lunes, 17 de octubre de 2011

Strategic Weight Loss


 

Strategic Weight Loss

Word Count:
533

Summary:
One of the first things that you'll do when you decide to lose weight is to set a goal weight. For most, that goal will be their 'ideal weight', but for many, that 'ideal weight' may be exactly the wrong weight for them to be aiming for.
 
Years of dieting or being overweight have the physiological effect of moving the body's concept of the 'ideal weight' from what is truly considered ideal. The 'set point' is the weight at which your body naturally feels most comfortable...


Keywords:

 

Article Body:
One of the first things that you'll do when you decide to lose weight is to set a goal weight. For most, that goal will be their 'ideal weight', but for many, that 'ideal weight' may be exactly the wrong weight for them to be aiming for.
 
Years of dieting or being overweight have the physiological effect of moving the body's concept of the 'ideal weight' from what is truly considered ideal. The 'set point' is the weight at which your body naturally feels most comfortable. If you've been overweight for a very long time, or if you've consistently 'yo-yoed', your body may respond to your initial weight loss by lowering its metabolism because it believes that you are starving to death. This slowing leads to discouraging plateaus that often knock people off their diets entirely, and lead to regaining all or part of the lost weight.
 
Instead of aiming for an 'ideal weight' that calls for you to lose weight steadily for months or even years, many experts recommend aiming for shorter-term attainable goals. Since the bulk of diet research shows that most dieters lose weight steadily for about 12 weeks, then hit a plateau, that's the number that they suggest you aim for. The strategy that many have found works best for them is one of alternating periods of weight loss and maintenance, each lasting 8-12 weeks.
 
Choose a realistic amount of weight that you can lose in 8-12 weeks. Figuring that the most reasonable and healthiest weight loss rate is 1-2 pounds per week, 30 pounds in three months is not unreasonable. Diet until you reach that goal, or for 12 weeks, whichever comes first, and then switch to a maintenance diet.
 
Why switch to a maintenance diet at that point? In part, you're giving yourself a 'breather', a break from more restrictive eating. The other part, though, is that you're re-educating your body and letting it establish a new 'set point'. Once you've maintained your new weight for 8-12 weeks, set another weight loss goal, and move back into weight loss mode. By giving your body a break from 'starvation', you'll have overcome its resistance to losing more weight, and be back to dieting for 'the first two weeks' - the weeks that most people lose weight more rapidly.
 
You'll also be giving yourself a chance to 'practice' maintaining your new, healthier weight. Researchers have found that more than half of the dieters who take off significant amounts of weight do not maintain that weight loss once they go 'off' their diet. By practicing weight maintenance in stages, you'll be proving to yourself that you CAN do it, and removing a powerful negative psychological block.
 
This will work with any long-term weight loss diet, no matter the focus. You'll find it much easier to do if you choose a diet that has concrete 'phases', like the South Beach or the Atkins, since the weight loss and maintenance phases are clearly laid out for you to follow. Regardless of the diet you choose, though, by alternating between weight loss phases and maintenance phases, you'll teach yourself and your body how to maintain a healthy weight.


 

domingo, 9 de octubre de 2011

Best Online Dating Resources Today

Best Online Dating Resources Today

Word Count:
380

Summary:
The opinion on who's the best online dating service in America could vary, depending on the person being asked. But there was a popularity survey conducted among Americans and Canadians to find out the best online dating sites. The high rank though does not mean that it is the best online dating in terms of quality but it does mean that it is by far the most popular. This is based on the Alexa ranking for each of the sites. Alexa ranks the 16.5 million active websites on the ...


Keywords:

 

Article Body:
The opinion on who's the best online dating service in America could vary, depending on the person being asked. But there was a popularity survey conducted among Americans and Canadians to find out the best online dating sites. The high rank though does not mean that it is the best online dating in terms of quality but it does mean that it is by far the most popular. This is based on the Alexa ranking for each of the sites. Alexa ranks the 16.5 million active websites on the Internet from # 1 (Yahoo), #2 (Microsoft) # 3 (Google). Sites ranked under 165000 are in the Top 1%.

The Top 3 American online dating agencies are the following: Match (#57), American Singles (# 179) and Date (# 658). High ranking though does not prove quality of the online dating site. But it does mean that they are used by millions.

Match is probably the best online dating site. It has an Alexa ranking of 57 and a membership of over 8 million, Match is the largest and most successful online dating agencies on the net. The main site of this one of the best online dating sites focuses on the USA, but it has more than 30 'sub sites' focused on many languages and many countries around the world. This best online dating site comes strongly recommended and it is also a pioneer of online dating that has grown from strength.

American Singles

This is the second best online dating agency with an Alexa ranking of 179. This one of the best online dating site is for North American only - USA and Canada. It is not recommended for other countries. This best online dating site offers a number of advanced features and free to sign-up. Also free to send 'teases' even if you are not a paid-up member. Technical support is provided for those who are not sure how things work. This best online dating site is also highly recommended.

Date

Date.com is one of the best online dating sites on the Internet today. It garnered an Alexa ranking of 658 and is primarily US-based. However it does enable searching by region - United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East, Europe - Western, Europe - Eastern, Oceania, Africa and Asia.

The runners-up for the best online dating sites are : MatchMaker, FriendFinder, DatingDirect, DreamMates and eHarmony.


 

viernes, 7 de octubre de 2011

Best & Worst Date Movies of All Time

Best & Worst Date Movies of All Time

Word Count:
1087

Summary:
If you thought selecting a restaurant or what to do was hard, think again.


Keywords:
Date, Dating, Date Tips, Date Advice, Movies


Article Body:
The most important decision you can make, one that will make or break the date, is the type of movie you choose to go see. Now if you're already in a relationship or married, the rules of film selection are a little different.

The Golden Rule:Do not go to the movies on the first date. I can not stress this enough. The first date is all about getting to know each other and the movie theater is the last place you'll be able to do that.

The Movie Rental: If you want to watch a movie and your budget is a little tight, consider renting a movie and taking it back home with you. Ten years ago going to a movie would have been affordable, but things have changed. Admission to a film is about $11 and some theaters even offer luxury seating now which can run you a whopping $15 per ticket. Now factor in the cost of drinks ($10), popcorn ($5), candy ($5), and parking ($2). All of a sudden you can find yourself spending upwards of $50 for a movie.

For about a fifth of the cost you can enroll in programs such as NetFlix which allow you to rent an unlimited amount of movies for a low monthly price and no late fees. You simply select the movie you want and they will be mailed to you in a few days. Once you're finished watching them, simply place them in the prepaid envelope and ship them back. It's really that simple.

Watching a movie at home has several advantages:

You can start and stop the movie whenever you like

Talk your heart away since nobody will be there to shush you

You can rent classic or critically acclaimed films which you know are good

And best of all, it only costs about $5


Here are some films for your consideration that are sure to go over well with your date...


BEST FILMS TO RENT - All Genres (No Particular Order)

Ghost (ROMANCE - 1990 - Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg): Ghost is the story of love beyond death...a love endures all type of film. It is why you have to tell people that you love them all the time, because you never know what can happen tomorrow. Ghost shows us that true love is timeless and has no boundaries. The movie has it all: romance, action, and comedy (courtesy of Whoppie Goldberg as Oda Mae Brown). The film is not without its flaws but it is successful at conveying its message and leaving you with a sense of satisfaction.

The Notebook (ROMANCE - 2004 - Starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling): The Notebook is a contemporary love story and a favorite with many women. Adapted from the best selling novel, the film tells the story of two "star struck" lovers from different sides of the track. Sound familiar? The movie is about love at first sight...the type of love that you carry with you wherever you go and regardless of the circumstances. The type of love that stays with you throughout your life and doesn't let you forget.

My Cousin Vinny (COMEDY - 1992 - Starring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei): When two young men are convicted of a crime they didn't commit, it's up to Joe Pesci (playing a hysterical role as the argumentative attorney from New York) to save them from being sent to the electric chair. My Cousin Vinny is a well written and clever comedy that is sure to be a hit. Marisa Tomei does an incredible job as Joe Pesci fiance; she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The Shining (HORROR - 1980 - Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall): If you're into horror, this movie is a must. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, and adapted from the Steven King novel, The Shinning is by far one of the best horror films ever made. Unlike modern horror films, there are no predictable scares, deformed people hiding in the hills, blood thirsty zombies, or girls that decide to stay in the house while a killer is on the phone. Instead, Kubrick brilliantly combines cinematography, music, and sound to create this masterpiece of horror. Keep an eye on the boy...this film gave birth to the over-used emotionless child with ESP so common today (examples include The Sixth Sense, The Ring, The Ring Two, The Grudge, Godsend, Hide & Seek, and even the Got Milk commercial).

A Clockwork Orange (SCIENCE FICTION - 1971 - Starring Malcolm McDowell): Adapted for the screen by Stanley Kubrick, A Clockwork Orange is one of the few films ever made that is able to evoke each and every emotion a human being is capable of having. The movie is a genuine masterpiece; it's so good that there is nothing anyone can really write that will do this film justice. Be warned in advance that just like any fine piece of art, this film isn't for everyone. Those who are able to appreciate the film and its underlying message will undoubtedly question every film they have ever seen.


WORST FILMS TO RENT

Let's face it guys, we love action and we don't need a plot. If it's fast paced, bloody, and has lots of guns we love it. Unfortunately, our dates don't always feel the same way. This actually brings me to my next point and film; if a date ever tells you that her favorite movie of all time is Bloodsport, marry her!

Bloodsport (ACTION - 1988 - Starring Jean Claude Van Damme): I for one love this movie...watching JCVD (Jean Claude Van Damme) do his "deaf touch" and having Chong Li say "Brick Don't Hit Back" was awesome. But the problem is that if I watched this on a date, it would probably end before the opening credits are over. The same goes for all of our other JCVD favorites such as Kickboxer, Lionheart, and Hard Target. You can actually use these movies to end a date on purpose, but that's another discussion and another time.

What does this have to do with PlanJam.com?

At PlanJam.com, our goal is to help you plan everyday things, and this includes Dating. Every week I will feature great date movie, both new and old, at the video store or in theaters; so check back often! If you're looking for an alternative to your typical dinner and a movie, take a look at our Going on a Date section. Our easy-to-use interface allows you to custom build your own date based on five different themes, cuisine type, and even extra's such as frozen yogurt or cookies.


 

Benefits Of Online Dating Services

Benefits Of Online Dating Services

Word Count:
1116

Summary:
In these past few years the trend in dating from all over the world has changed drastically. Individuals looking to meet people don't choose to line up in queues anymore, to try to get into the hottest places. Seldom will they be seen hanging out in pubs and bars, trying to catch a glimpse of prospective hook-ups.

Nowadays, there's a more modern, and organized approach to this mating ritual. Welcome to the world of online dating. There are a lot of advantages that go with...


Keywords:
dating, romance, relationships


Article Body:
In these past few years the trend in dating from all over the world has changed drastically. Individuals looking to meet people don't choose to line up in queues anymore, to try to get into the hottest places. Seldom will they be seen hanging out in pubs and bars, trying to catch a glimpse of prospective hook-ups.

Nowadays, there's a more modern, and organized approach to this mating ritual. Welcome to the world of online dating. There are a lot of advantages that go with this method.

Now singles can meet and greet each other without leaving the refuge of their homes. Sounds crazy, but now this is the most preferred way individuals, especially young people socialize.

One of the greatest things about online dating is that participants get to specify the exact type of person they are looking for. This can be done by joining a dating online service, or posting a personal.

An online dating service is basically a community of people who gather together to interact, socialize, and make friends with each other. There are a lot of online dating services on the internet.

Some online dating services require participants to subscribe to their websites. The great thing about online dating services that are run by subscription, is that their members are assessed before joining.

Aspiring members are asked to file an application, and are required to meet the guidelines, and requirements that are set by the online dating service. Some online dating services are more discerning than others. A few selected online dating services even require their members to be prescreened before joining. This is done for the safety of the participants. In return, subscribers are asked to make a monthly payment.

Subscribers are often asked to create a profile that relates basic information about themselves. Usually this includes: age, gender, nationality, and place of residence.
 
For subscribers this also offers them a chance to express themselves. They can get creative with their profiles. They can also include personal information like hobbies, interests, and specify the type of person they are looking for. Profile Benefits of Online Dating Services

In these past few years the trend in dating from all over the world has changed drastically. Individuals looking to meet people don't choose to line up in queues anymore, to try to get into the hottest places. Seldom will they be seen hanging out in pubs and bars, trying to catch a glimpse of prospective hook-ups.

Nowadays, there's a more modern, and organized approach to this mating ritual. Welcome to the world of online dating. There are a lot of advantages that go with this method.

Now singles can meet and greet each other without leaving the refuge of their homes. Sounds crazy, but now this is the most preferred way individuals, especially young people socialize.

One of the greatest things about online dating is that participants get to specify the exact type of person they are looking for. This can be done by joining a dating online service, or posting a personal.

An online dating service is basically a community of people who gather together to interact, socialize, and make friends with each other. There are a lot of online dating services on the internet.

Some online dating services require participants to subscribe to their websites. The great thing about online dating services that are run by subscription, is that their members are assessed before joining.

Aspiring members are asked to file an application, and are required to meet the guidelines, and requirements that are set by the online dating service. Some online dating services are more discerning than others. A few selected online dating services even require their members to be prescreened before joining. This is done for the safety of the participants. In return, subscribers are asked to make a monthly payment.

Subscribers are often asked to create a profile that relates basic information about themselves. Usually this includes: age, gender, nationality, and place of residence.
 
For subscribers this also offers them a chance to express themselves. They can get creative with their profiles. They can also include personal information like hobbies, interests, and specify the type of person they are looking for. Profile guidelines vary depending on the online dating service participants choose to partake in.

One of the main reasons people choose to participate in an online dating service, is that so many people are doing it! Technically speaking, this increases an individual's chances of finding the right person that's meant for him or her.

In 2004, it was estimated that people who lived in the US, spent more than $460 million on online dating services. This means, that a lot of people are seriously getting online and spending money, trying to find their potential soul mates.

Also, singles who are a part of an online dating service know that they are there for a reason, which is to meet people, socialize, make friends, and potentially find the love of their lives. So this takes out the guess work of a person's intention out of the equation because everyone who is a part of an online dating community is looking for the same thing.

Also, the availability of an online dating service is irresistible. Individuals can avail of their services 24 hours a day! So participants can log on to their online dating service any hour of the day.

If they are bored, staying in bed because of a sore throat, or they just feel like staying at home on a weekend; they can always check if somebody is trying to contact them through their online dating service. They can browse through other people's profiles and try to seek out the one that strikes their fancy!

There are a lot of online dating services that are absolutely free! This is beneficial to those individuals who are new to the world of online dating services. Those who just want to have some fun and try something new can try out these free services first, and see how it suits them. Later on, they can move on to the more exclusive, by subscription online dating services, once they've gotten the hang of online dating.

It is important to note that with online dating services, not everyone who participates, tells the absolute truth! So it vital for participants to practice caution at all times.

An online dating service doesn't require participants to meet the people they interact with in person. This decision entirely belongs to the participants. So it important to always keep one's wits about, and practice logic, when engaging in these online activities. This will also ensure the safety of online dating participants, and also allow them to have maximum fun!


 

miércoles, 5 de octubre de 2011

Behind Thebadge: New Jersey Police Officer Forms Single’s Website

Behind Thebadge: New Jersey Police Officer Forms Single's Website

Word Count:
500

Summary:
An officer employed as a full-time police officer in New Jersey, is rushing to the rescue of single emergency service workers across the country.

Officer Ken Bachman, an eight-year veteran, launched TheBadge.org earlier this year. Currently the only dating site on the Web catering exclusively to emergency service workers, TheBadge.org is free to users and offers a number of useful features.

"I first developed the idea for the website by listening to co-workers telling m...


Keywords:
police, fire, ems, ken bachman, the badge, shore network connections, news, dating, romance


Article Body:
An officer employed as a full-time police officer in New Jersey, is rushing to the rescue of single emergency service workers across the country.

Officer Ken Bachman, an eight-year veteran, launched TheBadge.org earlier this year. Currently the only dating site on the Web catering exclusively to emergency service workers, TheBadge.org is free to users and offers a number of useful features.

"I first developed the idea for the website by listening to co-workers telling me horror stories of broken-down relationships and failing marriages," Bachman said. "Much of this was due to the odd shift work and job stress the police officer was bringing home."

Bachman tells the story of a Camden, New Jersey, police officer whose job in the most violent city in the United States took its toll on his marriage.

"This guy can relate to how stress on the job can ruin a relationship," Bachman said. "His fiancé left because she could not stand the odd shift work and wasn't there when he wanted someone to talk to."

Though there are hundreds of local, national and international dating sites catering to singles of various ages, religions and ethnicities, few take into account the role one's occupation can play in a relationship. Bachman hopes TheBadge.org will change that.

"There is a brotherhood among the emergency service workers," Bachman said. "They feel very comfortable talking to others in the same line of work."

Hundreds of emergency workers have been logging on to TheBadge.org each week to do just that. Utilizing the site's free chat and public forum features, emergency service workers can cyber-flirt with other singles or simply vent their frustrations after a difficult day on the job.

"The forum offers various topics for the emergency service workers to discuss," Bachman said." For the single guys and gals that are stuck on the night shift, the Internet is available 24-7."

And Officer Bachman knows a thing or two about the benefits of online dating: in 2005 he married a woman he met online four years prior.

"It was very interesting, but expensive," Bachman said. "$19.95 per month. My website is 100% free."

Although the site is geared toward emergency service workers, it is open to the general public. As such, the site is attractive to those who may prefer to date men or women in uniform.

Currently boasting over 300 members, the site is gaining popularity as word spreads throughout the emergency service community.

"There is a wide variety of people to choose from and you control the environment," Bachman said.

Bachman hopes the site continues to grow and serve as a useful escape valve in the lives of those for whom putting themselves in harm's way is simply part of the job.

"This project is important to me because I think we need to give back to those who risk their lives everyday to protect this nation," Bachman said.

Bachman and Shore Network Connections, LLC plan to offer speed dating, cuddle parties and TheBadge.org singles cruises in the future.


 

lunes, 3 de octubre de 2011

Bad First Date Ideas And Other Things You Should Avoid Doing

Bad First Date Ideas And Other Things You Should Avoid Doing

Word Count:
556

Summary:
First dates can be really stressful especially when you're the one planning it. You'd want to make it as simple as the conventional "dinner and a movie" setting but this is often considered a bad first date idea. You may feel uncomfortable sitting in front of your date while eating because you'll be conscious with the way you chew your food, the way you speak,


Keywords:
dating, relationship, love, sms, lovely sms, communication, mobile phone, cellphone, idea, message, text


Article Body:
First dates can be really stressful especially when you're the one planning it. You'd want to make it as simple as the conventional "dinner and a movie" setting but this is often considered a bad first date idea. You may feel uncomfortable sitting in front of your date while eating because you'll be conscious with the way you chew your food, the way you speak, the way you sit, and anything else in between. Letting out a big smile might show some of the food stuck between your teeth or while talking, huge saliva might spray from your mouth. These scenarios are major turn-offs. First dates are supposed to be about first impressions due to the fact that this may determine if there is a possibility of a second date.

You have to avoid making your first date a movie date because this eliminates the crucial ingredient of communication. You'll be sitting side by side silently in the movie theater and your date might think that you're not interested in knowing her. Also, avoid first dates involving your group of friends. Instead of focusing on your date, you might end up gabbing about the latest basketball game with your guy friends. These are bad signs for establishing a supposed relationship.

Another thing to avoid if you are still on the dating stages of the relationship is sending naughty sms to the girl you are currently courting. These naughty sms might send negative signals to her. She might think that instead of making her laugh, you might just be after her physical attributes. In short, you just wanted to get it on with her on the bed. This is a big no-no especially if she's the conservative type of girl. Just reserve your naughty sms when she's your girlfriend already.

If you wanted to impress her with your wits using your mobile phone, why not send her funny sms, love sms, wise words messages, good morning sms, good night sms, love quotes, and anything that provides a friendly or neutral tone. You don't want to scare her off with naughty sms, always remember that. You can also send her funny egreetings on her email address to make her smile even if you're not with her.

Always remember to make an impression. You can do this by sending her a sms message that makes her feel important. You can ask her how she's doing, wish her a great day ahead, and even tell her you're looking forward to your next date. Impressing a girl with a simple message is easier than you thought and sometimes this can be the way to her heart.

You might be stressed out but you have to think about what will be good for you and your date. First dates should involve communication, entertainment, and loads of fun. If you're nervous, chances are your date is nervous as well. Admitting that you're nervous will enable you and your date to relax and before you know it, you might be chatting about all the things that you both enjoy. Listen carefully for some hints of second date ideas so that you won't be stressed out planning it. Remember to have fun, to be honest and to show your humorous side.


 

domingo, 2 de octubre de 2011

Bad Boys vs. Nice Guys: Which Do You Prefer?

Bad Boys vs. Nice Guys: Which Do You Prefer?

Word Count:
776

Summary:
Let us go straight to the point to all these small talks and focus on the question that slices into the very hub of man's survival.

Bad boys or nice guys?

This is truly a matter of personality choice. Each has its own crowd of admirers, where every woman is ready to defend their dearly beloved partners.

However, the debates seemed to never cease. This is because women never have clear distinction as to what type of mate would they rather prefer. And after a long scur...


Keywords:

 

Article Body:
Let us go straight to the point to all these small talks and focus on the question that slices into the very hub of man's survival.

Bad boys or nice guys?

This is truly a matter of personality choice. Each has its own crowd of admirers, where every woman is ready to defend their dearly beloved partners.

However, the debates seemed to never cease. This is because women never have clear distinction as to what type of mate would they rather prefer. And after a long scurrilous deliberation and poll voting, it seems that the choice between bad boys and nice guys are endless discussions.

Sounds impossible? Read on.

According to survey polls online, nearly 30% of the women respondents have stated that the personality matters most. Though, it was not clearly identified what kind of personality that these women would want from the guys.

But there are some reports that the nice guys are apparently unappealing to most women. Why is this so? What could possibly cause this evident weakening magnet of the nice guys? Does that account for the reason why more men are "behaving badly" these days?

There are so many speculations why these things happen. But there are just as many instances that could attest that women seem to like bad boys rather than the nice guys. For instance, there are those cases wherein the more a nice guy gets "nicer" to women; the more they will not opt to be romantically involve with those guys. Instead, they outwardly become attracted to men who deal with them harshly.

However, this does not necessarily mean that women would literally choose bad boys, as in the really mean ones, over the nice guys. The only reason why some women opt to date those who are not under the category of nice guys is that the nice ones create an impression of not being romantic. They appear to be less appealing as far as sexual attraction is concerned.

In fact, some women contend that those who are really nice seem to offer friendship instead of romance. So what is the point of being romantically involved with them if this is what women think of them?

The point here is that women do not literally prefer bad boys that are really bad as in those who commit crimes or whatsoever. They just have the tendency to be physically attracted to men who treat them a little harsh, those who do not pay attention to them, those who seem not to care for them, and those who do not give them 100% attention.

These are all boiled down to the fact that women are actually adventurous people. They would rather love men who start taking actions instead of trying to act "nice."

Moreover, in order to understand why women are more physically attracted to the bad-boy image is to focus on the very core of attraction. It is merely based on attraction that women are paying more attention to the nasty ones. But this does not necessarily mean that women would prefer to have bad boys as their lifetime partner rather than the nice guys.

In fact, according to some recent surveys, almost 38% of women that were included in the respondents would still prefer nice guys, while only 15% want the bad ones. Consequently, nearly 34% would rather have a combination of both personalities.

So what do these figures show? It just means that women are still not insane who would literally choose the bad guys. They are only attracted to those who seem to carry a bad boy image but for a more serious relationship, the nice guys, or a combination of both personalities are much preferred.

Given all that, the choice between the two kinds of personality is not a matter of who is the most preferred type of guy, rather, it is a matter of attraction. As long as the nice guys have what it takes to attract women, chances are they would be able to date women.

The bottom line is that women can be very fussy and may not make sense whenever they choose the kind of guy they would be interested in. In fact, they can go from one type to another type in just a short span.

But what makes women fall in love deeply is to have a personality that is not so straight and, yet, not that crooked. This pertains to those who are funny, confident, and has an air of mystery on the side.

After all, who would rather choose a boring man whom women were supposed to live with for the rest of their lives? Certainly not those-goody-two-shoes, right?