Tattoos of Love: Yay or Nay?

One constant debate among my girlfriends is whether you should ever get a tattoo for a significant other. I am a very vocal resident of the "no" camp, especially after coming thisclose to inking myself in honor of my now (evil) ex-boyfriend. (Though I thought this tattoo analysis was fascinating, considering my non-love ink.)

While I believe it's the ultimate bad luck relationship charm, some of my other girlfriends argue that it's the ultimate act of love. So, in honor of all types of love tattoos, I thought we'd take a quick look at somevery famous celeb examples. And if you want more, we have a whole gallery of celeb tattoos right here.

Couple No. 1: Tom Arnold's "Roseanne" portrait

Tom Arnold didn't just get one Roseanne tattoo during their short-lived marriage; he got four. Besides this chest tattoo, he had "Rosey" tattooed on his butt cheek (gross), along with two others. Roseanne returned the romantic gesture by inking "Property of Tom Arnold" on her thigh. Luckily, there is such a thing as laser tattoo removal. These days, Tom is Roseanne free after having all those tats lasered off.    

Couple No. 2: Angelina Jolie's "Billy Bob" tattoo

Angelina Jolie is known for her love of tattoos, so it made sense when she appeared on the red carpet in 2000 with then-hubby Billy Bob Thornton's name inked on her bicep. It was also rumored that Angelina had his name tattooed on another part of her body -- a very private part. The relationship went south after three years, and Angelina quickly began laser removal treatment. These days Billy Bob is just a fading memory.

Couple No. 3: Johnny Depp's "Winona Forever" scroll

A loooong time ago, Johnny Depp was engaged to Winona Ryder, and to celebrate their love, he had "Winona Forever" tattooed on his upper bicep. But as we've learned, in Hollywood, "forever" rarely happens. So it was no surprise that after a three-year courtship, the relationship fizzled and Johnny was left with a really bad tat. These days, Johnny sports an altered version of the infamous tattoo: "Wino Forever." Nothing like declaring your love for Merlot, eh?

Couple No. 4: Kat Von D's "Jesse James" childhood portrait

Jesse James didn't seem overly thrilled when his fiancé, Kat Von D, revealed her latest tattoo on national TV. Creeping up into her armpit was a portrait of Jesse -- as a little boy! To make matters worse, the big reveal on "L.A. Ink" aired just as their engagement was called off. But who knows? Several months later and Jesse and Kat are back on, which means Kat won't have to worry about covering anything up for a bit longer.  

Now I want to know: Would you ever get a tattoo in your sweetie's honor? And if you already have, what is it? Any regrets?

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Earthquake Teaches Dumb Teens Not to Lie to Their Parents

Now that the earthquake is over and done with, and New Yorkers are getting back to pushing people out of the way to get on the subway, all the awesome benefits of this rare tectonic happening are coming out. Parents, listen up. This one's for you. You might want to tell your kids the story ofValeriya Shevchenko and Dmitriy Grif who learned the hard way not to lie to their mom and dad.

The teenagers -- ages 18 and 19, respectively -- decided they just wouldn't tell dear old mom and dad that they were getting hitched. Which was all fine and dandy. Until apicture of Valeriya running frantically through New York City in her wedding gown, her nuptial dreams shattered by the shaking ground, was sold to every major news outlet in the world.

Put myself in their shoes, and I would be sooo pissed at the earth right now! But seeing as I'm a mother, I'm just sitting here like a grinning fool. Mother Nature has totally got our backs y'all.

What is it your mother used to say? About how she has eyes everywhere? I know I'll do anything to keep my kid on her toes. It was just this week that she climbed up behind me on our couch and started poking her fingers around in my hair. "Aha," she cried. "You don't have any eyes in there!"

She's 6. No weddings in her near future (sorry oh little kindergarten boyfriend, but we've got bigger plans for our girl). But I love living in a small town because I know anything she does wrong WILL get back to me.

Turns out moms have extra eyes in big cities too. The couple did end up getting hitched, although Valeriya says her new mother-in-law is not happy about it. Maybe because she had to find out her son was a newlywed when she picked up her morning paper?

Did your parents always seem to find out the good stuff?

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8 Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly six million people in the United Stated have type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes but don't know it. Don't let yourself join that number! The sooner you learn that you have this chronic and potentially serious condition, the better your chances will be of living well and long with it. Here are the classic symptoms that could tip you off to the need for a check-up.

1. Excessive thirst Remember when we used to call this disease "the sugar diabetes"? That name came from the fact that excess glucose builds up in your blood. As a result, your kidneys go on overtime trying to absorb the extra sugar but when they can't, it's excreted along with precious fluids pulled from your tissues. That's why you're dehydrated. Many sufferers describe a truly unquenchable thirst.

2. Frequent urination As part of the same process that makes you thirsty, you'll urinate much more often than normal. The fluids that get drawn from your body as your kidneys struggle to take care of the sugar mean you'll have to make trips to the bathroom quite often. Also, you'll instinctively drink a lot of water to combat dehydration and that will add to your need to relieve yourself.  

3.Weight loss Being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and unexplained weight loss can be a symptom. If you lose sugar, you shed calories as well. Also, diabetes can prevent sugar from getting to your cells where it's needed. You may be ravenous, yet your weight may drop even if you eat a lot. Your newly trim figure could bring on compliments, but don't let that distract you from the realization that something is wrong!

See Also: How To Lose Weight Easily. 

4. Blurry vision Some of the fluid you excrete gets pulled from the lenses in your eyes. You may have trouble focusing. Heed this signal immediately. Without treatment, you could end up with partial or even total vision loss.

5. Weakness and fatigue Most people say they feel as though they contracted a mild case of the flu. Dehydration and sugar loss both contribute to an overall malaise and a dip in your energy level.

6. Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet Nerve damage called neuropathy causes a burning or prickling sensation and eventually makes you lose feeling.  

7. Frequent infections that are slow to heal Research has not confirmed this indicator, but physicians and diabetics themselves often observe the phenomenon. The speculation is that diabetes weakens your immune system. Bladder and vaginal infections are the most common ones for women. Both men and women are prone to red, swollen, and tender gums.

8. Impotence Men with diabetes may experience erectile dysfunction. There can be other causes for ED but when it's teamed with any or all of the above clues, it can be a red flag.

If you heed the early alerts and start treatment right away, you'll be in a very good position to avoid the ravages that unchecked diabetes can bring. Denial isn't going to get you the help you need! Be honest with yourself and make that doctor's appointment now. Best case scenario would be that this was a false alarm. Or you'll find that your body was telling the truth, and you'll be very glad you listened!

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Pill Woes: Women Are Getting Pregnant to Avoid Gaining Weight

Source: Pill Woes: Women Are Getting Pregnant to Avoid Getting Fat

According to a new report, concern about weight gain is one of the biggest reasons women quit taking the pill. Then some of these women are getting pregnant, which is a bit counterproductive if you're trying to not pack on the pounds. But the myth that the pill causes weight gain is just that, a myth, fueled by horror stories and false information, says the lead author of the paper. Studies show that oral contraception doesn't make you gain weight, and it may even cause you to lose weight. While the warning labels on the pill's box may list weight gain as a side effect, these lists aren't always trustworthy. They list side effects anyone taking the medication in a trial believed they had, and the reasons for weight gain are difficult to pinpoint. In controlled studies there wasn't a big difference between the side effects women who took the pill had compared to those who took a placebo — spotting and bleeding in between periods are the most common. Scientists say that a major factor in women believing they'll get fat on the pill is the "nocebo effect," aka the power of suggestion. If we think we might gain weight on the pill, we will. What has your personal experience been with the pill? And has a fear of gaining weight ever prevented you from taking the contraceptive? Take our poll here.

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How to prevent boredom at the gym

The gym doesn't have to become boring.Credit: Wikimedia Commons, www.localfitness.com.au

A gym membership always sounds like such a great idea. After all, you'll have access to all the equipment you could possibly need. Unfortunately, boredom usually begins to set in after only a few months. Before you know it, you've stopped going to the gym completely and your membership has become a complete waste of money. It doesn't have to be this way. There are a number of easy ways to keep boredom at bay when visiting the gym.

Bring a Friend

One of the easiest ways to beat boredom is to bring a friend to the gym. Some gyms even offer discounts for signing up a friend. Best of all though, when you're laughing and chatting with a good girlfriend, you don't even notice all the hard work you're putting into burning calories because you're too busy having fun. When you're busy talking about the latest bestseller or blockbuster, it's hard to become bored with your workout routine. Not to mention, that when you make plans to meet your friend at the gym, you're less likely to skip your workout.

Select a New Piece of Equipment to Try

If you're stuck going it alone, switch up your routine by trying a new piece of equipment. Instead of walking on the treadmill, try the stair stepper. If you're used to working with dumbbells, try a weight bench. Just make sure you know how to use the equipment before you get started or you could seriously hurt yourself. Many gyms have attendants that are happy to help you learn the ins and outs of different machines.

Start a New Class

Classes are one of the best things gyms have going for them. Not only are classes usually upbeat, but it's a great way to meet new people while trying a new form of exercise. Whether you want to try spinning, pole dancing or Zumba, gyms offer a wide array of classes for every fitness level. If you're really serious about exercise, you may even want to train to become a class instructor.

Update Your Play List

Listening to the same songs day in and day out can get boring. Each week make a new play list that is filled with upbeat songs that will keep you going. Determine how long you want to workout and then choose enough songs to fill that gap. By choosing songs you love to hear, you'll be more apt to keep going so you can listen to the entire play list. Also be sure to include a couple songs to help you wind down before ending your workout.

Get a Trainer

Last, but not least, try getting a trainer. Some people find that they become bored because they don't feel challenged. The proper trainer will ensure that you're not only getting a workout that challenges you, but will find ways to keep the workout interesting.

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Yoga 101: 7 Poses for Beginners

By the editors of FITNESS magazine

New to yoga? Try these basic yoga poses to get stronger and more flexible.

Related: Beat Stress, Weight Less: Calorie-Burning Yoga Workout



Mountain Pose

• Stand tall with feet together, shoulders relaxed, weight evenly distributed through your soles, arms at sides.

• Take a deep breath and raise your hands overhead, palms facing each other with arms straight. Reach up toward the sky with your fingertips.

Related: More Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Yoga Poses

Downward Dog

• Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders, knees under hips.

• Walk hands a few inches forward and spread fingers wide, pressing palms into mat.

• Curl toes under and slowly press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.

• Hold for 3 full breaths.

Related: QUIZ: Which Yoga Pose Are You?

Warrior

• Stand with legs 3 to 4 feet apart, turning right foot out 90 degrees and left foot in slightly.

• Bring your hands to your hips and relax your shoulders, then extend arms out to the sides, palms down.

• Bend right knee 90 degrees, keeping knee over ankle; gaze out over right hand. Stay for 1 minute.

• Switch sides and repeat.

Related: Blast 500+ Calories Doing Yoga (Seriously!)

Tree Pose

• Stand with arms at sides.

• Shift weight onto left leg and place sole of right foot inside left thigh, keeping hips facing forward.

• Once balanced, bring hands in front of you in prayer position, palms together.

• On an inhalation, extend arms over shoulders, palms separated and facing each another. Stay for 30 seconds.

• Lower and repeat on opposite side.

• Make it easier: Bring your right foot to the inside of your left ankle, keeping your toes on the floor for balance. As you get stronger and develop better balance, move your foot to the inside of your left calf.

Related: Find the Best Yoga Style for You

Bridge Pose

• Lie on floor with knees bent and directly over heels.

• Place arms at sides, palms down. Exhale, then press feet into floor as you lift hips.

• Clasp hands under lower back and press arms down, lifting hips until thighs are parallel to floor, bringing chest toward chin. Hold for 1 minute.

• Make it easier: Place a stack of pillows underneath your tailbone.

Related: 5-Minute Quickie: The Great Sex Yoga Workout

Triangle Pose

• Extend arms out to sides, then bend over your right leg.

• Stand with feet about 3 feet apart, toes on your right foot turned out to 90 degrees, left foot to 45 degrees.

• Allow your right hand to touch the floor or rest on your right leg below or above the knee, and extend the fingertips of your left hand toward the ceiling.

• Turn your gaze toward the ceiling, and hold for 5 breaths.

• Stand and repeat on opposite side.

Related: Best Yoga Mats for Every Type of Yogi

Crow Pose

• Get into downward dog position (palms pressed into mat, feet hip-width apart) and walk feet forward until knees touch your arms.

• Bend your elbows, lift heels off floor, and rest knees against the outside of your upper arms. Keep toes on floor, abs engaged and legs pressed against arms. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths.

Related: Take the Crow Pose to the Next Level

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