Pambihira Talaga

20 Excellent Conversation Questions Everyone Loves

2011-08-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

Once you have experimented asking questions for a while, you will realize just how great questions are for starting conversations, helping them flow and for getting to know someone better. Now it is time to have some fun with it!

What makes an excellent conversation question?

1. It is easy to answer

2. It does not cause offence

3. It includes everyone

4. People will not be judged on their responses!

This last point is particularly important, as people will be reluctant to talk if they feel they will be judged. So you can see a good conversation question is also about tone and circumstances.

Below is a list of excellent conversation questions to delve deeper into the personalities of people you feel comfortable with and find out a few more things about them. These are great for social gatherings and parties or anywhere where you want to have fun and get to know someone in the process.

It is a great spin on the old party game "Twenty Questions" but see where each question leads you when you get the answers. Do not turn your questioning into an interrogation and listen to the answers you get.

Pick up on these answers and as subsidiary questions, add your own answers: ask whatever seems appropriate and whatever the other person seems to want you to do. Just go with the flow and enjoy it!

1. If you were God for a day, what would you do?

2. If you could be the parent of one famous person, who would you want it to be and why?

3. What was the last thing you regret buying?

4. If you had a chance to bring one person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

5. What three things you regret not learning to do?

6. If you had a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about any one thing you wished to know about yourself, life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?

7. What's worse... having expectations that are too high, or having no expectations at all?

8. How do you know when you're in love?

9. What is the most important invention or innovation that has happened during your life-time?

10. How would you spend your ideal day?

11. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

12. What three adjectives might other people use to describe your personality?

13. Who would you choose to be shipwrecked on a desert island with?

14. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

15. If you were to be remembered for one thing, what would you like it to be?

16. If you were guaranteed honest responses to any three questions, whom would you question, and what would you ask them?

17. If you saw someone shoplifting, what would you do?

18. Is there anything you would willingly give your life for?

19. If you could re-live a day of your life again, which would it be and why?

20. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

These are all light-hearted questions that should cause no-one offence, but they also touch on philosophical issues and allow you to really get to know a person - if they are honest with their answers. You make it a lot more likely that they will tell the truth if you set the scene and provide a relaxed atmosphere and if you are prepared to chip in with your own answers.

Under those circumstances, these provide excellent conversation questions to enable you to know more about your friends than you might ever have found out in any other way.

by Peter Murphy

Understanding Home Broadband Bandwidth

2011-07-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Your home broadband, typically ADSL or cable modem access, usually has a different speed for downloading and uploading respectively. Typically you will have a downlink speed in the range of 512 kbit/s up to 8 Mbit/s and an uplink speed substantially lower than that, often 128 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s. However, even when downloading things from the Internet, traffic flows in both directions, because the protocol that is used to transfer the data uses acknowledgments to make sure that the data has been transferred properly. Since your download speed is substantially higher than your upload speed, in a lot of cases you will not be able to use your full download speed if you are uploading data at the same time.

Your Internet service provider will often quote the speed of your home broadband as being "up to" a certain speed. There is a reason for that. Let's say you have a home broadband connection of up to 2 Mbit/s in download speed and up to 512 kbit/s in upload speed. Does this mean that you are always guaranteed to get that bandwidth for your transfers?

Definitely not! In fact, all Internet service providers sell much more bandwidth than they can actually deliver. If all the customers of a service provider would try to use their connection to download at the same time, the average bandwidth would be much lower than the maximum value given. In fact, it is not uncommon to sell 50 times more bandwidth than they can actually deliver.

Does this mean that they are tricking you? It certainly sounds so, but this is a practice that has been used a long time, even in telephony networks or cell phone networks. If everyone in the world tried to use their telephone at the same time, it simply would not work. But that just doesn't happen, most people only use the telephone occasionally.

The same thing applies to your home broadband. Most customers in your service providers network only use their home broadband occasionally. Some users fill up their broadband all the time, and there are those that rarely use it at all. But on average, the usage is quite low compared to the maximum possible. For instance, when you're surfing on a web site, you spend most of the time reading the pages. Also, most people only spend a fraction of their day in front of their computer at home.

If the service provider was going to guarantee that you could always get your maximum bandwidth, your home broadband would be much more expensive. The service provider would have to make sure that you had dedicated bandwidth for your usage only. This would be a waste, and cost much more than most people are willing to pay.

Instead, service providers carefully monitor the bandwidth usage in a network, to make sure that connections are not overloaded. Some low quality service providers will overload their connections more, and give you a lower average bandwidth.

Service providers also use the same over provisioning for business customers, but the "over provisioning factor" tends to be much lower. This is not surprising, because a business connection is used by many people so on average these connections will be more utilized than a home broadband connection. Furthermore, a business customer generally pays more for the same bandwidth, so the service provider can afford to give a higher quality to these customers.

Author: Andy Wilkinson

Smoking Health Problems

2010-08-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

As we all know smoking is a bad habit. But still people use to smoke because of their addiction towards it or because of fashion. College students used to smoke to look fashionable. Smoking is very injurious to health. Leave smoking to live longer. It is being confirmed through the various research studies that people who smoke a lot live for less years than those who avoids smoking. The maximum numbers of the cancer cases are used due to the smoking. Many people have lost their lives due to the smoking and many more will be giving it in coming future. Smoking has become a problem of serious concern. In spite of the lot of advertisements put by the govt. nobody is reacting promptly to the smoking cessation. According to me, the best solution would be to stop the production of the cigarettes completely. This will surely be a lot helpful to stop the unhealthy habit of smoking. When it was asked to the people during the survey that why they smoke. Nobody was able to give a perfect explanation for it. So, this is just a style or passion that is making this unhealthy habit prominent.

It has proved by the scientific studies that 70 different types of the cancer are caused by the smoking. Cancer of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas are caused by the smoking. The fact is that large numbers of deaths all over the world are noted due to the smoking habit. Sexual dysfunction in men and women is noted due to the smoking. It has been noted the men who smoke lot are found to be impotent. Erectile dysfunction is common among the men with the habitual smoking habit. Infertility is on rise due to the unhealthy habit of smoking. Women are failing to get pregnant due to the excessive amount of the tobacco in the body that destroys the ovulation cycle.

Asthma is the common outcome of the smoking. Nearly all the smokers suffer with the asthma. This is caused due to the swelling that is the respiratory tracts that happens due to the smoke of the tobacco. Even the sexual stamina and loss of libido is noted to be common problem faced by the smokers. Even the problem of premature ejaculation is found to be prominent among the men who smoke habitually. Even the occurrence of the blindness is found to be very common among the smokers. Tobacco smoke affects the blood vessels in the eye. This result in the damage of these vessels and the blood supply to the eyes get disturbed, which ultimately leads to the blindness.

Smoking is the habit that generally starts in the young age and then stays for the lifetime with the person. Smoking causes addiction. Tobacco is the main constituent of all the smoking packages sold in the market. Smoking is generally the process in which the tobacco is inserted in the smoking piper and burnt, or cigarettes and cigar has them tobacco filled in which just needs to be burnt. Through the process of smoking the tobacco is inhaled which directly passes to the respiratory tract. It is noted that the functioning of the lungs is disturbed to the large extent by the smoking. More than 95% cases of the lung cancer are caused by the smoking of tobacco. Once you suffer with the cancer then your lifespan remains only for 4 to 6 years.

One of the serious problems that occur due to the smoking is the cardiovascular health problem. Atherosclerosis is one of the most common diseases observed in the smokers. Due to the smoking the deposition of the plaque is deposited in the arteries due to which the atherosclerosis is caused. Tobacco smoke has 5000 different chemical compounds and 80 out of these are very hazardous to the health. Immune system is greatly affected by the smoking due to which many other diseases also affect your health. Thus, it has been proved that smoking reduces the lifespan. So, if you want to live longer then quit smoking.

by Calvin Doyle

Losing Weight Doesn't Have To Be Hard

2010-08-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

How would you like to lose twenty five, fifty, or even one hundred pounds in just month? Or drop two dress sizes by the end of the week? There s no need to exercise, just take this magic pill with every meal, and no lifestyle changes are necessary.

Yes, that sounds appealing. It sounds quite impossible as well. For some reason, though, millions of people still fall for the many scams available in the health, diet, and fitness industries. These overnight success programs may have testimonials and pictures to back them up, but could these rapid transformations really be safe for a person s body and mind.

Fat loss can be a quick and easy process but it all depends on your definitions of the words quick and easy . Most weight loss professionals consider one to two pounds to be a safe amount of weight to drop in one year. It doesn t sound as rapid as the infomercials, does it? By dropping the recommended two pounds per week, a person could theoretically lose over one hundred pounds in one year. That should be more than sufficient for most people, and even you have more than that to lose, one hundred pounds off your back would definitely make a dramatic change in health and appearance.

Was fat loss really ever meant to be easy? Nothing of value comes to you without being earned. Regardless of the hyped marketing and testimonials, fat loss was never meant to be easy, but it doesn t have to be confusing. Take a moment to contrast the words easy and simple . Good diet and physical fitness habits are very simple, but they are still hard to do on a consistent basis.

That s the key to weight loss. It s all about consistency. Running just a little bit faster or lifting just a little more weight is all it takes to make impressive improvements over the long run. Not to be overly pessimistic, but think about when you decided for the very first time that you wanted to lose weight. Consider where you d be if you lost one pound week per week ever since? Where would be you now? There probably wouldn t be much left.

Congratulations on deciding you are ready to change your life, whether this is your first attempt or not. In order to keep your progress consistent and your results growing, you ll need to find continual motivation. Your new future doesn t start on any specific date, it s the result of specific actions taken today, very literally. Your future isn t what you plan for tomorrow, it s the life you create today.

How can you create an overwhelming abundance of motivation that gives you no choice to succeed? There are a variety of possibilities. In a place you see often, place a picture of a person you believe has an ideal body weight. Maybe even better, post a picture of yourself where you are now, so you can see the difference. Create a vision board with pictures of your idea life. Find friends and a support group that are trying to make similar decisions and improvements in their own life.

Finding your ideal weight is worth the hard work. It won t be easy, but the physical, social, and emotional benefits are well worth the effort. Take the first step, build some momentum, and you ll reach your goal in no time.

by Daniel Millions

3 Old Home Remedies That Can Kill You

2010-08-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

In our modern world, expensive prescription and over-the-counter medicines from large pharmaceutical companies are what most people turn to treat various ailments. In the not-too-distant past, many folks relied on old home remedies and traditional folk medicine when they needed a cure. Although some are still used today, many of these treatments were actually deadly. Here are three home remedies best avoided...

#1: Using Kerosene To Kill Head Lice

Believe it or not, there was a time when some people would use a bit of kerosene on a child's hair to kill headlice. Although it may have succeeded in killing the lice, the dangers far outweighed the results. Kerosene is quickly absorbed through the skin, and of course is both highly flammable and very toxic. Using this old home remedy caused many illnesses and deaths.

These days, a much safer option is using a combination of petroleum jelly and a comb. Hand-picking the lice eggs out and suffocating the lice with the jelly may be time-consuming and messy, but it is safe and effective.

#2: Taking "Azarcon" Or "Greta" For Stomach Troubles
Many older folks, especially in Mexican and Mexican-American communities will know about these two powders that were traditionally given to help treat "empacho", a broad term describing various intestinal and stomach illnesses. The problem is, both of these consist of almost 100% pure lead! Taking any amount of these can and has caused lead poisioning that has harmed and killed many people. You can still find Azarcon and Greta today; be sure to avoid them like the plague.

For mild stomach complaints, ginger tea is a tastier, more effective, and non-lethal alternative.

#3: Putting Butter On Burns

Smearing butter on a fresh burn is a classic example of an old home remedy that should be avoided at all costs. Although it may help the pain at first, the butter will actually contaminate the burn. Furthermore, bacteria will quickly start growing in the butter and allow the burn to quickly become infected.

If you have a minor burn, why not try using some natural aloe vera gel on it. This can be squeezed directly from the houseplant of the same name.

Many of us are taught from a young age to respect the wisdom and advice of our elders. When it comes to treating ailments and injuries though, you might want to get a second opinion before trying out the remedies they remember.

by James Allen

How To Get Nice Muscle Tone And Build An Attractive Muscular Body

2010-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Most people know that they need to lift weight build muscles. However many just want to have nice muscle tone and an attractive but not too muscular body as they do not want big muscles. So they just lift light weights with high repetitions. Well, it is not going to work. To have nice muscle tone, you will have to build some muscles right? So you will have to lift heavy to force your muscles to grow. Once you are satisfied with the size of your muscles, you will then need to cut your body fats for your muscles to show up well and that means nice muscle tone.

You need to have a solid commitment and knowledge to get nice muscle tone and build an attractive muscular body. Here are some muscle building tips. Before you commence weight training, remember to warm up and as well as doing some stretching exercises.

•Train Muscle With Free Weights

Machines will have its uses, but for a start, concentrate on free weights. That means work almost exclusively with barbells and dumb bells. Free weights recruit many stabilizing muscles for balance and control. That means you will work a lot more muscle parts other than the intended ones. That will give rise to little bumps, striations and definitions all over your body instead of one huge lump of muscle on your intended muscle. Because of the extra stimulant created, your muscles grow faster too. Why else do you think all professional body builders almost exclusively use free weights?

•Train With Compound Exercises

Incorporate as many compound exercises as possible to your routines. Compound exercises are exercises that involve 2 or more joint movements. Because they utilize more joints, which means greater muscle mass are involved. Greater muscle mass means heavier weights. Heavier weights mean encouragement of greater muscle growth. More muscle growth means more tone to your muscles.

Some excellent compound exercises are the Squat, Deadlift, Chin ups, Dips, Bench press, Barbell Press, Lunges, Bent-Over Barbell Row...etc.

•Train Intensively But Do Not Over train

You must train intensively for your muscle to grow. Try to do more reps or add more weight than the previous session or else your muscles will think (actually muscles don't think, they adapt), "Ah... we've done that. Nothing new, so no need to grow bigger and stronger." That being the case, you will wreck your chances of attaining an attractive muscular body.

Because of this, it is important that every time you train hard, you give your body time to recover as it has suffered strains and actually sustained many small scarring. Contrary to popular belief, your muscles grow when you rest, especially when you sleep and not in the gym. So sleep at least 8 hours a day. Also, do not train everyday or work the same muscle group more than once or twice a week. If your training was vigorous enough, do no more than an hour per session.

Try not to do cardio work on the same day as your weight lifting work. In fact, during the muscle building phase, you should do less cardio work as aerobic exercises burn muscles. You can increase your cardio work at cutting body fat phase, so as to lose body fat in order for your muscle tone to show up nicely.

•Technique And Form

This is the most neglected fundamental of bodybuilding. Everywhere, everyday, you will see people using wrong forms and techniques. This not only compromises your growth, it will also make you susceptible to injuries... sometimes even permanently putting you out of the gym.

Wrong form occurs usually when people try to lift weights that are too heavy, whether out of vanity or ignorance. As a guide, always lift with strict focus on the muscle you intend to build for that exercise. Feel it contract and extend. Lift the weights deliberately and slowly. Never ever swing your weights up especially when doing bicep curls or the military press.

•To Build Muscles Fast You Must Perform Lower Body Exercises!

This is what most people don't realize. Your lower body makes up 60-70% of your musculature. If you don't train them, not only will you look spider-legged, your entire body will not grow as quickly and as large. Don't think that you can hide those skinny limbs in pants! Most people do not train their legs because squats, dead lifts and lunges can be very grueling exercises. But it is precisely because of such intensity that you will produce more growth hormones when you sleep and overall muscular development is stimulated. Your body shape will also be more balanced and therefore more attractive.

Do read up more to understand how your muscles work and then work on it so that in no time you will be a proud owner of a well tone attractive muscular body.

by Chris Chew

Flooded House Do's And Don'ts

2010-08-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

If your home has been hit by flooded due to a broken pipe, spring runoff, or backed up sewer, your first instinct is probably to start removing the water right away by whatever means are readily at hand. However, there are right responses and wrong responses to a flooded home and for safety's sake it's essential to know the difference. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you mitigate the problem quickly, safely, and effectively and preserve as many of your belongings as possible.

Do's

* The first thing to do is always to safeguard the safety of your family and pets. If the flooding is severe, have them stay at a neighbor's or family member's house at least until help arrives.
* The second thing to do is to call a good disaster cleanup company in your area: you want professionals on the scene as soon as possible who have the right equipment and the right training to bring about the most positive outcome to a negative situation.
* Do remove paintings, other art objects, and priceless photographs to a safe place right away: this involves making very fast mental prioritizations and then acting on your decisions quickly. Remember: the expensive stereo can be easily replaced, but photos of your children cannot.
* Do use buckets, clean towels, and mops to remove as much of the water from the afflicted rooms as possible. Use white towels on carpets and furniture to prevent bleeding.
* If the ceiling above is bulging with water, do place a bucket underneath the spot and poke a small hole into the ceiling to relieve the pressure and let water through: proceed with care, however.
* Do place sheets of aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.
* If the weather is nice, open all windows to allow air in and remove as many belongings as possible to dry outside in the sunshine.

Don'ts

* If flood waters include sewage, vacate the house immediately and leave all cleanup duties to the disaster cleanup company.
* Don't attempt to remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner
* Don't turn on electrical appliances in rooms where flooding has occurred
* Don't turn on ceiling fans or lights if the ceiling is wet
* Don't leave colored clothing, magazines, or newspapers on wet hardwood floors or carpeting since discoloration may occur.
* Don't go into any rooms where you feel you may be in danger.

Any level of flooding in a house is serious, since the possibility of mold growth is always present under these conditions. Whether you need Utah disaster cleanup or similar services in Atlanta or Houston, make sure you partner with a disaster response company that can offer you fast professional help when you need it most.

by Carolyn Ethington

Sweet Things To Say To Your Girlfriend

2010-08-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the truth: girls love compliments. They are very emotionally sensitive and tend to be more affectingly sophisticated to words than guys.

They react like little girls whenever some part of their astounding attributes (especially physical) are noticed and loose control whenever it happens. They need a lot of attention to satisfy their emotional needs and giving compliments can one of the best ways to do so.

The following might be considered romantic things to say to your girlfriend, but at the same time can also be poetic, funny, Philosophical, silly, weird, etc, but I prefer saying that they are sweet.

Sweet things to say to your girlfriend:

Silly

1 - You're so sweet. I might go diabetic
2 - If I was superman, you will be my kryptonite
3 - Thanks to you, I’ve fallen in love and I can’t up
4 - I wish I had glasses so I can see you with four eyes
5 - You are my girlfriend because you’re more than just a girl, you’re my friend
6 - A million dollars is nothing compared to the number hugs of I can give you

Normal

7 - You are my best friend
8 - Your voice is sweeter than honey
9 - Our love is friendship, but set on fire
10 - If it wasn’t for you, there would be no me
11 - To me, your smile is brighter than the sun
12 - When I close my eyes at night the first thing I see is you
13 - If I had a million words to say, they will all be I love you

Poetic/Philosophical

14 - Without you, a second is infinity and with you, infinity is a second
15 - Your name is the drumstick that strikes the instrument of my heart
16 - If my love for you was visible, it would not fit in the space of the universe
17 - When you’re away, I feel 50% empty, when you’re with me I feel 101% complete
18 - I think about you every second of every minute, 25 hours a day, 8 days a week of all the 13 months of the year and in the undefined infinity of all eternity

Rhymes

19 - Without you am just simply blue
20 - Your voice sounds better than all my favorite songs put together
21 - If one plus one equals two, than me and you would equal a number that is new
22 - Tonight I have the right to hold you tight with all my might for the rest of my life
23 - If you were to give me a kiss overload, I would faint because my chest would explode

The above quotes can also be considered nice things to say to your girlfriend because they are not rude, but polite and stay within the limits of respect. If she becomes your wife one day, she might remember these quotes with a pleasant memory. Unfortunately, we men have little consideration at times for the emotional needs of our partner and forget that women love to hear similar sayings once a while.

by Delta Fi

Can Married Women Have Male Friends?

2010-08-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Debbie, a smart, modern unmarried woman of 32 years, is an executive in a multinational company. These days, financially independent women are claiming equality in every field and most of them believe in having male friends too. Debbie too has three good male friends working in other companies. They are quite close and often meet each other together or separately in clubs, hotels and at her place.

Debbie knows how to keep good relations with friends. She has reached the conclusion that good friends are a boon and are a great help in many ways. However, she does not let any of them take an advantage and treats them just as friends and nothing else. She is of the opinion that when she marries someone who is surely not be anyone from these friends, she will be happy to continue her friendship with them. She feels that her future husband too will be happy to be friendly with her friends as they are all really nice persons.

Sarah, a recently married woman of 29 years had a childhood friend David of the same age who was staying next to her parents' house. They played together, fought many times and shared their happiness and little sorrows of childhood, adolescence and youth till she got married. There was never any talk of love though both liked each other. After marriage
Sarah has moved to another town.

She is an intelligent and sober woman who has deliberately avoided communication with David lest their friendship is taken otherwise by her husband jeopardising their marriage.

FRIENDS - GREATEST ASSETS

Every individual needs friends and women are no exception. With real good friends one feels deep togetherness, closeness, sharing feelings and unconditional support. A true friend is one of life's greatest assets. A good friend helps at the time of need, tells us our shortcomings and mistakes and tries to stop us when we are on the wrong path.

Friends are those who help you in difficult times and who are happy when you are happy. One has to be very selective in developing a friendship and find a person of an amiable nature who has no vested interest. A woman may have a few friends of same sex and a few male friends in her student life and later when she was unmarried but having male friends in married life is something which creates problems and complications in married life.

Men are always keen to make friends with women as they find women better than men for close emotional relationships. Most men in their heart of hearts carry the subtle hope of developing intimacy with her. As the so-called modern city women themselves are anxious to have male friends, it suits both to be together as friends.

The so-called modern women are confident that their male friends cannot seduce them. But in actual life, they often yield to the advances of their male friends or they themselves take the initiative to fulfil their carnal desires due to their biological urges.

The ancient saints had advised long ago that a female and male should not get closer or sit on the same cot even when they are close relatives. Today's misguided women in their foolhardiness take advantage of the freedom to develop clandestine relationships, although it is they who suffer in the long run.

Kristy, a woman of 32 years and a proponent of women's lib, had few male friends before marriage. She always believed that as the men have their friends, why can women not have male friends? Kristy always felt more comfortable with her male friends than her female friends. After mahttp://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard/Article/Can-Married-Women-Have-Male-Friends-/19345rriage when her male friend Tony visited her for the first time, Kristy introduced him to her husband Tim, as her best friend. Tim met him with warmth and dittoed Kristy's invitation extended to him for dinner at their place. Next day Tim rang up Garima from his office to inform her about his promotion announced that day. The maidservant who attended the phone told him that she had gone to Mrs Walker's house. He then rang up the Walker's house to talk to his wife but she was not there.

This aroused suspicions in Tim's mind. During the next visit of Tony, his suspicion turned into reality as he found them in a compromising position in his own house where on the insistence of Kristy, Tony stayed in their guest room. Tim got so infuriated that he killed both of them with his licensed revolver and informed the police who arrested him for murder.

Angela, aged 34 years and a mother of two pretty daughters, was not happy with her husband Roger. He got so busy in his business pursuits that he now was not able to give proper attention and time to his family. Angela drifted towards her husband's friend Scott, a local young man of 30 years, who sympathised with her and soon they developed an affair. On finding that his wife has strayed, Roger talked to her about it and both decided to go for divorce on mutual grounds. Scott fixed up Angela in a rented house on the promise of an early marriage but ditched Angela after a year, to marry another girl arranged by his parents. Angela now lives a lonely life after getting badly hurt and feels cheated, used and abandoned. Her family life is spoiled by her unscrupulous male friend and her own passion. She now misses her daughters, her good natured-husband and the earlier comfortable life.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

Friends should be trustworthy and one must have explicit faith in friends. But even then, there is a word of caution. Do not trust anyone too much and blindly even if he is your best friend. People have been betrayed mostly in matters of money, property and women by the persons who were trusted the most. Friendship is a satisfying, warm and positive feeling. A person with friends feels richer mentally and emotionally, and is usually more balanced individual than a loner.

Dangers of having male friends for married women:

- It may create a havoc in family life and lead to separation and divorce.
- It may destroy your reputation and your relatives and neighbours only on suspicion even when the relationship is without any sexual indiscretion.
- The woman runs the risk of losing her life as honour killing is not uncommon.
- When passion and madness take over the good sense of the woman, she may commit the crime of killing her husband in connivance with her paramour and then rot in prison.
- The children suffer in the long run and the woman may not get the custody of her children and thus get deprived of them. Some women do not want the burden of children to be passed on to them as they want to remain free birds with no encumbrances.

Unmarried men and married women as friends:

Women claiming equality in all respects want to continue with their old male friends and do not mind making new male friends even after marriage. But these options are risky. Although the women may be sure about her good friendly relations but who knows the male friend may be lusting about her and may show his true colours sooner or later. Now the question is, does she want to cheat on her husband and if exposed, is she prepared to face the upheaval and anger of her husband who will never like such a thing happening? Men are very sensitive and honour killing is not rare. It should be known that a few women having extramarital affairs have been killed by husbands or their hired killers.

Some women become so blind to their passion that they even get their husbands murdered conniving with their paramours. Not only this, a few women in the past have killed their children who have seen their mother in a compromising position with another man. Instances of grown-up sons murdering their adulterous mother have happened. In such cases the whole family has perished, the killers languishing in prison or punished by a death sentence. Sometimes, women have eloped with their lovers even when they are mothers of three or four children and were in their 30s and 40s.

Married men and married women as friends:

These types of affairs are the worst as not one family suffers but two as the married man is unfaithful to his wife and no more devoted to his family. The man makes false promises to marry her as soon as his divorce with his wife is through but most of the times it does not happen. The married woman who falls for a married man mostly lives as a concubine because most men want to carry on with such affairs on the side avoiding the censor of his family members, community and society. In the long run, the woman has to suffer in many ways for her wrong step. The wife of the man and other family members may create problems for her and even try to eliminate her. Not being a legal wife, she or her children borne out of this relationship, have no right or the man's property.

Husband's male friends:

The husband's male friends may become friends to her and she too may start treating them as her friends as they are always ready to do errands for her. They try to please her by their sweet words of praise for her looks, dress, decoration of the home, her talents, cooking and always find some or other opportunity to be with her. Some unscrupulous men do not hesitate to seduce their friend's wife who too may get closer to him in her weaker moments knowingly or unknowingly with the associated risk, as such a relationship does not remain hidden for long.

Precautions necessary to avoid adulterous relationships with male friends:

- It is best not to have male friends especially after marriage.
- If you do continue a friendship with a man after marriage and this is resented by your husband, terminate the friendship.
- Do not be foolhardy to insist that you will not give up your friendship as this will bring unhappiness in your family life and may lead to unpleasant consequences.
- Do not get friendly with husband's male friends and do not let them take too many liberties with you. Keep your distance.
- Have a control on your biological urges lest they bring doom in your life with unlimited miseries by affecting your reputation, respect and happiness.
- Do not get cheated by false praise and false promises. Do not believe men on their face value as most men ultimately develop lustful feeling towards a woman.
- Women can judge the intentions of men very well and correctly, then why fall prey to their lust and repent later?
- Friendship with males is not a very desirable option. Women who treat their husbands as their best and only male friend lead a very satisfying life.

The position of married women is different. Meeting male friends after marriage and moving with them is rarely liked by husbands. They do not like the appreciation which the woman shows towards her friend or what he shows towards her. It may be simple jealousy or a SUspicion about the fidelity and the faithfulness of the woman. This may create problems and may result in making a crack in the married life. It should also be understood that the association between a woman and a man as a friend is always full of risk because the chances of developing intimacy are always great. Rely more on your husband whose good friends will be the well-wishers of his family as well. Make good women friends for yourself for company and emotional support.

Women themselves never like their husbands to have female friends. Even when there may be nothing, his nearness to any woman arouses suspicion in the wife's mind and she raises a hue and cry about it. She neither likes her female friends to get closer to her husband nor her husband trying to be more free with them, lest he develops an intimate relationship with any of them. Most wise women remain vigilant about their female friends too, lest one of them tries to steal her husband.

by Michael Douglas

An Explanation Of Holistic Drug Rehab And Why It Works

2010-08-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

A very popular and effective form of drug rehab is that of treating the whole person rather than simply addressing the addiction itself; this is called holistic drug rehab. The concept is based on the fact that the human body, or a person, is a combination of body, mind, and spirit. Treatment Solutions Network serves to connect people in need of quality drug rehab with centers that are progressive in their treatment options. They can connect you with a top rated center that offers holistic rehab.

When addressing the person as a whole many things must be considered. This begins with the addiction but treating the addiction is only a beginning to tackling the problem. The truth is that each addict or alcoholic started down the road to addiction for their own reasons in their own way. Whether the addiction escalated from recreational drug use or over use or abuse of prescription drugs or anything in between, most addicts will explain that something was amiss in their life and the drug seemed to temporarily help with that problem. Holistic drug treatment will assist in getting to the core cause of the addiction and resolving that issue while tending to the symptoms and ‘side effects’ associated with an addiction.

Upon admission to a facility offering this innovative treatment a thorough assessment will include questions pertaining to one’s health and a history of the drug use. Because addictions have a way of spiraling out of control many addicts find that their health deteriorates along with their personal life. Problems with friends and family members often develop due to behavioral changes and it is not uncommon for addicts to find themselves having financial difficulties due to the loss of a job or even legal ramifications because of illegal drug use or the means of supporting the habit. A Holistic Drug Rehab program will address the emotional and mental needs as well as the physical needs of clients. Holistic rehab has a high success rate because it always has a goal of long term recovery.

These programs help clients learn how to establish a sense of inner peace. This inner peace is the key to lasting recovery. Holistic drug rehab will include spiritual counseling as well as such things as acupuncture, massage therapy, and even meditation. Treatment Solutions Network can be the link between you (or someone you love) and the quality holistic drug treatment program needed to provide that inner peace.

by Treatment Solutions Network

Wine, Women And Smoke

2010-08-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

When we are young and everything is working well, it never occurs to us that anything can go wrong with this wonderful machine we all live in. The human body gets wrapped up in a myth of invincibility so we do many things we should not do at all, and do many things that are intrinsically not so dangerous to a dangerous excess. That is what being young is all about. We all have to learn where our limits are. Of course, this includes sex and most will experiment both with conventional sex and sex in conjunction with recreational drugs. Taking cialis to maintain stamina over a long weekend of activity is safe. Other substances may be less helpful.

Then, as we grow older, the body can start presenting us with the bills for our past excesses. Clinical studies have now established that about a quarter of all cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) are caused by smoking and/or substance abuse. Put another way, male smokers who have high blood pressure are 26 times more likely to suffer ED. Former smokers with high blood pressure are 11 times more likely to suffer ED than those who have never smoked. Smoking also accelerates arteriosclerosis and this can reduce the flow of blood into the penis. The combination of diabetes and smoking not only encourages ED but also increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

We all probably enjoy a little drink of alcohol from time to time. It tends to make social events go more smoothly. Unfortunately, the more we drink the greater the potential damage to the blood vessels. Alcohol increases blood pressure. In the short term, sexual performance may improve because we are less inhibited (no performance anxiety) but, if this should tip into excess and alcoholism, ED usually results.

The best answer is always prevention. Never smoking, whether actively or passively, preserves our health. Similarly, never drinking excessively and then only drinking a little red wine every day, reduces the risks of heart disease. If we started to smoke, stopping immediately is the ideal. If there are signs of ED, taking cialis will probably be sufficient to restore full function. But if the damage is too great, then further medications may be required. Should you have reached the tipping point into alcoholism and a loss of libido, there are programs that help you to quit the alcohol, and there is always cialis to try to restore you interest in sex.

by John Scott

Feeling Guilty? - 7 Ways To Get Rid Of Guilt

2010-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Guilt is a very destructive emotion. Maybe it is helpful for a client of mine to feel enough guilt about hurting her married lover's wife to stop dating a married man and get out of the relationship, but the majority of guilt comes from feeling stupid or not perfect enough. My female clients tell me they feel guilty for just about everything:

- guilty for being female
- guilty for being smart
- guilty for being overweight
- guilty for not being organized
- guilty for not being a morning person
- guilty for taking time for themselves
- guilty for ending a relationship with someone who loved them
- guilty for not talking to their parents constantly
- guilty for not being a perfect parent
- guilty for not sacrificing enough with time, money, etc.
- guilty for sleeping in late
- guilty for eating chocolate or dessert before dinner
- guilty for buying things for themselves
- guilty for enjoying life
- guilty for not saving enough money
- guilty for being who she is

Criticisms Cause Guilt

Too many of us fall into this trap. It's difficult to get rid of guilt when we've been criticized all our lives (and we all have), and when those criticisms still spin around in our heads like a tape that won't stop playing. Often when we start to feel good about ourselves, someone will say or do something that pushes one of our buttons and reminds us that we're not perfect. These "buttons" are made up of all those criticisms on the tape that was created when we were children. People push our insecurity buttons by saying something like, "I can't believe you did that!" Then we think, "My mother used to say that about me, it must be true."

Because we're so afraid we're "bad," we work extra hard trying to please this person,letting him or her manipulate us because of our insecurities. Our pervasive guilt about who we are allows this to happen because of our feeling that we "should" be better than we are. Until we can accept our humanness, especially our shortcomings, we can never allow others to get close to us. People love to tell other people what they should and shouldn't do.

The term "selfish" is used by others to manipulate and control us and make us feel guilty. Anytime we're not choosing to do what is best for someone else, that person will accuse us of being selfish to try and convince us to do what he or she wants.

The best counter to this manipulative accusation is to feel good about being selfish and say, "At times I AM selfish and I'm glad that I go after what I want instead of trying to do what everybody else wants me to do." It throws them off if you're proud of your selfishness.

Appropriate guilt can be good but is only good for about 15 minutes: while you think through an issue and think about what lesson you need to learn and how you will handle it differently in the future. Most guilt is not appropriate guilt, but instead self-blame. Self-blame for not being perfect and not always doing the perfectly right thing.

For the most part, guilt is just a destructive emotion that is all about suffering and feeling bad. We all make mistakes. There isn't a person alive that hasn't hurt someone, whether intentionally or not. We all make mistakes and our mistakes affect others. Feeling guilty forever for those mistakes does not help them or us. If you need to right a wrong to let go of the guilt, do it.

How to Stop Feeling Guilty:

1) If you actually did something wrong (according to your own belief system, right the wrong and then let it go. When you feel guilty, you can clean up your mistake by saying: "I feel terrible about what I've done to you. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I am sorry I hurt you. The reason I did what I did is __________. What can I do to make it up to you and earn your trust again?" If the other person won't cooperate, ask them what you need to do, and if they won't accept anything, let it go.

2) Realize that no one is perfect and ask others about their issues and listen to their answers and imperfections.

3) If you made a mistake, learn your lesson and move on. If there really is no lesson to be learned, realize that and talk yourself out of the guilt by reminding yourself to forget the "shoulds" because you would probably do it the same way if you had it to do over again.

4) Ask yourself where the guilt is coming from. Then ask yourself if that is a person you want to be like (because you are following their values). Then ask yourself if that person is perfect? Of course the answer is no, so make a list of all of their imperfections. Then decide he or she does not have a right to judge you and let it go. If this person insists on making you feel guilty, use some of the points on the list to remind that person that he is a hypocrite.

5) Don't "should" on yourself. If the guilt is coming from you, then you have unrealistic expectations of yourself. But most unrealistic expectations come from our parents and other authorities who remind us that we are imperfect. Don't take on their bad view of you or their belief system about the world. Evaluate yourself by your own standards, and stop using the word "should."

6) Don't get sucked in when someone tries to guilt-trip you. "I know I'm not that important to you." "Should you have another drink?" "Isn't that too expensive for you?" "Don't you think you should go home now?" Don't answer the question or you are becoming sucked in.

Instead, state a firm boundary like, "Mother, like I said, I can't talk now, but I'll call you when I get home from work." Or, "I'll decide: when to go home, whether to have another drink, what is and isn't too expensive." Then don't keep talking or they know they got you.

7) Don't make guilt-ridden negative statements to yourself, i.e. "How could I be so stupid?!" "If only I would have been smart enough to(whatever)." "I sure screwed that one up!" "I can't believe I did that!" Instead, say positive statements to yourself. "That may have been a mistake, but I learned my lesson." "It's surprising that I misinterpreted that because I'm usually right on target."

If needed, quietly remind yourself of all of your other good traits and how great you are in other areas.

We have to demand that others accept us as we are. We can't let anyone lay his or her value judgments on us. We can't let others play God with us. And in return, we can't play God with them. Stop asking yourself, "What will people think?" Those "shoulds" keep you from enjoying your life. Those "shoulds" cause resentment, create guilt, and put responsibility where it doesn't belong. What have the "shoulds" done to you?

When we were small children, we trusted our thoughts and feelings. We knew when we felt angry or sad, and we expressed these feelings naturally without thinking about whether we should or shouldn't. Then we were told by our parents and others in society, "You shouldn't feel that way," "What do you mean you don't love your mother?," "Don't you talk to your brother like that!"

We learned to trust our parents' moral dictates: you should respect authority, you should obey your husband, you should always be polite to others. We often trust theirs more than our own.

Stop living your life the way others' want you to. Stop feeling guilty because you're not perfect, when neither are they. Live your life according to your own values and beliefs and no one else's.

by Carolyn Bushong

How Effective Are Natural Weight Loss Pills For Burning Fat?

2010-08-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

You may have taken the usual route when it comes to your weight loss—that is, you make use of exercise machines or sign up in gym memberships in the hopes that you can drop some of those excess pounds. The problem is the technique does not seem to work at all. Hence, you resort to something else: natural weight loss pills.

There are so many natural weight loss pills available in the market today. This is good news for those who are looking for desperate measures since you do have plenty of options. However, before you get too excited, you need to know if there is something positive that you can get out of these pills. Can they really help you burn fat?

It seems like some of them do. Take, for example, ephedra. This herb from China has been used for many years in treating hay fever, asthma, and common cold. What people do not know then is that it can be used as an ingredient in a weight loss pill.

First it is a stimulant, which means it keeps your body active. It is also thermogenic, which means it adds more heat into your system. The real reasons for these characteristics are pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. These two things can do a lot of things.

They can stimulate the performance of your brain. They can also constrict the vessels of your blood; thus, they can increase your blood pressure. Most of all, they can increase your metabolism. When your metabolism is enhanced, you can expect to burn more fat into your body. When you couple natural weight loss pills with such ingredients with exercise, it is highly possible that you can burn a lot of fat and lose a lot of weight.

It will be easy for you too to sustain your exercise routines. This is because the compounds can expand the tubes or passageway of air. When you get to breathe more conveniently, you can increase your endurance and last longer.

There are also other natural weight loss pills that take into account thermogenesis. This means that they break down your fat, so it will be much easier to burn. Their main job can be broken down into three things. First, the stored fat will be converted into energy and hence burned. Second, the remaining fat cells will be broken down and made to move. When they acquire heat through their movement, they will start to disintegrate. Lastly, they can increase your metabolic rate to prevent the rest from going large fat cells.

How to Pick Your Natural Weight Loss Pills

Knowing all these should definitely give you a lot of hope when it comes to fighting obesity or the bulges. However, it is not enough that you have a pill. You have to ensure that it is safe to take. It is essential that you stick with FDA approved weight loss supplements. Others may contain ingredients at huge proportions that may only put your life at risk in the end.

by Mark DeRosa

Common Pneumonia Symptoms

2010-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Pneumonia is inflammation and often infection of the lungs. Although some forms of pneumonia are mild and don’t require medical treatment, other forms of the disease can be severe and need prompt medical intervention. Statistics indicate that over 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with pneumonia each year, and many of them require hospitalization. When pneumonia is caused by infectious agents, the disease is very contagious and it can be easily transmitted through sneezing, cough or physical contact. Therefore, many patients are not hospitalized for the seriousness of their disease, but to prevent them from spreading pneumonia to other people.

There are many forms of pneumonia and some are not caused by infection with microorganisms. Aspiration pneumonia is common in very small children and elderly people, but it can also occur in adults. This form of pneumonia is caused by inhalation of foreign matters: fluids, dust, chemicals or other irritants. This condition is mostly common in small children due to inhalation of vomit or food. Aspiration pneumonia symptoms are usually not very intense and they ameliorate within a few days. Aspiration pneumonia symptoms are: dry cough, chest soreness and pain, wheezing, difficult breathing. Although medical treatment is not required for overcoming this form of pneumonia, it is best to see a doctor as soon as you spot its symptoms.

Infectious forms of pneumonia can be either caused by viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. Viral and mycoplasma pneumonia are usually milder than bacterial forms of the disease and they rarely require medical treatment.

Viral pneumonia is very common in children, teenagers and elderly people and it can be mistaken for flu or cold. Viral pneumonia symptoms are: throat inflammation, cough, swelling of the lymph nodes, chest discomfort when breathing, headache and a generalized state of fatigue. The cough can sometimes produce small amounts of mucus. Mild fever and chills may accompany viral pneumonia symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Viral pneumonia symptoms usually ameliorate within a few days and the infection completely clears up on itself in a few weeks.

Bacterial pneumonia can be severe and therefore, it can produce more intense symptoms. Bacterial forms of pneumonia are more common in adults and people with weak immune system. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms are: high fever, excessive sweating, mucus-producing cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and soreness when breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, muscle pain, pronounced body weakness. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms can also include cyanosis (due to lack of blood oxygenation) and brown-colored mucus producing cough. If the disease is severe, the cough may contain traces of blood.

Mycoplasma pneumonia can be developed by anyone, regardless of health condition and age. However, this form of pneumonia is usually mild and doesn’t require any medical treatment. Mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms are: mucus producing cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue. Other mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms are: moderate fever, chills, abdominal pain and discomfort, nausea and vomiting. This form of pneumonia develops slowly and its symptoms may only be perceived after several weeks from catching the disease. Although mycoplasma pneumonia is not considered to be serious, it is advised to see a doctor as soon as you spot its first symptoms.

by Fabiola Groshan

The Color Of Food And Weight Loss

2010-08-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

The foods that are chosen during any weight loss program are crucial to the dieter s success at achieving their weight loss goal. If the wrong foods are chosen, the dieter may not lose as much weight as desired or may be uncomfortable from food cravings during the diet. The best foods that can be eaten for any diet, whether a regular diet or weight loss diet are those diets that include fresh foods from different color groups.

It is possible to color coordinate a healthy diet from foods that have a deeply saturated color because the color is a signal to what types of nutrients are contained in the fresh food. By eating from an array of deeply colored foods daily, it is possible to provide the body with highly nutritious foods that can curb the hunger feeling.

When eating a healthy or unhealthy diet, your body will get hungry when it needs more energy or nutrients every few hours. Cravings and bingeing begins when the body does not have all the nutrients that it needs. A craving will start for a food or snack that provides a bit of that nutrient and bingeing will happen when the body is such desperate need of a nutrient that a person will binge on a food or foods that contain some of the nutrients that they need. To avoid this cycle, the best diet will provide the all the nutrients that the body needs.

Deeply colored foods contain more nutrients than their duller companions. Eating foods that offer more nutrition can contribute to more than just weight loss because the nutrients found in these highly nutritious foods can protect the body against many diseases including cancer. Eating too much foods that are low in nutrition can be a direct cause of weight gain, illness and disease. The choice to eat highly colored natural foods is a step in the right direction for many people.

The best weight loss diet will include different colors of food at all meals and snacks. All food colors should be eaten during the course of every day, if possible, for the most nutritious diet. Examples of foods in the different color groups include blueberries in the blue group, broccoli in the green group, pineapple in the yellow group, carrots in the orange group, tomatoes in the red group and cabbage in the purple group. There are many recipes that incorporate foods from the different color groups so next time that you are at the grocery store, choose foods that have a deep color because you know that these foods are more nutritious than other foods and will satisfy your body s need for proper nutrition.

The other great thing about deeply colored foods is that these natural foods are high in fiber, too. Since foods with a high fiber content will keep your body satisfied longer, you will not be as prone to eating too much food at one sitting. Weight loss goals can be achieved successfully with the help of all the nutrition contained in deeply colored foods.

by Daniel Millions

Skin Cancer Signs To Watch Out For

2010-07-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Cancer of the skin is common for people who have spent lots of time under the sun, without protection from the rays. It affects people of all skin tones. Skin cancer signs primarily develops on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun, such as the hands, legs, neck, face, lips, and ears. There are also various stages of skin cancer, and each with their own symptoms.

Signs of skin cancer may be tricky to diagnose, but once you think you have the following then you should see a doctor at the soonest possible time:

1. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of skin cancer signs. However, it is also the most easily treated, and signs of skin cancer tend to appear as a bump on your face or neck with a shiny exterior, or a flat lesion on the chest or back that may be flesh or brown in color.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma has a higher tendency to spread compared to basal cell carcinoma, and can only be treated if detected early. Skin cancer signs include a firm, red roundish lump on the hands, arms, face, neck or ears. It may also exhibit itself as a flat lesion with a more scaly and crusty surface on these same locations in the body.

3. Melanoma is the most severe and serious form of skin cancer. It is fatal and has led to many deaths, which is why early detection is extremely important in survival. Skin cancer signs of melanoma exhibit itself differently for men and women. Men should watch out for signs of melanoma on their head, neck, or trunk, while for women, it commonly affects the arms or legs. Signs of skin cancer to watch out for:

a. Small lesions with irregular borders with white, blue, or red spots.
b. A mole anywhere in the body that changes shape frequently and has irregular borders. It may also change color and size and may bleed.
c. Dark-colored lesions located in the fingertips, toes, palms, hands, or on mucous membranes such as the anus, lips, or vagina.
d. Firm bumpy moles that have a waxy or pearly exterior that may appear anywhere on the body.

4. Kaposi sarcoma is a form of skin cancer that is not common, but it is as severe as melanoma. Because it forms in the skin’s blood vessels, signs of skin cancer include the appearance of purple and red colored patches in the skin and mucous membranes.

5. Sebaceous gland carcinoma is characterized by painless nodules and often diagnosed as benign cancer. These can appear anywhere, although common affected sites are the eyelids. It is not a popular case but still, it is considered very dangerous.

If you are unsure about skin cancer signs, you may want to get the opinion of a doctor or dermatologist as waiting until the signs are more aggressive is a bad idea. Catching skin cancer early on is the best bet for survival.

by Neelima Reddy

3 Tips to Make Your Dick Bigger And Boost Your Sex Life

2010-07-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Men's obsessions with penis size dates back to the start of time and no matter what god has given them, most men want a bigger dick. A lot of this is put down to vanity but there are a percentage of males out there that have a below average sized penis and might want to make it larger, maybe just for a confidence boost.

Women can happily get breast implant surgery to make them feel better about themselves, but men have to put up with what their genes created. That's not entirely true. Although there is no completely safe and effective penis enlargement surgery, there are free penis enlargement excises that have proven to add length to the penis, both flaccid and erect.

Some basic free penis enlargement exercises are outlined below.

1.TOWEL STRETCH: This can be combined with other methods but is usually done separately. What this entails is getting some hot water and soaking a towel in it. Wrap the towel around your dick for a good few minutes until relaxed. This increases blood flow, helping to expand the blood vessels whilst stretching. Once done either begin jelqing or stretching. To stretch hold the penis head and pull forward, then down, then left and right. Repeating for around 20 minutes.

2.CLOCKWORK ETENSION: Hold the penis head firmly in your fist and stretch it as far as it goes downwards then keeping it stretched do a complete 360, ending up back at the same point. Think of holding a bicycle wheel whilst it is spinning round and replicate this with your penis.

3.BENDING: For this technique you need a semi erect penis. You then need to stretch behind the scrotum and literally sit on it for about 5 minutes. Repeat several times, although if it hurts stop the exercise.

It is important like during any other workout that you don't overdo it and remain relaxed throughout. Keep form and go steady. Don't just pull your penis in a crazy fashion until it hurts.

by Andy Andrews

How To Cure White Spots On Skin

2010-07-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

The medical term for white spots on skin is vitiligo or leucoderma. It’s a skin disease in which the skin loses its color due to some genetic or environmental causes. The white spots appear as patches of white skin without pigment.

White spots on skin are common in people who suffer from autoimmune diseases. One of these diseases is adrenocortical insufficiency. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing a hormone called corticosteroid. This disease occurs when there is a deficiency of this hormone in our body. Because of this reason the most common treatment as suggested by doctors for vitiligo is corticosteroid cream.

Another treatment for the cure of white spots on skin is exposure to sunlight for long durations of time or artificial phototherapy. Cells that are responsible for pigmentation become active when the skin if exposed to light.

Melanocytes are cells located in the skin that cause pigmentation. A recent advancement in the medical science has made it possible to transplant these cells from some other part of the body to the affected skin area. As a result of this transplantation vitiligo or white spots on skin can be completely cured.

Cosmetics can also be used to cover up the white spots. However, a medical treatment should be employed to control the disease as it may become widespread and uncontrollable. It should also be known that since this disease is inherited, it cannot be prevented. Because of this reason, a good and effective treatment is required in order to avoid psychological effects, frustration and embarrassment.

There are some other skin conditions or disorders in which the skin loses its color and becomes either of lighter or darker shade. Before using any of the treatments for vitiligo it is better to consult a dermatologist and confirm the symptoms.

Most of the time only topical treatments are suggested by doctors for skin disorders including vitiligo, acne and eczema. However, some oral pills may also be prescribed if the condition is severe.

by Aisha Ahmed

Better Sex After 50: A Myth Or A Fact?

2010-07-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

They say age is just a number. I guess it goes the same when it comes to sex.

Asking this is like asking the chicken and egg eternal question. I know, a gazillion articles have been posted about sex in older people. But this was a shock to me in a way. For starters, I'm not 50 yet. I hope I'll live beyond 50. When I saw a clip from the Today show about sex at aged 50 and above, it really caught my attention. And believe, it's not easy to catch my attention.

Listen to this, and I quote from the article, "Many couples, however, report the best sex they have ever had after 50. Both men and women may become more comfortable with their bodies, know what works best for each other, and feel generally less inhibited. " I really have to exactly stress that phrase because we all have this pre-conceived notion that married couple who reach their golden years end up just lovingly holding each other's hands. But, now that I have read the article, I stand corrected.

The report went on to say that those couple hitting the big 5-0 are more stress-free when having sex because the possibility of being pregnant. To add, they have zero fears of contracting STDs, I say this is applicable if they have monogamous partners. But then again, isn't this an...interesting news? Also, makes me feel more hopeful, you know, that when I reach that age, everything will be better. To answer the question, I say, it is a fact. You have Dr.Gail Saltz to validate that. I leave another question, how do you define better sex,anyway?

I think that having a satisfying union at any age is a great thing. It is a way to improve the relationship, especially when you have grandchildren and intimacy is like next to oblivion. But I say that what's most important is you and your partner still embrace the love you have for each other and look beyond what the naked eye can see. And looking here means using your hearts.

by Laycie Grace

5 Fragrances To Attract Men

2010-07-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be lovely if you could simply put a dash of perfume on yourself and men will be held spellbound by you? You can be Pied Piper of Hamelin with men following you wherever you go.

Well, let me tell you what fragrance attracts men and get the desired attention you crave. You will no longer be the ugly duckling. All the men will want to chat with you and want your companionship. You will be the limelight of the party or wherever you go.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and South India. Men simply love this scent. Cinnamon is considered to be a aphrodisiac. It is similar to our own sexual secretion or pheromones. I read that just a drop of Cinnamon oil rubbed onto your genitals produces powerful sex stimulation. Not sure how safe that is though as you should never ever put any pure essential oil there. It would be far safer to put a few drops of cinnamon oil in the bath instead and soak in its fragrance. Research studies from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that men were attracted by the scent of cinnamon in the presence of aroma of baked food. Cinnamon has been used since biblical times as a perfume. There is an episode in the Parables where the seductress lured her prey to a bed filled with Cinnamon. What accounts for Cinnamon's attractive scent? The distinctive odour comes cinnemaldehyde a yellowish oily liquid which is released when the cinnamon bark is crushed. There are other chemical components that contribute to cinnamons's complex aroma such as eugenol (clove), cineole (eucalyptus) and linalol (lily of the valley)

2. Vanilla

Vanilla is a very versatile plant. It can be drunk , eaten and smelled. It is an aphrodisiac. It has a sensual aroma that reminds one of fresh food in the kitchen.It's an ingredient in sultry, exotic, and mysterious Oriental fragrances.As early as 1762 Bezaar Zimmermann wrote that "No fewer than 342 impotent men, by drinking vanilla decoctions, had changed into astonishing lovers of at least as many women." Currently, vanilla is popular as a fragrance from body care, candles to air freshener. Neurologist Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a test to understand the impact of smell upon sexual arousal. He discovered the smell which arouses mature men the most was vanilla smell.

3. Lavender

The Lavender plant contains 180 constituents. The perfume industry describes its scent as green, hay like sweetness and fruity. Some studies shows that scent of lavender to be the most arousing to men and may be useful against impotence. Since ancient times, Lavender has been associated with love and romance. Cleopatra used the seductive powers of lavender to seduce Julius Caeser and Mark Anthony. In more recent times lavender is placed under the bed of newlyweds to ensure hot passion.

4. Frankincense and 5. Myrrh

Frankincense grows as small trees or shrubs which are found in Southern Arabian countries like Yemen and Oman as well as in Northeast Africa ( Somalia). Its resin contain chemicals which is virtually identical to our own sexual secretion. The aroma from Frankincense stimulates the senses and heighten your senses. It enhances communication between the lovers. It supports your respiratory and digestive system and has skin healing properties too. Frankincense is also used in Chinese medicine to internally stimulate the stomach and promote digestion.

by Ian Tham

Four Hot Signs Of Attraction

2010-07-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

In today’s society, beauty, physical attraction, and sexuality are all commonly misunderstood as some transcendent inevitable fact; falsely interlocking the three makes it seem doubly true that in order to initiate attraction between a man and a woman, both sexes should be beautiful to be sexual.

That of course is not true at all. The definitions of beautiful, attraction, and sexual constantly change to serve the social order, and the connection between the three ideas is a recent invention.

Some psychologists contend that the disparity among the concepts of beauty, attractions, and sexuality is based on the premise that both sexes are inclined to physical or sexual attraction because women are able to view men just as men view women, as subjects for sexual and aesthetic evaluation.

In a survey conducted by an “evolutionary psychologist,” from 10,000 individuals who were interviewed, it was found out that men have high-regards to physical attraction in their budding sexual mates, while women attach importance to prominence, goals, and monetary sources.

No wonder why most cases of attraction are all based on sexuality and physical attributes. This is because men and women would rather have their significant others physically and sexually capable of giving them their necessities.

For instance, men are attracted to women who look good because this indicates excellent vigor and the capacity to produce offspring babies. On the other hand, women are attracted to men who look good because this indicates abundance in financial resources, in which, the ability to provide the basic necessities to their children is generated.

The point here is that both men and women may have their own basis for attraction but everything is generally focused on the physical and material aspects. This is because attraction is associated with the fact that the physical attributes motivate that part of the brain known as the “hypothalamus” that will produce different kinds of reactions from the body such as sexual arousal, increased heart rate, and perspiration.

So the question now is: How can the individual identify the clear signs of attraction?

There are many probable actions that might suggest attraction. However, the real signs include but not limited to the following:

1. Visual contact

This is when both a man and a woman gazed upon each other and instantly prolonged the moment as they look at each other longer than the typical glance.

Both are completely immersed on each other’s anecdote, and every word will impress them both. All eyes are glued to each other that send a message that they are drawn to each other.

2. Preen

Preening means to adorn oneself carefully or to groom oneself with particular attention to details. Hence, attraction sets in when both would try to instantly make a quick fix and conquer each other’s space.

3. Flirting

Teasing could have been the more appropriate term for it. This is when both sexes converse in a relaxed manner, with bodily actions associated to their thoughts and feelings, where, most often than not, sexual tensions and arousal are the primary upshots.

4. Physical contact

This is when a woman leans to wards the man and places a modest hand on his hand or arm. In this way, the woman is trying to tell the other person that she is attracted to him and that she is open to possibilities that involve the concerned person.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that the asymmetry of the correlation among beauty, attraction, and sexuality that tells both men and women lies on how they both perceive each other’s physical attributes. This is inevitable because the lack of it will definitely keep them sexually estranged.

Attraction is generally focused on imagery that is exclusively on the physical attributes of both men and women, where the society has created a very important role. This goes to show that the signs of attraction indicate the clear identification of desirability.

Given all that, both men and women should make the choice, by and large, to take each other as human beings first and not just mere sexual objects.

It should be well noted that these signs of attraction may be well confined on the premise that both men and women send out these signs as a ticket to conquer each other’s space so as to start the “getting-to-know-each-other” stage.

by Staff Writer

Some Facts About Steroids; The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

2010-07-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

In the simplest terms, anabolic steroids are dangerous. However, there is much more to be learned about the substances before one makes such a blanket statement. Fortunately, there is a great website, SteroidSources.com, which provides accurate and current information about steroids. Not only can you learn about the necessary precautions to take when using steroids, but you can also find information about buying steroids online.

The reality is that steroids have many beneficial effects that have resulted in the attractiveness of using them. Not only are steroids sometimes prescribed for medicinal purposes, but they are also known for their muscle building and strength enhancement results.

The truth is that prolonged use of Steroids can have negative effects. This is true regardless of whether the steroids were prescribed for a specific health issue, they were ordered online, or if they were purchased illegally. In reality, any substance that is considered a medication can have some negative side effects.

On the short term use, steroids do help in building muscle tone. They can even improve an athlete’s physical performance. However, the consequences of use should always be weighed against any potential benefits. One major issue is that steroid use can have a negative impact on the reproductive system for both males and females.

While one can buy steroids online those are legal and therefore, presumably safe, it is wise to only make purchases from reputable companies. When buying steroids online it is especially important to order from a trusted site.

Determining which sites are trustworthy is not too difficult if you check for such things as contact information, guarantees, payment options, and the length of time the company has been in business. Before you buy steroids online you should do a little research about the various types of steroids offered, prices and do some comparison shopping. This will help insure that you are getting exactly what you want.

Do keep in mind that you do not want to get ‘ugly’ effects from the steroids. By ‘ugly’ I am referring to such things as unusual hair growth for women, as well as a deepened voice, and breast development for men. Besides possible changes in appearance steroid use can lead to health problems that include an increased risk of heart disease, acne, and even liver tumors. Additionally, use of steroids can result in extreme mood swings.

by James Mattson

Ten Common Lies Realtors Tell

2010-07-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Realtors are agents of sellers. It is their job to obtain the highest possible sale price for a piece of real estate. The most common ploy realtors use it to attempt to create a sense of urgency in a buyer. In a seller's market, prices are rising, and buyers already feel a sense of urgency. In a buyer's market, prices are falling, and there is no urgency on the part of buyers. This fact does not stop realtors from trying to create urgency even if the truth is cast asunder.

The most counter-intuitive part of buying in a buyer's market is to create a sense of urgency with the seller. Ordinarily sellers, or more accurately the seller's realtor, try to create a sense of urgency to buy the house. They want the buyer to think other people are looking, there is going to be a bidding war, and the buyer needs to get an offer in today. Realtors thrive by creating fear in buyers. They will use lines like:

1. It is a good time to buy!

2. Hurry. This one won't last.

3. Don't throw away your money on rent.

4. If you are serious, you had better buy now or you might be priced out of the market.

5. They are not making land anymore.

6. If you see a property you love, you really need to make an offer.

7. The more earnest money you put down, the more seriously your offer is taken.

8. Things have been a bit slower than last year, but the last tnother offer for more coming in this afternoon.

9. Trust me.

10. It's not just the commission. I really care about you.

In a buyer's market these ploys are all lies (the truthfulness of these statements is questionable in all market conditions). Generally, the buyer is the only prospective buyer, and they can take as long as they want to buy the house. The buyer's task in negotiating is to create a sense of urgency and panic in the seller. This is why buyers should make their first offer their best offer.

The Great Housing Bubble was inflated by loose lending practices and greedy buyers. Realtors helped the bubble inflate by fueling buyer greed with stories of endless appreciation and money for nothing. In the end, it all turned out to be a huge lie.

by Lawrence Roberts

Foreplay Techniques For A Better Female Orgasm

2010-07-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

Below are some examples of foreplay techniques you can use to get your partner in the right mood before sexual intercourse. These techniques can be used together, but remember to start slowly and build on the passion. If you move too quickly, you wont achieve the desired effect.

1. Dirty talking Never underestimate the power of words to turn on your partner. Imagine looking into your partners eyes over dinner at a nice restaurant and whispering, You look so sexy tonight I can barely keep my hands off of you. You can even follow it up with a description of what youd like to do to her. For example, you might say, When we get home, Im going to slowly undress you, lay you down on the bed, and give you the best full body massage youve ever had. This kind of comments will make your partner feel desirable and that will increase her arousal, plus shell be able to start fantasizing about how your hands are going to feel caressing her body and thats definitely going to build her anticipation for more. Just remember that you need to follow through with whatever you say. If you promise her an amazing massage, then you need to deliver. Women are not turned on by promise breakers.

2. Gentle touching Ive met with women who complain that men dont know how to touch them. By this they usually mean that men dont know how to be gentle. For example, they grope their breasts instead of stroking them. A gentle touch even in the most non-sexual place can have incredible results. Theres a scene in a movie that illustrates this point. The movie, Don Juan DeMarco, starred Johnny Depp as a man who believed he was a world class lover who only thought about pleasing the women he was with. In an early scene, he meets a strange woman in a restaurant and sets her on fire simply by stroking part of her hand. While some may argue Johnny Depp could have that effect on a woman without touching her, there is truth to the message the character is conveying. Softly stroking your partners shoulders or gliding your hands lightly over her back can send shivery tingles through her body the way other types of touches wont, especially early on in the arousal process.

3. Kissing Kissing is an incredible type of foreplay but it is often misused because partners dont communicate what they like and what they dont like. There are many, many different ways of kissing romantically and each way is appropriate at different stages of the process. For example, if your partner is merely aroused, you wouldnt want to begin using a lot of tongue while youre kissing. Most women seem to dislike a lot of tongue use anyway which surprises most men. Gentle kissing is best at first, including brushing your lips over her fingers, her palm, her earlobes, her inner thighs, even her toes. Remember kissing does not always have to involve her lips. Theres a lot more of her body to touch and taste. As her level of arousal increases, your kissing can become more passionate. If you do use your tongue, only use the tip to touch her tongue or her lips gently. Unless you know for a fact that it turns your partner on, dont thrust your entire tongue into her mouth. Most women find this to be a turn off.

These three ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to foreplay. After you try these ideas, you should begin experimenting with some techniques of your own. The more you learn about your partners body and what pleases her the easier it will be for you to decide how to take her from those flickering flames of arousal to a total inferno of desire.

by Gabrielle Moore

The 5 Sexual Foreplay Steps For Becoming The Best She's Ever Had

2010-07-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Want to know the secret to having great sex?

Well, I bet you do!

What most guys don't know is a great sex session starts way before you even step into the bedroom. Actually sexual tension should start the moment you see a woman.

Now the best way to accomplish this is done through the act of foreplay.

To sexual master, you have to be great at foreplay. Once you learn the proper techniques for foreplay, you'll have women practically begging for sex.

In the next few paragraphs, I'm going to reveal my personally 5 step system for engaging women in sexual foreplay.

Hope you're prepared...

Step #1- Turn her on out in public

Like I said at the start of this article, foreplay starts the moment you see a woman. Even it's HOURS before want to have sex you should start working to turn her on.

Here's how to do it...

When you're with her in public, try doing little things which will turn her on and put her in the mindset for the sex that'll happen later.

You want her to make her feel attractive and know how beautiful you find her. Try demonstrating these feelings by kissing her or touching her in a provocative manner.

If you're with her at a club or bar, dance with her in suggestive manner and touch her in a seductive manner.

Just remember that foreplay starts long before sex, so do your best to turn her on when you're out in public.

Step #2- Set the right mood

Once you move things back to your home or apartment, you should work towards creating the right kind of atmosphere. What you want to do is create an ambiance which is conducive to seduction.

This means lighting some candles, turning down the lights and playing soothing music. By doing this, you're creating an encounter which will mentally and physically prepare her for sex.

Step #3- Massage in a sensual manner

The best way to start the process of foreplay is to give her a sensual massage. In fact, I would consider this technique to be the best way to prepare a woman for sex.

For best results, try using special massage oils which carry pleasant fragrances and warms the skin. Apply it to her skin and get started!

Initiate the massage her by rubbing her shoulders and neck. Then when you've warmed her up, move to her more intimate areas like her lower back, chest, lower upper thighs.

Massages are a great technique for putting women in the mindset for having sex. As a result, it's important to how the right way to give them. If you're unsure of how to give a proper massage try reading up on this technique and practice till you can become perfect at giving them.

Step #4- Kiss her the right way

As the massage culminates, start kissing her in a seductive manner.

Try kissing her slowly at first then observer her reaction. Once she becomes more passionate, start building up the intensity of your kissing.

One great trick for kissing is to explore the other areas of her body like neck, upper chest and ears. Women are really sensitive creatures, so you can do a lot to turn her on simply by knowing how to kiss.

Step #5- Become more intimate

Eventually your foreplay and kissing will develop into sex.

In order to properly make this transition you should take your time and not try to rush things.

Try slowly undressing one other and exploring her body. One advanced technique is to start with oral sex to get things really going.

What you want to focus on in this last step is to delay the act of sex by teasing her. You want her to practically beg for sex! Then once you start she'll go crazy with passion.

Foreplay is the key ingredient to a great sex session. If you can master this 5 step system, you'll become a master in the bedroom!

by Scott Patterson

How To Tell If A Guy Is Interested In You : 8 Signs You Can't Afford To Miss!

2010-07-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

You might have the faintest idea on the guy you should be trusting and on the one you should be avoiding. Chances are you may be having a person on the back of your mind and you really like him, but you do not know if he is a player.

Whatever your heart may tell you, and what ever your feelings, does not make the mistake of obsessing over any guy whom you can never have. There may be so many other boys even in your neighborhood, who would be 1000 times better than the guy you thought about.

In that case, you would be really wasting precious time and energy obsessing over that guy whom you could care for and who would actually justify your feelings.

Before you jump into any conclusion, I would rather suggest that you take time studying the person you like a little from every angle. You should have a fair idea about what type of a person your preferred guy really is, or is he just a player or a user. You can avoid any nasty surprises he could probably give you in case he is just a player.

One of the foremost things you can look to in a guy is the way in which he mingles with other females around. This is one good signs you could get to know if he is just a flirt and how smoothly he gets along with ladies around.

So remember, whenever you next happen to be together at a campus, restaurant or party, observe how he behaves with other females around him, and if you find him casual and comfortable with other ladies, it could mean he has had good prior experience handling girls in the past.

Next, if you have closely observed him and find that he is fairly comfortable with women and other girls, and that he finds cool to place hands on girls (it could mean even you), you can be rest assured that he is just a player.

You can look forward to many signals that reveal the main question like 'is he really interested in me?' or 'is he genuinely interested in me?'. Some of the points are illustrated below:

1. Keep a watch on the chap you really have a liking for, and if possible try catching him gazing at you. If he is really serious about a girl, he will look for a chance to gaze at her even when she is not looking.

Thus if you are able to catch him from the corner gazing at you, then it is a positive signal. He is really showing keen interest in you.

2. Observe if he is smiling at you, when you happen to walk together, or just in a general manner.

3. Notice his behavior in general with people around you; chances are his behavior has somewhat changed recently.

4. When he initiates, try to show interest in his gestures and then observe how he responds. This should make him comfortable to ask you out on a date.

5. Please see if recently he has put efforts to get to know and befriend your friends more than earlier

6. You can alternatively ask some of your friends to do the talking - this is one of the quickest strategies and could work positively if you would like to know the answer fast. But it ought to be subtle.

7. You may also befriend his friends, if you happen to be lucky. But do not worry, if you do not know anyone of them. It takes a little effort to know and befriend them. After this happens, you can comfortably ask his friends, but keep it subtle.

8. If you find him teasing you, or making jokes at you then you can be sure that he is surely interested in you.

You can also look for the five signs to decide if he is serious about you too:

- He informs someone about the fact that he likes you too.
- He has that killing look which says everything.
- He listens and responds positively to whatever you say.
- He happens to know your schedules, so appears sometimes unexpectedly.
- If you are well a happy and fun-loving person, there is no reason why he won't like you.

If these five questions were answered, he would be on the verge of asking you out. Relationships begin from here.

As aptly said, a woman has a hidden talent to read a man's eyes through her eyes. If a male really likes you, he is sure to make a direct eye contact with you. He will be at his best behavior when he is with you. He would do everything to entertain you. He would not just pretend to act and impress if he is genuinely interested in you. He would be appreciative of your positive points, and wouldn't give fake praises, but would opine honestly. He shares his accomplishments with you and supports you with each important task. He would reveal his deepest wishes and fears with you.

by Sonicely

How To Hold A Girl's Hands

2010-07-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for opportunities to connect with a girl? Then holding her hand is the perfect means of reaching out to her. Whether you are beginning a relationship or growing it, here are three sure ways to connect and hold her hand.

Gimme Five

Gimme five is a classic opportunity to hold hands. Well, technically, you don’t hold hands, but touch hands, and that should be a good start. Use this technique if you are not entirely sure about your feelings towards a girl, or if you are still testing the waters.

As you go on about your friendship, there will be an opportunity to connect, to feel without committing, to see if sparks will fly. When you share a victorious moment, say winning a foosball game or finishing a project, ask the girl to give you five by holding out your palm facing up and say, “Gimme five!” With such a friendly and risk-free move, she will definitely oblige. As soon as she slaps your hand, momentarily close your eyes and savor the experience. If you felt sparks, then she’s definitely a keeper. If not, then don’t lose hope, there are other opportunities to physically connect with her and test if the relationship is headed somewhere.

I Got You

This opportunity to hold a girl’s hand arises when the girl is about to overcome an obstacle and would need support, say as she alights from a vehicle or flight of stairs or when leaping across a puddle of water. Do the following:

As the girl is about to embark on the activity, look into her eyes and convey, without words, that you are there for her. If she’s looked away and is concentrating on the obstacle in front of her, then bravely declare that you are there by saying, “I got you” or “ here,” and simultaneously hold out your hand with the palms up and fingers slightly cupped. No girl can resist a helping hand and an assured voice.

As she takes your hands, you will feel that she will cup her hands onto your palms, as if securing herself on you and may put on some weight, especially when she’s on her way down.

Respond by securely cupping your fingers and locking your elbows and shoulders to accept the added weight that she will put on you. Just be conscious not to grip too hard, as she may feel a strain if her hands are squeezed too tight.

As she overcomes her obstacle, gently ease the grip, but don’t let go of her hands just yet. This is a decision moment for you, whether to take the opportunity to continue holding her hand, or to let her go and hope for a next time.

If you decide to hold on, then ease into to the next type of holding hands, for a more comfortable connection.

If you decide to let go, then make sure she remembers the experience. As you ease-up the grip, warm up her hands to convey the honor and pleasure you experienced in the opportunity to secure her. Caress her hand by sliding your thumb on top of her hand or sliding you fingers at the side of her hand. At the same time, ask if she’s ok, or if she’s ready to go. Soon as she say’s she’s ok, gently let go and politely bid her to, “take care on your way,” or “have a good walk.”

Locked to Me

If you are in a stable relationship, then you know that physical intimacy is part of fostering your bond. Holding hands is an intricate part of your relationship. Whether you do it in private or public, holding hands does not only connect your emotions but enhances it as well. One of the most common types of holding hands is the “locked to me” way.

This style has to do with interlocking your fingers with hers, as you hold hands. Do this by putting your palms together, as if in prayer.

As your palms align, the fingers will naturally align. However, to be intertwined, pivot your palm slightly sideways and open up the spaces in between your fingers.

As your fingers open up, the girl’s fingers will naturally fall into the spaces in between, so both your fingers alternate with each other. Just curl your gingers to the back of the other’s palms and your fingers and hands become locked to each other.

As your relationship grows, you may discover other ways of holding hands, and those that will suit yours and her hand type. The important thing is never letting go, for as long as your hands are together, you and her become one.

by Pick Up Guide

Fire Pit Safety Tips

2010-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

There is certainly nothing better than having an open air barbecue over an open fire at the same time as taking pleasure in a mid summer late afternoon as the warmness of the fire caresses your face. The trick to making this a certainty is to construct a durable and sturdy outside fire pit that will perform a number of tasks in addition to providing a comfortable and warm feeling to your terrace or back garden.

The first thing you have to do is to decide on a spot for the pit. The pit is supposed to be within reach for maintenance work but beyond the reach playing kids and sufficiently far from the home in order to prevent any mishap. Best is to place the pit near the far corner of backyard with the intention that it deflects bugs away from food and guests without burning down the home. In addition be conscious of the position of lawn equipments or furniture in addition to trees and other vegetation. The open air fire pit is supposed to be easily evident from most part at any time of the day. Now that you have selected an area for your open air fire pit, you have to plan to construct the pit itself. Begin by taking into consideration the size of the pit. Think about the complete size of the pit together with the fire pit itself in addition to the materials that offer a safety edge. Get rid of any grass or combustible materials in that spot.

The edge of the open air fire pit will be made up of four sides, three sides will be fortified with heat tempered stone bricks, and the fourth side will be open. Pile bricks of a reasonable size and breadth all along the three sides of the pit. The open side must face the guest seating area in order that it’ll be easy to maintain and will offer them comfort. The height of the walls is supposed to be at least three feet. This will maintain animals and small kids safe in addition offering a way to maintain the fire under better control. Fill up the empty space of the pit with bark chips. This will turn into the fundamentals of the firing up for the initial flames.

The other thing to do is get the entire equipment needed for use with your open air fire pit. These consist of fire tongs with which to keep a check on the firewood and debris, a mode by which to begin the fire, a few burning charcoal or liquid fuel, and a pail for pouring water on the fire to douse it. A fire extinguisher is a must, should there be an emergency. If the fire pit is to be used for cooking, the kind of bricks you use in addition to the size of the pit will decide the size of the grill and how it is supposed to be laid across the pit. The tip here is to be ingenious, just take care that the grill is safe once it is operational.

An open air fire pit will make a great addition to your terrace or back garden. Just be conscious of its position, safety measures, and fire regulations in your neighborhood. Whether it’s for barbecue or grilling marshmallows, a fire pit endows with years of pleasure and satisfaction for the entire family.

by Marcella Constante

You Can Easily Treat Insomnia Naturally

2010-07-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sleep is something that every human being requires. For some people they only need a few hours of sleep every night, but for others if they don't get at a minimum eight hours, they cannot function properly during the day. Their work, their relationships and their life is impacted. Sleep in fundamental to a healthy and happy life.

Insomnia is a problem that affects millions of people each night. If you are one of these individuals and you've spent a night filled with sleeplessness, you would most certainly welcome any method that would guarantee sleep. Having first hand knowledge of how difficult it is not to be able to sleep, gives a person an appreciation for how valuable resting our bodies is.
Insomnia can be a chronic condition for some people. It may begin as a symptom of an illness or during a particularly stressful time in someone's life and it causes such a drastic disruption in the individual's sleep pattern that they struggle to find a way to regain a normal sleep pattern. Spending years struggling to find a method to sleep is a frustrating experience.

Traditional medicine offers many alternatives for people who have suffered from serious insomnia. Sleeping pills are a commonly prescribed remedy. Although they do adequately treat the insomnia, they also often have serious side-effects. One of the most serious side-effects is that they are often addictive. It becomes a trade-off for those who choose this approach. Although their insomnia is treated, they become dependent on medication and in some cases have to stay on that medication for the rest of their lives.

There are natural alternatives that a person can take to treat the insomnia. Some of these are in the form of a pill or a tablet which consists of a combination of herbs. Herbal teas are another popular choice for people who suffer from sleep problems. You simply brew a pot of the fragrant tea and sip it shortly before bed. The soothing effects of the tea lull you to sleep without the chemicals associated with traditional sleep medication. There are a variety of these types of teas available and the taste is very welcome and pleasant.
An old stand-by that many people turn to when they suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia is to warm a glass of milk. There is a chemical that is released in milk once it is heated. This chemical is called tryptophan and it works to relax the body and help you to drift off to sleep. Besides being a natural remedy for insomnia, milk also has the added benefit of being a significant source of calcium.

Suffering from insomnia can change a person's life in many ways. Without the foundation of a steady and regular pattern of sleep, they aren't able to function to the best of their ability. By researching natural remedies for insomnia, the sleeper will once again find the rest they need and do so in a way that is healthiest for their entire body.

by Abbas Abedi

The Color of Food and Weight Loss

2010-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

5 EASY Ways A Treadmill Can Help You Lose Weight & Get In Shape!

2010-07-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

So why are treadmills the #1 home exercise machine choice among buyers? Well, here are five reasons treadmills come out on ahead of other exercise machines year after year. Here are the top 5 ways home treadmill workouts can help you lose weight and get in great shape!

Reason #1: A Treadmill is the PERFECT exercise machine for those who hate exercise!

We all know that in order to lose weight, get firm & fight gravity's pull, exercise is a must!

But what do you do if you don't LIKE working out?

What if your motto is "I don't exercise. If God meant us to touch our toes, He would have put them higher on our bodies."? What if you get bored or don't like logging hours in the gym with all those muscle boys or short-shorts women?

One viable option is the home treadmill, because of all the things it allows you to do to FORGET that you are exercising in the first place!

You can set it up in front of the television and watch your favorite episode of ER or Oprah. An hour will fly by and you won't even notice that you've been walking (or running)!

What about popping in your favorite CD and taking an invigorating power walk? You'll be burning a truckload of calories without even realizing you're sweating!

Many treadmills also come with a magazine or book rack.

What about walking uphill (a HUGE calorie burner) while reading the latest edition of Woman's World? Or Time? Or your favorite novel?

How easy is that?

Treadmills are perfect for those people who get bored easily or hate exercising because they allow you to do so many things WHILE using them. (for all of us multi-tasking queens and kings!)

Reason #2: A Treadmill is Unmatched For Workout Versatility!

Most funky fly-by-night exercise gadgets out there only allow you to do one thing. One repetitive motion that your body will quickly get used to (and that means less calories burned!)

A treadmill on the other hand gives you a LOT of workout versatility!

If you're just starting an exercise program you can start with a slow walk and then speed it up as your body gets into better shape. If you're training for a marathon, you can run at a steady pace and even build in sprints.

You can power walk or do a slow steady jog. You can skip if you want to or build in fast-walk-slow-walk intervals. Many treadmills will let you walk uphill (which explodes the number calories burned!). Some will even let you walk downhill (a great way to cross-train).

Some treadmills come with handweights to incorporate into your workout. (Building muscle WHILE burning calories is a double weight loss whammy!)

There are countless ways you can vary your workout with a treadmill so that you continue to challenge your body and burn those calories!

Reason #3: A Treadmill Can Help You Burn MORE Calories by Increasing Your Exercise Time!

Did you know that a new 3 year study conducted by the University of Stanford's Graduate School of Business has found that consumers are overpaying for gym services? The study concludes that most people overestimate how often they will use their gym membership and that most don't visit the gym often enough to justify their membership costs.

I may be going out on a limb here but I suspect that the reason may be that many people just don't have the time to go. But here's where a home treadmill can help you actually increase your workout time and frequency (which means more calories burned...)

Did you know that experts tell us that 2 x 15-minute workouts can give us the same exercise benefits as 1 x 30-minute workout?

And did you also know that the number one obstacle that keeps people from exercising is 'lack of time'? (that explains those gym study results above doesn' it?)

Here's where a home treadmill can help:

A treadmill allows you to split your workouts up into mini-workouts and still burn just as many calories! Maybe you want to go for a 15 minute wake-up walk in the morning. Maybe it's a 20-minute light jog at lunch. What about a 10-minute power walk just before dinner to curb your appetite or fight night-time boredom?

Many of us just don't have the time to take 45 minutes to an hour to go to the gym every day. But most people can find 15 minutes during the day. Three of those mini-15-minute workouts and you've just done that 45 minutes!

And remember, whether it's 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 or 20, it all adds up in weight loss! With a treadmill, YOU'RE in charge of your workout time!

Reason #4: A Treadmill Gives You the Benefit of All-Year-Round ANY Time Exercise!

Ok, here it is: in my opinion one of the MOST IMPORTANT benefits of having a home treadmill is :CONVENIENCE, CONVENIENCE, CONVENIENCE! If you live in northern climates you know that walking or jogging in the snow and ice is NOT the definition of fun.

What about when it's raining? Scratch exercise off the list today! What about when it's late or really early and the gym isn't open? Forget about that workout today!

A home treadmill can be one of the best exercise comforts around because you can use it regardless of the weather or time.

How many times have we gained some unwanted winter weight and then exercised like crazy when the weather turned fair, trying to get it off? What a pain!

With a treadmill you can look great all year round because you're not missing those winter workouts!

AND you can also exercise any time in any type of clothing you want (no worrying about wearing that ratty t-shirt to the gym!). Call me petty but this is a huge convenience!

Reason #5: By Using the Large Muscles of the Legs, A Treadmill Is Helps You Burn MAJOR FAT Calories

A recent Woman's World article made the startling claim that, contrary to popular belief, gentle walking is one of the BEST ways to burn fat!

Why?

It seems that gentle walking allows your body to go STRAIGHT to the fat stores for energy instead of first depleting your sugar (glycogen) stores (used by your body for quick energy).

Not only that, there's been countless studies including one by the American Medical Association, that rank a treadmill as the number ONE cardiovascular machine for losing weight and burning calories.

By using the large muscles in your legs, you burn the maximum amount of calories. You can even increase your calories-burned by walking uphill which uses even more muscles!

Given all their benefits it's no wonder that treadmill sales have increased by 50% over the past five years!

No matter which treadmill you choose, make sure it fits your needs and lifestyle. And ENJOY!

by Kathryn O'Neill

Exercises To Get Rid Of Man Boobs And Lose Chest Fat

2010-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are simple exercises to get rid of man boobs and lose chest fat? If you are tired of the embarrassment and frustration that this problem has brought on, then these simple exercise tips could be just what you need.

Exercises to lose man breasts

1. Push Ups

This exercise is by far the most easy to do since it can be done anywhere and at anytime. Don't worry about how many push ups you can do. If you wear out after 5, that's ok. In time you will notice your chest muscles becoming tighter, and that is what you are trying to accomplish.

2. Bench Press

Here is another good exercise to lose man breasts. Start with a weight that you can easily do 6-8 reps with. Then do 2 sets of these 3 times a week, or every other day. You can add more weight as you begin building more strength.

3. Dumbbells

Using dumbbells can be very effective in getting rid of male breasts. Curls are good, as are dumbbell raises. Keep the dumbbell out in front of you and slowly raise it straight up until it becomes chin high. Hold it there for 3 seconds and then lower. You can do 6 reps of these and you will begin to notice big changes in a short amount of time.
These are just a few of the many exercises to get rid of man boobs and lose chest fat. Start with these and add more on as you go. You will begin seeing improvement in no time.

by Terry Edwards

Tips For Looking Slim - Easy Way To Look Slim

2010-06-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

We all only utilize about 20 percent of our fashion wardrobes. The idea is to use a fashion stylist to help you reduce the lousy duplicates and replace them with good pieces that you will love just as much as you may love them now. An ideal for the woman, who has a closetful of clutter but with few coordinating outfits to be salvaged, here tips for looking slim will prove a sanity saver. It is an executive mentor in book as well as a tool for developing personal style by finding the most flattering fashions and accessories for your lifestyle and personality.

Women are more conscious than men for their looks. Most physicians give minimal advice on cosmetic weight changes, most of the concern being the body’s ability to take on whatever exercise regime is introduced and to give advice against extreme fad dieting that can be dangerous. For morbid obesity, where more than ten to fifteen pounds are to be lost, or surgical options are being considered a trusted physician should be involved from the beginning, as you can assist in proper planning of weight loss to guard against causing more problems than are being addressed.

Here, however, if that piece of advice simply doesn't work for you in the end, as we all want to loose that extra weight fast and we are impatient to start showing off our newly slimmed-down summer bodies. Here is some good news for you. With a little help from the trusted wardrobes, you can all look slimmer than you really are and start enjoying the benefits of losing weight faster. Here are the basic principles.

Still, there are some commonsense to be had about developing personal style and building a sensible wardrobe that will last for a very long time. The tips for looking slim are designed probably trendier than the advice. Numerous photographs will certainly balance things out. They make looks not only great for browsing but also a visual smorgasbord of wardrobe ideas. Add to that, some tips for looking slim on packing for trips on clothing jargon, and a selective shoppers, and you may go out of date fairly quickly but won't be a shelf sitter now.

How exactly do you fold and tie a scarf? Is it really gauche to wear black to a wedding? Which design make pants that successfully camouflage wide hips? What is acceptable for the casual day at work, and what veers too far to the sloppy side? Such fashion conundrums are solved in these inspiring, sumptuously tips for looking slim.

by John William

Fitness Exercise Program - Why People Looking To Get Healthy & Lose Weight Should Follow One

2010-06-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, there are millions of people all over the world that are trying all sorts of things in order to get healthy and lose weight but without following a fitness exercise program. Trying to lose weight and get healthy without a fitness exercise program is almost like trying to gain weight without food. It does not make sense. The only way for a person to be able to shed off all those unwanted extra pounds is by burning up the calories in their body. Burning up the calories in your body cannot be easily done by simply eating less food or by just changing your diet. You will have to go on a proper diet and this diet must be accompanied by a proper fitness exercise program if you want to reach your goal.

So, why should you follow a fitness exercise program?

* First and foremost, anything that has to be done well in this world needs a proper plan of action to be followed through to the end. Without a plan you will not be able to keep track of your progress. Having a fitness exercise program will make sure that you work every part of your body with the correct intensity and order.

* With the help of a fitness exercise program, you will know exactly how to work out your body. Some people want to lose weight but just do not have a clue as to when they should do what exercise and exactly how to do each exercise. It is hopeless to do the exercises you need without knowing how to do them properly. You will need a proper fitness exercise program that will guide you through each and every step of the way and teach you how to do the exercises that are necessary to burn those calories.

* With the correct kind of fitness exercise program, you will be able to use up the calories that need to be burnt to lose weight. For you to be able to shed off those unwanted pounds of fat, you need to make sure that your body is burning more calories than you are eating.

* Without a proper exercise program you may just be going for jogs in the evening and reaching home all sweaty and tired but in the end discovering that you have not achieved your goal. A proper program will let you know how many calories a certain workout regimen will get rid of and in what approximated amount of time. You will know that in two weeks this is the progress you should see and in a month another step and so on and so forth.

If you are really serious about getting in shape and being healthy again then it is time for you to stop considering whether or not you need a fitness exercise program. It is necessary and you should get one today.

by Jonathan Register

Cellulite - Available Solutions

2010-06-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Cellulite is one of the most common problems women try to deal with everyday. Cellulite is actually fat deposits under the skin, yes girls fat. The excess fat beneath the skin, is uneven causing a bumpy, dimply appearance of the skin.

The cellulite mostly appears on the buttocks or thighs which are more fat parts of the women's body.

The causes of cellulite:

1. Genes - women have more fat on the thighs and buttocks for pregnancy causes, some women have more fat than others and some have less fat, depending on the family genes.

2. Hormones imbalance- excess of the female hormone, estrogen, can cause weakening of the connective tissues which allows fat to get into the tissues and creates the bumpy texture of the skin.

3. Nutrition- People who don't watch their diet and eat junk food have more toxics and fat in their body which being transferred under the tissues causing cellulite.

There are many options to treat cellulite, some works better than others. The results are very individual and each woman should find the best treatment for her cellulite. There are good natural ways to treat the cellulite by using seaweeds, oils, like rosemary oil, sesame oil, and more. There are various products which can help to treat the cellulite, like special creams and lotions. There are also different kinds of devices for cellulite treatment which can be used at home or in beauty salons. The best result may come when combining the treatments with every day balanced diet, which includes, vegetables, fruit, whole bran, and more; exercise, even only a daily walk; special massages; quitting smoking, and more. If you suffer from cellulite don't just live with it, go see a doctor and find the best solution for your cellulite problem.

by David

Easy Spaghetti Recipe: Restaurant Favorites

2010-06-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Spaghetti recipe is a well known dish from Italy. There are tons of easy ways to eat your spaghetti. Here are below the 2 most common ways to have your home made spaghetti. These also can be found in great restaurants around the world. Here are these secrets of favorites Spaghetti recipe.

Adriatic Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:
1 Bay leaf
1 Green chili pepper chopped
1 lb Spaghetti
1 small Octopus (about 3 1/4 pounds)
1 teaspoon of Cumin seeds
1/2 cup of Olive oil
1/2 lb Of Tomatoes, peeled and cut into strips
3 Cloves garlic, (inner buds removed), chopped
Chopped parsley
Oregano
Rosemary
Salt and pepper

Adriatic Spaghetti Instructions:

Wash and dried the octopus cautiously and do not forget to remove the mouth. Coat the saucepan with oil and then add the bay leaf, rosemary, cumin seeds, oregano, chili pepper, parsley, chopped garlic and tomatoes. On top of the mixture, put the octopus and flavor with pepper and salt.

For 45 to 60 minutes, let it boil and please do not forget to cover the pot tightly. Let the spaghetti boil in water then add salt. Let it boil till it is firm to bite. Remove water and then let it drain, then place it into a serving dish. Mix the sauce that you have just prepare above into the spaghetti

Serve 4-6 people.

Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup of Plain flour
1 cup of Celery, finely chopped
1 cup of dried parsley
1 Tablespoon of Garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of Red cayenne pepper
1/2 cup of Bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup of Olive oil
1/4 tablespoon Dried mint
2 cup of Onions, finely chopped
2 lb of Italian sausage
3 cups Tomato sauce
3 Tablespoon of Lea & Perrins
2 cup of Water
2 cups of Dry white wine

Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce Instructions:

Slice into 2 in lengths the Italian sausages. Half cook the sausage in olive oil till it gets a brownish color. Take the sausages from the pan. Make Roux by adding flour to oil that was used. Add celery, bell pepper and onions. By adding up water, mix until it becomes smooth. After that adds wine garlic and parsley.

Pour the lea & Perrins sauce, tomato sauce, dried mint and red pepper. Continue the mixing. Carry to boiling water and add salt to your taste. Add sausage and take it to boil again. Cook it for about 3 4 hours.

Tips: here is my way of eating it is to topped spaghetti with cheese. I used to do while I am revising since it takes a little time to be cooked.

Servings: 8

by Shannon N Jefferson

Pros And Cons Of School Uniforms

2010-06-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.

by Isaac Grauke

Impotence Treatment Options

2010-06-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Male impotence may be more of a problem than many people think if the studies carried out in the USA are indicative of men around the world because in America, 10 per cent of men between the ages of 18 and 70 have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection,; amazingly this figure increases to 52% of men between 40 and 70. Estimates from research now indicate that anywhere between 18 and 30 million males in America alone are affected and have sought advice on impotence treatments.

Where impotence treatments have been used successfully they have shown improvements in the intimacy between couples including sexual aspects and have helped with depression and aspects of everyday life. Some people believe that if you suffer from premature ejaculation then you have an erectile dysfunction and require impotence treatment but this is not necessarily the case.

Any impotence treatments should begin with those that are the least invasive first and before this, any drugs that could be harmful should be stopped. The next stage to consider is psychotherapy and modifying the individual's behavior, if this doesn't work then the use of vacuum devices is looked at then drugs, both oral and injected, implanted devices and finally, surgery itself.

Using the male's partner, impotence treatment techniques can be used that help relax and reduce the man's anxiety when he thinks about the problems he has with intercourse. Often the problem is a physical one and these techniques are used to treat those with success as well.

Impotence treatments that use drugs can be based around those taken orally, injected or inserted into the penis. After much debate, the wonder impotence drug Viagra was given approval for use by the FDA in March 1998; it was the first such pill to be used and needed to be taken an hour before intercourse. Injected drugs can create an erection almost immediately but Viagra assists the response to sexual stimulation but can only be used once a day.

Oral testosterone can reduce the amount of impotence treatment required by some men with low levels of natural testosterone; however, some observed improvements following their use may be examples of the placebo effect.

The impotence treatment which uses a drug injected into the penis creates the erection by filling the penis with blood. However, a persistent erection and sometimes scarring are unwanted side effects using this form of treatment. A pellet of Alprostadil inserted into the tip of the penis using an applicator create an erection in as little as 10 minutes which may last anywhere from half to one hour.

Vacuum cylinders that encase the penis are a form of impotence treatment that uses a partial vacuum to draw blood into the penis thereby creating an erection. Once the vacuum cylinder is removed an elastic band is put around the base of the penis to maintain the erection during intercourse.

Owing to the size of the problem, impotence treatments are improving all the time so before any decision is made it is worthwhile speaking to your physician first. Before using any form of drug or device for treating impotence, prescribed or not, it is worthwhile investigating any possible side effects.

by Joy Martin

How Do You Know If Someone Has A Passive Aggressive Behaviour?

2010-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

This may come as a surprise to you, but Passive Aggressive behavior is pervasive. Given the fact that open aggression in interpersonal relations is now seen as a despicable fact, punished by law, more and more of men's aggression goes underground. As women claimed more of their own power, some of the men around began to feel unsettled by the role change. Even when they are some women which behave in this way, it is prevalent in men, who use it to protect themselves from the aspects of the relationship they can't deal with. At a wider level, this response has far reaching consequences on family and work life.

Let's look carefully at the sources of your unhappiness, to know if the difficulties are caused by PA behavior that you can neither anticipate nor manage well.

You fall in love and it looks like you will have a companion, someone to share wonderful moments together when you begin perceiving that your companion is always upset, and making you the responsible party of all differences. When something happens, you don't have a conversation where both sides examine what happened and learn from it, taking responsibility for each one's behavior. No, you have a temper tantrum and a guilt inducing session, so strong that you can end up thinking that you are so stupid, so unable to make him/her happy, that you end up feeling as a miserable wreck, or worse.

If you are dealing with passive aggressive people without realizing what is going on, it can be crazy making. You feel dismissed, shut down, ignored but in a subtle enough way that you don't know how to process and react. Your judging brain is being slowly impaired.and diminished by this constant negative environment. You can be accommodating, pleasant and patient, but the situation does not improve; at some point, you explode. Over time, this can turn into a vicious cycle: passive aggressive behavior begets anger and finger-pointing, which in turn begets more passive-aggressive behavior. You find yourself screaming, slamming doors and feeling out of control, which was not part of your behavior before.

Ask yourself these questions:

* Does your partner become angry with you about things over which you have no control? Is he blaming and punishing you for things that happen to him/her that you had no part in?

* Is your partner frequently sullen, depressed and angry about small life circumstances, but ignore the big problems, thus never facing them?

* Do you receive complaints about you don't appreciating him/her enough, not being able to appreciate even when you do more than ever to please this person?

* Is he expressing a deep idea of being cursed by life, being left behind by others who are responsible for all his problems? Does she ever take any responsibility for what happens to her?

* Is your partner describing a world that is his own creation, impervious to whatever you can say to change that? If you offer a different, more positive construct of the world, of your common friends, family and work acquaintances, is it rejected as "fabrications" because what this person sees is the only "truth"?

OK, now, be brave: Does the person you are dealing with displays at least three of the above behaviors? If the answer is YES then you are probably dealing with a passive-aggressive person who never learned how to be in an equal, mature relationship and is reproducing unresolved personal pain from childhood into this new and presumably "more mature" relationship.

If all of this translates later into any kind of abusive behavior, at least you can understand better what happens and how can you regain your integrity and self-respect.

THREE SHORTCUTS TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY:

1.- The main problem with passive aggressive behavior is first how to identify this interaction, because the same mind that needs to observe and evaluate (yours) is being confused by a barrage of mixed rational/emotional contradictory messages.

Then, we need to accept confusion and emotional pain as indicators of being in the presence of a relationship with a passive aggressive (PA) person. Is not that you are a less intelligent person; is that another person is confusing you!

2. - A person who displays PA traits is a person who never learnt how to accept and manage his anger, using twisted behavior to project his responsibility on others ("you made him angry") so blaming others for everything real or imaginary that happens to them. Deeply inside, they are emotionally unavailable and can't allow anybody to get very emotionally close, so displaying PA traits is a way to deflect the intensity of feelings, and recover the security of their inner isolation by backing off from emotional intimacy. DON'T feel rejected at a personal level.

3. - It is not related to YOU! You don't have to be a beauty queen, a very successful manager or a sex bombshell to make him happy: it has nothing to do with what you can offer him. Whatever you are, he is probably NOT relating to who you are, but reacting to his own image of what an intimate partner means for him. Getting to know what happens (you attracted a PA person to be your love relationship) has at least to give you this fact for sure: his reactions have nothing to do with you, because he would react in the same way to any one who threatens to enter into his private world. His fear is not of you, but of intimacy and yielding to emotional compromise with any woman.

UNDERSTANDING the three shortcuts you will be able to regain control of the interaction, know where you are when conflict appears and have more power to decide what is next in your life.

by Nora Femenia

Seducing Your Man: In Bed And Out Of It

2010-06-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be a walking sex manual or have a body like a Hollywood siren to qualify to be an erotic enchantress. But you do have to learn to manipulate a man's most sensitive organ: His brain. More than your technique, it is your attitude that will enable you to cast a spell and hold your man in sexual thrall. Capture a man's imagination - and his body is yours.

And many a male mind is free for the taking. That's because a great number of men are practically bored out of bed by the uninspired sexual patterns they have established with their regular lovers. They are tired too of always feeling responsible for the pleasure of passive partners. Instead, they long for a self-confident seductress who is willing to take charge (at least once in a while) in order to fulfil her sexual needs which are not merely to achieve an orgasm, but to actively deliver one as well.

Fiona, a 27-year-old executive says, "Sometimes, I think that the steamiest, most romantic times of my life were at school, when I wasn't yet ready to go all the way. So, when I meet a man I am attracted to, I enjoy necking, holding hands at the movies or dancing close.

"When it's obvious that we are going to make love, I pretend I am 16 again. Rather than jump into bed right away, I tell him, may be next time - and make sure I give a good excuse.

"This gives me a chance to get to know him better before we become intimate. The waiting brings our desire to the boiling point - and keeps it bubbling."

Once, a woman was able to exercise her erotic power only by saying "no" to a man. If she said 'yes," it meant she agreed to do whatever her lover wanted, whenever he wanted to do it. But, today, women can be in control of most sexual situations - if they want to be.

Building up a man's hunger, say experts, is a successful strategy in a long-term relationship as well. Many men turn to extramarital affairs because they find a partner who is more inventive and playful - qualities that tend to slip away in a marriage.

DISCOVER NEW METHODS

Many couples fall into a sexual rut. They depend on a few tried - and tested erotic routines. And that's it. Over the years, they set up a kind of non-verbal contract: These positions or practices are okay; those are too inky. Men and women may also think that their partner would be shocked if they suggest anything but the most straitlaced sex. So, they remain silent and fantasise about other, more adventurous partners.

Men still seem to divide women into coy partners and whores. As a result, it's often up to the woman to rid the man of his inhibitions and tempt him into sex acts he's scared of suggesting. Making a few bold suggestions or picking a new, naughty place to make love can reap major relationship benefits. Show him he can turn to you for the erotic excitement he craves and he'll never think about searching for it elsewhere.

When it comes to size, Freud may have been wrong. Women don't suffer from penis envy - men do! A man is always afraid his partner has known other lovers who are bigger and better endowed. He fears he's too small, too fast, too slow, too unskilled, and that his performance will not meet her expectations.

But a sexual enchantress knows how to nip these fears in the bud before they reach the bedroom. She makes her partner feel more secure, lavishes attention and even reverses the usual sexual roles. When she does this, she dispels all his insecurities and makes him feel like the greatest lover alive.

No, you may not have a spectacular climax if you are concentrating solely on your partner's pleasure but, after such an exhilarating and ego-enhancing experience, most men are more than willing to return the favour.

REMEMBER ROMANCE

Romance! Remember romance? It used to come before the sex. Romance is essential to seduction and seduction is necessary for peace of mind. It gives us the time to persuade ourselves that we are doing the right thing even when we aren't. The death of romance is the reason seduction has become a lost art. And that is a tragedy because skilful seduction can lead to wonderful, satisfying sex. Seduction is the civilised prelude to sex. Without the sophistry of seduction, sex is just a mechanical act.

To learn how to seduce a man, you have to understand why romance is so important. For generations, women have been told (and this may come as a shock to some) that romance is what matters for women. That's not really true. All the time, it was the other way around.

The whole tedious card, flowers, flattery and phone calls routine is for his benefit. In fact, a skilful seduction scenario is absolutely essential if he is to rise to the occasion.

It doesn't really matter who appears to be seducing whom as long as you are comfortable and relaxed with each other once you actually shut the bedroom decor. Confidence and security is all about. Specially his!

Seduction isn't some crude a wrestling match! It is the subtlest power-play there is between men and women because it is ultimately about getting what you want. Does it matter who wins, as long as no one loses?

More sex - more health: Recent research has revealed that couples who make love once or twice a week are less likely to catch colds, flu or stomach bugs. Sex has been described as the ultimate analgesic - a natural painkiller - and it is far cheaper and more pleasurable than any prescribed medicine. There is also strong evidence that "feel-good" chemicals released by the brain during sex, act as painkillers. Some studies have revealed that sex can relieve the pain of a headache and even arthritis. Blood flow increase to all parts of the body and this takes pressure away from the brain, while complete relaxation after an orgasm reduces tension in all muscle groups.

During lovemaking, the sense of smell becomes more sensitive, the feeling of drowsiness after sex is partly due to the rush of blood and the release of a chemical called oxytocin which helps to create feelings of relaxation and warmth. Also, about half an hour after sex, a person becomes more mentally alert. Researchers have also correlated longevity with the frequency of sex for both men and women. Making love twice a week can make people an average 1.6 years younger in health terms.

While, in terms of aerobic activity, the gains are negligible, it is, by far, the most enjoyable way to burn up between 400 to 1000 kilojoules an hour!

Sex has other benefits on women's health - it can help regulate oestrogen levels and may also reduce the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome. It has special benefits for men, particularly if they are over 40. Research has shown that regular sex is important in the prevention of prostate cancer in later life. It also boosts the level of the male hormone, testosterone which may have a protective effect on the heart.

Sex and the urban woman: It has now been established that stress in the city (especially for women) is much higher than anywhere else. Sleep problems and anxiety about managing home and work, often put them in a permanent state of shattered nerves, chronic fatigue, panic attacks and migraine. Many women confess that they live half their lives under stress. This naturally leaves hardly any room for relaxation with family and friends - much less for spontaneity in sex.

When sex is painful: It is common for women to suffer from painful intercourse at some stage in their life. For most, it will be a passing discomfort - probably with a known reason - but, unfortunately for some, it becomes a regular feature of lovemaking. This can have a devastating effect on the physical and emotional enjoyment experienced by both partners. Lack of arousal causes pain and pain blocks arousal. Many women find that they are caught up in a pain cycle. Having already experienced painful intercourse, they begin to fear more pain.

There are some temporary conditions... after childbirth, it is quite common for women to feel some discomfort. If you are menopausal, you may find that intercourse becomes painful because of lowered oestrogen levels.

Cystitis or vaginal irritations and warts also cause soreness. Some women are sensitive to condoms, contraceptive creams or certain lubricants.

If the pain is in the lower abdomen or to one side, you should consult a doctor to rule out gynaec disorders like endometriosis, prolapse, cysts, fibriosis, uterine retroversion and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Tips For Increasing Arousal

Relax: This is the most important thing you can do. Try a relaxing bath. Relationship issues: Be sure that your head and your heart are in the mood for sex as well as your body.

Exercise your pelvic floor muscles: This increases blood flow to the genital area and makes you more conscious of any sensations of arousal.

Try fantasy: Get yourself into a dreamy mood by slipping into your favourite fantasy.

Enjoy being sensual before you are sexual: Take your time and let your body focus on the pleasurable sensations of touch.

Lubricate: If you are finding it hard to arouse yourself, a little lubrication will help.

If you have been suffering from painful intercourse for a while, it is better to consult a doctor so that any underlying causes can be diagnosed.

by Michael Douglas