In the first scenario, five people might listen to one iPod, trading the input plug between their iPods to share songs. In the second, four people might listen as two others “battle” each other, trading off songs to see who comes up with the more crowd-pleasing songs.

Since the RockStar lacks amplification, it will work better with efficient earbud headphones than with big over-the-ear headphones. Also, it’d help to have a high-maximum-output player, with at least 25 mW per channel (Apple, Archos, Creative, and Microsoft are safe bets).

Well, what do you think about this? One hub, which you can plug up to five MP3 players into. You can then choose which of them to listen to, or mix songs from several of them.

It’s aimed squarely at teenagers, who apparently do spend a lot of time in the playground listening to each others’ MP3 players or busy career women. You can mix and fade out tunes between the connected players, using their normal controls.

If kid is homesickness, she will call you and plead to come home. Of course you can not refuse her begging. No parent wants to see his or her child unhappy, especially so far away from home. Before the homesickness occurs, let’s find out how to deal with it.

Homesickness is a type of anxiety that children sometimes experience when they’re away from home. It’s extremely common because homesickness occurs in people of all ages and of either gender, but it does tend to lessen with age. Separation from a parent or parents is one of the strongest fears that kids have.

As children get older and have more successful stays away from home, they are better able to put their feelings in perspective - and they also learn that missing home doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their time away. This type of thinking is much harder for younger children, especially those who are away for the first time. For these children, going to camp or even spending a week with Grandma can be a little more difficult.

Once away, kids who are homesick tend to feel sad and depressed. They may cry, be unwilling to participate in activities, withdraw from others, and find it difficult to sleep, or engage in attention-seeking behavior (for example, getting into trouble). Some kids may also experience physical symptoms, even though there’s nothing medically wrong with them. Common complaints include stomachache, sore throat, headache, nausea, minor aches and pains, or flu-like symptoms.

Some of the things you can do to ensure a smooth transition should occur well before your child leaves. Ask your children if she actually wants to go or not. Don’t send your child just because you think it will be a good way to overcome shyness or because everyone else in the family went to camp at that age. Remember, there’s no right age to begin camp (if a child goes at all), and what’s right for one child isn’t necessarily right for another.

If your kid has decided to join in a camp you have to include your child in the decision of what camp to choose. Look at the brochures together, visit if possible, and talk or meet with other children who have gone there. Children who have input in the decision are more likely to feel a sense of ownership over it and to be happier with its outcome. Plus, you’ll be able to see what your child likes about one camp over another.

Together, visit the place your child will be staying. Children fear the unknown, especially when it comes to a change in their routine. Visiting will let your child become at least a little familiar with the setting and will show that you’re comfortable with it, too.

Communicate with the camp. If you think your child may get homesick, let the camp counselors know ahead of time. Most are trained to handle this problem and are ready to give extra TLC to an unhappy camper.

When you pack her bag, ask her if she wants to bring any special stuffed which can make her comfort there. Have a care package or note already waiting for your child on the first day, if the camp allows this. This will reassure your child that you care and you’re thinking of him or her.

Don’t bribe or make promises to bring your child home early if he or she doesn’t like it. This could send the message that you don’t think your child will be able to handle the separation.

Write often, focusing on the positives (the friends your child is making, the things he or she is learning, etc.). Avoid dwelling on how much you miss your child or rattling off a list of things he or she is missing at home. This could make the separation even harder.

Though it may be difficult, resist the urge to take your child home immediately, especially if there are no physical symptoms. Homesickness may worsen when a child has downtime - during early morning, rest hour, and just before bed, for example - and it can be contagious. That’s why most camps pack a child’s day with activities - they know that children who engage in distracting activities and seek social support are generally less homesick. Most cases of homesickness resolve once a child makes a new friend or finds an enjoyable activity, so give it a little time.

However, if you bring your child home early, be sure not to make him or her feel like a failure. Instead, acknowledge your child’s good attempt and say that there may be future camp opportunities. For these kids, day camp might be an appropriate stepping-stone until they’re more ready for sleep away camp.

the image credit by Ryan Glanzer

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Among adults, about 5% of the population is estimated to be infected. Among sexually active adolescent females, about 10% are infected. It is known as the ’silent disease’, because many people do not know that they have chlamydia, because although they are infected, they may not have any symptoms. About 75% of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms of chlamydia. When left untreated, it can lead to painful health problems and sterility. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex and can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth.

In women, symptoms of chlamydia may include:

1. An unusual vaginal discharge
2. Pain also bleeding during or after intercourse
3. A burning sensation when urinating
4. Bleeding between menstrual periods
5. Abdominal or pelvic pain

In men, symptoms of chlamydia may include:

1. Discharge from the penis
2. Burning sensation when urinating
3. Swollen and/or painful testicles
4. Burning or itching at the opening of the penis

If symptoms do occur, they usually appear two to six weeks after infection, but it can take longer for symptoms to appear. Even without symptoms, however, chlamydia can be transmitted and can lead to serious health problems and sterility, especially in women. Anyone at risk should therefore be tested. Tests are done with either a urine sample or a sample obtained from a woman’s cervix or a man’s urethra, using a cotton swab.

When left untreated, chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In women, untreated chlamydia can spread into the pelvic area and infect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID effects include abdominal pain, fever, internal abcesses and long-lasting pelvic pain; effects also include scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility and increase the chance of potentially life-threatening ectopic or tubal pregnancies.

Chlamydia can cause early labor and delivery and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Chlamydia infection in newborns can cause neonatal conjunctivitis (an infection of the baby’s eyes) and pneumonia. Without prompt medical treatment, the infant’s eyes can be seriously and permanently damaged.

For men, chlamydia can develop scarring of the urethra, making urination difficult and occasionally causing infertility. Although rare, both sexes are at risk of a type of arthritis known as Reiter’s Syndrome - an inflammation and swelling caused by the spread of the infection through the bloodstream into the joints.

To treat the infection, there is an effective single-dose antibiotic treatment available. It is important to make sure your sex partner(s) also receive treatment, in order to prevent getting infected again. Avoid having sex while being treated, to reduce the chances of getting the infection again or transmitting it to someone else.

Once again, consult your health problem to doctor and always use condom for any sexual activity to avoid such dangerous STD. Yet, be more loyal to your partner.

the image credit by Rodolfo Clix

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. Proponents believe this method is safe and provides many benefits for both mother and infant, including pain relief and a less traumatic birth experience for the baby. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for 9 months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother. Over 4000 mothers or fathers have already registered their babies on the, “I Was Born in Water,” list.

There are several benefits of water birth for mother and baby.

For Mother:

1. Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
2. In the later stages of labor, the water seems to increase the woman’s energy.
3. The buoyancy lessens her body weight, allows free movement and new positioning.
4. Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
5. Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
6. Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors.
7. Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
8. As the laboring woman relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
9. The water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.

For Baby:

1. Provides a similar environment as the amniotic sac.
2. Eases the stress of the birth, providing reassurance and security.

However, in some cases you can not use this way for delivering your baby. The situations are:

1. If you have some skin diseases which can contaminate easily in water such as Herpes, you better discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
2. If your baby is breech: Though water birth has been done with bottom or feet first presentations you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
3. If you have been diagnosed with one of the following: excessive bleeding or maternal infection.
4. If you are having multiples: Though water births have been successful with twins around the world, you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
5. If preterm labor is expected: If a baby is pre-term, two weeks or more prior to due date, water birth is not recommended.

Consider all risks that may occur, you better consult it with your doctor. Your doctor will examine your result tests during pregnancy before he decided whether you are able or not to do water birth.

the pregnant woman photo by Trudy Loosman

First challenge. You made a little mistake or even cause your department loses out a big and important contract.

Well, sometimes new hi-technology and a must of intense progress make almost the entire employees look stupid or careless of another job description. Don’t be so much worry about it. You don’t have to hide your mistake or feel guilty for the rest of your life. Just say that you are sorry about it. Hearing that you are apologetic, accept full responsibility, and understand the gravity of your gaffe will help you regain respect. Don’t make over excuses.

Second challenge. In the office, you are a staff and you should always be there whenever your boss calls you. But, what happen when your boss often call your cell phone on your lunch break or maybe at night.

Actually, mobile phone is made to make its user so much easier to communicate with others, but we also can’t deny that it has erased the boundary between work and the rest of your life. It has created a new depression in your mind. Like it or not, your boss should understand the condition when you need a privacy. All you can do is stop checking your mobile phone or any mobile devices that could make you connect with your office whenever you are outside the workplace. You can set it off at night, unless your boss has told you that she/he may need you anytime.

Third challenge. You need to get a raising salary after years served in the company; in fact the company can just give 4% over the previous salary.

Honey, if you think that you deserve for a raising salary, don’t hesitate to talk to your boss. Well, maybe it isn’t a decision your boss can make on her own. If you talk with him/her you have to convince that it’s worth asking her higher-ups if they’d consider rise up your salary. Talk to her around the time of your annual review or at least six months after your start date. Then assure her that you understand her hands may be tied, but you’d like to make the case for why she has to pay attention to what you are willing to say. Explain your specific achievements and how they go beyond what the typical employee accomplishes. Next, you can draw you plan to contribute in the future to assure her that you have invested in the job and aren’t going to take the money and run in six months. Tell him/her that you believe your efforts warrant more than the usual raise. You can tell him the amount you have in mind on the line. With a logic reason, you will persuade her to go to bat for you and get her bosses to set aside what you’re asking for.

Fourth challenge. Your department faces such an important case which your boss can’t make a decision and doesn’t know how to delegate it to someone else. Like it or not, this situation starts to affect your reputation.

Well, you should realize that sometimes to minimize the expenditure, the company will promote high-level staffs to be a manager before they have the right leadership skills rather than recruit a more capable person outside the company. This situation will make his/her lack of experience often leaves her creating a general sense of disorder and confusion especially in a situation which he/she never faces before.

At first, you better imagine that you also in this situation. You have to concern that he/she is already under pressure from her higher-ups to do a certain job. By putting the onus on yourself, she will be more apt to suggest solutions that benefit both of you.

the image credit by Vangelis Thomaidis

The Nintendo DS Lite is less than two-thirds the size of the original DS and more than 20 percent lighter. The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 1 millimeter thicker than the original stylus and slides into a storage slot. A removable cover keeps the cartridge slot clear from dust and debris when it’s not in use. The Start and Select buttons have been repositioned for easier access.

The Nintendo DS Lite is a high-powered handheld video game system in a sleek folding design - loaded with features for a unique gaming experience. The color screens are now even brighter - and the lower touch screen provides a totally new way of playing and controlling games. Use the built-in wireless mode to share games, chat or even play multiplayer games on-line via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Play impressive 3-D rendered Nintendo DS games - and play all your favorite Game Boy Advance games in single player mode. Nintendo DS Lite comes with a variety of distinctive changes that set it apart from the original: It’s less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter. Its two bright screens can be adjusted to four levels to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power. The microphone sits in the center of the unit, and the LED lights are clearly visible whether the unit is open or closed. The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 1 millimeter thicker than the stylus of the original, and slides into a side storage slot. The Start and Select buttons were repositioned for easier access. A removable cover keeps the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot clear from dust and debris when it’s not in use.

Well, you can ask your husband or the other person around you to help you trimming his/her nails. Both of you should find a good position that allows you easy access to your baby’s hands. This may mean placing your baby in your lap, sitting with him or her in a rocker, or even waiting until your baby’s asleep. One of you holding the baby to keep the little one from squirming and the other trimming the nails. Hold your baby’s palm and finger steady with one hand and cut with the other. You should cut your baby’s nails with baby nail scissors, which have rounded tips for safety, or baby clippers.

However, if you’re hesitant to try baby nail scissors or clippers and your baby will sit long enough to cooperate, you can use an emery board to file the nails down without the risk of giving your little bundle any nicks. Trim those nails slowly and carefully. However, if you accidentally draw blood (a common occurrence with fussy, fidgeting babies), don’t worry. Using a sterile gauze pad, gently apply pressure to stop the bleeding. But don’t put a bandage around the tiny cut - babies will inevitably put their fingers in their mouths and can dislodge the bandage and choke on it.

Babies’ nails grow quickly, therefore you should do trim once a week to safe him/her or people around especially when you put him in a child care.

the image credit by Marja Flick-Buijs

Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they’re preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

Well, I have a great news for you. Sex in pregnancy is wonderful! You can continue to have sex as far into pregnancy, right up until birth, as you and your partner are comfortable. This includes orgasms. Most women who are having a normal pregnancy may continue to have sex right up until their water breaks or they go into labor. You won’t hurt the baby by making love. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect your baby, and the thick mucus plug that seals the cervix helps guard against infection.

There are some circumstances, though, in which you may need to modify your activity or abstain from sex altogether for part or all of your pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should let you know whether you have — or develop — any complications that make sex a no-go. If you’re uncertain, ask your caregiver. There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t have sex during certain periods during pregnancy. These include bleeding, preterm Labor and the risk of Sexually Transmitted Disease (you or your partner).

Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

While many people tend to prefer the missionary position for sex during pregnancy, it becomes a very difficult maneuver to perform as the abdomen gets larger. Try some of these positions:

* Woman on top. This allows you to control the depth of penetration, and the majority of the movement. You can go as fast or as slow as you’d like, while controlling the depth of the penis. This position works really well throughout pregnancy and at the very end of pregnancy.

* Spooning. This position gets it’s name from the way spoons fit together in the silver ware drawer. Usually it’s best if the man is behind allowing his penis to go between your thighs and enter you from behind. This creates no pressure on the abdomen, and allows for a shallow penetration. Many women find this a very relaxing position for sex during pregnancy, and it can be used throughout.

* Hands & Knees. This is a very good position for pregnant women again because of the lack of direct pressure on the abdomen, although as your get larger your belly may actually rest on the bed. Some women find this difficult at the very end of pregnancy, depending on how high they are able to hold their belly off the bed and still allow for penetration.

* Side lying. This can be kind of tricky, but it can be done! Lay on your side with your partner facing you, try pulling one leg up to allow room for your partner. This may get tiring after awhile, and may not be easy for the last part of pregnancy.

All of the above mentioned positions also allow for manual stimulation of the clitoris either by yourself or your partner. This can greatly increase your chances of becoming multi-orgasmic, not to mention it’s a lot of fun. They also prevent the mother from laying on her back, which is not recommended after the fourth month of pregnancy (16 weeks gestation). When you’re trying to think of a good position, try it, if it doesn’t work stop. Creativity will be a lot of fun during pregnancy, and it will probably carry over into your postpartum sex life as well, when creativity becomes important in a different way. However, if you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.

Well, the point is communication between you and your husband. To make sure, both of you should ask more about it to your doctor if you still in a curiosity.

the image credit by stefania sportelli

Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by too little iron. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Women of child-bearing age who have blood loss through menstruation and pregnant or lactating women who have an increased requirement for iron are at the higher risk suffer from IDA. During childbearing years, women have a high incidence of iron deficiency anemia because of iron losses sustained with pregnancies and menses. At the first stages of puberty, when a lot of growth occurs, boys are at risk of IDA. Adolescent girls are at higher risk because of menstrual blood loss and smaller iron stores than boys. Many girls also tend to consume a diet low in iron.

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood. Iron is normally obtained through the food in your diet and by recycling iron from old red blood cells. Without it, the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively — and oxygen is needed for the normal functioning of every cell in the body.

The causes of iron deficiency are too little iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron by the body, and loss of blood (including from heavy menstrual bleeding). It can also be related to lead poisoning in children. In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually caused by gastrointestinal blood loss associated with ulcers, the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), or certain types of cancer (esophagus, stomach, colon).

The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

1. abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
2. irritability
3. sore or swollen tongue
4. enlarged spleen
5. dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded
6. lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
7. increased heart rate (tachycardia)
8. a desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition called pica)

Iron-deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings on a complete medical history and physical examination, such as complaints of tiring easily, abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin, or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin (number of red blood cells) present, and the amount of iron in the blood.

Even though most cases of IDA are the result of poor dietary iron intake, diet changes alone usually aren’t enough to replenish depleted iron stores. Likewise, multivitamins with iron aren’t adequate for kids with IDA who have such low iron stores, so a separate daily iron supplement may be required.

Treatments for an IDA sufferer includes:

*Oral iron supplements are available (ferrous sulfate). The best absorption of iron is on an empty stomach, but many people are unable to tolerate this and may need to take it with food. Milk and antacids may interfere with absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin.

*Supplemental iron is needed during pregnancy and lactation because normal dietary intake rarely supplies the required amount.

*The hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy, but the iron should be continued for another 6 to 12 months to replenish the body’s iron stores, which are contained mostly in the bone marrow.

*Intravenous or intra-muscular iron is available for patients who can’t tolerate oral forms.

*Iron-rich foods include raisins, meats (liver is the highest source), fish, poultry, eggs (yolk), legumes (peas and beans), and whole grain bread.

the image credit by alfonso diaz

Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who chaired the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a center-left political party in Pakistan affiliated to the Socialist International. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having been twice elected Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Bhutto was sworn in for the first time in 1988 at the age of 35, but was removed from office 20 months later under the order of then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan on grounds of alleged corruption. In 1993 Bhutto was re-elected but was again removed in 1996 on similar charges, this time by President Farooq Leghari. Bhutto went into self-imposed exile in Dubai in 1998.

Benazir Bhutto was born in Karachi, Pakistan to a prominent political family. At age 16 she left her homeland to study at Harvard’s Radcliffe College. The next phase of her education took place in the United Kingdom. Between 1973 and 1977 Bhutto studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She completed a course in International Law and Diplomacy while at Oxford. In December 1976 she was elected president of the Oxford Union, becoming the first Asian woman to head the prestigious debating society.

Later that year she returned to Pakistan where her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, had been elected prime minister, but days after her arrival, the military seized power and her father was imprisoned. In 1979 he was hanged by the military government of General Zia Ul Haq.

Bhutto herself was also arrested many times over the following years, and was detained for three years before being permitted to leave the country in 1984. She settled in London, but along with her two brothers, she founded an underground organization to resist the military dictatorship. When her brother died in 1985, she returned to Pakistan for his burial, and was again arrested for participating in anti-government rallies.

On November 16, 1988, in the first open election in more than a decade, Bhutto’s PPP won the largest bloc of seats in the National Assembly. Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister of a coalition government on December 2, becoming at age 35 the youngest person — and the first woman — to head the government of a Muslim-majority state in modern times. In 1989, she was awarded the Prize For Freedom by the Liberal International. Bhutto accomplishments during this time were in initiatives for nationalist reform and modernization, that some conservatives characterized as Westernization. Bhutto’s government was dismissed in 1990 following charges of corruption, for which she never was tried. Zia’s protégé Nawaz Sharif subsequently came to power.

She initiated an anti-corruption campaign, and in 1993 was re-elected as Prime Minister. While in office, she brought electricity to the countryside and built schools all over the country. She made hunger, housing and health care her top priorities, and looked forward to continuing to modernize Pakistan. Bhutto government voiced its concern for women’s social and health issues, including the issue of discrimination against women. Bhutto announced plans to establish women’s police stations, courts, and women’s development banks. But then again she was dismissed three years later amid various corruption scandals by then president Farooq Leghari, who used the Eighth Amendment discretionary powers to dissolve the government. The Supreme Court affirmed President Leghari’s dismissal in a 6-1 ruling.

Bhutto was an active and founding member of the Council of Women World Leaders, a network of current and former prime ministers and presidents. A Bhutto re-election bid failed in 1997, and the next elected government, headed by the more conservative Nawaz Sharif, was overthrown by the military. Bhutto’s husband was imprisoned, and once again, she was forced to leave her homeland. For nine years, she and her children lived in exile in London, where she continued to advocate the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. In the autumn of 2007, in the face of death threats from radical Islamists, and the hostility of the government, she returned to her native country.

On December 4, 2007, Bhutto met with Nawaz Sharif to publicize their demand that Musharraf fulfill his promise to lift the state of emergency before January’s parliamentary elections, threatening to boycott the vote if he failed to comply. They promised to assemble a committee which would present to Musharraf the list of demands upon which their participation in the election was contingent.

On December 8, 2007, three unidentified gunmen stormed Bhutto’s PPP office in the southern western province of Baluchistan. Three of Bhutto’s supporters were killed. Then, on December 27, 2007, Bhutto was killed while leaving a campaign rally for the PPP at Liaquat National Bagh, where she had given a spirited address to party supporters in the run-up to the January 2008 parliamentary elections.

Yes, she has passed away, but this beloved woman of Pakistan still remains as a great prime minister who established a peace campaign against poverty and women discrimination. Many people believe that her spirit will never down.