Life of Adventure

Chinese Weddings

Chinese weddings are often steeped in tradition. Thus, for Chinese wedding dresses, red is normally the traditional color and white is not recommended. The red color also applies to many Asian cultures. Red is preferred because it is central to most of their themes. From wedding favors, invitations to dresses, the color red always features prominently. From the decorations to the bride’s dress, red must be visible.

Chinese Wedding Dress

The traditional bridal dress is usually a one-piece frock referred to as Qi Pao, embroidered using elaborate silver and gold designs. Southern China brides normally wear a two-piece called Cheongsam or Qun Gua Kwa, which is also adorned, elaborately by golden dragon and phoenix. The dress is normally red in color because red is believed to be a strong good luck color keeping away evil spirits.

Traditionally, a red veil piece was part of the bride’s outfit for covering her face during the ceremony. Phoenix and dragon bridal dress designs symbolized the balance of female and male power. The bride is often seen with the red veil that covering her head and sometimes her face. Among the most prominent features in these weddings is the bridal gown. A majority of the brides wear up to six dresses in a single wedding night. Nothing matches the passion and charm of red Chinese wedding dresses in the ceremony.

Choosing a Chinese Wedding Dress

Choosing the wedding gown is a very important decision. The dress sets the tone of the entire ceremony and therefore the bride should feel special and comfortable in the gown. It is vital to ensure this while choosing the dress. Thus, one is advised to shop at a renowned designer to ensure authenticity. However, one should consider their budgets before making a purchase. With this, one should also consider alternate options for instance, renting the wedding gown.

Some prospective couples prefer a themed ceremony to complement their renaissance or medieval wedding dress. For them, nothing utters romance than traveling back in time. Whatever dresses a bride decides to allocate for their wedding, choosing a dress that exudes the beauty and aura of the bride in the best manner possible. A bride can choose a gown with traditional embellishments looking like a bell-shaped skirt with a modern fitting or lace made using satin and decorated with beautiful frills. Select long Chinese wedding dresses with mind-blowing decorations made of flower patterns. Some embroidery and beadwork can add up to the dress’s beauty.

The dresses are mostly presented with long low lines; choose cut sleeves to present one in a moderate way. Consider a large selection of marriage dresses that come in different materials, sizes and styles for a Chinese bridal gown. When ordering a gown, always give one’s right measurements. Give it arty to see if it fits and point out all shortcomings and correct them.

A wedding is a special moment therefore the wedding gown chosen must serve to exude this importance in the entire ceremony. Every bride should ensure that the attire chosen is comfortable so that she is at ease in all the activities of that special day.



By: Rafi Michael

About the Author:

russian date

With stock markets in a downward spin, gold has emerged as one of the safest and most profitable investments. This FREE report contains the key steps to profiting in gold – including the five best “profit machines” to buy right away…

When times are tough, gold soars.

And frankly, the economy has been tough. $4 gasoline, the housing crisis, rampant inflation, plummeting stocks…

But all the while, gold prices vaulted a cool 43.25% in the past year.

Missing out on gold is already costing investors a pretty penny. What’s more, most experts are forecasting gold to rise at least another 56% by the end of this year.

So how does one begin profiting from gold? It’s simple. You don’t have to wade through a plethora of flashy web sites offering bullion or risk it all on a junior mining company.

Instead, this free report covers the ideas any investor can use to start profiting from gold right way. It also includes research on the five best ways to profit, from the most lucrative to the least risky.

No doubt, gold is on a record setting run that few will want to miss…

Most Lucrative Play: Triple-Digit Production Gains

Many gold investors are innately averse to risk, which is why some don’t consider buying stocks in mining companies as “buying gold,” per se.

But unlike many other publicly traded companies, mining shares can rise sharply when the value of what they’re extracting is spiking.

In this case, gold miners today are getting 182% more for the yellow metal compared to spot prices five years ago.

And – barring the increased costs of oil – mining the gold costs relatively the same, further widening a mining company’s profitability.

South Africa’s Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) is the world’s fourth-biggest gold producer – with about 90 million ounces in reserves from its operations in Africa, South America and Australia.

It recently reported that its fourth-quarter production will beat its previous forecast by up to 120%.

Overall, the company has a solid balance sheet and ample reserves. But if anything scares investors away, it’s Gold Fields’ location. South Africa mines are frequently a political tool between the country’s labor unions and state-owned utility provider Eskom Holdings Ltd., which controls 95% of the country’s power.

Eskom recently jacked electricity prices up 27.5%, and unions decided to hit the government where it hurts – by striking – thus gutting the government of taxes from its vast gold profits.

That is just one example of why this stock is a risky gold play. Gold could reach another record but Gold Fields may not see a penny of it if miners are striking.

Gold Play #2: All About “Cash Flow and Earnings”

When gold prices are high, investors should pay extra attention to mining companies with increasing production levels because they translate into a bigger bottom line.

For its second quarter this year, Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) produced almost 10% more gold than it did in the previous quarter.

What’s more, its gold production is expected to double to 2.2 million ounces per year by 2012, primarily from its Brazil and Argentina mines.

That’s because Yamana Gold went on a spending spree in the past two years, buying up junior mines around the world to lock in reserves.

“Now it is about production, cash flow and earnings,” CEO Peter Marrone told Reuters in May.

It’s also about dividends. The company recently kicked up its investor payout by 300%, a strong vote of confidence to its production and stock performance.

Unlike Gold Fields, Toronto-based Yamana Gold has operations in relatively stable parts of the world – making it less risky on the geopolitical front.

But despite its name, Yamana Gold isn’t purely a gold miner. It also produces copper, silver and zinc. How well the company continues to mine those metals – as well as their fluctuating prices – will also affect Yamana’s stock value regardless of gold prices.

Gold Play #3: Multiplying Profits with “Free Oil”

Imagine how much money you’d save if you had your own gas station. Just fill up. Go anywhere. Forget worrying about dishing out $100 a tank.

Now multiply the size of your oil consumption by 3,600 barrels.

Then multiply that by 365 for each day of the year.

That’s how much “free oil” Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) is going to have now that its $410 million takeover offer was accepted by Cadence Energy, an oil and gas producer.

And that oil sorely needed.

You see, gold prices have no doubt added billions to the bottom lines of mining companies. But 25% of the cost to mine that gold goes to oil.

Factor in gold’s projected 58% climb, and this company will have a huge profitability advantage over its mining peers and the average S&P stock.

Like Yamana, Barrick has also been on a spending spree. Over the past year, it has gobbled up stakes in a half dozen mines, multiplying its reserves and production capacities in light of record gold prices.

All totaled, Barrick owns 27 mines in five continents and produces over 8 million ounces of gold a year, making it the world’s largest gold miner.

We consider this a medium-risk investment because – despite its solid operations, profitability and efficiency – it’s vulnerable like any tradable stock. But since it’s the world largest gold producer, its stock will move closest in line with gold compared to other gold miners.

And as an added bonus, it just kicked up its biannual dividend by 33%.

Gold Play #4: Tracking Gold Dollar for Dollar

Some investors want to buy gold but feel uneasy about storing it overseas, by another person… and for a commission nonetheless.

But on the same token, not many want to make their homes a burglary target by stashing gold reserves in their basements.

Enter SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that trades like a stock but whose value is directly tracked the price of gold bullion.

Only 1.82 percentage points separate the gains made by gold price and Gold Trust in the past year.

Gold Trust has a $17 billion-plus market cap, giving it ample liquidity.

And with the ongoing skid in the U.S. dollar, investors have been fleeing the greenback and investing in gold. As it gains investors, the Gold Trust has continued to add to its gold holdings.

At the same time, central banks have been selling their gold reserves. That’s important to mention because it elevates Gold Trust’s status on the list of global gold holders. Right now, it has eighth largest gold holding in the world – meaning that it has more gold than 97% of all the countries in the world.

Simply put, it’s the simplest way to buy gold without buying physical bullion or coins.

Gold Play #5: The Safest Gold Play Out There

Investors often shy away from bullion account providers because of their steep premiums and minimums. And reasonably so…

In addition to charging a 3% commission, Perth Mint also has a $250,000 minimum investment requirement – not exactly a figure many first-time gold investors have in between their couch cushions.

Kitco charges a 6% premium for 1 oz. Gold Eagle coins. Shipping and handling costs are also added, but varies on the size of the order.

Monex is perhaps the worst. On top of the 3% to 5% difference between what it buys and sells, there are commission rates ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%. Then there are shipping costs of $15 per transaction plus $1 per ounce. Then there are handling charges of $75 per unit ordered.

After all that, it’s hard to get excited about collecting profits. That’s why we recommend an EverBank Select Metals Account. First off, EverBank’s minimum deposit is 98% lower than its competitors, and its commission costs are up to 86% lower than other metals brokers and bullion banks.

Second, it offers two types of gold accounts:

• Unallocated: Your purchased gold is pooled with that of other investors, eliminating storage and maintenance costs. The minimum deposit amount for unallocated accounts is a scant $5,000.

• Allocated: You directly own the gold you purchase, held in your own private account. The minimum deposit for allocated accounts is $7,500. Both types of accounts can be set up 24/7 online. But if you prefer a phone, call 866-326-6241, and be sure to give them the code 12608 when setting up an account.

We should point out that the publisher of Money Morning has a marketing relationship with EverBank, but that’s because its products are best in show.

[Editor's note: Inflation, the falling dollar, rising food and gas... they aren't isolated events. They're the dominoes that fell before the economy's $6 trillion Super Crash. The new book from CNBC analyst and millionaire investor Peter Schiff, "Crash Proof," is a 257-page turner on how to survive and profit during economic collapse. Here's how you can get the book for free... and grow five times wealthier in the bear market.]

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Paranormal Video

It seems that the media is overwhelmed with warning us about the inherent danger that comes with the use of steroids, but also can’t help glorifying the people who use them. We are constantly being reminded that steroids can kill you. But when it comes to all of the different bodybuilding magazines and websites, they have chosen to show a more positive aspect of steroid use, and the muscle you can gain from it. The truth can be found in between these two aspects of steroids. The following are some aspects of steroids that are very important for bodybuilders, and anyone else who is planning on taking anabolic steroids.

Finding a Source

Steroids that you buy from people at the gym are usually known for being fakes. Sometimes they are even expired or toxic due to manufacturing faults. Unless you have obtained your steroids from a physician, it is more likely than usual that you have bought fake products.

Using Needles

For those who have very little experience with needles, it’s going to have to quickly become a familiar process. The procedure requires research, practice, and also courage. It takes guts and skill to be able to stick an inch of needle into your own body’s tissue without getting an infection.

Gynecomastia

Many of the bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids sometimes might receive breast tissue growth. This will result in embarrassing bumps near the nipples, which are usually known as “bitch tits”. These develop because of high estrogen levels, which is corrected by very expensive surgery.

Legal Issues

Unless you’ve been visiting another planet for the past few years, you’re no doubt knowledgeable of the recent chain of busts, which have led to the destruction of many suppliers and sellers of anabolic steroids. This means that suppliers and users all over the market are turning in their contacts and client information so that they can cut a deal and receive a less harsh punishment. Some shops are still operating, but they are now illegal. So unless the idea of being sent to jail or having to pay a large fine is appealing to you, buying steroids, even from someone you know, is not the best idea in the world.

Steroids have become an unavoidable aspect of top-level amateur and professional bodybuilding competition. But for the normal people in the gym, they are not seen as a sensible or responsible decision. It’s important to think about the possible consequences while going through the decision to use, and also to initiate your decision having gathered as much research as you can. There are no re-do’s when it comes to your health, not to mention the law.

getting rid of man boobs

Man boobs can be the outcome of many factors. Such as cancer, too much testosterone or just an unhealthy diet. To avoid getting them yourself you need to know the causes.

Certain abnormalities or deficiencies can cause man boobs to develop and often this condition causes a man to feel embarrassed. Sadly, many people in the world lack education and understanding in regards to medical conditions and because of their ignorance, people in the world will make fun of a man just because he has man boobs. Man boobs is merely fatty tissue buildup, which is caused from various conditions. Sometimes cancer causes man boobs to develop. Those who make fun of a man with man boobs should always consider health factors and disease before they open their mouth. Never think it could not happen to you or to someone you love. The fact is man boobs is a medical condition and often times the problem can be resolved with a little prevention measures, physical activity, proper diet, and so forth.

Man boobs is simply an enlargement of the breast or a condition known as Gynecomastia. If a man has an extreme case of Gynecomastia surgery may be required to resolve the problem. Most times the cosmetic surgery costs around 3Grand. Men over the age 50 often develop man boobs because throughout the aging processes fatty tissues build more excessively around the breastbone. Exercise and diet can help reduce man boobs in this instance. A proper diet and exercise can go along way with reducing man boobs and also reducing your risks of disease.

Young man during puberty may develop man boobs. The problem is caused usually from fatty tissue build up which can be controlled with exercise and diet. Often a teenage with man boobs will notice breast reduction after a few months or sometimes in a couple of years. Exercising and eating healthy can help reduce man boobs earlier. Some men inherit man boobs. The condition known as Gynecomastia develops, which may lead to surgery to reduce the man boobs. Sometimes doctors can use medications and recommend supplements to reduce man boobs and control fatty buildup. Exercise and diet is also recommended. If the problem persists then the doctor may recommend surgery.

Some men are born with a certain body type that causes them to develop man boobs. These are the bodybuilder types. These men often perform weight training and resistant exercise to improve the man boobs physical traits.



By: David Towdon

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hoe to get rid of man boobs

The Russian service of dating is different from the services of married mail-order selling. The service of dating is not registered with you. The Russian unmarried women or the men must join. There is no help for the recording like services of married mail-order selling. There are some completely free Russian sites dating which never charge with the members any fees for the use of the service. Free Russian Web sites of dating are developed to locally help the single Russian girls with the men and around the world. It there of the fees to forever record, seek, and act one on the other with the Russian singles on line. Consequently, the research of the bride Russian single on line of the services of married mail-order selling is common nowadays. You can seek your other half as easy as 1,2, and 3. find your companion dreamer maintaining with the completely free Russian personnel dating the service.

The bride Russian can be the most beautiful wives for the American men. They are large and fair. They are pretty and sexy. They are right the best wives for the single Western men or the American men. When the bride Russian mail-order selling come to the USA, they can do any work such as the laundry, and others. The majority of bride Russian can speak English and write English a little. They can very quickly learn English because of their noise from Russian language. The majority of these Russian girls can adapt to the new life in America soon. There is of the bride Russian which is informed, thus they can go to the university when they come to America. The unmarried Russian women are faithful and honest to like. They respect their husband and respect the elder ones. They are nice and friendly too.

The Russian services of married mail-order selling are the service which had by the Russian people in Russia. They try to help the women buildings to marry with the foreign men to have a better future. Some Russian services of bride are had by the Russian people who live in America or other countries as well. The principal goal is to connect the single Russian girls to the American men or to the Western types. Marrying with a single Russian bride, the Western men must include/understand about the Russian culture. The policy to be obtained married and brings the wife in America is different from each country. One recommends to him to read ends more on line about Moscow before coming there to marry with girls. You should include/understand and learn more about the Russian country before traveling there.

Each year, there are free Russian thousands of bride which come to America by the marriage with the American men. These men recorded their advertisements of personnel to the services of married mail-order selling to know these Russian women. To obtain knowing, the Russian services of dating are the best sources which help the men single to find the girls Russian single for the relationship and the marriage. The Russian services of married on line is the service which help all the men single around the world to be married with the Russian ladies for small fees. Thus, if you are a single American man, then you can be recorded with the services mail-order selling to find of married of Moscow. There are small fees which you must pay to contact of the women. The fees are until each Russian service of order of bride.



By: Jenny Rogers

About the Author:

Polish brides

With relentless pressure from rival online dating sites and a forecast predicting a slow down in market growth, the big online dating sites in the U.S look to fertile markets such as China and India. Revenues earned by the big four online dating companies in the U.S have averaged around 650 million dollars over the past three years indicating a slow down in growth for the online dating industry in the U.S.

China and India have a combined population of nearly 3 billion people. So on the surface it would appear as though these countries would be an ideal market for U.S online dating companies to target. Whilst these countries have massive populations, around 80% of their citizens are poverty stricken farmers, and would be the least likely folk to be shelling out for an online dating subscription.

Certainly there are already singles sites on the internet targeting these markets and are set up and run by local people who understand their respective cultures and don’t have translation issues to deal with comparable to what their American rivals will face. International singles match making presents hurdles for foreign businesses. Differing societal attitudes, cunning rivalry and cultural quirks will dumbfound the most sophisticated professional. It is true that love takes on a different set of meanings depending on which part of the world you belong to.

One thing for certain is that romance and love is extremely remunerative and has proven to be virtually recession-proof. Transforming operations to suit such differing market places is worth the initial headaches that will be endured adapting to the new cultural conditions. The Chinese and Indian markets are set to take on a completely new look to how westerners utilize online dating sites . Parents of young singles play a pivotal role in matchmaking with regards to arranged marriages. An initial introduction between a man and a women is likely to begin with the parents attending. The parents will later consult to determine if their children will make a suitable husband and wife.

Modern times and the gradual integration of Chinese society into western culture will provide the big U.S dating companies with a mixed variety of clientele forcing them to have functionality available on their websites that allows for arranged marriages and for a more liberal match making service akin to what they are currently accustomed to. The push into the Asian markets is seen by analysts as a long term strategic move to sure up future commercial growth.



By: Mr Online Dating

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Asian mail order brides

Many of you may have wondered why Russian brides are so sexy and smart. The truth is only one: its their husbands that are giving them motivation to be such.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many men who have managed to find a wife who has so many undisputable virtues such as being smart, beautiful, sexy and rich?

The truth is that actually many Russian girls have started their family life out of nothing else but a desire to be part of the luxury lifestyle of the super millionaires. They are smart and intelligent but in addition they have worked hard to be well educated too.

Russia has internationally acknowledged universities such as the Moscow University or St. Petersburg Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics. Many families have invested much in the good education of their daughters explaining to them that rich foreigners would never stay with a common woman in spite of her beauty.

Understanding that beauty is skin deep but being sexy is something one can learn and develop, young women have invested time and efforts to learn the art of innocent seduction. Usually in university Russian girls get the advantage of internship programs which allow them to travel the world and meet men on conferences or other scholar events.

If you have seen your sexy Russian bride during one of those events soon you will become convinced that sex is not just act, but state of mind and pleasure for the intellect. These ladies always support their husbands because they have been taught that family is very important and a wife’s mission is to motivate the relationship.

Russian women are ready to sacrifice almost everything in order for her to prove her loyalty to you. Their good professional education makes them desired partners not only for family, but business affairs too.

Many top captains of industry are intentionally searching for wives from a country from the soviet block because they know that these smart girls are able to double their fortune. What is more challenging and sexy for businessmen than having bride with astute and clever thinking, easy-going attitude and seductive inclinations?

You might be a software engineer but she will help you become a software entrepreneur whose company might break the traditional market. Your Russian wife will make everything possible to make you believe that your choice was right and to stay behind you in difficult times.

And all of a sudden if you decide to drop everything, a typical Russian bride will help you solve your problems just in a few minutes. She may well do this by the way while making love with you and whispering a tender “davai, davai” (go on, go on) in your ear.

Like most women all around the world these ladies are looking for better possibilities for them and for their children. Wellness partially guarantees this but what is more important to them is their husband’s education and character. Make your Russian bride laugh, tell her crazy romantic stories and prove that you can be good father.

International marriage is not an easy step. Things like cultural barriers or different traditions might make you confused. The good news is that in Russia, just like in America, women like erotic games. The combination of the two of you will result in everlasting physical and intellectual pleasure.



By: Peter Finch

About the Author:

Ukrainian bride

Infrastructures are carefully studied before they are even built. Everyone who is involved has a thing to say about the project and every concern in whatever aspect has to be discussed.

The project team often headed by an engineer plan ever corner of the project to make sure that apart from finishing on time, the entire process will be smooth sailing and the finished product something that the team can be proud of. Once everything is settled and there is someone to finance the project already then the city engineer’s office approves the plan. With a new building or infrastructure or underway, everybody is on their toes not until the very last piece is completed.

Now the responsibilities of people do not end on the blessing of the new building or whatever it is that was built, it actually goes on forever. The infrastructure has to stand the test of time, weather and natural disasters. Certainly there will be accidents but hopefully as a result of careful planning and execution it will not be attributed to the infrastructure and the people behind it.

For this reason, there are government offices tasked to do regular check-ups and rounds to all establishments, roads, bridges and the like to ensure that there are still safe to use or occupy. On their own, the establishments and contracted companies have administration officers that do their own checking to make sure they pass the government’s tests.

One of the tools used in checking are industrial metal detectors. Industrial metal detectors are the devices used to look for any trace of presence of metal in nonconductive materials like textiles, rubber sheet, oils or liquids, plastics, powder, wood products and concrete. It is usually difficult to look for metal among these sorts of things but industrial metal detectors will do that job for you.

Important elements in an infrastructure that can be detected by an industrial metal detector include buried electrical lines, piping behind a wall or reinforcing metal bar in concrete. These are important because even if they are not seen, if these things go wrong then any infrastructure will be in danger. It is best to make sure that they are well in place and are functioning well.

There are special industrial metal detectors like underwater metal detectors obviously for use underwater. An airport metal detector is also a special kind of industrial metal detector because these kinds of industrial metal detector usually have specifications unique to them.

Metal detectors are the sort of things that will catch the fancy of little kids wanting to be scientists. Science television series or movies always has a thing or two about magnets and how it is so cool that nails get attached to them or on a more complex note how magnets can actually move an entire land mass.

These sorts of things ignite a certain degree of curiosity to young kids watching which is actually good because that means there is a bright future to the world of science. As time goes by technology sets in and magnets are not just the U-shaped objects during science class. Now magnets can be part of a new device without being obvious like metal detectors.

Metal detectors are like magnets because these devices can detect metal objects like guns and anything else that should be detected that maybe parts of weapons of destruction whether small scale or big scale. The usefulness of metal detectors is the reason why establishments, big and small alike, invest in things like walk through metal detector doors or hand held metal detectors. Just like spy cameras, these metal detectors makes it more comfortable for the owner to ensure the safety of his or her customers.

With the many bad things happening in the world though even the though of having metal detectors at homes or at private offices is becoming a trend. One cannot blame people if they want to be extra careful. These are signs of times and either you ignore it or cope with it by thinking up of your own safety measures.

Most people though cannot exactly afford to buy metal detectors so they resort to improvising which is not at all a bad idea unless you have a better option. The better option being presented is buying used metal detectors instead of going through the hassle of making one.

One can find used metal detectors at detector depots. There are supplies stores that sell demo metal directors which are also classified as used metal detectors. Buying a used metal detector is just like buying anything second hand.

There is no assurance the used metal detector you are able to purchase will function perfectly but it will do. If you are patient enough though, you might be able to find a used metal detector with a performance quality nearly the same as a newly bought one.



By: Low Jeremy

About the Author:

EVP Recordings

Are you looking for Filipina women interested in marriage ? Would you like to know what are Filipina women like? If you are curious about Filipino women and hopefully want to marry a Filipina someday, you might want to know some of their qualities.

If you have a chance to go to the Philippines, you will realize that Pinay Girls have several endearing qualities that will surely win your heart forever.

Pinay Women have close family relationships. She has strong bonds with extended family members like her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and even neighbors!

Filipina Girls have strong religious beliefs. Many Filipina Girls are Catholic or Christian in faith, and they usually regularly go to church every Sunday with family members or friends. It will mean a lot to her if you can go to church with her too. However, she is also open minded and is willing to accept your religion and your faith if someday she will become your wife. Pinay Ladies are brought up to respect her husband and always support him and be there for him.

Philippine Women have strong religious beliefs. Many Filipina girls are Catholic or Christian in faith, and they usually regularly go to church every Sunday with family members or friends. It will mean a lot to her if you can go to church with her too. However, she is also open minded and is willing to accept your religion and your faith if someday she will become your wife. Filipina girls are brought up to respect her husband and always support him and be there for him.

Many Philippine women have a heart of gold. If you are lucky to win a Filipina’s heart. They are also very sweet, loving, romantic, loyal and really faithful to the man they love. So, if you want to marry a Filipina lady, you should focus to win her Filipina heart, and you can have a faithful and loving beautiful Filipina girl as your Filipina bride. However, you have to be really patient in your courtship and really sincere in your intentions so you will win the love of her Filipina heart.

By: Filipina Kisses

About the Author:

As a online dating webmasters, I get emails asking me how to detect a scammer. It is tough. When a member joins a site, they don’t put in their profile, “hey, I’m joining so I can try to scam money from other members”. Only after they try to commit the scamming deed do we know their true intentions. When that happens, it should be reported to the webmaster.

The following list was my guideline when looking for online dating love. Each person’s judgment varies and ultimately are responsible for their own decisions. The following has no guarantees, but if it works for you so be it.

1. Don’t send money to a person you are getting to know. During the getting to know each other stages, money should not be a topic. My wife never asked me for a dime during our courtship. Only after time invested in getting to know each other and marriage was discussed did we talk about expenses. Major financial decisions should be reserved for when the relationship is beyond the get to know each other stage and is heading for marriage. Only you can decide when that is.

2. Time is your ally. Most scammers do not like to exchange a lot of emails when their main objective is to get money. They want to get as much money in the short amount of time they can. In other words, they usually are not into long courtships, not unless that courtship includes you sending money on a regular basis.

3. Template letters or emails is usually a sign. If an email seems like it could of been copied and pasted to send to anyone, a red flag should be waving in front of your eyes. If they are not at least addressing some identifiable information about you when replying to your email, be careful.

4. Chatting — this is not the case for all, but I have to address it. Most scammers want to get you in an intimate conversation as soon as possible. They love to invite you to chat knowing they can pull at your heart strings in real time and learn if you are a mark or not. Personally, I would want to exchange several emails and even letters before chatting. There may be one exception to this, but I would still limit my time. If I suspected the person’s photo may not be who they say they are, I would want to chat with a webcam, but only do so for 5 or 10 minutes. Again, I’d rather invest time to getting to know each other by email or letter and if the other person is interested in you, they will also want to equally invest their time.

5. Endearments — why would anyone be calling another person, honey, sweetheart, lover, etc, within a few emails or within a short amount of time? First, it is disrespectful. When I was courting my wife and if I would of called her sweetheart after only a few emails she would of walked away. She doesn’t care for that type of arrogance and would take it as an insult to the Filipino culture. Respectful Filipina ladies are aware of the stereotypes and any man who tries to exploit another lady based on misguided cultural believes is not a gentleman. The same goes for ladies. If they are calling you honey, sweetie, etc, within a few emails or while chatting early in a relationship, I would be careful. It is not appropriate or the right time. If you are calling someone sweetheart early on in a relationship and they happen to be a scammer, you just made their job easier. Use words that is appropriate for the relationship stage you are involved in out of respect for their culture and to protect yourself from being a mark for a scammer.

The above is not all inclusive, but may help those who need some guidance. With that said, there are no definitive rules when it comes to love or courtship. Ultimately, common sense needs to prevail and only you can decide what is and what is not appropriate for you. With that said, I still say: don’t fall for any story that sounds too good to be true, don’t send money during the get to know each other stage of a relationship (unless the expense is minor and you decide it is not a financial burden) and let time be your friend. If red flags go off but you are not sure, at least slow down, take your time and get to know each other.

I remember watching a 60 minute show about a guy who was being scammed. He lost everything, even his house. Whatever the girl wanted, he bought. Unlike some, I did not feel sorry for the guy. I sat in wonderment thinking how he could be so stupid. Maybe he could falter one time, but to continue to send money to a lady he never met was financial suicide. He was desperate for love. A recipe for disaster. If you are this desperate for love and your judgment is that poor, do yourself a favor and don’t look for love on the internet.

Where are scammers? — E V E R Y W H E R E. They are on yahoo, youtube, myspace, online dating sites, etc. Even the big boys, like youtube (owned by google), can’t stop them. Instead they ask that members report when a person uses their site inappropriately. On Filipina Lady I ask the same. Any dating site who says they never had a scammer is probably lying or they are super unaware. There are times that members will not report a scammer from embarrassment. It is better to report them. On my site I do ask that you provide some evidence of scamming. I have had people falsely report someone for scamming because they were rejected by that person.

Finding love should not be a fast food mentality. It took me and my wife almost a year before we knew that it was meant to be. Oh sure, my hormones was in high gear, but I knew that true love was about commitment, time and a lifetime of happiness. For me, it worked. Whatever time table you are on may not be the same as mine, but if you think you are in love within a few emails and a couple of chats, you may want to step back and assess your judgment. For me, years later, I’m more in love with my wife than I ever was. I wake up every morning knowing I’m with someone who loves me for me. No doubts, no questions – the love and respect is mutual and will last a lifetime.

Good luck and happy holidays to all.

By: Filipina Eyes

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