Keeping sexual relationships healthy and safe

Getting involved in relationships with the opposite sex is part of growing up. Teenage girls and boys tend to think about what it means to be involved in a sexual relationship. There are many things to be taken into consideration before one should decide to have sex. There is the issue of morality which can make one feel guilty about premarital sex. Such guilt can play a major role in affecting one's emotional and psychological well-being, which usually leads to anxiety and depression. Health concerns are also on top of the agenda whenever a person decides to engage in a serious, intimate relationship. Sexual health is an important matter to think about since it is no longer safe to engage in unprotected sex. One must be aware that sexual relationships can expose people to the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STD). No one can tell if a person is infected with STD. Even healthy-looking people can have the disease without them knowing it. Be sure that you and your partner are protected before engaging in any sexual activity. Unwanted pregnancy is also another consequence of sexual relationships which young people should think about. Many young people's future have been ruined by getting pregnant even when they are not yet emotionally and psychologically ready for the responsibility that teenage pregnancy entails. Even if you don't get pregnant or infected by STD, consider how you will feel if the relationship breaks up.

Many young people are not comfortable talking to their parents about this situation. It is important that you have a trusted adult or health care provider with whom you can discuss all your concerns and worries. Times like these can be very confusing for most young people and having someone to talk to would do wonders to gain more clarity and objective advice about sexuality.

Young people who make the decision to engage in any sexual activity should learn how to protect themselves aginst STD and prevent unwanted pregnancy. For contraception, there are various products out in the market that are effective in preventing pregnancy. Costs, methods of use, and level of protection against STD vary depending on the contraceptive.

There are two popular types of contraception, namely: the use of birth control pills and the condom. Both contraceptives can protect against pregnancy and STD. Males use some types of contraception that are usually different from what females normally use. It is good to know all about the different types of female and male contraceptions if you are into a sexual relationship. Together, the involved partners should figure out the best choice for the two of them. The type of contraception can have an effect on the health of both people in the relationship. Only females can get pregnant, but both males and females can get STD. Sexual intercourse always increase the risk for unwanted pregnancy and STD. Practicing safe sex with only one partner who is uninfected and has no other sexual partners can greatly lower such risk.

Birth control pills are small contraceptive tablets that usually contain two types of synthetic female hormones, the progestin and estrogen. This is called the "combination oral contraceptive". Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries. These hormones prevent pregnancy by suppressing the pituitary gland, which stops the development and the release of the egg in the ovary, called ovulation. The progestin hormone also helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and changes the lining of the uterus. Birth control pills contain only one hormone called progestin and considered to be the "mini-Pill." This type of contraceptive works by suppressing ovulation and helping to prevent the male's sperm from reaching the egg.

The combination pill is slightly more effective than the progestin-only pill. But there are some people whose bodies don't react well to the estrogen in the combined pill. It is better that they take the progestin-only pill to avoid any complications from side effects. The birth control pill is highly effective if you take the pill exactly as directed by your health care provider. The pill is to be taken once a day, at the same time everyday. Be sure to have back-up contraception such as condoms during the remainder of the pill cycle when diarrhea or vomiting occur, or when you are taking some other medication that could change the effectiveness of the birth control pills.

Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancy, birth control pills have other medical benefits, such as easing menstrual cramps, regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing the amount and length of menstrual bleeding.

Having a sexual relationship entails great responsibility, not only to yourself, but to your partner as well. Always remember to engage in safe sex.

Clothing your children

It is lovely to see well dressed children particularly small children who can look cute and fashionable at the same time. Babies have no say in what we dress them up in so we can be as flamboyant or simplistic as we like!

Specialist shops are in abundance nowadays with prices ranging from sensible to the ridiculous. A small child has no concept of wearing designer clothes only the parent. Whether the clothes be cheap and cheerful or expensive and chic, babies and toddlers will still make a mess while eating, crawling and generally doing things small children do!

No matter how much or how little you spend, clothes still need to be practical. For anyone who has had the pleasure of dressing a wriggling baby or toddler, the buttons and zips definitely need to be in the right places. Time is limited when dressing or undressing your child so fiddly buttons and badly positioned zips and ties are a definite no no! Easy access via poppers especially in baby’s trousers is an excellent invention. Just think how much time it takes to put kicking legs into a pair of trousers!

Babies grow at an incredible rate so one doesn’t have to worry much about clothes being worn out, they tend to be outgrown and still in beautiful condition. This is great if you are possibly going to have more children or have someone with a smaller baby to pass clothes on to. Definitely a money saver if you are on the receiving end of another parents generosity.

Toddlers are wonderful little people who you can still dress to look cute – until they suddenly start to become independent and pick their own clothes. When they are at this stage you can forget looking stylish and fashionable, toddlers tend not to have any colour co-ordination or dress sense – be warned!

Early school years can be really simple, as most of the time the child will spend wearing a school uniform. Clothing your child is easier though it can be expensive depending on where you buy the uniform. Most of us buy at least a size bigger blazer or trousers so that the child ‘can grow into them’, this can cause embarrassment to our children. Be diplomatic and not too enthusiastic about your child’s growing abilities.

The wonderful teenage years! – A clothing nightmare. Just when you thought that purchasing a school uniform was simple you find out to the contrary. Your teenager suddenly must have designer named shoes, trainers, trousers – whatever they wear has to have the latest logo emblazoned on the front or back. Buying labels and sewing them on won’t work, teenagers may be difficult but they are not easily fooled.

At the end of the day, buy what you can afford, make sure the clothes are reasonable hard wearing and put together properly.

Dressing smaller children should be practical, it seems silly putting a pretty dress on a crawling baby as they will probably come to a stand still if they keep putting their knees onto the dress! As to dressing teenagers, well that is another matter, birthdays and Christmas come in handy for purchasing expensive clothes or trainers as presents, this can often be a good compromise.

Trends chop and change like the wind for teenagers so while your child is small enjoy dressing them up in colourful tasteful clothes that you have chosen, they at least won’t worry about losing their street cred!

Quick quiz - measure your meeting mastery

Here’s an easy quiz to check the health of your meetings.

1) Who leads your meetings? -- a) No one, b) Whoever has the loudest voice, c) A facilitator

2) What happens to the ideas in your meetings? -- a) If we had to think of ideas, it would be work, b) We make fun of them, c) A scribe writes them on a chart pad

3) Are results obtained in your meetings? -- a) We eat all the donuts, b) And we drink all of the coffee, c) Yes!

4) Do your meetings have an agenda? -- a) Is that some kind of cabinet?, b) I saw one once in an article, c) Yes!

5) Who attends your meetings? -- a) We have bleachers to hold spectators, b) The entire staff plus any homeless people in the neighborhood, c) Only those who can contribute

6) How long are your meetings? -- a) I’ll let you know when this one ends, b) All day, c) An hour or less

7) During a meeting do you: -- a) Break a foam cup into bits, b) Prepare for the next meeting, c) Focus on the topic

8) How soon after the meeting do you issue minutes? -- a) If you think I want to publicize how much time we wasted, you’re nuts, b) Within a few months or so, c) As soon as possible, if not faster

9) While someone is speaking, do you: -- a) Wonder about the strength of plastic foams, b) Plan a way to change the subject, c) Listen empathetically

10) What structured activities do you use in your meetings? -- a) We sit on chairs, b) Everyone leaves at the same time, c) Process tools designed to gather information, make decisions, and manage participation.

Score: subtract five points for every (a), mark a zero for every (b), and add five points for every (c).

If your total is:

* Negative: Go to your boss and ask to be fired

* Zero to 20: Stay home

* 25 to 35: Attend a workshop

* 40 to 50: Congratulations

Reward those who publish your articles

It is pretty obvious that content is king online. It is also obvious that writing more content and submitting them to other sites will help boost your popularity and bring more visitors to your site.

So why wouldn't you help boost those pages that have your articles on them?

I want to share a small tip that will help boost your articles popularity all over the world.

See, most of us who do write articles are mainly concerned about getting their articles published. Well why wouldn't you reward those who publish your articles?

I am consistently finding ways to boost pr ratings for ALL of my pages within my site, you should be too. If we are all trying to do this, then why don't we help boost our articles on other sites!

Here's an example of this...

I have an article titled:

"Getting A Better Rank For All Your Pages"

Now simply listing this article on my site isn't enough. I also promote and submit this article wherever I can. If by chance a web site publishes my article, I will reward that site by adding a link on my site were that article is listed.

In fact, if you've seen my marketing tip articles, there is a small resource box at the bottom of each article that links to all the sites that have listed that specific article. Being more specific, I don't link to their main page, I link to my article.

Here's what that accomplishes...

Let's say your article is listed on "Articles R Us" and you want your article to be found by anyone who searches for that company, boosting your pr rating for your article on "Articles R Us" will help you get more visitors from that site.

See, it's not only about listing your articles because we would all like to have our articles found right away and 1st. Don't miss the chance to gain more visitors by letting your article die out on the site that you listed it in.

What if all your articles listed on other sites, had a pr rating in google of (pr4) or more? That would be great!

That would be great because we all know that Google rewards your link popularity when listed in a page that is pr4 or more!

So don't be shy to reward those who list your articles, doing so will only boost your search engine ranking and also give you a lot more visitors than before!

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In this article you will learn how writing an article on the subject you love the most will help you bring more visitors to your site! Not only will your traffic boost but you'll also be placing yourself as the professional in your field.

Read more of Martins articles online here:

http://www. smartads. info/newsletter

Paris eating out

No other country in the world enjoy mealtimes more than the French. With style and finesse, this national pastime unearths some exquisite dishes unmatched anywhere else on the planet. The top chefs parade round town like Hollywood movies stars, safe in the knowledge their culinary talents have blessed them with a lifestyle reserved for the rich and famous.

Whilst eating out can be expensive, a little common sense can go a long way to saving you a euro or two. Every budget is catered for in Paris, and should you wish to pay the same size bill as Brad Pitt then that can easily be arranged. However, avoiding tourist hotspots and seeking backstreet restaurants can yield lesser damage to your wallet.

The Au Virage Lepic offers a basic menu, though the food is of good quality. The friendly ambience provides a pleasant eating experience, and all at a reasonable price. Diners chatter away, conveying their thoughts and episodes of the day, whilst waiters scurry around feeding their hungry guests.

Chez Gladines is a snug little place, a real home from home. The informal atmosphere presents a more down-to-earth clientele, preoccupied with their delightful Basque dishes, washed down with the help of some fine French wine.

Excellent food at a generous price can be found at Flo, an old-fashioned eating place popular with many of the younger tourists. The tight, elongated tables afford a more party atmosphere as diners and drinkers alike sit shoulder to shoulder conversing, as time passes into the early hours.

For a vegetarian flavour visit La Petite Legume, a friendly little cafй to make you feel at home. The food is splendid and benefits from an organic slant.

Drinking establishments are spread throughout Paris, providing for every taste and wallet. Though street side cafйs tend to be a little expensive, the unique Parisian atmosphere rewards any expense, and no trip to Paris should go without this experience.

Popular with the younger generation is the Cafй Charbon. Tranquil during day, the fashionable bar explodes into life come evening, as clubbers gather for early drinks and Dutch courage prior to their assault on the nightlife.

Facing St Sulpice church rests the unassuming Cafй de la Mairie. Its idyllic location draws plenty of passing trade, all appreciating the warm and friendly aura.

Low-priced beverages and daytime nibbles are aplenty at La Folie en Tete; the relaxed bar is a complete contrast to the vigorous street activities outside. Folk dash by, whilst the punters just sit and chill.

Dumbwaiters for the home

Over the past few years more and more people have discovered the wonders of a residential dumbwaiter. Dumbwaiters are similar to elevators except that they are much smaller and are made to carry materials rather than people. Dumbwaiters have been in use for many hundreds of years and have countless commercial applications. They are commonly found in hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. Up until recently they were usually found only in larger homes because of their cost. The price has dropped dramatically, however, and many Americans have taken advantage of this price drop in order to take advantage of the many practical uses associated with dumbwaiters.

Dumbwaiters have many uses, but they are most commonly used to transport groceries to the kitchen, send the dinner upstairs, and to transport laundry and bedding to and from the laundry room. Typically residential dumbwaiters can support 50 to 150 pounds, but it is better to go with a model that will carry at least 100 pounds. 50 pounds may sound like a lot, but it is not as heavy as it sounds.

While it is easier to build the dumbwaiter into a house when it is being constructed, most units are made to easily be installed in existing homes. If you decide to install a dumbwaiter it is important to consider the buildings existing structure. It usually does not present a problem, but it is important to ensure that there is room for a straight shaft between floors. The motor used in most residential dumbwaiters is small enough that it is rarely necessary to cut into the attic to install the dumbwaiter. People often install the dumbwaiters in closets or at the end of a hallway because there is usually enough space for the shaft in these locations and it can be installed rather painlessly. Dumbwaiters can be configured with a variety of door arrangements, so it is possible to have the dumbwaiter open on different sides on each floor.

It is possible for a competent handyman to install a dumbwaiter system, but it takes a good deal of technical know-how. Most dealers have certified installers that can quickly and inexpensively install your dumbwaiter, which for many is the best way to do it. If you do decide to install the dumbwaiter yourself, than ensure that you have completely read and understand the instructions that come with your dumbwaiter. Do not feel rushed either, because it is much better to take your time and do it right the first time. Electric dumbwaiters travel along a track which will need to be secured to the studs and must not be secured to only drywall. A good set of tools will be needed that includes a power drill, circular saw, drywall saw, socket set, and measuring tape.

Once you have installed your dumbwaiter it will provide many years of service, but ensure that you follow all manufacturers' service and maintenance recommendations. Dumbwaiters provide a very valuable service in millions of homes across the United States. They are responsible for reducing the workload and strain that can come from lugging clothes, food, and household materials between floors and are responsible for adding resell value to your home.

Protecting vehicles from theft

What does DNA have in common with vehicle etching? More than you might think. Both have a unique code and both can be used to fight crime.

Vehicle etching and DNA labels refer to a system that applies a car owner's specific and unique code to a vehicle in a number of apparent or concealed places (the corners of windows, on doors, etc.). Once a car is etched, a highly visible label is applied, letting potential thieves know it has been etched and the car's code is registered with a security company. Doing so makes it easier to track the car down if it is stolen-but it also makes the car less likely to be stolen in the first place. Here's how it works:

• Owners apply an etching stencil to the outside, lower corners of windows and add an etch cream. After five minutes, owners peel the etching stickers off and the car is protected.

• DNA labels are placed on car parts such as doorjambs, hoods and trunks, in places that are easy for you to find, but that do not affect the appearance of your vehicle. If a thief peels off a label, a hidden mark remains in its place. The mark can only be seen under a UV light.

The idea is that when a vehicle is etched, its parts are less valuable to a car thief because they can't be sold off as easily as nonetched cars.

A do-it-yourself kit, The Club DNA Vehicle Etching System, has been developed by Winner International. People using the system are assigned a code known only to them and then, should they choose to do so, they can store their codes in Winner's secure database. The codes can then be used to help identify a vehicle if it is stolen.

The company recommends people use the etching system in conjunction with a steering wheel lock such as The Club. "When it comes to preventing car theft, a layered approach is always best. A steering wheel lock for visibility and deterrence, plus etching to decrease the attractiveness for chop shops, makes a vehicle more secure," says Karen Winner Hale of Winner International. "What's most important is that vehicle owners take the first steps in fighting auto theft by taking responsibility to deter the theft of their own vehicles."