http://twodaymag.com/ TwoDayMag full feed en nat@twodaymag.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-11T21:08:34+00:00 Blog http://twodaymag.com/blog/marriage-school-japan-takes-matchmaking-to-a-whole-new-level#When:21:08:34Z Are you in search of Mr. or Mrs. Right and have 200,000 yen? (That’s $2,217). Then, I have a school for you!Dozens of Japanese are in Tokyo are turning to Infini School to help them land a mate. The school offers lots of different classes for singles looking to mingle, or those who are finding it difficult to meet their match. The school is open to men and women, and teaches several different life skills, including how to walk, talk, and appear elegant in an attempt to make themselves more appealing to prospective life partners and their parents, which are often a major impediment to a happy union. Infini opened only a month ago and already has enrolled 30 female students. About the same number of males have signed up as well, but not nearly as many show up to class as their female counterparts.Women in Japan are commanding more and more economic clout, and because of this, the attitude towards marriage had begun to wane over the past decade or so. Japanese women in their 20s and 30s are single now more than ever in the country’s history. www.reuters.com reports that nearly two-thirds of women under the age of 34 in Japan are unmarried, in spite of over 3,800 Japanese matchmaking services being offered.“Before, people would find it easy to get married because families and society would connect them in some way, sometimes pushing them to get married. But, nowadays, people have too many choices and cannot seem to make up their minds.” said Etsuko Satake, principal of the Infini marriage school.So, what actually takes place at the school? The teachers (how do you get to be a teacher of marriage?) give constructive criticism about the way students are dressed, the way they stand, and even how they get out of a car or cross their legs. They discuss how to impress future in-laws, as well, including how to properly set a table. Men are taught different skills, such as how to be more emotive with their partner. “I had never even thought that my boyfriend’s mother could play such a big role in my relationship, but now I’ve realized I need to start thinking seriously about how to impress my future in-laws, explains Kozue Sugawara, 29, who decided to attend Infini after her marriage plans fell through.The students get graded on “simulated dates” where they interact with other students and they get performance points, as well as critiques on what they could have done better.Many experts in Japan believe this return to marriage has a lot to do with the fact that Japan’s economy has tanked and fallen into a deep recession (we know a thing or two about that on this side of the world) and so many people, especially the ladies, are looking to marriage once again as a way to bring some economic stability back into their lives. One woman, named Mei Oda, 32,  who is an office contract worker, has made it very clear what she hopes to gain from Infini. “I’m looking for a man who makes more than 10 million yen a year ($110,000), doesn’t ask me to live with his parents, and takes good care of me.”Honey, isn’t that what we all want? Ha!But seriously, I think this marriage school is a good idea. Americans could definitely benefit from some relationship training, themselves, as well! As the number of divorces continue to climb in this country, I wonder how long it will be until the U.S starts taking its cues from the far East. I mean, we import everything else from them, why not the marriage school, too? Learning life skills, learning how to communicate with your partner, learning how to please in-laws...aren’t these all things that everyone in a relationship could stand to know a little more about? What do you think? Is a marriage school really the answer to create a better union amongst people? Wouldn’t it be funny if someday, when you meet a partner, you have to show them your “Infini Certificate of Completion” that states that you won’t suck as a life partner? What if your potential mate looks at it, and goes, “Oh, you only got a C in table setting? I don’t think this is going to work...” It could happen, right? Love 2010-03-11T21:08:34+00:00 Live http://twodaymag.com/live/unique-gifts#When:14:18:59Z La Garita Cigar Company Since 1995, the first orders for La Garita cigars, also known as Falto Cigars, arrived on the shores of Puerto Rico. Luis learned all about the growing of tobacco, the different leaves and strains, processing, and the manufacturing of cigars. He handpicked, La Aurora, in the Dominican Republic, to manufacture his cigars. He personally knows all his cigar rollers by their first names and chooses all of the blends, himself. He currently has 7 different cigars. La Garita is truly a boutique as annual production is less than 6,500 cigars. As Luis says, “I have so many memories, stories and moments that I have experienced while smoking cigars, since nothing accompanies a cigar better than a good conversation with friends while having an excellent cup of coffee”. We met Luis Falto, the founder and owner of La Garita Cigar Company, in New York last year. Luis was visiting from his home in Puerto Rico and had recently been selling his cigars at Davidoff in the Time Warner Center. (They are also available in the Madison Avenue location and in seven other shops around the United States.){pagebreak} We immediately fell in love with Luis’ cigars. It is truly an Ultra Boutique Premium Handmade Cigar brand that is produced in extremely small quantities; something unheard of in the industry. If you are looking to buy a gift for your significant other, why not buy them something that no one else on the block has?  WHERE TO BUY:  http://www.lagaritacigar.com www.rarelibrary.com Put down the traditional flowers and chocolates. Be daring. Try something unique. At www.rarelibrary.com, you can search through thousands of titles of rare and out-of-print books to find the special one-of- a-kind gift you were looking for. With several categories to choose from, including first edition prints, signed copies, antique books, rare art and collectibles, there is something here for everyone. Browse through anthropology, politics, romance, classics, nonfiction and adventure novels, to name a few. I was once gifted with a set of first edition novels that I had been searching for to no avail. Not only was I surprised and delighted by what I thought was a unique and incredibly romantic gift, but there was more! Inside the first novel, was a small card with the famous author's signature on it! What a treat!So, if you really want to impress the love in your life, try http://www.rarelibrary.com, and discover all the magic that can come from between the pages. Perhaps you will have a fairytale ending to your own story, as well. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S., DISCOUNTED SHIPPING WORLDWIDE{pagebreak} Agent Provocateur Founded in December of 1994, in Soho, London, Agent Provocateur has continued push the boundaries of what is sexy with their daring, tempting, and downright naughty lingerie. Agent Provocateur is the perfect mix of old school glamour and kink. A gift from this upscale, high end lingerie boutique is sure to be a winner. As you enter one of their decadent storefronts, lovely ladies dressed in retro uniforms with all of your questions ready with answers greet you. Come browse a glass case full of kinky goodies at the front counter, and try on something delicious in their romantic, sumptuous dressing rooms. The fantastic thing about this boutique is that they stock extended sizes. Finding lingerie that fits and looks beautiful is difficult enough. But, looking for lingerie in hard to find sizes is a daunting task, indeed. For the women of the world who love gorgeous, sensual fabrics, look no further. No matter what style or size your luscious lady is looking for, you will be able to find her something that will knock both your socks off. From corsets and dressing gowns, to silky stockings and girly camisoles, Agent Provocateur has something unique to offer any woman looking to spice up her “indoor wardrobe”. Indulge in your inner glam girl with fishnet stockings with seams up the back, kitten heels in powdery soft colors, and Swarovski studded riding crops. Indulge your inner feline in a cat mask, or try their body oils, lotions, and alluring perfumes. Go there. Be deliciously wicked, out of the box fabulous. I guarantee you and your special someone will come again and again....to Agent Provocateur, of course! Shop at http://www.agentprovocateur.com or visit their many locations, including ones in Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco and NYC. Gifting Suite, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2010-03-11T14:18:59+00:00 Blog http://twodaymag.com/blog/welcoming-maryland-into-the-21st-century#When:16:35:20Z ...Lawmakers put the brakes on first-cousin wedlock!I know the question you are thinking. “Isn’t this already illegal?” But, no, for we live in a complex country with many types of people. Some forward thinking...some married to their first cousins, apparently.According to the Associated Press, a Maryland state legislator believes it is time to pull the plug on first-cousin marriages and stop engaging in what he calls “genetic roulette” with their offspring. The bill would, of course, make exceptions for lovers over 65 and for those who are infertile.Henry Heller, a Democratic delegate, wants to bring Maryland “into the enlightened world of other states such as West Virginia and Arkansas” (is that sarcasm I detect?) that have already outlawed unions of first cousins.Heller, who is a retired special education administrator states that kissing cousins are at a much higher risk of having a child with birth defects. Maryland follows 24 other states that prohibit marriage between first-cousins. (Only 24?) However, Heller says he has “no problem” with couples who just want the companionship and aren’t looking to procreate.Personally, I don’t have an issue with any two consenting adults who want to be together or married. However, for the good of the whole population, we now know that first-cousin marriages often times end with children who have birth defects or mental disabilities and then it is the state that ends up taking care of these people, creating a burden on us all. Yet, some would argue, why stop there with just first cousin marriage being outlawed? If we are worried about genetic disorders being passed on, maybe everyone should be tested for defects and the government can decide who can procreate and who can’t. Obviously, that would never happen, and maybe we are just grossed out by kissing cousins in our society, even though it is very prevalent in other cultures.After all, Queen Victoria married her first cousin. The Bible encourages marriages between first cousins. The practice is still quite popular in much of the Muslim world, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Genetics researcher Alan Bittles estimates that 20% of marriages worldwide are between first cousins. Even here, in the United States, many genetic counselors agree that there are no exact figures, but experience suggests that 1 in a 1000 marriages in our country is between first cousins. So, when it comes to marriage, when it comes to love...who are we to judge? Although I do feel sort of slimy when I think about it. Either I’m backwards in my thinking or really ahead of my time. Not sure yet.And, for your viewing pleasure, enjoy the clip above of Ricki Lake interviewing cousins in love and the evil sister who wants it to stop! It sounds like a twisted Dickens novel of some sort! Enjoy! Love, Sexuality/Health 2010-03-10T16:35:20+00:00 Love http://twodaymag.com/love/why-do-people-cheat#When:15:44:32Z It comes as a surprise to nobody that men and women are wired differently. Countless books, websites and blogs have been dedicated to helping one sex understand the other. Perhaps the most sought answer after “how do I get the other sex to like me?” is “why do men and women cheat?” Women and men both cheat, but their reasons for doing so can be very different. This entry will focus on women, the one on men will be coming shortly. Women are generally profiled into one of two categories: Chronic cheaters and those who are not. Those who are chronic cheaters (and I believe it is less than 10% of the female population) do so for reasons that could fill an entire book. Since this group is so small, I’m not going to spend any more time on them. If you are in a relationship with a chronic cheater my short term advice would be to accept it or move on. The rest of the female population falls into the “not considered chronic cheaters category,” yet they can still cheat. Therefore, there are two important things to understand about cheating: yes it can happen to you, and yes there are things you can do to help ensure that it doesn’t. Women cheat for one general reason that manifests itself in different ways: People are attracted to someone of an equal rating to his/her self (8’s paired with 8’s, 4’s with 4’s, etc.). Keep in mind, your rating is not a fixed number you are stuck with, it is constantly changing. You might be a 6 when you were 17 but now at 25 you’re a 9. This search for equality is common in both men and women, to put it simply: (This is especially true with women; with men this is a little more complicated) many times they are looking to trade up. Therefore, “What is she looking for in a guy?” is the single most important question in your relationship. Unfortunately, getting the answer to this question is more challenging than many think. Guys have a tendency to ask a girl what she wants and then take her answer literally. This will work less than half of the time…if you’re lucky. I once heard it said that there were three key things to the desires of women (although I would argue it applies to both genders): What they say they want, what they think they want, and what they respond to. The third one is the only one that matters. Once in a while a guy will get lucky and the three things will agree, but most of the time she will say she wants one thing (a rich guy who will bow down and do everything for her), thinks she wants something else (a bad boy complete with tattoos and a criminal record), and yet responds to something entirely different (the quiet, confident guy who makes her feel secure, yet keeps her guessing). At the end of the day, guys, it is safe to assume you don’t know her as well as you think you do and it’s never too late to learn more. Once in an official relationship, many people of both genders will assume their partner is “locked down” and stop trying. As a guy, if you were a 9 when you started dating and because you have her “locked down” and have dropped down to a 5 while she is still a 9, you’ve made the 9 she met in the bar look that much more appealing. It is important to understand that most women in a good relationship are not going to risk losing everything they have for one night of fun with another guy. However, other guys will definitely try and the first rule is acceptance of that fact. You can’t attach yourself to an attractive girl and expect her not to get hit on hourly; it’s just the way it is. Most women of value do not find insecure men attractive and nothing looks more unattractive than freaking out every time she wants to have a night out with her friends, or finding out some other guy talked to her. All freaking out usually does is make her feel you don’t trust her and that in turn will deter her from telling you things and that starts a habit of withholding information… you see where this is going. The other thing a potential rival will have to deal with when trying to prove he’s a step up from you, is time. He not only has to prove to your girl that he’s a significant enough step up to get her to risk everything she has with you, but also have to do it in the amount of time he is exposed to her. If you’re doing your job, it should be almost impossible for a guy to prove he’s a step up from you after one night in a bar. Your best bet is start really listening to her, not just what she says, but also what she doesn’t say. Pay attention to what she reads, what she watches, what she does with her friends; not just what she says when you ask point blank “what are you looking for?” The true answer to that question is the most important thing in your relationship; don’t cut corners in finding the answer and your relationship will thrive as long as you want it to. Honesty and mutual respect are key components for keeping her around. Look for part two on why men stray and what you can do about it. Advice, In Love, Relationships, Sex and Sexuality, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2010-03-10T15:44:32+00:00 Blog http://twodaymag.com/blog/ben-oethlisberger-in-hot-water-again#When:16:36:10Z Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more. Yesterday, in Milledgeville, Ga, Pittsburgh Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger, 28, found himself at the center of yet another sexual assault case. This time, (that’s right, he has been accused of hurting a woman before) a 20 year old girl, who had been out barhopping with friends, claims that Ben followed her into the women's bathroom at a Georgia nightclub around 2:30 in the morning and assaulted her. She went to the police early Friday morning and stated that Ben had sexually assaulted her. She was taken to the hospital after that, and was released later that morning. The young woman has dropped out of college for this semester, after some found out who she was, and began harassing her.A high profile defense attorney has been hired by Ben on Monday to dispute this second claim of sexual assault. This same attorney also defended rapper T.I. on a federal weapons charge, as well as represented Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in a murder case. Lewis’ more serious charges were dropped and he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of obstruction of justice.Although Ben hasn’t been named as a suspect just yet, and all the facts have not been collected, and the investigation has really just begun, Ben’s attorney, Ed Garland, has already released a very strong statement of innocence, claiming: “The facts show that there was no criminal activity. No sexual assault occurred. Ben is completely innocent of any crime.”Authorities also stated that Ben has yet to give them a DNA sample, but they will be obtaining one in the coming days. The young woman has hired her own attorney, and the police are interviewing eight people as well as reviewing video footage but would not elaborate further. Ben, who owns a home about 30 miles from Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claimed he raped her at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe back in 2008. Ben denies this allegation.So what do the Steelers think of this situation? President Art Rooney II said Monday that the team is closely monitoring the situation. “All of us in the Steelers family are concerned about the recent incident involving Ben Roethlisberger in Georgia. We cannot comment on any of the specifics until law enforcement’s investigation is concluded.”So, the question begging to be asked...is Ben Roethelisberger capable of sexual assault? He claims that he would never force himself on a woman, but the stories coming forward seem to counter that claim. Whether or not you are a Steelers fan has nothing to do with the fact that we, as a society, need to stand up and say that sexual assault will NOT be tolerated. I don’t care if she was drunk, I don’t care if she was dumb and left with him, I don’t care if he was drunk. Sexual assault is NEVER ok. It is NEVER “asked for” and it should NEVER be excused. If he has committed this crime, I hope the pig goes to jail for a looooooong time.As for this woman being a gold digger (can you tell I have read other comments on other websites?) I ask, why would she be? This is the worst way to go about getting money out of someone, especially when they are so high profile. She went to the hospital. She filed a report with the police. She had to drop out of school because she is being vilified. To me, this sounds like a scared young woman who was assaulted and followed all of the proper channels to deal with the incident and is now being played out in the media as a “whore who just wants money.” This labeling of women and athletes has to stop! Athletes are not gods, and women who are assaulted by athletes are not gold diggers. We have taken our worship of sport figures to a dangerous level in this country and we see time and time again, that if you have enough money, you can get away with basically anything. As for this particular case, this is the SECOND time Ben has been accused. How many more times will he get off the hook without having to even so much as explain himself to the public that so blindly worships him? And, if he didn’t commit this crime, someone needs to coach him off the field on how to act in restaurants and bars so that he won’t keep getting into such predicaments. It’s just so embarrassing Celeb relationships 2010-03-09T16:36:10+00:00 Love http://twodaymag.com/love/falling-out-of-love#When:16:08:10Z Your heart races, your palms sweat; being together is almost unbearable. The way your body feels is indescribable. You can't sleep, you won't eat, and all you do is think about your relationship day and night. Sounds like you're falling in love. Wrong! The same emotional and physical manifestations that you feel falling in love are also felt when you're falling out of love! But...wait!Can a person who has "fallen in love" ever  really "fall out of it?" The answer is an unfortunate yes. We're not talking crushes or just thinking that you are in love. We're talking the real deal. It seems almost impossible that the same person whom you deeply and sincerely loved can become the guy for whom you no longer have feelings. Falling out of love can be a long slow process or an overnight occurrence but the result is the undeniable - you just don't feel the same . What causes this turn-about? Sometimes you realize that you made a mistake in choosing the relationship. The man you fell in love with may no longer be the man he was when you met him. He may have changed in ways that you hadn't anticipated. Or maybe it is you who have changed. What you wanted in the past is no longer what you want now. You have grown but he hasn't grown along with you. He's content with the status quo and you're not.Perhaps he has done something that completely turned off your feelings. Addiction, alcohol, no financial support are all issues that can crush love especially if there is no hope for a positive change.The reasons for falling out of love are as varied as falling in love. The click is no longer there and as sad as it makes you feel, you know the relationship is over. What can you do about it? The first thing to do is to be practical and ask yourself some serious questions. How do I want my life to be? What do I want now?   Am I willing to stay in a relationship that has nothing left for me?   Am I doing this for financial reasons? (e.g. rent, shared expenses, etc.)   Am I staying for the sex? (e.g. an available partner, familiarity)   Can I pretend "forever?"   Is being in a relationship, any relationship, worth it just to be "part of a couple?" And finally, when you have established that there is absolutely nothing at all left to salvage for you ask yourself - How can I end this without causing major hurt to the person I once truly  loved? Be honest and open with yourself. Jot down why you want to leave and what you plan to do once you're away from the relationship. Make absolutely sure you're just "not in a rut." Relationship ruts can be fixed, lack of love can't.Tell him. You owe it to him to let him know that you're ending the relationship; that's only fair. But be kind. You don't want to hurt him any more than is necessary. You once loved him, keep that in mind. You're not heartlessDon't be surprised. He may have fallen out of love with you! Discuss what his feelings are too. Be adult. You may be able to at least be on good terms after everything is over. Don’t discount friendship. A good male friend can be a positive in your life.After you have left the relationship you may feel happier than you have in a long while. Take the opportunity to enjoy your freedom.Songs, novels, poetry all attempt to teach us about falling in love. Falling out of love is something we learn on our own. ***Kristen Houghton is the author of the popular newly released book: AND THEN I'LL BE HAPPY! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First published by GPP Life an imprint of Globe Pequot Press. copyright ©2009 Kristen Houghton all rights reserved.On sale at all stores where books are sold Copyright ©2010 by Kristen Houghton. All rights reserved.www.andthenillbehappy.com/ Advice, In Love, Moving On, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2010-03-09T16:08:10+00:00 Live http://twodaymag.com/live/post-traumatic-stress-disorder#When:16:24:22Z Relationships are hard work even under the best of circumstances.  The give and take, the scheduling, the strive to keep the fire going, and the all important quest to keep your partner content can require a great deal of effort.  There is a relatively new hurdle emerging in that quest in light of the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan:  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, for short.  It is estimated that approximately 15% of vets who have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs and symptoms of PTSD include “persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled.”  This begs the question, “How do I carry on a relationship if my partner or I suffer from PTSD?”  As a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, I’ve suffered from PTSD and still  been able to continue on in a healthy and loving relationship for two years; I can provide you with some tips.First, just like in any potential long-term relationship, you have to determine if your partner is genuinely worth the effort.  You need to be able to trust him/her, or conversely if your partner is the one with PTSD, earn his/her trust.  Trust is a key ingredient in any relationship, but is paramount to a person with PTSD.  We tend to throw up the proverbial wall and to repel anyone who tries to break through, more so than you may usually find.  Once the trust is established, the hardest part is over. The key ingredient is for both parties to understand that the other person isn’t there just to fulfill THEIR needs and desires. This goes for any relationship in general, but is even more important in this situation. Part of suffering from PTSD is feeling detached and withdrawn from others.  Both of you need to recognize and understand this. Speaking from experience, at times it can be a Herculean effort for me to focus on putting my girlfriend’s needs before my own, and even though she doesn’t let on, I’m certain it’s the same thing for her.  Next, you will need to cope with what I call “the Episodes.”  These can vary from person to person, depending on their particular trauma, and the severity of their diagnosis.  For me, these include times of just wanting to be left alone, hyper vigilance (some might call it paranoia), and not liking things that go “boom”.  I used to enjoy fireworks, but not anymore.  Some of my battle buddies have difficult times dealing with large crowds; others have trouble with traffic.  Keep these factors in mind when planning a date!And finally, the most important tip if your partner is the one with PTSD, is to take your time discussing the events that caused the case of PTSD.  Most experts agree that talking about what happened helps the patient recover, but this is not an open invitation to interview him or her in-depth about their experiences.  Wait for them to open up voluntarily.  As curious as you may be, let it rest until he or she decides it’s time to tell you.  This shows your partner that you respect him/her.  Their reticence to talk about things generally won’t be due to a lack of trust or respect for you.  Most likely it will be because the events are painful to recall, or that he/she doesn’t want to paint a graphic picture that could likely cause you any emotional discomfort.In the end, being in a PTSD relationship is similar to being in a normal relationship.  Keep in mind the tips mentioned above, add some extra TLC, and if the love is there, then you have the all the tools you will need for your relationship to work!  For more info on PTSD, click here: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml Living twoday, Our World, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2010-03-08T16:24:22+00:00 Live http://twodaymag.com/live/top-sex-myths#When:16:00:17Z From which gender spends the most time fantasizing, to whether size really matters, Dr. Buffman, from Boston Medical Group, tackles common misconceptions about time spent between the sheets. There are a lot of people out there that are misinformed about a number of aspects related to sex; from physical pleasure and chemistry right up to the facts about procreation. Being knowledgeable and understanding the real facts is not only important because sex is such a vital part of our physical health and well-being – it actually increases the likelihood that your sex life will become more fulfilling and pleasurable.TOP SEX MYTHS:Great sex comes naturally The physical chemistry you see on TV and in the movies suggests that when two lovers meet, sparks fly and mind-blowing sex naturally follows. But, in the real world, it’s not always that easy. Give yourself and your partner some time to get to know one another’s bodies and turn-ons. The longer you are with someone (as opposed to what we are told in the media) the better sex can become!   The human body doesn’t come with an instruction manual. The “tricks of the trade” that pleased a former partner do not always translate with someone new. Good communication is key to good sex, as is a willingness to be open to trying new techniques and positions to find out what both partners find pleasurable. An open mind is key to a GREAT sex life. Be try-sexual! Did you know?The clitoris is the only organ on the male or female body that is designed purely for pleasure – there is no other known function.  So, what are you waiting for? (http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/clitoris.html) Men have more sexual urges than women Though many men would have you believe they’re ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the truth is that men experience daily fluctuations in libido, as do women.   A man’s readiness to hop in the sack may be impacted by many of the same factors that impact a woman’s level of desire; including diet, sleep, health, stress, medical conditions, self-confidence and relationship disharmony. Ladies, men need attention and positive reinforcement just as much as we do! Tell him he looks sexy can work for his mood just as it would work for yours!   Women have additional factors affecting their libido, including their menstrual cycle and/or birth control pills. Many women are also more affected than men by emotional and environmental factors, including cultural stigmas that keep them from being vocal and assertive about their desires.  So, the next time your lady is feeling out of sorts, give her a back rub, ask her about her day, say she looks beautiful. A little attention can go a long way! Did you know?Pregnancy can causes a dramatic spike in hormone levels, making pregnant women more sexual and able to have more intense orgasms! (http://www.latimes.com/sns-health-pregnant-women-best-sex,0,4920103.story) After a certain age, sex is no longer important Sex is an important aspect of physical and emotional health and well-being for adults of all ages, even those in their golden years.   While some people believe that a decrease in libido is a natural part of aging, a loss of sexual desire can be related to a number of other factors including hormone deficiencies, depression, anxiety disorders, side effects of medication, changes to a relationship, communication barriers or loss of a spouse or partner. Did you know?  Without proper and frequent stimulation, the penis can actually atrophy. (from Dr. Buffman in the last release.) If you don’t use it, you lose it! (How is that for motivation?)Size matters Even if every man could probably tell you exactly how long his penis is, surveys have revealed that girth, not length, may be the greater factor in female pleasure.   Studies have shown that over 75% of women reach orgasm through oral sex as opposed to only 25% though intercourse alone. Contact against the clitoris and vaginal tissues leads to orgasm, which is not always achieved strictly through penetration.  Did you know?  The average penis size, when soft, is 3.5 – 4.5 inches long and one inch wide. (http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/penis_02.html) Women can’t get pregnant if a man withdraws before ejaculating The “pull-out” method, also known as the rhythm method, is potentially the worst possible form of birth control. Men do not always know when ejaculatory fluid begins to seep out and even ahead of a perceptible orgasm, pre-ejaculate, which includes sperm, is released and is enough to get a woman pregnant. In fact, 1 in 5 couples who use this method as their only form of birth control over the course of a year will end up pregnant. People who use the "pull-out method" have a nickname. They are often called parents. Did you know?  Semen is actually in a gel-like form when ejaculated from the penis, and doesn’t turn into a liquid until 20 minutes after ejaculation. (http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/semen-analysis) You can catch an STD from a toilet seat While public restrooms are host to a number of germs, from those that cause the common cold to Hepatitis A and sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, most organisms can only survive for a very short time and the toilet seat is a highly unlikely transmitter of disease.   In addition, to catch an STD in a restroom, germs would have to make contact directly with your urethral or genital tract or enter through an open sore, which is possible but very rare.   Did you know?  There were major surges in STD transmission during both WWI and WWII. (http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Sexually-Transmitted-Disease-(STD).htm) A headache is a good reason to avoid sex While many women, and some men too, have feigned a headache to get out of sex, intercourse actually relieves minor aches and pains, including headaches. Oxytocin and other feel good endorphins released during orgasm are responsible for the pain relief.   Did you know?  An orgasm can stimulate and relax muscles all over your body, not just in the pelvic region, and studies also show that there is actually a change in brain wave patterns during an orgasm. (http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/orgasm.html) Certain foods can put you in the mood Named for the Greek goddess of sensuality and love, aphrodisiacs are said to put you in the mood. While oysters, dark chocolate, strawberries and tiger penis might make you feel l’amour, there is no scientific evidence to support the validity of aphrodisiacs.   While there is no science to foods and/or herbs causing arousal, a certain food can trigger an erotic memory or desire in your own mind, so in a sense, we all have our own aphrodisiacs. Did you know?  There is more to foreplay than what you eat. For instance, kissing, a common part of foreplay, causes arousal in part because the mucous membranes that cover the lips are chalk-full of nerve endings. (http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/foreplay_02.html) The little blue pill While many people believe Viagra and other similar oral medications are the best or only treatment for men with erectile dysfunction, the truth is that for many men, these drugs are not a viable option or they simply are not effective.   Oral medications are only a temporary fix to a problem that may have other underlying health causes that should be addressed by a qualified physician. If your spouse or partner suffers from ED, encourage him to see a doctor to discuss what may be causing his erectile dysfunction and the possible treatment options.     Many men with health conditions including hypertension and diabetes cannot take oral prescriptions due to serious potential side effects or contraindications with other medications. For men who cannot use oral meds, there are a number of other options, including urethral suppositories and ICP, an injection that produces an erection within minutes. Did you know?  According to some reports, the largest penis ever measured was 13.5 inches in length and 6.25 inches in circumference. (http://www.sizemed.com/world-record-for-biggest-penis.html) A little bit about: Dr. Barry BuffmanDr. Barry Buffman is a Board Certified urologist who joined the Los Angeles Boston Medical Group in 2002 as the physician of the Los Angeles office.  He graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Psychology, and later completed his medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago.  During his early academic career, Dr. Buffman studied the early markers of prostate cancer and compared their effectiveness as early screening tools.After completing his surgical residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, he went on to complete a residency in urology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. In the course of his career, Dr. Buffman has enjoyed over 20 years of private surgical practice in sub-specialties in sexual dysfunction, oncology, laser and trauma.     Living twoday, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2010-03-06T16:00:17+00:00 Blog http://twodaymag.com/blog/sorry-baby-no-condom-for-me-Im-just-too-big#When:17:42:40Z At the University of Kentucky, Dr. Richard Crosby, and Dr. Bill Yarber of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction in Indiana wrote:“Men and their female sex partners may benefit from public health efforts designed to promote the improved fit of condoms.”  Condoms that do not fit correctly often times break, slip off, or cause a reduction in sexual pleasure for both partners. Is the ill-fitting condom the real reason men don’t want to wear them? Are there just too many “big boys” out there (Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?) or is this just an excuse men use to avoid using protection when having intercourse?This study, which was released Monday, focuses on encouraging people to use condoms to reduce the possibility of contracting HIV, other STIs and of course, unwanted pregnancy; which was reported in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.The survey included 436 men which ranged in ages 18-67. Nearly HALF (45%) reported that they had used a ill-fitting condom in the last 3 months. The men surveyed also complained that the condom was irritating to wear (duh, if you don’t put lubrication on it first) and they often broke or slipped off. (Um, if it is slipping off, it definitely isn’t too small, that would mean the condom is too big.)These same guys who wore ill fitting condoms were TWICE as likely to say that using condoms reduced the overall sexual pleasure for both them and their partner. Newsflash, if  a woman is worrying about the condom breaking, slipping off, or chafing her, they probably won’t want to have sex at that point. No one wants to panic in the middle of sex, thinking, “Oh, shit, what just happened?”  Kind of a mood killer.The researchers also wrote that: “Moreover, the increased likelihood that men using ill-fitting condoms will remove condoms before sex ends constitutes another form of condom failure. Fortunately, it seems likely that these problems could be rectified through education programs.”What’s even more entertaining is the fact that since condoms are labeled “Small”, “Medium”, “Large”, etc..., these same men that were surveyed said they refused to buy (or felt embarrassed to buy) condoms that were “Small” or “Medium”. I, for one, propose that they stop labeling condoms as “Small” and start using letters like they do on ladies’ pantyhose. If you are a “Small” you buy size “A”. “Medium” is size “B”, and so forth. A discreet letter at the corner of the condom package may make men more likely to buy the size that they actually need, and not the size that they are projecting to the outward world, including the Walgreens counter girl who is bored enough to judge you. Is this really about size, though? Or do men really not want to wear condoms? I understand that it feels better without them, but, is it really that big of a deal? Isn’t it better to have safe sex and not worry, than to make your partner nervous? Let’s be real, I know guys don’t worry as much as girls do, because they can’t get preggers. For us, there is always that extra fear in the back of the mind (which is why it is so important for women to take care of themselves, sexually, and get on birth control if they aren’t in the market for a baby.)I also believe that our lack of real sex education in high schools is at the root of this issue, as well. How many men were actually shown how to use a condom properly? Probably not that many. What’s the point of having contraceptives if you don’t know what to do with them? Although, I guess they can make great water balloons. Enjoy the video. Whenever someone speaks with a British accent, I feel like they know what they are talking about! Point being, don’t be a fool, wrap your tool! Sexuality/Health 2010-03-05T17:42:40+00:00 Play http://twodaymag.com/play/mas#When:16:45:12Z From the small sign next to the front door, to the pleasant greeting we received, we felt that we were being entertained at someone’s home. The atmosphere was rustic and cozy; many other diners were celebrating birthdays or other special events, making it a joyful place. We were celebrating the fact that the staff and kitchen all seemed to be working together to maximize our dining experience. Everything seemed to be perfectly choreographed, from the set-up of the silverware to the delivery and retrieval of the plates; it was all in symphony. The wine list was very large and extensive with an emphasis, obviously, on France. There were good choices for every budget. We decided on a luscious 2005 Montrachet from Burgundy. There were three different ways to enjoy their menu: a la carte style, a three course tasting menu for $68, and a 6 course chef’s tasting menu for $95 per person. We chose the latter as we were excited to see what surprises came out of the kitchen. We opted for a seafood tasting menu, and we had a great experience. The amuse bouche was a smoked trout with a fresh cucumber salad. Our taste buds were excited and eager for more. This was followed by the first course, a scrumptious shrimp soufflé. The second course was an enjoyable roasted sea scallop over a pasta sheet with warm crab salad in a clam and parsley broth. Next up was a real treat; lobster with hen of the woods and chanterelle mushrooms in a carrot foam that truly melted in your mouth. Following that was fresh Chilean sea bass that had been roasted to perfection. It was served in a leak fondue, celery root puree with a baby carrot, and turnip soup. Then, we indulged in monkfish soaked in a mushroom stew served over a carrot puree, roasted pearl onions, and cauliflower. It was delicious. Continuing our decadent evening, we split their cheese course. The cheeses were well picked and some melted delicately in our mouths. We weren’t through, though! We finally ended the evening off by splitting a delightful dessert with bittersweet chocolate ganache over pomegranate tapioca sauce and chai spiced ice cream with a chocolate tuile stick.  It was a great way to closeout a fantastic dining experience. The entire meal was perfect. Mas’ style is to use seasonal organic ingredients provided by local farmers that you would find on a country estate. This rang true for all the dishes we tasted. The portion sizes were ideal and the meal was timed very well. The courses were not right on top of each other, giving you a chance to savor and discuss the wonderful foods your were enjoying. Overall, Mas is pricey, but the experience was well worth the cost. It is a treasure and should be visited for your next celebration. Restaurants, homepage carousel 2010-03-05T16:45:12+00:00