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7 rules self-made millionaires live by
2008-06-01 02:30:00
Treat money as something to save and invest. The minute you receive your paycheck or a windfall (example, an inheritance or a bonus), think of how much you can put away as savings.Assume some risk when investing. When you play safe in investing, you?ll get safe (but low) returns as well. Millionaires have gone out on a limb putting up businesses which they hoped would earn ? nothing is guaranteed. But it is in taking calculated risks that they are rewarded.Live simply. Some millionaires have lived in the same homes they have had for the past 30-40 years. Or they live in the homes they inherited. You can also take a cue from the way millionaires live: not all party every night, nor do they buy every new car model that?s released. Instead, you?ll find these millionaires working at their desks at 8 a.m. and having just two cars in the garage.Have a goal. By being specific, you will be more motivated to reach your goal. For instance, make it your goal to have your own home by the time y...
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How to build your first budget
2008-05-29 03:30:00
Why you should care about budgets Putting together a post-college budget is crucial if you don't want to spend your way into serious problems. You're also developing a habit that can serve you well throughout your life."You're committing to managing your money instead of letting your money manage you. You'll probably find it helpful to first track how you're spending money now. Review one of your recent bank statements to get an idea of your current monthly expenses and your monthly take-home pay. Then track every dime you spend for the next three or four days to learn where your discretionary money goes.OK, now what? What your budget looks like will depend on many factors, including what area of the country you live in. People in urban areas tend to spend more on housing than their country cousins, for example, while utility costs will be higher in the Northeast and Midwest than in balmy California. The simplest way to budget may well be "The 60% Solution." The basic idea is t...
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Painless moves to save $1,000
2008-05-29 03:18:00
Look for discounted dinner entrees Saving money doesn't mean you can't enjoy meals at your favorite restaurants. Discounts can be found in the mail, in your local newspaper or online.Return unopened, unused items Many times, extra money may be even closer at hand than you might think. "If you're looking for extra money, your closets or drawers are a good place to start," says John Mruz, the president of Juggling Duck Organizers in Morristown, N.J. Nearly everyone has a recently purchased product they will never use: the too-large blouse that still has the tag on it or an unopened set of salt-and-pepper shakers that didn't fit the kitchen decor. Try to return the item to get your money back, Mruz says.Look for extra grocery savings There are several opportunities to save at the local grocery store, even if you don't clip coupons. "When you enter a store, check to see if there are sales ads located near the front," says Mehdikarimi. You might find a coupon for a purchase you were...
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The best financial advice ever
2008-05-29 03:13:00
Advice on saving "No matter how much or how little you make, always save a little bit."This is a variation of "Pay yourself first" that Your Money poster "kesslergk" heard from a grandfather. It's a reminder that whatever money comes into your life, you can (and should) be setting aside some of it."Save hard for the first 10 years of your married life." This is the advice Your Money poster "Talk2Me2"received from her mother (although to apply it to more people, I might amend it to, "Save hard for the first 10 years of your adult life" or "Keep living like a broke college student for as long as you can")."Know the difference between needs and wants."Several posters also mentioned different versions of this advice, which is key to controlling your spending. When you can't distinguish between real needs and mere wants, you're constantly talking yourself into spending too much."Think of the true cost."Anything you want to buy involves a number of costs. The price tag is just the star...
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Getting rich is simpler than you think
2008-05-29 03:11:00
Compounding What is compounding?Compounding is the reinvestment of the interest you receive from the money you set aside. For example, if you invest $1,000 and earn 10% interest on your principal at the end of each year, you'll get in $100 interest at the end of the first year. If you reinvest that interest, the second year you would start with $1,100, and thus would earn $110 interest. If you stay with it, you'd more than double your money every eight years.Dollar-cost averaging The process of continuously investing a fixed dollar amount is called dollar-cost averaging -- a term that sounds much more technical than it is. Through dollar-cost averaging, you'll end up buying more shares when a stock or fund is down, and fewer when it's up. For instance, say you're investing $500 monthly in a stock trading initially at $50 per share; so the first time, you buy 10 shares. If the next month the stock moves up to $62.50 your regular purchase will net you only eight shares. However, ...
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Favorite Money Rules to Live by
2008-05-29 03:07:00
Retirement, Part I: "Save 10% for basics, 15% for comfort, 20% to escape." This rule of thumb works pretty well if you start to save for retirement by your early 30s. Saving at least 10% of your income ensures you won't be eating pet food. Fifteen percent should get you a more comfortable living, while 20% gives you a shot at an early retirement (and yes, you get to count employer contributions as part of your percentage). Wait just a decade to start, though, and you'll need 15% for basics and 20% for comfort; an early retirement may not be in the cards.Retirement, Part II: "Retirement money is for retirement; until then, keep your mitts off it." There's rarely a good reason to borrow against your retirement accounts, and almost never a reasonable excuse for cashing them out. Look elsewhere to find money to pay your debts or buy a home. Let your retirement money keep working for you undisturbed. Someday, you'll be glad you did.Student loans: "Your total borrowing shouldn't exce...
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9 money rules to live by
2008-05-29 03:00:00
The difference between needs and wants Our actual needs are pretty limited: food, shelter, clothing, companionship. Just about everything else is a "want," and our wants are essentially endless. Because our resources are limited (see "scarcity," below), we have to make choices about which wants to fulfill.Also, the way we fulfill our needs involves a lot of choice.Scarcity makes your choices for you It's lovely to believe in a world of endless abundance, but the reality is that at any given point in time, our resources have limits. Whether it's oil in the ground, our time here on Earth or the cash in our pockets, there's only so much available to be spent.People who ignore this reality are the ones who run out of paycheck before they run out of month, or who extend their unsustainable spending by relying on credit cards, home equity loans and other reckless borrowing.the pointlessness of the hedonic treadmill This isn't the latest workout device at your gym. The hedonic treadmil...
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5 things you should never rent
2008-05-29 02:56:00
Rims. You can blame it on MTV's "Pimp My Ride" or simply a car culture gone crazy, but flashy chrome wheels are big. They're also expensive, typically costing $1,000 and up for a set. So a bunch of "rent to own" stores hawking rims and tires have sprung up to cater to those with expensive tastes and bad credit.Furniture. Speaking of broke, you'll get there even faster and stay there longer if you decide to "upgrade" to rent-to-own furniture.At Rent -A-Center in North Hollywood, Calif., you can rent an overstuffed Klaussner couch, love seat and coffee table for $44.99 a week for 83 weeks, which works out to about $2,000 more than the $1,657 the set would cost if you paid cash.Computers. If you own a small business, leasing computers can make sense. You preserve precious capital, are able to upgrade more frequently and often get tech support from the leasing company. When you're a consumer, though, renting is usually a terrible idea, especially if you're renting to own. Because th...
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What's Happening on Lost? Part 3
2008-05-28 02:44:00
What is Kate Doing? "If Sawyer doesn't want anyone to know about Clementine, why would he tell Kate? To be honest, if he told anyone at all, I think he'd tell Jack... If no one at all knows, Clementine can't inherit anything that Sawyer's family would have received due to his being 'killed' in the crash. Her paternity would have to be made public, go through the courts, and everyone would know. I still think Kate is doing something illegal for him, which in the end is what will change her mind about them having to go back to the island when she has been so adamant that they can't and shouldn't?but if she's about to be arrested again and lose her son, she'd opt to go back and risk losing her son that way incase Claire is still alive."?jose
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What's Happening on Lost? Part 2
2008-05-28 02:41:00
Remember Clementine?"I think the sneaking around for Sawyer that Kate was doing is about his daughter, Clementine. Plus once Kate met Clementine's mom, I think she realized that she knew her from before and they became friends."?momtolil
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What's Happening on Lost? Part 1
2008-05-28 02:38:00
Though no one really knows what is happening on Lost , we can't help but speculate and try to solve the many mysteries. What is the smoke monster? Are the Losties really dead? What's going on at the Orchid Station? Read on to find out iVillagers' theories on the show. Who knows... maybe they'll help you uncover the Lost truth.Medical Mysteries "When Jack is lying on the bed in his house, he DOES NOT have an appendix scar... There is no way Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse would forget that Jack had an appendix scar. And those stitches were big?not neat little stitches that would have disappeared over time. He would have a scar. It was no accident that he was in a towel, the focus was on his body, and in the same episode they are operating on his appendix. Maybe the island healed his scar?"?cl-sionanerin
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Happiness - 5 Steps To Happiness Now
2008-05-27 01:33:00
People who are sick typically seek better health; and people who aren't sick typically seek wealth rather than health. But everyone wishes to be happy. Sick people are not happy people; they want to feel better - to be well and happy. And, a great many people seek money, or riches, because they are under the impression that money can buy them happiness, or that "rich people" are happy people. But even people who do harm to others somehow think they'll be happier, or better-off, as a result.But is it wise to seek happiness? This is obviously a play on words; but your subconscious might not think so. The idea of seeking something implies that you don't already have it, or you aren't "there" yet. Happiness isn't really a "thing;" and it isn't a place, either. Happiness is the word we give the feeling of "unimpeded spiritual flow." It is important to think about that; because, if you want to be happy, it is important to know what it is you want. And, these days, it seems as if mos...
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5 Qualities Of Happy People
2008-05-27 01:32:00
If there's one thing that we all seek - it's happiness. I've never met a person who has told me they didn't want to be happy, have you? When I do individual therapy, I have the opportunity to sit down with people as they present their concerns to me - whatever they may be. They usually seek therapy because they're experiencing some level of emotional distress - and are fundamentally unhappy. I've noticed that a number of things come up over and over for people as reasons why this is so. There are certain things they either have - or don't have - and with this information I've been able to come to an understanding of a question posed by many:"What makes people happy?"What do they have that others don't? What's their secret?The following are my 5 secret qualities of happy people, in no particular order:1) Absence of Toxic Shame: In the book, "Healing the Shame That Binds You," John Bradshaw describes the difference between healthy vs toxic shame in that, "Healthy shame is ...
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5 Things You Can Do TODAY To Get Happier!
2008-05-27 01:31:00
Studies show that money can buy happiness, but only until the point where you have enough to cover expenses for food, shelter, health care, and transportation. After that, more money brings diminishing returns. So, where to put your energy and resources if you want to maximize your happiness?1. INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH - Health is a prerequisite to happiness. In other words, You can't be happy if you're unhealthy. Eating wisely and moving naturally are the best way to get fit2. CREATE QUALITY FRIENDSHIPS - When it comes to a social network, quality is more important the quantity. Having two good friends who care about you - whether your chips are up or down - is more important than a huge network. We often forget that friends rarely come on their own accord: they require effort, time and nurturing.3. EXPLORE YOUR RELIGION - World surveys show that religious people are more happy than non-religious people. Religious people are more likely to have a strong social network and to be at p...
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Why Men Pull Away After Sleeping With You
2008-05-27 01:27:00
t's a frustrating idea for many women, but you've seen it happen time and again. A man meets a woman, and they start dating. The relationship grows deeper fairly quickly until it culminates in the bedroom.But just as everything seems to be going incredibly well, the man abruptly starts being distant as soon as the woman discusses getting into a deeper relationship. The relationship then dwindles into nothingness, leaving the woman feeling bitter and betrayed. Have you ever slept with a great man, only to watch him pull away once you start talking about deeper emotions? You may be tempted to think that all men simply have only one thing on their minds when it comes to dating.Well, it's hardly that simple - the way men think can be just as complex as yours. The big differences lie in men's different approach to love and how they view it.My first point: Men are in the dating scene for the challenge. There's a reason why men are so fond of vigorous sports, violent movies, and fast-...
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When It's Time to Move On
2008-05-27 01:23:00
It's important to know when to go, when the right time has come to say goodbye, perhaps to a person, to a group or people, an organisation, or a situation. Perhaps the season and time for this has come and you're getting 'itchy feet.'I remember working with a gifted actress-she was in an accounts role-definitely not her "thing." It's not that she wasn't very good at her job, and she was universally liked, but I always felt that this sort of thing wasn't really for her. She successfully applied to complete the degree she'd started, that, by the way, was in a totally unrelated field to accounts.I too remember a time working in an emergency service organisation (response team) and feeling the time was right to say goodbye and move on. The draw to be part of this team had waned; the interest level was not there anymore. I felt there was no more learning to be done in that environment.Another time I felt the pull away in a different way. It was a situation where I felt no bond wi...
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Unique Ways To Go Down On Her Part 3
2008-05-26 05:45:00
4- Reverse legs overhead Have her begin by laying flat on her back with her legs straight out. Next, help her swing her legs up and over her head so that they are facing the opposite direction. She will basically be in the same position she would use if she were stretching out her back in yoga class.What you need to do: Position yourself near her head and shoulder area while kneeling down with one leg. At this spot you can easily slide your middle fingers inside of her and hit her G-spot. With her ass that high in the air you can also gently stimulate the anus at the same time.5- The 180 ride The 180 ride is another one those unique ways to go down on her. She'll begin by riding your face for a brief amount of time, and will follow by gently rotating her hips/pelvis around your face until she is in the opposite direction that she started in (making a whole 90-degree turn). After a brief amount of time with you down on her in this position, she will gently rotate her hips/pelvis aga...
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Unique Ways To Go Down On Her Part 2
2008-05-26 05:45:00
2- The dirty doggy Here's one of those great unique ways to go down on her: the dirty doggy. She should be on all fours with her butt up, facing away from you -- exactly as she would if she were going to have sex with you in the doggy style position.What you need to do: Position yourself at a lower angle than her body, making sure your neck is comfortable. For example, put her on the bed with only her ass hanging over and you kneeling on the floor. This angle puts you in a great spot to rub your hands all over her backside. Encourage her to use whatever hand she is not bracing herself with to masturbate. And, gentlemen, don't be afraid to smack that bootie.3- 68 This is built more for the girl who likes anal stimulation with tongue, but you can also reach the lower part of her vagina. It's important to note that unless you have a tongue that could put Gene Simmons to shame, she will not get any sort of clitoral stimulation from this angle. You can, however, reach around with your...
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Unique Ways To Go Down On Her Part 1
2008-05-26 05:44:00
s a guy, what you need to remember is that part of having oral sex is making sure you can deliver the goods.While almost every woman will appreciate the classic cunnilingus positions, like riding your face and the muff dive, you can bring her to the point of ecstasy by doing things no other man has done, or took the time to do.Think of it this way: The average cunnilingus positions are just that, average. Do you want to be remembered as the average guy in bed? I didn't think so. Read on for some great ideas on unique ways to go down on her.1- Legs up This is just a slight variation of the basic "between her legs muff dive" that we all know and love. Have her start by lying on her back and putting her legs up over your shoulders. She may have to arch her back slightly to do this. You should be able to reach back and grab her ankles with your hands.What you need to do: You want to position yourself between her legs. If you can easily reach back and grab her ankles with your hands, yo...
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Fun Foreplay Sex Positions Part 3
2008-05-26 05:41:00
4- Poolside Description: While she lies on her stomach, you approach her from between her legs. Place a pillow under her stomach to give you easier access to her genitals.Benefits for you: You're in control here -- use your hands, use just your fingers, use your tongue and your lips. Any way you do it, she's sure to enjoy the pampering.Benefits for her: One of the great things about this position is the element of surprise -- she can't really see you and has no idea what to expect. The "mystery" factor can lead to an overwhelming heightened sensation as she enjoys you enjoying her.5- The electric slide Description: She leans on her side with one leg bent up and one stretched out; you lie on her outstretched leg, facing away from her. This position is great for caressing and massaging her legs and feet (and for getting yourself a little massage-action too).Benefits for you: This position is not only a relaxing, easy-going mutual foot massage technique. It leaves your backside expo...
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Fun Foreplay Sex Positions Part 2
2008-05-26 05:41:00
3- Star 69 Description: In classic 69 form, you face each other's genitals for a great double oral sex session. In this position, she lies on the bottom and spreads her legs in the air, while you make your way on top of her.Benefits for you: As in "The dairy cow," you can control all motions and intensity according to what you like. Another rewarding thing about this position is that you have the option of using your fingers if your tongue starts to tire out.Benefits for her: She gets to lie down -- legs spread-eagle -- and enjoy the ride. Pleasing you is simple through the magic of alignment -- her head rests nicely under your groin area. Also, she has two options when it comes to using her free hands. She can either take the "it's-all-about-me" route and use them to caress herself, or she can take the "selfless" route and use them on you for some extra pleasure.
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Fun Foreplay Sex Positions Part 1
2008-05-26 05:37:00
Because it's usually better to receive than to give, spicing up oral sex isn't such a shabby idea. By using these positions, you might be giving your regular methods of oral sex the boost they need -- for both you and her.1- The nose dive Description: She rests on her shoulders and raises her legs over your shoulders. You should place your hands under her bottom to give her added support. Here's a tip: Because this position can be strenuous on her back, she should lie with pillows under her shoulders.Benefits for you: The best thing about this position is the scenery -- just look up and you'll get a pleasant view of her body from a great perspective. Since you have to support her legs, you also get easy access to her backside, so go ahead and cop a feel.Benefits for her: Receiving oral sex at this angle can be quite pleasing for her, but it may be a little uncomfortable for her neck and shoulders. Take this position slowly and ask her how she's doing a couple of times, just to ...
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Rear Entry Sex Positions Part 5
2008-05-26 05:35:00
6. The Sideway InsertIn this position, your woman should lie on her side (either side), lean on one elbow, and bring her legs forward. Lean on your hands, placing one on either side of her, and stretch your legs out as you place yourself inside. As well, you can opt to bend your knees and hold one of her legs up in the air (and possibly place it on your shoulder). This position provides more control over your thrusting. Or, you can always spoon it. Leaving her in the aforementioned position, make your way directly behind her, also leaning on your side, and press your body against hers as you thrust your way in. Keep It NewYou can opt to try one of these positions every session, or indulge in all six in one sitting. Whatever you decide, remember that the slightest variation can immensely change a position and the sensations it provides.
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Rear Entry Sex Positions Part 4
2008-05-26 05:35:00
4. The Chair Bend OverFinally, props! Bend your woman over on a chair and have her lean on it with her elbows facing the spine of the chair. Enter her from behind and, with your left hand, lift her left leg and place it on your hip. Again, if you like deep penetration, then this position will take you far. To avoid injury or pain, place pillows under your and her knees. This will allow both of you to concentrate on the pleasure and not your cracking bones. 5. Stand and BangFor this position, you should both be on your feet, preferably in front of a mirror. Have her lean against the wall, office desk, etc., with her hands, and make your way behind her and inside her. You can use your hands to hold her waist, lean against the wall, or even play with her clitoris. The mirror will add more appeal to the position, as she will be able to look at you as you're doing your thing. As well, you get to see the look on her face as she reaches her climax.
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Rear Entry Sex Positions Part 3
2008-05-26 05:34:00
3. Deep PenetrationAgain, she lies down on her stomach, but this time her legs are spread open and her knees are bent (her feet should be in the air). Using your hands for support, straddle her slowly at first, but make sure your legs are together. This allows for deep penetration, and whether you thrust slowly or quickly, I can virtually guarantee that both you and she will achieve monumental orgasms. To add variation to this position, simply angle her thighs in different ways.
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Rear Entry Sex Positions Part 2
2008-05-26 05:34:00
2. The Leg SpreadWith her lying on her stomach with her legs straight and closed, straddle on top of her. Your legs should also be stretched out, and somewhat spread. Your arms should be straight and holding you up. Make your way in and keep in mind that this position works best with deep, slow penetration. And if you feel like getting romantic, bend your elbows and kiss her mouth. She will, however, have to meet you halfway.
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Rear Entry Sex Positions Part 1
2008-05-26 05:33:00
It's no secret that doggy style is a fan favorite with men and women alike. Find out 6 variations on this crowd-pleasing position that'll have you both begging for more! Add a little gusto to the rear-entry position. If you weren't yet aware of it, something as simple as moving her leg slightly or angling your penis differently can turn your "bend over" into a roller coaster ride of orgasms. 1. The Tight GripIf your woman has great balancing capabilities, then you're in for a great treat. Your woman starts off on her hands and knees, like she normally would for the rear-entry position. The catch is that when you place your hands on her waist, your objective is to lift her legs up so that her feet are against your butt (Okay, that's not really your objective, but you know what I mean). Although this may be difficult at first, the sensations this position provides are enough to keep you going -- or coming, as the case may be. In this position, penetrate her slowly and deeply.
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How to Have Sex in a Small Space Part 4
2008-05-26 05:29:00
Depart from the dressing room one person at a time.Check your appearance in the mirror, and leave the store's clothing in the dressing room. If you are in the women's section of a department store, the woman should leave first and make sure the coast is clear. If you are in the men's department, the man should leave first. Be Aware For speed and efficiency in airlines, elevators, and dressing rooms, be sure to wear loose, baggy clothing. Do not wear underwear.
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How to Have Sex in a Small Space Part 3
2008-05-26 05:28:00
Stop the elevator between floors.Elevator doors house a mechanical clutch that opens the corridor (outer) doors. If the elevator is not level with a floor, the corridor doors cannot open, and someone from the outside will not easily be able to open the inner doors. Release the STOP button or flip the switch to RUN when you are ready to leave. Exit the elevator normally. If emergency personnel are present, tell them there was a malfunction but that you are okay. Be AwareIf the elevator is stopped level with a floor, an elevator technician will be able to open both the outer (corridor) doors and the inner (elevator) doors from the outside. Look for a dressing room that has a door and walls that extend to the floor.If all the dressing rooms have a gap between the floor and the walls, look for one with a secure door, rather than a curtain. If you are in a store that has several dressing rooms, look for the least-trafficked or least-monitored areas. Some dressing rooms have ...
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How to Have Sex in a Small Space Part 1
2008-05-26 05:27:00
AIRPLANE LAVATORY Pick a rendezvous time.Select a time when you are least likely to have to wait in line and when you will not be disturbed. The best times are just before the plane reaches cruising altitude or during the in-flight entertainment. As the plane is ascending, listen for a beep from the in-flight messaging system.The first beep comes without a subsequent announcement and indicates to the flight attendants that cruising altitude has almost been reached and that it is safe to begin their preparations. The FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT sign will still be illuminated, but the flight attendants will get up. As soon as the flight attendants clear the aisle, head for the lavatory. Try to select one that is not visible from the galleys. Have your date wait at least a minute, then meet you in the lavatory. You should hear the beverage carts roll by. After a few minutes, the flight attendants will begin to serve drinks, blocking the aisle from passenger access. Alternatively, or i...
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