http://www.twodaymag.com/ TwoDayMag full feed en nat@twodaymag.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-18T15:21:59+00:00 Live http://www.twodaymag.com/live/the-hollywood-outsider-the-boobie-buffet#When:15:21:59Z It’s another day closer to the end of the world! But it also means it’s time for another rousing edition of The Hollywood Outsider. This is twodaymag’s weekly exposé, of the exciting world of pop culture written by an ignorant, grumpy old man (in spirit)! This week love is in the air, which in the world of pop culture also probably means murder is in the air, too. Also you can’t have love without boobs, and you can’t have boobs without controversy.There’s a fitting room in the back if you want to try these headlines on! Real Housewife Brandi Glanville Wanted To Kill LeAnn Rimes If The Outsider has learned one thing during his time writing this column, it’s that if there is ever a shortage on drama, one only has to look to the “Real Housewives” franchise to get one’s fix.Truthfully, The Outsider has only seen about half of an episode of one of the Housewives’ spinoffs, but it’s a safe bet his first impression was accurate. Bravo basically pays these women to amble around all day and act like shit-heads.Well, Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Brandi Glanville made headlines this week when she admitted to wanting to kill Country Music Star, Leann Rimes.The targeted singer, who is 29, but doesn’t look a day over 36 (it’s probably all those reverse palates) recently married 38-year-old C-list actor Eddie Cibrian. Cibrain was formally married to Glanville who is 39, but also looks 36. Cibrian and Glanville were married for 10 years when Cibrian started having an affair with the younger-in-real-life-but-not-younger-looking Rimes while on the set of “Northern Lights”, which was some kind of Lifetime movie that The Outsider’s mother would probably be into.The incident involving the threat happened recently when Glanville went to a soccer game and spotted Rimes in her old chair holding her children. The image caused Glanville to publicly state that she wanted to kill Rimes.The Outsider actually feels for Glanville here. Your husband left you for a younger (in reality but not in appearance) woman after you gave him two kids and your entire 30s. Then you show up to your kid’s soccer game and BOOM, there’s the image driving home how completely replaced you are.Rimes has stated that she has taken the death threats seriously. The Outsider would too, as it was Shakespeare who once said, “Hell hath no fury like a rich, blond pissed off cougar” (or something like that).Since then, Glanville has calmed down a bit for the sake of her kids stating that while her and Rimes are never going to be friends, she’s happy her kids are good with her... no matter how old she looks. Time Magazine Does Something Shocking So People Will Remember They Exist Once in a while a publication will do something that involves pushing the envelop a bit in an attempt to stay relevant. For example, Newsweek posted a picture of Sarah Palin it stole from Runner’s World, Vogue once used a picture of Gisele Bundchen standing next to LeBron James - looking like the Rape-Hulk. So these types of things are common.The most recent controversial magazine cover is the one everybody has been talking about this week. “Are You Mom Enough?” cover of TIME Magazine featuring a 26-year-old woman breastfeeding her 3-year-old boy (who doesn’t look a day over 10). The Outsider was on vacation last week so he knows everybody has been anxiously waiting to hear his always on-point analysis. Well the Outsider’s first reaction was “whatever” and immediately went back to writing his upcoming book, Do As I Say Not As I Do: A Poor Nobody’s Guide To Becoming Wealthy And Famous. But it seemed the story wouldn’t go away, so The Outsider’s going to break the whole thing down for you (you’re welcome).Breastfeeding itself is not that controversial an act. It’s clearly not unhealthy or our species would have died out a long time ago. Yet there is always some kind of cultural controversy surrounding it. For a while people were deciding whether it should be acceptable to breastfeed in public since it is a natural and harmless act. Well masturbation is a natural and harmless act too, and if you try it in public you’ll probably get a lot of the same looks. Bottom line is The Outsider doesn’t know how repressive it is to have to go someplace private to breastfeed, so he’s going to defer to the societal majority on that one. The latest controversy that the TIME article was referring to is a style of parenting called attachment parenting. Twodaymag’s own Kristen Houghton mentioned it in her piece about the controversial cover and for the most part The Outsider agrees with her take on the whole thing (good on you, Kristen!). For the uninitiated, attachment parenting is breastfeeding the child until six or seven years old, sleeping with him, and a bunch of other things (Full Disclosure: The Outsider only read about a third of the TIME article because it’s not relevant to him after stupid Judge What’s-Her-Face said he wasn’t allowed to have kids). If it were scientifically possible to surgically insert the child back in to the womb, chances are there would be an argument for it here, somewhere.At this point, The Outsider is going to fall back on the old cliche, if you’re old enough to ask for it, you’re too old to get it. But ultimately doesn’t care what you do with your kids so long as they behave when sitting near him on an airplane.At the end of the day, the TIME cover was a cheap over sexualized ploy at best and degrading to people at worst. Truthfully, the real victim here is that little boy. He’s going to be forever known as a frequent diner at the boobie buffet, and if you think adults in our society are narrow minded and cruel, wait until you get a-load of American kids.That boy is going to get his ass kicked... hard.******************************twoday magazine wants to know: Tell us your thoughts on Dupra’s article on our Facebook page.Follow @twodaymag on Twitter.Like this article? Check out other hilarious commentaries from Dupra for twodaymag:      Space, Love & Sandwiches      The Hollywood Outsider: Punched in the G-Spot Celebrity Relationships, The Hollywood Outsider, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-18T15:21:59+00:00 Live http://www.twodaymag.com/live/shape-up-in-just-4-weeks#When:17:21:31Z So my plan is to provide a solid goal every week that you can work towards along with an exercise tip.  We’ll start with what can produce the most gains over time (4 weeks out) to the ones you still need to use but can start later (1 week from bikini time). That way by the time we are done you will have four new lifestyle changes and four exercise “tips” leaving you well on your way to lean, healthy bodies for life. Alright, let’s get to it. Week 1: Always Eat Breakfast & Eat Every 3 Hours I know I am the “fitness guy”.  But so much of your body composition is comprised by your food intake.  The saying “you are what you eat” isn’t necessarily true but rather, “you are what you metabolize.”  (I stole that one from Mark MacDonald of Venice Nutrition.)  So what I wanted to focus on this first week was your food intake and why it plays such a huge role in your body composition.  If you want deeper info than this article check out a previous twoday article of mine, “How To Lose Your Belly…” To start your body as a fat-burning machine every day you need to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking.  You’ve just woken up from a good night’s rest (hopefully) and haven’t eaten for at least 8+ hrs (hopefully).  Your body is starving.  It hasn’t had nutrients in a long time.  That’s why the first meal of the day is called breakfast.  You are breaking the fast.  You want to eat within 30 minutes of waking to kick-start your metabolism.  Protein & fat are the way to go at this meal.  Remember, dietary fat doesn’t make you fat.  So don’t be afraid to drop some avocado on those eggs. 5-15% of the calories we burn is a result of the thermic effect of food – or what it takes our body to process the food.  Protein takes longer and burns more calories in the process.   Avoid carbs as they will boost insulin (blood sugar) to undesired levels and you will store fat.  The only exception being berries as they are low glycemic.  Reach for darker berries and thin-skinned berries, as they will have far greater antioxidant properties.  If you have a LOT of fat to burn then I would suggest even ditching the berries at breakfast and saving them for post-workout.   Once you’ve eaten breakfast within 30 minutes of waking, you have set your schedule to eat every 3 hours until the day is over.  What this will do is stabilize your blood sugar and keep you in the desired range to not store fat or burn muscle.  Remember, your muscle is your metabolism so you want to keep as much lean muscle as you can.   IF you decide to wait too long to eat, say 6 hours after breakfast, then your blood sugar drops too low and your body will burn muscle.  Conversely if you eat exactly 3 hours later but eat too many carbs or too many calories you will be in that elevated state again and storing fat. I can sense all of you are now freaked out as to what to possibly eat to stay in the healthy range of blood sugar stabilization.  The rules that I teach are: 1) Eat until you are not hungry (not “full”). Everyone is different as well as different times of the day you’ll be more or less hungry – like after a workout.  So just listen to your body.   2) Focus on low-glycemic foods like eggs, above-ground veggies and raw nuts.  We avoid below-ground veggies because they have higher sugar content and will boost your insulin levels.  Not good for fat burning! Hypothetical situation time: Let’s say you ate breakfast at 6am and stuck to the 3 hour rule so you also ate at 9am, 12p, 3p & dinner at 6p.  You go to bed around 10pm. Do you eat at 9pm? The answer – absolutely yes!   Your body still needs energy while you sleep or your metabolism will come to an even greater halt.  As long as you stick to some protein and fat combination your body and brain will have some fuel to process and you will actually burn more fat!  Actually, you will probably sleep a little bit better as well because your body won’t be waking you up begging you to go feed it! Fat-Burning Exercise Tip of the Week:     Do “Big-Bang” exercises that use many joints and many muscles. These are exercises like squats, dead lifts, push-ups, chin-ups and squat-push presses.  Also do them near the beginning of the workouts as you will be fresher physically and mentally.     Next week: How sleep helps you to burn fat PLUS another fat-burning exercise tip! ******************************* twoday magazine wants to know: Are you committing to Phil's 4-Week Shape-Up Plan? Share with us your fitness goals on our Facebook page. Like this article? Here are some other great tips from Phil Gephart for twodaymag:      Three Exercises You Need to Be Doing 'Twoday'      Working Out With a Partner Check out Phil Gephart's website which is full of great workout tips HERE About Phil Gephart:  Phil Gephart is a certified personal trainer with a Master's Degree (MS) in Exercise Science with a focus in Coaching & Athletic Administration, received in 2009 from Concordia University in beautiful Irvine, California. Phil’s passion for fitness is reflected in his involvement in sports throughout his life—in high school, he played basketball, baseball and soccer, in college he continued playing basketball and soccer. Phil also played basketball professionally for five years. “As a professional basketball player, my body was my job…my life. If I wasn’t in shape, I didn’t get paid. I know what it takes to help people develop a strong, athletic, muscular body, and I have the confidence to do that with anyone.”Phil Gephart is currently a professor in the exercise science department at Concordia University, where he teaches an Advanced Personal Training course to undergraduate students. Health and Wellness, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-17T17:21:31+00:00 Play http://www.twodaymag.com/play/the-met-gala-an-un-experts-opinion-on-the-most-controversial-gowns-of-the-e#When:17:11:59Z A stereotypical female and stereotypical gay male’s greatest dream night.You are in a gown he designed, of course. It is stunning, floor length, a mixture of sequins, feathers, and the skin of the rarest albino koala found only in the sickliest part of a rainforest in Asia.Oh yes, can you imagine a better night out? A night of glitz, glamour, fun and fashion frivolity--as long as you can stand the judgmental glares and back-handed compliments dished out by envious fashion reporters and other underfed participants.Yes friends, for a low, low “recession proof” ticket price of $25,000 you, too, could be a part of THE MET GALA! (As long Anna Wintour approves of your presence that is). She hand selects everyone who goes. Only the crème de la crème, the best, the most beautiful, the most talented are allowed to enter. You know what that means? Us common, non-fur wearing, unabashedly eating folk will most likely never be able to grace the GALA, which, for legal reasons, I have to capitalize from here on forth in order to further demonstrate its awesomeness.Since we cannot attend, I, a lowly writer who is a lover of converse, and wearer of many a Target graphic t-shirt, will guide you through some of the evenings most controversial gowns.Please enjoy the spectacle! The beauty! And my mind numbing ignorance of fashion!First up, I bring you BEYONCE!Gaze at it my friends. No, your eyes are not deceiving you; this dress is a femme fatale combination of sequins, lace, feathers, and bare ass. Do you see the peak-a-boo lining that frames her bodacious boo-tay with a cut out as subtle as if someone painted a giant red arrow on her torso pointing downward? If you don’t, you most likely lack eyes. A common problem that you should treat before attempting to read the rest of this article.Most would say that Beyonce is making a dramatic statement with this gown. What is the statement, you ask? Firstly, it says “Post baby body is back and I want everyone to see me in all of my semi-nude glory.” Secondly, “I may not still be a single lady, but I am goddamn a MILF, and don’t you ever forget it!”Sending a slightly different message was a Miss Florence Welch, in this, shall we say, unique number.The question is, what does this dress say? Well, one thing is for certain, it is not speaking in a language that I understand, however, chances are that its some sort of dialectal variation of Klingon.I’m sure there are some aliens, currently reading my article in order to get a good read on the character of the human race (excellent choice, my green friend!) that are getting pretty hot and bothered by this photo. “This one, they say, looks ripe for a probing, if ya know what I’m sayin’!” says a sexually deprived space cephalopod who is bad at making puns.Despite my silliness, I do say that in some strange way, I like this dress. It’s as if a Spanish senorita had a quickie with lady GaGa’s bubble dress, but then quickly ran back to her Astronaut husband.Onto the next gown of the evening, being worn by a Rude-Boy lovin’ Rihanna.Before knowing what this dress was made out of, I thought HOT HOT HOT. Slice me a piece of that, girl! She looks like she’s liquefied, like the dress is a second skin, that you kind of want her to shed, and yet she looks so good you just say screw my carnal passions, I just want to look at you, dammit!Then I realized that this dress is made out of the skin of a poor, poor alligator who apparently was EXTREMELY sexy. This guy/girl, must’ve gotten so much fellow alligator ass, that the designer Tom Ford himself become so overwhelmed, that he decided the only plausible solution was to literally turn this sex-beast of an alligator into fabric.This just isn’t cool. As far as designers go, I’m actually semi-familiar with Tom Ford, and I think his dresses are gorgeous, but c’mon, you could easily replicate this look with synthetic fabrics. Margarine exists, it’s synthetic, AND WE EAT IT. So why the hell are you so opposed to synthetic alligator skin? You want to suffer for beauty? Fine. But don’t make an animal suffer for you. It’s a shame, because it’s a gorgeous dress, but the idea of an animal being skinned for it kinda kills it for me, to be honest.Last but not least, is the piece de resistance, BEHOLD!A FIREWORK OF A GOLDEN DRESS!! With a matching turban? I have never seen such a thing, and yet friends, it is indeed so!And oh, how I marvel at it. It’s kooky without being too crazy, yet beautifully crafted without the cruelty of slaying and skinning an alligator with mad game. It screams high fashion and yet it’s a dress that you’d actually want to wear, and there are no traces of bare ass to be seen. A fine dress indeed. This dress is, in my opinion, the Met GALA’s literal savior. This dress can work miracles--it makes me almost wish I knew more about clothes and owned my own glittering turban. I mean it’s so obvious! Who doesn’t like stylish scalp protection?Also, I didn’t recognize who was wearing the dress, but apparently her name is Karolina Kurkova, who is a Victoria’s Secret angel, a biggest supermodel, in addition to being an “aspiring actress,” and really, aren’t we all?!No, self. No we are not.Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed the frivolity as much as I have. Which is to say, a little more than I am comfortable with.And remember folks, it’s not what you wear, it’s…well, actually, it is what you wear. That is to say, you should be wearing something. “How you wear” nudity is fairly moot, and I’m sorry, you could put a ten pound slug into Rihanna’s dress, and everyone would want to do it. And “who you’re wearing” doesn’t really seem to mean a whole hell of a lot to me--an ugly dress is an ugly dress, and a stunner is a stunner. And if you’re naked, well, you’re wearing you, in addition to having some serious balls my friend, that most people will bear witness too, considering you are NAKED.I’m not going to lie, I don’t “get” fashion the majority of the time. But I think if there’s ever a time to enjoy it, it’s for special occasions like these, and I think there’s nothing wrong to having a few personal Met GALA’s in your own life.In fact, if pop culture serves me right, for the stereotypical female and gay male--they’re an actual necessity. ********************************** twoday magazine wants to know: What was your favorite look of the evening? Share with us on our Facebook page. Follow Mia on Twitter for more of her "expert" opinions about all-things Hollywood related @miasminirants! Like this article? Check out these other great pieces from Mia Bencivenga for twoday magazine:      The Great Push-Up Bra Debate: False Advertising?                The 'Octomom' Takes Matter into Her Own Hands For the Love of Fashion, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-17T17:11:59+00:00 Love http://www.twodaymag.com/love/what-to-consider-when-proposing#When:17:02:19Z Obviously, no wedding can occur without an engagement proposal, and ideally, that proposal is as romantic and fitting as possible for each couple. However, this is easier said than done in many cases. After all, when you propose you have to consider all sorts of things: Your budget, the location, the time, the way you pop the question, and (of course!) the perfect engagement ring. Having all of these things align properly at the same time is certainly no easy prospect, but here are a few tips on some good proposal ideas: To begin with, you may as well get the ring selection process out of the way in the early going, as this is the part that will most strongly affect your budget. It can be nice to have this step over with, as the price of a ring is the major monetary stress usually associated with proposals. You may want to check out a relevant online store like 77 Diamonds to get some ideas before you actually start choosing. This can give you ample time to compare options and find the ring that best suits your prospective fiance.Next, you will want to focus on figuring out when to propose to your significant other. For many people, this means considering important dates on the calendar, such as anniversaries, or even holidays. These special dates are fine to utilize if one of these days seems like the right time to propose. But, even more importantly, you should consider the timing with regard to your overall relationship. Ideally, it is a good idea to discuss marriage before you propose, so that you are absolutely sure your loved one is ready. Knowing this will allow you to start being creative with the date and type of proposal you want to move forward with.Finally, once you have the ring ready and the date picked, it is time to figure out the thing that ends up being the most important for a lot of couples: The Actual Proposal Date. There are countless ideas that people advise with regard to this decision, from the place where you had your first date, to the place you met, etc. These are all great ideas just as long as they suit your own desires for creating the moment of your proposal. Instead of choosing something merely because it seems like a good proposal location however, give some serious thought to your significant other, and what she might appreciate on a more individual level. This may mean the top of the Eiffel Tower, or it may mean inside your own home! Everybody’s idea of romance is different, but the important thing to remember is to make the proposal your own...and a moment neither of you will ever forget. ************************************ twoday magazine wants to know: How did you make your proposal stand out? Share with us your story on our Facebook page. This article is brought to you by 77 Diamonds:  "Choosing diamond jewelery should be a simple pleasure – the thrill of anticipation matched by the excitement of finding your own little piece of perfection. Welcome to the largest collection of natural diamonds (over 250,000), beautiful bespoke settings, total honesty and refreshing simplicity. Welcome to Seventy Seven Diamonds – absolute confidence delivered with passion, not with a premium." In Love, Marriage and Family, Relationships, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-16T17:02:19+00:00 Live http://www.twodaymag.com/live/whats-a-breast-for-anyway#When:16:45:17Z Your cover this week showing a 26-year-old pretty, sexy blonde woman, Jamie Lynne Grumet, breast-feeding her almost 4-year-old son is controversial to say the least. While the title, Are You Mom Enough? seems to suggest that anyone who doesn't breast-feed is not a good mother, I don't think that's the real issue in this controversy. It isn't the breast feeding that is questionable, the problem lies in the cover photo which is sparking debate because of its sexual innuendo.Every writer worth her salt knows that article titles are meant to catch the eye of the reader just as every photographer knows what photo will gain the most notoriety. In this case both the title and the photo did their best and definitely got our attention but in an unexpected way. Some people, even nursing enthusiasts, feel very uncomfortable with the cover subject matter. The picture of Jamie Lynne Grumet's son Aram, who is admittedly a big boy, standing on a chair suckling his mother's exposed breast is disturbing to say the least. It depicts  what many people see as an intimate act between a mother and child. It borders on sexuality and that is very disconcerting.Ms. Grumet is following a controversial philosophy called "Attachment Parenting", which promotes extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping with infants as the best way to raise children.  Parents are divided about its values with some believing it to be nurturing and loving while others dismiss it as anti-women and unrealistic.Mommy Grumet tells us that she herself nursed at her mother's breast until she was 6-years-old when she self-weaned. She goes on to say that she still, on occasion, breastfeeds her 5-year-old adopted Ethiopian son to ease his anxieties in his new environment. That in itself is a bit emotionally unhealthy to many readers.But, all is not breast-feeding joy and roses; she has also stated that she has experienced backlash in her private life over her decision to breastfeed her sons well past the age of two. "People have threatened to call social services on me or tell me that it’s child molestation.”Joani Geltman, a child development expert in Cambridge, Mass., says,“I think people are mainly reacting to the age of the child, and to see sort of a little boy attached to his mother’s breast is unsettling to people.”  It certainly is and that may be because of our own Western society's dictates. While breast-feeding an older child may well be biologically normal it is not socially normal. The issue here with the cover of TIME is that it looks a little too much like porn, a little too child-exploitative, and it smacks of sexuality. Truth be told, the provocative cover is far from an accurate portrayal of  breast-feeding. Every mom who's ever breast-fed knows that there's not a single sexy thing about it yet this photo oozes sex. For what purpose? Breast-feeding is normal for any mom who wants to do so but there should be a limit. My guess is the breast should not be offered once the child can eat solid food. And seriously, does sex or the hint of it have to be used to sell everything, even a type of parenting? On this issue the answer is no.I think that goes too far. *********************************** twoday magazine wants to know: Is attachment parenting really the "bad guy" or is it our Western culture that insists on sexualizing every aspect of life that really needs help? Share with us your thoughts on our Facebook page. Follow Kristen on Twitter @KristenHoughton Like this article? Check out other great pieces by Kristen Houghton for twodaymag:       Dating a Divorced Man With Kids       The Importance of Make-Up Sex       The Tragedy of Child Brides Books by Kristen Houghton: No Woman Diets Alone - There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut And Then I'll Be Happy! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First Remember, Hetty?Her NEW book, Nourishing Thoughts: The Little Book of Sayings for a Healthy, Happy Life will be launched in May of 2012. Family Time, twodaymag's Lifestyle Contributor: Kristen Houghton, Health and Wellness, Sex and Self Awareness, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-16T16:45:17+00:00 Love http://www.twodaymag.com/love/a-group-date-with-strangers#When:08:39:01Z You set up an online account on this site that posts different dinner "dates". When one interests you, you sign up to dine in a group setting. I finally found one on a night that I was off, so I signed right up for dinner; forty minutes away. Apparently no one actually dates in my current city. The restaurant was new to me, so I googled the menu before I went like I always do. The food was specialized and even their flatbreads were fancy. I finished getting ready, went downstairs, fed the dogs and ate some tofu, myself. Don't judge me. I always eat before I go out. I'm a real bitch when I'm hungry and I certainly don't need strangers to remind me of that. I didn't really freak out until I was driving there. What if I was seated by a wackadoo? Or an annoying girl who didn't shut up? Or one who had an annoying laugh? “Wait,” I thought to myself, “you have an annoying laugh." But, I meant was the annoying girly-flirt laugh not my hyena-esque one. And, what if the wackadoo writes down my license plate? What if someone I knew came? What if they were from my work?!?!  What if this damn double-sided tape fails? Why didn't I read the website more? You did, you did, there was nothing on it. Ugh, that creepy guy was on it. What if he was the wackadoo??Five seconds later.... Seriously, who thinks like this? You are being ridiculous. Oh, God, what if I'm the wackadoo?  Ten seconds later.... You are not the wackadoo. It's going to be great fun. Something wonderful may happen. Now belt it out, like you’re the-next-American-Idol, car dance at the red lights and remember to put your heels on before you walk in. So I did; I belted, I danced at red lights and even remembered to put on my heels. I was assuming this would be organized similar to speed dating and lock & key events so I was surprised when I was the first one there. Even more surprised fifteen minutes later to still be sitting with only one other diner, Paul, and informed by our waitress there would only be four of us. The website was pretty vague but I assumed "sold out" surely meant for 8-10 people minimum.Just as I was starting to think it would be  just the two of us, another guy walked over and introduced himself as Mike. We soon determined dater number four was a no show and I started adjusting to the fact that our group date just went to a two on one.Mike was really good at keeping the conversation going. Overall, I'd say it went well with minimal awkwardness. After Mike informed us he lived with two cats, I revealed my allergies to them. Paul immediately, exclaimed, "Eliminated!" We all laughed, me awkwardly, and Mike followed up with, "Wait a minute, are you making that up?" "No," I assured him, "the allergies are real." He became quiet, nodded his head and said, "Ok, I'll kill the cats." As we all laughed some more and he said, "I'm serious, I'll call my roommate right now and have him kill the cats."Well, if cats hadn't eliminated him, having a roommate who would off them surely did! He then revealed they were cool cats and the girl cat liked being spanked. Paul asked him how he knew that and a humorous demonstration followed.The dinner was nice, although I think the two of them hit if off better with each other than myself. I would sign up for another dinner but I would try to find one with a larger grouping. So, I didn't get my something wonderful...yet. I hated to seem rude but I bolted as soon as the checks came. A good time was had by all but clearly no love connection was made. I actually had two others I needed to meet up with after our dinner. His name is Murry and her name is Lolly. Another good time was had by all and I'll admit it, curiosity got the better of me. Turns out, unlike Mike's cat, my dogs do not like being spanked.********************************* twoday magazine wants to know: Have you ever been on a group blind date? Share with us on our Facebook page. Like this article? Check out other adventures with Kimmie:      Kimmie on the Prowl: Recharge the Dating Battery      Kimmie on the Prowl: Dating in a Downward Spiral Kimmie is a graphic designer, full time dog-mom and aspiring aerialist. You can keep up with her craziness on her blog: Life With Dogs Follow Kimmie on twitter at @lifewithdoggies.   The Single Life, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-15T08:39:01+00:00 Love http://www.twodaymag.com/love/the-self-help-section#When:13:24:06Z I was looking for nothing in particular when I ran across several shelves of “self-help” books. You name the disorder, the problem, the ailment, or the issue and there seemed to be a self-help book for it: Getting organized, living without panic attacks, surviving eating disorders and more.But my eyes stopped when I saw at least two shelves of books focusing on helping yourself with relationship issues. They weren’t just books for marriage or dating, but books about helping you getting along better with your mother, father, other family, your friends and others you come in contact with.I thumbed through a few of the relationship-focused self-help books and laughed at what I was reading.Authors interviewed either anonymous folks or people whose first names only were used.The advice and steps offered to work through relationship problems or to strengthen relationships were quite hilarious, too. The authors used tactics that, while maybe helpful, seemed to be extremely far-fetched for the average person.I read things suggesting that one listen to their partner without any interruptions, gain self confidence, etc. Yes, those things and many more are extremely important to making any relationship work. But it’s how the advice is given I question.Add a Midwestern twang and I felt as though Dr. Phil McGraw was speaking to me as I glanced through these books. One suggested writing in a journal for at least six months and list all of the good and not-so-good things about your partner to discover why you dislike certain things.Seems sensible, but who’s really going to stick it out and continue through with that? And then, after six months or a year, are you really going to talk about all these things you wrote?All of the self-help information sounds great and wonderful and probably can work to make your marriage and other relationships better, but you’re picking up the book because you need help; and few of us can look at a problem we’re facing from outside of our shoes and then work to fix it.But, then again, people pick up these books for a variety of reasons.There’s no question some people read self-help books because they aren’t sure where else to turn or what to do. They might be too embarrassed to seek out professional help (if it’s serious enough to do so) or they might not be able to afford professional help.Taking your partner to a therapist is a big step. It is the first step in recognizing there is a breakdown in communication. So that alone is huge.Some people also might not think their problem warrants therapy or they simply might not want to go to counseling.Sometimes people seek out self-help books because they want something they only dream about. But, the “perfect” relationship — marriage, dating, family, etc. — truly only exists in movies, television and in our fantasy worlds.Sadly, people are out there to make money off of those who are down and out about their own personal relationships.If you want my advice for making a relationship better, try this: be honest. And the next step? Show and tell the person you love and care for them. Third step? Spend time with them.Those are the three most important steps to making any relationship stronger. Honesty, love and quality time together.Without those basic ideals, no relationship functions in a healthy way. And it certainly won’t last, either. ************************** twoday magazine wants to know: Have you read any self help books? Were they helpful or useless? Share with us your thoughts on our Facebook page. Like this article? Check out other great pieces from twodaymag:      5 Easy Ways to Show You Care By Natalie Bencivenga      Is Your Relationship Worth Saving? By Kristen Houghton      Keeping Secrets From Your Partner By Bobby Cherry Catch up with Bobby on his website: GoBobbo.com and don't forget to follow him on Twitter @GoBobbo. Bobby's World, In Love, Relationships, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-14T13:24:06+00:00 Live http://www.twodaymag.com/live/5-surprises-not-to-give-mom-on-mothers-day#When:14:13:13Z For any of us that are on this earth...we have a very special person to thank for that...our mamas. And today is a perfect day to present mom with a heartfelt gift to show her how much her love means to you. But what about the gifts mom doesn’t want? Sometimes, the best gift is no gift at all....here are 5 surprises to avoid giving mom on Mother’s Day. (If you know what’s good for you.)If Mom Doesn’t Like Your Mate....Today Is NOT the Day to Tell Her You’ve Eloped.    She’ll figure it out soon enough...and really why ruin her brunch with your big news? She didn’t like them before, and a surprise wedding that she wasn’t invited to, didn’t help plan and didn’t get to announce to her friends and family is not going to brighten her day. Save the news for Monday!Don’t Take Mom to a Restaurant She Hates    This literally happened to one of my friends. He and his mother had a very contentious relationship, and instead of spending the day somewhere relaxing where they could talk and enjoy their time together, he took her to a place he knew she hated for brunch. He “thought it would be funny.” It wasn’t. Have fun pulling scrambled eggs out of your hair after she dumps them on you! Mother’s Day is NOT the Day to Invite Yourself Over for Dinner     Moms work really hard. Every day, all day to make your lives better. Can’t we give them one day off where they don’t have to be in charge of cooking, preparing and cleaning up after the meal? How special of a day could it be for your mom if it feels like the other 364 days of the year? Better off to order take-out then to expect mama to cook. Please, Whatever You Do, Don’t Announce Your Divorce on Mother’s Day     Regardless of whether mama enjoys your significant other or has been looking forward to the day where you finally wise up and dump this deadbeat partner, mom doesn’t need anymore stress on her plate by hearing news of you ending your marriage. Whether or not she is glad to hear it, the news will only make her worry. And worry some more. And worry yet a little more. Why do that to her on a special day like today?Don’t Surprise Her With the Gift of Forgetting Mother’s Day!     Yes, that’s right. Send flowers ASAP. Buy her a fancy box of her favorite candy. Get her that spa certificate. Cook her a lovely dinner. Clean her house. For the love of all things that are good and holy in this world...DO NOT forget this special day! Call her on the phone, send her a sweet card...do something to show that you appreciate the woman who carried you into this world.A BIG Happy Mother’s Day to all the women in our lives who nurture us, care for us, love us unconditionally and stand in our corner, propping us up when we need support the most. Mothers are the foundation and the backbone of society, and when we start treating them with the respect and love that they deserve, the world may become a little brighter, indeed! ***********************************twoday magazine wants to know: How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? Share with us on our Facebook page.Like this article? Check out other great pieces from twodaymag:      Great Compilation of TV Mom Moments By Natalie Bencivenga      The Moms Relationship: Mom VS Mom...Again By Kristen Houghton      Without My Mother By Kim Lyons      Family Time, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-13T14:13:13+00:00 Blog http://www.twodaymag.com/blog/great-compilation-of-tv-mom-moments#When:13:47:20Z Love 2012-05-13T13:47:20+00:00 Love http://www.twodaymag.com/love/70-year-old-virgin-seeks-love-and-sex#When:19:41:56Z According to Yahoo, the average age that one loses their virginity in the United States is about 17 years old. Now, whether that seems really young to you or a little older than you expected, it certainly pales in comparison to waiting until your 70. Hey, better late than never, right? Meet Pam Shaw. Pam does not believe in sex before marriage. And since her career as a cabaret singer always took precedence over her love life, she has remained a virgin. Even though her stage name was The Sexational Pam, and even when she would brush shoulders with the sex symbols of her day (like Tom Jones and Roger Moore),  no one could convince this celibate starlet to make that love.Until now. According to Pam, “Now’s the time. I’m ready to take the plunge for the right bloke. My standards are still very high, though. I’m hoping to bag a tall, dark and handsome millionaire.”Gotta give the lady credit for refusing to settle, right?She goes on to say, “I may be 70, but I’m young at heart. People can’t believe it when I tell them my age. I think I look great, maybe because I’ve never been married or had kids. I’m fun and have bundles of energy.”Pam has so much energy, in fact, that she still performs (in revealing costumes, no less!) on Britain's club circuit.Her career took off in the 1960s after she won a TV talent show called ‘Opportunity Knocks’. She began opening for big acts like singer Englebert Humperdinck, comedian Ken Dodd, and performed on stage in Las Vegas with Tom Jones.She states, “I was never short of offers in my heyday. Men saw the outfits I wore on stage and thought I would be easy. But I’ve never really been intimate with a man, just a bit of kissing. I had a sexy stage name and dressed sexy, but that was all for my career.”Pam lived with her mother throughout her life, and took care of her mother until she passed away at the age of 97 in 1995.To her, like many of the women in her day, the idea of marriage meant giving up on personal dreams, a path Pam wasn’t willing to take. “I wouldn’t entertain the idea of sex outside marriage----and marriage meant giving up on my dreams.”You have to appreciate that kind of strength and determination for a woman of her generation to rebel against the norm (fall in love, marry, have kids before 25...) but the thought of never being in a relationship, never knowing a lover’s kiss, never making love...would it create a lonely existence? Or is this lifestyle overrated? Well, it seems as though Pam is willing to give love a chance.“I feel I am ready to give marriage a go and maybe go to bed with a man. You are never too old for anything. Just look at Joan Collins.”With an attitude like that, perhaps she will find the man of her dreams, and discover what she’s been missing all of these years. (Hopefully, she won’t be disappointed!)*************************************twoday magazine wants to know: How old is TOO old to lose one’s virginity or is that an unfair question? Share with us on our Facebook page.Like this article? Check out other interesting love stories about real people on twodaymag:      Love Potion Number Nile By Jonas Moffat      Dynamic Duos and Their Money By Natalie Bencivenga      Sexcapades in the News: Why Do We Care? By Kristen Houghton In Love, Relationships, The Single Life, Sex and Sexuality, homepage carousel, section landing page carousels 2012-05-11T19:41:56+00:00