i know sir wont count this as an entry but my God.. weeeeh!!!!!!!!! im so inlove..hahahahaha!! hahay....,
Saturday, March 24, 2007
*Love is a Fallacy
Seeing the title, I thought it would all mushy and all lovey-dovey, but to my surprise it really wasn’t. I actually learned a lot from it. At the beginning of the story, I started to get so aggravated with the man who was telling the story. He was so full of himself. He spoke like he knew everything. He was so full of pride. His roommate on the other hand was I guess his complete opposite. He was such a couch potato. One thing in this story that made me want to jump right into the story and smack those guys’ heads was when they made that deal. The deal wherein the Petey chose that insignificant product of torture over Polly!! That made me so furious. I hate guys like that. If he really didn’t care for Polly as much as that raccoon coat, he shouldn’t have “deceived” her that he was really into her. And what was his reason for passionately wanting that coat? Because everyone else had it! And he just wanted to be like everyone else, he wanted to fit in. Oh ya, that was another contrast between him and the one who told the story. Anyway, moving on. A lot of people now a days are like Petey Bellows. We often hear kids now whining: "But MOM everyone's wearing it!" Or, how many times have you heard this: "But DAD I've got to go to the party, everybody will be there. I've just got to! "Behind all of this is the driving need to "belong" and the intolerable fear of being "alone." To say it another way, we are social animals. We have to be around people. We go "crazy" when isolated, over time, from all human contact. We must see and be seen. Talk and be listened to. Touch and be touched. Smile and be smiled at. Laugh together. Share. But sometimes things like this get out off hand, when pressure comes around. "Peer pressure" is what holds the group together. "Peer pressure" is what creates the required attire, slang, and behavior of a group. "Peer pressure" is the price we will pay for being "accepted" into the group. Belonging is a good thing and of course it’s normal but if we have to practically change who we are just to fit in, then that isn’t right already.
We all know we want to be accepted and to belong to a group of friends. I know I want to have that. But also, I want to feel good about myself. And forcing myself, changing the real me just to be someone’s friend isn’t going to do it. Because no matter if I take a 360-degree change, I’d still know deep down in me that they don’t really like me for me. Like Petey Bellows. What happens when he loses his raccoon coat? What happens to those things he took advantage of? Like Polly Espy, whose only reason why she went steady with him at the end was because of that coat? Well, I guess some people like it that way. Some people are blinded by all the material things in this world that they forget about the more important things in people, like how true one can be to himself.
We all know we want to be accepted and to belong to a group of friends. I know I want to have that. But also, I want to feel good about myself. And forcing myself, changing the real me just to be someone’s friend isn’t going to do it. Because no matter if I take a 360-degree change, I’d still know deep down in me that they don’t really like me for me. Like Petey Bellows. What happens when he loses his raccoon coat? What happens to those things he took advantage of? Like Polly Espy, whose only reason why she went steady with him at the end was because of that coat? Well, I guess some people like it that way. Some people are blinded by all the material things in this world that they forget about the more important things in people, like how true one can be to himself.
*A Summary of Max Schulman's "Love Is a Fallacy"
This story is about this 18-year-old boy. Very keen, calculating, perspicacious, acute, and astute. Not a lot of men his age were as intellectual as him. Take for example his roommate, Petey Bellows. A complete dumbbell.
This one afternoon the guy found Petey lying on his bed with some weird look on his face. He immediately thought it was appendicitis. But to his surprise, it was something less then that.
“Raccoon”, he mumbled.
He wanted a raccoon coat because everyone else had it! Such a faddist. He kept whining about how he should have known that it was going to come back in style.
"All the Big Men on Campus are wearing them”, he said continuing his complaints. As for the guy, he didn’t care about being in the swim with everybody else.
Petey would give up anything for a raccoon coat maybe even Polly Espy, this girl he went out with who “excited his emotions.” It just so happened the guy knew where to get a raccoon coat. His dad had one when he was younger and it’s now kept in their attic.
He wanted her and Petey wanted the coat. It was a fair deal. He could give the coat to Petey in exchange with a date with Polly. Not long after he told Petey about what he wanted, Petey agreed.
That evening the guy took Polly out on their first date. Just great, another complete dumbbell. But he though to himself: It is, after all, easier to make a beautiful dumb girl smart than to make an ugly smart girl beautiful. They first went out for dinner, to a movie, then he took her home. Though her choice of words like delish, marvy and sensaysh, wasn’t as delightful as how she looked, he was still determined to make her the woman of his dreams. He had to teach her how to think. On their next date, he wanted to have a talk, about logic. He taught her about the different fallacies. Dicto Simpliciter, Hasty Generalization, Post Hoc and Contradictory Premises were the first few fallacies he discussed on their second date which left Polly confused after every explanation. He was ready to give up until he thought to himself that if he does, then he just wasted one evening. Why not waste another evening, maybe she’d get it the next time. Though he was running out of hope, he gave it another shot.
The next evening still under the same oak tree he taught about Ad Misericordiam, False Analogy and Hypothesis Contrary. Same old reactions. Still a dumbbell. When he taught her the last fallacy, Poisoning the Well, to his surprise she was able to get it. She was able to answer his questions right. It took him five strenuous night to get Polly to think! And he was proud that he finally has the girl of his dreams. His job was done. She was worthy of him at last. He started to express how he really felt for her, but to his shocker, she used all the fallacies she learned against him. He professed his love for her, but she still used them against him. He had no way out. He couldn’t believe his eyes that this girl was out smarting him. Though he was mortified by everything, he finally asked her if she would go steady with him. Polly, without even a second thought, said “no”. “Why?”, he asked her. The reason was because she promised Petey Bellows that she’d go steady with him that afternoon. He was taken aback.
Petey Bellows? After he promised and made a deal?
How could he?! Well, it wasn’t his fault he had a raccoon coat!
This one afternoon the guy found Petey lying on his bed with some weird look on his face. He immediately thought it was appendicitis. But to his surprise, it was something less then that.
“Raccoon”, he mumbled.
He wanted a raccoon coat because everyone else had it! Such a faddist. He kept whining about how he should have known that it was going to come back in style.
"All the Big Men on Campus are wearing them”, he said continuing his complaints. As for the guy, he didn’t care about being in the swim with everybody else.
Petey would give up anything for a raccoon coat maybe even Polly Espy, this girl he went out with who “excited his emotions.” It just so happened the guy knew where to get a raccoon coat. His dad had one when he was younger and it’s now kept in their attic.
He wanted her and Petey wanted the coat. It was a fair deal. He could give the coat to Petey in exchange with a date with Polly. Not long after he told Petey about what he wanted, Petey agreed.
That evening the guy took Polly out on their first date. Just great, another complete dumbbell. But he though to himself: It is, after all, easier to make a beautiful dumb girl smart than to make an ugly smart girl beautiful. They first went out for dinner, to a movie, then he took her home. Though her choice of words like delish, marvy and sensaysh, wasn’t as delightful as how she looked, he was still determined to make her the woman of his dreams. He had to teach her how to think. On their next date, he wanted to have a talk, about logic. He taught her about the different fallacies. Dicto Simpliciter, Hasty Generalization, Post Hoc and Contradictory Premises were the first few fallacies he discussed on their second date which left Polly confused after every explanation. He was ready to give up until he thought to himself that if he does, then he just wasted one evening. Why not waste another evening, maybe she’d get it the next time. Though he was running out of hope, he gave it another shot.
The next evening still under the same oak tree he taught about Ad Misericordiam, False Analogy and Hypothesis Contrary. Same old reactions. Still a dumbbell. When he taught her the last fallacy, Poisoning the Well, to his surprise she was able to get it. She was able to answer his questions right. It took him five strenuous night to get Polly to think! And he was proud that he finally has the girl of his dreams. His job was done. She was worthy of him at last. He started to express how he really felt for her, but to his shocker, she used all the fallacies she learned against him. He professed his love for her, but she still used them against him. He had no way out. He couldn’t believe his eyes that this girl was out smarting him. Though he was mortified by everything, he finally asked her if she would go steady with him. Polly, without even a second thought, said “no”. “Why?”, he asked her. The reason was because she promised Petey Bellows that she’d go steady with him that afternoon. He was taken aback.
Petey Bellows? After he promised and made a deal?
How could he?! Well, it wasn’t his fault he had a raccoon coat!
Friday, March 23, 2007
dangerous to your health mother!
There is evidence that smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using marijuana is a strong precursor to serious drug addiction. The pathway that leads to addiction often begins with cigarettes and alcohol. This does not mean that all who smoke cigarettes use drugs or used to use drugs. However, when children smoke, it can be an early sign of rebellious behavior. This is especially true if your family does not smoke.
When children start experimenting with drugs they usually begin with those that don't seem very dangerous to them. Typically this involves alcohol and marijuana. Once the thrill of these drugs wears off, kids will often move on to drugs like speed, LSD [acid], and PCP. Later on, if experimentation develops into addiction, kids may move onto cocaine and heroin.
Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way drugs or alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may take drugs or drink because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol or drug problems include those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents or who have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems (such as depression) are at increased risk.
Teens may try a variety of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, household chemicals (inhalants), prescription and nonprescription medications, and illegal drugs (most commonly marijuana).
Substance abuse can increase risk-taking behaviors, which can have serious consequences. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases resulting from unprotected sexual activity.
Teen substance abuse can have a negative impact on self-esteem, relationship skills, physical and emotional independence, and future plans. As a result, teen drug or alcohol problems may lead to difficulty building meaningful personal relationships or holding a job.
Some drugs produced today are extremely potent, and even casual use of certain substances such as heroin or cocaine can cause severe medical problems, such as overdose or brain damage. Teens who try highly addictive drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin run an increased risk of becoming dependent (addicted). In addition, many illegal drugs today are made in backyard labs, so they can vary greatly in potency and can easily become contaminated with bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances.
If the person is using alcohol or drugs, you may notice changes in behavior and mood at home, in grades and attitude toward school, and in friends and leisure activities. You may also find evidence such as cigarettes or drugs in your teen's possession, chemical-soaked rags or papers in the trash, or paint or other stains on his or her clothing, hands, or face. The smell of smoke or alcohol on your teen's clothing or breath may also indicate a substance abuse problem.
When children start experimenting with drugs they usually begin with those that don't seem very dangerous to them. Typically this involves alcohol and marijuana. Once the thrill of these drugs wears off, kids will often move on to drugs like speed, LSD [acid], and PCP. Later on, if experimentation develops into addiction, kids may move onto cocaine and heroin.
Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way drugs or alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may take drugs or drink because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol or drug problems include those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents or who have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems (such as depression) are at increased risk.
Teens may try a variety of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, household chemicals (inhalants), prescription and nonprescription medications, and illegal drugs (most commonly marijuana).
Substance abuse can increase risk-taking behaviors, which can have serious consequences. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases resulting from unprotected sexual activity.
Teen substance abuse can have a negative impact on self-esteem, relationship skills, physical and emotional independence, and future plans. As a result, teen drug or alcohol problems may lead to difficulty building meaningful personal relationships or holding a job.
Some drugs produced today are extremely potent, and even casual use of certain substances such as heroin or cocaine can cause severe medical problems, such as overdose or brain damage. Teens who try highly addictive drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin run an increased risk of becoming dependent (addicted). In addition, many illegal drugs today are made in backyard labs, so they can vary greatly in potency and can easily become contaminated with bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances.
If the person is using alcohol or drugs, you may notice changes in behavior and mood at home, in grades and attitude toward school, and in friends and leisure activities. You may also find evidence such as cigarettes or drugs in your teen's possession, chemical-soaked rags or papers in the trash, or paint or other stains on his or her clothing, hands, or face. The smell of smoke or alcohol on your teen's clothing or breath may also indicate a substance abuse problem.
what makes a good boyfriend?!
What makes a good boyfriend?
I bet many women wished they knew to ask this question. A good boyfriend respects you as an equal. He shows his respect by being interested in what you say. And he treats you the same when his friends are around as when he's with you alone.
You can trust him to do what he says, like call you if he says he'll call. He makes you feel good about yourself-all of you, how smart you are, what you look like, the things you like to do. He doesn't pressure you for sex or cheat on you. He never physically hurts you and, if he hurts your feelings, he says he's sorry and really works hard never to do it again.
A good boyfriend demonstrates the kind of values that are important to you, like genuineness, honesty, and loyalty (he doesn't go out with other girls behind your back!). The way your boyfriend treats you is very important. Can you and your boyfriend communicate? Can you share feelings about important things with him? Do you trust him not to tell other people secrets you may have shared with him? Does he share his thoughts and feelings with you? A good boyfriend should be sensitive to your feelings and understanding of you.
Can you be yourself around your boyfriend, or do you feel that you are always putting on a show for him? Being able to be relaxed and natural with your boyfriend means that there is a lot of mutual acceptance between the two of you. Does your boyfriend show you affection in ways that you like, such as holding your hand or putting his arm around you? A good boyfriend will treat you as an equal and respect your wishes about important matters. He will understand the word "no," especially about sex. He will also be OK when you want to spend time with your family or friends. A good boyfriend won't smother you and demand all of your time.
A good boyfriend is someone who loves you (you will know if he does because you'll get that feeling.) Also, if you need something, he doesn't mind doing it for you. Don't be confused though, you can't say a boyfriend is a bad one because he doesn't call you like he said he would. Trust me, boys just don't think about that kind of stuff: unlike girls. Basically, if he treats you well, respects your beliefs and needs, and is there for you when you need him, he is a good boyfriend.
Another "must" is a good sense of humor. Does your boyfriend make you laugh, and do you have fun with him? Boyfriends are more fun if they share similar interests and like to do some of the things you like to do. Remember, in choosing a boyfriend, there are a lot of great guys out there, so don't settle for less than you want and deserve. Don’t just get that certain guy because he’s the only one there either.
I bet many women wished they knew to ask this question. A good boyfriend respects you as an equal. He shows his respect by being interested in what you say. And he treats you the same when his friends are around as when he's with you alone.
You can trust him to do what he says, like call you if he says he'll call. He makes you feel good about yourself-all of you, how smart you are, what you look like, the things you like to do. He doesn't pressure you for sex or cheat on you. He never physically hurts you and, if he hurts your feelings, he says he's sorry and really works hard never to do it again.
A good boyfriend demonstrates the kind of values that are important to you, like genuineness, honesty, and loyalty (he doesn't go out with other girls behind your back!). The way your boyfriend treats you is very important. Can you and your boyfriend communicate? Can you share feelings about important things with him? Do you trust him not to tell other people secrets you may have shared with him? Does he share his thoughts and feelings with you? A good boyfriend should be sensitive to your feelings and understanding of you.
Can you be yourself around your boyfriend, or do you feel that you are always putting on a show for him? Being able to be relaxed and natural with your boyfriend means that there is a lot of mutual acceptance between the two of you. Does your boyfriend show you affection in ways that you like, such as holding your hand or putting his arm around you? A good boyfriend will treat you as an equal and respect your wishes about important matters. He will understand the word "no," especially about sex. He will also be OK when you want to spend time with your family or friends. A good boyfriend won't smother you and demand all of your time.
A good boyfriend is someone who loves you (you will know if he does because you'll get that feeling.) Also, if you need something, he doesn't mind doing it for you. Don't be confused though, you can't say a boyfriend is a bad one because he doesn't call you like he said he would. Trust me, boys just don't think about that kind of stuff: unlike girls. Basically, if he treats you well, respects your beliefs and needs, and is there for you when you need him, he is a good boyfriend.
Another "must" is a good sense of humor. Does your boyfriend make you laugh, and do you have fun with him? Boyfriends are more fun if they share similar interests and like to do some of the things you like to do. Remember, in choosing a boyfriend, there are a lot of great guys out there, so don't settle for less than you want and deserve. Don’t just get that certain guy because he’s the only one there either.
are you boy crazy?
It's more than OK to like boys and to want to have a boyfriend—most girls do. "Boy crazy," though, means that a girl is overly concerned about meeting boys and getting a boyfriend. Having a boyfriend is more important to her than anything else. She is preoccupied with boy watching and boys' opinions to the exclusion of everything else.
Some girls are boy crazy because they need a lot of attention and aren't getting it from home, especially from their fathers. Others need boys to provide some of the qualities they need and want but think they can't get for themselves, like power (he will protect her all the time) or status (thinking people will admire her because of who her boyfriend is) or independence (he has a car and can give her a ride somewhere or an excuse to get out of her house for awhile). Girls who are boy crazy often have not developed their own identity and don't have a life of their own. Unfortunately, these girls don't invest their time in finding out who they are and don't develop their own abilities and interests. Instead, they give up their own development for the pursuit of boys. Sadly, girls who are boy crazy just don't think they are as important as having a boyfriend is.
If you have a friend who is boy crazy, try talking to her. Or even show her this book. It might get her thinking.
There's lots of pressure to hook up with a guy. There's a hidden message in our society that a girl is not OK if she is not interested in a relationship with a guy. In fact, for most teenage girls, having a boy friend really boosts their self-confidence. But having a boyfriend shouldn't be the only way to feel happy and secure. Girls who are boy crazy are driven to have a boyfriend as if their lives depended on it. They forget about finding other ways to make themselves feel important and valuable, and they often lose out on developing their interests, talents, and friendships with other girls. Being boy crazy means you're missing out on too many other things. It's like having a one-track mind. You can't see anything else, even yourself.
When a girl has a mad crush on a boy, evidence can inevitably be found on her notebook – her first name written with his last name or a hyphen joining her last name to his. Eventually, however, it goes beyond the notebook. Boy-crazy girls might get up the confidence to send him instant messages and e-mails, and they might go so far as to record love songs and leave them on a boy's answering machine.
Even when it's not with a boy, most teen girls love to chat on the phone or on the Internet, but parents may want to have a heart-to-heart discussion about communication etiquette – especially when boys are involved. Teen girls have become increasingly more assertive than their female role models of an older generation. They are more likely to initiate phone calls, dates and even insist on having sex.
Middle and high school girls know being assertive helps them succeed in leadership roles. Therefore, they might be confused when their assertiveness is not readily accepted by a romantic interest.
Being boy crazy is also often a matter of having too much romantic energy. I have read that some parents would let their daughters watch soap operas or read romantic novels instead of calling their crushes from a cell phone 50 times a day or inventing screen names to talk anonymously to him on the Internet.
Some girls are boy crazy because they need a lot of attention and aren't getting it from home, especially from their fathers. Others need boys to provide some of the qualities they need and want but think they can't get for themselves, like power (he will protect her all the time) or status (thinking people will admire her because of who her boyfriend is) or independence (he has a car and can give her a ride somewhere or an excuse to get out of her house for awhile). Girls who are boy crazy often have not developed their own identity and don't have a life of their own. Unfortunately, these girls don't invest their time in finding out who they are and don't develop their own abilities and interests. Instead, they give up their own development for the pursuit of boys. Sadly, girls who are boy crazy just don't think they are as important as having a boyfriend is.
If you have a friend who is boy crazy, try talking to her. Or even show her this book. It might get her thinking.
There's lots of pressure to hook up with a guy. There's a hidden message in our society that a girl is not OK if she is not interested in a relationship with a guy. In fact, for most teenage girls, having a boy friend really boosts their self-confidence. But having a boyfriend shouldn't be the only way to feel happy and secure. Girls who are boy crazy are driven to have a boyfriend as if their lives depended on it. They forget about finding other ways to make themselves feel important and valuable, and they often lose out on developing their interests, talents, and friendships with other girls. Being boy crazy means you're missing out on too many other things. It's like having a one-track mind. You can't see anything else, even yourself.
When a girl has a mad crush on a boy, evidence can inevitably be found on her notebook – her first name written with his last name or a hyphen joining her last name to his. Eventually, however, it goes beyond the notebook. Boy-crazy girls might get up the confidence to send him instant messages and e-mails, and they might go so far as to record love songs and leave them on a boy's answering machine.
Even when it's not with a boy, most teen girls love to chat on the phone or on the Internet, but parents may want to have a heart-to-heart discussion about communication etiquette – especially when boys are involved. Teen girls have become increasingly more assertive than their female role models of an older generation. They are more likely to initiate phone calls, dates and even insist on having sex.
Middle and high school girls know being assertive helps them succeed in leadership roles. Therefore, they might be confused when their assertiveness is not readily accepted by a romantic interest.
Being boy crazy is also often a matter of having too much romantic energy. I have read that some parents would let their daughters watch soap operas or read romantic novels instead of calling their crushes from a cell phone 50 times a day or inventing screen names to talk anonymously to him on the Internet.
premarital sex
The reality is that most teens will have sex. In fact, it's estimated that only one in five children will not have sex while in their teens. And a sexually-active teen who does not use contraception has a startling 90 percent chance.
"Is it ok to have premarital sex?" That is a common question among teens and engaged couples. Maybe you are in a relationship that is progressing in that direction, but you're not sure what to do. In your mind, you are probably weighing the pros and cons of premarital sex. On the positive side of the scale, there is acceptance from your peers, hope for pleasure, and the fulfillment of sexual desires. The negative side of the scale carries the weights of morals, fear of pregnancy or disease, and guilt. How do these scales balance? What is the right decision? Let's take a look at some of the facts.
Morality is a factor for many people when deciding whether or not to have premarital sex. Is it a factor for you? After all, the messages we receive from most TV shows and movies these days tells us "everyone is doing it." In light of today's permissive attitude, your peers may think you're weird to even question it.
But maybe there is something inside you, like a voice in your head that is making you uncertain about whether or not sex before marriage is a right or wrong action. Many people refer to this voice as their conscience. How can you know if your "conscience" is right?
Premarital sex is just as much of a sin as adultery and all other forms of sexual immorality. They all involve having sexual relations with someone you are not married to. Another consideration when deciding about premarital sex is safety. Did you know that 50% of the people who currently have HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24? Using a condom only reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 85%. Condoms do not significantly reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. Take these statistics into consideration when making your decision.
Most people don't consider the emotional effects of premarital sex. You see, sex is an emotional experience and it affects our lives in ways we don't understand. After engaging in premarital sex, many people express feelings of guilt, embarrassment, distrust, resentment, lack of respect, tension, and so much more. As you read the next section, consider God's love for you as a primary reason for sexual purity. God does not want you to experience unnecessary emotional pain!
When we say “premarital sex”, we often focus on the "recreation" aspect of it. Yes, sex is pleasurable. God, our Creator, designed it that way. It may be hard to think of God creating sex, but He did! In His plan, sex was designed for married couples to enjoy the pleasure and excitement of sexual relations. The primary purpose of sex is not recreation, but rather re-creation. In other words, sex is for reproduction. Imagine, for a moment, a world without premarital sex. There would be no sexually-transmitted diseases, there would be no un-wed mothers, there would be no unwanted pregnancies, there would be no abortions, etc. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and most importantly abstinence honors God. You all might be shocked with this, but it’s all true, right?
"Is it ok to have premarital sex?" That is a common question among teens and engaged couples. Maybe you are in a relationship that is progressing in that direction, but you're not sure what to do. In your mind, you are probably weighing the pros and cons of premarital sex. On the positive side of the scale, there is acceptance from your peers, hope for pleasure, and the fulfillment of sexual desires. The negative side of the scale carries the weights of morals, fear of pregnancy or disease, and guilt. How do these scales balance? What is the right decision? Let's take a look at some of the facts.
Morality is a factor for many people when deciding whether or not to have premarital sex. Is it a factor for you? After all, the messages we receive from most TV shows and movies these days tells us "everyone is doing it." In light of today's permissive attitude, your peers may think you're weird to even question it.
But maybe there is something inside you, like a voice in your head that is making you uncertain about whether or not sex before marriage is a right or wrong action. Many people refer to this voice as their conscience. How can you know if your "conscience" is right?
Premarital sex is just as much of a sin as adultery and all other forms of sexual immorality. They all involve having sexual relations with someone you are not married to. Another consideration when deciding about premarital sex is safety. Did you know that 50% of the people who currently have HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24? Using a condom only reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 85%. Condoms do not significantly reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. Take these statistics into consideration when making your decision.
Most people don't consider the emotional effects of premarital sex. You see, sex is an emotional experience and it affects our lives in ways we don't understand. After engaging in premarital sex, many people express feelings of guilt, embarrassment, distrust, resentment, lack of respect, tension, and so much more. As you read the next section, consider God's love for you as a primary reason for sexual purity. God does not want you to experience unnecessary emotional pain!
When we say “premarital sex”, we often focus on the "recreation" aspect of it. Yes, sex is pleasurable. God, our Creator, designed it that way. It may be hard to think of God creating sex, but He did! In His plan, sex was designed for married couples to enjoy the pleasure and excitement of sexual relations. The primary purpose of sex is not recreation, but rather re-creation. In other words, sex is for reproduction. Imagine, for a moment, a world without premarital sex. There would be no sexually-transmitted diseases, there would be no un-wed mothers, there would be no unwanted pregnancies, there would be no abortions, etc. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and most importantly abstinence honors God. You all might be shocked with this, but it’s all true, right?
*What a UP student is not
There’s no one-word that completely describes a UP student, no not even “activist”! *laugh*
*scoff* how do I start this? Well, I guess I could start off by saying that being a student is pretty darn challenging.
I guess it really isn’t a shocker if different groups form in schools. I think if you really observe the people, you would be able to distinguish which groups certain people belong to. I and some of my friends have observed some already.
One group that was the most evident was the “Nanings” as we call them. As UPians, they aren’t really that adventurous when it comes to going out and when it comes to love and stuff like that. I think they’d rather study then do that. But I’m not saying they wouldn’t, but, I don’t think it’s at the top of their list, you know? They seem like the childish ones who don’t really focus on fixing themselves and boys, which I sometimes I get jealous of! Honestly!
We also have those who are insanely addicted to computer games!!! We obviously know who they are! I think they could go days without food and play PC games instead. *long pause* oh wait, I take it back. Food is really important to them. They could all play for hours and hours. If only they could just play nonstop I think they would. As a UP student, we are not rich, so we have to budget our money, really well. But one thing I’m amazed with these “Computer Addicts” is that they practically play more than they study but their grades are still so amazingly high!! I wish I could be like that! *gr*
There are also the “Outspoken” ones. Those people who say what they feel. Those people who aren’t afraid to fight for what they think is right. And when they find out that others talk bad behind their back, they confront them and tell them how they feel about it. I think people like this would make great leaders. It’s just some of them just don’t realize it. They just need to develop their skills. Oh ya, another thing, they are very spontaneous in and out of class. They seem to never be scared to speak in front of the class. Lucky them!
Then we have those people who are just plain crazy! They take things so lightly and seem to have no problems at all. They look so relaxed. I usually don’t usually see them frowning. They’re always on the go to have fun and ride in the current. They seem like they have no enemies or bad feelings towards other people. They usually are the life of the party, the people who also never stop talking!
Then we have the “Party People”. They may not seem like this in school, but they have this whole grooving’ life. They are those whose priorities are pretty different from the “Nanings”, probably the complete opposite. I guess they love going out and chilling, not worrying about things (even though there’s a lot to worry about). I guess you could call them the rebels? Not the Goth-Emo kind though. Just those who are given a ton of rules but never listen to them, even though they know it isn’t right? *grin* They express themselves through fashion? Am I right? I don’t know. I’m not sure about that.
There are the athletes. Well, what school doesn’t have them? We all know who they are. They’re the sporty ones, usually made up of really cute guys *big smile*. And there are pretty girls in this too. I don’t know what else to say because we all know what athletes are already. One last thing I could say though is that you could probably find them chilling or playing in the covered court (or in the open field).
There are also those people who don’t like to be noticed, don’t talk a lot to people. I’m not saying they’re loners but I guess they’re just not the kind of people who’d socialize. I don’t really know.
Oh my God. Now, that I’m really thinking about this, I just realized that there are a lot more!! Way way more! The things I said weren’t facts. They were how I saw the people in our school. But even though we may have our own groups, we all fall into one category: UPian. As UPians we are never really on time for things and we like doing things on at the last minute. We are not time conscious. Really! *lol*
We don’t get to relax as much as we want because our schedules are just so packed!! So whatever time off we get, we really make good use for it to have some fun!
Even though as a UP student my social life out of school is “ZERO”, I still enjoy the time I get to spend with my classmates and friends. I realized that though UPians have all those flaws, we still have that one good thing in common, BRAINS! *LOL!!*
Si? *big2x smile*
*scoff* how do I start this? Well, I guess I could start off by saying that being a student is pretty darn challenging.
I guess it really isn’t a shocker if different groups form in schools. I think if you really observe the people, you would be able to distinguish which groups certain people belong to. I and some of my friends have observed some already.
One group that was the most evident was the “Nanings” as we call them. As UPians, they aren’t really that adventurous when it comes to going out and when it comes to love and stuff like that. I think they’d rather study then do that. But I’m not saying they wouldn’t, but, I don’t think it’s at the top of their list, you know? They seem like the childish ones who don’t really focus on fixing themselves and boys, which I sometimes I get jealous of! Honestly!
We also have those who are insanely addicted to computer games!!! We obviously know who they are! I think they could go days without food and play PC games instead. *long pause* oh wait, I take it back. Food is really important to them. They could all play for hours and hours. If only they could just play nonstop I think they would. As a UP student, we are not rich, so we have to budget our money, really well. But one thing I’m amazed with these “Computer Addicts” is that they practically play more than they study but their grades are still so amazingly high!! I wish I could be like that! *gr*
There are also the “Outspoken” ones. Those people who say what they feel. Those people who aren’t afraid to fight for what they think is right. And when they find out that others talk bad behind their back, they confront them and tell them how they feel about it. I think people like this would make great leaders. It’s just some of them just don’t realize it. They just need to develop their skills. Oh ya, another thing, they are very spontaneous in and out of class. They seem to never be scared to speak in front of the class. Lucky them!
Then we have those people who are just plain crazy! They take things so lightly and seem to have no problems at all. They look so relaxed. I usually don’t usually see them frowning. They’re always on the go to have fun and ride in the current. They seem like they have no enemies or bad feelings towards other people. They usually are the life of the party, the people who also never stop talking!
Then we have the “Party People”. They may not seem like this in school, but they have this whole grooving’ life. They are those whose priorities are pretty different from the “Nanings”, probably the complete opposite. I guess they love going out and chilling, not worrying about things (even though there’s a lot to worry about). I guess you could call them the rebels? Not the Goth-Emo kind though. Just those who are given a ton of rules but never listen to them, even though they know it isn’t right? *grin* They express themselves through fashion? Am I right? I don’t know. I’m not sure about that.
There are the athletes. Well, what school doesn’t have them? We all know who they are. They’re the sporty ones, usually made up of really cute guys *big smile*. And there are pretty girls in this too. I don’t know what else to say because we all know what athletes are already. One last thing I could say though is that you could probably find them chilling or playing in the covered court (or in the open field).
There are also those people who don’t like to be noticed, don’t talk a lot to people. I’m not saying they’re loners but I guess they’re just not the kind of people who’d socialize. I don’t really know.
Oh my God. Now, that I’m really thinking about this, I just realized that there are a lot more!! Way way more! The things I said weren’t facts. They were how I saw the people in our school. But even though we may have our own groups, we all fall into one category: UPian. As UPians we are never really on time for things and we like doing things on at the last minute. We are not time conscious. Really! *lol*
We don’t get to relax as much as we want because our schedules are just so packed!! So whatever time off we get, we really make good use for it to have some fun!
Even though as a UP student my social life out of school is “ZERO”, I still enjoy the time I get to spend with my classmates and friends. I realized that though UPians have all those flaws, we still have that one good thing in common, BRAINS! *LOL!!*
Si? *big2x smile*
Thursday, March 22, 2007
65 things you guys need to know about us
1. Don't ever lie to us, we always find out.
2. We don't enjoy talking dirty as much as much as you enjoy listening
3. Don't say you understand when you don't
4. Girls are pretty, but yours is the prettiest.
5. You don't have PMS; don't act like you know what its like.
6. Saying something sweet might get you off the hook; doing something sweet will always get you off the hook.
7. We absolutely DO NOT care about monster trucks, car systems, paintball or anything else you and your friends talk about.
8. Size does matter, but only to w****s; not girls that want relationships.
9. We don't like it when you act like Mr. Big
10. Hugs and kisses must be given at all times.
11. No matter what you say, your ex-girlfriend is a w****s.
12. Its good to be sensitive, sometimes.
13. If you did something wrong or even if you didn't, apologize.
14. Be spontaneous; dinner and a movie won't always cut it.
15. We are self-conscious by nature; we can't help it.
16. We are drama queens.
17. Shave! no matter how cool you think your goatee or beard or moustache looks, we hate it.
18. You have to tell a girl how you feel about her...we make no assumptions.
19. We will always think we are fat; so humor us and tell us we aren't.
20. Hugs and kisses must be given at all times.
21. It never hurts to work out...take your own advice.
22. Girls like sex just as much, if not more than guys.
23. We hate porn.
24. Hmmmm...guys in pick-ups...yummmm...
25. Girls need food, water, and compliments to survive.
26. We think about you all the time.
27. Being able to make us laugh is so much more important than how much you can lift weights.
28. We may think you are gay if you enjoy planning your outfits ahead of time.
29. Hold our hand.
30. Girls generally don't like to cook all the time, you can get off your lazy butt and cook something too.
31. We are not your all-night restaurant.
32. Anything we say or do during that 4 days to a week each month cannot be held against us.
33. If you hold our hand while you are driving we will be thoroughly impressed...especially if it's a stick.
34. Under no circumstances will we have a threesome.
35. You look hot in hooded outfits.
36. Having us over while you and your friends play video games does not count as "quality time".
37. We hate it when you‘re with us and then give more attention to your friends or you game
38. Never say a girl is fat.
39. Keep in mind that we withhold sex when we're mad at you, so you might want to get around to apologizing...
40. You just can't force us to like sports...especially those associated with the WWF.
41. We're typically smarter than you...so get over it and stop whining when we get better grades than you.
42. The ability to play the guitar or drums will help you get laid.
43. We're sorry, Jesse MetCalfe is just SO hot...get over it!!!
44. Walks in the rain, kisses on the forehead, and cooking dinner for us will get you everywhere.
45. If you're developing such good finger skills playing video games, you better put them to good use sometimes.
46. Anything you do or say to another girl that you wouldn't want us to know about is considered cheating.
47. If we can admit that we're wrong, you'd better be able to do the same.
48. The excuse "I can't dance" is unacceptable...we'll appreciate the simple fact that you're trying.
49. On that note, if you refuse to dance, expect us to dance with other guys...and lots of them.
50. Think before you speak...it'll make a world of difference.
51. Not all girls kiss on the first date, get over it...we're creatures of mystery.
52. Make fun of our clothes...prepare to die!
53. We don't always expect you to pay for us, but it doesn't hurt to at least offer everyone once in a while.
54. Tell us we're beautiful.
55. The "little things" in a relationship are really the biggest. Remember that.
56. Foreplay isn't something we should have to ask for...it's a prerequisite.
57. Don't screw us over...especially if we have an older brother or protective guy friends...they will hunt you down and kill you.*grin*
58. If you're going to look at other girls, at least make sure we don't see you do it.
59. Just because we're still just "hanging out" doesn't make it ok to sleep with your ex-girlfriend, friend with benefits, etc.
60. No girl just wants to be your "friend with benefits".
61. We're sensitive too...be gentle (and we're not talking about our hearts here guys).
62. One word when it comes to smoking...QUIT.
63. We deserve the right to hate all of your ex-girlfriends.
64. If we happen to trip, fall, etc, while wearing the exceptionally high shoes that we love, go ahead and laugh...we will be...that is unless we hurt ourselves...
Lastly..
65. Don't always be over protective it is the 20th century, women can do things for themselves.
So guys, GOT IT!?! P=0)
2. We don't enjoy talking dirty as much as much as you enjoy listening
3. Don't say you understand when you don't
4. Girls are pretty, but yours is the prettiest.
5. You don't have PMS; don't act like you know what its like.
6. Saying something sweet might get you off the hook; doing something sweet will always get you off the hook.
7. We absolutely DO NOT care about monster trucks, car systems, paintball or anything else you and your friends talk about.
8. Size does matter, but only to w****s; not girls that want relationships.
9. We don't like it when you act like Mr. Big
10. Hugs and kisses must be given at all times.
11. No matter what you say, your ex-girlfriend is a w****s.
12. Its good to be sensitive, sometimes.
13. If you did something wrong or even if you didn't, apologize.
14. Be spontaneous; dinner and a movie won't always cut it.
15. We are self-conscious by nature; we can't help it.
16. We are drama queens.
17. Shave! no matter how cool you think your goatee or beard or moustache looks, we hate it.
18. You have to tell a girl how you feel about her...we make no assumptions.
19. We will always think we are fat; so humor us and tell us we aren't.
20. Hugs and kisses must be given at all times.
21. It never hurts to work out...take your own advice.
22. Girls like sex just as much, if not more than guys.
23. We hate porn.
24. Hmmmm...guys in pick-ups...yummmm...
25. Girls need food, water, and compliments to survive.
26. We think about you all the time.
27. Being able to make us laugh is so much more important than how much you can lift weights.
28. We may think you are gay if you enjoy planning your outfits ahead of time.
29. Hold our hand.
30. Girls generally don't like to cook all the time, you can get off your lazy butt and cook something too.
31. We are not your all-night restaurant.
32. Anything we say or do during that 4 days to a week each month cannot be held against us.
33. If you hold our hand while you are driving we will be thoroughly impressed...especially if it's a stick.
34. Under no circumstances will we have a threesome.
35. You look hot in hooded outfits.
36. Having us over while you and your friends play video games does not count as "quality time".
37. We hate it when you‘re with us and then give more attention to your friends or you game
38. Never say a girl is fat.
39. Keep in mind that we withhold sex when we're mad at you, so you might want to get around to apologizing...
40. You just can't force us to like sports...especially those associated with the WWF.
41. We're typically smarter than you...so get over it and stop whining when we get better grades than you.
42. The ability to play the guitar or drums will help you get laid.
43. We're sorry, Jesse MetCalfe is just SO hot...get over it!!!
44. Walks in the rain, kisses on the forehead, and cooking dinner for us will get you everywhere.
45. If you're developing such good finger skills playing video games, you better put them to good use sometimes.
46. Anything you do or say to another girl that you wouldn't want us to know about is considered cheating.
47. If we can admit that we're wrong, you'd better be able to do the same.
48. The excuse "I can't dance" is unacceptable...we'll appreciate the simple fact that you're trying.
49. On that note, if you refuse to dance, expect us to dance with other guys...and lots of them.
50. Think before you speak...it'll make a world of difference.
51. Not all girls kiss on the first date, get over it...we're creatures of mystery.
52. Make fun of our clothes...prepare to die!
53. We don't always expect you to pay for us, but it doesn't hurt to at least offer everyone once in a while.
54. Tell us we're beautiful.
55. The "little things" in a relationship are really the biggest. Remember that.
56. Foreplay isn't something we should have to ask for...it's a prerequisite.
57. Don't screw us over...especially if we have an older brother or protective guy friends...they will hunt you down and kill you.*grin*
58. If you're going to look at other girls, at least make sure we don't see you do it.
59. Just because we're still just "hanging out" doesn't make it ok to sleep with your ex-girlfriend, friend with benefits, etc.
60. No girl just wants to be your "friend with benefits".
61. We're sensitive too...be gentle (and we're not talking about our hearts here guys).
62. One word when it comes to smoking...QUIT.
63. We deserve the right to hate all of your ex-girlfriends.
64. If we happen to trip, fall, etc, while wearing the exceptionally high shoes that we love, go ahead and laugh...we will be...that is unless we hurt ourselves...
Lastly..
65. Don't always be over protective it is the 20th century, women can do things for themselves.
So guys, GOT IT!?! P=0)
mean girls?
At recess one day Madison's teacher found her sitting alone at lunch, looking sad and upset. She could barely bite the peanut butter sandwich that she usually couldn't wait to eat. "What's the matter, Madison?" the teacher asked.
Madison burst into tears. "My best friend Allie is sitting with Cleo and her little group of friends, and they just voted me off their lunch table and won't let me be their friend. Even Allie won't stand up for me!"
Later that afternoon, Trevor was standing alone by the basketball court after school. Trevor's mom asked him why he didn't go play with Zack and Steve, who were shooting hoops. Trevor told his mom he just didn't feel like it, so they walked home. But the truth was, Trevor and Madison were facing the same problem: They both felt left out. Kids who were their friends yesterday weren't their friends today. What happened?
So, what are cliques, you may be asking? Everyone feels left out by friends once in a while. And sometimes friends fight and make up again. But sometimes kids form groups that they won't let other kids belong to. A clique is a group of kids who hang out together and won't let others join in.
Not all groups of friends are cliques. The thing that makes a group a clique is that they leave some kids out on purpose. Usually one or two popular kids control who gets to be in the group and who gets left out. Kids may act much differently than they did before they were part of the clique.
For instance, Trevor and Steve always played basketball after school. But Zack started pushing Trevor out of the group, and now even Steve was saying mean stuff to Trevor. Same with Madison and Allie. They used to have sleepovers all the time, but now Cleo was hosting the sleepovers, and she didn't invite Madison.
Kids might form cliques late in elementary school or in middle school. Sometimes cliques are made of kids who share an interest in something, like sports or music. Sometimes the kids in them just want to be popular or want to belong. Both boys and girls have cliques, though people who study these groups say girl cliques are often meaner and more hurtful in the way they treat girls who aren't in the group.
If you are on the outside of a clique, it really hurts. Emotional hurt is different than the kind of hurt you feel when you skin your knee, but it's a kind of pain and it can feel awful. You might cry or want to yell mean things at the people in the clique. You might feel lonely if you're alone at lunch or after school. You might be frustrated or upset because you don't know what to do. You might feel down on yourself because of not being picked to belong. You might feel hurt because of the ways other kids keep you out.
Probably the hardest part of dealing with a clique is how bad it feels if a friend becomes part of a clique and starts treating you differently. Sometimes, the problem starts with an argument between the two of you. But other times you can find yourself on the outside of a clique, even if nothing happened.
Kids who fall into cliques might want to be popular and feel cool. Sometimes kids think that belonging to a clique will keep them from feeling left out. Or that it guarantees them friends. Some kids feel flattered to be let into a clique. They may feel better about themselves by being in when others are out.
Kids in cliques sometimes act differently than they would outside the group. They often go along with what the others are doing, even if they know it's not right. Even if it means leaving out a friend. They might feel bad about it, but they can't figure out how to be cool and still be nice to the person who's not in the clique. This is no excuse, though. Plenty of kids manage to be nice to everyone - kids in and outside their closest group of friends - without being part of a clique.
Sometimes kids in cliques find that they don't really want to belong to it anymore. They don't want to be bossed around by the rules of the clique, and they don't want to leave others out and hurt people's feelings. Sometimes they realize they are missing out on being friends with great kids outside of the clique.
Oh ya, but in other cases, there really isn’t a clique, it’s just, like a group. But everyone just seems so dang intimidated by them. Intimidated by the way they act, dress and talk. But you’ll never know who they really are unless you try and get to know them, right?
As we get older, we usually outgrow the need to be part of a clique. For others this takes a while. Most cliques have disappeared by the end of high school, making way for more mature and enjoyable friendship groups.
Madison burst into tears. "My best friend Allie is sitting with Cleo and her little group of friends, and they just voted me off their lunch table and won't let me be their friend. Even Allie won't stand up for me!"
Later that afternoon, Trevor was standing alone by the basketball court after school. Trevor's mom asked him why he didn't go play with Zack and Steve, who were shooting hoops. Trevor told his mom he just didn't feel like it, so they walked home. But the truth was, Trevor and Madison were facing the same problem: They both felt left out. Kids who were their friends yesterday weren't their friends today. What happened?
So, what are cliques, you may be asking? Everyone feels left out by friends once in a while. And sometimes friends fight and make up again. But sometimes kids form groups that they won't let other kids belong to. A clique is a group of kids who hang out together and won't let others join in.
Not all groups of friends are cliques. The thing that makes a group a clique is that they leave some kids out on purpose. Usually one or two popular kids control who gets to be in the group and who gets left out. Kids may act much differently than they did before they were part of the clique.
For instance, Trevor and Steve always played basketball after school. But Zack started pushing Trevor out of the group, and now even Steve was saying mean stuff to Trevor. Same with Madison and Allie. They used to have sleepovers all the time, but now Cleo was hosting the sleepovers, and she didn't invite Madison.
Kids might form cliques late in elementary school or in middle school. Sometimes cliques are made of kids who share an interest in something, like sports or music. Sometimes the kids in them just want to be popular or want to belong. Both boys and girls have cliques, though people who study these groups say girl cliques are often meaner and more hurtful in the way they treat girls who aren't in the group.
If you are on the outside of a clique, it really hurts. Emotional hurt is different than the kind of hurt you feel when you skin your knee, but it's a kind of pain and it can feel awful. You might cry or want to yell mean things at the people in the clique. You might feel lonely if you're alone at lunch or after school. You might be frustrated or upset because you don't know what to do. You might feel down on yourself because of not being picked to belong. You might feel hurt because of the ways other kids keep you out.
Probably the hardest part of dealing with a clique is how bad it feels if a friend becomes part of a clique and starts treating you differently. Sometimes, the problem starts with an argument between the two of you. But other times you can find yourself on the outside of a clique, even if nothing happened.
Kids who fall into cliques might want to be popular and feel cool. Sometimes kids think that belonging to a clique will keep them from feeling left out. Or that it guarantees them friends. Some kids feel flattered to be let into a clique. They may feel better about themselves by being in when others are out.
Kids in cliques sometimes act differently than they would outside the group. They often go along with what the others are doing, even if they know it's not right. Even if it means leaving out a friend. They might feel bad about it, but they can't figure out how to be cool and still be nice to the person who's not in the clique. This is no excuse, though. Plenty of kids manage to be nice to everyone - kids in and outside their closest group of friends - without being part of a clique.
Sometimes kids in cliques find that they don't really want to belong to it anymore. They don't want to be bossed around by the rules of the clique, and they don't want to leave others out and hurt people's feelings. Sometimes they realize they are missing out on being friends with great kids outside of the clique.
Oh ya, but in other cases, there really isn’t a clique, it’s just, like a group. But everyone just seems so dang intimidated by them. Intimidated by the way they act, dress and talk. But you’ll never know who they really are unless you try and get to know them, right?
As we get older, we usually outgrow the need to be part of a clique. For others this takes a while. Most cliques have disappeared by the end of high school, making way for more mature and enjoyable friendship groups.
McDonalds baby!
Here’s the continuation I was talking about in my other blog!
In 1968 McDonald’s restaurants began serving the Big Mac, a two-patty burger that became the company’s flagship product. The company launched its highly successful “You deserve a break today” advertising campaign in 1970. By 1972 McDonald’s had 2,000 restaurants and $1 billion in annual sales.
McDonald’s also began to establish high-profile charities. The company opened the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974. Ronald McDonald Houses provide temporary housing near hospitals for the families of seriously ill children. Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities operate more than 170 Ronald McDonald Houses in 32 countries.
Although McDonald’s remained dedicated to its established format, the company introduced a number of new products and services in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of these innovations proved startlingly successful. McDonald’s began serving breakfast in 1973. By the late 1980s, one-fourth of Americans who ate breakfast away from home did so at McDonald’s. In 1975 McDonald’s introduced drive-through window service, enabling motorists to make purchases without leaving their cars. By the mid-1990s, drive-through business accounted for about half of all McDonald’s sales in the United States. In 1983 the company introduced Chicken McNuggets, bite-sized fried chicken morsels accompanied by dipping sauces. Within a few months McDonald’s ranked as the world’s second largest retailer of chicken.
International expansion also became an important part of the company’s business strategy. McDonald’s opened its first restaurant outside the United States in 1967. In 1988 McDonald’s operated 2,600 stores outside the United States, generating $1.8 billion in annual revenues. By 1994 the company had 4,700 international franchises, producing $3.4 billion in annual revenues. The first McDonald’s in Moscow, Russia, served more than 30,000 customers on its first day of operation in 1990, setting the record for the most people served by one restaurant in a single day. In 1992 McDonald’s opened a restaurant in Beijing, China. The Beijing McDonald’s—-which featured 700 seats, 2 kitchens, 29 cash registers, and 850 employees—is the company’s largest. The Beijing McDonald’s attracted 40,000 customers on its first day, breaking the record established by the Moscow McDonald’s two years earlier.
McDonald’s has attempted to accommodate increasing customer demand for healthier food. In 1986 McDonald’s began offering nutritional information about the items on its menu. The company also began to offer lighter entrées, such as salads and frozen yogurt. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe, a hamburger marketed to adults, generated disappointing sales when it was introduced in 1996.
In the mid-1990s the company earned about $1.4 billion a year in profits on $30 billion in sales and opened a new restaurant every three hours. The company has continued to grow in the United States by opening new restaurants in urban areas and establishing smaller outlets in hospitals, zoos, airports, and many other locations. In 1993 McDonald’s began opening outlets in Wal-Mart Stores throughout the United States. In 1996 McDonald’s signed a 10-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company. Under the terms of the agreement, McDonald’s will operate restaurants at Disney theme parks, and Disney will promote its films through McDonald’s. In 1997 McDonald’s announced a campaign to increase sales at its restaurants by cutting prices.
In 1968 McDonald’s restaurants began serving the Big Mac, a two-patty burger that became the company’s flagship product. The company launched its highly successful “You deserve a break today” advertising campaign in 1970. By 1972 McDonald’s had 2,000 restaurants and $1 billion in annual sales.
McDonald’s also began to establish high-profile charities. The company opened the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974. Ronald McDonald Houses provide temporary housing near hospitals for the families of seriously ill children. Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities operate more than 170 Ronald McDonald Houses in 32 countries.
Although McDonald’s remained dedicated to its established format, the company introduced a number of new products and services in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of these innovations proved startlingly successful. McDonald’s began serving breakfast in 1973. By the late 1980s, one-fourth of Americans who ate breakfast away from home did so at McDonald’s. In 1975 McDonald’s introduced drive-through window service, enabling motorists to make purchases without leaving their cars. By the mid-1990s, drive-through business accounted for about half of all McDonald’s sales in the United States. In 1983 the company introduced Chicken McNuggets, bite-sized fried chicken morsels accompanied by dipping sauces. Within a few months McDonald’s ranked as the world’s second largest retailer of chicken.
International expansion also became an important part of the company’s business strategy. McDonald’s opened its first restaurant outside the United States in 1967. In 1988 McDonald’s operated 2,600 stores outside the United States, generating $1.8 billion in annual revenues. By 1994 the company had 4,700 international franchises, producing $3.4 billion in annual revenues. The first McDonald’s in Moscow, Russia, served more than 30,000 customers on its first day of operation in 1990, setting the record for the most people served by one restaurant in a single day. In 1992 McDonald’s opened a restaurant in Beijing, China. The Beijing McDonald’s—-which featured 700 seats, 2 kitchens, 29 cash registers, and 850 employees—is the company’s largest. The Beijing McDonald’s attracted 40,000 customers on its first day, breaking the record established by the Moscow McDonald’s two years earlier.
McDonald’s has attempted to accommodate increasing customer demand for healthier food. In 1986 McDonald’s began offering nutritional information about the items on its menu. The company also began to offer lighter entrées, such as salads and frozen yogurt. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe, a hamburger marketed to adults, generated disappointing sales when it was introduced in 1996.
In the mid-1990s the company earned about $1.4 billion a year in profits on $30 billion in sales and opened a new restaurant every three hours. The company has continued to grow in the United States by opening new restaurants in urban areas and establishing smaller outlets in hospitals, zoos, airports, and many other locations. In 1993 McDonald’s began opening outlets in Wal-Mart Stores throughout the United States. In 1996 McDonald’s signed a 10-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company. Under the terms of the agreement, McDonald’s will operate restaurants at Disney theme parks, and Disney will promote its films through McDonald’s. In 1997 McDonald’s announced a campaign to increase sales at its restaurants by cutting prices.
our enemies
About 8 in 10 preteens and teens have acne, along with many adults. In fact, about 17 million people in the United States have acne. Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of growing from a kid to an adult.
But knowing that doesn't make it easier when you look in the mirror and see a big pimple on your chin! The good news is that learning about acne and taking some simple steps can help you feel better about your face.
Acne is a skin condition that shows up as different types of bumps. They include whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), and bumps that are filled with pus (cysts). What causes these annoying bumps? Well, your skin is covered with tiny holes called hair follicles, or pores. Pores contain sebaceous (say: suh-bay-shus) glands (also called oil glands) that make sebum (say: see-bum), an oil that moistens your hair and skin.(yeah, I did my research baby!)
Most of the time the glands make the right amount of sebum, and the pores are fine. But sometimes a pore gets clogged up with too much sebum, dead skin cells, and germs called bacteria. This can cause acne.
If a pore gets clogged up, closes, and bulges out from the skin, that's a whitehead. If a pore clogs up but stays open, the top surface can get dark and you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes the walls of the pore are broken, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to get under the skin. This causes a small, red infection called a pimple. Clogged-up pores that open up deep in the skin can lead to bigger infections known as cysts. A lot of kids and teens get a type of acne called acne vulgaris. It usually appears on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. Teens and kids get acne because of the hormone changes that come with puberty. As you grow up and your body begins to develop, these hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands can become overactive. When there is too much sebum, that oil clogs the pores and leads to acne.
No matter what you've heard, acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, munching on chocolate, or drinking soda. It isn't necessarily caused by wearing makeup, either, especially if the makeup label says "oil-free," "non-Comedogenic" (say: non-ka-mee-doh-jen-ick, which means it won't clog pores), or "non-Acnegenic" (which means it doesn't cause acne). Yap, I have foundation that’s non-Comedogenic by VMV Hypoallergenics “Nutmeg”. *screetch* anyway, back to the min topic!
If your parent had acne as a teen, it's likely that you will, too. Stress may make acne worse, because when you're stressed, your pores may make more sebum. Luckily, for most people, acne gets better by the time they are in their twenties.
If you're worried about acne, there are things you can do to keep those pimples away:
1.)To help prevent the oil buildup that can lead to acne, wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. 2.) Don't scrub your face. Scrubbing can actually make acne worse by irritating the skin. Wash gently, using your hands instead of a washcloth. 3.) If you wear makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen, make sure they are "oil-free," "non-Comedogenic," or "non-Acnegenic." 4.) When you wash your face, take the time to remove all of your makeup. 5.) If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face because they can clog pores. 6.) If you have long hair, keep it away from your face and wash it regularly to reduce oil. 7.) Baseball caps and other hats can cause pimples along the hairline. Avoid them if you think they are worsening your acne. 8.) Wash your face after you've been exercising and sweating a lot. 9.) Try not to touch your face. 10.) Don't pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. I know, sometimes this could be hard not to do, but just resist the temptation and avoid looking at yourself at the mirror!
Many lotions and creams are sold at drugstores to help prevent acne and clear it up. You can try different ones to see which helps. Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them are usually pretty helpful for treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that can lead to acne and it also can reduce swelling (puffiness) of pimples. I’ve used this and, yep, it does work! Salicylic acid is another acne-fighting ingredient. It causes skin to dry out and peel, which can help get rid of pimples, too.
But knowing that doesn't make it easier when you look in the mirror and see a big pimple on your chin! The good news is that learning about acne and taking some simple steps can help you feel better about your face.
Acne is a skin condition that shows up as different types of bumps. They include whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), and bumps that are filled with pus (cysts). What causes these annoying bumps? Well, your skin is covered with tiny holes called hair follicles, or pores. Pores contain sebaceous (say: suh-bay-shus) glands (also called oil glands) that make sebum (say: see-bum), an oil that moistens your hair and skin.(yeah, I did my research baby!)
Most of the time the glands make the right amount of sebum, and the pores are fine. But sometimes a pore gets clogged up with too much sebum, dead skin cells, and germs called bacteria. This can cause acne.
If a pore gets clogged up, closes, and bulges out from the skin, that's a whitehead. If a pore clogs up but stays open, the top surface can get dark and you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes the walls of the pore are broken, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to get under the skin. This causes a small, red infection called a pimple. Clogged-up pores that open up deep in the skin can lead to bigger infections known as cysts. A lot of kids and teens get a type of acne called acne vulgaris. It usually appears on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. Teens and kids get acne because of the hormone changes that come with puberty. As you grow up and your body begins to develop, these hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands can become overactive. When there is too much sebum, that oil clogs the pores and leads to acne.
No matter what you've heard, acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, munching on chocolate, or drinking soda. It isn't necessarily caused by wearing makeup, either, especially if the makeup label says "oil-free," "non-Comedogenic" (say: non-ka-mee-doh-jen-ick, which means it won't clog pores), or "non-Acnegenic" (which means it doesn't cause acne). Yap, I have foundation that’s non-Comedogenic by VMV Hypoallergenics “Nutmeg”. *screetch* anyway, back to the min topic!
If your parent had acne as a teen, it's likely that you will, too. Stress may make acne worse, because when you're stressed, your pores may make more sebum. Luckily, for most people, acne gets better by the time they are in their twenties.
If you're worried about acne, there are things you can do to keep those pimples away:
1.)To help prevent the oil buildup that can lead to acne, wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. 2.) Don't scrub your face. Scrubbing can actually make acne worse by irritating the skin. Wash gently, using your hands instead of a washcloth. 3.) If you wear makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen, make sure they are "oil-free," "non-Comedogenic," or "non-Acnegenic." 4.) When you wash your face, take the time to remove all of your makeup. 5.) If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face because they can clog pores. 6.) If you have long hair, keep it away from your face and wash it regularly to reduce oil. 7.) Baseball caps and other hats can cause pimples along the hairline. Avoid them if you think they are worsening your acne. 8.) Wash your face after you've been exercising and sweating a lot. 9.) Try not to touch your face. 10.) Don't pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. I know, sometimes this could be hard not to do, but just resist the temptation and avoid looking at yourself at the mirror!
Many lotions and creams are sold at drugstores to help prevent acne and clear it up. You can try different ones to see which helps. Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them are usually pretty helpful for treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that can lead to acne and it also can reduce swelling (puffiness) of pimples. I’ve used this and, yep, it does work! Salicylic acid is another acne-fighting ingredient. It causes skin to dry out and peel, which can help get rid of pimples, too.
the love of my stomach
This is all about the restaurant I would want to own. But If I can’t have its franchise, then I would want to have a restaurant LIKE it!! It is the love of my life and the love of my stomach. I would die if I wouldn’t get a taste of their food, seriously. I used to eat here almost everyday, but always ended up getting broke at the end of the week. So, I had to stop my terrible habit! Who has seen Super Size Me? My parents encouraged me to watch it and I think their point for that was to stop me from indulging in all the glory! But it had no effect. I didn’t stop at all, just kept going back to my paradise and ordering things I wanted, especially the Coke float, since it was one of their affordable products, which helped with keeping my mind out off our really hot weather. Oh my gosh. If only these kinds of food were healthy! So here’s a really cute quote that involves this amazing fast food restaurant, the love of my life, McDonald’s!!
“No two countries that both have a McDonald's have ever fought a war against each other.”
McDonald’s Corporation is a fast-food restaurant company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Since the 1950s, McDonald’s family-oriented restaurants have revolutionized the fast-food business and the company has become one of the best known in the world. Tens of thousands of McDonald's restaurants worldwide serve millions of customers a day. McDonald’s restaurants, which offer toy promotions and often feature playgrounds, are especially popular with children.
In 1948 brothers Dick and Mac McDonald remodeled their McDonald’s drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, creating the prototype for the modern fast-food restaurant. The menu was limited to nine items: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, three types of soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and pies. French fries and milkshakes were soon added. By focusing on efficient production and service, McDonald’s cut the price of their hamburgers from 30 cents to 15 cents.
By the mid-1950s the original McDonald’s generated $350,000 a year in revenues. In 1954 Ray Kroc, then a 52-year-old salesman of milkshake machines, visited the restaurant and became convinced that its concept could work in other cities. The McDonald brothers agreed to let Kroc sell McDonald’s franchises (the right to market the company’s products within a certain area). In 1955 Kroc established a franchising company known as McDonald’s Systems, Inc. and opened a second McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. Within its first four years, the company had opened 228 restaurants, which generated $37.6 million in annual sales. In 1961 Kroc bought out the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million.
During the 1960s, McDonald’s began to mount aggressive advertising and marketing campaigns. In 1962 the company adopted the golden arches as its trademark. Ronald McDonald, the familiar clown that serves as McDonald’s mascot, was introduced in 1963. That year, signs at McDonald’s restaurants announced that the company had sold more than 1 billion hamburgers.
I’ll continue about this in another blog because I got to go. Peace!
“No two countries that both have a McDonald's have ever fought a war against each other.”
McDonald’s Corporation is a fast-food restaurant company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Since the 1950s, McDonald’s family-oriented restaurants have revolutionized the fast-food business and the company has become one of the best known in the world. Tens of thousands of McDonald's restaurants worldwide serve millions of customers a day. McDonald’s restaurants, which offer toy promotions and often feature playgrounds, are especially popular with children.
In 1948 brothers Dick and Mac McDonald remodeled their McDonald’s drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, creating the prototype for the modern fast-food restaurant. The menu was limited to nine items: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, three types of soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and pies. French fries and milkshakes were soon added. By focusing on efficient production and service, McDonald’s cut the price of their hamburgers from 30 cents to 15 cents.
By the mid-1950s the original McDonald’s generated $350,000 a year in revenues. In 1954 Ray Kroc, then a 52-year-old salesman of milkshake machines, visited the restaurant and became convinced that its concept could work in other cities. The McDonald brothers agreed to let Kroc sell McDonald’s franchises (the right to market the company’s products within a certain area). In 1955 Kroc established a franchising company known as McDonald’s Systems, Inc. and opened a second McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. Within its first four years, the company had opened 228 restaurants, which generated $37.6 million in annual sales. In 1961 Kroc bought out the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million.
During the 1960s, McDonald’s began to mount aggressive advertising and marketing campaigns. In 1962 the company adopted the golden arches as its trademark. Ronald McDonald, the familiar clown that serves as McDonald’s mascot, was introduced in 1963. That year, signs at McDonald’s restaurants announced that the company had sold more than 1 billion hamburgers.
I’ll continue about this in another blog because I got to go. Peace!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
are you a stick or a bootylicious babe?
When are the designers ever going to realize that EVERYONE is not a perfect size 6...or lower. More than two thirds of the world population is either overweight or underweight. Unfortunately it's the poor young girls who see these waifs in the magazines that suffer the most. They starve themselves or throw up what little they do eat to become these unrealistic idols they watch and admire. Many of these skinny girls are not naturally thin, but are virtually starving themselves to keep the weight down. The girls reading the magazines try to look like them, and end up trying the same tricks, and potentially get into the same problems with eating. Go to any club, the guys don't go for the skinny girls, they go for the girls with the hour glass figure. Look at the beautiful women that you see every day, and I'd say less than 5% have that stick insect shape the young models have. It makes me sad - and angry. Women should be encouraged to look healthy, be fit and to be confident, no matter what size or shape they are. I feel that current fashions should be available for every woman. Let the models be anything that their purveyors want them to be. Ordinary people should be less gullible than to believe that that is the only way to be. I think, models should be of all sizes, not just stick thin, because big women are pretty and they like to dress up and look nice too. Everybody should have a right to enjoy fashion whether they are a size 8 or a size 20. Designers do not sell clothes only to skeleton looking people. These skinny models look like they are dead-alive and it is not attractive. Clothes look good on others just like they do on skinny models. Sometimes, clothes look even better on thicker women than skinny ones. Now the Fashion industry is still looking for a Skin and Bone model. They should go out and walk around and see that the average person are not like that and maybe then they could start to re-think this concept. By using all shapes and sizes designers would be able to show if they have any real talent, and it may help in the battle against eating disorders.I get fed up with this idea of "normal" shape. I'm sure all the skinny people out there must be most offended by being told they're "abnormal". It's just personal preference and the way people are made, and designers should take more notice of this. When are people going to realize that a happy woman is far sexier than any shape or size. Women are 'queer cattle' (so John Buchan wrote) therefore, shouldn't we judge them with a more abstract yardstick than a tape measure! A few people in the fashion industry earn big money dressing up skeletons in ridiculous clothes. The media earns big money selling images of the skeletons. The public pays big money to look at the skeletons, says how ridiculous they look and then tries to emulate them. I admit, it’s a nice feeling being light and fat-less! But if it makes you so stressed, I say quit the suffering and enjoy food. But if you don’t really enjoy eating, or if you do but your stomach can only take in a few, then don’t force yourself. We just have to enjoy what we have, you know. We don’t know when we’ll leave this world, so we better enjoy life before we’re gone. It’s all dong things that make us happy, right? *grin*
Surely everyone realizes now that skeletal models on the catwalks promote a "look" which, if emulated, results in the Posh Spice head-on-a-stick mentality. I have one piece of advice for my female friends (and a reminder for myself!!): EAT! Bones are not meant to be seen, they are supposed to support the rest of you!
Surely everyone realizes now that skeletal models on the catwalks promote a "look" which, if emulated, results in the Posh Spice head-on-a-stick mentality. I have one piece of advice for my female friends (and a reminder for myself!!): EAT! Bones are not meant to be seen, they are supposed to support the rest of you!
Skimbording
Skimboarding is a sport similar to surfing which takes place near the shore. The skimboarder stands about twenty feet from the ocean with skimboard in hand and waits for a wave. When they see a wave they run towards it with their skimboard still in hand. Upon reaching the wet sand they drop the board and jump onto it as quickly as possible. Once on the board, the skimmer must remain as stable as possible and prepare to make the transition to the ocean. The skimmer then (hopefully) glides out into the ocean toward the oncoming wave, banks off of it, and rides it back into shore. There are many possibilities for riding the waves and this is where skimboarding gets really interesting. The most important part of skimboarding is picking the right wave. 1.)Without good wave judgment, even the best skimboarder will have problems. When first learning to skim it is best to choose a flat beach like the one pictured. The best time to begin running for a wave is right after the wave breaks. If the skimmer does not run at the right time, they will have trouble once they get on their board. 2.) Once the skimmer reaches the water or the wet sand, they throw down the board so they can jump on it. This is the first physically challenging obstacle to beginners. It is more difficult then it looks at first and many people don't stick with skimboarding because this step is too hard. However, with persistence, and patience, even the most uncoordinated person can learn to skimboard. Everyone takes a 'few' bruises learning how to get on the board. 3.) Once on the board, the skimmer must be equally careful not to fall off! They must keep their weight centered over the board and keep the board pointed towards the ocean. It is common to accelerate too quickly and lose control so it important not to run too fast. The skimmer must also prepare for the wave. When the skimboard meets the ocean, the riders weight must be on their back foot so the nose of the board does not catch on the water. Notice how the pictured rider has all of his weight on his back foot so he can glide up over the water instead of plowing through it. 4.) If all of the previous steps are completed flawlessly, the rider might have the opportunity to actually ride a wave. Depending on if the rider has enough speed, balance and ability to turn, the rider can do various maneuvers while banking off the wave and riding towards the shore. Unlike surfing, skimboarding allows for the ability to spin, greatly increasing the possibilities.
Skimboarding has a rich history. What started over 60 years ago on round wood boards has evolved into a highly competitive water sport. Most people know skimboarding as "that thing you do on the sand," and while this is true, skimboarding has become so much more than that. Modern skimboarding has evolved into a "real" sport where the limits are being tested by some of the best board riders on the planet. We have to be really careful when we board though since you could fall and not only bruise yourself but also sprain or fracture a one. *laugh* like my cousin!
Modern skimboards are made out of fiberglass or carbon fiber and high density foam to serve as a core. The fiberglass/carbon fiber is a fabric which becomes stiff when saturated with resin and left to cure. When this fiberglass or carbon fiber is laid over a shaped piece of foam, saturated with resin and left to cure, a skimboard is made. Skimboards vaguely resemble surfboards, they are about half the length, half the thickness, and slightly wider. Unlike surfboards, skimboards have no skegs (fins on the bottom of the board used for controlling direction). They are much less stable and require a lot of practice to be able to control. Because they are less stable and specifically because they lack skegs, many things can be done on a skimboard that cannot be done on a surfboard.
Skimboarding has a rich history. What started over 60 years ago on round wood boards has evolved into a highly competitive water sport. Most people know skimboarding as "that thing you do on the sand," and while this is true, skimboarding has become so much more than that. Modern skimboarding has evolved into a "real" sport where the limits are being tested by some of the best board riders on the planet. We have to be really careful when we board though since you could fall and not only bruise yourself but also sprain or fracture a one. *laugh* like my cousin!
Modern skimboards are made out of fiberglass or carbon fiber and high density foam to serve as a core. The fiberglass/carbon fiber is a fabric which becomes stiff when saturated with resin and left to cure. When this fiberglass or carbon fiber is laid over a shaped piece of foam, saturated with resin and left to cure, a skimboard is made. Skimboards vaguely resemble surfboards, they are about half the length, half the thickness, and slightly wider. Unlike surfboards, skimboards have no skegs (fins on the bottom of the board used for controlling direction). They are much less stable and require a lot of practice to be able to control. Because they are less stable and specifically because they lack skegs, many things can be done on a skimboard that cannot be done on a surfboard.
Duff Puff?
When Hilary Duff lost a noticeable amount of weight two years ago, she chalked it up to healthier eating habits. But now, the singer-actress, 19, admits she felt pressure from the media to get thin. "I did get skinny," she tells Britain's Mail on Sunday. "I've felt that pressure like everyone else in my position. When a newspaper comes out that says 'Duff Puff – she must have gained 15 pounds' or something like that, how would any normal person react?" She continues, "It's so mean, but everyone keeps buying that stuff and talking about it, so it's not going to go away." Duff, whose 2½-year relationship with rocker Joel Madden ended in November, tells the magazine: "I felt like we were great together, and being on my own is great too." After a trip to Europe to promote her new album Dignity, Duff is now back home with her sister Haylie, 22. The two live together in Los Angeles in a house they shared until recently with their mom, Susan – who just moved down the street, much to her daughter's chagrin. "It was her idea," Duff says. "She said, 'I want to give you guys more freedom,' and I'm like, 'I don't want that. I want you here.' So I call her every day and I still always consult her before any big decision."
Hilary Duff says she and ex-boyfriend Joel Madden still speak to each other – but that she's excited to start playing the field and jump into dating. Appearing on Ryan Seacrest's L.A. radio show Thursday morning, the now single actress and singer said dating "is fun. I kind of feel like a guy, like I can do it now." She added, laughing, "But I feel kind of wrong at the same time." She also revealed that she'd recently been on a date with an unnamed suitor, which she said was a unique experience for her. "I've never gotten to (date) before, so it's kind of exciting," she said. "I've always just had a boyfriend, you know? I'm young!" Duff, 19, said her breakup with Madden, the lead singer of Good Charlotte, late last year, after two and half years together, wasn't bitter. "There was nothing – no fight, no 'He did this, I did this,' " she said. "It was just time for people to move on and do different things." They still keep in touch, she added. "I had a really great relationship with him, and we still have a great relationship, which is really good and unusual. He's a good person, and I always will care about him." Asked how long she might go before getting into another serious relationship, she wouldn't say. "What if I meet someone that I really am into, and they're really into me, and I'm feeling it and I'm going for it?" she said. Duff was on the KIIS-FM program to debut the song "With Love" from her upcoming record, Dignity. She said the title for the record came from her experience living the showbiz life. "I feel like dignity is something that you can't just have, you know, you have to work on having," she said. "And I feel like I have it a little. ... The album is so personal and talks about so many experiences I've had – good ones and bad ones – and (dignity) is something I always hope to have and strive to have." The album, which has not yet been completed, is due in stores April 3.
I can’t believe I used to make fun of her. I actually find her a good role model, unlike Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears who love to waste their life on alcohol. Hilary seems true to herself. I love that about her. I may not like how she acts really but I like how she was brought up and how she has all her values.
Hilary Duff says she and ex-boyfriend Joel Madden still speak to each other – but that she's excited to start playing the field and jump into dating. Appearing on Ryan Seacrest's L.A. radio show Thursday morning, the now single actress and singer said dating "is fun. I kind of feel like a guy, like I can do it now." She added, laughing, "But I feel kind of wrong at the same time." She also revealed that she'd recently been on a date with an unnamed suitor, which she said was a unique experience for her. "I've never gotten to (date) before, so it's kind of exciting," she said. "I've always just had a boyfriend, you know? I'm young!" Duff, 19, said her breakup with Madden, the lead singer of Good Charlotte, late last year, after two and half years together, wasn't bitter. "There was nothing – no fight, no 'He did this, I did this,' " she said. "It was just time for people to move on and do different things." They still keep in touch, she added. "I had a really great relationship with him, and we still have a great relationship, which is really good and unusual. He's a good person, and I always will care about him." Asked how long she might go before getting into another serious relationship, she wouldn't say. "What if I meet someone that I really am into, and they're really into me, and I'm feeling it and I'm going for it?" she said. Duff was on the KIIS-FM program to debut the song "With Love" from her upcoming record, Dignity. She said the title for the record came from her experience living the showbiz life. "I feel like dignity is something that you can't just have, you know, you have to work on having," she said. "And I feel like I have it a little. ... The album is so personal and talks about so many experiences I've had – good ones and bad ones – and (dignity) is something I always hope to have and strive to have." The album, which has not yet been completed, is due in stores April 3.
I can’t believe I used to make fun of her. I actually find her a good role model, unlike Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears who love to waste their life on alcohol. Hilary seems true to herself. I love that about her. I may not like how she acts really but I like how she was brought up and how she has all her values.
Fergalicious and her man!
How does Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie keep her body in tip-top shape? The ultra-fit singer credits "being onstage with the guys and jumping around." But she also throws in some real legwork – on a treadmill. "That's what I like to do," she says of exercising on an incline, "because you can really do some isolation behind the legs and the booty." Next up for Fergie: working on her upcoming solo album. "It's my lifetime project," she told as at a recent party for trendy label Heatherette's Fall 2005 collection at New York City's Henri Bendel store. "It'll include songs from all the different phases of my life. The album will be a lot more intimate than my persona in the Black Eyed Peas. I've been working on it forever." But it's not all work and no play when Fergie has her beau, Las Vegas star Josh Duhamel, around. "Everything is good," she says of their relationship. "It's great." We're glad to hear it. Big Pimpin'While Beyonce is touring with Destiny's Child, boyfriend Jay-Z is keeping busy on the social scene. The hip-hop heavyweight recently partied solo at Miami hot spot Mansion, where he sat at a table on the dance floor and watched partygoers groove. Wearing white shorts and an open blue button-down shirt over a tank top, Jay-Z looked like he was fresh off the yacht from his "Big Pimpin'" video. The following night, the rapper hooked up with fellow rhyme-maker Kanye West. Wearing their shades, the two partied together in the hip-hop room at Miami club Prive and danced on the couches in the jam-packed VIP area. Both sang along when the deejay played "Golddiggers," West's new song featuring Jamie Foxx. Expect more revelry when the two converge on Miami again for the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28.
How do Fergie and Josh Duhamel's keep their relationship strong? Fishing, cooking and karaoke. Yep, cute, right!? So simple yet cute. "We always do quirky romantic things," Fergie, 31, told PEOPLE Saturday at the 5th Annual Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix, where the singer, Duhamel, 34, and other stars raced go-karts for charity in Miami. "It's not just Valentine's Day. Like we went to Cabo San Lucas, and we took a cooking class and we went fishing for marlin and mahi mahi." And she's not the only one who can belt out a tune. "We sing karaoke. At his house, he has a karaoke machine," she said. So I guess he can sing."Sometimes we'll sing really corny duets together when a couple of our friends are over. He does 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' which is amazing. You've never seen anything like it. He gets into it. He's pretty good. He's better than you would think!" Duhamel, who is about to wrap the fourth season of NBC's Las Vegas, added that they've figured out how to avoid the pitfalls of a high-profile relationship. "We just genuinely love each other," he said. "We stay out of the spotlight as much as we can. So many times people are too in the spotlight, which puts too much pressure on things." That doesn't mean they don't pay attention to what the media is saying about them. Last week, Fergie denied reports that they were getting married. "We get a kick out of it," Fergie told PEOPLE. "Every other week, we hear we're engaged." At the go-kart race, Duhamel, last year's defending champion, was excited about taking on Fergie, who was racing for the first time. See!*sigh* they’re such a cute pair, seriously. (And the fact that they don’t like to be in the spotlight is just so amazing, because most Hollywood stars would just love that.)"I'm looking forward to beating my girlfriend," he said. "She's been talking smack all week. She wants a trophy of her own." "I'm just hoping my natural abilities will come into fruition during the race," Fergie joked. "We get a little competitive sometimes. We had a lasagna cook-off one time and basically I was the better bluffer. He won the contest because mine ended up soggy." Unfortunately for the "Fergalicious" singer, she was defeated in the first round of the three-round race, which also included Nick Lachey, Queen Latifah, Paul Rudd, Terrence Howard, Venus Williams, Melina Kanakaredes and quarterback Matt Leinart. Duhamel made it to the final round, along with Lachey and TV personalities Leann Tweedon and Tony Potts. (Tweedon won the race – and a check for $10,000, which she donated to the charity Wounded Warrior. Lachey donated his $5,000 second place prize to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Potts gave his third-place prize of $2,000 to Haven Hills.) Lachey was there without his girlfriend, Vanessa Minnillo. "She bailed on me," he joked before the race. "She doesn't want to see me get thrown into a bail of hay."
How do Fergie and Josh Duhamel's keep their relationship strong? Fishing, cooking and karaoke. Yep, cute, right!? So simple yet cute. "We always do quirky romantic things," Fergie, 31, told PEOPLE Saturday at the 5th Annual Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix, where the singer, Duhamel, 34, and other stars raced go-karts for charity in Miami. "It's not just Valentine's Day. Like we went to Cabo San Lucas, and we took a cooking class and we went fishing for marlin and mahi mahi." And she's not the only one who can belt out a tune. "We sing karaoke. At his house, he has a karaoke machine," she said. So I guess he can sing."Sometimes we'll sing really corny duets together when a couple of our friends are over. He does 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' which is amazing. You've never seen anything like it. He gets into it. He's pretty good. He's better than you would think!" Duhamel, who is about to wrap the fourth season of NBC's Las Vegas, added that they've figured out how to avoid the pitfalls of a high-profile relationship. "We just genuinely love each other," he said. "We stay out of the spotlight as much as we can. So many times people are too in the spotlight, which puts too much pressure on things." That doesn't mean they don't pay attention to what the media is saying about them. Last week, Fergie denied reports that they were getting married. "We get a kick out of it," Fergie told PEOPLE. "Every other week, we hear we're engaged." At the go-kart race, Duhamel, last year's defending champion, was excited about taking on Fergie, who was racing for the first time. See!*sigh* they’re such a cute pair, seriously. (And the fact that they don’t like to be in the spotlight is just so amazing, because most Hollywood stars would just love that.)"I'm looking forward to beating my girlfriend," he said. "She's been talking smack all week. She wants a trophy of her own." "I'm just hoping my natural abilities will come into fruition during the race," Fergie joked. "We get a little competitive sometimes. We had a lasagna cook-off one time and basically I was the better bluffer. He won the contest because mine ended up soggy." Unfortunately for the "Fergalicious" singer, she was defeated in the first round of the three-round race, which also included Nick Lachey, Queen Latifah, Paul Rudd, Terrence Howard, Venus Williams, Melina Kanakaredes and quarterback Matt Leinart. Duhamel made it to the final round, along with Lachey and TV personalities Leann Tweedon and Tony Potts. (Tweedon won the race – and a check for $10,000, which she donated to the charity Wounded Warrior. Lachey donated his $5,000 second place prize to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Potts gave his third-place prize of $2,000 to Haven Hills.) Lachey was there without his girlfriend, Vanessa Minnillo. "She bailed on me," he joked before the race. "She doesn't want to see me get thrown into a bail of hay."
Eva Longoria!
The exact moment Eva Longoria became the country's water-cooler topic can be easily pinpointed: It happened when her Desperate Housewives character, Gabrielle Solis, seduced her teen gardener, John, in the first season. Soon after, Longoria was appearing on the cover of nearly every women's magazine and lad publication, including Maxim's 100th issue. The latter cover, showing a bikini-clad Longoria, was later recreated as a 75-ft. by 110-ft. display near the California state line and can be seen from passing planes. Longoria's tendency to gab has drawn headlines. Example: When she claimed to be "the experienced one"" in her relationship with her fiancé, NBA player Tony Parker. They plan to marry in July 2007 at a chateau, north of Paris. Eva Longoria may not be a housewife, but she is desperate for her France-raised fiancé Tony Parker to improve her French skills. "He's terrible. He always wants to speak English," Longoria, 31, told PEOPLE Thursday while in London to open the annual Harrods Winter Sale. "I try to remind him but he always forgets and says it's easier and faster to speak English, but I want to understand." She decided to master French the hard way – in a classroom. "I couldn't speak French before Tony. All I knew how to say was, 'My name is Eva.' I went to a Berlitz French school this summer, doing about five hours a day." And how is her French now? "Great!" The actress first met Parker, 24, in the San Antonio Spurs locker room more than two years ago. He proposed on Nov. 30, presenting her with a five-carat-plus emerald-cut diamond ring. Longoria spent Christmas in her home state of Texas and will be back in the U.S. for a quiet Dec. 31. "Nothing is planned for New Year's Eve," she said. "Tony plays that date so I'll be watching, sitting at a Spurs' game." She continues shooting Desperate Housewives until April before taking a new film role. "I'm picking my next summer movie as we speak. I don't know what it will be yet. I've read a lot of scripts and I am amazed at how many movies will be made next year. I'm a big fan of the romantic comedy and would love to do another one." Also in the works: her wedding. Although Housewives creator Marc Cherry told PEOPLE the couple will get married on July 7, Longoria said Thursday, "We haven't set a date yet." Asked point-blank if the nuptials could be on lucky 7/7/07, she said with a smile: "Maybe."
Godiva Chocolates, Texas, and NBA star Tony Parker. Those are just a few of Eva Longoria's loves. But sex scenes? No thanks. "I hate sex scenes and kissing scenes," the engaged actress, 31, tells the February issue of VEGAS Magazine. "It's just an uncomfortable situation for everybody. 'Put your elbow over here, find your light here.' It's not really natural and just awkward." She even admits that her Desperate Housewives on-again, off-again husband Ricardo Chavira is a bit turned off by steamy scenes, mainly because they have a brother-sister relationship. "He tells me all the time: 'People say, "You get to kiss Eva Longoria" – and he goes 'Yeah, whatever.'" In the interview, Longoria also dishes on her engagement – "it still makes me giggle" – and her clumsiness, which amuses her hoops-star husband-to-be. “Tony laughs," she adds. "He says, 'I can't believe everybody in the world thinks you're so sexy and glamorous,' because he knows I'm not glamorous in everyday life." Longoria's interview with the magazine (on newsstands Feb. 1) is in advance of her trip to Sin City next month for the NBA All-Star game. The couple will also host a night at Pure Nightclub in Vegas on Feb. 17. they’re so cute together.
Godiva Chocolates, Texas, and NBA star Tony Parker. Those are just a few of Eva Longoria's loves. But sex scenes? No thanks. "I hate sex scenes and kissing scenes," the engaged actress, 31, tells the February issue of VEGAS Magazine. "It's just an uncomfortable situation for everybody. 'Put your elbow over here, find your light here.' It's not really natural and just awkward." She even admits that her Desperate Housewives on-again, off-again husband Ricardo Chavira is a bit turned off by steamy scenes, mainly because they have a brother-sister relationship. "He tells me all the time: 'People say, "You get to kiss Eva Longoria" – and he goes 'Yeah, whatever.'" In the interview, Longoria also dishes on her engagement – "it still makes me giggle" – and her clumsiness, which amuses her hoops-star husband-to-be. “Tony laughs," she adds. "He says, 'I can't believe everybody in the world thinks you're so sexy and glamorous,' because he knows I'm not glamorous in everyday life." Longoria's interview with the magazine (on newsstands Feb. 1) is in advance of her trip to Sin City next month for the NBA All-Star game. The couple will also host a night at Pure Nightclub in Vegas on Feb. 17. they’re so cute together.
Chickenpoxilicious!
For people who have Chicken Pox (like me, right now), here’s a short guide on stuff!
Chickenpox (varicella), it’s said to be a viral illness characterized by a very itchy red rash and is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children, but adults run the risk of serious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you can't get it again.) However the virus remains dormant in the body, and it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Because chickenpox can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, possibly causing birth defects, doctors often advise women considering pregnancy to confirm their immunity with a blood test.
Chickenpox is caused by the herpes zoster virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens, or oozing vesicles of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is seven to 21 days after exposure. So, I didn’t get it last Saturday when we went out, or any time last week! The disease is most contagious a day before the rash appears and up to seven days after, or until the rash forms scabs.
The rash that accompanies a case of chicken pox is incredibly itchy! These red bumps or blisters can leave scars if they are scratched too much. So if your kids (or you) are fighting chicken pox, here are some tips to help you fight the itchies.
Keep your fingernails short. That way, if you DO scratch, you won't do as much damage.
Keep your hands covered. A pair of mittens or even a pair of socks can keep you from scratching while you're asleep.
Wash your hands often. If you do scratch with dirty hands, you can spread germs into the skin.
Stay cool. Getting all hot and sweaty will only make the itching worse. Keep the air conditioning on if it's warm outside, or keep a fan in your room.
Use a washcloth soaked in cool water to soothe itchy areas.
Take a lukewarm bath to soothe an all-over itch. Add oatmeal to your bath water for extra soothing.
Try dabbing calamine lotion on the itchy rash.
Try aloe vera gel on the rash. Keep the bottle of gel in your fridge for an extra-cool treat.
Pick clothes that are loose. Look for cotton, rather than synthetic fibers.
Make sure you drink enough water! Keep your skin hydrated, because your skin can get dry and itchy without enough moisture.
Distract yourself. Watch TV, play a game, read a book. Don't just sit and think about how itchy you are.
If your doctor gives you the okay, try an antihistamine to ease the itch.
Your skin is supposed to be itchy when you have chicken pox. The fluid inside the red spots releases a chemical into your skin that causes the itch. So if you are all itchy, take comfort in the fact that this is your body's way of putting up a fight. Yep, that’s if we look at the bright side. But there’s really no bright side when you have chicken pox!! I just want to burry myself underground! I hate this feeling with all my passion. Why oh why did I have to get this stupid disease thing!?!
Chickenpox (varicella), it’s said to be a viral illness characterized by a very itchy red rash and is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children, but adults run the risk of serious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you can't get it again.) However the virus remains dormant in the body, and it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Because chickenpox can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, possibly causing birth defects, doctors often advise women considering pregnancy to confirm their immunity with a blood test.
Chickenpox is caused by the herpes zoster virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens, or oozing vesicles of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is seven to 21 days after exposure. So, I didn’t get it last Saturday when we went out, or any time last week! The disease is most contagious a day before the rash appears and up to seven days after, or until the rash forms scabs.
The rash that accompanies a case of chicken pox is incredibly itchy! These red bumps or blisters can leave scars if they are scratched too much. So if your kids (or you) are fighting chicken pox, here are some tips to help you fight the itchies.
Keep your fingernails short. That way, if you DO scratch, you won't do as much damage.
Keep your hands covered. A pair of mittens or even a pair of socks can keep you from scratching while you're asleep.
Wash your hands often. If you do scratch with dirty hands, you can spread germs into the skin.
Stay cool. Getting all hot and sweaty will only make the itching worse. Keep the air conditioning on if it's warm outside, or keep a fan in your room.
Use a washcloth soaked in cool water to soothe itchy areas.
Take a lukewarm bath to soothe an all-over itch. Add oatmeal to your bath water for extra soothing.
Try dabbing calamine lotion on the itchy rash.
Try aloe vera gel on the rash. Keep the bottle of gel in your fridge for an extra-cool treat.
Pick clothes that are loose. Look for cotton, rather than synthetic fibers.
Make sure you drink enough water! Keep your skin hydrated, because your skin can get dry and itchy without enough moisture.
Distract yourself. Watch TV, play a game, read a book. Don't just sit and think about how itchy you are.
If your doctor gives you the okay, try an antihistamine to ease the itch.
Your skin is supposed to be itchy when you have chicken pox. The fluid inside the red spots releases a chemical into your skin that causes the itch. So if you are all itchy, take comfort in the fact that this is your body's way of putting up a fight. Yep, that’s if we look at the bright side. But there’s really no bright side when you have chicken pox!! I just want to burry myself underground! I hate this feeling with all my passion. Why oh why did I have to get this stupid disease thing!?!
Bad Guys Vs. Nice Boys II
We might LIKE the experience of the “nice guy” doing nice things, but it doesn't CREATE attraction or a connection with the woman. Ever. Trust me, I know men who are the “nice guy” all the time and they get so frustrated trying so hard to please a woman and get her interested. But it's like trying to chew bubble gum to solve calculus problems... It's hopeless. And wouldn't you know it - it works the same way for “nice women”. Being a “nice girl” can't “convince” a guy to like you just because you do sweet things... It just doesn't work like that.
THE TRUTH of the matter is - kissing up, convincing and being too “sweet” can kill attraction. Why? Our subconscious reacts in ways you often can't control and aren't very aware of. Being too “nice” sends a signal to the “deep” part of the mind that tells you “this person isn't desirable and is lower status”. I know, this might sound kind of dark, power-hungry or weird to you, but it's what happens with us humans. People don't value what they can have too easily, whether they admit it or not. Ultimately, when women are around “nice guys”, they end up unconsciously thinking, “This man isn't desirable, I shouldn't date or pursue this guy”.
In the nice guys defense - they might actually have something better to offer a woman in terms of what she SAYS she wants (love, trust, companionship, passion), but the women aren't able to see it - or see it as something they want.
Why? Women don't develop a connection to the nice guy and the “connection” is the MAGIC ingredient for attraction with most women. Which leads us to the “bad boy”! You might not agree with me, but women DO feel that magical emotion called ATTRACTION for “bad boys”. Of course, I don't believe that men have to be jerks, or abuse women in order to make them feel attracted to them. But women have a deep attraction mechanism that's triggered by men who behave indifferent, superior, cocky, the list goes of “bad” behavior. You've seen it. “Bad boys” often create inviting and intoxicating forms of drama - often perceived as playfulness, sexuality and fun. So why do women date and continue on with “bad boys”? they we usually say it’s because there was some connection or chemistry. The magic of a connection with a man can be extremely powerful. Often powerful enough to undo all sorts of reasoning abilities and ways of perceiving things.
Women picking and staying with the wrong men is the single biggest mistake I see women make. It's the most common reason why the thousands of women I hear from can't find the love and fulfillment they're looking for.
I can say that I, myself like the bad guys. Of course having the nice boy who could treat me like a goddess would be a dream but that’s it, there’s no thrill in it. I want someone I could fight and he’d fight back too (but you know, not totally.. well, you get it) and of course I don’t want those air-headed jerks who think they’re the kings of this world. *eew* that’s just a total turn-off to me.
THE TRUTH of the matter is - kissing up, convincing and being too “sweet” can kill attraction. Why? Our subconscious reacts in ways you often can't control and aren't very aware of. Being too “nice” sends a signal to the “deep” part of the mind that tells you “this person isn't desirable and is lower status”. I know, this might sound kind of dark, power-hungry or weird to you, but it's what happens with us humans. People don't value what they can have too easily, whether they admit it or not. Ultimately, when women are around “nice guys”, they end up unconsciously thinking, “This man isn't desirable, I shouldn't date or pursue this guy”.
In the nice guys defense - they might actually have something better to offer a woman in terms of what she SAYS she wants (love, trust, companionship, passion), but the women aren't able to see it - or see it as something they want.
Why? Women don't develop a connection to the nice guy and the “connection” is the MAGIC ingredient for attraction with most women. Which leads us to the “bad boy”! You might not agree with me, but women DO feel that magical emotion called ATTRACTION for “bad boys”. Of course, I don't believe that men have to be jerks, or abuse women in order to make them feel attracted to them. But women have a deep attraction mechanism that's triggered by men who behave indifferent, superior, cocky, the list goes of “bad” behavior. You've seen it. “Bad boys” often create inviting and intoxicating forms of drama - often perceived as playfulness, sexuality and fun. So why do women date and continue on with “bad boys”? they we usually say it’s because there was some connection or chemistry. The magic of a connection with a man can be extremely powerful. Often powerful enough to undo all sorts of reasoning abilities and ways of perceiving things.
Women picking and staying with the wrong men is the single biggest mistake I see women make. It's the most common reason why the thousands of women I hear from can't find the love and fulfillment they're looking for.
I can say that I, myself like the bad guys. Of course having the nice boy who could treat me like a goddess would be a dream but that’s it, there’s no thrill in it. I want someone I could fight and he’d fight back too (but you know, not totally.. well, you get it) and of course I don’t want those air-headed jerks who think they’re the kings of this world. *eew* that’s just a total turn-off to me.
Bad Guys Vs. Nice Boys I
Happy & In-love or Lonely & Single. Whoa... that's pretty intense - I'll tone it down for a sec and give you something to take your mind to off some of the potential negative stuff that you might be thinking about here...
Did you see the final Sex and the City episode where Carrie went to Paris with her lover?
Carrie's in Paris with her boyfriend and begins to wonder if she made the right decision to move away with this man who, deep down inside, she know's doesn't want the same type of life and relationship she does.
As she makes this realization, her ex, “Big”, has flown to Paris from New York looking to reconcile with his lost love after realizing his undying love for Carrie.
And of course, as with all good TV, the two find each other by luck and fate, and Big finally professes his love.
Talk about romantic, intense, suspenseful and full of great drama!
Ok, I thought that might do the trick to warm you back up.
So what does the story of Carrie's love life have to do with YOUR love life?
More than you might think - but we'll get to that.
Why do women pick all the wrong guys?
If you've had your heart broken, been cheated on, or find yourself giving everything you've got inside, to get little or nothing in return, then you know what I'm talking about.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions:
1.What is it about “bad boys” or men that aren't “available” that is attractive to women? And to you? 2. Have you ever dated a guy even though you knew he was a “bad boy” - or found out soon into things? 3. Is there a “nice guy” in your life who would make a great companion but you're not attracted to or share a “connection” with?
Picking the wrong men can get you in all kinds of painful trouble it's hard to get free of.
But for some reason, women don't want the guys who are probably better relationship and love companions.
I'm not going to give you ALL the answers right now, but I'm going to lead you to finding the answers for yourself - as it's a much more effective way of learning.
So.... I'm going to address the last question first about “nice guys”.
Here’s a little something that I found online:
“...Do Women Date Naughty Guys but Marry Nice Ones?” This notion sounds an awful lot like the irritating good-girl/bad-girl distinction that men continue to make. Still, it does contain a nugget of sense. Since women truly are conditioned to be “good girls,” sometimes we feel uncomfortable with or guilty about that pure burning “I must have him!” feeling. That's why we sometimes seek out a bad boy to serve as the object of these desires, says Cleveland psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek, creator of the Health Journeys series of guided imagery tapes. “In order for the deliciousness of pure lust to be 'okay,' it has to be for the symbolic bad boy who has nothing to do with the rest of your life. With him, you can crank up your animal impulses, worry-free,” she says..
Interesting, huh?
There's something to the idea that woman don't feel that powerful GUT LEVEL ATTRACTION for “nice guys” who chase after them, dote on them and kiss up to them.
I’m going to end here and continue in my next blog since I’m sort of running out of things to say. So, see you!
Did you see the final Sex and the City episode where Carrie went to Paris with her lover?
Carrie's in Paris with her boyfriend and begins to wonder if she made the right decision to move away with this man who, deep down inside, she know's doesn't want the same type of life and relationship she does.
As she makes this realization, her ex, “Big”, has flown to Paris from New York looking to reconcile with his lost love after realizing his undying love for Carrie.
And of course, as with all good TV, the two find each other by luck and fate, and Big finally professes his love.
Talk about romantic, intense, suspenseful and full of great drama!
Ok, I thought that might do the trick to warm you back up.
So what does the story of Carrie's love life have to do with YOUR love life?
More than you might think - but we'll get to that.
Why do women pick all the wrong guys?
If you've had your heart broken, been cheated on, or find yourself giving everything you've got inside, to get little or nothing in return, then you know what I'm talking about.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions:
1.What is it about “bad boys” or men that aren't “available” that is attractive to women? And to you? 2. Have you ever dated a guy even though you knew he was a “bad boy” - or found out soon into things? 3. Is there a “nice guy” in your life who would make a great companion but you're not attracted to or share a “connection” with?
Picking the wrong men can get you in all kinds of painful trouble it's hard to get free of.
But for some reason, women don't want the guys who are probably better relationship and love companions.
I'm not going to give you ALL the answers right now, but I'm going to lead you to finding the answers for yourself - as it's a much more effective way of learning.
So.... I'm going to address the last question first about “nice guys”.
Here’s a little something that I found online:
“...Do Women Date Naughty Guys but Marry Nice Ones?” This notion sounds an awful lot like the irritating good-girl/bad-girl distinction that men continue to make. Still, it does contain a nugget of sense. Since women truly are conditioned to be “good girls,” sometimes we feel uncomfortable with or guilty about that pure burning “I must have him!” feeling. That's why we sometimes seek out a bad boy to serve as the object of these desires, says Cleveland psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek, creator of the Health Journeys series of guided imagery tapes. “In order for the deliciousness of pure lust to be 'okay,' it has to be for the symbolic bad boy who has nothing to do with the rest of your life. With him, you can crank up your animal impulses, worry-free,” she says..
Interesting, huh?
There's something to the idea that woman don't feel that powerful GUT LEVEL ATTRACTION for “nice guys” who chase after them, dote on them and kiss up to them.
I’m going to end here and continue in my next blog since I’m sort of running out of things to say. So, see you!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Jesse Eden Metcalfe- the hottest guy in the planet!
This is Jesse by the way. He's gorgeous, right!? *laugh*
The effect that the ABC drama/soap “Desperate Housewives” (2004-now!) had on its cast during the show’s monster first season was nothing short of dramatic. For its former cast members like Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross, the show provided a large boost to their careers; while for newcomers like Eva Longoria, it pushed them from unknown to overnight stardom. Jesse Metcalfe, who played the really really hot teenage gardener John Rowland, slowly gained fame as the show brought him higher from minor celebrity to full-fledged star! Much advantage to his female fans who could never get enough of him cutting the lawn shirtless, like me!!
Jesse was born on Dec. 9, 1978. I’m not sure where he’s from though because my “sources” vary! Some say that he’s from Waterford, CT, while others say Carmel Valley, CA as his birthplace. Whatever the case, Jesse spent a portion of his creative years in Waterford before attending New York City’s famous Tisch School of the Arts from 1996-99 to pursue acting and directing. Though he left the school before graduating, he was able to make ends meet as a print model for several years, making cover in youth-oriented publications such as Seventeen and YM.
Sooner or later, he ended up an open casting call for a new, wackier than usual daytime soap opera called “Passions” (NBC, 1999- ). Luck, talent and good genes all played their part in his landing the role of Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald, one of four sons in one of the show’s central families. Miguel’s story arc centered around his desire for the “supernaturally-inclined” Charity Standish (Molly Stanton) and the plotting of his childhood friend Kay Bennett (Taylor Anne Mountz) to claim him as her own. This led to Kay bearing Miguel’s child, but by 2004, Miguel and Charity departed the show’s fictional locale, leaving her an embittered single mom. Metcalfe departed the show at this point, but his character, now played by Adrian Bellani, returned in 2006. Reportedly, Metcalfe and Mountz dated during their tenure on the soap.
Moving up the ladder of success, Jesse logged appearances in two episodes of “Smallville” (WB, 2001- ) during his time on “Passions;” in both episodes (aired in 2003 and 2004), he played the vengeful Van McNulty, who needed to kill anyone affected by the same freak meteor shower that launched Clark (Tom Welling) Kent’s developing powers. He also had a small role as a police officer in the 2003 FX TV movie, “44 Minutes: A Shootout in North Hollywood.”
In ’04, he was cast on “Desperate Housewives,” leaving his life forever changed. Viewers immediately responded to his high school gardener, John Rowland’s sexy and illicit romance with his older, married boss, Gabrielle (Eva Longoria). His subsequent story arc – which encompassed everything from believing that he got Gabrielle pregnant to being assaulted by her husband Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) at a gay hate crime trial –was very much in line with the series’ hyper-dramatic tone. Leaving the show in 2005, John Rowland had been written as away from Gabrielle and running his own gardening company, but the actor returned to the steamy show in 2006, reprising the role that made him catnip to viewers of both sexes.
The exposure he enjoyed from “Housewives” led to some high-profile TV and film appearances. He was featured twice on Ashton Kutcher’s reality-comedy series “Punk’d” (MTV, 2003- I don’t know..), once as part of a gag involving Longoria, and once as the sole focus of a joke. He also turned up in the music video for the song “Let Me Go” by the alt-rock outfit, Three Doors Down. And in 2006, he graduated to leading man status in the comedy “John Tucker Must Die” (my favorite movie!), which co-starred Sophia Bush of “One Tree Hill” (The WB/CW, 2003- ) and R&B singer/actress Ashanti. The film received almost universally negative reviews, but the savvy advertising campaign (which centered around his face and body) helped bring in the teenage audience, and he showed a knack for comedy in the title role of a high school lothario whose conquests unite to bring him down. It’s really wierd though why the movie got all those bad reviews!
i love jesse metcalfe!! *smile*
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
My Babies!!
What's a "Krispy Kreme?"
When people talk about a Krispy Kreme doughnut, they're usually referring to their signature treat: the Original Glazed. Made from a recipe dating back to the 1930s, our Original Glazed doughnuts have helped set them apart. And if you haven't had an Original Glazed HOT off the line, you need to try one! Now!
Thanks to Mr. Vemon Rudolph, I was able to gain around 7 pounds 2 summers ago by eating the most irreplaceable doughnuts in this world. July 13, 1937, the day when these delicious gifts from God came to be! It was first sold in the local grocery stores in Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In 1976, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary of Beatrice Foods Company of Chicago, Illinois. The headquarters for Krispy Kreme remained in Winston-Salem. group of franchisees purchased the corporation back from Beatrice Foods in 1982. n 2003, a pilot project in Mountain View, California to sell doughnuts through car windows and sunroofs at a busy intersection (with wireless payment) failed.On June 3, 2005, National Doughnut Day in the US, participating franchises gave away free doughnuts.On February 19, 2007, Krispy Kreme began selling the Whole Wheat Glazed doughnut in an attempt to appeal to the health conscious. The doughnut has twenty calories less than the original glazed (180 vs. 200) and contains slightly more fiber (2 grams vs. 0.5 grams). Besides the stores that Krispy Kreme operate in the United States and Canada there are also franchise owned stores in the United Kingdom, Australia, Kuwait, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, The Philippines and Japan. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts offer 15 varieties of doughnuts in the UK plus the occasional feature doughnut. Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnut used to cost 90p and the assorted varieties used to cost £1.10 but recently the prices have been pushed up.
The fifteen varieties are:
Original Glazed (95p), Chocolate Iced Glazed (£1.20), Glazed Lemon Filled (£1.20), Glazed Raspberry Filled (£1.20), Glazed Cream Filled (£1.20), Powdered Strawberry Filled (£1.20), Powdered Blueberry.In November 2006 Krispy Kreme opened two stores in the Philippines. These stores are franchise owned like many others. The original franchise agreement is for 20 stores over the next five years. The first store was officially opened on November 30 2006 at The Fort. The second store was opened on December 21 2006 at Bldg. B of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Each doughnut cost 30 pesos.
Let me tell you, those doughnuts are simply irresistible even though I don’t get to taste it anymore, but just looking at its pictures, I bet Homer Simpson would surely die for these.
Eh, if you all got the money right, pour some in for this piece of machine. It can make you hundreds of donuts every minute. In Melbourne, people are queuing up for hours just to get those donuts and they cost AUD$1.25 PER standard piece of donuts. Special flavored/dressed donuts could cost up to AUD$1.5 PER piece. Do some simple math and you’ll know how much you’ll get everyday from sales of these donuts.
Alright, let’s get down to business. Pictures to prove I’m not bluffing.
When people talk about a Krispy Kreme doughnut, they're usually referring to their signature treat: the Original Glazed. Made from a recipe dating back to the 1930s, our Original Glazed doughnuts have helped set them apart. And if you haven't had an Original Glazed HOT off the line, you need to try one! Now!
Thanks to Mr. Vemon Rudolph, I was able to gain around 7 pounds 2 summers ago by eating the most irreplaceable doughnuts in this world. July 13, 1937, the day when these delicious gifts from God came to be! It was first sold in the local grocery stores in Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In 1976, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary of Beatrice Foods Company of Chicago, Illinois. The headquarters for Krispy Kreme remained in Winston-Salem. group of franchisees purchased the corporation back from Beatrice Foods in 1982. n 2003, a pilot project in Mountain View, California to sell doughnuts through car windows and sunroofs at a busy intersection (with wireless payment) failed.On June 3, 2005, National Doughnut Day in the US, participating franchises gave away free doughnuts.On February 19, 2007, Krispy Kreme began selling the Whole Wheat Glazed doughnut in an attempt to appeal to the health conscious. The doughnut has twenty calories less than the original glazed (180 vs. 200) and contains slightly more fiber (2 grams vs. 0.5 grams). Besides the stores that Krispy Kreme operate in the United States and Canada there are also franchise owned stores in the United Kingdom, Australia, Kuwait, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, The Philippines and Japan. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts offer 15 varieties of doughnuts in the UK plus the occasional feature doughnut. Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnut used to cost 90p and the assorted varieties used to cost £1.10 but recently the prices have been pushed up.
The fifteen varieties are:
Original Glazed (95p), Chocolate Iced Glazed (£1.20), Glazed Lemon Filled (£1.20), Glazed Raspberry Filled (£1.20), Glazed Cream Filled (£1.20), Powdered Strawberry Filled (£1.20), Powdered Blueberry.In November 2006 Krispy Kreme opened two stores in the Philippines. These stores are franchise owned like many others. The original franchise agreement is for 20 stores over the next five years. The first store was officially opened on November 30 2006 at The Fort. The second store was opened on December 21 2006 at Bldg. B of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Each doughnut cost 30 pesos.
Let me tell you, those doughnuts are simply irresistible even though I don’t get to taste it anymore, but just looking at its pictures, I bet Homer Simpson would surely die for these.
Eh, if you all got the money right, pour some in for this piece of machine. It can make you hundreds of donuts every minute. In Melbourne, people are queuing up for hours just to get those donuts and they cost AUD$1.25 PER standard piece of donuts. Special flavored/dressed donuts could cost up to AUD$1.5 PER piece. Do some simple math and you’ll know how much you’ll get everyday from sales of these donuts.
Alright, let’s get down to business. Pictures to prove I’m not bluffing.
First of all, the dough are automatically spread and laid out onto the moving belt. Passed through the oven and the top is baked.Then, the bottoms are being fried over hot oil. You see the three layers there? You actually get three sensations when you’re eating it. The baked, fried, and the soft middle. After that, those doughnuts were all showered with sugar cream. Glossily cream coated doughnuts are ready to be served. Finally, the donut girls will pick your donuts up, fresh!
I swear, if you ever get to taste these amazing babies, you’re really going to go nuts!!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie was arrested on a DUI charge a few weeks ago ( I don’t really remember when though, but recently) after several motorists called in wreckless vehicle reports.When officers responded, they found Nicole in her SUV, stopped in the carpool lane. She said she’d smoked marijuana and taken Vicodin just before driving east in the westbound lanes of the 134 Freeway in Burbank.
But why was she taking drugs? She has been telling her friends that she was on Vicodin because her monthly visitor was in town ... and she was having bad cramps. (Some docs do prescribe Vicodin for menstrual pain.) "She knows she made a mistake, but overall she's in a better place," one of Nicole's "close friend" told U.S. Weekly. "She has come a long way from her heroin days."So, what's this "better place" like? Since her arrest, she has been resting, doing some retail therapy and hanging out with her new flame, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden (note: Hilary duff’s ex-boyfriend!!). But, her "pals" say, she is depressed about the whole ordeal -- and upset about the fact that her weight is listed at 85 pounds on the police report."She's so proud of her weight gain," her "friend" said. According to her girlfriend, Richie has gained about 10 pounds since September and actually weighs about 95 pounds. The fact that she was on drugs was bad enough. But were there more than pills and pot behind the wheel of that black Mercedes? Facts in a new study point to yes. Researchers in Portland, Ore., who studied people convicted of at least two DUI offenses (in the past 10 years) say that more than half of DUI offenders also suffer from at least one mental illness -- in addition to a drug or alcohol-use disorder. Does Nicole fit this profile?Well, this is her second DUI arrest, and she’s previously undergone treatment for heroin addiction after a possession arrest in 2003.Is Nicole mentally ill?According to the DUI study, 60% of those with two or more convictions – like Nicole – reported experiencing major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or another mental illness.But despite the fact that she has collapsed in public and been questioned on a regular basis by the media about the possibility that she may have anorexia nervosa, Nicole says she doesn’t. -- even though she weighed in at a teensy 85 lbs. on Monday. She says if she looks too thin, it's her stylist's fault.But her fans stand by her side – arrests, drugs and all.Here is a sampling of some of the quotes people have left on Nicole’s MySpace page:• "I love vicodin and weed- especially together. AND..I like to be as skinny as possible. Why is everyone always bitchin'?"• "Hey nicole!! Everyone just makes a big deal out of nothing forget about everything.... love ya!”• "Girl i am going to go get a DUI this weekend just to be liike you. No joke. I loveeeeee NR"It is just not smart to drive under the influence, endangering the lives of other people. And, it is not cool for someone who is a role model to act like that (proof of that is in the MySpace.com comments).I’m not a health care professional, so I cannot determine if Nicole is mentally ill (and I really think she isn't). But she does appear to completely clueless and plagued with stupidity.
What just sucks is that her beauty gets wasted on all this stuff. So advice to everyone: don’t smoke. Don’t drink. Do not take drugs.
( This blog contains well researched information on some of the latest things that has happened to Nicole Richie *smile* )
But why was she taking drugs? She has been telling her friends that she was on Vicodin because her monthly visitor was in town ... and she was having bad cramps. (Some docs do prescribe Vicodin for menstrual pain.) "She knows she made a mistake, but overall she's in a better place," one of Nicole's "close friend" told U.S. Weekly. "She has come a long way from her heroin days."So, what's this "better place" like? Since her arrest, she has been resting, doing some retail therapy and hanging out with her new flame, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden (note: Hilary duff’s ex-boyfriend!!). But, her "pals" say, she is depressed about the whole ordeal -- and upset about the fact that her weight is listed at 85 pounds on the police report."She's so proud of her weight gain," her "friend" said. According to her girlfriend, Richie has gained about 10 pounds since September and actually weighs about 95 pounds. The fact that she was on drugs was bad enough. But were there more than pills and pot behind the wheel of that black Mercedes? Facts in a new study point to yes. Researchers in Portland, Ore., who studied people convicted of at least two DUI offenses (in the past 10 years) say that more than half of DUI offenders also suffer from at least one mental illness -- in addition to a drug or alcohol-use disorder. Does Nicole fit this profile?Well, this is her second DUI arrest, and she’s previously undergone treatment for heroin addiction after a possession arrest in 2003.Is Nicole mentally ill?According to the DUI study, 60% of those with two or more convictions – like Nicole – reported experiencing major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or another mental illness.But despite the fact that she has collapsed in public and been questioned on a regular basis by the media about the possibility that she may have anorexia nervosa, Nicole says she doesn’t. -- even though she weighed in at a teensy 85 lbs. on Monday. She says if she looks too thin, it's her stylist's fault.But her fans stand by her side – arrests, drugs and all.Here is a sampling of some of the quotes people have left on Nicole’s MySpace page:• "I love vicodin and weed- especially together. AND..I like to be as skinny as possible. Why is everyone always bitchin'?"• "Hey nicole!! Everyone just makes a big deal out of nothing forget about everything.... love ya!”• "Girl i am going to go get a DUI this weekend just to be liike you. No joke. I loveeeeee NR"It is just not smart to drive under the influence, endangering the lives of other people. And, it is not cool for someone who is a role model to act like that (proof of that is in the MySpace.com comments).I’m not a health care professional, so I cannot determine if Nicole is mentally ill (and I really think she isn't). But she does appear to completely clueless and plagued with stupidity.
What just sucks is that her beauty gets wasted on all this stuff. So advice to everyone: don’t smoke. Don’t drink. Do not take drugs.
( This blog contains well researched information on some of the latest things that has happened to Nicole Richie *smile* )
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