Kinky Adventures of Nikkij

The Kinkier the Better

2012-02-12T12:42:00.002-05:00

Ask me questions about kinky sex and adventures http://www.formspring.me/NikkijMad

Salt Lake City named gayest in U.S.

2012-02-12T09:54:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES (UPI) -- A Los Angeles-based magazine has named Salt Lake City as the gayest city in the United States, followed by Orlando, Fla., and Cambridge, Mass.

The Advocate said its list, which was created using a formula taking population into account as well as categories including the numbers of LGBT elected officials, laws protecting the rights of transgendered people, LGBT bookstores, nude yoga classes and WNBA teams, was topped by Salt Lake City, followed by Orlando; Cambridge; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Seattle; and Ann Arbor, Mich.

"While those unfamiliar with the Beehive State are likely to conjure images of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, far-less-oppressive-than-it-used-to-be Salt Lake City has earned its queer cred," the magazine said.

The list also includes Minnesota's twin cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul; Knoxville, Tenn.; Atlanta; and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Auto Quiz

2012-02-12T09:48:00.002-05:00

1. This American-made car is the longest-lived continuous automobile nameplate still in production. Name it. For bragging rights, name the first year it was produced.

2. This vehicle is widely regarded as the first automobile. Name it.

3. The Volkswagen Type I was first produced in 1938 but later became known in Germany as the Volkswagen Kafer. By what name do we know this vehicle in the United States?

4. This vehicle was the first to be mass-produced on a moving assembly line with completely interchangeable parts. Name it.

5. Name the top 5 motor vehicle producing countries in 2010.

6. In 1899, Henri Pieper developed the first automobile of this type in the world. Name this breakthrough.

7. In the world of alternative powered vehicles, what does COREV refer to?

8. Name the most expensive production car on the market today. For bragging rights, give the approximate price.

9. TRUE or FALSE: In the early 1900s, automobiles could be purchased through the Sears catalog.

10. What was the Lincoln Motor Car Works?

Moi ... Slut I Think!

2012-02-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Health and Beauty Tip --

What Your Clothes Say About You

No matter what people say, the season's fashions are not what's important -- after all, they don't look flattering on everyone. Instead of sweating over being trendy, dress in styles that express your personality and flatter your figure. Even the newest fashions can look tacky if they don't fit properly.

I Love Art

2012-02-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "virtu"

Taste for fine objects of art

virtu \vuhr-TOO; vir-\ (noun) - 1 : love of or taste for fine objects of art. 2 : Productions of art (especially fine antiques). 3 : Artistic quality.

'In the latter case, the new emblem held no personality or virtu until it had participated in noteworthy feats and so acquired status.' -- Jack Vance, 'Planet of Adventure'

Virtu comes from Italian virtù "virtue, excellence," from Latin virtus, "excellence, worth, goodness, virtue."

Navigate This!

2012-02-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Five Reasons Why a Taxi Driver Knows How to Navigate a City

Franny Dolarhyde

Taxi drivers seem to live a strange existence. They work and travel throughout a city day to day, going from place to place, anywhere you want to go and they'll take you without fail. Yet we never think much about why they can be so good, so reliable and so consistent, wherever you ask them to go. In this article I will delve a little bit into some of the best reasons why your typical taxi driver knows how to navigate the city they work in.

1. You need to have certain traits and skills in order to become to a good taxi driver. Taxi drivers need to be observant, courteous, be able to remember routes and landmarks well, be efficient, and have good instincts. It certainly isn't an easy profession but not everybody will be away of the actual physical skills of the driver to who is taking you effectively from location to location.

2. Drivers go through a fair amount of training before they are allowed to become taxi drivers. They need to learn the quickest routes from A to B and need to learn all the major landmarks and important places of the city they work in order to serve their city well. This training teaches them to navigate the city as if it were second nature.

3. For drivers in the City of London, England, they must take a fantastically comprehensive and difficult training program, and examination before they can be allowed to drive the famous Black Cab. Candidates need to navigate through London city's network of one way roads and maze like grid and find their way from point to point in the shortest distance possible. The Knowledge of London as it is properly known is the toughest taxi examination in the world, taking an average of 18 months to 4 years to complete and qualify. However once they have passed, they can be sure of having access to an encyclopedic knowledge of their city that is second to none.

4. It goes without saying that with the experience of driving a cab after a number of years come the knowledge of the streets and the know-how. Drivers go along certain routes and to certain destinations, particularly tourist landmarks, so often that remembering the roads just becomes natural. This is also known as knowledge through repetition.

5. In some cities, taxi drivers are allowed to use GPS navigation systems in order to guide them on where to go. Of course some cab companies feel that it isn't a good thing to rely on technology in case one day it fails, but some do feel that technology is there to be used, providing a helpful assistance particularly for those drivers who are just starting out in this tough profession.

How Do You Wear Panties?

2012-02-12T09:08:00.001-05:00

Health and Beauty Tip -- Clothes for Tall Women

Skirts that are especially short or especially long tend to be unflattering on taller women. Rather than tucking in shirts and blouses, wear them over skirts or pants. Wide belts are very flattering, but tight ones shuld be avoided.

Yummy

2012-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

You are motivated to make a difference in people's lives. You see that leaving it to someone else -- especially a bureaucracy -- results in inaction. You step in and do so in ways that show how it's done.

I Love to Be Filled

2012-02-12T08:58:00.002-05:00

Quote of the Day

Jean Kerr

The average, healthy, well-adjusted adult gets up at seven-thirty in the morning feeling just plain terrible.

Mouthful

2012-02-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

Health and Beauty Tip -- How to Eat

If you're trying to eat healthier or lose weight, remember that how you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid eating anywhere except the dinner table, and don't work while you eat -- this helps you concentrate on what and how much you're eating. How quickly you eat is also a factor; if all else fails, try eating with the opposite hand you usually do!

Let's Go Out!

2012-02-12T08:50:00.000-05:00

While you appear distant and uncaring, you are actually very sensitive. You're trying to protect yourself from physical harm and emotional abuse. Set the conditions for a relationship to continue.

Feeling Blue

2012-02-11T22:27:00.002-05:00

Yummy

2012-02-11T22:23:00.002-05:00

Restore

2012-02-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "redivivus"

Living again

redivivus \red-uh-VY-vuhs; -VEE-\ (adjective) - Living again; brought back to life; revived; restored.

"'He can't be redivivus if he's never died,' Diotallevi said. 'Sure he's not Ahasuerus, the wandering Jew?'" -- Umberto Eco, 'Foccault's Pendulum'

Redivivus comes from Latin, from the prefix red-, re-, "again" + vivus, "alive."

Save Your Energy

2012-02-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

Should you use a ceiling fan?

Energy experts say that ceiling fans consume as little energy as a 60-watt bulb, which is about 98 percent less energy than most central air conditioners use.

Not An Iota!

2012-02-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "iota"

A very small quantity

iota \eye-OH-tuh\ (noun) - 1 : The ninth letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding to the English i. 2 : A very small quantity or degree; a jot; a bit.

"A brilliant negotiator, James had not moderated his demands one iota in seven years."

Iota is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. The word jot also derives from iota.

SHE married WHO?

2012-02-11T15:33:00.002-05:00

Do you know who these lady's FIRST (or Only) husbands were? Or haven't you been paying attention? Test your knowledge.

Points available: 10

1:Halle Berry

A) Olivier Martinez

B) David Justice

C) Eric Benet

2:Jennifer Aniston

A) Brad Pitt

B) Vince Vaughn

C) Charlie Schlatter

3:Tisha Campbell

A) Martin Lawrence

B) Eddie Murphy

C) Duane Martin

4:Michelle Pfeiffer

A) Seal

B) Peter Horton

C) David Kelley

5:Loretta Young

A) Jean Louis

B) Grant Withers

C) Jean Louis

6:Jennifer Lopez

A) Ojani Noa

B) Sean "Diddy" Combs

C) Ben Affleck

7:Kim Catttrall

A) Mark Levinson

B) Larry Davis

C) Andre Lyson

8:Penelope Cruz

A) Tom Cruise

B) Matthew McConaughey

C) Javier Bardem

9:Phylicia Ayers- Allen

A) Ahmad Rashad

B) William Bowles, Jr.

C) Victor Willis

10:Ginger Rogers (Virginia McMath)

A) Jacques Bergerac

B) William Marshall

C) Jack Pepper

Eating Out on a Diet....

2012-02-11T15:26:00.002-05:00

You can still control what you eat when you go out to dinner. Drink a glass of skim milk before you leave home to curb your appetite a bit, and have a healthy meal in mind before you get there -- knowing what you want will ensure that you avoid looking at the menu and being tempted. Ask for oil and vinegar or the house vinaigrette on your salad (and use sparingly), and remember -- sharing a dessert doesn't count as skipping!

Today's Word ....

2012-02-11T15:23:00.000-05:00

... jawboning \JAW-boh-ning\ (noun) - The use of public appeals (as by a president) to influence the actions especially of business and labor leaders; broadly : the use of spoken persuasion

"The governor was reluctant to intervene directly in the strike, so he resorted to jawboning, urging both sides to return to the bargaining table with warnings and rhetoric."
In the late 1800s, the noun "jawbone" meant "credit" ("his money's gone, so he lives on jawbone"). By the mid-1950s, people were writing about "jawbone control" (in reference to regulations intended to make people cautious), and by 1966 the verb "to jawbone" (meaning "to talk about to gain some end") was appearing regularly in the media. The noun "jawboning" made its print debut in 1969. All of these uses were likely influenced by the verb "jaw," which has long been used with the meanings "to talk" or "to scold."

Is That Why I Get My Back Aches?

2012-02-11T15:05:00.002-05:00

Health and Beauty -- Avoid Backaches

If you're prone to backaches, especially in the morning, try sleeping on your back with your knees raised on a pillow. If this is uncomfortable, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.

When was the last time you received flowers?

2012-02-11T14:57:00.008-05:00

Yesterday as a matter of fact!

The Kinkier ... The Better!

If you could be a star athlete in any sport, which sport would you pick?

2012-02-11T14:57:00.007-05:00

Swimming

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Do you like tattoos?

2012-02-11T14:57:00.006-05:00

Tramp Stamps

The Kinkier ... The Better!

And Some of Us Are Becoming The Women ....

2012-02-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day
Gloria Steinem

Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry.

Rack ...Em

2012-02-11T14:36:00.002-05:00

Slip Them Down

2012-02-11T14:35:00.001-05:00

Do You Like?

2012-02-11T14:34:00.002-05:00

Love it

2012-02-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

So Many Booty Calls Daily?

2012-02-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

Health and Beauty --

Cut Back on Coffee

How much is too much? Any more than four cups of caffeinated coffee each day can lead to bladder irritation. The same amount of caffeine in chocolate, caffeinated tea, or cola can do the same thing, so watch your intake!

Stay Healthy

2012-02-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

11 Ways to be Healthier in 2012

Ready to be healthier this year – and for the rest of your life? It’s easier than you think. We’ll show you what to do...

If you’ve made a resolution to get healthier this year, chances are you already know to eat better, exercise more and cut out bad habits.

So why aren’t you doing it? Too hard? Can’t stick with it?

Fortunately, researchers across the globe are working on ways to make that healthy lifestyle within reach.

Read on for their insights and tips on making this year your healthiest ever.
1. Eat better, live longer.A few dietary changes could reduce your risk of dying by 40%, according to a 2010 University of Maryland study.

In research that examined 2,500 older adults over 10 years, those who ate the healthiest diet – with fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and vegetables – had much higher survival rates than those who ate poorly, with high amounts of cheese and other fatty foods.

How do you change your eating habits? Gradually, says senior author Nadine R. Sahyoun, Ph.D., R.D.

“Replace fried foods and sweets with grilled or baked foods,” she says. “Decide which vegetables you enjoy and then look for recipes that feature them. Make sure a salad is on the dinner table every day, and add different veggies, fruits and nuts for variety and taste.” 2. Eat less, grow younger.Exercise and cutting calories together can actually reverse some signs of aging.

The combination dramatically improved mental acuity and motor skills in animal research at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science.

It also seems to rejuvenate connections between nerves and muscles, according to the 2010 study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Those results could translate to humans, says Derek M. Huffman, Ph.D., a researcher at the Institute of Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

“Past studies in people have shown that the combination may be beneficial,” he says.

But caloric restriction doesn’t mean starving yourself, Huffman says. Just pick nutrient-dense foods.

“Choose foods that make you full but don't pack many calories – like soups, salads, fresh fruits, lean chicken breast, beans, yogurt and low-calorie fiber bars,” he says. 3. Buy your way out of poor eating.There’s a simple way to psych yourself into buying healthier foods: Pay with cash, not a credit or debit card, according to a 2010 Cornell University study published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Researchers studied 1,000 families’ grocery trips over six months and found that their carts contained more unhealthful foods when they paid with plastic. That’s because cash makes shoppers more sensitive to their purchases, the researchers say.

You can also cut back on those impulsive supermarket purchases by carrying a small notebook and jotting down each junk food item you put in your cart, suggests Lifescript nutrition expert Jill Weisenberger, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.

Before you check out, make sure only a small percentage of your budget is going toward unhealthful snacks.
4. Play with your food.Dozens of mobile-device apps that aid healthy eating are available – and one study showed they really work.

In a study conducted by Georgia Tech’s School of Interactive Computing, a healthy-food game was tested by 12 adults for three weeks. They began eating healthier, discussing healthy eating with friends, and making better choices when they ate out.

”Our research shows the promise of using casual mobile games to encourage adults to live healthier lifestyles,” the investigators say.

To find the best game for you, check out 14 Best Fitness Apps for Women. 5. Keep friends close.
Social relationships are so healthful that frequent interactions with friends, family and colleagues decrease your risk of dying by 50% over 7.5 years.

That’s the equivalent of a smoker kicking a habit or an alcoholic giving up drinking, according to researchers at Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City who reviewed data from 148 studies.

Closeness counts too, according to psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., who led the research.

“Having close relationships helps us cope with stress, and provides meaning and purpose to our lives,” she says.

When you’re connected to a group and feel responsible for others, you’re more motivated to take care of yourself, she adds.
6. Give in to peer pressure.When your friends have healthy habits, you probably will too, according to a 2010 Australian study of 3,610 women published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

That’s not just because social support helps you eat better and get more exercise, says Kylie Ball, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University in Victoria.
“Simply observing or knowing others who engage in these behaviors increases the likelihood of doing so,” Ball says.

But that doesn’t mean you have to drop your coach-potato friends. Just go social with your health and fitness plan, notes Liz Neporent, coauthor of Fitness For Dummies: 4^thEdition (Wiley) and senior vice president of Wellness 360, a New York-based consulting company.

“Join a walking, running or exercise group,” she suggests. “Or find a gym where you interact with others.”

Finding support on Facebook, Twitter and other social-networking sites can also be motivating, she says.
7. Catch more zzz’s.Are you up past midnight most nights? Staying healthy – and looking young – requires an earlier bedtime.

People who sleep fewer than seven hours per night are more likely to gain excess weight, according to a 2008 study by Laval University in Canada.

Plus, those who doze five hours or less don’t live as long, according to a 2010 study of 444 older women conducted by the UC-San Diego School of Medicine.
Still need more incentive to get enough shut-eye? It also makes you look better, according to a 2010 Swedish study published in the British Medical Journal.

Women who were photographed after getting eight hours of sleep the previous night were rated as more attractive and healthier-looking than when they only slept five hours.

Oversleeping isn’t healthy either, says psychiatrist Daniel F. Kripke, M.D., who headed the San Diego study. He suggests you aim for about 7-8 hours per night.
8. Make exercise an enjoyable habit. People with a positive view of exercise are more physically active, according to a 2010 study at Penn State University.

Besides enjoying workouts more, they often take the stairs, not the elevator, or walk farther to a store entrance from the parking lot. Such small steps add up to a lot of activity.

“Find a strategy that reduces conscious goal-setting and monitoring,” says David Conroy, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology and human development at Penn State University.
“If you associate exercise with drudgery, that’s what it will be,” Neporent adds.

“But if associating each step with better-fitting clothes, weight loss or feeling better, then you’re on a mission to succeed.” 9. Time your workouts.Exercising before breakfast is especially beneficial, and could even cancel out damage from less healthy habits, according to a 2010 Belgian study in The Journal of Physiology.

In that study, young men ate a high-calorie diet of 50% fat, along with a hefty, carb-rich breakfast.

Some exercised intensely four times a week before breakfast, and the rest worked out at the same level after breakfast (and drank sports drinks throughout).

At the end of six weeks, those who ate breakfast before exercising had gained weight and developed symptoms of insulin resistance. But the pre-breakfast exercisers were fine.

Exercising on an empty stomach causes the body to burn a greater percentage of fat and increases levels of a muscle protein that helps transport blood sugar, the researchers note.

Of course, the best time to work out is when you’ll actually do it, Neporent says.

“If it doesn’t feel good to exercise before eating, then don’t force yourself,” she advises. 10. Turn off the tube.Watching too much TV doesn’t just kill brain cells – it could actually kill you, according to 2010 Australian research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

In a study of 8,800 adults, those who watched TV four hours or more per day had an 80% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 46% higher risk of death, than those who watched two hours or less.

That’s because “sedentary behavior changes your metabolism – you go into ‘energy storage’ mode,” says cardiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

The less you sit, the better, Lloyd-Jones notes. At the very least, get up during commercials (but don’t head to the kitchen for unhealthy snacks). Or take 5- or 10-minute exercise breaks.

“The mantra is, if you’re doing nothing, do a little,” he says. “And if you’re doing a little, do more.”
11. Stay healthy for good.Regular physical activity, following a healthy diet and not smoking reduce the risk of developing more than 20 conditions – including cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia and depression – according to a 2010 review of 40 studies by University of East Anglia in England.And a 20-year study Lloyd-Jones conducted at Northwestern found that those who follow the top five healthy habits (not smoking, little or no alcohol intake, controlling weight, getting physical activity and eating a healthy diet) maintain a low risk of cardiovascular disease as they enter middle age.

“Healthy behaviors can trump genetics,” Lloyd-Jones says. “The earlier you start making healthy choices, the more likely you are to maintain a low-risk profile.”

By Nicole Gregory, Special to Lifescript

I AM MENTAL

2012-02-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "languor"

Mental or physical weariness

languor \LANG-guhr; LANG-uhr\ (noun) - 1 : Mental or physical weariness or fatigue. 2 : Listless indolence, especially the indolence of one who is satiated by a life of luxury or pleasure. 3 : A heaviness or oppressive stillness of the air.

"She had been particularly unwell, however, suffering from headache to a degree, which made her aunt declare, that had the ball taken place, she did not think Jane could have attended it; and it was charity to impute some of her unbecoming indifference to the languor of ill-health." -- Jane Austen, "Emma"

Languor is from Latin languor, from languere, "to be faint or weak." The adjective form is languorous.

Curious .. Who Invented the First Catsuit?

2012-02-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

Who created the first wet suit?

Benjamin Franklin devised the first wet suit for divers, as well as a primitive version of today's flippers.

So What A Dripping Clitty?

2012-02-11T14:07:00.000-05:00

Should you fix that dripping faucet?

A dripping hot water faucet wastes an average of 40 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. This is the equivalent of running a color television 8 hours a day for about 31 days.

Nice Legs

2012-02-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

Health and Beauty Tip -- Treatment for Tired Eyes

To rejuvenate tired eyes, lay a slice of cold cucumber over each eye -- it really works! The reason is simple, though: anything cool over your eyes helps reduce redness, and makes them feel better, too. If you're looking for something easier, use a cool, damp washcloth instead.

I Know Class!

2012-02-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day

Ann Landers

Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.

I Said Face

2012-02-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

Health and Beauty Tip -- Focus on the Face

When applying makeup, draw attention to one part of your face: either your eyes or your lips. Wearing large amounts of lipstick and eyeshadow at the same time divides the focus and isn't very flattering. Pick one to accentuate and tone down the other.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

2012-02-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

Do you know the proper Irish response?

The correct response to the Irish greeting, "Top of the morning to you," is "And the rest of the day to yourself."

Together

2012-02-11T13:39:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "collude"

To act in concert

collude \kuh-LOOD\ (intransitive verb) - To act in concert; to conspire; to plot.

"Sadly, well-heeled contributors and interest groups that seek political power routinely collude with needy office-seekers to find new paths around the hollow contribution limits."

Collude derives from Latin colludere, from con-, "together" + ludere, "to play."

Try Me ... Them

2012-02-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

12 Natural Skin Savers: Do They Really Work?

Can lemons, eggs and toothpaste really heal dry, damaged skin? Or are they just folk remedies? We asked experts for the facts behind these handy beauty treatments – and the best ways to get their benefits…

Does dabbing on toothpaste actually dry up a pimple? Will guzzling water hydrate skin? Can you really use an herbal laxative applied to the face really fight breakouts?

Some beauty "tricks" don’t live up to their hype. But some folk remedies actually do.

“At-home remedies aren’t the first line of defense when it comes to skincare, says Neal Schultz, M.D., author of It’s Not Just About Wrinkles: A Park Avenue Dermatologist’s Program for Beautiful Skin in Just Four Minutes a Day (Stewart, Tabori and Chang).

"But some are good when you're in a pinch," he says.

Here are 12 top "kitchen" cures for dry skin.
1. Drinking water keeps skin hydratedWater isn't the complete cure for dry skin, but it helps.Two-thirds of our bodies is made up of water, so our cells need it to renew and stay healthy, says dermatologist dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D., clinical attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Beth Israel Hospital in New York.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, suggests Schultz. But what matters more to your skin is the water you put on your body.

What to do: "Apply moisturizer within five minutes of getting out of the bath or shower,” says Jenny Murase, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco. That helps damp skin lock in moisture.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids restore dry skinOmega-3 fatty acids may alleviate dry skin and can minimize symptoms of eczema (a skin condition that causes itchy, red rashes), says Sobel.

They aid the skin by boosting its lipid content and holding onto moisture. They also act as an anti-inflammatory and help cells fight free radical molecules, which contribute to aging.

What to do: Take 500-1,000 milligrams of purified omega-3 fish oil pills daily, advises Sobel.

Bonus: These supplements may also improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation. Omega-3s lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood that increase heart-disease risk) and blood pressure, as well as slow down plaque growth in arteries, according to the American Heart Association. 3. Olive oil is a good moisturizerOlive oil, when eaten, improves heart health. But slathered on skin, "it helps lock in moisture," Schultz says.

What to do: Apply about 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil to skin and massage with your fingertips, focusing on extra-dry areas like elbows and knees. And dab some on lips to soften them, suggests Murase.
4. Lemon smoothes your face You may have used lemons to lighten hair in the summer – the fruit’s acids have bleaching properties, especially when combined with sunlight.

However, they also act as an exfoliant “helping break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together,” Sobel says. By removing these cells, skin will be noticeably smoother.

What to do: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a pinch of sugar on the pulp side for a sweet way to exfoliate. Rub the fruit on your face.

Because citrus fruits react with sunlight, it's best to try this treatment at night. That's because the acids on your face could trigger a reaction, such as blistering, notes Schultz. 5. Baking soda safely exfoliates skinAlthough not as effective as a chemical exfoliator (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) in removing dead skin cells, baking soda is an inexpensive, gentle way to smooth your complexion, according to Schultz.

What to do: Make a paste with baking soda with vinegar and rub over your face with your fingertips. (Baking soda can irritate skin, and the vinegar dilutes it and acts as a cleanser.)

You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to your facial cleanser. Combine well and massage gently onto your skin 2-3 times a week, suggests Sobel.

“If skin becomes red or irritated, use less baking soda. And don’t forget to moisturize afterward,” he says.
6. Oatmeal soothes itchesWhen skin becomes irritated from harsh soaps or skin treatments, its pH turns acidic, which causes itching and burning. Oatmeal helps restore normal pH, reducing inflammation, says Schultz.

It also softens dry skin by gently removing dead cells without irritating underlying skin layers, adds Sobel. What to do: For a face mask, mix 1 cup regular oatmeal, with water until consistency becomes sticky. Then add a few drops of honey, which has antibacterial and skin-healing properties, according to Sobel.

(Keep reading for more about how honey softens skin.)

If your whole body is dry or itchy, soak in a warm tub filled with colloidal oatmeal, made from rolled oats ground into a fine powder, Sobel suggests. (Available from Aveeno and other drugstore brands.)
7. Toothpaste erases pimplesCan a teeth cleaner wipe out zits?

Yes, believe it or not. “The antibacterial function of fluoride, combined with the toothpaste's clay base, fights inflammation and helps dry up blemishes,” Sobel says.

Brands containing hydrogen peroxide also minimize residual dark spots from acne blemishes.

What to do: Dab toothpaste directly on the pimple, but don’t rub into the surrounding area.

“Spreading it on the skin outside the pimple causes irritation,” Schultz says. 8. Honey softens skinHoney also helps skin retain moisture, says Schultz.

Its natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties helps skin rejuvenate, leaving it soft and supple, adds Sobel.

Another surprising beauty fix? Honey improves mild acne.

“Honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent,” Sobel says.

What to do: Combine 1 tablespoon honey with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix thoroughly. Apply to face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

“Finish with a splash of cold water to close pores and firm skin,” Sobel suggests.

9. Herbal laxatives are good facials
Laxative flakes for your face? This beauty secret, which supposedly tightens pores and reduces breakouts, has been shared by friends and bloggers for years.Swiss Kriss, for example, includes instructions for use as a laxative and facial. It contains licorice root, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

“Laxatives work [internally] by absorbing water. [On your face] the product may also absorb water from the skin, making it feel tighter,” Schultz says.

What to do: If you’re up for an experiment, place a couple scoopfuls of Swiss Kriss laxative flakes in a bowl of hot water. Lean into the steam with a towel over your head for five minutes.
10. Milk calms skin“Milk is wonderfully soothing,” especially for skin irritated by sunburn, poison ivy or bug bites, Schultz says. “Its protein helps bring the skin’s pH back to normal.”

What to do: Mix equal parts milk and water in a bowl. Drench an old cotton T-shirt or any soft cotton cloth (a washcloth’s fibers can further irritate sensitive skin) in the mixture, ring it out halfway, and apply to sore skin.
11. Eggs improve damaged hairApplying egg whites to hair strengthens it and prevents damage, according to Sobel.What’s more, egg yolks – which are rich in vitamin A, D, and E as well as several B vitamins – contain protein and fatty acids that help make hair shiny, he notes.

What to do: Mix 2 egg yolks with 3 teaspoons olive oil. Massage into hair and scalp and let it set for 20 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly.

“This treatment works best on dry to normal hair and promotes strong, beautiful hair and a healthy scalp,” Sobel says.

Got split ends? Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 2 tablespoons olive oil and beat in 1 egg yolk. After massaging the mixture into your ends, wrap hair in a shower cap. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
12. Avocado moisturizes skinAvocados are full of monounsaturated fats, vitamins B and E as well as amino acids. These help hydrate skin, leaving it soft and smooth, according to Sobel.

What to do: Mix 2 ounces ripe avocado, 1 ounce orange juice, and 1 teaspoon honey by hand or a blender until smooth. Add more orange juice if mixture gets too thick.

Apply mask on face and neck (avoiding eyes), and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

By Rachel Grumman Bender, Special to Lifescript

... Then Stay Up All Night!

2012-02-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

Have a Sleep Problem with Your Partner?

You do all the right things when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep – stick to a schedule, avoid caffeine, turn off the TV. But what if your partner makes sleeping a nightmare? Even your soul mate might not make the best bedmate. Find out how to get enough shut-eye and save your relationship...

Even if you’re a perfect couple in the daytime, sleep differences with your partner could be keeping you awake at night.

And whether it’s clashing schedules, temperature conflicts or buzzsaw snoring, these bedroom issues can trigger major slumber deficits.

About 23% of married couples in the U.S. deal with those issues by sleeping solo, according to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation. Even more telling: There’s been a steady increase in requests for homes with two master bedrooms since 1990, says a report from the National Association of Home Builders.

Still, most couples would rather put up with their annoying bed partner than sleep alone.

That’s because “those 10 minutes before they fall asleep is the most intimate time they have together all day,” says Paul Rosenblatt, Ph.D., professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and author of Two in a Bed: The Social System of Couple Sharing (SUNY Press).

“Sharing a bed can be an important part of feeling close and connected,” he explains.

So before you head for another room, read on for five commonconflicts that keep couples from getting enough sleep. And find out what you can do to snag more shut-eye... together.
Sleep problem #1: Conflicting schedulesOne of you works late and sleeps in; the other’s up before dawn to get to the office early.

So how can a night owl or early riser snooze through a blaring alarm clock and someone who’s barging in the room, turning on lights and making a ruckus?

Sleep solutions: If you’re the early bird, use your mobile phone as an alarm clock.

Set it on vibrate and stash it inside your pillowcase so it alerts you without waking your partner, advises Wendy Troxel, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh’s Sleep Medicine Institute.

Or purchase a vibrating alarm clock like the LARK Silent Alarm Sleep Clock ($99, Brookstone.com or Lark.com) or the Shake ‘n Wake vibrating alarm clock watch (from $13, Amazon.com or Maxiaids.com).

Live with a night owl? Then go to bed early, with enough time to fall asleep before your partner enters the room. You’ll be less likely to be disturbed if you’re in a deeper sleep phase, Troxel says.

Also, use earplugs to block out noise and an eye mask to shield your face from lights, she advises.

And you both should prepare for the next day before you go to sleep. For example, leave the clothes you’ll need in the bathroom or spare bedroom,so you can get dressed without waking your partner.
Sleep problem #2: Temperature troublesSome like it hot, others cold. But if you don’t find a way to compromise on the thermostat, neither you nor your spouse will sleep soundly.

The ideal sleep temperature is 60-68 degrees, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cooler air helps decrease the body’s core temperature, which induces sleep. Anything above or below can cause restlessness or insomnia.

Sleep solutions: If you can’t take the heat, stash a personal-size fan by your side of the bed to help fend off hot flashes, Troxel says.

In the frigid zone? Then cover up with an extra blanket on your side, Rosenblatt advises. It’ll keep you warm without overheating your partner.

Or regulate your body temperature by wearing more – or fewer or lighter – clothes to sleep (for example, try warm flannel pajamas, or skip sleepwear altogether).

Sleep problem #3: A snoring spouse
Two-thirds of people who share a bed say their partner’s snoring cuts nearly an hour of sleep time every night, a National Sleep Foundation survey found.

Sleep solutions: First, consult a doctor, because snoring could be a sign of a more serious health problem.

For example, chronic snorers are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea – a sleep disorder caused when muscles in the back of the throat relax, narrowing the airway and disrupting breathing throughout the night, says Ronald Popper, M.D., sleep specialist at the Southern CaliforniaPulmonary and Sleep Disorders Medical Center.

The result: chronic fatigue and reduced oxygen levels, which can raise the risk for hypertension and heart attack.

“Even if it’s not sleep apnea, allergies, weight gain or even benign throat tumors may be to blame,” Popper says. “And the sooner you seek help, the sooner you and your partner will be sleeping more soundly.”

Here are Popper’s other suggestions to deal with your partner’s unintentional nighttime serenade:

Try earplugs to drown out the racket. Soft foam or moldable silicone plugs conform to the shape of the outer ear canal. Bonus: They’re cheap.
Make sure your partner uses an elevated pillow and avoids sleeping on his back. “Gravity makes throat tissues fall down toward the bed, obstructing the airways and making you more likely to snore,” Popper says.
Use nasal strips. “The strips are designed to help open your nose more completely, which helps you breathe better while you sleep,” he says.
Ask your dentist about appliances that fit into the mouth and can hold the tongue down to help prevent vibration.

Sleep problem #4: A noisy partnerYour bedmate enjoys nodding off to music or late-night TV, but you may not find the glare and blare sleep-inducing.

“Listening to talk radio or a TV show is stimulating and distracting,” Troxel says.

It certainly won’t help either of you get a good night’s rest, says Mathias Basner, M.D., assistant professor of sleep and chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of a 2009 sleep study.

Watching TV before bed is a top sleep-stealer, Basner’s study found.

“Instead of retiring early to get sufficient sleep, people tend to keep watching until the end of their favorite show or the news,” Basner explains.

That disrupts your body’s natural sleep mechanisms, he says. The TV’s artificial light may suppress the release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin and shift circadian rhythms to a later hour, making it difficult to nod off.

Same goes for other tech toys like laptops, iPads, e-readers or smart phones. Yet about 95% of the participants in the NSF’s 2011 Sleep inAmerica poll admitted to surfing the Internet, texting or watching TV in the hour before bed.

Sleep solutions: The best solution: Banish TV, Internet and tech games for at least an hour before bedtime, and keep all entertainment and work devices out of the bedroom.

Your bedroom should be a respite from all the other stress and craziness in your life, Popper says. Make it a sleep- and sex-only zone, because bringing in work and other activities can make it harder to wind down.

If you read before bed, use a book light. It’s powerful enough to illuminate the page without bothering your partner. With tablet computers or other e-readers, keep them dimly lit for your benefit as well as your partner’s.

Too noisy? Try a white noise machine, which produces a gentle hiss that helps block background noise without disturbing sleep.

These devices may help you fall asleep more quickly and reduce the number of times you wake up during the night, according to a 2007 study published in the journal Sleep and Hypnosis.

You can buy white noise machines as sleep aids that depict calming sounds of waterfalls, waves and wind to help you doze. Just rememberthat the noise should be tranquil, like a rushing river or rain, Troxel says. Or try a fan, air conditioner, humidifier or anything else that drones continuously, she suggests.
Sleep problem #5: A restless mateDoes your partner go bump in the night repeatedly? About a third of people report that flailing and flopping bedmates have the biggest impact on their sleep quality, the NSF survey shows.

One cause might be a neurological disorder called restless legs syndrome. RLS is characterized by tingling sensations and an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs.

It affects roughly 5%-10% of the population – women are slightly more likely to suffer – and causes insomnia, impaired functioning during the day and reduced quality of life.

Its exact causes are unknown, but an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine might trigger it, Popper says. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also spur or worsen RLS, but should disappear after delivery. (To learn more about restless legs syndrome, visit our RLS Health Center.)

Sleep solutions: Nix cigarettes completely and avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed. They’re stimulants, activating muscles and making you more likely to twitch, Popper explains.

A warm bath and massaging your legs can help muscles relax. Exercise can also help relieve symptoms, but don’t overdo it. Working out too latein the day or too intensely may worsen your symptoms, Popper warns.

Another, perhaps costly option: Consider upgrading to a larger mattress. The extra leg room may save your partner from getting kicked in the night.

In more serious cases, iron supplements, anti-seizure medications and muscle relaxants may treat RLS. Seek a doctor’s care if symptoms occur regularly.
Sleep problem #6: A marital spatWomen in unhappy marriages are more likely to suffer from insomnia than those who are happily paired, Troxel says.

Sleep solutions: Communication is important to a healthy marriage, so express what’s bothering you – both inside and outside the bedroom, Troxel advises.

“Be direct, stay in the present (for example, avoid statements such as ‘always’ or ‘never’), and use ‘I’ statements to express feelings and opinions, rather than making accusations or judgments,” she says.

Also, avoid going to bed angry. If an argument arises close to bedtime, try to find a solution, she says. If that’s not possible, agree to delay the discussion until the following day, when you’re both better rested and able to negotiate more effectively.

Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, along with poor communication and problem-solving skills, Troxel says.

Keep in mind that conflict can be a healthy part of any relationship as long as it’s dealt with properly, she adds.

At the end of the day, it’s about compromise, she says. If each partner iswilling to meet the other halfway, you’re likely to have more restful days and nights ahead of you.
By Kelly Mickle, Special to Lifescript

Chat With Allison

2012-02-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

<NikkijMadison> hello sis

<NikkijMadison> you go by Allison

<Allison>Hello Miss

<Allison>I'll answer to whatever you want me to

<NikkijMadison> nikkij is cool

<Allison>:D Thats a sexy name

<NikkijMadison> this is a wonderland... cool fantasy

<NikkijMadison> I have always wondered what a manly man feels

<Allison>I've thought a lot about a super sexy tranny gf to become a lesbian with

<NikkijMadison> sweetheart ... I love tranny sex

<NikkijMadison> and yes let’s do Vegas together

<Allison>when can you come out?

<NikkijMadison> let me see...

<NikkijMadison> are you trying to do full time

<Allison>we could be such a wickedly dynamic duo...... my mind is racing

<Allison>I'm undecided

<Allison>however

<NikkijMadison> u would do Vegas en femme right

<Allison>my parents know i cross dress heavily

<Allison>there is NOTHING stopping me

<Allison>but I do want to have a life partner

<NikkijMadison> wow they accept it

<Allison>yes

<NikkijMadison> assume they caught you

<Allison>it's a complicated story for another time

<Allison>I'll tell you if you don’t make assumptions or judge

<NikkijMadison> who am I to judge

<Allison>I have no problem being honest but timing is important

<NikkijMadison> my sisters caught me

<Allison>ok, let me try to explain briefly. I have an ex who I was with for 7 years because she accepted my fem side

<Allison>oh that’s hot

<NikkijMadison> that real cool

<Allison>tell me that story instead

<NikkijMadison> u first

<NikkijMadison> so they find your clothes

<Allison>I got a super expensive lawyer to prove that I am a xdresser and the cops had no right to entry as my ex is a crazy felon

<Allison>yes

<Allison>my privacy was lost

<NikkijMadison> wow so now you are outed

<NikkijMadison> everyone knows

<Allison>and I had to explain it all to my parents for them to understand believe and get me the 10G lawyer

<Allison>yes

<Allison>all my friends

<Allison>all my gfs since then

<Allison>everyone knows

<NikkijMadison> did you dressed femme in court... sorry had to say it

<Allison>no one acts surprised

<NikkijMadison> so you dress enfemme most of the time now

<Allison>my parents basically said they love me but it would be best for me to either closet it all again somehow or move away to explore myself

<Allison>no

<Allison>I feel too lonely to do it alone

<NikkijMadison> so what are you doing

<NikkijMadison> ic

<Allison>sorry for the crazy story

<NikkijMadison> so you starred dressing in teens too

<NikkijMadison> no prob

<Allison>I dressed in girls clothes in my youngest memories

<NikkijMadison> to each her own

<Allison>I have older sisters and the old box of Halloween costumes was out in my room year round

<NikkijMadison> I love wine myself... not into drugs.... give me tequila and I will do almost anything

<NikkijMadison> how do sisters handle Allison

<Allison>I love red wine and tequila too

<NikkijMadison> went to Cabo san Lucas before Christmas...

<Allison>I don’t take street drugs.... but I do like some diet powders

<NikkijMadison> ic

<Allison>are You single?

<NikkijMadison> now

<NikkijMadison> div

<NikkijMadison> foot loose

<NikkijMadison> assume you are

<Allison>Yes

<Allison>100%

<NikkijMadison> I always was into my sisters’ undies

<NikkijMadison> Melissa went away to college and brought back some teddies....

<Allison>I am sexually into sissies, sexy goddess trannies, all kinds of females and many types of men.... so I'm kind of a slut now that I say it

<NikkijMadison> I had never put them on... sexy satin

<Allison>you have older sisters too?

<NikkijMadison> two older one younger

<Allison>cool

<Allison>I have 2 older sisters and 2 older brothers but I’m not talking to any of them right now

<NikkijMadison> so I was trying on her burgundy teddy ... and rubbing through the satin and posing in front of the mirror

<Allison>but my parents are absolutely supportive of me

<NikkijMadison> cool... my family accepts me even dad now

<Allison>how long ago was this? how old were you?

<NikkijMadison> I was 15

<Allison>did she catch you?

<NikkijMadison> yes she caught me

<Allison>omg

<Allison>so what happened?

<NikkijMadison> and simply said ... let me do your make up

<NikkijMadison> and you will buy me a new teddy for staining this one

<Allison>you were jerking off in her clothes or just underwear?

<Allison>that’s so hot

<Allison>I’m SO jealous

<NikkijMadison> I rubbing my dickie

<NikkijMadison> and precummed it

<NikkijMadison> she became so supportive

<Allison>just now?

<Allison>or when she caught you?

<NikkijMadison> then...

<Allison>I’m so happy you had that support

<NikkijMadison> when she caught me

<Allison>that’s what I need

<NikkijMadison> I have been into cock since 12

<NikkijMadison> all three love nikki

<NikkijMadison> and she does Melissa's hubby

<NikkijMadison> and Melanie's

<NikkijMadison> and Mo's (Maureen) gf

<Allison>explain that last part again.... sounds hot but not sure I caught it

<NikkijMadison> Melissa and her hubby and I have played together ditto for Melanie and John

<NikkijMadison> Michael Mellissa’s hubby is the first cock I sucked while I was enfemme

<NikkijMadison> She blindfolded him and told him she had a surprise. She was teaching a gf how to suck cock

<Allison>so your sisters helped feminize you and then used you to get their husbands off... err, I should say, were kind enough to share?

<Allison>that’s so hot!!!!

<NikkijMadison> Melanie’s hubby is a sub

<Allison>I'm so jealous

<NikkijMadison> we're a little screwed up family

<Allison>sounds fun

<Allison>all sisters and you?

<NikkijMadison> I even think Mom and dad have done their bondage thing too

<NikkijMadison> all sisters now

<NikkijMadison> Dad got his four girls

<Allison>seriously.... when do You have free time for a Vegas adventure?

<NikkijMadison> could work it in

<NikkijMadison> love eve gas

<Allison>do you work?

<NikkijMadison> bartender

<NikkijMadison> John ... owns five bars... I float between them all

<NikkijMadison> He pays me well besides my tips

<NikkijMadison> always has a $1000 in the jar

<NikkijMadison> oops $100

<NikkijMadison> wow a $100 would be real well

<Allison>cool

<Allison>so could you get the free time if I can cover the essential costs?

<NikkijMadison> sure...

<NikkijMadison> he knows I escort and cool with my time off

<NikkijMadison> also ... I suck him off every day I work

<NikkijMadison> would love to go clubbing with you there

<NikkijMadison> pick up other trannys

<NikkijMadison> u into to guys?

<Allison>yes, definitely

<Allison>is he hiring? :)

<NikkijMadison> in the spring

<NikkijMadison> so you love cock and clitty

<Allison>Yes

<Allison>I do massage

<Allison>13 years experience

<Allison>trained in china

<Allison>excellent cook

<Allison>meats

<NikkijMadison> wow

<Allison>vege and vegan, health food, junk food..... all gourmet

<NikkijMadison> hum

<NikkijMadison> work enfemme

<Allison>I can clean like an instituted OCD bitch with a sponge

<Allison>I could escort and massage on top of my other incomes

<NikkijMadison> cool

<NikkijMadison> you are like me

<NikkijMadison> so like me

<NikkijMadison> clitty is ff?

<Allison>ff?

<Allison>oh yes

<NikkijMadison> fully functional

<Allison>yes yes

<NikkijMadison> have you thought about going 24/7

<Allison>I have a pic on my profile of it in chubby mode

<NikkijMadison> implants or hormones

<Allison>yes absolutely..... just need to world that would embrace the new me

<NikkijMadison> cool

<NikkijMadison> niikj is 7"

<NikkijMadison> she just loves to cum

<Allison>I’m under 6 but thicker

<Allison>I love to be denied until I'm losing my mind

<NikkijMadison> u love to be caged

<Allison>I would love to come live as your younger, less experienced sissy sister kesbo gf

<NikkijMadison> sounds cool let’s get to know each other

<Allison>my switch and Domme side have developed a lot lately though

<Allison>a sexy X-domina Duo would rule the world

<NikkijMadison> I have two housemates now

<Allison>I live alone in a paid off house

<NikkijMadison> cool ... my house is paid too

<NikkijMadison> ex bought me out

<NikkijMadison> would you be domme?

<NikkijMadison> do you need sex often

<Allison>I am flexible.... I have developed a natural Domme side and know how to mind fuck

<Allison>I'm a certified master hypnotherapist

<Allison>and my massage training lets me know painful pressure points that cause unbearable pain without bruising and the side effect is heightened immune system win win win

<Allison>I love being the sub but I can be great Domina and will get better as I play

<NikkijMadison> cool.. you sound more domme?

<Allison>but I see You as a role model for me to look up to, cherish and serve

<NikkijMadison> not into pain here

<Allison>I want to be your lesbian lover

<Allison>I like causing it

<NikkijMadison> that's real cool

<Allison>I can be especially cruel and humiliating with GG sub sluts

<NikkijMadison> I like leashes, cages, chastity, doggies, cuffs, blindfolds

<NikkijMadison> humiliation

<NikkijMadison> I love gang bangs where I just melt when they are done

<Allison>wow that sounds great

<NikkijMadison> then need to be cuddled by good friend

<Allison>one one side I want to be forced to be something humiliating and slave-ish

<NikkijMadison> have you done bbc

<Allison>another side just wants encouragement to be a sexy fem dom from another hot trandom

<NikkijMadison> love going out to pick up men too

<NikkijMadison> how often do you go out enfemme now?

<Allison>never, I would want to be sexy fem 24/7 once with you

<Allison>I'd love to go man hunting

<NikkijMadison> have you ever been auctioned

<Allison>No

<Allison>omg that sounds HOT

<NikkijMadison> it is

<NikkijMadison> had it done twice

<NikkijMadison> once at a biker bar in southern Maryland

<NikkijMadison> and once at one of those bdsm retreats

<Allison>wow

<Allison>I want to be with you as you lil project

<Allison>I just had a kinky fantasy thought...

<NikkijMadison> The BDSM retreat I was put on a box...as were about 10 others too on their own boxes and

<NikkijMadison> kind a like a silent auction

<Allison>wow

<Allison>lets meet in Vegas for valentines? that’s a few days lol!

<NikkijMadison> dommes/Dom put bids in for us

<NikkijMadison> would love to but can't

<Allison>damn

<NikkijMadison> escorting that night

<Allison>let me know when we can meet and I'll fund the trip

<NikkijMadison> no need to do it all... we'll put it together

<Allison>do You like getting anal?

<NikkijMadison> where do like to stay

<NikkijMadison> often

<Allison>no preference.... it’s just close to my city and a fun place to meet in this cobtext

<NikkijMadison> have you done the tranny scene there

<Allison>nope

<Allison>You have a lot to teach me

<NikkijMadison> cool

<NikkijMadison> have done the st8 scene there mostly

<NikkijMadison> have always been there as someone’s gf or maid

<Allison>may I ask your zip code?

<NikkijMadison> 21401

<NikkijMadison> why

<Allison>Thanks

<Allison>well, I would like to do what I can to pursue you. I have free time and money, just tell me if you feel the same and we'll make plans

<NikkijMadison> we will get together sweetie

<NikkijMadison> I always go slow online

<Allison>ok then.... I can be patient with You

<NikkijMadison> cool

<NikkijMadison> I have been burnt online

<NikkijMadison> not like your old gf saga ... but burnet

<Allison>me too... I want this bad enough, with the right person, to be slow and steady

<NikkijMadison> cool

<Allison>I have a few ideas and fantasies now

<NikkijMadison> like what sweetheart

<Allison>you being a key holder while training me to be a true lesbian....

<NikkijMadison> I love being the key holder

<NikkijMadison> have been on the other side many times

<Allison>making me build my tortuous seed and when it’s time to release it you could humiliate me by binding my hands and making me really east, lick and work your cheeks crack and hole.... then when its feeling excited just gently rub the tip or use me as you please until I explode then lock me up till next month

<NikkijMadison> would never lock you for a month

<NikkijMadison> I would want it myself

<Allison>we could have a 3rd party key holder. At night we'd be locked but could kiss, snuggle, nuzzle, finger to try to help each other

<NikkijMadison> but would make you do hand job on self

<NikkijMadison> has done that

<NikkijMadison> it’s awesome

<Allison>I love lengthy denial followed by humiliating exposed, semi-public orgasms.... still just fantasy but I love it

<NikkijMadison> have you ever been put in a doggie cage

<Allison>No

<NikkijMadison> awesome

<NikkijMadison> been in with another t girl

<NikkijMadison> we had to perform

<NikkijMadison> anyone who came to the cage we sucked

<Allison>WOW!

<NikkijMadison> we were placed in the garage

<Allison>You have such wonderful stories

<NikkijMadison> and all the beer was in coolers or fridge

<NikkijMadison> I have been doing this for a lot longer than you

<Allison>I can tell. how old are You and when did you start?

<NikkijMadison> my first cock was 12. My first enfemme was 17

<NikkijMadison> my first tranny was 21

<NikkijMadison> 41

<Allison>well I played with the neighbors... starting at age 5 had a secret co-ed group that in retrospect was totally dominated sexual games

<Allison>then (never told anyone this) had a few incidents with boys in my preteens, but the last ten years I've experience more sex than many do in a life so I'm ok I suppose

<Allison>I turn 35 this tear

<Allison>year

<NikkijMadison> I have had more cock... must be over 200

<Allison>do You like black Doms?

<NikkijMadison> love bbc

<NikkijMadison> do you

<Allison>I rub cock as part of my massage.... countless cocks.... since 2004..... are we arguing about who gets to wear the nasty panties?

<NikkijMadison> maybe we can reach 1000 together

<Allison>yes.... my only BF so far had BBC to boot, but wasn't into my xdresing

<NikkijMadison> didn't like you dressed?

<Allison>lol.... I never tried to keep count

<Allison>well that was my intuition... he likes white boys....

<Allison>xdarkdomx37

<Allison>do You know this user?

<NikkijMadison> no

<NikkijMadison> local to you

<NikkijMadison> I have a few BBC I do regularly

<Allison>no much closer to You

<Allison>Nikki-Jay

<Allison>?

<NikkijMadison> will look him up

<Allison>Miss Madison?

<NikkijMadison> yes

<Allison>I'm very happy to be having this conversation.... I feel like I need to let you know that You truly are one in a million and very exciting to me

<Allison>typos are signs of one handed typing sorry

<Allison>what would be Your ideal situation with me?

<NikkijMadison> at first gfs and lovers

<NikkijMadison> live in ... has your separate space

<NikkijMadison> would play together but with others

<NikkijMadison> would cuddled like true gfs

<NikkijMadison> would be vulnerable together

<NikkijMadison> mentor

<Allison>like roommates/friends with benefits/ like young collage dorm mates stuck in a 14 yo boys imagination?

<Allison>ooooo my

<Allison>I like that

<Allison>being vulnerable with comforting in the dark of night

<Allison>do you enjoy being locked by a key holder?

<NikkijMadison> yes

<NikkijMadison> if we grew closer so be it

<NikkijMadison> if not have great sex and adventure

<NikkijMadison> yes

<NikkijMadison> I have bbc who loves me locked

<Allison>would You be ok with me having a Daddy Dom Black Man that I serve?

<Allison>I love being bbc property

<NikkijMadison> sure

<NikkijMadison> I have mine

<NikkijMadison> I do a bbc gang bang once a month

<NikkijMadison> always dress in pink

<NikkijMadison> nails toes garters, stockings, heels bar or bustier

<Allison>I really like you.... just between us.... You are my priority on CM, but there's a dom

<Allison>this guy

<Allison>who is being very controlling and forward with me

<Allison>he wants me to put his name as my owner to prove myself since I flaked once befire

<NikkijMadison> online ownership doesn’t work

<NikkijMadison> have you rt

<NikkijMadison> with him

<Allison>he just wants me off the market, I want to please him, move out there, ne your lesbo gf but please him occasionally.... he's married so it’s a side thing for him.,... just a power trip to win brownie points

<Allison>never me no

<NikkijMadison> go for it

<NikkijMadison> don't get owned online

<Allison>O just don’t want to put you off...... I'm seriously more interested in you, but having my own BBC when I get there sounds good

<Allison>he wants me to make a gesture that I am not playing games but seriously moving to serve

<Allison>what do you think of his profile?

<NikkijMadison> sweetheart you need your own bbc

<NikkijMadison> play games with HIM

<NikkijMadison> seriously it’s online

<NikkijMadison> they all think they are in control ... the men that is ... but we are

<Allison>1 sec

<NikkijMadison> now a Domme is something else... I fear a GG Domme

Call Me

2012-02-11T11:30:00.001-05:00

booty call contract

PRE-BOOTY CALL AGREEMENT

This pre-booty call agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement")
is entered into on the _____day of__________, 2010, between Christine M. and______________.

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL COVER THE FOLLOWING RULES AND
PRINCIPLES:
1. No sleeping over!
2. No meeting in public!
3. No calls before 3AM - we don't have anything to talk about.
4. None of that "lovemaking" - only sex allowed.
5. No emotional discussions (i.e. Where are we heading
with this? Do you love me?) The answer is no, so don't ask.
6. No plans made in advance - that is why you are called the "backup," unless you are from out-of-town, then! It’s only a one-time advanced arrangement.
7. All gifts accepted - money is always good.
8. No baby talk - however, dirty talk is encouraged.
9. No asking for comparisons with former lovers
10. No calling each other "friends with privileges" we are not friends,
just fuck buddies.
11. Calling out the wrong name during sex is OK - don't be offended.
12. No extra clothing - I don't want your ass leaving anything behind when you leave.
13. No falling asleep right after sex - it's over, so get your ass up, get dressed, and go the fuck home.
14. Don't be offended if I don't ask if you enjoyed it- I don't care.
15. You cannot borrow my car for any reason.
16. If anyone asks who you are, the standard response will be: "the cable man."
17. Doggie style or me kneeling, are the preferred positions.
18. Feel free to fix something before leaving.
19. Bring your own drink - I am not your liquor store.
20. No phone use, please - don't want anyone calling
back looking for you.
21. If going to a hotel room, we either split the cost, or you pay.
22. Feel free to bring girlfriends or other guys with you, (Eiffel Tower me boys).
23. Under no circumstances does being on the booty call list automatically get you on the VIP list.* EXTRA TIP FOR SUCCESSFUL BOOTY CALLS:
The aforementioned rules may only be altered by the
holder of the agreement. If the other party attempts
to change or alter any terms of this Agreement, it
will automatically become null and void and you will
then be removed from the BOOTY CALL LIST and deleted
from phone memory and email list.
In other words, you will be BLOCKED from all
communications until your silly ass understands the rules.
Participating Party

Signature_______________________________________
Date: ________________
Participating Party

Signature_______________________________________
Date: ________________

Which Head?

2012-02-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

Why Does Your Head Ache?

Headaches can be mild or agonizing, a minor annoyance or an important health issue. Read on for answers to all your headache questions, including why they strike and what you can do to stop them...

What hurts when you have a headache? Several areas of the head can contribute to pain, including a network of nerves that extends over the scalp and certain nerves in the face, mouth and throat. Other contributors are delicate nerve fibers supplying muscles of the head and blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain.

Stress, muscular tension, dilated blood vessels and other headache triggers can activate the ends of the nerves, called nociceptors, because they respond to intense stimulation.

A number of chemicals help transmit nociceptive-related information to the brain. Some of these are natural pain-killing proteins called endorphins, Greek for “the morphine within.” One theory suggests that people who suffer from severe headaches and other types of chronic pain have lower levels of endorphins than people who are generally pain-free.

An estimated 45 million Americans experience chronic headaches.
What are migraine headaches?The most common type of vascular headache (those caused by abnormal function of the brain’s blood vessels or vascular system) is migraine.

Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, often accompanied by nausea or an upset stomach, sensitivity to light and sound, and at times disturbed vision. Other symptoms of this type of migraine, previously called classic, include speech difficulty, weakness of an arm or leg, tingling of the face or hands, confusion, and the appearance of neurological symptoms 10-30 minutes before the pain starts.These symptoms, called an aura, can include flashing lights or zigzag lines and a temporary loss of vision. Aura symptoms last less than an hour and typically resolve before the head pain begins.

The pain of a classic migraine headache may be described as intense, throbbing or pounding and is felt in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw or around the eye. Migraine starts on one side of the head but may eventually spread to the other side. An attack lasts up to three pain-wracked days. Migraine sufferers may experience a variety of headache presentations, including sinus pain, neck tension and menstrual migraine, or have an aura without headache.

Migraine with the greatest occurrence in the general population is not preceded by an aura. But some people do experience a variety of vague symptoms beforehand, including some mental fuzziness, mood changes, fatigue, and unusual retention of fluids. During the headache phase of a migraine, a person may have diarrhea and increased urination as well as nausea and vomiting. With this type of migraine, pain can last three or four days.

Migraine can strike as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years, and it can occur at any time. Some people, however, experience migraines at predictable times – for example, near menstruation or every Saturday morning after a stressful week of work.
What causes migraines?Research scientists are unclear about the precise cause. There seems to be general agreement, however, that key elements are excitability of neurons and blood flow changes in the brain. People who get migraine headaches appear to have blood vessels that overreact to various triggers, including certain foods, strong or glaring light, intense odors, activity, emotions or cigarette smoke.

Triggers are not the same for everyone, and what causes a migraine in one person may relieve it in another. Triggers may be cumulative, and with exposure to multiple triggers, migraine may be more likely to occur.

Peak prevalence for migraine is ages 20-45 for both sexes. Migraine is often hereditary, and people who get migraines are thought to have an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels. They react abnormally to triggers such as stress and other normal emotions and biological and environmental conditions.

By Yvette Colon, MSW, & Terrie Cowley, Special to Lifescript

Yummy

2012-02-11T11:06:00.002-05:00

Do You?

2012-02-11T11:02:00.001-05:00

5 Reasons You Have Commitment Issues

Have commitment issues ever caused problems in your relationships? Find out where fear of commitment stems from, and take our quiz to find out if you’re too jealous…
Maybe you played tug of war with a partner who couldn’t commit to you on the level you needed.

Or maybe you were the non-committing party in the relationship.

Regardless of who was more devoted, chances are that the relationship didn’t grow to become something meaningful.

A solid and healthy relationship cannot survive if the level of commitment is unbalanced. The only way to have a healthy relationship is for both partners to be equally committed – sounds obvious, right?

But it’s not always so simple.

Committing yourself to another person can be a powerful and gratifying experience. You’re melding your life with someone else’s, for better or worse. There are few greater gifts in life that you can give the person you love.

But commitment is nevertheless a risk you take, no matter how gung-ho you are about the person you want to marry.

Every big decision in life isn’t made without anxiety, doubt and fear, especially one that implies such finality.

It’s what makes the decision real – and there’s nothing more real than committing yourself to someone for life.

So how do you really know when your fear of commitment is valid or when it’s just masking unreasonable fears?

Here are five common reasons for your fear of commitment:

1. You think forever is a long time

The thought of eternal togetherness makes you look at the concept of time in a whole different way.

f it’s a life-long commitment you or your partner wants, you have to be able to visualize the future and the rest of your life together.

This is the person you’ll grow old and grey with, the only person who you’ll ever be intimate with again.

Think in terms of finality and be sure to separate whether it’s the actual person you can or can’t see yourself with or if it’s any of next few fears.

Some people are commitment phobic because they know they’re with the wrong person. And there’s nothing wrong with that unless you continue to string that person along.

Commitment should be viewed as having more to gain than lose, so don’t make any promises to someone who you can’t see your forever with.

2. You fear giving up your freedom

Single people value their freedom, and for many, especially for those who have been single for such a long time, a committed relationship threatens that freedom.

Having to answer to another person might not sound appealing because every decision you make will have to be with your partner in mind, and that seems stifling to many.

However, making decisions for your partnership is what love and commitment is all about, and if you’re not willing to forgo a little bit of freedom, then you’re not ready for commitment.

3. Your other priorities are more important

Committing yourself to somebody in mind, body and soul just sounds like too much effort and pressure for you. It might feel like you have to put everything else aside. But maybe your other priorities in life just can’t be put on hold.

If your priorities are time-consuming, like finishing school, caring for an ailing family member or getting situated financially, then commitment might not be in the cards for you right now.

And that’s perfectly reasonable when you have to prioritize your life.

You have to be willing to put your needs ahead of your partner’s needs in a relationship, so make sure that you have your life straightened out before embarking on a serious relationship.

4. You fear betrayal

You’re never more vulnerable than you are when you’re in a committed relationship, especially marriage.

Your vows represent your commitment to one another, but unfortunately these promises aren’t necessarily guarantees.

When you fully give yourself to someone, you’re taking on the possibility that your partner may let you down, and that’s a terrifying prospect.

For some, the thought alone of being cheated on is enough to get them to never fully commit to one person, especially if they’ve been burned before.

Commitment issues stemming from infidelity become a security blanket to never fully commit.

That way, a betrayal won’t hurt as bad if your whole heart was never fully committed. You can never know for sure what a partner might do to you, but you can definitely hedge your bets by choosing someone with integrity and values, and dating him or her long enough to really know their character.

In truth, you have to be able to trust your partner with your life.

5. You’re just not ready for it

There’s nothing wrong with not being ready for a commitment to someone.

Sometimes it’s your circumstances, state of mind, age, other priorities, or all of these factors combined. Maybe you don’t think you’re worthy or capable of being one half of a successful relationship.

If you feel you’re just not ready, take some time to be alone and learn more about yourself.

You'll discover what your needs and wants are for your relationships and out of life.

By strengthening who you are as a person, you’ll strengthen a future relationship, and your chances of a healthy and long-lasting relationship increase.

If your partner exhibits signs of commitment phobia through his or her words and actions, and you’re ready to commit, you may have to let go of the relationship to give yourself what you want and need. You can’t pressure anyone into a life decision as big as marriage and you certainly shouldn’t want to.

Chances are you’ll feel your partner’s trepidation, and despite the heartache that follows this rejection, you have to move on to do what’s best for you.

There’s nothing wrong with being ultimately incompatible, but there is a problem with hanging onto a relationship where there are evident signs of commitment phobia.

If you know it will never go anywhere, let go now before you waste too much time.

If you’re the commitment-phobe, don’t commit to someone because you feel under pressure to make a decision or just want to please your partner.

You have to be honest with what you want and expect out of your relationship.

Sometimes it’s the person that’s not right for you and other times it’s your situation in general.

\Overcoming fear of commitment will happen when you find the right person, put faith into the prospect of commitment and sift through your fearful emotions to get to the heart of why you want to commit in the first place.

It’s OK to enter into a committed relationship with fears, but don’t avoid identifying and evaluating your fears so that you never have to take the plunge.

You’d surely be missing out on the best that life has to offer when you give in to your fear of commitment.

Want an aisle seat? Not for $2,000, Ralph Nader tells American Airlines

2012-02-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON -- As if bankrupt American Airlines didn't have enough problems, along comes consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who's really steamed that for a flight Saturday to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, the only way for a non-frequent flyer to get an aisle seat was to pay a full $2,680 fare instead of the $700 price he'd already paid.

Price of American Airlines ticket: $700.

Cost of aisle seat: $2,680.

Potential price for alienating Ralph Nader: priceless.

It was Nader who forced the creation of the "bumped passenger" rules -- request for volunteers to give up their seats -- when he got bumped years ago in a case that went to the Supreme Court.

And it was Nader who beat back a lawsuit from MasterCard after parodying their "priceless" campaign during his 2000 presidential bid.

This time, the persistent Nader got his aisle seat -- at no extra cost -- as a goodwill gesture from American. But, he says, "They're not going to make me go away."

In an interview, Nader, 77, said that his very first airline flight was with American in the early 1950s, but that he invariably flies Southwest Airlines -- the official airline of his presidential campaigns -- because that airline is "proletariat."

Nader's upcoming trip this weekend from Hartford, Conn., to Dallas-Fort Worth to Washington would have been unremarkable except for his standing request to his travel booker to get him on the aisle. "I'm tall," Nader said.

And on this flight there was no option to pay a small fee -- usually ranging from $20 to $60 -- to secure an aisle. The only availability: a middle seat.

But a large number of seats were blocked for seat selection for members of American Airlines' Elite frequent-flyer program. The only choice Nader had, according to numerous calls he and his booker made to the carrier, was to pay a full-fare ticket -- the same price as first class.

American, for its part, does not see a problem.

"We don't charge $2,000 for an aisle seat," said American spokesman Tim Smith. Although the aisle was not available "at that time," the airline releases seats not taken by Elite members the day of the flight, he said.

Of course, there is no guarantee that would happen, and Nader -- who is giving speeches to the Muslim League in Richardson, Texas, and Dallas this weekend -- wanted to be sure.

Smith said, "This was a lower-cost fare that was highly restricted." Asked whether customers with cheap tickets could still get an aisle, Smith said, "It is possible to get aisle seats with discounted tickets."

Nader, however, discovered that it is not easy to do because carriers usually block preferred seats on the aisle and at the front of the plane.

"This practice is common on all U.S. carriers that reserve seats," Smith said.

Nader's take: "They can release it if there are no suckers."

"They're behaving like a monopoly extortionist," Nader said. "This is a bankrupt company in more ways than one."

Even though Nader, by virtue of his high profile and consumer track record, scored a victory, he said that he told the customer service official who gave him the aisle, "You've fixed my problem, but you haven't fixed the overall problem."

And Nader can be persistent. It took him four years to defeat MasterCard's $5 million suit against him for an ad mocking the major parties:

"Finding out the truth: priceless. There are some things money can't buy. Without Ralph Nader in the presidential debates, the truth will come in last."

Maria Recio, McClatchy Newspapers

I know What I Want on My Pizza

2012-02-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

What would you like on your pizza?

In Australia, the Number 1 topping for pizza is eggs. In Chile, the favorite topping is mussels and clams. In the United States, it's pepperoni.

Oh ... You Said Tongue

2012-02-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

How long is a chameleon's tongue?

The chameleon, a small lizard generally measuring 6 or 7 inches, has a tongue several inches longer than its body. With a thrust of this remarkable appendage, it can catch insects some 10 inches away.

I Wonder Who Invented Backseat Sex?

2012-02-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Who invented the automobile?

Henry Ford did not invent the automobile. It was the invention of several 19th-century engineers, paramount among them being two Germans: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. What Ford did accomplish was to mass-produce automobiles and provide affordable service for them.

Tense

2012-02-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

Today's Word "frisson"

Moment of intense excitement

frisson \free-SOHN\ (noun) - A moment of intense excitement; a shudder; an emotional thrill.

"While Carol loved the frisson of watching movies where hapless ladies became victims through no fault of their own, she hated to think about what she might do should she actually find herself in such a situation."

Frisson comes from the French, from Old French fricon, "a trembling," ultimately from Latin frigere, "to be cold."

On Your Knees ... That's Effective!

2012-02-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

You sense that you haven't reached a position in which you can be effective. More education and training are necessary. While you want to get involved with social action, training is better for you now.

Gene Testing: Does It Help or Hurt?

2012-02-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

Worried about what medical conditions are lurking in your family tree? Breast or ovarian cancer? Huntington's disease? Gene testing, or genetic testing, may offer knowledge but not always comfort. So when is gene testing helpful and when should you steer clear? Read on for the answers...

Seven years ago, when she considered marriage and children, Anna Gorman decided to be tested for the BRCA1 and 2 gene mutations because ovarian cancer killed her grandmother and aunt.

She tested positive for BRCA1, which raises the risk of breast cancer up to 85% by age 70 and ovarian cancer by 55%.

“I wasn’t surprised, but I was upset and overwhelmed,” says Gorman, now a 35-year-old Los Angeles journalist.

So she then married her longtime boyfriend, gave birth to two daughters and had her ovaries removed by age 32.

Three years later, she had a double mastectomy.

The surgeries were hard. Still, she was relieved when it was over.

“It’s a dramatic step to take, but … lots of people get cancer and die,” she says. “I could do something about it.”

Like Gorman, many women worry about diseases that lurk in their family trees. In fact, they lead the pack when seeking genetic information.

“Women are drivers of the acquisition of medical care, period,” says Ora Gordon, M.D., M.S., director of the GenRISK Adult Genetics program at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

In fact, women make up 80% of her practice, she says.Genetic testing is common for pregnant women and those considering pregnancy, but others anxious about hereditary illnesses — sickle-cell disease (a disorder that affects red blood cells), heart disease and diabetes — are also seeking genetic information in far greater numbers.

Screening for cystic fibrosis numbered in the thousands a decade ago; today millions undergo the testing, says Steve Keiles, M.S., president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and director of Genetic Counseling at Ambry Genetics in Aliso Viejo, Calif.

In 1999, only 415 labs tested for 704 diseases.

Today, more than 600 laboratories worldwide are equipped to test for 1,794 diseases; 1,185 clinics provide counseling, according to GeneTests at NCBI, a medical genetics information resource at the University of Washington in Seattle.
What gene testing revealsWhy do so many women go for testing? Besides diagnosing and predicting diseases, genetic tests also:

Determine if a patient carries gene mutations for disorders that might be passed to children
Assess the health of a fetus (if it is at risk for inheriting a condition)
Screen fertilized eggs before implantation
Screen newborns at risk for genetic disorders that should be treated immediately

Home-testing kitsIf you won’t see a physician because of privacy concerns or live in a remote area far from genetic-counseling centers, online companies offer home testing kits for common diseases, such as some breast and colon cancers, autoimmune disorders, macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease.

With the kits, you take a blood test or mouth swab and then send it to a laboratory. (Prices for online kits and mainstream clinical tests vary widely, depending on the services and tests ordered. At-home genetic tests can be pricey, from $295-$1,200.)

But beware: Some online companies offer a look at your genetic background for entertainment, not medical, purposes. And some don’t look for gene mutations, an often vital component when looking for diseases.

Also, home tests may not be accurate for some conditions, such as diabetes.

There’s “no reliable screening for type 2 diabetes,” Keiles says. “You can tell a lot just from your family history."
How online tests workBut there’s more to DNA testing than just getting results. Some tests are tough to interpret because of the procedure’s complexity and multilayered findings. And not all labs have trained genetics counselors to read them.

Navigenics, a San Francisco Bay Area-based online company, offers genetic counseling along with test kits and advises customers to seek tests the company doesn’t offer when appropriate, says Elissa Levin, director of genetics counseling. Counselors also follow up with phone calls after results are sent, she says.

But women with family histories of diseases such as breast and uterine cancer, Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy should seek genetic counseling first to make sure they’re proper candidates for testing, genetic counselors say.

For example, during counseling for Alzheimer’s – which you may not get even if you test positive – counselors sometimes find that you’re at higher risk for a more preventable health problem, such as heart disease. So they may recommend relatively inexpensive diagnostic blood tests along with lifestyle and diet changes. Getting TestedIf you want counseling or testing, the National Society of Genetic Counselors can provide names of counselors by location, as well as guidelines for choosing a professional and getting the most out of the sessions.

Counseling alone costs about $400 and the cost of genetic tests range from $700-$4,000, Gordon says. It typically takes 2-6 weeks to get results, but some are available in days.

You also can ask your doctor for a referral; it may be covered by your health insurance plan.

The results won’t affect your rates because information the tests glean is private: In 2008, Congress passed the Genetic Nondiscrimination Information Act, which protects patients against discrimination by an insurer or employer based on genetic information. For many insurance plans, the law went into effect in May.
Who should be tested?But genetic tests aren’t for everyone. For one thing, many of the disorders they detect are rare, Keiles says.

“Most testing is targeted to ethnic groups,” for example, Tay-Sachs for people of Jewish descent and sickle-cell disease for African Americans, he says.

And gene testing for most cancers is unnecessary because about 90% of them aren’t inherited, he says.

With some diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a positive result won’t lead to better treatment or prevention.

“I don’t want to put patients through that if all I’m doing is giving them anxiety,” GenRISK’s Gordon says.

“Sometimes, too much information can be bad,” said Peter Weiss, M.D., a Beverly Hills, Calif. obstetrician and gynecologist. “Patients need to weigh the risks and rewards of the information they get from testing and be ready to deal with [it].”

But that may change with scientific advances. The future of genetic testing centers around whole-genome sequencing, said David Stillman, a pathology professor at the University of Utah.

That process — which may be routine in 10-15 years — will allow scientists to sequence not just for one gene, such as the BRCA mutation or cystic fibrosis carriers, but all of a person’s DNA to get a better picture of the medical problem he or she may face. (The expensive process has been done on only four or five people so far.) Common Genetic TestsHere's a guide to the most common genetic tests and those who should consider having them:
1. Down SyndromeThis genetic disorder occurs in one out of every 700-800 infants and causes lifelong mental retardation, developmental delays and other problems.

Screening for Down syndrome is a routine part of prenatal care. Your obstetrician will typically do an ultrasound and blood test in the first trimester, then a “quad screen” blood test at 15-20 weeks.

If tests are positive, the next step is chorionic villus sampling (CVS), in which cells are taken from the mother’s placenta at nine to 14 weeks, or amniocentesis after 15 weeks, in which a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is withdrawn with a needle inserted into the woman’s uterus.

Who should have the test? Older pregnant women because the risk of conceiving a Down syndrome baby at age 35 is one in 400. By age 45, it’s one in 35. Also at higher risk are those with a Down syndrome child and men couples who are carriers. The screening is common among pregnant women of all ages.

Pros: Both amniocentesis and CVS are 98%-99% accurate.

Cons: There's a 1-in-200 risk of miscarriage from amniocentesis and a 1-in-100 risk from CVS.

Cost: Both procedures average about $1,500, which many insurance plans cover.

2. Neural tube defects
Neural tube defects — including spina bifada, anencephaly and encephalocele — are openings in the spinal cord or brain and are among the most common birth defects.

They’re detected during pregnancy by one of three tests:

Amniocentesis
A maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) blood test administered at weeks 16-18
A high-resolution ultrasound after 18 weeks

Who should have the test? Women who have had a fetus or baby with neural tube defects. Those with folic acid deficiencies have a higher risk for the defects. Many pregnant women have one of the tests for routine prenatal care.

Pros: Parents can prepare for the special medical care that babies with the defects will need.

Cons: Amniocentesis raises miscarriage risks.

Cost: The MSAFP blood test is about $162 in California; costs may vary in other states. The high-resolution ultrasound costs from $300-$500. Amniocentesis and CVS each costs about $1,500.
3. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genesThe letters stand for breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 and 2, respectively. They are tumor suppressors and mutations have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

The procedure is a simple blood test, which can be done in a doctor’s office.
Who should have the tests: The gene mutations are most common in Jews of Ashkenazi, or Eastern European, descent. Those with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter or sister) or two second-degree relatives (aunt, grandmother) diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer should consider testing.

Other women with two first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer before age 50 should also consider it.

Pros: Learning that you don’t have the mutation can relieve you of worry and avoid costly preventive procedures.

Cons: If the test is positive, you may become anxious and depressed. A counselor can help you consider preventive measures, such as having your breasts and ovaries removed.

Cost: From several hundred dollars to $3,200, depending on the extent of the testing. 4. Cystic FibrosisAn inherited chronic disease, cystic fibrosis affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S.

A sweat test is the gold standard for diagnosis; People with CF have a higher level of chloride (salt) in their perspiration. A chemical to induce sweating is applied to an arm or leg. The liquid is then collected and analyzed in a lab.

A blood test can determine if you carry one or more CF gene mutations and how many copies of each.

With a positive test result, the next step is genetic testing to see which mutation you have. Screening newborns for CF is routine in most states.

Who should have the tests? More than 10 million Americans with no symptoms are carriers of the defective cystic fibrosis gene. The blood test helps detect carriers who may pass CF to their children.

To get the disease, a child must inherit one copy of the defective CF gene from each parent. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends that all couples considering having a child — and pregnant women — have the genetic-carrier testing done.

Pros: Carriers can make an informed decision about family planning, with the help of genetic counseling.

By testing their child, they can find out early if he or she has the disease and from which mutations. Early treatment and preventive measures help because symptoms often don’t show up until degeneration has begun.

Cons: Getting a positive CF diagnosis often is stressful and upsetting to parents.

Cost: Sweat tests usually cost about $300 at CF-accredited centers.

A limited mutation panel (23-97 mutations) to see if you’re a carrier typically runs about $400-$500; a comprehensive sequence analysis (more than 1,500 mutations) costs about $2,500.

Mutation testing for those already diagnosed with CF sometimes can be done with the carrier panel, but if that doesn’t find the mutations, a sequence test will cost $2,500-$3,200 for more results. 5. Sickle Cell AnemiaThis inherited condition causes a deficiency in healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout the body.

A blood test can detect the defective form of hemoglobin that causes the disease. Newborns are routinely screened for it.

In pregnant women, amniocentesis or chorionic villus (CVS) sampling will detect the disease.

Who should have the test? The gene is common among people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and East Indian ancestry. In the U.S., African Americans and Latinos are more commonly affected.

Both parents must carry a sickle cell gene for their baby to be born with the disease. Carriers — those with no symptoms — may pass it on to their children. Those with a sister or brother with the disease are at higher risk.

Pros: Couples who know they're carriers can seek genetic counseling for prevention information and treatment options.

Cons: If the screening is positive, more tests are needed to determine the number of sickle cells present. There are risks of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis and CVS screenings.

Cost: The hemoglobin test runs about $75; DNA tests are about $300. Will You See Your 80^th Birthday?
What is your life expectancy? Can you rely on good genetics to keep you thriving through the years, or do you need to do more to raise your odds of living longer? Find out your chances of making it to age 80 in this life-expectancy quiz.

By Diane Wedner, Special to Lifescript

For James

2012-02-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

Hi there Nikki which one of these beautiful pictures on your blog is you

2012-02-10T23:15:00.005-05:00

You have many opportunities to view me.... enjoy and thanks for stopping!

The Kinkier ... The Better!

So is that you in your avi

2012-02-10T23:15:00.004-05:00

moi!

The Kinkier ... The Better!

More Bree Applegate

2012-02-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Yummy

2012-02-07T23:43:00.001-05:00

Ashley

2012-02-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

Oh yea major turn on

2012-02-07T22:06:00.002-05:00

Awesome...

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Let me in I promise I could make it fun

2012-02-07T22:02:00.003-05:00

so you like tgirls?

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Haha so what's up how are you what's the plans for today

2012-02-07T21:48:00.002-05:00

will get my daily dose of kink

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Hey BB welcome back , we didn't talk dirty in a while :)

2012-02-07T21:47:00.002-05:00

no we haven't need to again ... been suspended twice

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Yours

2012-02-07T20:11:00.002-05:00

Have You Ever Been Auctioned?

2012-02-07T09:35:00.003-05:00

If you owned a boat, what you would name it?

2012-02-07T09:14:00.006-05:00

If You Only Knew -- that's a great name for a boat owned by a TGirl!

The Kinkier ... The Better!

What's your favorite thing to cook?

2012-02-07T09:14:00.004-05:00

linguine and clam sauce ... wink wink

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Are you usually late or early?

2012-02-07T09:13:00.002-05:00

I have been known to be late .... but never for an important date

The Kinkier ... The Better!

Bitch Rant

2012-02-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

Add caption

Okay Followers.... and I do appreciate all of you.

Am I getting boring?

I know I am not posting as much anymore so the number of pageviews has gone down, but so too have the comments.

What do you like?

What don't you like?