to share your experiences with us on the blog or via Google +. I'd like to kick off this "state special" by featuring sun-drenched California, known for having the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, awful traffic, and a whopping 17 professional teams across the major sports. Here are some interesting facts about California, one of the most diverse states in the union: Its name means nothing -- literally It is the third largest state by area after Alaska and Texas It joined the union in 1850, making it the 31st state to do so California is the most populous state in the country. In fact, one out of every eight United States...

I know this is largely subjective, but I wanted to see who you deem to be the most attractive celebrity in your country -- or, in the world for that matter. I am not gay, but I'm not ashamed to admit that I think Ryan Reynolds, who's starred in such popular films as "Safe House" and "Woman in Gold," is probably one of the best looking actors in the world of entertainment today. The guy has boyish charm, a great physique, and a sharp fashion sense. Now, as for who wins the top prize for female eye candy in Hollywood, most men probably think of bombshells like Pamela Anderson (well, maybe back when she was in her prime) and Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds' ex-girlfriend. The women I have in mind, though, are probably unknowns to most people: Paula Patton: Formerly married to Robin Thicke, Patton has been featured in People magazine's list of the world's most beautiful people.  Kate Upton: This Sports Illustrated swimsuit model has appea...

The fact that some movies are given the green light often leaves me dumbfounded. My wife and I started watching a movie called "Aloha" last night, starring Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinki, and Alec Baldwin. The trailer showed it to be the quintessential chick flick/rom com, and, while it isn't my favorite genre, I've come to love several romantic comedies throughout the years. I also figured my wife might like it, so we decided to give it a go. Long story short, we're about three quarters into the movie, and I don't understand what the hell is going on. The movie has virtually no plot, and there is no romantic chemistry whatsoever between Cooper and his love interest in the movie. One of the telltale signs of a bad flick is when you can't get yourself to become invested in the characters. It speaks to poor direction and character development, both of which mar this stinker tremendously. This movie also demonstrate...

First, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announced they were splitting up. Shortly after, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert called it quits. Then Gwen Stefani filed for divorce from Gavin Rossdale. As if that weren't enough, Reba McEntire and her husband of 26 years, Narvel Blackstock, also ended their marriage. It seems breakups are all the rage now in Hollywood. I presume that between shows, concerts, filming, and traveling, celebrities' busy schedules put an immense strain on their marriages. I could also see the more jealous types bristling at all the attention their partners might get from doting fans. Not helping matters is the fact that infidelity in the industry remains rampant.  Affleck and Shelton allegedly had affairs that ultimately led their respective marriages to crash and burn. Another culprit might very well be the media. These days, virtually everything a celebrity does is put under a microscope. Whether one is spotted hanging with a friend or play...

Study after study shows that men prefer blondes as girlfriends or mistresses and brunettes as wives . It seems many men see brunettes as more trustworthy and loyal. What's more, even though participants claimed that blondes are better in bed, they feel brunettes are better kissers and more affectionate than blondes. I find these results to be rather interesting. In my high school and early college days, I actually had a preference for blondes myself -- that is, until I hooked up with my now-wife. From that point on, I deemed brunettes as more attractive and marriage material, probably because they reminded me of and more closely resembled her. I think we can blame Hollywood, shows like Baywatch, and Playboy for painting blondes as wild, big chested, promiscuous and loose. (Yes, I know that there are brunettes in Playboy, but they seem to be in the minority.) When someone tells a man to think of an attractive blonde, who do you think likely crosses his mind? More likely than...

It seems that breast implants are all the rage these days. I know five women who have gotten a boob job in the last three or so years. Why has this become a huge fad? Who do women really get boob jobs for? Themselves? Their husbands? Society in general? I'd say the answer is probably: all of the above. The funny thing, though, is that not all men are "boob guys." I am actually partial to rear ends. But that's just me. It could also be that many women take their cue from Hollywood, which seems the propogate the notion that plastic surgery is a requisite for being beautiful. I believe that women are beautiful just as God made them, and there's really no reason for enhancements. If a man isn't content with your body, I say: Kick him to the curb. Some guy out there will appreciate you for who you are! If it's you who takes issue with your body, you have every right to do with it as you wish. But don't get your boobs done just because a man or s...

Everytime we turn the TV on, surf the web, or thumb through the pages of a magazine, we get bombarded with stories and pictures about: Kim Kardashian's ass Beyonce walking around in a revealing dress Jennifer Lopez sporting a 20-something's body Don't get me wrong: They're each incredibly attractive, and I can definitely appreciate a woman with some curves.  But is this really all there is to report on these women? Hollywood knows that sex sells. But I think far too much time is focused on beauty and not enough attention is given to brains .  These women are all intelligent in their own right. They're not only actors and/or singers, but entrepreneurs who have started clothing lines, perfumes, etc. I assume they put serious time and effort into such ventures, but unfortunately, the media chooses to gloss these potentially illuminating accounts over for stories about Kim's sex tapes and how J-Lo shakes her booty at concerts. You hardly hear...

Are you different from most of your friends or family members in some way? Is there anything about you that goes against societal norms or expectations? I am happy to say that some of my interests and personality traits go against the grain, so to speak. As a result, I sometimes find myself at odds with people when it comes to planning a night out or deciding whether to partake in certain activities. Why would I be proud of this? Because they make me who I am, and I am not ashamed of it. There can only be one you in this world, and there's no reason to apologize for having views or interests that don't align with those held by people around you. Here are some ways in which I am a little different: I am an introvert: While most people find a night of drinking and chatter with countless people to be fun, I'm happy staying home with a good book and blogging away. Too much social interaction depletes my energy reserves; I need time alone in a quiet environment to r...