Sabtu, 08 Januari 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


8 Reasons to Support Gay Marriage …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 11:07 AM PST

8 Reasons to Support Gay Marriage …

I'm delighted to see the recent progress made in several countries regarding gay marriage. Some say that it is not 'marriage', that only a man and a woman can be married. Well, I make no distinction between marriage and civil partnerships, to me the name is not important. What matters is the progress towards equal rights and acceptance. Here are some of the reasons why I support gay marriage.

1. Equality

I firmly believe that we are all equal, and that everyone should be treated the same. Gay marriage is an acknowledgement of equality. Two people should be able to formalise their relationship, regardless of whether they are both men, both women, or one of each.

2. Love

Love is something to be celebrated; it enriches and enhances our lives. If two people wish to stand up in front of witnesses and have that love recognised by the law, then why should they not do so? There is too much cruelty in the world, so love should be admired and encouraged.

3. Longevity

At a time when divorce rates are high, it is something to be admired when any couple can maintain an enduring relationship. Many gay couples have been together for years, so why should they not have that relationship officially recognised if they so wish?

8 Ways to Make Use of Traffic Jams …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 10:47 AM PST

8 Ways to Make Use of Traffic Jams …

Traffic jams can be a real bother sometimes… Actually, they ARE a real bother every time! I can't decide which is worse, being stuck in an unexpected traffic jam or knowing that there will be one blocking the only road you can use to get where you're going. You can't go forward and by the time you realize the jam is not going to clear out anytime soon, it's too late to turn back too. Sucks, huh? Well, here's how to make them work for you:

1. Think

Good ideas always come up when you are in the most unusual place! I always get my best ideas in the shower and that's probably the reason why the world doesn't know about them – there is no such thing as waterproof notebook or tablet so I have nowhere to write them down. Anyways, since car is a considerably more comfortable and less humid place, you might as well do some brainstorming while you wait. And, in case you end up inventing a waterproof notebook, I definitely want a signed copy! Deal?

2. Eat or drink

This is a very good idea in case if you often get stuck in those early morning traffic jams. Let's face it, you're going to show up late for work and you're probably going to have to sacrifice some break time to get everything done. However, you have some free time right now, thy not use it to have breakfast? If you are a coffee junkie, and I believe 90% of us apreciate the "coffee bean juice" in the morning, I'm sure you have at least one can of ice coffee somewhere. Glow-compartment, perhaps? Bingo!

3. Relax

How often do you have the chance to just sit around and do nothing? I guess not often enough – nobody has that much free time these days. Well, stressing about it won't help the line go any faster so save your nerves. Play your favorite tunes, immerse yourself in the sounds and just think random thoughts… you can even sing if you want! Pick up the phone and call that friend who always insists on long conversations you usually have no time for.

8 Tips on Leveling up on World of Warcraft …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 10:43 AM PST

8 Tips on Leveling up on World of Warcraft …

Lots of tips on ways to advance in WoW are available in a number of books. If you are just getting started, these 8 tips on leveling up on World of Warcraft should be plenty to get you going. I hope some of these do help you out. Feel free to add some of your own tips in the comment section. There can never be too many!

8. Pay to participate in Powerleveling

I consider this to be an easy way out. It might be a bit different if you are simply allowing a friend help you to advance through a few levels. But, paying a company to let one of their employees log into your account and assist you? Come on! What will they think of next to make some money. I guess the only thing that could be possibly worse than Powerleveling would be to pay for a character that is already so advanced that you never have to play any of the lower levels. I actually wouldn't be surprised if someone already offers this option.

7. AOE grinding doesn't have to be boring

Area of effect grinding is thought to be the best way to level up by some players and extremely boring by others. Combining grinding and quests can spice things up enough to make leveling up not quite as boring as it would have been by grinding alone. However, if you happen to have a priest, then area of effect leveling can be very beneficial indeed. Grinding produces better rewards than questing too.

6. Go on quests

This is often a common way to help you to advance through the various levels of WoW. There are plenty of quests to assist you through each level. It's a good idea to line up a lot of quests in advance. If you make sure to have plenty of quests to do, then you won't be running around between towns to try and get new ones all the time. Gathering them up in advance is a true time saver. Quite a few quests are in the same area as well, which also saves you from a lot of travel time.

7 Items to Buy at The Beginning of The New Year …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 10:01 AM PST

7 Items to Buy at The Beginning of The New Year …

Everybody loves post-holiday sales, but there are some things you ought to think about purchasing that are sort of off the beaten path. Clothing and things like that are great to buy when they go on sale after the holidays, but there are even better items to be had – bigger ones too. In fact, you might be quite surprised by this list of 7 items to buy at the beginning of the new year, see if you need any of them.

1. Home Improvement Items

If you’re looking to do any renovations, now is definitely the time. From window treatments to wood, you’ll be able to get great deals at the end of this year and the beginning of next. As well, contractors and designers aren’t going to be terribly busy, so not only can you get great advice, but you can get their services at great prices as well.

2. Appliances

All those appliances that were on sale during Black Friday, plus the overstock for the holidays, will be going on sale during these months. When stores have too much inventory, which they pretty much always do at the end of one year and the beginning of the next, you get to reap the benefits of that. So if you need to replace a washing machine or get a new dishwasher, now is definitely the time to do it!

3. Home Décor Items

Similarly, home décor items are going to be really affordable right now. Décor stores, like IKEA and Crate & Barrel, know that, during the holidays, people are interested in themed décor. So, once the holidays are over, they’re more than happy to do anything they possibly can to get you to buy new decorations for your home. You can get things at prices that are as much as 75 percent off the norm!

8 Ways a House Guest Can be Annoying …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 09:43 AM PST

8 Ways a House Guest Can be Annoying …

When you have a guest, I understand that you are supposed to treat them with respect, but what do you do when that guest is annoying? What do I mean by annoying? I am going to show you 8 ways a house guest can be annoying.

8. Leaving a Mess

Leaving a mess behind continuously is annoying. They constantly leave their garbage out, track dirt in the house and heck, they don't even flush the toilet after they use it (ew). Okay, this is annoying.

7. Not Cleaning the Dishes

This can definitely be annoying, especially if they continuously mess up a lot of dishes. Perhaps you could hide all of you dishes until they leave? Do you think they would take the hint then?

6. Running the Phone Bill Up

Oh goodness, the house guest is coming into your house and making long distance phone calls on your phone. This is no good. This is definitely an annoying house guest. What do you have to do to get them to stop? What if they over right you when you tell them to stop and they continue doing it?

7 of My Favorite Body Lotions …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 09:26 AM PST

7 of My Favorite Body Lotions …

Regardless of the season, we all suffer from dry skin or just want to have smoother, softer skin… and if the body lotion we use has a fresh, sweet scent or another added benefit, like skin firming, well, that's even better! I have a whole bin of fantastic body lotions I use all year long, and I'm always adding more! A couple of weeks ago, Philosophy added a few new body lotions to their marvelous line, so I had to try them! Here are 7 of my favorite body lotions, all from Philosophy.

1. Philosophy Rainbow Sherbet Body Lotion

Philosophy Rainbow Sherbet Body Lotion
Price: $24.00 at philosophy.com
No matter how gloomy the winter's day, one whiff of this sweet-smelling lotion will have you feeling sunshine summer love. It's scented just like the real thing, fruity and sweet, and the bottle itself LOOKS like the real thing, too! The lotion is infused with olive and macadamia nut oils and rich shea butter to keep dry, itchy winter skin at bay, too.

2. Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Body Lotion

Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Body Lotion
Price: $35.00 at philosophy.com
I've been hoping and wishing for better, smoother skin for years, and now I've realized I need something more. When Hope is Not Enough is a line of skin-care products that do more than just moisturize and protect your skin — they contain rich omega 3-6-9 acids to go one step further, conditioning your skin like no other lotion, leaving it smooth and supple.

3. Philosophy The Big Skinny Self-Tanning Firming Cream

Philosophy The Big Skinny Self-Tanning Firming Cream
Price: $28.00 at philosophy.com
While I loved the old version of this marvelous lotion, I'm okay with the new one, too. It smells a little medicinal, which is odd for a Philosophy product, but there's no denying how smooth and gorgeous it makes my legs look! The self-tanner evens my skin tone and the firming ream, well, firms those slightly-squishy areas on my thighs.

7 Bad Habits that Affect Your Skin …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 09:01 AM PST

7 Bad Habits that Affect Your Skin …

A lot of things can have a bad effect on your skin if you aren’t careful. Some of them you can’t control but many of them you can, and those are the ones I’m focusing on here. Skin is a gift, you know; you have to take care of it. So keep in mind these 7 bad habits that affect your skin.

1. Smoking

Smoking is horrible for your skin. It dries it out and can, after many years, leave your skin with a rough, dry, leathery kind of look. It decreases the flow of blood to your skin as well, and can have a horrible effect on both collagen and elastic. That can make your skin look doughy and saggy, which will make you look older long before your time.

2. Drinking

Excessive alcohol is bad for your skin as well, primarily because it leaves it so dehydrated. That dulls your natural radiance, which will also make you look old and tired no matter what your age. Drinking too much will also enlarge and expand the blood vessels in your skin, which is what creates those spreading, spidery veins, especially around your nose and in your cheeks. Worst of all, if you already have problems with your skin, drinking will exacerbate it.

3. UV Rays

Not only is the sun bad for your skin, but spending too much time under sunlamps and in tanning beds is just awful for you too. Say what you will about sunless tanners, but they’re a much better alternative – as long as you don’t overuse them and develop an orange patina. Too many UV rays will cause wrinkles and dehydration, not to mention the dangers of cancer.

8 Awesome Celebrity Comebacks …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 08:58 AM PST

8 Awesome Celebrity Comebacks …

Don’t you hate it when an actor or actress you really love either disappears off the face of the earth or goes through something personally that seems to kill their career? And don’t you love it when they manage that rare and special Hollywood feat: the full fledged comeback! Here are 8 awesome celebrity comebacks, some of which are quite unbelievable!

1. Robert Downey, Jr

Photo Credit: addictedtohim.com

This is one of my favorite comeback stories. I have loved Robert Downey since his days as a member of a the Brat Pack. Less than Zero, Chances Are, Chaplin: I still watch his early movies over and over. I went back to watching Ally McBeal when he appeared on the scene and felt heartbroken for him when he once again lost the job to rehab. I didn’t have a bit of snark to give over all his falls off the wagon, I just wanted to see him get a handle on his problems because he really is such an amazing actor – and lo and behold! He came back with a vengeance and pretty much immortalized himself as Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes.

2. Paula Abdul

Photo Credit: hugewallpaper.com

All right, since she quit American Idol, this one isn’t incredibly true, but let me explain. As a child, I played my Forever Your Girl and Spellbound tapes until they warped, but by then CDs had been invented, so I replaced them and played their discs until they scratched and died. I idolized Paula as a kid, and then she just sort of … disappeared. Although her behavior on AI and her short lived reality show was quite … special and wonky, I think she still deserves props for making it back, because seriously, I forgot she existed for a while there.

3. Patrick Dempsey

Photo Credit: fanpop.com

Ah, McDreamy! He really dropped off the face of the earth after his late 1990s heartthrob status. Reese Witherspoon didn’t want him in Sweet Home Alabama, either. But Meredith Grey sure did, and millions of women across the world agreed, so not only does he steal hearts as Dr. McDreamy, he’s also back to playing the starring hunk in lots of movies. I think his time out of the spotlight humbled him a little, and personally I think he’s a way better actor for it.

7 Reasons I Love My Gym …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 08:51 AM PST

7 Reasons I Love My Gym …

I adore my gym. It's a place where I feel comfortable working out, which is a complete change from my last gym, where I never felt dressed-up enough for my yoga class and almost caught myself wanting to wear make-up on the elliptical machine. The place was packed with Muscle-Heads and Gym-Queens (kind of like Prom Queens) and I couldn't wait to get out of there. I've finally found a gym I love, and here's why…

1. Their hours

My gym opens at 5 in the morning and they close at 11 at night. That means that they're always open when I want to work out, which means I'll never be able to use their being closed as an excuse for not working out, right? So if you're thinking of joining a gym, make sure their hours fit your schedule.

2. Their equipment

My gym has everything I need to work out, including rows and rows of cardio equipment (rowing, stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines) plus free weights and all kinds of other strength training machines and gear. It's all well-maintained and modern, too. Before you join a gym, check out their equipment and make sure it's top-notch, and they have everything you need to do your own work out regimen.

3. Their staff

My gym has an awesome personal trainer on staff, someone who has really helped me meet and continue working towards my own fitness goals. But aside from him, the entire staff at my gym is friendly, helpful, and professional. They never sling attitude, and they all know how to use each piece of equipment.

7 Tips on Looking Hot in a Rush …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 02:43 AM PST

7 Tips on Looking Hot in a Rush …

This happens to me a lot of mornings, especially when it is cold! I guess I am slower when it is cold outside? I have developed some techniques that, so far, have been working for me when I am getting ready in a rush.

7. Makeup That Does Two or Three Things at Once

Do you know what I like? When I have makeup that does multiple things at one time. As an example, I have some mascara that saves me from having to curly my lashes as it curls them for me. The mascara also "adds" length to my lashes.

6. Nail Pens

Face it, not all of us are able to sit down and perfect our nails. Many of us are in a rush. If you decide that you want to have your nails painted that day, then break out with those nail pens. The nail pens are easy to use.

5. Tinted Moisturizer

I like using tinted moisturizer and I remember how thankful I am for it when I am in a rush. Tinted moisturizer will actually do three things at one time. It moisturizes, gives coverage and offers protection from the sun. In my makeup cabinet, it is a must have.

10 Unique Beauty Tips You Never Knew …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 01:58 AM PST

10 Unique Beauty Tips You Never Knew …

So, when we want beauty tips, where do we turn? And what exactly do we expect to find? We usually turn to books, magazines, articles online, or youtube videos. And we normally expect to find make-up applications tips, new products to try, or how-to instructions for a new hairstyle. While those are all fun and helpful ideas, there’s more to being beautiful than what you do to your face and skin. It all starts with how you treat your body, your emotional and mental stability, and your attitude! Here are 10 unique beauty tips you never knew that will get you glowing from head to toe in no time flat!

1. Never Run On Empty

You’ll find that charging head-long into a super busy, cram-packed day jammed full of work and school and errands just doesn’t do anything for you. You wouldn’t let your car run out of gas-it wouldn’t get you anywhere! It’s the same basic idea for your body. Eat a breakfast every day. Even a banana or a granola bar that you can ake with you in the car is better than skipping altogether. Protein shakes are also filling and good for you. Mix almond or soy milk with yogurt, a banana, a scoop of protein powder and the fruit of your choice in a blender until it’s smooth. Viola! you’ve got a quick breakfast that you can eat-er-drink on the run!

2. Take A Cold Shower

Now, it’s not fun, and it won’t really feel good unless its the dog days of summer and you’ve just come in from working in the garden. But taking a cold shower will increase your blood circulation and give your skin a lovely glow! It also helps shrink and tighten pores. Taking a cold shower on a morning when you’ve overslept and running behind will really help you out because it will wake you up and encourage you not to spend more time than you should in the shower! Now there’s an incentive we can all learn from!

9 Basic Mobile Phone Care Tips …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 01:28 AM PST

9 Basic Mobile Phone Care Tips …

It seems like these days no one can live without their mobile phones. They make communication really easy; they also have a lot of useful features. And with the evolution of the mobile phone, the smart phone has become a reality. Aside from regular mobile phone features, the smart phone also has the several features of a computer such as word processing, internet browsing, email, and even gaming. With its many functions, the mobile phone has definitely become an essential part of our daily lives. No matter what brand or type of phone you have, it is important that you know how to take care of it. Here are nine basic mobile phone care tips.

1. Invest in a protective screen and case

The simplest way to care for your phone is by using a protective case. If you have a touch screen phone, then it would be best to also use a screen protector. Protective screens and cases prevent your phone from getting scratched or broken.

2. Don't be clumsy

Make sure that you handle your phone with care. Mobile phones are made of fragile components that can malfunction or break when treated harshly. Do not throw it, sit on it, or drop it.

3. Store your phone properly

Don't just throw your phone in your bag or stick it in your pocket. You should have a designated pocket or pouch for your phone so that it won't get banged around too much. You will also have an easier time finding it. If you are fond of keeping your phone in your pocket, then think twice. Keeping your phone in your jeans pocket puts pressure on your phone. The most common damage is a broken LCD or a bent circuit board.

8 Techniques for Being Persuasive …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 01:26 AM PST

8 Techniques for Being Persuasive …

In life, being persuasive can sometimes take you far. You also have to remember that there is a big difference between being persuasive and being manipulative. These 8 techniques for being persuasive will not only show you the difference, but will also provide you with some great tips on how to persuade others to see your point of view.

1. Start It Yourself

If you are looking to persuade people to join in with something, then start doing it first yourself. If you can get friends to join in, so much the better. When something has already begun, people tend to join in more easily. They don’t want to be the first ones to do something, so you can take over that role.

2. Encourage Imagination

Helping people to imagine something is a great persuasion tactic. It doesn’t even have to be anything huge. For example, saying something as simple as, "We are both tired, but think about how great it will be to have this over with," can persuade a person to finish the task at hand, whether it is painting a room or finishing a work project.

3. Loss vs. Gain

Sometimes people are more motivated by what they stand to lose than what they stand to gain. Rather than throwing a guilt trip about what a person can have, you should let them know what they stand to lose by not doing something. For example, trying to talk your boyfriend into quitting his video game so the two of you can go on a walk probably won’t work, but reminding him that it may be one of the last lovely days of the season probably will.

7 Romantic Picnic Ideas …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 01:17 AM PST

7 Romantic Picnic Ideas …

The 7 romantic picnic ideas that are listed below cover different aspects of a romantic picnic. They don’t only include food ideas or location suggestions. These ideas range from what type of tableware to pack to finding inclement weather beneficial. I hope you are able to put together a romantic picnic for a loved one that turns out to be a huge success.

7. Take it to the beach

Who doesn’t find the beach to be a romantic place? The lapping sound of the waves is soothing and perfect for creating the right mood for a romantic picnic. If you can manage to set up a picnic on the right part of the beach, then there are very few distractions as well. Place a thick blanket on the beach away from the waves, but also not near a bunch of people. Beaches can be very public areas and it might be difficult to find one that isn’t packed in the afternoon. There will be less people running around closer to dusk, plus you might be able to catch the sunset together if the beach is facing a western sky.

6. Get fancy!

Cloth napkins, nice silverware, fine china, and an elegant table cloth will help to create a more romantic atmosphere, no matter where the picnic is being held. There's just something about paper napkins and plastic dinnerware that sort of squelches a romantic mood. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with cheap napkins and dinnerware if that is all you can afford. It just might make the picnic seem more elegant if a little bit of class is added by way of some fancy silverware, plates, and napkins.

7 Easy Meals in One Week …

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 12:51 AM PST

7 Easy Meals in One Week …

We all love home cooked meals, don’t we? But sometimes it is impossible to get the food on the table, on time, and still do everything else that is needed. I have put together my favorite, easy ways to get dinner on the table while cooking good foods. No one says you have to spend all day cooking good foods…

1. Chicken Parm Sandwiches:

To make this meal you will need the following ingredients:
Pre-cooked Breaded Chicken Patties
Kaiser Rolls
Marinara Sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

This one is real simple, you cook the breaded chicken patties according to package directions. During the last five minutes of cook time you take them out of the oven, add the sauce and sprinkle each piece of chicken with some shredded cheese. Return them to the oven and let them cook until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble. After you have removed them from the oven, let them sit for about five minutes, this way you avoid the cheese sliding off when placing them each on their rolls. To finish, place each piece of chicken on a roll and serve. I usually serve this with French Fries because you can place the baking sheets for both items side by side in the oven and they both have about the same cook time and temperature. \

2. Cheesy Mexican Cheddar Chicken:

To make this meal you will need the following ingredients:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
Mesquite Flavored Barbecue Sauce

To begin making this dish, you will start by trimming any fat from each piece of chicken and then placing them in a glass baking dish. Lightly coat each piece with the Barbecue sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the chicken is done. Remove from oven, and coat each piece with barbecue sauce again. Sprinkle each piece with Shredded cheese and place back in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. I serve this dish with Spanish rice and a vegetable.

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