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Donald Yates asked:


Is Life Only A Carrousel?

The ultimate challenge of life is being born a boy. From the beginning there are all kinds of annotations that a boy has to overcome, like right out of the womb there is, “Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails, that’s what little boys are made of.” It must have been a woman to hung such a label on a little boy. Puppy dog tails, my word, don’t they know they have possibly scared the very core of every boy alive? Well anyway, it’s all a bunch of hogwash because boys are the future leaders and defenders of the family and all that it stands for, well anyway that’s what the girls let them think.

Horse play is to be expected.

It’s true that when boys are boys a certain amount of horse play is expected but it’s all the good accounting of boyhood. There is a time, just before a boy becomes a man where he may become a little mischievous, he can’t help it, it’s in his nature. How can you enjoy being a boy if you don’t stir things up a little or at least keep the people around you guessing at what you’re going to do next.  And what the heck, why not? How can a boy experience boyhood without being a boy?  It’s the nature of the beast! 

The girls will tame them in time.

The girls and mothers of the world may attempt to tame the boys but it is to no avail for boys are quite untamable. Their wondering minds seek adventure for the pure excitement in it. It doesn’t mean it has to make sense, it just has to get the adrenaline flowing. Quite frankly boyish things lead to manly accomplishments. Where else are you going to get on-the-job-training for manhood? To the ladies it may seem quite disturbing but deep down they love the wickedness in the boys. It’s a tradition after all, set forth by those adventurous boys of the past, a  legacy that must be upheld, you know, king of the hill, leader of the pack and all that sort of thing.  

Boys may be wild and smelly but they are always up for the challenge. Believe it or not they are not born to disrupt the whole of society or to aggravate female’s lives, they do have a more challenging part to play. Boys who cross into men become the pillars of the community, the heads of the family and the captain’s of industry. Make no mistake, the most prominent of men are still little boys . . . underneath.

Boys keep trying to be free.
There are time when the strength of men becomes challenged like when looking straight into the eyes of a gorgeous woman, all good sense goes to the knee as they get all rubbery and a shortness of breath sets the mind into a query. The mind reverts to, “me man, you woman” stupid mentality. Men can’t help it, when women comes around they simply melt into a blob of jelly. 

Of course a boy would not be a boy if he could not figure a way around the worst of situations. As a man he is stern and powerful, to women he is a puppy dog and masseur of the feet. All men know women love puppy dogs and having their feet massaged so men use these weaknesses to, yes get around sticky situations.

No use it’s doom for the boys

Alas the man becomes caught in the middle, King of the boardroom, lamb of the bedroom the twist of life is unsettling at very least. Confusion sets in and the man begins to flounder. Just a little at first, like a small earthquake, hardly noticeable then, bam the big one hits. One day he wakes up and he is only a shell of a man and his foundation has been shaken into little pieces. He no longer thinks for himself, his adventurous spirit is subdued and age has taken its toll. The kids are grown and silence has taken their place. A belly is drooping over his belt and he feels more lost than ever. He has a hard time now, holding his head up, for pride left him years ago.

He sees the young boy in the park and weeps for his future. There will be good times as well as bad and time will march on without pity for those left behind. He longs to be a boy again but society says no, you must be responsible and conform to the rules. He is sad, sad for the things he never got around to doing and letting time slip by unnoticed.

Keep trying, someone might hear you.

We are all on the same road, like it or not. Ninety percent of men will not pay attention to opportunities as they pass by and will float through life on a cloud. Ten percent will not be satisfied until they have changed the world to fill their desires. Which are you?

Happy Trails         

Dana - Roomful Express Furniture asked:


Cleaning Tips For Your Living Room Furniture



Buying living room furniture is a big investment that requires a lot of search time and preparation. Daily use can have a great impact on the longevity and look of your furniture, and you want to make sure you properly care for it in order to extend its use for as long as possible. Here are some great cleaning tips to keep your furniture looking as fresh and beautiful as the day you bought it.

  Avoid Harsh Chemicals



Stay clear of upholstery cleaners that use harsh chemicals or toxins to clean your furniture. These furniture cleaners may leave your furniture smelling and looking clean for some time, but there are risks associated with cleaning your furniture with them. For starters, these cleansers are typically full of harsh chemicals and toxins that can actually cause more harm than good to your furniture. Additionally, they are known to actually foster resoiling, resulting in more cleaning. These cleaners may also remove the protective layers of your furniture fabric, resulting in furniture that looks more worn, as well as causing harm to your upholstery.

Stay Clear of Steam



Steam cleaning initially sounds like a great idea when it comes to cleaning your furniture. However, it is important to consider what moisture can do to your furniture. Excessive moisture can cause odors, mold, and soil build-up. When steam cleaning is done the excess water must be ****** up, which can take days to fully dry. Even when the fabric appears dry on the surface, the moisture can still be present deep down. Steam cleaning may also strip your furniture’s upholstery, leaving it more prone than before to stains and soil.

Bring Out the Vacuum



Vacuuming your furniture regularly is a great way to clean debris and dirt off of your furniture before it has a chance to seep down and cause problems. Vacuuming will also allow you to prolong the need of more extensive and deep cleaning. Vacuuming should be done at least once a week. Make sure you not only do the visible parts of your furniture; you will also want to make sure you vacuum under the cushions and in the crevices of your furniture.

Spot Clean as Soon as Possible



Accidents happen frequently, and most likely your furniture will not be able to avoid them. Spills are likely to occur, and can lead to permanent stains if not taken care of quickly. Here are some ways to take care of these spills quickly and properly:

Always blot from the outside to the center of a spot. Doing so will control the spread of a spill

Test your fabric in a hidden area to make sure the color doesn not come off with the stain, or that a ring is not caused by the cleaning agent.

If the spot is liquid, use an absorbent white cloth or white paper towel to gently blot up the excess.

If the spot is solid material, remove the excess by lifting it off with a dull table knife or spoon.

Never rub, scrub, or brush a spill.

Never use strong chemicals such as bleach, solvents, or acids unless they are recommended by a specialist.

Never use sudsy detergents, as they leave a soapy residue that attracts dirt.

Avoid using tap water. Use distilled water or plain seltzer water. Minerals in common tap water can cause rings, even on treated fabrics.

Know Your Furniture Needs



There are a wide range of furniture fabrics and styles available. It is important to know which ones may or may not be best for your particular lifestyle. A leather sofa may not fair well with a home full of cats, but can work great with children because it is simple to clean and wipe spills. If you are decorating a room that will be low traffic and more for entertaining you can choose virtually any furniture fabric. You should also be aware that certain fabrics are more resistant to sunlight damage than others. If you need help finding out what fabrics fit your lifestyle, our trained associates will be happy to assist you at any store location.

 

The sofa and other various items that comprise the living room are often the center piece and the focal point for guests that you invite into your home. You want to make sure you are caring for them properly in order to keep them clean and increase their life. Following these tips will assure that your living room furniture is properly maintained and cared for.

Astro Boy asked:


Japanese animation guru Osamu Tezuka created Astro Boy back in the 1950s and has brought him to the big screen. Watch Astro Boy online and you’ll see a sweet story about a robot-boy and a grieving father trying to reconcile in a futuristic and fantastical world. Astro Boy sets off on a journey both physically and mentally, hoping to find a place he will fit in.

Directed by David Bowers, who also directed Flushed Away, the movie stars Freddie Highmore as Astro Boy’s voice. You’ll hear the voice work of Nicolas Cage, Eugene Levy, and Kristen Bell when you watch Astro Boy online, in addition to voices by Nathan Lane, Donald Sutherland, and Matt Lucas. Astro Boy is set in a futuristic city called Metro City.

Astro Boy the young robot has incredible powers given to him by Dr. Tenma, his brilliant creator. Dr. Tenma had a son who died, and he made Astro Boy to look just like his beloved son. Sadly, Astro Boy does not fulfill the grieving Dr. Tenma’s expectations.

Astro Boy runs away to find a place where he will feel accepted. He once joins up with a group of unruly kids led by Kristen Bell-voiced Cora. He also goes to a world of fighting robot gladiators ruled by Ham Egg, voiced by Nathan Lane.

But he learns that he has to return to Metro City. Will he and Dr. Tenma reconcile? Included in the all-star voice cast are Charlize Theron, Matt Lucas, Eugene Levy, and Samuel Jackson, in addition to Cage, Highmore, Bell and Lane.

This kind of star power ensures a film that will be a pleasure to watch. But Astro Boy is one more piece of evidence that animation is more than just a children’s medium.

Better animation and better story lines have brought animation into the mainstream. Watch Astro Boy online and you’ll enjoy a great story beautifully executed.

Dance 4 Less asked:


Dance 4 Less, a premier online dance shoes provider, offers the top dance shoes on the market.  We have a full line of dance shoes for children, women, and men.  We offer name brand items and we offer all of it to you at savings your wallet will love.  Our shoes are flexible, giving you comfort and style at the same time.  You may even feel like Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire as you start gliding across the dance floor.

Featured Dance Shoe Sale Items

Currently, we are offering several clearance items at $9.99.  We have many ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes, ballroom shoes, gym shoes, and Lyrical Sandals.  Toe shoe ribbons are as low as $1.50 and tap shoe ties are only $2.49.  From leg warmers to tutus to tiaras to toe savers to double action taps and more, we have the dance shoe and accessories you need at the prices you want.

You can also find the perfect dance bags to tote your dance shoes and accessories items around in style.  We know it’s important to look good before, during, and after the performance.  It’s also important to look good going back and forth to practice.  Plus we don’t want you scuffing your shoes before your big performance.

Compliment Your Dance Shoes with the Perfect Dancewear

As you search for the dance shoes you need, be sure to visit our complete line up of specialized dancewear items, such as leotards to cheerleading separates and more, Dance  4 Less offers a complete dancewear line for women, children, and men, all at discount prices.  It’s your mission to dance or cheer and it’s our mission to provide you with the dance shoes, accessories and dancewear you need to do just that.

Whatever your style of dance is, we have the dance shoes to fit your needs, style, and size.  Be sure to also check out our online photo gallery of our entire dance shoe line that allows you to see exactly what you will get.  We take the worry out of ordering online.

If you are a school looking to place a bulk order, we will pick up the tab for the sales tax.  You can just fax us the information and we’ll take care of the rest.  We also offer refunds and exchanges on all purchases so there is never any risk to you.

Visit us today at www.dance4less.com and start show stopping!

Alex Lum asked:


Playtime is an integral part of your boy’s development as a child, perhaps more than you even realized. Children play many different ways. Girls and boys play and develop differently which is why you need to buy at least some boy toys for your boy, no matter what age he is.

Of course there are many toys that both girls and boys can enjoy but there needs to be at least a few strictly boy toys around for your boy no matter what age he is.

The boy toys you buy for your guy are an integral extension of your child and his development. Each activity that is a result of a specific toy will have a different effect on development and since your boy’s playtime is fundamental to his development it’s important that you do some reading on the various boy toys on the market and how they affect development.

Throughout history both boys and girls have played with toys and children from different cultures play with different toys. In fact in some cultures boys play only with boy toys and girls play only with girl toys.

Your child’s toys will help promote well being and they will also play an integral role in helping to develop social skills because they will often be playing with other children. A group of boys will often examine the boys toys available and then make a decision as a group as to what they will play with. And just like in real adult life the majority will rule.

Toys are an instrument that helps to develop children’s thoughts, creativity, and fantasies. Boys and girls think and process differently which is another reason why your boy needs to have plenty of boy toys to choose from.

Here’s a few helpful tips for buying boys toys.

1. Choose toys that are right for your boy’s age. Read the instructions to make sure you know about any warnings associated with the product, as well as how it operates, ages recommended, and how it is used.

2. Buy education boys toys whenever possible. Combining play and learning together makes for the development of a variety of skills.

3. When your boy has outgrown his boys toys pack them away for use by another child in the future. You never know when there might be another boy around to enjoy them.

4. If you are purchasing toys for younger children, check the toys to make sure there are no broken or loose parts, no sharp edges, and that no repairs have been made.

5. Buy boy toys that your child is passionate about. Listen to what he’s saying. For example, if all he wants to do is draw or build models don’t worry because those are educational toys.

There are all kinds of fun and interesting boy toys on the market that will provide hours and hours of fun while at the same time stimulating your child’s development both emotionally and physically. It’s time to decide what boy toys are for your boy.

Dance Engine asked:


Whether you are new to ballroom dancing (or any other genre of dancing that consists of dancing with a partner) or a seasoned dancer who is looking for a new partner, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your “other half” to compliment you on the dance floor. While some traits of a prospective partner maybe visible from the start, others may take a while (or at least a few trials) for realization. Sibling, friend or stranger, as a dance couple, you need to not only act the part but also look the part as keeping your audience entertained stretches way beyond perfect steps and choreography. When dancing, you are telling a story, expressing yourself, not with words but with every part of your body and inner being.

Confidence

This is the first and one of the most important traits to look for in a dance partner.

As a female dancer, one must have confidence in herself to be led on the dance floor. Dancing is one of the few instances a lady requires the ability to guess which step the man is going to take before he actually takes it. It is the female’s duty to step with confidence and follow the partner with in each progressive step and in some cases like twists, turns, spins and lifts, be able to have enough faith to know that he would direct you properly and adequately and not let you down.

As a male dancer, confidence comes in the sense of being able to lead the lady on the dance floor, to convey to her (only with your body movement) what she needs to do. It is the male that decides what happens on the dance floor, where on the floor it happens and which figures and steps to dance, so having a confident male partner who has the capability to make on the spot dance decisions and maneuver the lady around other couples on the dance floor, is detrimental.

If you are a gentleman who had confidence to ask a lady to the dance floor for the first time, then you possess the prerequisite to be a great dancer!

Physical Attraction

Just as with regular couples, physical attraction is important with dance couples to build and maintain chemistry on the dance floor. Whether your a man or a woman, having an attractive partner will put some “fizz” in to your dancing. As a ballroom dancer, if there is no connection with your partner on the dance floor, you are as good as if you were to dance alone and the spectators would be the first to conclude that you are a “mismatch”.

Compatibility

Compatibility goes in par with the second tip and I am using the term in a much broader sense that includes (but not limited to) physical compatibility (height, weight, built), age and interests. It is much easier to dance with and relate to a partner who is of the same age and share common interests as you. Physical compatibility is important to couples who dance standard/smooth and Latin/rhythm styles to maintain form and posture, for easy leading/following and to look smooth on the dance floor. It is also important to make sure that the partner you choose has the same interest and goals for dancing as you in order to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation of intentions later on.

Comfortable to dance with

In a great dance performance, there is no holding back. When you dance, one must be able to express and feel free to “let go”, disconnect from the every day life and connect with a different realm. To achieve this, you need a partner whom you will be comfortable dancing in close proximity with and a partner who will make you want to shed away every bit of shyness and hesitation you may have.

You may not be able to address the issue of “comfort level” when dancing with a brand new partner initially, but with time, you may either be able to make a judgment on how “close” you can be without creating any awkward situations and moments or you will be able to get past whatever the discomfort you felt at the very beginning. Every thing new takes time getting used/adjusted to, so don’t give up without at least a try.

Patience

This is especially applicable to individuals whose prospective partners are above/below your standard and knowledge of dancing. One must ensure that the partner has enough patience to teach you and/or practice with you (without the fighting and the disagreements) until both of you are have caught up to the same level and have mastered the techniques of each step and variation. No one is perfect and no one can get it right every time, therefore having a supportive partner with steady perseverance and diligence can make your dancing experience that much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Dedication & Commitment

To some, dancing is second in nature to walking, while others find it quite challenging to listen to and feel the music and to dance in sync to a beat, let alone a beat and a partner at the same time. In my years of dancing with many different partners (from beginners who have never taken a dance step in their life to people who feel the music in their body and have the spring in their feet) I have come to realize that no matter what your level and knowledge of dancing is, just like with every new venture in life, a little bit of dedication and hard work will make you look like you have been dancing for years. Dancing is a very competitive and challenging sport and comes with a lot of practice, sweat, falls, bruises and aching feet. But if you can find a partner who is as dedicated as you are to becoming a good dancer, you will most definitely be able to see past the pain and enjoy every moment you are on the dance floor.

Creativity and Imagination

Just like any other form of art and expression, dancing requires a great deal of imagination and creativity. Performing a few basic routines and steps that you and your partner have learned in class is one thing, but choreography that keeps an audience and yourself (as the dancer) entertained and interested is a challenge. This is especially felt by beginners whose dancing is limited to a very few basic steps. In such instances, dancing can get quite boring and monotonous but if you had a creative partner who can build upon the basic steps and routines and come up with a new variation or two, I guarantee you will want to stay on the dance floor for the next dance.

Passion for Dancing

This, in my book of dancing is the most important aspect to look for in a dance partner. Some people dance for exercise/fitness purposes, to some it’s a place to make new friends from the opposite *** while to a very handful, dancing is a hobby and a passion. It does not matter what age, color and knowledge your prospective partner has, how attractive he/she is, what physical capabilities and compatibilities your partner possess to dance or how good they may be at keeping to rhythm, the utmost important trait to look for in a dance partner should be his/her passion for dancing. Because without the passion, there is no desire to express, to let go and to let your body, feet, arms and ****** expressions tell a story.

Choose a partner who can bring out the best in you, someone who can constantly motivate you to be better than you are, someone who gives you confidence to take the next step. Don’t let your (bad) choice of a partner prevent or limit you from dancing to the best of your ability.

http://www.danceengine.blogspot.com

Dana - Roomful Express Furniture asked:



Simple tips to assure you properly care for your Leather Living Room Furniture



When choosing a particular style of furniture for your living room, leather can be an exceptional choice. There are a wide range of leather sofas, leather sectionals, recliners, loveseats, and chairs available in various colors and styles. It is easy to clean, stylish, and quite durable when taken care of properly. Leather furniture is great at handling stains and spills, and typically does not require as much maintenance as other fabrics. This is not to say that leather furniture does not require any maintaining. It is "low maintenance", but certainly not "no maintenance."

Here are some great ways to care for your leather furniture:

Clean Stains Immediately

Make sure you take care of a spill immediately. If the stain is given time to sink into the fabric, it can be much more stubborn to cleaning. Additionally, it has a higher chance of reappearing months later. Blot the stain lightly with a soft cloth or towel. Avoid rubbing and smearing the spill, as this will spread the stain. It is best to clean spills on your leather furniture with warm water and mild soap. It is advised to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals that may contain solvents, bleach, or acids. Avoiding commercially available furniture cleaners is recommended as they tend to foster rapid resoiling.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Placing your leather furniture in direct and constant sunlight can cause it to fade over time. It is best to place your leather furniture in a more shaded area of the room, or keep curtains closed when the sun is casting on the furniture.

Keep Away From Heat

Make sure your leather furniture is kept away from strong heat sources such as furnace vents. Exposure to heat causes your leather furniture to dry out, making it vulnerable to cracks and splits. It is recommended that you keep your leather furniture at least two feet away from potentially harmful heat sources.

Avoid Air Pollutants

It is best to not expose your leather furniture to potentially harmful air pollutants such as cigarette smoke and excessive cleaning fumes. Air pollutants can fade or change the color of your leather furniture, and sometimes even distort the fabric in other ways.

Dust Regularly

Keep your leather furniture debris free by dusting at least once per week. You can do this by wiping your furniture with a soft, dry cloth or gently vaccuming it. Make sure you dust in between crevices and under cushions where dirt and dust may hide. Dusting regularly will prevent your furniture from long-term damage from dirt and debris, and assure your leather furniture remains as fresh and new as possible.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Objects

Avoid sharp objects that may scratch or puncture your leather furniture including pens, needles, and animal claws. Although small scratches are fairly simple to repair, large rips and tears cause lifelong damage to the furniture It is also wise to avoid leaving magazines and newspapers on your leather furniture as the ink tends to bleed and may leave ink marks on the leather.



Following these simple steps for caring for your leather furniture will affect the life and condition of your investment. With proper care, your leather furniture can last for many years to come and look just like it did the day you purchased it. Leather furniture is easy to maintain and clean, but taking simple steps to care for it properly is often overlooked. Following the simple tips above will assure that your furniture will remain looking, feeling, and smelling new.