Children love to dress up

Children love to dress up in pirate costumes. If you are planning to have a fancy dress party for kids then this would make a very popular theme for it. You might think that it will limit things a little by just organizing it around pirates but it will actually prove to make it all a lot easier. Instead of having to cater for so many different things, absolutely everything to do with your party can hinge on the swashbuckling theme.

If you have more than one child of your own then you have already solved several problems. You are not going to have to think of ideas for what your children are going to wear. If you are just sticking to pirate costumes then it will make it a lot simpler. As long as each of your children is happy with their outfit then you are onto a winner.

Depending on the amount of work that you are prepared to do (and if you have someone who is going to help), there are all sorts of activities that will fit around the theme of pirates costumes. As far as the children are concerned, if they are dressed up in pirate costumes then they want to behave like buccaneers.

Organizing a treasure hunt for all of the children to take part in would be a great idea. Kids love things like this and it will keep them all occupied for quite a while. You could perhaps design some treasure maps on your computer and print them off beforehand. They don't have to be anything too elaborate as long as they are going to fit in with the rest of the party. You could even tie them all up with sashes and give them to the kids to wear on the belts of their pirate costumes until it is time to look for the treasure.

Plastic swords are very reasonably priced and would look great when worn with their pirate costumes. It might be a good idea to have some 'organized' sword-fight though. If a few children are left alone with plastic weapons without a little supervision then it is only a matter of time before one of them is wounded... Perhaps, to avoid any squabbles, you can have some proper contests for them where they are able to show off their swordsmanship to the fore.

If you have your children's' party in the summer then another idea would be to have some themed games in the back garden. With a bit of imagination, you can soon adapt some ordinary children's activities into something that is more in keeping with pirate costumes. Perhaps you have a sandpit where you can bury some 'treasure'. The kids will love to dig away hoping to be first to find it, especially if they don't even know what it is that they are looking for.

With a little thought and planning (and minimal outlay) you can easily create a whole afternoon of fun that everyone will thoroughly enjoy.

dress features a shape

The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion, from a quiet backyard gathering, to a traditional church ceremony.

Options: The A-line is a versatile shape since it can accommodate many different structural elements, including horizontal seems that help define your waistline, or a separate bodice and skirt that feature contrasting fabrics. The look of the A-line dress is also dependant upon length, which can range from above the knee for a fun and flirty bride, to a full-length dress that flows into a chapel-length train for the more traditional bride.

The princess cut is the most dramatic variation of the A-line dress. This style emphasizes the clean lines of the A-line by utilizing vertical panels that run from the neckline to the hem. The princess style provides elongating lines that create a slimming effect since your eye focuses on the length created by these long, smooth seems.

The A-line style can support many different fabric choices, depending on the look you want. If you desire a simple look, free flowing silks like charmeuse are the best option because they allow the dress to hang naturally and create a soft feminine silhouette. If you want a more structured appearance that emphasizes the continuity of the A-line style, you will want a heavier fabric that can maintain shape, such as peau de soie silk or satin. This same effect can also be achieved with the use of organza, or other supporting fabrics, that can be layered to create a full skirt.

You can also affect the look of the A-line dress depending upon the added embellishments you choose. Lace overlays or bead work can make a simple A-line dress appear more formal, while a touch of color provided by a ribbon or bow can make a stylish statement.

Things to Consider: The A-line dress is flattering on almost all body types. The long lines of the princess cut dress can create the illusion of height on a shorter body, as well as slim down a rounded figure. The full skirt of the A-line can also hide a larger lower body, or create the illusion of curves on a narrow frame. Since the A-line dress is so versatile, simple modifications to the neckline, waistline, or fabric can accentuate your best features and hide those your not so fond of.

World's First Sex Robot

HUMANS will be marrying and having sex with robots by 2050, an artificial intelligence researcher has claimed.

Netherlands university student David Levy, who recently completed his PhD on the subject of human-robot relationships, told LiveScience that robots would become so human-like in appearance, function and personality that many people would fall in love with them, have sex with them and even marry them.

"At first, sex with robots might be considered geeky, but once you have a story like 'I had sex with a robot and it was great!' appear in a magazine like Cosmo, I'd expect many people to jump on the bandwagon," he said.

In his thesis "Intimate Relationships with Artificial Partners", Mr Levy argued that psychologists have identified roughly a dozen basic reasons why people fall in love, and almost all of them could apply to human-robot relationships.

"For instance, one thing that prompts people to fall in love are similarities in personality and knowledge, and all of this is programmable," Mr Levy said.

"Another reason people are more likely to fall in love is if they know the other person likes them, and that's programmable too."

Mr Levy said Massachusetts would be the first jurisdiction to legalise human-robot marriage.

"Massachusetts is more liberal than most other jurisdictions in the United States and has been at the forefront of same-sex marriage," Mr Levy said.

"There's also a lot of high-tech research there."

Although roboticist Ronald Arkin at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta didn't think human-robot marriages would be legal anywhere by 2050, he said "anything's possible".

"Just because it's not legal doesn't mean people won't try it," he told LiveScience.

"Humans are very unusual creatures.

"If you ask me if every human will want to marry a robot, my answer is probably not. But will there be a subset of people? There are people ready right now to marry sex toys."

Dating Success

Has it ever happened to you? Have you ever had the experience of liking a woman, being a perfect gentleman, and treating her like a queen, only to have her reject you in favor of someone else (possibly very handsome) who doesn't treat her right, or doesn't seem to care about her much at all? These kinds of men have been called "bad boys," "charm boys," or "players." When you are interested in women, do they tend to see you as a friend or "brother" rather than a romantic interest? Do women tell you you're "too nice"? If so, you are not alone. This article will give you, the nice guy, some tips on how to use charm-boy traits to your advantage, while retaining your nice-guy values.

Let's brainstorm for a minute. What makes charm boys or players attractive? They are fun, spontaneous, unpredictable, mysterious, and act as if they don't care what others think of them (also known as confidence). They follow their own rules and don't let others (including their dates) walk all over them. And they often look good.

So what can you do? You don't have to engage in risk-taking behaviors in order to succeed with women. Suggest some "safe" ideas on the spur of the moment; for example, "Let's go get some sushi/ice cream/a Margarita," or, "Let's go for a drive and see where we end up." If this is not the usual "you," you may enjoy your new-found spontaneity. You can be mysterious/unpredictable without violating your principles. Don't call her the day after getting her phone number or the day after a date. Give her time to wonder whether you'll call; keep her guessing. People often want what isn't easy to get, and women like a little challenge.

You're the man. Many women are looking for men who are confident and decisive, who can be relied on to get things done. On a date, take command but don't be pushy. Always have a Plan A and a Plan B, so you don't miss the concert just in case the restaurant loses your reservation and there's a 1-1/2-hour wait. But always be flexible, in case your date hates Chinese food, for example, or she just told you her favorite musical group is in town, tonight only. Low-cost dates conducive to getting to know each other include the zoo, a museum, or miniature golf. In addition to saving you money, these low-cost dates also minimize the feeling that you have to "spoil" her or "buy" her affection with an extravagant wining-and-dining evening. And if she likes you, she won't mind a "cheap" date; she just wants to be with you.

Keep it light and upbeat. Don't be needy or act nervous. You might be a bit anxious while on a date, but she doesn't need to know that. Keep things light and humorous, and pay attention to her. That in itself will help you take the focus off you and help you feel more confident. And be a gentleman (you're already good at this). For example, always offer to pick up the tab unless she insists on paying, open doors for her, etc. But don't overdo the gifts, lest you appear desperate.

Let her talk. This is where nice guys have an advantage. Most women like to communicate verbally and welcome the chance to be heard. (But make sure you listen; don't just let your mind wander.) She will be impressed if you remember details about things that are important to her, such as her pet's name or her favorite book. If you met her online, review her profile for questions you can ask her about her interests.

Neatness counts. Take another hint from the charm boys. You don't have to be a Brad Pitt look-alike, but make the most of what you have. Review your grooming, clothes, and accessories with an objective eye. If you want feedback, ask a friend--possibly a female friend--for honest input. Or tune into one of the new TV shows which focus on wardrobe/grooming tips for men.

Have a life (and a backbone). Just because you are dating a woman doesn't mean you drop everything else (including your own friends, hobbies, and interests). After all, relationships can come and go. Keep being yourself. You are not always at her beck and call. When you really don't want to do something (for example, if she wants you to cancel your ballgame or night out with your friends to go shoe shopping with her), it's okay to decline. Telling her no may be difficult for nice guys, but if she's worth keeping, she will respect you for this and value her time with you more. To soften the blow, you might offer her an alternative get-together. For example, "Sorry I can't make it on Saturday. How about I take you to that new play you've been wanting to see on Sunday instead?"

How does she rate? Remember: You have the right to evaluate her, not just the other way around. Does she deserve a second date? Is she relationship material (if that's what you're looking for)? Just because she's attractive/smart/classy doesn't necessarily mean she's right for you. Does she treat you well? Is she kind? Does she have decent self-esteem? Is she giving? If you're looking for a long-term relationship, can you see yourself still with her in 20 years, when some of the supermodel looks may have begun to fade?

The good news for nice guys is that as women get older, perhaps having survived a bad-boy heartbreak or two, they are more likely to appreciate nice guys. Make a list of your good points, the qualities you have to offer. Keep at it. And start believing that you are a catch (or at least act like it)!

High School Prom Dress

It was a Thursday at Berkwood High School. Before I forget, let me introduce myself. I’m Romi Jordan. I’m seventeen years old and I’m a senior in high school. I’m not very popular, who knows why. Is it because I like to dress with all black and sit in the back of the classroom? Who cares, whatever. I don’t have many friends. Well, actually, I have none at all. During lunch I ate in the cafeteria and drew in my sketchbook. I usually draw depressing cartoon characters that turn out to look like the popular kids and the bitches at the school. The reason that I call them bitches is because they are so mean to me. Nobody even makes an effort to give me a smile, a pat on the back, a note in class. I try my hardest to be kind to them and respect them. But what do I get back? Absolutely nothing. ****, pretty much. I get shoved and pushed around in the hallways, evil looks in class, mean hate letters when I get home. I don’t even have a phone in my room it’s not like it would be ringing or anything. So when I get home I usually sit in my bed with my kitten Rosy. I talk to Rosy. She knows everything about me. God, I sure wish cats could talk. Maybe I would have a best friend in this world.


I’m an artist, as you know. I do many paintings of my kitten. She’s a great model because I can paint and talk to her at the same time. After this semester, my mom has signed me up for some art classes at school. That should hopefully be a change for me good change or bad change, who knows?


I’m in math class right now, staring at the back of this boy’s head. God, his dark brown hair all spiked up, loaded with gel, he’s gorgeous. He has his ear pierced and is wearing a Dashboard Confessional shirt. Man, I’d love to be able to know his name. I’d love to know him in and out. I’d love to know everything. But I know that I’d never dare to even look him in those deep, green hazel eyes. He’s probably way too popular for me.


Oh, that reminds me. Senior prom is coming up. I see all the girls in school bringing special issues of Seventeen and Teen Magazine to school. They all go shopping together to chose their prom dresses. Me? I could care less about prom cause what good is it if I know that no one is going to ask me.

Wow, I’m like shaking right now. My mom just picked me up from school in her poopy green colored, run down van not that it matters. She told me there was a special message for me on our answering machine. I was pretty damn shocked. Who the hell would want to call a stupid, idiotic dork like me?

Wow, I just listened to the message. It was that guy from class! The first guy that has ever called me. He said his name was Matt. He said that he’s in my math class with me and he was wondering if he could come over tonight to talk about something important. I called him back nervously and I said sure. He sounded happy when he hung up and said goodbye. Well, I better get ready.

Oh my god! What should I wear? AWWW. (Looks in the closet frantically).

Well, I’m sitting on the top of my roof in my black tank top with Pink Panther on the front with my baggy pants. I’m so excited. My heart is racing as fast as a winning race car coming to the finish line. Here he comes!

The red autumn leaves under his feet crunching to the ground bring me back to reality. He’s finally here! He’s looking up at me! He’s calling my name!

“Hey,” I say shyly. “Hey, can I come up there?” He yells in his deep, manly voice. Then he climbed the vines up to the roof.

“I’m freezing my ass off up here,” I say. He notices the goose bumps on my arms and gives me his Spitfire sweatshirt. As I put on his warm sweatshirt I take in his wonderful scent. Smells like Tommy Hil***er cologne. He asks me how my day was.

I’m thinking inside my head this is the best night of my life. But I simply say, “I’m good, how are you?” He tells me he’s good also.

He says “Romi, I would like to ask you something and I truly mean it. It’s no joke.”

“Okay,” I say nervously, with my heart beating a thousand times a minute.

“Romi, I like you, will you go to the senior prom with me?”

Holy ****! Did I just hear what I think I herd? “Of course, I’d love to go to the prom with you,” I say, blushing like crazy. My heartbeat has been beating so fast its probably hopping along the garden fence.

He leans in close and I close my eyes and our lips meet, so soft and full of love and tenderness.

Prom was the most fun I ever had. I was named Prom Queen, he was named Prom King. We danced the night away, full of laughter, romance, and sweet kisses. I had the time of my life.

My life dramatically changed from then on.

Steamiest Sex Articles

Self Magazine (May 2006 issue) has a little interview with me as part of an article titled, “Say Yes! to Sex.” The teaser line for the article is: ”Remember that can’t-wait-to-do-it feeling? Here’s how to recapture it, even after a stressful day.”

[ Insert voice of Scott Bakula saying, "Oh, boy..." ]

I did this interview almost a year ago when the writer called to ask if I could offer advice on how women can turn sex into a more frequent habit. At first I did a double-take, wondering if it was a serious request. However, the writer explained that the article was intended to gather sex advice from unusual sources. I’d never given much thought to applying habit formation techniques to sex before, but I thought… why not? Habits play a significant role in physical intimacy.

In the article I suggest turning physical intimacy into a habit by using the 30-day trial approach. Every day for the next 30 days, devote 30-60 minutes to talking, snuggling, cuddling, massage, and of course, sex with your partner. As the article accurately quotes me, “That time becomes sacred couple-intimacy time with no interruptions. The commitment to spend time alone together every day for 30 days will create the space for your sex life to blossom.”

If the trial doesn’t produce the results you want, you can begin a new 30-day trial of something different or return to the old habit. But by then the new habit will already be established, so if you wish to continue, it won’t be so difficult because momentum will be on your side.

I hadn’t envisioned this particular application when I first wrote about the 30-day trial method, but it’s nice to see that personal development techniques can even enhance our sex lives.

Five million women have just been told that I’m a sex expert.

There’s no way I can top that one. My life is all downhill from here.

But maybe this will be just enough to counter-balance my wife’s opinion.

safe sex practices

With the high risk of sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex practices are more important than ever. Safe sex is also important to prevent pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are spread by sexual contact, not just sexual intercourse. Oral sex and anal sex can both cause STDs to occur. There are several sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, genital warts, and gonorrhea that can cause not only embarrassment, they can cause other problems like infertility.

Parents need to take the initiative to talk to their children about safe sex practices as many teens do not actively practice safe sex habits. While abstinence is the best way to prevent STDs, some teens and adults do not actively follow it. Instead they need to make sure they are using contraceptives and finding out who their sexual partners are. You need to make sure that they do not have a STD as you can catch it.

Women need to have routine pap smears to test for cervical cancer and STDs. Men also need to have regular examinations to make sure they do not have any STDs. It is recommended for any person that is sexually active to have regular STD testing along with AIDS testing.

If you think that you may have a STD, do not practice sexual intercourse until you have had the chance to receive a checkup from your doctor. If you do have a STD, you must not practice sexual intercourse until your symptoms have completely cleared up and you have been given the 'ok' by your doctor.

You must have your sexually transmitted diseases treated early on in order to prevent serious problems. Doing nothing will not only cause the STD to spread to everyone you have sexual intercourse with, it can cause serious damage to you. STDs can cause redness, swelling, and painful genitals. STDs left untreated will also increase your risk of infertility and they can cause cancer of the testes or ovaries.

Anyone that is not in an exclusive relationship should ask their sexual partners a few pre-screening questions in order to make sure they do not have an STD and to make sure they are practicing safe sex. Here are a few questions you should discuss with them:

• Have you ever had an STD?


• Have you been tested for an STD or AIDS?


• How many sexual partners have you had?


• Do you practice safe sex? Have you ever had sex without a condom?


• Have you ever had unprotected oral sex?


• Have you had multiple sex partners at the same time?


• Have you had a past sexual partner that developed an STD around the time when you were sexually active with them?


• Have you ever had sex with someone that injects illegal drugs? Have they ever injected illegal drugs?


• Have you ever had sex with a prostitute?

The scary thing about un-safe sex habits and STDs is that many of them take months before symptoms appear. This means you could be having sexual intercourse with an individual that has an STD like HIV and they do not know that they have it. Most doctors recommend that you should always use a condom when you are having sexual intercourse and you should continue doing so until you have been in an exclusive relationship with this person for 6 months or longer. The only exception to this is when you and your partner have never had sexual relations with anyone. The last piece of advice about safe sex is to only have one sexual partner at one time. Having multiple partners at the same time increases your risk of developing an STD.