Bolger

The value of knowing how to respond to an emergency has never been so clear, with one of the worst hurricane seasons ever behind us. Educating yourself on what to do in a flood, therefore, is one of the key disaster preparedness issues. Here are some valuable tips homeowners should be aware of when cleaning up damage left behind by a flood.

Dont Go Near the Water: Floodwaters can be some of the most contaminated water you will ever come in contact with. Seek medical attention right away if you or a family member has been exposed to flood waters for any length of time. Topical floodwater contact could lead to serious infections. If you believe you or anyone else has drunk floodwater, seek medical care at your local hospital or clinic as soon as possible, as the dangers of infection are even worse.

Tread Lightly: Stay out of any buildings or structures that still have floodwaters encircling them. Dont underestimate structural damage floodwaters can cause. A structure's foundation can be significantly weakened by floodwaters in relatively short periods of time, especially in older structures. Foundations can sink and become unstable, causing cracks and gaps in the flooring, even a house total collapse without warning. An apparently sound structure may also have suffered gas leaks, electrical damage, or water line damage, so you should steer clear of such buildings until local officials have declared them safe .

Wait Until the All-Clear: Just because the rain has stopped and the floodwater seems to be withdrawing, doesnt mean its safe to go home and start cleaning up. Of course youll be anxious to find out what damage if any has been done to your property, but sometimes, floodwater damage creates many a hazard that requires professional clean up before the area is cleared as safe to local area residents. Keep watching for information on the weather if you have access to local radio or television stations, which will inform you of any threat from incoming storms, or other floodwater-related dangers in your area.

Handle with Care: You should inspect flood-damaged buildings cautiously once local officials have judged the area safe. Start with examining your house carefully. Tread carefully; flood damage can weaken structures. Do not smoke inside the building. (gas leak hazard) Bring battery-operated flashlights or lanterns as electricity may be cut off. Study the floors, walls, doors, staircases, and windows closely to make sure the house is not in danger of collapsing, using the flashlight to look at the foundation for cracks or other signs of damage.

After you've examined the structural integrity of the building, check for damage to the utility systems. Find and note down damage to the building's gas, electrical, and sewage system. Check for gas leaks by listening for a small hissing noise and smelling the gas in the air. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main valve immediately and contact the gas company.

Funny as it may seem single men never have a well stocked pantry. In order to keep healthy its important to have this pantry stocked because the alternative is usually junk or fast food. Bellow will be a number of easy tips for your pantry and healthier meals.

1.Water
As silly as this may sound water is probably the most important part of your diet. Nobody likes to drink right out of the tap so either have a jug of cold water in the fridge or keep well stocked with bottled water.

2.Milk
Low fat milk is a must for your fridge. A nice bowl of cereal in the morning is a great way to get your day started.

3.Fruit
If you have to buy junk food why not buy fruit instead. Its great for snacking and a whole lot healthier then potato chips.

4.Carrots
Just add some low fat dip and you have a great snack food thats better than any deep fried goods.

5.Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great source of protein while not worrying about fat. You can use peanut butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter.

6.Eggs
Eggs are a must for some easy bake products plus they are a must for your protein filled breakfast.

7.Yogurt
A great snack in the summer time. You can use it to make all kinds of shakes and believe it or not yogurt is a great staple with chicken.

8.Butter
Butters not the healthiest for you but its a must for your baked goods as well it makes your eggs taste that much better in the morning.

9.Lemons
If you eat seafood then these are a must. On top of that a great, cold glass of lemonade at the end of a hard day hits the spot better than anything else.

10.Mayo
Not a great product to use every day but a must for tuna or chicken salad. Its also great with dry items. Its important to buy the low fat kind.

11.Mustard
Great on sandwiches other than mayo. Mustard is a great way to knock out the fat in your diet.

12.Cheese
You absolutely have to have cheese. You dont want to go overboard but there is nothing better for a dull meal than adding some cheese to it.

13.Drinks
You dont want to have things too boring so buy some different kinds of drinks. Fruit juice, beer and soda pop. You dont have to go overboard but a couple beers now and then arent going to hurt you.

14.Fresh Ginger
Just put some raw ginger in your fridge. Dont cover it or anything like that. This will help to keep your food nice and fresh in the fridge.

15.Bread
Buy some fresh bread at your local baker. A nice sandwich once in a while is great. Just dont go hog wild on the carbs.

16.Canned Fruits And Veggies
Even though fresh is always better, canned is better in a pinch then chips and other oily snack foods. Plus canned food can last very long in the cupboard.

17.Pasta
Theres not much to say about pasta other than its a good quick meal.

18.Spices And Herbs
This is all you need to add some zing to your meal. It doesnt matter what your eating good herbs and spices will give you a different meal every time.

19.Cereal
Cereal is great for a quick meal anytime of the day. A quick bowl of breakfast is healthier for you any day as compared to muffins or donuts that you have to wait in line for.

I realize there were no meats mentioned here because all of these are just to be quick snacks. In no way are they meant to replace good home cooked meals.

Although there is no real statistical evidence, experience from support groups and "community watchers" indicates that as much as fifty percent of the kinky dating attempts fail, either as early as during the initial dating proces or in the early stages of what was supposed to grow to a rewarding relationship for all parties involved.

There seems to be no real prime cause for this rather dramatic figure, but research by the POWERotics Foundation as well as several European print magazine publishers indicates that there are quite a lot of things, people can do to boost their success: predominantly by trying to steer clear of various obvious and not so obvious traps.

Three key factors

So why do people have so much trouble finding a partner?

1. Well, one of the key factors is that it just isnt easy.

You just cannot go to a bar, discotheque or party, address someone and say something like "hey, Im into bondage, are you willing to share that with me?"

First of all, doing that will probably quickly lead to a very embarrassing situation.

Secondly, depending on where you are, it may get you in legal or social trouble. For example: recent research shows that just about 25 percent of the average relationship develops in a working environment. In other words: colleques dating colleques. That as such often creates tension on the workplace. Introducing power exchange in that environment is probably next to impossible.

2. And another thing is "a little thing called love". Hormones already shift into overdrive when you meet someone you fancy. The pretty hefty overdose of adrenaline and endorphines that occurs, when you start to think about sharing your darkest, most secret fantasies with someone else is very likely to shortcut your entire brain. Endresult: you end up doing everything wrong, or in the wrong order. Nobody can blame you for doing that. You just cannot control your hormones. Nobody can. But ..... it still IS counterproductive.

3. Finally, the kinky dating process itself - due to the secrecy around it - is usually totally different from other dating processes. It is much more concentrated within "the community" itself and done through personal ads, internet dating, telephone dating and visiting munches, clubs, roups and parties, hoping that people will find like-minded counterparts there.

Traditonally, people tend to look for a kink-friendly environment first and next concentrate their dating on that specific environment. This as such is no surprise, because at first glance anyway this sounds like the logical thing to do. Surprisingly though, the vast majority of succesful kinky relationships started off in a non-kinky situation, usually simply as a result of the fact that partners where open and brave enough to share their emotions with each other, despite the fact they had not indicated such emotions before.

So, is there a solution? Yes there is, but that may not always be easy. The best strategy is to try and plan the kinky dating process. But than again: love, lust, desire and planning simply do not always fit into the same box at the same time. Meaning that the best thing you can do is to try and come up with something that is a combination of (at least some) planning, pure instinct and MAINLY avoiding traps.

No pain, no gain

Lets face it. Dating is a matter of risktaking. Yes, you may be turned down. Yes, you may be dumped. Yes you may fail. If you are not willing to take that risk, well ... get out a deck of cards and the book on 1001 ways to play solitaire. You will have to be ready and prepare yourself for a few bruises. Hardly anyone survives the dating process without some. And theyre not a problem. They are a learning experience.

However, you can prevent quite a lot of these bruises. Mainly by being realistic about who you are and what you want. As far as we know Pamela Anderson is NOT submissive and even if she is, she cannot submit to the entire world. Neither are you gods gift to the world. Yes, your fantasies probably are very special to you and submitting may feel like you are actually "giving" something very special.

The dating process

The dating process itself can be divided into 5 phases:

1. the initial need to share your emotions, feelings and probably your life with someone

2. translating that into an "actual person" or an "actual situation". "Actual" in the sense that you start to project yourself in the arms of someone you fancy (a real person or a more abstract image) or that you picture yourself in the situation you desire

3. setting out to find a partner (the actual dating)

4. actual meeting

5. building further from the initial bridgehead onwards

The key success factor is understanding the process you are in, versus what you want to achieve.

Hans Meijer, a Dutch former journalist and government spokesmen, is the chairman for the Powerotics Foundation. This organisation is dedicated to provide quality information about alternative lifestyles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Meijer

There can be no more exciting urban outdoor activity than throwing a tailgate party. Aside from the fact that tailgate parties are casual and a lot of fun, they are relatively easy to setup. You can also add a bit of pizzazz to your parties so that your friends and families wont ever forget them. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will dazzle your guests.

You can consider making your own invitations into a unique way. For example if you will be having a football party, you can pattern your invitation by cutting out a football shape, from a piece of brown vinyl or cardstock glued to a lighter colored paper or cardstock. Use white shoelaces or vinyl laces to create the football laces.

For great decorations, choose the materials that will match the interests for that someone special you created a party for. It could be a favorite football team, or a baseball team. Or it could be the things they love the most.

Create games that would be in accordance with the theme. If your theme for the party is about football, there are so many games and activities suited to this theme. And remember, the better prepared you are, the smoother things will move along.

The Football Toss: Each child takes a turn throwing a football through a hoop or tire or into a basket.

Football Relay Course: For younger children, do simple exercises with them, jumping jacks, running, throwing a ball...For older children, design an obstacle course that includes football practice moves, more difficult callisthenics, sprints, punting...

You can try your skills at a football shaped cake, if you are a little bit artistic and a good baker. If this seems a little complicated, make a simple rectangular cake and decorate it like a football field.

On the other hand, your theme for the party is all about cheer leading, you could try these fantastic activities and games:

The Human Pyramid: Make sure to do this either on grass or a soft mat. Help the girls create a pyramid and capture the moment with lots of pictures. Let them take turns in different positions.

Cheers: Get the girls lined up and teach them some simple cheers. You might even enlist the help of a high school cheerleader willing to come and teach some.

The parking lots of stadiums, traditionally, is where tailgate parties have been held. You can also setup a party in an area set aside specifically for tailgating. Some parties have been held in other parking lots with permission of course, or even closer to home - usually in the driveway.

One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Do not leave unpreserved food out for more than two hours, they may get spoiled. And because a lot of places might not have soap and water, be sure to bring anti- bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly before you go home. Be sure that you have lots of ice for your drinks to keep them cold and have lots of paper bags for your leftovers.

The very common dishes at parties are grilled and smoked dishes, but perhaps the most popular dish is Chili. It is easy to make.

A few other things to remember are disposable plates and utensils, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, and blankets.

Make sure you are allowed where you are going before throwing a party. Know what the restrictions there might be and what facilities are available. Be prepared to bring everything you might need because supplies will probably be limited.

Following these simple tips will ensure you have a great party.

In the dynamic city of New York, the real estate scene is thriving with upscale, luxurious condos. Many of these condos are available right in the heart of the city. One of the advantages of living in a condominium is the fact that you can still live close to all of the excitement of the downtown city life. And in NYC you never run out of things to do or people to see.

A great tip to remember when looking for your new residence is to make sure you get a loan pre-approval letter before you start your actual hunt for the perfect condo. This letter will not only give you a better idea of the amount of money you have to work with, but it will also give you heightened credibility.

Once you have found your dream condo be sure to take in all this spectacular city has to offer! New York City is one of the brilliant metropolises of the world; it represents one of the worlds centers for fashion, business, shopping and culture. The Big Apple has great things to offer you and your family.

There are many activities and events that are children-centered and family friendly. New York Citys Coney Island is home to Astroland Amusement Park, which contains the New York City Landmark Cyclone Rollercoaster. There are also childrens museums available including the Childrens Museum of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Childrens Museum. Also, you can visit NewYorkKids.net to find an enormous list of NYC family activities, shows, museums, tours, shopping, beaches, sports and attractions.

For sports fans there is never a dull moment in NYC! The citys teams include the Yankees (MLB), Mets (MLB), Liberty (WNBA), Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL), Islanders (NHL), Giants (NFL), Jets (NFL) and the Magic and Metrostars soccer teams. Make sure to take advantage of all these sports offerings, pick your favorite teams and enjoy all the excitement they provide.

New York City is also home to the 843 acre refuge of Central Park. This luxurious oasis located directly in the heart of the bustling city provides 25 million annual visitors with a place to relax and enjoy some recreation. Activities in the Park include horse-drawn carriage rides, rock climbing walls, Tai Chi, Yoga, Music in the Park, basketball, tennis, chess, cross-country skiing, ice skating, lawn sports, swimming, birding, fishing, soccer and football.

The city also holds the annual ING New York City Marathon. In 2000, the race accommodated over 30,000 athletes from all around the world, representing more than 100 countries! The marathon travels through the five boroughs of NYC and ends in Central Park.

Another great thing about NYC is that there is always a cultural activity or event happening. Whether you want to visit one of their world-renown art museums, catch a Broadway musical or visit the exquisite Metropolitan Opera, your weekends can always be filled with entertaining, enriching events.

As you look for the perfect condo for you and your family make sure to pay particular attention to location. Find a residence that is centrally located so you can experience the excitement of living in the heart of one of the worlds most renowned cities.

C. Quality. The quality of sex usually depends on how positive two people feel about each other. There is plenty of scientific evidence to show that good sex not only adds great enjoyment to our lives, it also improves our health and may even contribute to our longevity. But many people don't even have any sex regularly, let alone good sex! In his book, Sexual Healing, Dr Paul Pearsall claims that the joys and pleasures of life and loving may provide something called an intimacy inoculation which actually protects us from disease. Dr Pearsall, who cites numerous other researchers, concludes, Growing numbers of physicians now recognise that the health of the human heart depends not only on such factors as genetics, diet and exercise, but also to a large extent on the social and emotional health of the individual.

D. Unnatural. We are tempted to believe that making love is just doing what comes naturally, but, shrouded in secrecy, embarrassment and social conventions, sex is sometimes anything but natural. It can be a very awkward process for the uninitiated and the naive. Feeling insecure or inexperienced, we often carry the myths and rumours (due to ignorance), or the characteristics and expectations of the previous sexual experience, to the next encounter. This sometimes has disastrous results, especially when every partner is different in his/her preferences.

E. Ignorance. There are also many things about sex we do not know. Many people think that having sex is merely penetrative and conducted at a set time of the day or in a set room, but one author suggests, which I agree with, that when people feel deeply close while merely holding hands, they are actually having sex too, in a different form. When they show care for each other through hugs, caresses, and kissing, they are also having a satifying sexual connection. When two people in a crowded room gaze lovingly at each other in their own secret way, they are engaging in sex play, and all these simple forms of tactile sex can be most arousing and emotionally fulfilling.

This constant anxiety, particularly about our sexual expertise, haunts us because, if done well, the act of sex generates the most positive feelings towards our partners. In effect, it makes love and making love is usually a natural, emotional experience and a crucial part of any relationship. Rarely is it just a physically pleasurable act, regardless of some peoples attempt to reduce its significance by putting it on a par with, perhaps, eating food! Without it, our species would come to an end and so nature finds the most ingenious ways of linking up men and women to ensure our survival.

ELAINE SIHERA (Ms Cyprah -http://www.ecademy.com/user/elainesihera and http://www.myspace.com/elaineone) is an expert author, public speaker, media contributor and lifestyle columnist. The first Black graduate of the OU and a post-graduate of Cambridge University. Elaine is a CONFIDENCE guru and a Personal Empowerment, Relationships and Diversity Consultant. Author of: 10 Easy Steps to Growing Older Disgracefully; 10 Easy Steps to Finding Your Ideal Soulmate!; Money, Sex & Compromise and Managing the Diversity Maze, among others (available on http://www.amazon.co.uk as well as her personal website). Also the founder of the British Diversity Awards and the Windrush Men and Women of the Year Achievement Awards. She describes herself as, "Fit, Fabulous, Over-fifty and Ready to Fly!" Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Sihera

The value of knowing how to respond to an emergency has never been so clear, with one of the worst hurricane seasons ever behind us. Educating yourself on what to do in a flood, therefore, is one of the key disaster preparedness issues. Here are some valuable tips homeowners should be aware of when cleaning up damage left behind by a flood.

Dont Go Near the Water: Floodwaters can be some of the most contaminated water you will ever come in contact with. Seek medical attention right away if you or a family member has been exposed to flood waters for any length of time. Topical floodwater contact could lead to serious infections. If you believe you or anyone else has drunk floodwater, seek medical care at your local hospital or clinic as soon as possible, as the dangers of infection are even worse.

Tread Lightly: Stay out of any buildings or structures that still have floodwaters encircling them. Dont underestimate structural damage floodwaters can cause. A structure's foundation can be significantly weakened by floodwaters in relatively short periods of time, especially in older structures. Foundations can sink and become unstable, causing cracks and gaps in the flooring, even a house total collapse without warning. An apparently sound structure may also have suffered gas leaks, electrical damage, or water line damage, so you should steer clear of such buildings until local officials have declared them safe .

Wait Until the All-Clear: Just because the rain has stopped and the floodwater seems to be withdrawing, doesnt mean its safe to go home and start cleaning up. Of course youll be anxious to find out what damage if any has been done to your property, but sometimes, floodwater damage creates many a hazard that requires professional clean up before the area is cleared as safe to local area residents. Keep watching for information on the weather if you have access to local radio or television stations, which will inform you of any threat from incoming storms, or other floodwater-related dangers in your area.

Handle with Care: You should inspect flood-damaged buildings cautiously once local officials have judged the area safe. Start with examining your house carefully. Tread carefully; flood damage can weaken structures. Do not smoke inside the building. (gas leak hazard) Bring battery-operated flashlights or lanterns as electricity may be cut off. Study the floors, walls, doors, staircases, and windows closely to make sure the house is not in danger of collapsing, using the flashlight to look at the foundation for cracks or other signs of damage.

After you've examined the structural integrity of the building, check for damage to the utility systems. Find and note down damage to the building's gas, electrical, and sewage system. Check for gas leaks by listening for a small hissing noise and smelling the gas in the air. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main valve immediately and contact the gas company.