We never say goodbye to inspiration

Yesterday I received word that one of my uncle's has passed away. I haven't seen him recently, but that doesn't change how I feel.  My uncle was someone who with his words, made a huge impact in my life.  Now as some of my close friends are reading this their probably thinking, really? How can someone who you don't talk often about make such a huge impact on you?

Like every family, mine had it's own troubles. However when it came down to it, this man had some very wise words and he didn't care how mad he made you when he spoke them.  I can remember thinking many times growing up "You're not my dad", but as I look back at the situations I have been able to see clearly his points in each.

He strongly encouraged college and moving if you needed, in order to be successful.  I always carried those words with me and to be honest, it was that kick in the butt that I needed to keep motivated to be successful.  I believe that everyone we meet has some sort of impact in our lives. I like to think that he knew he did with me, even if we didn't see each other often.

I know my dad will miss him greatly, and I will too.

Zac Efron's condom mishap- on the flip side.

(Photo courtesy Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

So, I don't normally cover celebrity happenings. But this morning when one of my closest friends called me and told me about this story, we had a rather interesting discussion about it.  Recently celebrity Zac Efron dropped a condom while attempting to shake hands with a reporter- on the red carpet.

My friend was informing me that he was receiving some heat about dropping the product from angry viewers who found it extremely inappropriate. After having watched the video myself (which you can do by clicking here) I will say, I have my own thoughts on this as well..

First, your young children have no idea that it is actually a condom that fell out of his pocket.  For all they know, it is a note from his girlfriend.  So your children will only think it is a big deal, if you make it one.

Now, he owned up to it being a condom.  He should be applauded for safe sex.  As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if you next see him in one of the new Trojan commercials.  He is however 24 years old, not too young and definitely not too old to be educating (or practicing) safe sex to others.

On that note, why curse him for his good habits of safe sex?  Yes, he was a childhood idol to many youngsters for his role in High School Musical.  However you can't use that against him either.

Instead, use it for the good and show those who do look up to him (that are an appropriate age) to encourage them to use safe sex practices.  Maybe MTV should give him sometime in the spotlight for his safe practices, instead of teenage mothers? Just a thought.