Our obsession with celeb pictures

Celebrity pictures have graced our walls, minds and hearts since well before the massive popularity of the World War II pin up girls that so many GI's took with them and "pinned up" on the drab, barrack walls. During this time, movie stars such as Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth were wearing what was considered at the time to be the scantily clad attire of a one piece swimsuit, or a somewhat low-cut, bikini or full length evening gown.

Many historians believe the start of the celebrity icon picture infatuation in America began with the 1887 debut of the "Gibson Girl", when the mere thought of a woman's bare ankles were enough to send anyone to an afterlife of damnation. This passion continued into the new century, straight through the roaring twenties with the infamously sexy "Flapper Girl". The years following the stock market crash of 1929 were somber in more ways than one, but great prosperity followed these depressing years, including the latest, more revealing pin up girls and celebrity pictures and photos of the 1950's.

Before the inception of the World Wide Web, our celebrity fascinations were limited to magazine pictures, purchased posters, and collectible shoppes. But now, we can access the latest photos of our favorite stars instantaneously, with just a click of a mouse (and maybe the help of a search engine or celebrity site).

Since then, the glamour of Hollywood has tightened its hold on us, for the beauty that these icons represent goes unmatched by anyone that we come in contact with on a day to day basis. We've all heard the stories of plastic surgeries and eating disorders, drug use and abuse, not to forget about the on again/off again romances that grace the covers of the supermarket tabloids, yet our obsessions continue. For example, Britney Spears has had her once sparkling image dragged through the mud by the very same media that made her a superstar. Her personal life, including her marriage and motherhood tactics leave a foul taste in our mouths, but she is still one of the most sought after celebrities, with her name constantly on the top searches across the internet for pictures and information.

A picture or photo of our favorite celebrity can bring much needed joy to any of us, even if it's only for a moment or two. If looking at such a photo or illustration can put a smile on our face and get us through a crazy, hectic, new millennium day, then there really seems to be no harm in looking at one of a million celebrity pictures out there. After all, the pictures we long to see are just a click away.

One bad thing that comes out of all this is more to the female side than to males. What is it? Anorexia and Bulimia. Lots of the girls seem to think that it is the way to go. They look so much to the magazines and tabloids and don't know that sometimes these celebs get operations or check themselves into clinics to get better from some bad situation themselves. We get so obsessed with them that we want to believe that they live a fairy tale life. Worst is we want to be them. It's fine to watch and read but to follow...well then make yourself a star.

Bar advice. Like Oprah Winfrey said " Lead your best life". make that happen and you'll be a star in your own right.

Finding relief from an abusive relationship.

When the two of you are taking your vows of marriage, saying “I do”, the thought that the relationship would seriously deteriorate probably never crossed your minds. That is a day of happiness for you, thinking you had each found your soul mate.

But the one thing about life is that change is inevitable. If a couple is able to change at the same time and in the same direction as life circumstances change, the change can be a good thing and keep your relationship healthy. But if you each change separately and/or in different directions, there are going to be problems. One of the biggest problems is that a once loving relationship turns into an abusive relationship.

The word “abusive” does not necessarily mean physical violence. (Although it can be that, and at that point the local authorities and police department via the domestic violence department can lend a needed hand) but abuse can also happen in other ways, sometimes very subtle way.

One partner may take every opportunity to verbally abuse the other, whether in private or even in public like at office parties. These little cuts and defamation's all add up, until the person who is saying them eventually starts to believe them, and the person who is the brunt of the cruel joke also starts to believe that they are stupid or not worthy, causing a severe lowering of their own self-esteem.

Counseling, as quickly as possible, is the best answer. But that depends on both parties being willing to attend the counseling sessions. If only one partner attends the counseling sessions, the session will not be effective in terms of resolving the problem, but may indeed start to turn into topics of whether or not divorce is the answer. There is no rule of thumb to determine if divorce is the real answer, even though that would be a pretty drastic move. At the same time, you need to realize that if your paths in life have diverged significantly from where they were when you were at the point of your marriage vows, there is a decent chance that it is unlikely that your paths may ever converge again, unless both of you take drastic steps to make that happen. And like with the counseling sessions, this is something that both of you need to work on, since just one of you will be unable to make changes that will accommodate both of you. It is a two way street.

If counseling is not an option, perhaps because of cost or perhaps because one of the two people is unwilling to attend counseling, then the two people need to sit down in a quiet place without distractions and talk it out. Communication, really effective communication between two people can take a relationship to tremendous heights if it can be done effectively, where the “ground rules” clearly indicate there will be no yelling, no blaming, and the goal is to come to a common meeting place as far as what direction you both need to take to get to where you want to be.

One very good method is to have two sets of relatives or friends who are married as well that can be called on anytime to come to the rescue if abuse is happening. They will be able to help and advise both of you and it helps them not to have the same problems as well. It also gives the troubled couple an outlet from hurting the other. When people see others in need it helps them to be better involved in their marriage as well because they have will have first hand encounters with people that have the problem. It makes them and their relationship better. Those that just get married should learn from others and find ways to help those in need as it will strengthen themselves.

Sometimes the couple needs to consider whether divorce is an option. Divorce is not something you enter into on a whim, it is a huge step especially if there are children, yet sometimes a step that needs to be seriously considered. Seek proper help first to change things and not give in without a fight.

Bar advice. A abusiveness relationship is not something you need to put up with, nor is it something that you need to tolerate. Before things get really serious, get good advice from your religious leaders, parents, relatives and close married friends. This will help settle yourselves to understand the sacrifice needed for it to work.

Parenting your teenager

Does this sound familiar? "What ever happened to that sweet little kid we used to have a few years ago?" Teens can be difficult, and this should not be surprising, considering all the changes during adolescence that they go through. You will need to up the ante on your patience to be able to cope with them.

Even though you were once a teenager, and may have been difficult to your parents, it still takes a lot of effort to understand what your teen is going through. It will be your responsibility to bridge the communication gap between you and your child.

This is not always easy, and you will have to do your best during two crucial periods in your child's life. Adolescence and young adulthood. Your children will need all the guidance and understanding you can provide. Communication and understanding, during these sometimes trying times, may very well set the tone for the life decisions your child will make.

Here are a few tips that should help with teen parenting bonding issues:

1. Learn What Your Teen Enjoys
When your teen was a child, finding things to do was a snap. But, as they grow into their teens, you will have to work extra hard to learn about what your teens like. It may not be easy, but being able to relate to your teens likes and dislikes is integral to building an open and meaningful relationship with your child.

Remember, to be a good parent, you also have to be a good friend.

2. Being Strict Is Not A Bad Thing
Most teenagers bristle at rules and restrictions. They feel that they are old enough to take care of themselves. The invincible syndrome. While this is partially true, teens still have a need for restrictions. With new found freedoms, and desires; they could very well hurt themselves if they do not restrain themselves responsibly. Make your teen understand that he or she will be given greater freedom, but with greater freedom they must develop greater responsibility, and accountability. Freedom without responsibility is useless.

Make sure you help your teen learn to plan ahead. You do not have to plan it for them; just help guide them to make good decisions on their own.

3. Communicate Daily
Daily communication is important in keeping the channels of concern open. You teen will be more inclined to confide in you if you engage in daily conversation. Confiding in someone takes some practice and some trust. This can only be build by meaningful relationships that are facilitated by good communication. Learning to understand the world your teen lives in will put you in a better position to not only gain their trust, but to have a greater understanding of their overall behavior.

Daily communication will show your teen that you care for them. This is a very important teen parenting factor, since teens will feel more comfortable with parents that are actively involved with them. In the absence of parental involvement, teens may turn to unreliable peers when looking for guidance, or comfort. It is very important for a teens parents to provide the guidance and caring they require.

Another important thing that you can do is to get your teen to bring his or her friends home. Get to know them and be a second parent to the friends but not meddling and looking over their shoulders all the time. This way you know who they are and what is going on in your kids life and who he or she mixes with. Girls and boys will have different needs and need different approaches.

Bar advice. By the time he or she grows into a young adult and may be off to college or university, you would at least have a relationship with them and hopefully , even with new found freedom, the values, love and self pride and dignity makes them better people in society. At the same time it puts your mind at ease as well.

Vrginia Tech - Massacre

Well I bet most people around the world has heard about the shooting that took place in the US at Virginia Tech. Where's the sense it what happened? People are now asking questions and so few answers especially for the victims families.

There's already a lot of tragedy that we hear and see on the news. Just turn on CNN or your local stations and you'll find there's some madness going on in the world. Shootings, killings, destruction, terrorism, violence, suicide and much more. We live in a terrible world at times and a lot of us are lucky that we don't live in that particular parts or affected by it. Some of us live in some peaceful place and it shocks us to hear such stories.

Where there is so much oppression, terrorism, dictatorships, lawlessness and more in the world is something that we see, hear, cope with, despise on, frown upon and hold in disgust but when it a story about some kid that had got a better life living in the US, huge future and more; it is just unbelievable. How and why would someone do such a thing to kill others and destroy the lives of families who had so much dreams and aspirations for their children.

Whatever the problem could have been the shooter, Cho, does not deserve any sympathy from anyone for his act of cowardice. it is now left in Gods hands to dispense justice. I shall not write anymore to add to the fame of this sad situation.

Bar advice. There are a lot of people out there that need proper psychiatric and psychological help. If you know anyone like that, help them get it or tell someone that you think may help that person.

How to make it work?

Ever run into a brick wall, so to speak, with your mate? Can’t
seem to pass “Go” without collecting 200 fresh wounds? Well,
it’s time to build a bridge and tear down that brick wall. Here
are your tools:

1.ATTITUDE – Get an attitude adjustment first. Lighten up and do
a 180-degree about face. Read the Sunday comics, grab an old
comic book, turn on the Comedy channel, watch funny videos or
DVDs. Get in a better mood and pass it along to your mate.
Invite your mate to tune in to comedy with you, too.

2. FRIENDSHIP – Go back to being friends for starters now that
you’re in a good mood. Forget the love stuff, if you want. And
just focus on being good friends; share compliments, do things
for one another, go out and have fun together, enjoy one
another’s company.

3. RELAX – Let your hair down. Trust and relax. Be yourself.
Don’t let old wounds open or fester. Forget the garbage
memories and just be in the here and now together.

4. TIME OUT – If possible, spend extra time together for
awhile, like during your original courting days. Hire a sitter,
order out, eat at fast food places, grab ice cream cones and go
for walks in the park. Get to know each other all over again.
That’s the key. Then you’ll remember why you fell for each
other in the beginning and history will hopefully repeat
itself.

5. COMMUNICATION – Take it slow and easy. Keep away from
subjects that you don’t agree upon. And slowly re-learn to
communicate with each other all over again. If necessary, and
it’s not a crime or shame – get help. Seek a trusted friend or
adviser, a church clergy member or certified professional
counselor. No need to go it alone. Find your weak areas and how
to over come them and plan for future communication
difficulties.

6. GOALS – Gradually develop goals together so you’ll have a
direction to head. Write them down in a notebook just for the
two of you. And over time, develop them, revise them, cross
them off your list. The idea is to have goals together and work
towards a common goal.

7. SCRAP BOOK – Create a memory album together. Add photos,
clippings, menus and anything that reminds you of the “good
times.” Then when tough times comes, you’ll have something to
“hold on to” – your bridge to romance.

Bar advice. So don’t just sit back and sulk. Take short steps to improve
your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by
while you hold on to your relationship.Work your own magic.

Centerfold men &Bikini Destinations

Bar advice. These DVDs are great for both the guys and gals to enjoy. Actually both can get great tips from watching the videos about other men and women. How they tackle their sensual and seductive side that helps their lives. Word of caution the bikini models are nude in this one.

Bikini Babes from Mars

Bar advice. This is a little info on the string bikini. It's roots and the story of how Rose de Primo, the original Girl from Ipenema, came up with the Tonga( string bikini). Ah! The joy and pleasure for all men out there.

Irresistible Attraction

Based on both scientific research and real-world testing, this book gives you far more strategies that you can absorb and apply immediately. The value comes from using the information, not from just learning about it.

One way to benefit the most is to select a few behaviors and patterns whose benefits you want most. Keep this book handy while you're making habits of those initials behaviors and getting the results you want. Then select a few more actions and apply regularly. Repeat for as long as you want more positive results.

Bar advice. If you're lacking in confidence then I suggest you get help in that direction first before using this book. Amazon has a great list of help in this as well. If you need help just talking to the opposite help then you really need help. Geeze!