Global 2012: 8 Food frauds on your shopping list

grain products: bread, rice, cornmeal, and pasta (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Food is also one of the easier products to fake because the distinctions from the real deal are often subtle. "The biggest challenge with food products is that they're natural, and there's an infinite number of variation in natural products," says John Spink, associate director of the Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Program at Michigan State University, who authored the new Journal of Food Science study. Criminals are counting on shoppers not tasting differences between wines, and not noticing that their supposedly wild salmon isn't quite as pink as it should be when cooked. As more cooks experiment with high-end olive oils, artisanal meats and heirloom produce, passing off a cheap ingredient as its fancier counterpart grows more profitable, too.

Avoiding fakes comes down largely to being an informed shopper and buying from trustworthy sources. Branded products tend to have more supply-chain safeguards, says Narrod. "It's their reputation on the line, so they have things in place," she says. It can also help to buy products with shorter supply chains which tend to be local or minimally processed, Spink says. And if the taste of an item seems off, or you get sick, it's worth alerting both the store and the local public health department.

Because they're ingested, fraudulent foods carry more significant health concerns than other fakes. Consumers with allergies could have a reaction, says Amy Kircher, associate director of the National Center for Food Protection and Defense. Some substituted items aren't meant for human consumption, and others contain toxic ingredients like lead or melamine.

Here are eight foods researchers say shoppers may unwittingly buy fraudulent versions of.

• Olive Oil
• Milk
• Honey
• Fruit Juice
• Baby Formula
• Spices
• Alcohol
• Fish

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/880/8-food-frauds-on-your-shopping-list/

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Global 2011: 9 Tips to Make a Date Better in the First Ten Minutes

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The first ten minutes of a date often determine whether a second date is ever going to happen, and let’s face it—second dates are not the norm for many. That was definitely my story until I learned about (what I now call) “Date Waste.”

Date waste is when a date is a drag, but has little to do with whether you are a potential match. It’s a drag simply because neither of you set the date up to succeed. These aren’t the dates with jerks that you can’t wait to end. They are the ones that are just a little boring, lack sparks, or just go nowhere. You can turn these into very positive experiences.

I see date waste all the time when I’m coaching, and I lived it for years. When I accepted that every date was part of the journey and not just a means to an end, my life changed. Every date is an opportunity. You can talk to a nice person, learn something new, get much-needed practice and maybe connect with someone you want to know just a little better. It doesn’t have to be, “Oh, he’s The One!” or nothing.

Here are nine things you can do in the first ten minutes of each date to make it a positive experience and begin to eliminate date waste from your life.

1. Go in with the “I hope I like him” attitude.
2. Find three things you like about him.
3. Compliment him.
4. Think of it as practice.
5. Dump your agenda.
6. Ask the right questions.
7. Quiet those dang gremlins.
8. Let go of control.
9. Be kind and practice empathy.

Then look at him again with the kind and wise eyes of a woman working hard to find a good man. Regardless of how you end up judging him, always leave him feeling good about himself—even if you’re not going to see him again. It’s the nice thing to do, and you’ll help prop him up for the next woman who’s going to meet him.

You are looking for a lifetime partner with whom you can share deep connection, unconditional trust, mutual adoration, and a lifetime of happiness. Everything you do should be toward that end. Every date is a spectacular opportunity. Don’t be a date waster.

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22069/116999-nine-tips-make-date-better

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Global 2011: 11 Things We’d Rather Have Than Sex

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A recent study by Women at NBCUniversal raised eyebrows when it reported that the women surveyed placed the Internet, sleep, and showers higher than sex on a list of things they couldn’t live without for a month. (Men, unsurprisingly, chose sex behind the Internet and sleep. At least the sexes can agree on the first two.)

It turns out what we’re passionate about is not always passion. And when push comes to shove, we’d rather go celibate than without some creature comforts. I canvassed my friends to see what they’d rather have than carnal knowledge. From a glass of cold milk to The Real Housewives of New Jersey, some of their answers made me laugh and others made me reconsider my own priorities. (I don’t want, I need Chapstick.)

As a single gal who prefers “relations” within the context of a “relation”-ship, I’ve gone without sex for months and even years. But before you light a candle for me, remember that during those dry spells, I still had access to all of the following human necessities:

• Junk food.
• TV.
• Air-conditioning.
• Coffee.
• A good book.
• Wine.
• Friends.
• Blackberry or iPhone.
• Shopping.
• Family.
• Pets.

Facebook? Magazines? Yoga? If you had to go without for a month, what would you choose over sex?

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22079/117197-eleven-things-we-d-rather-sex?ordersrc=yash0829outleti

Global 2011: Steve Jobs’ Final Words Shared in Sister’s Eulogy

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Steve Jobs’ sister Mona Simpson shared in the eulogy she delivered at the late Apple CEO‘s memorial service that his surprising final words from his deathbed were, “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow.”

In the eulogy, which was printed in The New York Times on Sunday, Simpson describes Jobs’ final days and moments in a Palo Alto hospital, which was spent surrounded by family as his breathing gradually became shorter.

His breath, she said, “indicated an arduous journey, some steep path, altitude.”

Delivered at the October 16 service for Jobs at Stanford Memorial Church, Simpson, an accomplished novelist, began by describing her initial meeting of her brother for the first time when she was in her mid-20s. Simpson was born in 1957, two years after Jobs, who was given up for adoption as an infant.

“Even as a feminist, my whole life I’d been waiting for a man to love, who could love me. For decades, I’d thought that man would be my father. When I was 25, I met that man and he was my brother,” Simpson said.

Simpson went on to describe her strong relationship with the man now know for the revolutionizing computer world, while explaining Jobs’ work ethic and capacity for love — particularly for his wife Laurene and as a doting father to their three children.

“Steve was like a girl in the amount of time he spent talking about love. Love was his supreme virtue, his god of gods. He tracked and worried about the romantic lives of the people working with him,” she said.

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/steve-jobs-final-words-shared-sister-eulogy-060321674.html

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Global 2011: Kim Kardashian’s Quickie Marriage: What Went Wrong?

Image via WikipediaReality star Kim Kardashian is divorcing Kris Humphries, her husband of 72 days, following persistent rumors that their marriage was on the rocks from day one.

What exactly went wrong between the two newlyweds? One possible explanation: the two hardly knew each other. They only met last December, so it might be worth remembering Kim is filing for divorce from a man she hasn't even known a year.

Despite how publicly they both live, there was apparently a lot the two didn't know about each other. A recent episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" revealed that Kris had no idea Kim was previously married (she eloped at age 19 and divorced in 2004). When Kim casually dropped the tidbit while the couple snacked with the family, a stunned Humphries repeatedly asked the family, "You guys are serious… she was really married?" Musing on the revelation later, Humphries asked the camera, "What else do I not know about her?" (We're guessing he did know about her not-G-rated video debut).

Clearly communication wasn't their strong suit. In addition to his being unaware of her romantic past, their day-to-day interactions were no doubt quite limited: Their careers often kept them on separate ends of the world (literally and figuratively). And nothing spells "communication breakdown" better than a husband learning from a gossip site that he's getting a divorce.

When she spoke to People recently, Kim admitted that their living situation had "not been ideal" for the newlyweds. To keep filming "Kourtney and Kim Take New York," Kim moved her husband into a hotel suite with her sister, her sister's child and the child's father (Scott Disick).

Not your typical honeymoon situation, that's for sure.

The gossip grapevine also says that Kris was fed up with the film crew following the couple around constantly, worrying that the camera presence was ruining their marriage —which apparently did not jibe well with Kim, who thought the camera issue had been settled prior to the marriage.

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/thefamous/kim-kardashian-quickie-marriage-went-wrong-203835908.html?nc

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Manila 2011: The Good Girl's Guide to Solo Sex

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Sex researchers estimate that around 80 percent of women of all ages masturbate, and that means most of us are doing it. Unless your religion is against it, masturbation is a healthy way to consciously learn more about your body and what turns you on. If you'd like to give masturbation a go but haven't done it in a while (or at all), here are some simple steps to get you started.

What solo sex does for you
Masturbation is a perfectly natural outlet for satisfying ourselves sexually. It doesn't sap your sexual energy for sex with your partner, as is commonly believed. Quite the opposite: Self-pleasure actually makes for better sex with your partner. How? When you know how to turn yourself on, you can point your partner in the right direction. Most women learn how to orgasm through masturbation, and it's also the primary means of learning other ways to get off. You can teach yourself to come with penetration and with a partner.

1. Arrange a private time to get in the mood
Set aside some uninterrupted time in a private space and treat yourself to something sensual to help you get into the sexy mood for self-touch. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the bathtub, light some aromatic candles, turn on some soft music. "Take time to indulge all your senses," says Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, sex expert and author of Pleasure: A Woman’s Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need and Deserve. "The goal is to make you feel pampered, sexy, and sensual."

2. Get familiar with your own body
Women are often in the dark about their genitals, simply because they're out of view. If you're one of them, taking the time to explore your body and learning about your erogenous zones can greatly increase your sexual pleasure.

Sit in front of the mirror or use a handheld mirror to take a good look at your genitals. Use your hand to locate the parts of your genitalia and get acquainted by touching them. "Observe the complexity, color, texture, shape, scent, moisture, and beauty of your vulva and the opening of your vagina," says Hutcherson. Vulva is the term for the visible sexual anatomy between your legs, including your clitoris, vagina and vaginal lips. The idea is to familiarize yourself with your own anatomy for pleasure, and become comfortable with your unique natural taste and scent.

3. Explore your hot spots
Now that you're familiar with your own body, it is time to get in touch with how it feels. Lie on your back, side or stomach, whichever is most comfortable for you. Start by lubing your hands with some natural oils, give your neck a gentle, sensual rub, working your way to your shoulders, breasts, then down your abdomen, back and butt. "Revel in how it feels to have your hands glide across your slick skin," says Hutcherson. Take your time to explore every inch of your body, all the way down to your thighs, calves and feet. Experiment with what feels good and concentrate on the pleasurable sensations.

Then, spend a few minutes stroking and massaging your breasts. Use your fingertip to slowly circle each nipple. Gently squeeze them between your index finger and thumb and pull slightly. Focus on the different sensations, the warmth of your flesh. Experiment with different types of strokes, pressures and speeds. "As you stroke your body, take note of any extra-sensitive spots and the type of touch that elicits the most pleasure," says Hutcherson. Once you've got your pleasure zones mapped out, you can rely on those parts to bring arousal, whether you're alone or with a partner.

4. Zoom in on the intimate bits
Apply a generous dollop of water-based lube such as KY Jelly to the clitoris and the opening to your vagina. Now slowly massage the entire area. Breathe slowly and concentrate on the sensations, taking time to linger on the spots that feel good.

Next, slide your fingers up and over the hood of your clitoris. Rub along each side of your clitoris, and along its length. Make circular motions to include inner lips and clitoris, slowly sliding your fingers to the opening of your vagina and back. Try varying the pressure, speed and direction of your strokes. Make a mental note of which areas tingle at your touch and which strokes give you the most pleasure.

If you want to use a vibrator, set it on low speed. Many women find direct stimulation over the clitoris feel too intense, so try running it over your pubic mound and outer labia.

Keep going until the pleasure around the clitoris builds. If you prefer something inside your vagina to give you a sense of fullness, insert one of two fingers into your vagina. "Be aware of the moisture and warmth as you move your finger along all of the walls of your vagina," says Hutcherson. Explore the opening, the sides, front and back.

5. Keep practising
Remember, your goal is to feel good. Even if you don't orgasm, you're giving yourself pleasure. Some women need more time than others, so be patient with yourself. Think of each session as a journey of sexual self-discovery, not a destination for orgasm. Relax and enjoy the pleasure of the moment, and your Os will follow.

http://ph.shoppinglifestyle.com/love/good-girls-guide-to-solo-sex/755/1/

Manila 2011: French Kissing: How to Be A Really Good Kisser

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Lots of tongue play, highly pleasurable, and definitely intimate – that's what differentiates the passionate French kiss from a regular kiss. So, perfect the art and drive your man wild. Here, sex experts reveal hot French kissing techniques that will spice up your lip-locks.

French Kissing Basics
You know the basics of making out: Tilt your head to one side, part your lips, slip your tongue into your partner's slightly open lips, then engage in a passionate tongue tango. But what should a sensual French kiss feel like?

French kissing stimulates the lips, tongue and mouth, which are all areas that are very sensitive to touch. Imagine you are licking an ice-cream cone – but slowly. Slip in your tongue and slowly begin to caress your partner's tongue with yours...

"Kissing someone on the lips can be very powerful because all the major senses are involved. You can see your lover, smell his skin, feel him, taste him and hear him," says Marcelle D'Argy-Smith, author of The Lovers' Guide: What Women Really Want. And although there are many variations of French kissing, they all have the same rule: Keep the tongue movement slow.

French Kissing Techniques
What sets good kissers apart from the rest of the pack is their skill and technique. Like everything else, practice makes perfect: William Cane, author of The Art of Kissing and Kiss Like a Star believes that one of the best ways to brush up on your smooching skills is getting a feel of it – on yourself: "Make a little mouth with your left hand. Take your right thumb and put it through. You can actually practice a French kiss on your hand".

Spice it up
Tips to spice up your lip-locks!
Use variety. Lick, suck, nibble, tease – make your French kissing more intense by alternating deep tongue penetration with soft pecks and slithering tongue action.

Tease his tongue by using your tongue to stroke the underside of your partner's or lightly flicking the tip of your tongue with the tip of your partner's.

Reach his sensitive spots. Explore his mouth with slow strokes. One sensitive area is the palate just behind his front teeth. Another trick is brushing the tip of your tongue across his gums – they're lined with nerve endings and will send erotic shivers up his back.

Add kinkiness by occasionally gently biting his tongue or lower lip.

http://ph.shoppinglifestyle.com/love/french-kissing-how-to-be-a-really-good-kisser/622/1/

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