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	<title>ARG! Teen Network</title>
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	<link>http://www.arg.com</link>
	<description>Just another WordPress weblog</description>
	<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 01:02:21 +0000</pubDate>
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			<item>
		<title>BBcode</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/uncategorized/bbcode/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/uncategorized/bbcode/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 06:19:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sir. Lucian Adonis</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bbcode]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=793</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A basic list of BBCode and how it is implemented.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBCODE</span></strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>&#8220;BBCode is short for Bulletin Board Code. It is used as a way for formatting posts made on message boards, blogs and more.</em>&#8220;</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">__________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>So, a lot of people may be familiar with the posting features on a forum.<br />
But for those that are not this may be useful.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m just gonna take a minute and line out some of the commonly used (and less commonly used) tags known as BBCode&#8230;</p>
<p>All BBCode works with two part tags - a start tag and an end tag both in brackets.</p>
<p>Which would look like this: <strong>[start tag] [/end tag]</strong><br />
Notice the &#8216;forward slash&#8217; (<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> / </span>) in the end tag. That is just to let it know that ended the code. Without it the tag would just not work.</p>
<p>Now that the concept has been drawn, I&#8217;ll showyou the actual content.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p><strong>BOLD</strong></p>
<p>^^^ That was done by doing this&#8230;<br />
[b]BOLD[/b]</p>
<p>[b]= start tag,  BOLD = whatever text you want,  [/b]= end tag</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p><em>ITALICS</em></p>
<p>^^^ Likewise is done like this&#8230;<br />
[i]ITALICS[/i]</p>
<p><em> </em>[i]= start tag, ITALICS = whatever text you want, [/i]<em> </em> = end tag</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">UNDERLINE</span></p>
<p>^^^ And again&#8230;<br />
[u]UNDERLINE[/u]</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong><br />
Any combination of BBCodes can be made.</p>
<p>Like the above three&#8230;</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBCODE</span></em></strong></p>
<p>[b][i][u]BBcode[u][i][b]</p>
<p>Each time you apply a new BBCode you apply it to the outer most edge on both ends&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">BBCODE<br />
[u] <span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBCODE</span>[/u]<br />
[i][u] <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBCODE</span></em> [/u][/i]<br />
[b][i][u]  <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBCODE</span></em></strong> [/u][/i][/b]</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>Next we go into the non-text BBCode that will be commonly used.</p>
<p>Quote-tags are some of THE most used tags on any board&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>[quote="Your beloved mod"] I quoted me!!! [/quote]</strong></p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>This will generate a block of quoted text. this is used in conversations to refer back to previous posts or to break down a discussion and point out things in bits and pieces.</p>
<p>In the Start-Tag you will notice in parentheses I put &#8216;<em>Your beloved mod</em>&#8216;&#8230;<br />
And when the code functions you will see that it makes it say, &#8220;<em>Your beloved mod Says</em>&#8221;<br />
This is used when referring to past posts or quoting off-site, you may state the person you are talking to or the source of your information.<br />
Makes it easier for everyone to understand who is talking to who.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>Another big one is the Image-tag&#8230;</p>
<p>With the image tag, as you can guess, you can post pictures.</p>
<p>Done like so&#8230;<br />
Let&#8217;s post an image!</p>
<p><strong> [IMG]</strong>http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Shiron_Barbaros/argmodding-1.png<strong>[/IMG]</strong></p>
<p>That would come out as&#8230;</p>
<p><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Shiron_Barbaros/argmodding-1.png" border="0" alt="" width="421" height="67" /></p>
<p>This can be done with any image on the internet (as permitted by the rules.)<br />
Inside the image tags you place the &#8216;full&#8217; url of the desired image and it will show up.</p>
<p>Posting links to random other sites and news stories occurs a lot.</p>
<p>http:// www. arg. com</p>
<p>While just posting a url will automatically link it, a lot of people wish to add their own text or even a picture to be the click -able link.</p>
<p>Lets start with text&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>[url]</strong>http:// www. arg. com<strong>[/url]</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That would now instead of being just a link, it is whatever I want it to say.<br />
<a href="http://www.arg.com"><strong>ARG!</strong></a></p>
<p>[URL="http://www.arg.com"]ARG![/URL]</p>
<p>That would now instead of being just a link, it is whatever I want it to say.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">_______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>But what about image links?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Well instead of putting in text like &#8220;ARG!&#8221;<br />
We use the [IMG] tags again.<br />
YEAH! We can stack certain BBCode and it work just fine.</p>
<p>PRESTO!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.arg.com"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Shiron_Barbaros/argmodding-1.png" border="0" alt="" width="421" height="67" /></a></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><a href="../" target="_blank"><img src="../wp-content/themes/revolution_magazine-30/images/logo.giff" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>^^^ That was done like this!!!</p>
<p><strong>[URL="</strong>http://www.arg.com<strong>"][IMG]</strong>http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Shiron_Barbaros/argmodding-1.png<strong>[/IMG][/URL]</strong></p>
<p><a href="../" target="_blank"><img src="../wp-content/themes/revolution_magazine-30/images/logo.giff" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><strong></strong>You enclose the [IMG] tags <span style="text-decoration: underline;">inside</span> the [url] tags to make a clickable link on a picture.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">______________</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: left;">I hope this has been at least a little bit helpful to those who didn&#8217;t understand BBCode previously.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you still don&#8217;t understand a portion of this explanation or find something to not work the way it was described let me know and I will help as best I can.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">&#8211;Sir. Lucian Adonis</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Video Test</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/uncategorized/video-test/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/uncategorized/video-test/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 08:28:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=765</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[flowplayer("player", "/swf/flowplayer-3.1.0.swf");	
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/swf/android.flv" style="display:block; width:425px; height:300px;" id="player"></a></p>
<p><script language="JavaScript">flowplayer("player", "/swf/flowplayer-3.1.0.swf");</script>	</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.arg.com/uncategorized/video-test/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<enclosure url="http://player-e7.simplecdn.net/flowplayer.flv" length="1040503" type="video/x-flv" />
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Prom Hairdos</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/prom-hairdos/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/prom-hairdos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:21:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=744</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your hair will be your crowning glory on prom night, so it deserves plenty of attention before the big event. Most girls will spend an exorbitant amount of time on choosing the prom dress and matching shoes, and the hair becomes an afterthought in the flurry of preparations. Unfortunately, that afterthought may not do much [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your hair will be your crowning glory on prom night, so it deserves plenty of attention before the big event. Most girls will spend an exorbitant amount of time on choosing the prom dress and matching shoes, and the hair becomes an afterthought in the flurry of preparations. Unfortunately, that afterthought may not do much to enhance your overall prom look. Instead of waiting until the end to do something with your hair, give your tresses the same special attention you will be paying to the rest of your look. The reward will be a hairstyle that gets noticed and lasts all night long.<br />
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<h2>Considering Your Body Type</h2>
<p>One way to choose a prom hairdo is to consider your body type and style accordingly. For petite girls, this means avoiding the big hairstyles or ultra-long locks because they will overpower your look. Instead, go for a sleek, medium-length style that adds volume at the roots rather than the ends. This type of style will give the illusion of height without overwhelming a smaller figure. On the other hand, if your hips are on the curvy side, feel free to go with a bigger do that will balance out the extra weight at the bottom. Tall girls should avoid to much fuss on the top of the head and opt for long, wavy tresses or an upsweep at the nape of the neck instead.</p>
<h2>Considering Your Face Shape</h2>
<p>Another method for choosing a prom hairdo is to work around the shape of your face. Girls with an oblong face are better off with a chin-length bob or a cascade of curls that hits no lower than the collar bone, to add width to the face. A round face looks best in styles that fall below the chin to elongate the face. Avoid too much curl and keep your bangs long and swept to the side for best effect. Heart shaped faces look best with hair that falls below the jaw line and some long bangs or wispy layers to accentuate the cheekbones. On some websites, you can try different hairstyles on your face shape to see which one you like the best before heading to the stylist.</p>
<h2>Considering Your  Dress</h2>
<p>The final consideration in choosing a prom hairdo should be the dress. The neckline may be a key factor in the type of style that will be most flattering. For example, a dress worn off the shoulder may be accentuated beautifully with a long, flowing mane of curls. Dresses with higher necklines and more bling might look best with a sophisticated updo to top off the look. If you are wearing a dress without a lot of sparkle, feel free to add some to your hair with a rhinestone clip or headband. If your dress can stand alone, keep the prom hairdo free of extra accessories, so it doesn&#8217;t detract from your outfit. </p>
<p>The right prom hairdo can make all the difference on your special night. Take the time to choose the best style to complete your prom look, and you can be sure you will be turning heads at this grand occasion.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Signs of Depression</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/signs-of-depression/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/signs-of-depression/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:15:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=742</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The teenage years are far from easy, but most kids make it through with the occasional bout of teenage angst and a lot of support from friends and family. However, not all teens work through the challenges of this time as well. Some can develop depression, which can become a very serious problem if it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The teenage years are far from easy, but most kids make it through with the occasional bout of teenage angst and a lot of support from friends and family. However, not all teens work through the challenges of this time as well. Some can develop depression, which can become a very serious problem if it is not diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Do you know the symptoms of teen depression? Read on for the warning signs that could signal a problem.<br />
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<h2>Differences between Teens and Adults</h2>
<p>While adult depression tends to be characterized by feelings of sadness and withdrawal, teens generally do not show these particular symptoms when they are battling this condition. Instead of feeling sad, a teen will often lash out in anger, or become irritable with those around him. Although teens may isolate themselves in some aspects, they may keep up certain friendships, making it hard to know if the person is depressed or merely in a process of making new friends. Teenagers also experience physical aches and pains with depression as a general rule, so if you are noticing more headaches or stomachaches, depression may be a condition to consider.</p>
<h2>Other Symptoms</h2>
<p>There are other symptoms of depression that a teen might experience as well. These signs include:</p>
<p>•   A feeling of hopelessness or worthlessness<br />
•   Frequent bouts of crying<br />
•   Loss of interest in activities and lack of enthusiasm overall<br />
•   Difficulty sleeping or changes in eating habits<br />
•   Lack of concentration and fatigue<br />
•   Thoughts of suicide</p>
<p>If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to tell someone. When depression is left unchecked, it can become much more difficult to treat. It can also result in problems in school, substance abuse, eating disorders and self injury. However, depression that is diagnosed in the early stages has a number of effective treatment options.</p>
<h2>Treating Depression</h2>
<p>When the signs of depression are recognized early, there are many more treatment options available. The first step is talk to someone you trust about your symptoms, like your parents or a teacher. Your family doctor is also a good source of information about depression and will be able to provide a referral to a special doctor like a psychologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, counseling will be used first, especially if the depression appears to be mild or moderate. In more severe cases, the counseling may be combined with medication for the best results. It is not usually recommended that medication be used without other forms of therapy, since the medication can have negative side effects on teens if it is not monitored closely.</p>
<p>It is important to be an active participant in your treatment plan, whatever that might be. By taking responsibility for your treatment, you will feel like you can gain control over your condition and get on the path to a higher quality of life. Depression is hard, but help is available. If you are experiencing any of the signs of depression, talk to an adult you trust as soon as possible.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Self Mutilation</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/self-mutilation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/self-mutilation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:10:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=740</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Self mutilation has become a more common practice of late, with as many as one in every 200 teen girls involved in this type of behavior. While the rate of self mutilation tends to be seen in girls more often, some teen boys and adults also practice a form of self injury. There is often [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Self mutilation has become a more common practice of late, with as many as one in every 200 teen girls involved in this type of behavior. While the rate of self mutilation tends to be seen in girls more often, some teen boys and adults also practice a form of self injury. There is often a high degree of shame and embarrassment over acts of self mutilation, leading most to try to hide the behaviors from parents, friends and teachers. However, letting someone know what you are doing is the first step to finding alternative ways of responding to stress and frustration in life.<br />
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<p>Some who practice self mutilation are afraid they are &#8220;crazy&#8221; or can&#8217;t cope with daily life. However, self mutilation is not a symptom of insanity. Instead, it is often a result of not knowing proper ways to cope with stressful events, anger towards a situation or person or anxiety. Many who practice self mutilation were abused as children, and others deal with a need for perfectionism or control. Most find that by talking to a therapist about the underlying causes of the self mutilation, they can stop the behavior and find healthier ways to react to challenging life situations. </p>
<h2>What Self Mutilation Looks Like</h2>
<p>There are many methods of self mutilation. One of the most common is consistently cutting your skin with a sharp object like a knife, razor blade or piece of broken glass. Another method is burning, by touching the skin with a hot lighter or piece of metal. Some also pull out hair, bite themselves or pick at the skin until a wound develops. In many cases, these behaviors help the person feel &#8220;alive&#8221;, or take away the acute stress or fear that is felt in response to a difficult event. </p>
<p>Self mutilation does not typically involve body piercings or tattoos; instead a person who practices self mutilation will go to great lengths to hide their habit. This may include refusing to change clothes in a public place, wearing long sleeves and pants even in summer and insisting on doing their own laundry. Most kids involved in self mutilation come from middle-class to upper-class homes and many have two professional parents. They don&#8217;t try to make &#8220;trouble&#8221; for others; but instead, internalize their feelings until they build up into these self destructive behaviors.</p>
<h2>Help for Self Mutilation</h2>
<p>If you have been hurting yourself in ways described here, the first step is to tell someone you trust. Most teens who self mutilate can learn better ways of dealing with difficulties with the help of a professional therapist. In some cases treatment might simply involve talk therapy, but other cases might require medication or hospitalization. Some teens also find that alternative therapies like hypnosis and relaxation techniques to be highly effective. The most important step to recovery is to tell someone you trust what is going on in your life so you can get the help you need to find healthier ways of dealing with tough situations.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Does He Like Me?</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/does-he-like-me/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/does-he-like-me/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Dating & Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=734</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every girl has been in this situation, probably multiple times. You like a guy – I mean, really like him – but you have no idea if those feelings are reciprocated. Sure, he smiled at you in Algebra last week, and maybe he seems to be passing by your locker more often than he used [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Every girl has been in this situation, probably multiple times. You like a guy – I mean, really like him – but you have no idea if those feelings are reciprocated. Sure, he smiled at you in Algebra last week, and maybe he seems to be passing by your locker more often than he used to. Is it a positive sign or just wishful thinking? If you are in this quandary with a guy right now, we&#8217;ve got some help for you. Check out these tips for determining whether that special guy likes you back.<br />
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src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
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<h2>The Eyes Give it Away</h2>
<p>When a guy likes a girl, he will usually look at her – a lot. You may catch his gaze across Spanish class or catch him checking you out in the cafeteria. Whether he looks away when you catch his eye or locks you into a longer gaze, frequent looks are often a good sign. A guy may also smile at you when your eyes meet, a sure sign that he is at least enjoying your attention. </p>
<h2>Observing Body Language</h2>
<p>Most experts believe that 10% of our communication is verbal, while the other 90% is done through body language. When you sit next to each other, does he lean toward you or sit back and cross his arms in a way that says, &#8220;Back off!&#8221; Does he make eye contact with you when you talk to him, or are his eyes flitting across the room to his buddies or that cute blonde from English Comp? Guys that unconsciously brush their hair with their hands or show other signs of self preening in your presences are usually showing you that they care what you think of them – a sure sign of interest.</p>
<h2>Dress to Impress</h2>
<p>He may not be flaunting new clothes, but when a guy likes a girl, he may try to impress her. It may be by showing off his really hot car or his really cool moves on the court. If he&#8217;s putting on his best manners, he is probably trying to show you respect. And yes, boys will tend to clean themselves up and put on their nicest duds when they are interested in someone of the opposite sex. Just like you will take a little extra time with the wardrobe and makeup when a new love interest is in the works.</p>
<h2>Beware of Texting</h2>
<p>While most people use cell phones and text messaging to communicate today, make sure that you don&#8217;t read too much into a text message from a guy. While girls usually leave messages filled with information and friendly chat, guys like to get to the point and leave it at that. Don&#8217;t over analyze text messages that you might receive from your future lover; instead try to have real life conversations with him so you can read his body language.</p>
<p>Determining whether someone likes you is a mystery much of the time. However, by using these tips, you can get a better idea if that cute guy really likes you or if you should turn your sights on someone else.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Kiss a Girl</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/how-to-kiss-a-girl/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/how-to-kiss-a-girl/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:52:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Dating & Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=731</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It doesn&#8217;t really matter how many first dates you&#8217;ve been on in the past; the first kiss is different with every girl you go out with. Some guys seem to take this step in stride, but don&#8217;t be fooled! Everybody gets a little nervous about a first kiss, at least until you know whether the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It doesn&#8217;t really matter how many first dates you&#8217;ve been on in the past; the first kiss is different with every girl you go out with. Some guys seem to take this step in stride, but don&#8217;t be fooled! Everybody gets a little nervous about a first kiss, at least until you know whether the girl likes you as much as you like her. If you are getting to that point with a new girl in your life, we&#8217;ve got some tips to help that first kiss be a memorable one.<br />
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<h2>When Should You Kiss Her?</h2>
<p>While some girls are totally comfortable kissing on a first date, others will need a little time to get comfortable with this new dating relationship. Watch for signs that a girl wants to be kissed; leaning in close, looking in your eyes – or flat out asking you to kiss her. Yeah, some girls make it really easy, but if she doesn&#8217;t, you can always ask yourself. It is best not to try this move in the middle of an action-packed movie or in the middle of dinner. Wait until the two of you are in a private place and focused on each other. </p>
<h2>Where Should You Kiss Her?</h2>
<p>Some girls won&#8217;t be comfortable kissing in a public place, so save your first experience when you are in private. It also won&#8217;t be a good plan to try the first kiss when her dad is watching from the front door, unless you want to be read the riot act! Try a kiss during a romantic movie scene or in your car before walking her to her front door. You will be much more likely to get a positive response when it is just the two of you.</p>
<h2>How Do You Kiss Her?</h2>
<p>Two things to keep in mind when kissing a girl; moist lips and fresh breath. Both of these factors make a kiss much more pleasant and should not be underestimated. If you can&#8217;t brush your teeth right before the kiss, get rid of unattractive odors with gum or a breath mint. Just make sure it is completely gone beforehand or you may be sharing more than a kiss! You can moisten your lips by giving them a quick lick before you approach your date. Avoid slimy chapstick that might gross her out rather than get her in a romantic mood.</p>
<h2>Watch Out!</h2>
<p>When you kiss a girl for the first time, it is best to keep your hands in a neutral location, like around her waist. Another move that drives some girls crazy is to touch her face or hair while you kiss her. Avoid private areas, especially on the first kiss. There is plenty of time for that later on. </p>
<p>The first kiss can be one that a girl remembers for a long time, but don&#8217;t let that scare you off. With these simple tips, you can make a first kiss a special experience that both of you are sure to enjoy. By taking into consideration the time, place and method of your kiss, you can ensure that your date is successful.</p>
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		<title>Tongue Piercings</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/tongue-piercings/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/tongue-piercings/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:47:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=727</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Body piercing is not a new trend. Many cultures have been piercing the body for centuries, for a variety of reasons. Today, the primary reason for body piercings in this country is style; piercing is a way to express one&#8217;s individuality. One of the more popular types of piercing is tongue piercing, which involved inserting [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Body piercing is not a new trend. Many cultures have been piercing the body for centuries, for a variety of reasons. Today, the primary reason for body piercings in this country is style; piercing is a way to express one&#8217;s individuality. One of the more popular types of piercing is tongue piercing, which involved inserting a piece of jewelry through the tongue. While tongue piercing is a common procedure, there are a few tips to keep in mind before you check out this type of piercing for yourself.<br />
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<h2>Safety</h2>
<p>While some cringe at the mere mention of tongue piercing, you can do plenty to reduce your risk. The most important factor in choosing a tongue piercer is to select a person experienced and licensed in the state where you live. While not all states require a professional piercer to be licensed, this extra step ensures that the person has taken necessary steps to reduce the risk of infection and complications. It is also important to check out the piercing studio to ensure the place is clean and organized. This will tell you if the people who work there care about their work and the safety of their clients the way they should.</p>
<h2>Jewelry</h2>
<p>The type of jewelry that is used in tongue piercing will make a difference in how successful the piercing is. The best kind of metal to use for tongue piercing is implant grade stainless steel. While it may cost a bit more than other types of metal used for piercings, the value is in the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Always go for this type of metal when you can, but if implant grade stainless steel is not available, 18K gold is the next best thing. Only agree to a titanium stud if the metal has been highly polished to reduce the porous tendency and never allow a piercer to use silver on a brand new piercing due to the negative side effects that can result.</p>
<h2>Placement</h2>
<p>The placement of the tongue piercing can also affect how healthy and comfortable the piercing ends up. Go for a piercing right along the midline of the tongue, which will put your piercing essentially in the center of your mouth. Another common placement of a tongue piercing is about ¾&#8221; from the tip of the tongue. Proper placement will help to keep the piercing  comfortable and possible avoid damage to the teeth from the piercing. An experienced piercer will know the best placement, which is another reason why it is important to choose someone who has done this procedure for your own piercing. </p>
<h2>A Word of Caution</h2>
<p>It is important to note that many health professionals recommend against tongue piercing because the risk of infection tin the mouth and damage to teeth is rather high. However, if you choose an experienced piercer who is licensed in his craft, your risk factors can be reduced. With the proper precautions, tongue piercing will be a way of expressing your individuality and flaunting your unique style.</p>
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		<title>How to French Kiss</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/how-to-french-kiss/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/dating-relationships/how-to-french-kiss/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:32:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Dating & Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=724</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The art of French kissing inspires romance and passion, just like the couple that finally comes together at the end of a movie. However, the actual act of French kissing can invoke fear in those who have never practiced this style of kissing before. The first step in French kissing is to relax, and remember [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The art of French kissing inspires romance and passion, just like the couple that finally comes together at the end of a movie. However, the actual act of French kissing can invoke fear in those who have never practiced this style of kissing before. The first step in French kissing is to relax, and remember there is no absolute right or wrong in this process. The fun is all in the practice, and with these tips in mind, you&#8217;ll get French kissing down in no time.<br />
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<h2>On Breath and Breathing</h2>
<p>This may go without saying, but if you are planning on French kissing, the breath is a top priority. Make sure your mouth is clean and fresh before attempting this feat, and carry breath mints for extra security if you think kissing might be in your near future. While kissing, it is important to remember to breathe through your nose, to avoid turning blue or gasping for oxygen. It may sound like a no-brainer, but when you are caught up in this Parisian act of passion, breathing won&#8217;t be the first thing on your mind!</p>
<h2>Tune into Body Language</h2>
<p>French kissing should never be tense, so make sure the two of you are in a comfortable position and let any tension in your neck and shoulders go. Remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to French kissing, and as long as you take it slow and gentle, your partner will probably enjoy it as much as you. If you sense from her body language that she is not comfortable with this type of kissing, simply pull back a bit. She may need more time to get comfortable with the idea.</p>
<h2>The Basic Steps</h2>
<p>To begin a French kiss, start with your lips closed. After a slow, gentle kiss in this fashion, begin to open your mouth slightly and see if your partner responds. Next, softly brush your tongue against your partner&#8217;s lips. If the response to your actions is a favorable one, you can move in a bit further, exploring her teeth or tongue with easy, tickling motions. The ultimate in French kissing is connecting tongue to tongue, since this is a very sensitive part of the body.</p>
<p>When French kissing your partner, make sure your hands are in a safe location. Around the waist or cupping the back of the head are two of the best positions. Caressing the skin or lightly playing with the hair can add to the enjoyment of the moment. It is important to do something with the hands, to show that you are into the kiss, but don&#8217;t make your partner uncomfortable by moving to private areas too quickly in this process.</p>
<p>French kissing can be a fun way to rev up the relationship in a way you will both enjoy. Sure, it takes a bit of practice, but French kissing is a lot more fun to work on than your algebra or saxophone. As long as you and your partner are comfortable with one another, French kissing will be the perfect way to bring your relationship a little closer.</p>
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		<title>Cutting</title>
		<link>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/cutting/</link>
		<comments>http://www.arg.com/general-advice/cutting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:19:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.arg.com/?p=720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cutting is a method of coping with stress in life, but it is not a healthy way to deal with things. Cutters are usually females between the ages of 13 and 20, but men have also turned to this form of self injury. People who cut themselves are rarely suicidal, although they can seriously hurt [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cutting is a method of coping with stress in life, but it is not a healthy way to deal with things. Cutters are usually females between the ages of 13 and 20, but men have also turned to this form of self injury. People who cut themselves are rarely suicidal, although they can seriously hurt themselves with this act. Cutting is a serious problem that requires professional care to turn away from the practice to healthier ways of coping with stress.<br />
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<p>Cutting is defined as the act of repeatedly injuring yourself by cutting your skin with a sharp object. The object used can be a knife, scissors, needles or broken glass. Others will burn themselves or pull out hair to get the same effect. Cutters must live with the shame and embarrassment of what they do. They will often wear long sleeves and pants to hide their injuries, even in the warmest months of summer. Most people are afraid to disclose this habit, although the late Princess Diana&#8217;s disclosure of her cutting issues helped others to seek help for their own actions. </p>
<p>Cutting is often the result of a stressful situation, like parents divorcing or a close friend moving away. In many cases, cutters have suffered other types of trauma in life like abuse or a history of family violence. Some cutters say they cut themselves to feel alive in a life that is otherwise numb. Others do it to express anger at themselves or cope with intense feelings they can&#8217;t handle. In some cases, cutters are asking for help through their actions, because they don&#8217;t want to keep up this painful ritual and they don&#8217;t know how to stop.</p>
<p>Cutting is a serious problem for a number of reasons. First, constant cutting can lead to infections or scarring. In fact, many cutters do have permanent scars from their habit. Cutting is also an unhealthy way of dealing with the stress of life. Cutters may have underlying issues that need to be dealt with first, so they can learn healthy ways of coping with stress and anxiety. The good news is that cutters can get the help they need through the services of a professional therapist.</p>
<p>Therapy can be a helpful method to stop the cutting habit. However, the process may take a long time before the recovery is complete. The good news is that a therapist can help a cutter work through the many layers of life issues that culminated to this point. By working through the process, cutters can find a healthier way of dealing with life that doesn&#8217;t involve hurting their bodies.</p>
<p>If you are cutting yourself, there is help available. The first step is to tell someone what you are doing, whether it is a parent, teacher or counselor. Next, have that person get you to a professional therapist who can uncover the underlying reason for your cutting and work you through to a healthier way of life. Cutting is a difficult problem to overcome, but it can be treated. The key is to get help as soon as possible.</p>
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