Monday, January 31, 2011

Global 2011: 6-Step Masturbation Guide

JEJU, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 24:  A statue is s...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Can I ask you a personal question? Do you masturbate? If you don't, you should. Masturbation can relax and de-stress you. It can also improve sexual relations with your partner by showing them what turns you on. And masturbation can satisfy you when your partner is at another one of those late dinner meetings or out of town.

But perhaps you don't tickle your taco or beat your beaver because you think it's gross. Or maybe you don't think that you have the time for it. If so, you should reconsider it because I think masturbating is part of taking care of yourself, like wearing sunscreen or eating quinoa.

Here's a how-to guide to help you help pleasure yourself, whether you've never done it or have done it a thousand times before:

Step 1: Set yourself up in a relaxing environment.

Step 2: Take the time to get comfortable.

Step 3: Think about what kind of session you’re in the mood for and arrange whatever accessories you might need: a vibrator or clitoral massager? Some lube? How about a little erotica or some mood music?

Step 4: Take a few deep breaths and slowly reacquaint your mind with your body. Touch yourself.

Step 5: Hopefully you’re a little worked up by now. Pick up the pace, your lube (if you need it), and your toys. Spend some time trying out what feels best for you.

Step 6: You're coming? Let your body take over and have that orgasmic release you've been waiting for. Allow time for the aftershocks to play out and let all of your muscles enjoy being relaxed for a change.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/love_sex/115588/my_v_day_gift_to


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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Global 2011: Room Service in Terminal B

The International Arrivals Hall at Boston Loga...Image via Wikipedia
Flight canceled? How to get a cot, food, a shower and the fastest flight out.

Almost every night, stranded travelers can be found sleeping inside the terminals of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

"This is the new reality," said James Crites, DFW's executive vice president for operations. "You're becoming a hotel."

These days, airlines are canceling flights more readily due to bad weather and other disruptions. Re-booking is trickier than ever -- as many discovered during the recent snowstorms in the South and Northeast -- because airlines have reduced their schedules and are running at capacity. As a result, passengers should prepare for the dreaded airport sleepover.

Now, however, airports are doing more when they become the hotel of last resort.

Many provide meal vouchers and set up discounted hotel rates for travelers, for example. Some write requirements in leases that restaurants will remain open 24 hours a day when passengers are stranded. Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees Boston's Logan Airport, has an arrangement with flight kitchens to cook up lots of meals for stranded passengers if the terminal restaurants run out of food or can't stay open. Newsstand vendors at Boston Logan are also required to stock baby formula and diapers for stranded families.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111875/room-service-in-terminal-b?mod=family-travel


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Friday, January 28, 2011

Global 2011: Ken Tries to Win Barbie Back by Valentine's Day

Three first editions of Barbie dolls from 1959...Image via Wikipedia
The celebrity toy-couple that shocked the world with their split after 43 years together could be reuniting this year, but only if 'Sweet Talkin' Ken' succeeds in wooing Barbie back.
Ken is on a mission this year. He wants Barbie back.

He's sporting a new Justin Bieber-like look, and a new name: Sweet Talkin Ken.

And he's not holding back in his quest to woo Barbie back — by Valentine's Day.

Here's the scoop.

Don't be surprised if you see billboards in New York and Los Angeles with Ken professing his renewed love for his ladydoll, declaring "Barbie, you are the only doll for me."

Even better, "Barbie, we may be plastic but our love is real."

Ken and Barbie fans may also have picked up on the famous exes flirting on Facebook, or noted that Ken checked in on Foursquare at the famous Magnolia Bakery in New York to get special cupcakes for his favorite girl.

Ken's thinks he's the ultimate boyfriend but Barbie fans will have to wait a few more weeks to find out if he succeeds in his quest.

Breakup that rocked the world: Ken and Barbie shocked their fans — and the world — when the doll world's "golden couple" went splitsville in 2004.

The couples' romance began 50 years ago when they met on the set of their first television commercial together in 1961.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111975/ken-tries-to-win-barbie-back-by-valentines-day


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Global 2011: U.S. town demolished

local funeral homeImage via Wikipedia
Most of its residents left, the school closed, the city government was disbanded and starting this week nearly every commercial building in Picher, Oklahoma, will be demolished.

But the owner of the last-remaining open business in Picher, which has been vacated over the years because of lead contamination, is not ready to go.

"It's not time for me to leave yet," said Gary Linderman, owner of Old Miner's Pharmacy in what is left of central Picher, located in the northeast corner of the state.

"I have an obligation to people. We are all creatures of habit and closing might throw them off."

In addition to providing prescriptions, the pharmacy is the only place left in town to buy snack food, beverages, over-the-counter medicine and other necessities.

Linderman declined a buyout from the federal government, which declared Picher a hazardous waste site in 1981 and has bought out about 900 homeowners and businesses. Crews demolished a funeral home, restaurant, thrift shop, apartment building and other structures this week, with more to come.

Besides lead contamination, Picher has suffered in recent years from sinkholes from old mines that threaten to swallow the community. Three years ago, a tornado destroyed about 150 homes, chasing more people away.

Picher's population has shrunk from 1,640 in 2000 to only a handful of residents today. The school district and city government dissolved in 2009 and the post office closed.



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Global 2011: Tiny Apartment Is Made With 25,000 Ping-Pong Balls

Daniel-ArshamImage by FoodCultura via Flickr
Daniel Arsham's apartment in Brooklyn is the only pint-sized place we've ever wanted to live in. It's a mere 90 square feet — that's about big enough to fit a toothbrush — but the decor's so sleek and minimal, we'd trade in our own sardine can in a heartbeat.

The apartment's a loft attached to the offices of Snarkitecture, the cool-kid architecture firm where Arsham is a partner, and it's basically just a room that serves two functions: sleeping and dressing. But oh, what a room it is.

The walls look like great big, pixelated screens that fade from gray to white as you approach the ceiling. On closer inspection, the pixels are actually ping-pong balls — a whopping 25,000 of 'em. We half expect someone to come out and call a Powerball winner.

The rest of the place is a study in simplicity. Arsham's got a bed with some built-in shelves and a dresser, where he keeps a few clothes. To enter the loft, he climbs a ladder through the office's employee bathroom.



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Global 2011: In Dubai, the state of The World is in dispute

Jumeira Palm Islands projects in Dubai, as see...Image via Wikipedia
A cluster of 300 artificial islands off Dubai's coast in the shape of a global map is stable, its developer Nakheel insists, despite a court claim alleging that "The World" was neglected and eroding away.

"There is no issue with the stability of The World islands that are approximately 70 percent sold and handed over," a Nakheel spokesman said when asked about the allegations.

"The island purchasers (have) the responsibility to proceed with their developments in due course," he added.

The islands, many of which represent individual countries and which can only be accessed by boat or helicopter, were meant to be one of the Gulf city-state's crowning developments.

Builders have announced plans for a few of the islands, but development has yet to begin on most of them.

A company contracted to provide logistics support to the islands filed a claim with a tribunal that handles cases related to the emirate's troubled Dubai World conglomerate, alleging that third-party developers had not been encouraged to develop the islands, and said they were being hit by erosion.

Nakheel subsidiary The World LLC "did not develop the project as anticipated at the time of the agreement and the project has lain largely undeveloped," according to the claim filed by Penguin Marine Boats Services LLC.



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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Global 2011: 5 Signs He's About to Propose

My Boyfriend Is Type BImage via Wikipedia
Want to know if you could be getting engaged soon? Here, the sneaky hints that your boyfriend is about to put a ring on it.

1. He's extra helpful.
2. He talks himself up.
3. He acts like you just started dating.
4. He quizzes you.
5. He's really concerned about the details.



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Global 2011: Sony announces 'Next Generation Portable' handheld

PlayStation® PortableImage by @kevinv033 via Flickr
In a move that shocked precisely no one, Sony confirmed months of speculation by officially unveiling their next handheld video game system at a press event in Tokyo on Thursday.

Codenamed "NGP" for Next Generation Portable, the system packs a load of impressive technology, including two analog sticks, a 5-inch OLED touchscreen (for reference, an iPhone's screen is 3.5 inches), a second touch pad on the back of the device, and a new flash-card media format.

Sony announced that the system will be released before the end of 2011, though no word on whether that's a worldwide date or just for Japan. No pricing details were released.

To better compete with longtime rival Nintendo's soon-to-be-released 3DS system and Apple's formidable iOS devices, the NGP will also feature 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, front and rear cameras, an electronic compass, and six-axis motion-sensing capability. Yikes. Five to one it will also cut through this tin can!

Sony revealed a few other NGP functions, such as a location-based application that lets users find nearby players and a user-interface that ties social-networking features to every game.  The system has a new rounded form factor as well (Sony calls it the 'Super Oval Design') and is physically a bit larger than the current PSP-3000 model.



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Global 2011: 6 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Alzheimer's and Dementia

PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's diseaseImage via Wikipedia
We all want to dodge the Alzheimer's bullet. And lucky us, Mother Nature has counterbalanced the power of our hard-wired genes by allowing multiple lifestyle choices to greatly influence our aging. Read: Your destiny is not fated; you do have some control. Yes, genes are powerful forces, but they "are not even the dominant factor" for the vast majority of people, says Paul Thompson, professor of neurology at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine. Here are some actionable factors that can help your brain stay healthy over the long term.

1. Physical activity

2. Weight control

3. Mental challenges

4. Social connections

5. Healthy diet

6. Chronic disease control

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/alzheimers/6-ways-protect-yourself-against-alzheimers-and-dementia


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Monday, January 24, 2011

Global 2011: 10 Cities with the Worst Commutes

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 21:  Motorists on the Ei...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
What does sitting in traffic cost you? About $808 on average, according to the latest Urban Mobility Report, conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute. But the cost is dramatically higher if you live in Chicago, where the cost per commuter hit a whopping $1,738.

In fact, commuters in large urban areas spend roughly 40% more on average, wasting some $1,166 per year twiddling their thumbs in traffic.

Where does traffic cost the most, according to the study?

1. Chicago: $1,738 (70 hours/52 gallons)
2. Washington, D.C. : $1,555 (70 hours/57 gallons)
3. Los Angeles/Long Beach: $1,464 (63 hours/50 gallons)
4. Houston: $1,322 (58 hours/52 gallons)
5. Baltimore: $1,218 (50 hours/43 gallons)
6. San Francisco: $1,112 (49 hours/39 gallons)
7. Boston: $1,112 (48 hours/36 gallons
8. Dallas/Ft. Worth: $1,077 (48 hours/38 gallons)
9. Denver: $1,057 (47 hours/38 gallons)
10. Seattle: $1,056 (44 hours/35 gallons)

The study looked at 101 cities. Want to see the data about your city, including whether it’s getting more or less congested?



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Global 2011: 5 Things Not to Buy in a Supermarket

Aisle in Grocery store in New Orleans, 2008. (...Image via Wikipedia
We love grocery stores. Their stock and trade is food — fresh, frozen, canned or prepared — and kitchen staples like paper towels and laundry detergent. But there are a whole host of other items that cost a premium in grocery stores because of the “convenience” factor. You can get them cheaper at a discount department or hardware store, dollar store, or drug store so leave the following items off your shopping list:

1. Cookware and Kitchen Utensils

2. Cosmetics, toiletries, and personal care items

3. Small appliances

4. Party supplies

5. Batteries, light bulbs, extension cords

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/5-things-not-to-buy-in-a-supermarket-2444234/


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Friday, January 21, 2011

Global 2011: Foods that Promote Happiness

Red bell peppers.Image via Wikipedia
If you’re feeling as blue as the skies above, you will be happy to know that a few spoonfuls of the right foods may turn that frown upside down! Whole foods contain vital nutrients that provide both physical and psychological benefits. Read on to discover which foods contain those mood-boosters to help you smile your way to longevity.


Fun with Folate

Eat folate-rich foods: Leafy greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, bok choy, legumes, sunflower seeds, oranges, melons, beets, and fortified whole grains


Boost Your B6

Eat B6 foods: bananas, chicken breast, garlic, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, sunflower seeds, broccoli, red bell peppers, watermelon, avocados, and potatoes


Go Fish!

Eat omega-3-rich foods: fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae


Good Carbs, Bad Carbs

Eat good carbs: whole grains, fruits, vegetables


http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/foods-promote-happiness


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Friday, January 14, 2011

Global 2011: How Much Does Chemistry Count?

Chocolate Chip Ice CreamImage via Wikipedia
Chemistry. What is it? It’s that…well, thing. That “I need to see this person again” impulse. Or that “We click” feeling. But what causes it? Does it need to happen naturally, or can you create it? Does it die over time, or are there tricks to keep the sparks flying? To explore these questions and more, we gathered together a group of real people and experts to delve into this titillating topic. Here’s what they had to say—see if you agree, and glean a few tricks on generating more chemistry in your own dating life.

“Chemistry is like cookie dough and vanilla ice cream: When it works, it works. You know you have it when the only goal you have is to get back to that person.”

“Chemistry is the start or end of it all: Good chemistry equals move forward, bad chemistry equals keep looking.”

“Yes, you can create chemistry: Eye contact and discussing personal subjects can accelerate this bond.”

http://yahoo.match.com/magazine/article0.aspx?articleid=5882


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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Global 2011: New Laws of Attraction

Mettons les voilesImage by bDom via Flickr
When it comes to finding love, there are certain truths that seem so irrefutable that any single person would be a fool not to follow them. Maybe you’re a firm believer that you can tell within seconds if you’re attracted to someone. Or, maybe you adhere to the idea that a first kiss says it all: If you feel fireworks, your date’s a keeper; if it bombs, cut your losses. While these romantic maxims have their fans, experts insist that these laws no longer hold true in today’s dating world. In short, many rules single people follow need a little revamping. To that end, we’ve consulted authorities in the field to bring you the most up-to-date tactics for finding someone you’ll click with.

Old rule: You can tell if you’re truly attracted to someone in three seconds
New rule: You can’t tell if you’re truly attracted to someone until you’ve had three dates

Old rule: Your mate must meet all the criteria on your “must-have list”
New rule: A “must-have list” looks great on paper, but paper won’t keep you warm at night

Old rule: Opposites attract
New rule: Opposites distract

Old rule: Your date’s record collection (or DVD library, or bookshelf) mirrors yours—so you must be soul mates
New rule: You want a person, not an iPod playlist

Old rule: Your first kiss should be a toe-curling experience
New rule: Your first kiss is inconsequential

Old rule: When it’s true love, you think about this person constantly
New rule: When it’s true love, thinking about this person makes you feel good



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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Global 2011: First Dates: Do’s And Don’ts To Create Chemistry

The Empty MirrorImage via Wikipedia
Tonight is the night: You’ve dressed in your finest, popped a breath mint, and are headed off to meet someone who could be The One. Few moments are as pivotal as this initial rendezvous, and that holds true whether you met online, were set up through friends, or swapped numbers at a bar last Saturday. So: How do you get that all-necessary chemistry crackling between you as quickly as possible? Believe it or not, it’s not all up to fate. Anthropologists, body language experts, and other pros say there are plenty of strategies you can use to help your date relax, to build rapport, and even to instill a flutter of excitement. Try these tactics for a few instant sparks.

Tip #1: Plan an activity that’ll get your hearts racing—literally
Tip #2: Mirror, mirror…your date
Tip #3: Dwell on pleasurable experiences
Tip #4: Master your eye movements
Tip #5: Don't feel compelled to get touchy-feely



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Saturday, January 1, 2011

Global 2011: Expedia stops selling American Airlines tickets

Image representing Expedia as depicted in Crun...Image via CrunchBase
Expedia Inc. has stopped selling tickets on American Airlines flights, the latest twist in a simmering pricing dispute between American and travel websites.

"Expedia has chosen to no longer offer American Airlines fares on its website," American said in an statement posted on its website. "Customers looking to compare flights or fares online should visit other travel sites such as Kayak.com or Priceline.com for the most accurate and up-to-date information."

The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline has said that it would like to sell more tickets through its own website, as paying to have its flights listed on sites such as Expedia can be costly. Airlines have to pay a commission every time people search a particular flight, look up a fare or book a trip.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20110101/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_american_airlines_expedia


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Global 2011: American Cities That Are Running Out Of People

An aerial image of the city of Rochester, New ...Image via Wikipedia
The population of the United States has increased steadily by roughly 2.5 million people every year since World War II. Throughout prosperity and hard times, Americans continue to have families. Many of the country's regions have expanded to accommodate this population increase. Some cities have grown faster than others as the result of being at the center of some important new technology or job market. Others have lost residents because of failing industries and migration. Nevertheless, some of these cities have continued to grow slowly, or at least remain relatively stagnant, buoyed by the rising tide of the national population.

All of the cities on this list experienced at least one of these devastating problems, which have caused tens of thousands -- and in some cases, hundreds of thousands -- of its residents to leave the region for other jobs and other homes. While it has been the primary focus of these cities to create new sources of employment for their residents, it may be years before people return, if they do at all.


1. New Orleans

Population: 354,850
Population Change 2000-2009: -128,813
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -26.63%
Home Vacancy: 21.5%


2. Flint, Mich.

Population: 111,475
Population Change 2000-2009: -13,266
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -10.63%
Home Vacancy: 18%


3. Cleveland

Population: 431,369
Population Change 2000-2009: -45,205
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -9.49%
Home Vacancy: 17.5%


4. Buffalo, N.Y.

Population: 270,240
Population Change 2000-2009: -21,970
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -7.52%
Home Vacancy: 17.2%


5. Dayton, Ohio

Population: 153,843
Population Change 2000-2009: -11,961
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -7.21%
Home Vacancy: 18.9%


6. Pittsburgh

Population: 311,647
Population Change 2000-2009: -22,056
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -6.61%
Home Vacancy: 14.1%


7. Rochester, N.Y.

Population: 207,294
Population Change 2000-2009: -12,180
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -5.55%
Home Vacancy: 15.3%

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111709/us-cities-running-out-of-people


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