April 18, 2013 - I've edited the dialogue a couple times in panel two to try to re-emphasize that the guys Nina's with aren't abusive, but I'm still not a hundred percent sure it comes off that way. I worry this version makes it seem they're possessive, but really Nina just wants to keep her actions secret from people she's usually very... um... open with, which she's completely entitled to do (both the secret keeping and the... openness). I'm also kind of a huge fan of the exchange in panel four. I have the stories of how every regular character lost his or her respective virginity more or less and Dr. Gregory's is among my favorites though I'm happy with the idea behind everyone else's story (and I should note that how Dr. Gregory lost his virginity is not necessarily the same as how his wife lost hers). Furthermore unlike many of the others' stories which'll be hard to describe in four panels (Star's is unsurprisingly complicated) Dr. Gregory's is actually somewhat difficult to stretch to that length, but presents the idea that "saving oneself for marriage" is a potentially rewarding option, which I think would be irresponsible of me to exclude entirely. Though I do find it important to note that waiting until marriage is not an option everyone might choose or even an option everyone might be happy with. For example, Nina certainly thinks the idea is beyond stupid, though maybe she's not the best person to use as a dissenting opinion.

Meanwhile in regard to teenagers that are willing to form opinions and behave responsibly, a high schooler in West Virginia is protesting inaccurate information her high school wishes to promote about sexual education. I'll let the article speak for itself, but will add that Wellesley College has learned of the situation and proudly supports her (which shouldn't be a surprise). Hopefully such harmful speakers will stop being invited to schools.

Also amid the chaos of what happened Monday, I failed to notice that the last remaining abortion provider in Mississippi will be keeping its doors open. Hopefully this extends to preventing legislation that would threaten abortion providers in other states. And yes, this link is to the Fox News report on the situation, because I might as well highlight what even the most conservative journalists are forced to report.

-D