JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE

JOY FEELINGS Ways to enjoy anal sex And how to successfully Cohabit in love and sex

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CONTENTS OF JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE ENTERTAINMENT: Floyd Joy Mayweather the greatest most highly paid boxer of his generation/Katy Perry earned $135 million over the past year, enough to earn her the No. 3 spot on our annual Celebrity 100 list

 JOY HEALTH: keeping the vagina clean and healthy/ keeping the kidney healthy and strong/how to relieve tooth aches.

 LOVE AND SEX: How to enjoy anal sex/ the best ways of cohabiting

 FASHION FEVER: Dancing with the stars celebrity costumes/Hottest trends this year…the new shirt!

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HOW TO ENJOY ANAL SEX

Anal Sex Tips From Women

Start with cunnilingus...and a finger The very very best way to go about anal is to begin orally: for me at least, a finger in the ass makes cunnilingus about a million percent more enjoyable. a few orgasms into the session, another finger can be added. a few minutes of this, and you'll be practically begging for anal sex... and you'll be both physically prepped and mentally ready for it.

Intensely intimate act - Anne, Age 35, Nova JOY FEELINGS

Scotia, Canada I tried anal sex seven years ago with a former boyfriend. It was a spur of the moment decision, no lube, no nothing. He got inside me gradually, uncomfortably... and then I asked him to get out. There was nothing pleasurable about it. After that, I had two more boyfriends who were very interested in anal penetration and stimulation. I let one boyfriend stimulate my rosebud, but found nothing pleasurable from it, in fact, all I could think of was "there's a finger up my ass!" And again, this was with no lube. I refused to engage in any anal stimulation with these other two partners, giving or receiving.

That all has changed with my current lover and partner. I feel a deep connection with him, which has allowed me to let go of my inhibitions and trust him and the situation. Most importantly, before we ever tried anal sex, my partner communicated his desires to me, desires he'd had for a long time but had told nobody.

He felt safe enough to talk to me about them because I had been so open in talking with him about sex, sexuality, and sexual desire. He told me about all the research he had done on the topic- for example, use tons of lube (if you think you have enough, use even more!) and that the woman needed to be in total control of JOY FEELINGS

the situation. His understanding of the most safe and pleasurable way to do it, and his respectful and thoughtful communication of that (rather than in a laviscious, crude way) gave me the courage and motivation to try it again.

When we finally did do it, he emphasized that I was in total control, and he was absolutely respectful and sensual in his actions and communication. Although I couldn't handle his being inside of me for too long (I'm anticipating and hoping that this will change in the future!), it felt very pleasurable (and rimming- yum- oh, that felt gorgeous too), and it also gave me *intense* pleasure to know that I was fulfilling a long-time desire of his. Most importantly, engaging in anal sex with him was an intensely personal and intimate act, and made me feel much closer to him, perhaps because I had opened myself up to him in a such a vulnerable way and had trusted him. Likewise, he is beginning to trust me also. I engaged in anal penetration with him (with my finger)something he also had desired. We hope some day to engage in much more anal play in the future, and to "up the ante" so to speak!

My partner has gotten me more in touch with my ass than any man ever has, and I am both grateful for that and excited by it! The second JOY FEELINGS

time we did it, we used mirrors so that I could see him behind me-- views I'd never had before. This was *totally* arousing. I wish we had taken pictures. Now, I'm scanning the internet on a regular basis for pictures and stories of anal sex, and longing for the next time when we can touch one another in that manner again!

Explore each other - Sharon, Age 38 What tips can I offer on the subject of anal sex?

First: I think that we as women need to discuss anal sex beyond and outside of the context of women being penetrated by men. This context is too narrow.

Second: To enjoy it you need: lube, patience, the right lube, to feel safe, self-awareness, more lube, a willing partner, a patient partner, communication, knowledge of your partner, curiosity, and trust.

Lube: Lubrication is essential when you first experiment! If you are starting to explore this aspect of love making it is essential that both partners become familiar with the sensations of both giving and receiving this form of loving touch. By the way: not all lubricants are the JOY FEELINGS

same. I like sesame oil and Astro-Glide.

Relax: My second boy friend introduced me to anal play when I was 20. The first time I invited him in to my bed he rather gently put the pad of his thumb over my anus when he was eating me out. I was quite startled and momentarily fearful by the sensation at first. But he did not try to penetrate me and within a few of minutes it felt normal. He varied the thumb pressure a bit from time to time and he moved his thumb around a bit. I felt good. Then we changed position and his hands went elsewhere. Looking back this was the turning point for me. I felt safe when he touched me back there and everywhere else.

Explore yourself: Later that evening I tried touching him in a similar manner and he responded favorably. My curiosity about exploring anal sensation further was activated. Soon I experimented with anal penetration when I masturbated. Point of advice: Start small and use lots lube.

Explore each other: The next step in my discovery process was reading about prostate massage in some book.

That night in the middle of a restaurant I asked my boyfriend if he wanted a prostate massage JOY FEELINGS

when we got back to the apartment. I then had the dubious honor of explaining what I had in mind. He said that it sounded "interesting" and that he would like to "give it a try some time."

But he was obviously a bit nervous about the idea. That night my boy friend explored my anus with his fingers for the first time. The next morning I woke up EARLY, my boyfriend was sound asleep (he was not a morning-person). I lubed up my hands and I woke him up orally and proceeded to give him his first prostate massage.

Patience: Eventually I found the courage to have my boyfriend penetrate me anally. That experience was the most joyous loss of virginity of my life.

We were relaxed, trusting, prepared, and ready.

Warming up with lube - Carrie, Age 43 Guys, pay attention to the girls on here--they have it right for the most part.

My husband and I have been enjoying anal sex for more than 5 years now, and it's great but only if both partners are considerate. The man, especially, needs to be patient. Rob's cock feels great in me, but only after 10 or 20 minutes of JOY FEELINGS

foreplay and LOTS of lubricating.

Here's a tip we learned: Before we begin, he takes two syringes from an old Delfen foam birth control kit and fills them with KY jelly (from a tube). These syringes are clear plastic, they come apart for cleaning and they are very smooth.

Then I let him start by massaging my anus with the really slippery KY that comes in the bottle (not the tube stuff). He uses a latex glove because no matter how clean I feel, it still grosses me out for him to put his bare fingers on (much less IN!) my anus. Once I'm relaxed (and usually moaning a little) he starts putting his fingers into me. When I tell him I'm ready, he slides each syringe into my butt and "fills me up" with KY Jelly.

By this time I'm ready, and he can put on his rubber and lube up his cock with some of the KY from the bottle. He also puts some more of the bottle KY around my anus. I can't emphasize enough that you have to use a LOT of lube.

Once he's done all of this, his cock usually slips right into me with no resistance or pain. Maybe some couples need to work it in and out some, but it goes right into me. If I feel any pain at JOY FEELINGS

all, Rob senses it and stops immediately.

Anal is a lovely, very intimate way to have sex. I wish you much enjoyment if you decide to try this with your lover.

Start with fingers and vibrators - Age 23, England Let's be honest, it's a bit naughty, anal sex.

That's a turn on in itself. Men also appreciate that it's quite rare for a girl to like it, so they tend to get quite excited at the prospect (bless them). Don't let them rush in. Warm up properly and for God's sake, LUBE. I can't stress that enough.

I lost my anal virginity to a bloke who was pretty selfish and probably not that experienced in the area (with hindsight). It hurt. Lots.

Why? We had no lube and he didn't take his time. Consequently I wasn't relaxed and it almost put me off. Almost.

Still with burning curiosity and the belief that it would be amazing with the right person, I tried it again. The second time was with a different bloke who knew what he was doing and it was an incredibly intense, full feeling that I enjoyed JOY FEELINGS

immensely. He played around with the area for ages first, then lubed, then slowly eased his cock in. It took about 5-10 minutes for him to fully penetrate because he would insert it an inch or so and wait, then pull out and push a bit further and wait etc. etc. until I was fully relaxed (and very turned on!). After that, full penetration was easy and intensely pleasureable!

Prior to trying anal sex with a bloke I'd experimented with toys and my own fair hands. I recommend fingers and anal vibrators to start with, and for a really amazing orgasm, use a vaginal vibrator at the same time and, if you can manage it, stimulate your clit with yet another vibrator. Sounds complicated but it's worth it. It also get you used to having something up your arse because it is quite a weird feeling at first and psychologically, it takes a bit of getting used to.

Stick with it, is my last piece of advice. It's a unique feeling that is completely different to vaginal sex and worth experimenting with. Just don't forget to lube..

Listen to your lady - Nebraska

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All I can say is that you guys need to listen to your women. I have had more than one experience with men that don't listen when I am giving them directions on positions and speed.

I happen to enjoy anal sex alot, but not if I am in pain. The biggest tip that I can give you men is to let her lead you, even if it's not the masculine thing to do. She will only be leading you for a short time before you can take up the reigns and take the wild ride if you do it right.

Clearing the Way - Age 27, South Carolina I use an enema early that morning when I know we are going to do it that night. Or I'll take a gentle laxative the night before. That way in the morning I'm all cleaned out. Trust me it helps to know that nothing is in there while he is going in. And like these other women said, get more lube. Makes everything feel so good!

Girls Love the Lube - Jude, Age 30, UK A simple rule to remember before having anal sex: "Too much lube is almost enough."

Always put more lube on/around your partner's anus than you'd expect to use.

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Unvarnished Truth - Los Angeles, Age 35 Lube of course is very important. I did notice a few who forgot that all important thing. Spit does not work fellas; sorry, wrong answer.

There is no lube in my asshole and all though I really enjoy anal I do make sure all is lubed and very clean first.

As far as watching pornos is concerned not a good idea. Pornos are made for men not women and they edit out the parts where, like one of the more tactful gentlemen put it, patience is a virtue.

Girls in pornos are simply pretending to like it most of the time. After all they are being paid to be good actresses. There are many things going on behind the scenes you are unaware of.

After all it is just a movie and not real life. Now for the good stuff. Personally, I love to be licked all over and this includes my asshole especially when a man fucks it with his tongue.

Fingers are nice if used gently and not rammed up me without proper lube. Toys can also work well with me if used properly. Thing is you need to ask questions especially if it is your first time having anal with a lady. Also, please make sure you are very hard before you try or else you will hurt the lady.

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To Enema or Not to Enema - San Francisco, Age 52 One woman advised to use the bathroom before anal sex. I have found it is cleaner if I have not had to use the bathroom for at least an hour before having anal sex. Also, having an enema before anal sex may make the woman more susceptible to bacteria introduced into her colon if she participates in unprotected anal sex, so one should consider if this is the best way to proceed. If a condom is used, an enema is unnecessary anyway, isn't it?

When the man is entering me, I push out, as if I am trying to void. Doing this relaxes my sphincter muscle and opens my anus. If we have used enough of my lube plus KY to make me nice and juicy, he will slide right in.

I have some of my most astounding orgasms during anal sex. There are so many nerve endings in the anus, the stimulation is extraordinary. Also, it seems that men get extremely excited by women who love anal sex, so the emotional atmosphere is supercharged.

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Takes practice - New York The first time I did it, I remember my boyfriend just sticking it in and I had the worst pain. Sex was a dead issue after that! But a few months later, I opened my eyes. I started with lots of lube and a small vibrator. Eventually my boyfriend worked me up and I had anal sex for the first time. It's not something we do all the time, but if we are drunk or loose ourselves a little, we will do it. Sometimes I am in the mood for it. I also have begun penetrating him a little. He has the best orgasms when I do it.

Don't be afraid, just go slow and relax. LUBE LUBE LUBE

On my stomach - Age 20, Riverside, CA Lying flat on my stomach is better for me when my husband inserts himself. After a couple minutes of going slowly he can fully thrust himself at any pace he wishes.

On his knees - Age 18, North Carolina I always like to start out with a deep session of getting eaten out... just to get hot and wet. The best position I've came to love is me laying on JOY FEELINGS

my back, with my future husband on his knees between my legs. It doesn't hurt at all, it only feels great. He plays with my clit while he's making love to me anally, this makes the orgasm more intense and hard. Oh, and don't forget, lube, lube, lube, lube!!!

Practice by yourself - Age 30, North Carolina I recommend, first and foremost, patience and lots of lube. Experiment with different lubricants, K-Y is not the only lubricant out there. My personal favorite is I-D Glide.

Experiment by yourself in the shower using a small dildo and lots of lubricant. Do not be afraid to enjoy the sensation or be shy about asking your partner. It turns out when my husband and I saw anal sex in an adult movie, we both ended up admitting we had been thinking about it for weeks (think of all the fun time wasted).

Go slow at first. I personally like to enema first and shower. That way there are no inhibitions about the "gross out" factor. That way you BOTH are free to enjoy the experience.

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On your side - Anna, Canada 1) You need and want to use lube. It may be painful the first time but ahhhh.. once you try it and if it's done right you will love it!

2) Always stimulate the anus before, be it with a finger or whatever.

3) Lying on your side is much easier for you and for the guy. Since it is very tight and new this is easier and better for both make the experience more fun. As you get used to anal sex then you can work your way to sitting on top of your man.

4) ENJOY!!!!!!! It is an incredible feeling to cum while you're having anal sex!!!!

YUMMY! PS: If you fear that anal will be messy and you're very nervous about it, get an enema kit!!! Cheap @ Wal-Mart and no need to be ashamed.

First poop - Nicole, Florida, Age 22 Make sure you poop first or else his cock will compress all your poop and it's gonna be really JOY FEELINGS

hard to shit.

Try on your own first - Annabel, Chicago, Age 19 The first time my ex and I did it, it hurt. I asked him to stop and we didn't try again. Now that I am single, I think about it a lot. I read up on the subject and I learned a lot of things I wish I knew the first time I tried it.

After some research I decided to get myself a small dildo and try it on my own. I got lots of lube and I masturbated for a while, and when I got really turned on I went for it. I was really relaxed and I went very slowly at first. It wasn't long before I was inserting the dildo as far and as fast as I could. All it took was some getting used to. I recommend trying it with small toys and your finger before you go in with the penis.

It's just too large. If your lady is shy about trying it with you, ask her if she'd like to do it alone, see if she likes the sensation, she might be at ease when she realizes it is really pleasant and relaxing.

Another thing I recommend, talk about your concerns. I bet most women might be shy to try it because they are afraid you might get grossed out. Explain to them that no matter what JOY FEELINGS

happens, it wont turn you off, and you're understanding of the fact that the anus isn't the cleanest area of the body, even after you're showered.

Make her trust you, show her that you care for her and no matter what you will stay just as attracted to her as before. Insecurities for women ruin a lot of good sex.

Get wet - Poplar Bluff, MO always find that anal sex is a lot less painful the more turned on I am. I never let my husband hit the back door until the front door is sloppy wet.

Hop on top - Australia, Age 20 As a woman who really likes anal sex, my best bit of advice to first time girls is sit on top of your guy so you are in full control. It can be a teeny bit awkward but it means you're in full control of how far/hard/fast things go. Plus, he can play with your clit and pussy while you fuck him. It drives guys wild.

Don't ignore the clit - Dallas JOY FEELINGS

Be sure she uses the restroom beforehand! You don't want anything on yourself when you pull out, do you? Ugh. Anyway, I absolutely can't do it unless I'm getting some sort of clitoral stimulation at the same time. As long as that's going on, it's fun. Get her to use a vibrator, or even a dildo while you're busy back there, and it should be pleasant for her.

Listen up! - Karen, Michigan, Age 22 Patience! and Plenty of KY! Start slow with something small. Make sure she knows that she/he is in charge and if they say "No," or "Stop" then you immediately stop. It may not work the first time but if she trusts you, and you've listened to her in the past, she'll be willing to try again! Hello fans!

Stimulate the clit - "A chick who likes it," New York, Age 29 My boyfriend and I have been doing it for a while. First step is to start small. For instance, use your lubed up pinkie finger during oral sex or any other clitoral stimulation. It's also really good to use a small vibrator/dildo or something like that.

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The most important is clitoral stimulation, I think if you play with her clit during any kind of anal play (including anal sex) she WILL COME REALLY REALLY HARD -- like fireworks will go off an violins will play. This will make her want it again. There's my two cents.

Dos and Don'ts - mjcat, Ohio What you need to get started: 

Patience, lots of lube (I recommend K-Y, it's what the doc uses lol), and intimate knowledge of your partner!

Dos:  



Do talk about it a lot!

Do be gentle in manner and action. Let her tell you how she would like it.

Do experiment slowly with fingers and small toys, and remember lots and lots of lube!!!

Don'ts:  

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Don't be pushy.

Don't be disappointed if the first few times it doesn't end up in the end the way you wanted it.



Don't give up. If she is willing be persistent and always gentle and supportive. Try, try again. Believe me it will work and both will have the greatest pleasure either could have ever imagined!!!

Wash up first and lots of lube - Anonymous woman, NY I never gave it a second thought. Me and my guy never even talked about. We were fooling around one time, and it slipped in. We didn't pursue it, but because I was so wet at the time, it didn't hurt. I was interested in trying it fully, so I suggested getting some anal-specific lube, and it *really* worked well. It slipped right in with no pain. Never try it without lubrication, that's the biggest key.

He did it very slowly, because the pressure inside can be uncomfortable if it goes too fast on first entrance, as well as any normal discomfort of having something a couple times the size of your asshole plowing in. This is something that takes a lot of relaxation and trust for a female who is an anal virgin. If your girl shows in other ways that she is into new ideas, this might be easier. If she feels gross about it (it is after all her ass) prepare her by JOY FEELINGS

showering together so she feels *clean*. I read on a gay website somewhere that the person on the receiving end should make sure they shit before they try it, so you might want to gently suggest that as well. All in all it wasn't a bad experience for me and it certainly wasn't painful.

How to... enjoy anal sex.

If I could only perform one sexual act for the rest of my life, I'd pick anal sex.

Surprised? Scientifically speaking, you shouldn't be. The butt is rich with nerve endings, and the anal canal conveniently points straight towards two of the most sensitive spots on our bodies: the G-spot in women (through the anal wall), and P-spot (prostate) in men.

Here's a down and not-so-dirty guide to having (and enjoying!) anal sex: 1.

Lube: Before you even think about having anal sex, get some lube. The butt has none of its own lubricant, so you have to use lube. No, saliva doesn’t count as lubricant, and I’m living proof that you can injure yourself as a result. You can read more about lube—and what not using it can do to you—

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in my article about lube here.

2.

If you have a chance, prep for anal sex: Our anal canal is a passageway for things to head out, things are rarely stored there without us being aware of it. But for those of us that want to make sure we’re nice and clean, here are some tips.

Wear a condom. Non-tested partners should be wearing condoms anyway to protect each other from transmitting STDs. The anal canal’s surface is fragile and can micro-tear easily (see the steps about lube to help prevent this), so it’s especially wise to use condoms during anal sex. Condoms have the added bonus of easy clean-up if the butt isn’t as empty as you’d like it to be.

Eat foods that day that will be nice to your body (meat and potatoes, no Indian curries!). Having a nice, solid, bowel movement before sex is the most natural way to be clean.

Clean yourself out with warm water. There are many methods: using your finger while in the shower to “rinse out” the area; using an anal douche to clean out the first 10 inches or so of your goods; or by rinsing out using a get-up attached to your shower head (there's even a “travel version”). Many people want to know if an enema is necessary before anal sex; all of my sources (including former registered nurse Nina Hartley) believe enemas to be too invasive for regular anal play. Enemas clean out much more than is necessary; you only need to clean out the bottom 10 inches or so of your canal for good, clean, anal play.

A quick note about what happens when you aren't as clean as

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you'd like to be. Shit happens.. Be aware that every once in a while, things might not be as clean as you want them to be, and understand that it happens to everyone, and is completely normal. Think of it as “used food” (Todd Perkin's words), or as a fact of life like menstruation; “you just need to respect it and work around it,” Todd advises. Just laugh about it and hop in the shower, and be done with it... beating yourself up over something that is a normal occurrence doesn't help!

3.

Lube: Are you remembering the lube? I bring it up again already because it's that important. The inner walls of our butts are fragile, and without the slippery stuff lube brings to the table, you can give yourself micro-tears that make you more susceptible to STDs and other butt injuries.

4.

You have to seduce your ass every time: That’s a direct quote from my favorite sex educator and porn star (and friend) Nina Hartley. And yes, you have to seduce your ass every single time. I first massage the opening with the pad of my lubed finger (even better with latex gloves on them, easy clean up and no worries about nails!), till the opening relaxes.

Promise your partner you won't go inside (even if playing with the opening is as far as you get this session), and stick to your promises... if your partner thinks you're going further than they are ready for, they'll tense up and you won't get anywhere.

Once you feel the opening relax, you can slip the first digit of your finger in, or the tip of a small toy. I love the Small Ripple, it’s silicone (which means it's boilable, bleachable, and dishwasher

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safe... a must for anal toys), and it's not much bigger than your finger and no nails! Insert it slowly, you're waiting to feel the butt relax and accept this small bit; remember, don't go further than you say you will, or your partner will tense up and you'll be back at ground zero.

A quick note about toys: most toy materials are porous, which means they absorb bacteria (read our articles about toy materials for more details: Sex Toy Materials— Silicone, and Sex Toy Materials—Latex, Glass, Wood and Cyberskin). Soft toys are better for beginning anal players, and silicone is by far the best (and easiest to clean) of soft toy materials. If you use a toy that's not silicone, be sure to put a condom on it to keep bacteria from coming into contact with the surface of the toy. Also, be sure anything you put near your butt has a flared base; your butt can create a vacuum and can suck non-flared items up further than you're game for (that's why we hear such insane emergency room stories).

5.

Lube: I know I mentioned this before, but it’s that important. I use Sliquid Silver (silicone lube) because it doesn’t dry up quickly, and our bodies expel it when we’re done. If you use water-based lube, be sure to re-apply often, as you might not realize that you're lube has dried up deep inside you.

6.

Anal sex shouldn't hurt: if it does, slow down, start smaller, and use more lube.

Another one of my favorite Nina Hartley quotes: “Butts cannot be forced, willed or

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guilt-tripped into complying.” She says that her husband can play with her but whenever he wants, but he can't fuck it till IT wants. “It's his job to get my butt to want his dick. It's my job to relax and let him pleasure my ass till it's desperate for him.”

What does that mean? “Our butts are moody,” says Nina.

There may be some days it just doesn't want to be played with.

Be aware of this and be willing to back off if your (or your partner's) butt isn't cooperating... there's nothing that will shut down wanting/getting your partner to want anal sex faster than pushing when the butt's not ready.

Also, be aware of your anatomy, and work with it, not against it. The above drawing fromTodd Perkin's Anal Play site illustrates how the butt curves (towards the G-spot in women, and P-spot or prostate in men, yeah!), which can cause pain if you don't work with it's curves and angle so you can go in comfortably.

7.

Lube: Yes, lube, AGAIN. I'm bringing it up again to remind you to make sure that all the bits you're touching stay lubed throughout your play. Use gloved fingers to push lube up inside the ass (because having just the first few inches of your anal canal lubed isn't enough). We just started carrying the Lube Shooter, a disposable device that can help you get lube further up inside you, if you need help.

8.

Our eyes are bigger than our orifices: So you’ve warmed your butt up... it’s agreed that having something (small!) in it

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can feel good. How do you work your way up to a penis?

Slowly. Once the opening is happy to play with, it’s time to go in past one knuckle or the tip of the Small Ripple. Don’t forget that patience will reward you in the end. (‘In the end’, get it? Ha...). Gradually work your way up to multiple fingers, or a slightly larger toy (but smaller than the intended penis), and then the butt should be ready for more. Going for gold right away will push your sphincter muscles faster than you want to, and pain (or injury!) can result.

A good anal play session for me results in a slew of toys and a few gloves used before the penis gets to play.

9.

Did we remember the LUBE? I hope you’re getting the point by now that using lube is THE essential thing to learn about having anal sex. Once you’ve started warming up the butt, it’s not a bad idea to add more lube, and as far in as you can reach, just in case.

10. Dealing with the aftermath: Depending on how well you worked your butt up to anal play, the time till your butt is back to “normal” should be short. If you have any type of adjustment period (things are looser than they, um hem, should be... for an hour or more), then you probably didn’t go slow enough, or warm up enough. Pay attention to your body, and take note for next time what it needs. I asked porn star (and anal sex lover) Chloe Joneswhether she worries that anal play will stretch her out, she adamantly said no. “The ass works like any other set of muscles,” she said. “The more you work them out, the tighter they get.”

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These pointers should get you started with anal play. If you’d like to read more on the subject, we highly recommend "The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women” by Tristan Taromino.

If you have any further questions, just ask us in the message boards or drop me a line and we’ll answer all that we can.

COHABITING IN RELATIONSHIPS Cohabitation, or living together without marriage, is a dramatic, significant change in the way many adults in our country evolve from being single to being married.

The majority of all U.S. marriages today involve cohabitation before the wedding.

Between 1974 and 1994, the percentage of marriages preceded by cohabitation increased from 10 percent to 56 percent. In addition, recent surveys of single young adults in five large cities show that the majority of both men and women in the studied groups favor cohabitation before marriage. In one national sample, almost 60 percent of high school seniors in the mid-1990s agreed with the statement, "It is usually a good idea for a couple to live together before getting married in order to find out JOY FEELINGS

whether they really get along."

Despite these commonly held beliefs, the idea that cohabitation will somehow improve the quality of a subsequent marriage is wrong. Research over the last thirty years shows that cohabitation does not lead to increased satisfaction or stability in marriage. Compared to marriage, cohabitation creates disadvantages for individuals, couples, and children.

Before describing these disadvantages, let's first examine why couples choose to cohabit - either as a prelude to marriage or as an expected "permanent" lifestyle.

Why Would Anyone Consider Cohabiting?

Although some couples say they cohabit for convenience (e.g., only one apartment to clean) or to lower their cost of living (one apartment is cheaper than two), most adults say they cohabit for one or more of the following reasons: (1) for emotional and sexual intimacy without the obligations of marriage; (2) to test their compatibility; (3) to prepare for marriage by practicing living with someone "24/7"; and (4) to better know each other's habits, character, and fidelity. Some people perceive cohabitation as a way to have a more intimate relationship without the risks of divorce or being trapped in an unhappy JOY FEELINGS

marriage. But cohabitation does not lead to marriage in the majority of cases; among cohabitors who do marry, their chances of divorce are actually increased. No one has ever found that cohabitation makes a positive contribution to later marital stability.

Four Reasons Why Cohabitation Increases the Chance of Divorce There are several reasons why cohabiting increases a couple's chances of divorce: First, people willing to live together are more unconventional than others and tend to be less committed to marriage as an institution. These two factors make it easier for them to leave a marriage later if it becomes unsatisfying. Marriage, after all, is a unique relationship that assumes a vow of permanence. Most cohabitors fear, or are not ready for, such a permanent relationship. For them, according to The Case for Marriage, an important new book by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher, cohabitation's biggest attraction is the relatively easy exit with JOY FEELINGS

few responsibilities. Unfortunately, for many young adults, their parents' failed marriages may contribute to the expectation that marriages are fragile and divorce is common.

Those who are afraid of commitment and permanence, or who fear that these qualities can no longer be found in marriage, may settle for cohabitation. They are likely to discover they have settled for much less. Cohabiting relationships are relatively shortlived- after five years, only about 10 percent of couples who cohabit and do not marry each other are still together.

Furthermore, those cohabitors who marry each other may be as much as 46 percent more likely to divorce than people who marry but have not cohabited first. The chances of commitment and permanence are better with marriage. Marriage is more likely to last than cohabitation even in the early years of the relationship. According to 1997 data, 14.5 percent of first marriages of women who had never cohabited ended in separation, divorce, or annulment in the first five years, compared to 22.6 percent of first marriages of women who had cohabited (with anyone) before those marriages. 8 Moreover, the breakup of a cohabiting relationship is not necessarily cleaner or easier than divorce. A breakup involves breaking up a household and may lead to conflicts over property, leases, pastdue bills, etc. 9 Breaking up is emotionally difficult for both cohabitors and any children of their own or previous relationships. Women in their late twenties and thirties JOY FEELINGS

experience an additional loss-their biological clocks have been ticking while they cohabited; when they break up, they have lost valuable time in which to find a marriageable partner and have children. 10

Second, cohabitors value independence more than noncohabitors; marriage involves less independence than living together. For example, cohabitors are less likely than marrieds to support or be financially responsible for their partners. 11 They more often have separate bank accounts. Male cohabitors are more likely to value personal leisure and individual freedom.

But this individual freedom may come with a price: they do not reap the benefits of a deeper and more intimate relationship.

Third, cohabitors are more likely than noncohabitors to have negative attitudes about marriage and are more likely to accept divorce as a solution to marriage problems. 12 In addition, the longer cohabiting couples live together, the more negative their attitudes about marriage and childbearing are.13 Finally, a pattern of "serial cohabitation" actually becomes a roadblock, rather than a prelude, to marriage. If one or both members of a couple has previously lived with someone else and the couple marries, the relationship between previous cohabitation(s) and later divorce is especially strong. The experience of dissolving cohabiting relationships JOY FEELINGS

probably generates a greater willingness to dissolve later relationships, including marriages.

Such individuals may also have a relatively low tolerance for unhappiness in a relationship 14 and choose to "bail out" rather than learn to work through differences.

Eight Reasons Why Marriage Is Better than Cohabitation In a comparison of relationship benefits and costs, marriage wins over cohabitation. First, as described above, cohabitation lowers one's chances of marital satisfaction. Cohabitors also have a different perspective on time than marrieds have. 15 Marriage, by definition, means, "I will always be here for you." Marrieds' longterm contract encourages emotional investment in the relationship. In contrast, cohabitation for most seems to mean, "I will be here only as long as the relationship meets my needs."

Thus, cohabitors feel less secure in their relationships. In addition, cohabitors are less likely than marrieds to view their JOY FEELINGS

sexual relationships as permanently exclusive they are less faithful to their partners than spouses are. Even when they are faithful, they are less committed to sexual fidelity, which creates more insecurity. Second, cohabitation also affects the cohabitors' children. In general, children's emotional development is poorer if a parent is cohabiting than if a parent is married. This poor development is partly due to the high risk that the couple will break up. If the couple does separate, the children pay an economic price, since they have no right to child support from a partner who is not their biological parent. They also pay an emotional price when they lose a caring adult who may have taken a parental role but will do so no longer.

Third, living without both parents also increases the chance that a child will be abused. Boyfriends are disproportionately likely to sexually or physically abuse their girlfriend's children. 18 In fact, the most unsafe family environment for children is that in which the mother is living with someone other than the child's biological father. 19 These children may also have more behavioral problems and lower academic performance than children in married families.

Similarly, cohabiting women are more likely than married women to suffer physical and sexual abuse. Some estimate that aggression is at least twice as common among cohabitors as it is among marrieds.

Fourth, although cohabitors try JOY FEELINGS

to protect their economic futures (with separate bank accounts, for example), married couples are better off financially. Married couples monitor each other's spendingan example of lower independence as compared to cohabitors-but marrieds usually monitor each other in a way that emphasizes "our spending plan" or budget. For most marrieds, "Your money is my money." According to Waite and Gallagher, "This financial union is one of the cornerstones (along with sexual union) of what Americans mean by marriage."

Fifth, married men earn more than single men (nearly twice as much) and married women have access to more of men's earnings than if they are single or cohabiting. This may be explained by the increased financial responsibility men feel when they marry many men have been heard to say, "Marriage made me get more serious about my career and making a good living."

Financially, cohabitors live more like single parents than like married couples. Cohabitors are more likely to control their own finances than to work as a close team, helping each other meet their financial and career goals. Married women also benefit in some aspects of their careers. Many women get a slight earnings boost from marriage. Childless married women make 4-10 percent more than childless single women. Also, many married women report receiving considerable help from their husbands in their careers.

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Sixth, cohabitors generally do not reap the physical health benefits enjoyed by married couples. Non-married people feel less healthy and have higher rates of mortality than the marriedabout 50 percent higher among women and 250 percent higher among men. In addition, cohabiting, especially with serial partners, greatly increases the possibility of acquiring one or more sexually transmitted diseases.

Whereas cohabitors live in noncommitted relationships that value independence, marrieds promise to care for each other "in sickness and in health." There are many mental and physical health benefits of knowing there is another person who will take care of you when you cannot take care of yourself.

Compared to singles, married people as a group are also emotionally happier. Married couples are better connected to the larger community, including inlaws and church members who provide social and emotional support and material benefits. Although cohabitors may seem to gain some of the emotional benefits of marriage, in general, they are no better off than singles. Because cohabiting relationships are short-lived, any emotional health benefits last for a relatively short time.

Only about 60 percent of cohabiting relationships end in marriage, so if the couple breaks up rather than marries, the benefits are lost at a high emotional cost similar to what people JOY FEELINGS

experience in a divorce.

Seventh, some people would be surprised to learn that marrieds have better sex lives than cohabitors. Although cohabitors have sex at least as often as marrieds, they are less likely to say they enjoy it. Marriage adds the essential ingredients of commitment and security to one's sex life, making it more satisfying. In addition, marrieds are more likely than cohabitors to perceive love and sex as intrinsically connected.

Finally, cohabitation may affect relationships with parents. In some families, cohabitation is no longer associated with sin, pathology, or parental disapproval. But in many families cohabitation is still considered morally wrong and embarrassing to extended family members. Cohabitors from those families risk damaging their relationships with their parents and experiencing the withdrawal of parental and extended family support for the relationship. Moreover, the transitory nature of cohabiting relationships may limit access to grandparents for children of cohabiting unions.

Conclusion In the final analysis, thirty years of research show that for the JOY FEELINGS

benefit of men, women, and their children, marriage is superior to cohabitation. Cohabitation cannot provide or compete with the rewards and benefits of a strong, committed marriage.

Cohabitation is not an effective "trial marriage," if such a thing exists. It does not provide divorce insurance. Couples will be better off on life's measures of success and happiness (e.g., emotional health, physical health, and personal wealth) if they are married rather than living together. Cohabitation has more costs than rewards but, unfortunately, continues to be popular, especially among young adults, even though cohabitors fail to receive the benefits or avoid the risks they think they will.

People need to know that cohabitation fails to bring couples the happiness and stability they desire in a close personal relationship.

The current generation of young adults longs for satisfying and stable marriages, but is increasingly anxious about their ability to achieve them. Their fears will be calmed through better premarriage education and counseling. They will not be helped by alternatives to marriage that, although they appear reasonable and attractive, will not fulfill their promise and fail when compared to marriage. Marriage educators, university professors, public school teachers, premarriage counselors, the clergy, the media, and parents can provide this important information to our youth and begin to reinstate the institution of marriage as fundamental to personal and family success.

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Fortunately, these recommendations come at a time when increasing numbers of people are working to support a marriage culture in our country. The marriage movement can be a helpful support and benefit to those who are married and those who are not. "Support for marriage . . . does not require turning back the clock on desirable social change, promoting male tyranny, or tolerating domestic violence. . . . Whether an individual ever personally marries or not, a healthy marriage culture benefits every [person] . . . ."

The institution of marriage, which has been universally accepted as the way to provide for children and realize adult dreams, has also been affirmed by scholarly research as the way to increased health, happiness, and financial security. Although the increase in cohabitation and its implications for marriage are still being studied, the statistics do not tell the entire story. A movement among young people, usually in religious settings, has led thousands of youth to promise to wait for sex until after they are married, thus foregoing cohabitation as well. These young adults have rejected the cultural changes that some of their peers accept as the norm.

Given the benefits of marriage to adults and children and the discouraging data about cohabitation, young people should be warned that the JOY FEELINGS

relationships they wish for and think they can achieve through cohabitation are more likely to be found in marriage. According to the best research available, cohabitation, like a mirage, holds out empty promises that disappear and even lead away from fulfillment of the hopes most people have for their lives. Even though people who marry do not always live "happily ever after," people who choose marriage instead of cohabitation choose the best beginning for their children and the best opportunity for lasting happiness.

Jeffry H. Larson, Ph.D., LMFT, CFLE, is a professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Brigham Young University and author of Should We Stay Together? A Scientifically Proven Method for Evaluating Your Relationship and Improving its Chances for LongTerm Success (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000).

Living Together: The Economics of Cohabitation

BY RICHARD FRY AND D’VERA COHN Executive Summary Cohabitation is an increasingly prevalent lifestyle in the United States.

The share of 30- to 44-yearolds living as unmarried JOY FEELINGS

couples has more than doubled since the mid-1990s.

Adults with lower levels of education—without college degrees—are twice as likely

to cohabit as those with college degrees.

A new Pew Research Center analysis of census data suggests that less-educated adults are less likely to realize the economic benefits associated with cohabitation.

The typical college-educated cohabiter is at least as well off as a comparably educated married adult and better off than an adult without an opposite-sex partner. By contrast, a cohabiter without a college degree typically is worse off than a comparably educated married adult and no better off economically than an adult without an opposite-sex partner. (Most adults without opposite-sex partners live with other adults or children.)

Among the 30- to 44-year-old U.S. adults who are the focus of this report, 7% lived with an opposite-sex partner in 2009, according to census JOY FEELINGS

data. The share is higher among adults without a college education (8%) than among those with college degrees (4%).

The proportion of adults who ever have cohabited is much larger than the share currently cohabiting, and it has grown to become a majority in recent decades, according to data from the National Survey of Family Growth. Among women ages 19-44, for example, 58% had ever lived with an oppositesex unmarried partner in 2006-2008, up from 33% among a comparable group in 1987 (National Center for Marriage and Family Research, 2010).

This report finds that greater economic well-being is associated with cohabitation for adults with college degrees, but not for those without college degrees. The measurement used for economic well-being is

median household income, which in this analysis has been adjusted for the size of the household and standardized to a household size of three.

Among college-educated adults, the median adjusted household income of cohabiters ($106,400 in 2009) slightly exceeded that of married adults ($101,160) and was significantly higher than that of adults without opposite-sex partners ($90,067). However, among adults without college degrees, the median adjusted household income of cohabiters ($46,540) was well below that of married couples ($56,800) and was barely higher than that of adults without opposite-sex partners ($45,033).

arrangements of cohabiters with and without college degrees help explain gaps in their comparative economic well-being. These differences include: 

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The Pew Research analysis finds that differences in employment rates and household living JOY FEELINGS

Among the college-educated, two-earner couples were more prevalent among cohabiters (78%) than married adults (67%) in 2009. By working more, cohabiters offset married adults’ higher median earnings.

Among those without college degrees, two-earner couples were slightly less prevalent among cohabiters (55%) than married adults (59%) in 2009. In addition to being more likely to work, these married adults have the advantage of higher median earnings.

Among the college-educated, a much higher share of married adults (81%) than cohabiters (33%) lived in a household with children in

2009. In addition, among those with children in the household, married adults tend to have more children.

The greater presence of children in married-couple households may help explain the lower share of two-earner couples among married adults. 



Among adults without college degrees, the majority of both married adults (85%) and cohabiters (67%) have children in the household.

The relatively large presence and number of children in the households of cohabiters without college degrees may reduce the extent to which both partners in such relationships can earn income.

Whatever their partnership status, adults in households with children have significantly lower median household incomes than comparably educated adults in households without JOY FEELINGS

children. Cohabiting adults without college degrees are much more likely to be in a household with children than are college-educated cohabiters, diminishing their potential economic gains from cohabitation. 

The earnings of collegeeducated adults who live without opposite-sex partners constitute the bulk of their household income (88%). A college-educated cohabiter’s earnings typically make up 50% of the household income, suggesting that those who move in with a partner obtain a net boost to their household incomes.



Among adults without college degrees, earnings of those who live without opposite-sex partners constitute 43% of their household income. Earnings of cohabiters make up 42% of household income, suggesting that those who move in with a partner do not

obtain a net boost to their household incomes. 

Among adults who live without opposite-sex partners, differing household composition helps to explain why those with college degrees typically gain an economic boost from cohabitation but those without college degrees do not. Most of these adults live with others, such as their own parents, their children or roommates. The collegeeducated without oppositesex partners are more likely to live alone (44% to 20%).

They are less likely to live with other family members who may supply some of the household income—income that may be lost in a transition to cohabitation.

A voluminous body of social science research shows that marriage is associated with a variety of benefits for adults.

In the words of one researcher: “For well over a JOY FEELINGS

century, researchers have known that married people are generally better off than their unmarried counterparts” (Nock, 2005). Yet in recent decades marriage rates have declined—particularly among less educated adults—as cohabitation rates have increased.

It also would seem that cohabitation would be associated with greater economic well-being than living without a partner because of the economies of scale achieved by combining two households. Yet adults without college degrees who cohabit are no better off than those who live without opposite-sex partners.

The findings in this report suggest that cohabitation plays a different role in the lives of adults with and without college degrees. For the most educated, living as an unmarried couple typically

is an economically productive way to combine two incomes and is a step toward marriage and childbearing. For adults without college degrees, cohabitation is more likely to be a parallel household arrangement to marriage— complete with children—but at a lower economic level than married adults enjoy.

This report uses U.S. Census Bureau data to analyze the economic and household circumstances of oppositesex cohabiters ages 30-44 as well as those of comparably educated married adults and adults without opposite-sex partners. The age range was chosen because it is a time of life when most adults have completed their education, gone to work and established their own households.

About 400,000 adults ages 30-44 are partners in samesex unmarried couples, JOY FEELINGS

according to the 2009 American Community Survey, compared with 4.2 million who live with a partner of the opposite sex.

Same-sex couples have distinctive patterns of income, education and household composition. They have higher median adjusted incomes ($99,204) than opposite-sex cohabiters ($54,179), married couples ($70,711) or adults without partners ($53,399). About half (48%) are college graduates, a notably higher share than for other adults.

Less than a third (31%) live with children, a lower share than opposite-sex cohabiters.

The analysis of cohabiting couples in this report is restricted to opposite-sex unmarried partners. The analysis makes the assumption that these couples have the choice to marry or cohabit, which is not the case for most same-sex couples.

There also is a dearth of data on marriage trends among same-sex couples, for whom the option to marry only recently became available in a limited number of venues.

In this report, same-sex unmarried partners are included in the category of adults with no partner.

Although same-sex couples and adults with no partner differ in income, education and household composition, combining them in the same category does not change the findings about the relative economic conditions for adults in the three partnership status groups.

The first section examines the prevalence and growth of cohabitation, compared with marriage or living without a partner, by educational attainment. The second section analyzes the economic outcomes of adults by partnership status and JOY FEELINGS

educational attainment. The third section examines adults’ labor market characteristics to understand the comparative patterns of economic well-being. The fourth section looks at some differences in the types of households in which these adults live—again, by partnership status and educational attainment.

ABOUT THE REPORT This report was researched and written by Richard Fry and D’Vera Cohn, senior economist and senior writer, respectively, of the Social & Demographic Trends project of the Pew Research Center.

The report was edited by Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center and director of the Social & Demographic Trends project. Research associate Wendy Wang assisted with charts and editing. Research analyst

Gabriel Velasco helped with the preparation of charts. The report was number-checked

by Daniel Dockterman, Pew Research Center research assistant. The report was copy-edited by Marcia Kramer. The Center appreciates the comments of outside reviewers Wendy Manning of Bowling Green State University and Adam Thomas of the Brookings Institution on an earlier draft.

The main data source for this report is the Census Bureau’s 2009 American Community Survey, which supplied data about partnership status and other individual and household characteristics for adults ages 30-44. The Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey is the source of data about longterm trends in the prevalence of cohabitation. For more detail, see the Appendix.

TERMINOLOGY “College-educated” refers to persons who report that their highest education is at least a bachelor’s degree. Persons whose highest education is an associate’s degree or “some college but no degree” are included with not collegeeducated adults in this report.

A “two-earner” or “dualearner” couple refers to a relationship in which both partners were employed at the time of interview.

“Living with children” refers to living with one or more own children (of any age or marital status), that is, living with step-children and adopted children as well as biological children, as well as living with any own children of their partner. Most are under 18.

The category of adults not living with a partner includes

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same-sex couples. Cohabiting couples consist only of opposite-sex couples.

Home Remedies for Denture Pain Dentures, also known as false teeth, are an important solution to tooth loss. They come in two different styles: partial (just a few teeth) and complete (replacing every tooth in the mouth).

As helpful as they are, dentures can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially in the beginning. At least 50 percent of all denture wearers experience problems.

When using dentures for the first time, you may experience issues such as pain and swelling in the gums, red sores on the JOY FEELINGS

gums under your dentures, white patches of yeast in the mouth, dry mouth, and gums that appear to grow over your dentures.

Common causes of these problems include the presence of bacteria in your mouth or on your dentures, ill-fitting or low-quality dentures, poor oral hygiene and eating hard foods that can cause cracks in the dentures.

It is true that dentures may not fit like a glove, but this does not mean you have to suffer from pain and discomfort. You can easily prevent and resolve denture discomforts with simple and easy home remedies and by maintaining oral hygiene.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for denture pain.

1. Salt Salt provides immense relief to denture wearers during the adjustment phase. It helps reduce swelling and pain in the gums.

It also inhibits growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduces the risk of mouth sores or dry mouth. 



Remove your dentures and gently rub your gums with salt for a few seconds. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily.

Alternatively, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth. Do this twice daily until the swelling subsides.

2. Cloves Cloves are another excellent remedy for denture users who are suffering from gum pain. Eugenol, the main ingredient in clove, JOY FEELINGS

has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Thus, it works as pain reliever and also helps disinfect your mouth.

1. Grind a few cloves to get ½ teaspoon of the powder.

2. Mix a few drops of olive oil in the ground cloves.

3. Apply it around your sore gums.

4. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

5. Repeat twice daily until you can wear your dentures without discomfort.

3. Black Tea Bags To successfully reduce gum pain caused by dentures, use a black tea bag. Black tea is full of tannic acid, an astringent that helps reduce pain as well as swelling of the gums. Tannic acid also repels bad bacteria.

1. Steep a black tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.

2. Remove the tea bag and set it aside to cool off.

3. Hold it on the affected gum area for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

5. Repeat once or twice daily for a few days.

Do not eat or drink anything except water before and during this treatment.

4. Turmeric To reduce gum pain, you can use turmeric for its pain-relieving properties. The compound curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation of the gums. It can even prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

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1. Make a paste of ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of water.

2. Apply the paste on the painful gums.

3. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then gently massage the gums for a couple of minutes.

4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water.

5. Use this home treatment twice daily for at least a week.

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

5. Aloe Vera Another effective remedy to get rid of denture pain is aloe vera.

The herb has anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can restrict the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, soothe inflamed gums and reduce gum pain.

Slit open an aloe vera leaf with a knife and extract the gel. Blend it. Using a cotton ball, apply it directly on the painful gums.

Wait 10 minutes before rinsing your mouth with cool water.

Avoid eating anything for 1 hour. Repeat this remedy 2 or 3 times daily until the pain is gone.

If you have dry mouth symptoms, drink ¼ cup of aloe vero juice daily. To make the juice blend 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a cup of water or citrus juice like that of orange.

6. Massage Your Gums To reduce gum swelling, gently massaging the gums will help a lot. Massage encourages blood circulation, which reduces swelling as well as pain. For massaging the gums, you can use olive oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Rub some olive oil directly on your gums.

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2. Use your index finger to gently massage your gums for a few minutes.

3. Wait another 5 minutes, then rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

4. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily until you get relief from the pain.

7. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an age-old practice that supports oral health by removing harmful bacteria from your mouth. It helps keep your mouth moist and prevent dry mouth, a common problem among denture users. It evens helps eliminate bad breath and reduce gum swelling.

1. Put 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed vegetable oil like sesame oil in your mouth. Make sure not to wear your dentures while doing this.

2. Swish it around your mouth thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes.

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3. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.

4. Repeat the process daily, in the morning before eating anything.

You can also do oil pulling with extra-virgin coconut oil.

Note: Do not gargle or swallow the oil.

8. Sage

Irritated or inflamed gums due to dentures can also be treated with sage. Its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce gum pain and swelling.

This antimicrobial herb is also toxic to harmful organisms that cause bad breath and impact your oral health. 



Boil 1 tablespoon of dried sage in 1 cup of water. Strain and allow it to cool. Use the water to gargle 2 times daily until the swelling and pain are gone.

Also, chew a few fresh sage leaves 2 or 3 times a day to help ease pain and reduce gum swelling.

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9. Figs

A popular holistic remedy for denture pain is figs. Figs help treat mouth sores associated with wearing dentures. The several nutrients in this fruit also help reduce pain and swelling.

1. Cut a fresh fig in half.

2. Put one half between your cheek and the sore gums. Keep the inner part of the fig toward the gums.

3. Keep it in place for some time.

4. Spit out the fig and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

5. Repeat twice daily until the pain is gone.

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10. Maintain Proper Hygiene of Your Mouth and Dentures

To prevent bacteria from residing on your dentures, you must clean them regularly. Proper care will help keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best.

Cavities often cause tooth pain, and you get cavities from bacteria in the mouth that are thriving on sugary and starchy foods that cling to teeth and gums. The bacteria produce acids that damage your teeth, and when the damage reaches a nerve, misery sets in. But there can be other causes as well—a filling that’s come loose, a cracked tooth, an abscess (a pocket of infection at the gum line), or a sinus condition. Any infection that reaches the root is sure to cause pain.

Toothaches range from throbbing to excruciating, but with a good dentist as your ally, the pain should be short-lived. If you can’t get an appointment right away, you can stop at the pharmacy for a pain-relieving gel. For general pain relief, you can also take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol). And try the following approaches.

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Natural remedies for toothache • Dab some clove oil directly on your bad tooth. Clove oil has remarkable bacteriaslaying properties—and it also has a numbing effect, which is why it’s a longtime folk remedy for toothache.

Today we know that this extract from the clove bud contains eugenol, which acts as a local anesthetic. The oil may sting at first, but then blissful relief sets in.

• You can get the same numbing effect from whole cloves. Put a few in your mouth, let them moisten until they soften, bruise them a bit between your non-hurting molars to release their oil, then hold the softened cloves against your painful tooth for up to half an hour.

• If you don’t have any cloves, make a paste of powdered ginger and red (cayenne) pepper. Pour the JOY FEELINGS

powdered ingredients in the bottom of a cup, then add a drop or two of water to make the paste. Roll a small ball of cotton into enough paste to saturate it, and place it on your painful tooth. (This can irritate the gums, so keep the cotton on the tooth.) In addition to using the spices together, you can try them separately. Either one can help relieve tooth pain.

• Rinse your mouth with a tincture of myrrh. The astringent effects help with inflammation, and myrrh offers the added benefit of killing bacteria. Simmer 1 teaspoon of powdered myrrh in 2 cups water for 30 minutes. Strain and let cool.

Rinse with 1 teaspoon of the solution in a half-cup water five to six times a day.

• Peppermint tea has a nice flavor and some numbing power. Put 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. After the tea cools,

swish it around in your mouth then spit it out or swallow. Repeat as often as needed.

• To help kill bacteria and relieve some discomfort, swish with a mouthful of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

This can provide temporary relief if the toothache is accompanied by fever and a foul taste in the mouth (both are signs of infection), but like other toothache remedies, it’s only a stopgap measure until you see your dentist and get the source of infection cleared up. A hydrogen peroxide solution is only for rinsing. Spit it out, then rinse several times with plain water.

• Stir a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse for up to 30 seconds before you spit it out. Salt water cleanses the area around the tooth and draws out some of the fluid that causes swelling.

Repeat this treatment as often as needed.

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• Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag, wrap a thin cloth around the bag, and apply it to the aching tooth for about 15 minutes to numb the nerves. Alternatively, that ice pack can go on your cheek, over the painful tooth.

• A warm, wet tea bag is a standard folk remedy for toothache that’s worth a try.

Black tea contains astringent tannins, which may reduce swelling and give you temporary relief.

• Use a toothpaste that’s designated “for sensitive teeth.” If you have a problem with shrinking gums, this could relieve a lot of the pain you probably experience from hot or cold foods. When gums shrink, the dentin beneath your teeth’s enamel surface is exposed, and this material is particularly sensitive.

• Switch to the softestbristled brush you can find to help preserve gum

tissue and prevent further shrinking.

• If you’ve broken a tooth or have lost a filling, you can relieve some pain by covering the exposed area with softened chewing gum.

This might work with a loose filling, too, to hold it in place until you can get to the dentist. To avoid further discomfort, avoid chewing anything with that tooth until you can have it repaired.

• Try an acupressure technique to stop tooth pain fast. With your thumb, press the point on the back of your other hand where the base of your thumb and your index finger meet. Apply pressure for about two minutes. This

helps trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s feelgood hormones. (Off-limits if you’re pregnant.)

RULES FOR A HEALTHY VAGINA

health. A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help fend off infections and maintain a

All women should be concerned about their vaginal JOY FEELINGS

The bottom line for tooth pain Whatever else you do, make an appointment to see your dentist. These home remedies can provide temporary relief, but your dentist needs to do some exploration and find out what’s causing this toothache. Odds are, you have a problem that requires treatment. If you don’t find out what’s causing the ache, it will only get worse.

normal pH level. A healthy vagina will also secrete small amounts of discharge to keep itself clean, much as saliva is produced to help cleanse your mouth. Any interference with these normal conditions, and you may face vaginal irritation or infection. Here’s how to keep your vagina healthy.

Protect Vaginal PH Balance Without Douching Douching can interfere with the vagina's pH levels, reducing its acidity and setting the stage for bacterial infections. Normally, vaginal pH is about 3.8 to 4.5. If your vagina has a strong or unpleasant odor, see your doctor; a douche will only cover up the smell without curing the problem that's causing it. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers on the vulva or inside the vagina, as JOY FEELINGS

these also can affect a healthy pH balance.

Maintain a Healthy Diet for Vaginal Health You may not realize it, but a balanced, nutritious diet and drinking plenty of fluids are key to vaginal and reproductive health. In fact, certain foods may be effective in treating vaginal health problems. Cranberry juice and yogurt can potentially help prevent yeast infections and aid in their treatment. And if you experience vaginal dryness, ask your doctor if you should eat more soy products, which contain a weak form of estrogen that can aid natural lubrication.

Practice Safe Sex to Keep Harmful Bacteria Out Using condoms during sex helps to protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, genital

herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia.

Some of these diseases, like HIV and genital herpes, have no cure. And others, like the human papillomavirus that causes genital warts, are also known to cause cancer or lead to other diseases. You should change condoms when switching from oral or anal sex to vaginal sex, to prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria into the vagina.

See Your Gynecologist for Preventive Care Having regular gynecological exams is crucial to maintaining your vaginal health. Every woman should have her first gynecological exam by age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active.

Gynecologists and many family physicians are trained to diagnose diseases and disorders that can harm the JOY FEELINGS

vagina or your reproductive system as a whole.

Gynecologists also perform Pap smears, which can detect changes in vaginal cells that might indicate the presence of cancer.

Treat Infections When They Arise Three types of vaginal infections are common: yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Yeast infections are caused by several types of fungi, while bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria overgrowth in the vagina. Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted. Treating these infections is crucial because not treating them can lead to unpleasant, painful, and serious reproductive health problems. All three are can be treated with oral or topical medications.

Use Enough Lubricant, but not Petroleum Jelly Lubrication is an important part of intercourse. Without it, the skin of the labia and vagina can become irritated and chafed, sometimes to the point of breaking. While vaginal lubrication usually occurs naturally during female arousal, some women do not produce enough natural lubricant. In this case, women should use an artificial lubricant to reduce friction and irritation, and to enhance pleasure. Avoid petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) and other oil-based products for this purpose because they can cause latex in condoms to break down and also might cause infection.

Choose Clothing Carefully to Stay Dry Your vagina should stay clean and dry — and what you wear can affect that.

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Certain types of fabrics and styles worn close to the genitals can increase heat and moisture, potentially leading to bacteria overgrowth and infections. Wear cotton underwear during the day, and avoid thongs. Try not to wear tight-fitting clothing, and change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes as quickly as possible.

Follow Good Hygiene Common sense can go a long way in protecting the health of your vagina. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina and to lower the risk of bladder infection. Change sanitary pads and tampons regularly during your period.

When you're not having your period, do not use pads or panty liners to absorb normal vaginal discharge; they will keep moisture and warmth

near your vagina, which can result in infection.

Keeping your vagina clean and healthy

The vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge). Find out how to help your vagina keep clean and healthy – and why you don’t need douches or vaginal wipes.

The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman’s body that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vaginal opening. The external sex organs, which are called the vulva, surround the vaginal opening.

Looking after your everyday health can help keep your

vagina in good shape, says Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London, and spokesperson for Wellbeing of Women.

“Generally, good vaginal health is maintained by making sure you’re in good general health,” she explains.

“This includes healthy diet and exercise. Normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, as walking and running helps the pelvic floor to tone up and helps ensure good general health.”

Find out more about having a healthy diet, exercise and

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keeping fit and pelvic floor exercises.

Vaginal secretions or discharge Other than your period as part of your natural menstrual cycle, it’s normal to produce clear or white secretions (discharge) from your vagina.

This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.

“Vaginal discharge is not ‘always a bad sign’,” says Dr Elneil. “There is a myth that copious clear or white discharge is associated with sexually transmitted infections. Changes in the amount of discharge can be 100% hormonal – in other words, linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.”

The character and amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual.

Around the time that your ovary releases an egg (ovulation), your discharge JOY FEELINGS

usually becomes thicker and stretchy, like raw egg white.

Healthy discharge doesn’t have a strong smell or colour.

You may feel an uncomfortable wetness, but you shouldn’t have any itching or soreness around your vagina. If there are any changes to your discharge that aren’t normal for you, such as a change in colour or if it starts to smell or itch, see your GP as you might have an infection.

You can find out more about vaginal discharge, pregnancy and the menopause.

Bacteria in the vagina There are lots of bacteria inside the vagina, and they’re there to protect it. Professor Ronnie Lamont, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says: “The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in the body after the bowel, but the

bacteria are there for a reason.”

The good bacteria inside the vagina:  provide "numerical dominance": they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that might enter the vagina  help to keep the vagina’s pH balance (how acidic the vagina is) at an even level, which helps to keep the balance of bacteria healthy  can produce bacteriocins (naturally occurring antibiotics) to reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina  produce a substance that stops invading bacteria sticking to the vagina walls, which prevents bacteria from invading the tissues If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation.

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Bacteria called lactobacilli help to keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal low level (less than pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organisms. If the pH of the vagina increases (in other words, if it gets less acidic), the quality or amount of lactobacilli can fall and other bacteria can multiply. This can result in infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, which can cause symptoms including itching, irritation and abnormal discharge.

Washing your vagina It’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina, and cause irritation.

Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva) gently every day. The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal

secretions (discharge).

“During your period, washing more than once a day may be helpful,” says Dr Elneil, who points out that keeping the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) clean is important too. “Good perineal hygiene is necessary, by washing that area at least once a day using your normal bathing routines.”

“All women are different,” says Professor Lamont.

“Some may wash with perfumed soap and not notice any problems. But if a woman has vulval irritation or symptoms, then one of the first things you can do is to use non-allergenic, plain soaps to see if that helps.”

Vaginal douches A douche flushes water up into the vagina, clearing out vaginal secretions. Some women use a douche to "clean" the vagina, but using a douche can disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria so it JOY FEELINGS

isn't recommended that you use one.

“I can’t think of any circumstances where douches are helpful, because all they do is wash out everything that’s in the vagina, including all the healthy bacteria,” explains Professor Lamont.

There is no evidence that douching protects against STIs or vaginal infections, and it may even increase the risk.

Scented wipes and vaginal deodorants These perfumed products can disrupt the vagina’s healthy, natural balance. “If nature had intended the vagina to smell like roses or lavender, it would have made the vagina smell like roses or lavender,” says Professor Lamont.

Washing with water and a plain soap should be all you need to keep your vagina healthy. It’s normal for the vagina to have a scent.

“Vaginal odour can change at different times of the reproductive cycle and shouldn’t always be thought of as being a sign of infection or illness,” says Dr Elneil.

If you’re worried about the way your vagina smells, if the smell is unpleasant, or you’re using perfumed products to cover up your

vagina’s smell, you should see your GP. You might have an infection that needs treatment.

The most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis, which can cause an unpleasant smell. It’s easily treated with antibiotics, so see your GP if you’re worried.

KEEPING THE KIDNEYS HEALTHY How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Kidneys are located near the back of the body. Photo JOY FEELINGS

Your kidneys are two small organs responsible for removing waste and toxins from your blood and balancing fluids within your body. Tiny filters called glomeruli clean your blood of waste and extra fluid by sending it out in your urine, while sending cleaned blood back into your system. Your diet and lifestyle habits affect your kidneys and making smart choices promotes kidney health.

Step 1

Visit your physician and have your urine and blood checked for kidney disease, recommends the National Kidney Disease Education Program.

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Step 2

Limit your consumption of salt and alcohol to help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Refrain from adding extra salt to foods, and read labels in the supermarket to avoid foods with high levels of sodium.

Step 3

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Lose weight if you are overweight. Your kidneys will function most efficiently when you are at a healthy weight. Eat smaller portions, eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables more often, and begin an exercise program. Exercise can consist of walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or any activity that gets your body moving each day.

Step 4

Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking can result in elevated blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease and stroke, none of which are beneficial to healthy kidneys.

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Step 5

Learn how to meditate, or do yoga to help relax your body and manage stress levels if you have high blood pressure. Practice deep breathing by breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth several times per day. 

Tips Ask parents, grandparents, and other family members about any family history of diabetes, circulatory diseases, or high blood pressure. This will help give you a clue as to warning signs to watch for, and areas to focus on in prevention. Report any findings to your doctor.

Exercising regularly and controlling weight are just two of the ten ways keep your kidneys healthy.

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10 Ways to Keep Kidneys Healthy          

Exercise regularly Don't overuse over-the-counter painkillers or NSAIDs Control weight Get an annual physical Follow a healthful diet Know your family's medical history Monitor blood pressure & cholesterol Learn about kidney disease Don't smoke or abuse alcohol Talk to your doctor about getting tested if you're at risk for CKD

Floyd Mayweather says his last fight will be in September of 2015.

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Mayweather told guests at a gala dinner in South Africa on Friday that he remembers his first fight when he was a kid in 1987, and that "September 2015 will be my last."

The unbeaten five-division world champion, considered by many the best boxer of his era, said after beating Canelo Alvarez in a dominating display last September that he had four fights and two years left in his career.

Mayweather's next bout will be in May against an undecided opponent, having said this week that British fighter Amir Khan and Argentine Marcos Maidana are the leading contenders.

Mayweather has a 45-0 record with 26 knockouts and made his pro debut in 1996

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Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr. (born Floyd Joy Sinclair; February 24, 1977) is a retired American professional boxer, widely recognized as the best boxer of his generation and amongst the greatest fighters of all time. He is undefeated as a professional and is a five-division world champion, having won twelve world titles and the lineal championship in four different weight classes. Mayweather is a twotime Ring magazine Fighter of the Year (winning the award in 1998 and 2007); he also won the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year award in 2007, 2013 and the Best Fighter ESPY Award in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Mayweather was honored with "The Best Ever Award" by Spike TV in 2015. Boxrec currently rates Mayweather as the 7th greatest pound for pound fighter of all time, and the greatest pound for pound welterweight of all time.

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Mayweather is the WBC, WBA, and Ring welterweight champion, and the WBC Super, WBA, and Ring junior middleweight champion. He is also rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by many sporting news and boxing websites, including The Ring, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, BoxRec, Fox Sports, and Yahoo!

Sports. Mayweather topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes of 2012 and 2013, and the Forbes list again in 2014, listing Mayweather as the highest paid athlete in the world

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Katy Perry: The FORBES Cover Story In 15 Tweets Katy Perry earned $135 million over the past year, enough to earn her the No. 3 spot on our annual Celebrity 100 list

John Mayer and Katy Perry are "definitely back together," and were spotted together at the wedding of "Girls" star Allison Williams, Brian Williams’ daughter.

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Brandishing a wink, a coo, and cleavage with the aplomb of an assassin, Katy Perry created a distinctly new millennial pop persona: a Disney princess as imagined by Madonna.

Flirty and bodacious, Perry sometimes skirted with taboos -- she sneered on her first single "Ur So Gay" (punch line: "and you don't even like boys"), she gasped "I Kissed a Girl" and she liked it -- and that willingness to be controversial certainly put her on the pop culture radar, but the reason she stayed there was her knack for

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blending classic pop conventions with new trends.

This talent reached its apex on 2010'sTeenage Dream, a blockbuster sophomore set that generated hits as diverse as its dreamily romantic title track, the cotton-candy summertime pop "California Gurls," and steely EDM variant "Firework," but she was canny enough to temper some of her risquĂŠ moves as her career progressed, transforming herself from the naughty cousin into an admirable big sister.

Perry's success was so sudden in 2008 it seemed as if she was an overnight success when the opposite was true. The daughter of Pentecostal pastors, she was born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California.

Raised by born-again parents, Katy was initially attracted to gospel music, sometimes sneaking pop music in to balance the inspirational tunes, but when she first started singing it was in the church. She picked up the guitar at the age of 13 and soon started writing songs, JOY FEELINGS

pursuing a music career in earnest when she was 15.

Earning the attention of CCM artists Jennifer Knapp and Steve Thomas, Katy headed out to Nashville in 2001, where she cut demos and eventually secured a contract with Red Hill Records. Red Hill released Katy Hudson, a record targeted at a Christian/Inspirational demographic, in February 2001, but the album didn't garner much attention and was ultimately buried once the label was shuttered at the end of the year. In the wake of the album's

failure, Perry transitioned toward pop music, relocating to Los Angeles and working with producer Glen Ballard, the chief collaborator ofAlanis Morissette, one of Katy's biggest inspirations. As she abandoned Christian music, she also abandoned her surname Hudson, choosing to use her mother's maiden name Perry instead.

Ballard signed Perry to his Island/Def Jam-distributed label Java in 2004 but once the producer's imprint severed ties with its parent company, Perry and the album were dropped. Next up, Perry signed to Columbia Records, where she worked on a record for two years, collaborating with the likes of Max Martin, Dr. Luke, the Matrix, Desmond Child, and Butch Walker, but just as the album was reaching the finish line in 2006, she was dropped from JOY FEELINGS

Columbia. Perry continued to soldier forth, working as a backup singer for hire (she can be heard on Mick Jagger's "Old Habits Die Hard" from the soundtrack to 2004's Alfie), and recording a full album with the production team the Matrix, only to find that album also scrapped. She finally saw a song called "Simple" released on the soundtrack to 2005's The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but her next big break arrived in 2007, when Jason Flom signed her to Capitol.

Once again, Perry headed into the studio to create a would-be blockbuster -Ballard, Dr. Luke, and Butch Walker all returned, with Dave Stewart, Greg Wells, and S*A*M* & Sluggo also showing up -- but this time everything fell into place for the singer. First came the deliberately controversial "Ur So Gay," released as a video

and digital single, and it gained enough attention that by spring of 2008, Madonna was calling it her current "favorite song."

By that point, Katy's first real single was scheduled for release: "I Kissed a Girl."

Also vaguely scandalous, "I Kissed a Girl" became a smash and headed all the way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut, One of the Boys, followed in June of

2008, and it was also a success, supported by the Top 10 hit "Hot N Cold," along with "Thinking of You" and "Waking Up in Vegas." One of the Boys was a big enough hit that the shelved album Perry had recorded with the Matrix back in 2004 saw a release in January 2009, but it didn't do much upon its release.

Perry supported One of the Boys with media appearances and steady tours, including an appearance on the 2008 Warped Tour and her own headlining Hello Katy jaunt in 2009. A stopgap MTV Unplugged album appeared in November 2009, by which time Perry was hard at work

on her second album, Teenage Dream.

Preceded by the frothy single "California Gurls," Teenage Dream was an international smash, generating no less than five consecutive number one singles in the US: "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," "E.T."

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(which featured Kanye West), and "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)." This success had few precedents: she was the first female artist ever to achieve such a run of number ones and the first artist since Michael Jackson to have so many singles from an individual album reach the pole position. In 2012, the album was expanded as Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, which contained a new single in "Part of Me," which also topped the charts.

During this entire cycle, Perry was a constant pop culture presence, undergoing an international tour, appearing in cameos all over television, courting mild social media controversies, creating fragrances, and filming the documentary Katy Perry: Part of Me, which appeared in theaters in July 2012.

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As the Teenage Dream juggernaut wrapped up, Katy Perry turned her attention to recording her third album. Appearing in October 2013, Prism signaled a more mature Katy Perry, something that was apparent from its motivating first single, "Roar." Prism received a lift from its third single "Dark Horse," which became her ninth number one ("Unconditionally" didn't crack the Top 10), and it was followed by "Birthday" and "This Is How We Do," both released as she supported the album with an international tour. The highlight of that tour was her appearance at the half-time show for Super Bowl XLIX, where she performed with Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz.

Vin Diesel was born Mark Sinclair in Alameda County, California, along with his fraternal twin brother, Paul JOY FEELINGS

Vincent. He was raised by his astrologer/psychologist mother, Delora Sherleen

(Sinclair), and adoptive

father, Irving H. Vincent, an

acting instructor and theater manager, in an artist's housing project in New York City's Greenwich Village. He never knew his biological father. His mother is white (with English, German, Scottish, and Irish ancestry), and his adoptive father is African-American; referring to his biological father's background, Diesel has said

that he himself is "definitely a person of colour".

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His first break in acting happened by chance, when at the age of seven he and his friends broke into a theatre to vandalize it. A woman stopped them and offered them each a script and $20, on the condition that they would attend everyday after

school. From there, Vin's fledgling career progressed from the New York repertory company run by his father, to the Off-Off-Broadway circuit. At age seventeen and already sporting a well-honed physique, he became a bouncer at some of New York's hippest clubs to earn himself some extra cash. It was at this time that he changed his name to Vin Diesel.

Following high school, Vin enrolled as an English major at Hunter College, but dropped out after three years to go to Hollywood to further his acting career. Being an experienced theatre actor did not make any impression in Hollywood and after a year of struggling to make his mark, he returned to New York. His mother then gave JOY FEELINGS

him a book called "Feature Films at used Car Prices" by Rick Schmidt. The book showed him that he could take control of his career and make his own movies. He wrote a short film based on his own experiences as an actor, called MultiFacial (1995), which was shot in less than three days at a cost of $3,000. MultiFacial (1995) was eventually accepted for the 1995 Cannes Film Festival where it got a tumultuous reception.

Afterwards, Vin returned to Los Angeles and raised almost $50,000 through telemarketing to fund the making of his first feature, Strays (1997). Six months after shooting, the film was accepted for the 1997 Sundance Film Festival, and although it received a

good reception, it did not sell as well as hoped. Yet again Vin returned disappointed to New York only to receive a dream phone call. Steven Spielberg was impressed

by Multi-Facial (1995) and wanted to meet Vin, leading him to be cast inSaving Private Ryan (1998). MultiFacial (1995) earned Vin more work, when the director of The Iron Giant (1999) saw it and decided to cast Vin in the title role. From there, Vin's career has steadily grown, with him securing his first lead role as Richard B. Riddick in the sci-fi film Pitch Black (2000). The role has earned him a legion

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of devoted fans and the public recognition he deserves.

Since then, he has headlined a series of blockbusters, often but not only centered on fastdriving motor vehicles: The Fast and the Furious (2001), xXx (2002), The Pacifier(2005), Fast & Furious (2009), Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), and Furious 7(2015). He also voiced Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and starred in the lower-budgeted courtroom drama Find Me Guilty (2006), the latter directed by Sidney Lumet.

Strictly Come Dancing contestants 2015: Full line-up of celebrities in their outfits revealed Strictly Come Dancing contestants will be taking to the dance floor again in September.

The celebrity line-up is finally complete, with the likes of Peter Andre, Jamelia

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and Ainsley Harriott preparing to don their glitzy costumes and dancing shoes for the heated ballroom competition.

It remains unknown who will be paired with which professional dancer, but take a look at whose waltzes and salsas you'll be judging:

Kirsty Gallacher

Sports TV presenter Kirsty GallacherWho?: Sports broadcaster, currently on Sky Sports News Age: 39 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: Nothing notable, but she harbours a dream of being a flamenco dancer and Brucie is a close family friend.

She says: "Sport and fitness have always been a big part of my life but dancing is an entirely new challenge for me! I can't wait to get started!"

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Iwan Thomas

Marathon runner and TV presenter Iwan ThomasWho? Athlete and The One Show presenter Age: 41 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: He claims to be rubbish at dancing, but unofficially entered breakdancing contests at school and did Let's Dance for Sport's Relief.

He says: "I can't believe I'm swapping my running spikes for dancing shoes. I used to be quick at running around the track and I'm just hoping my dance partner doesn't leave me behind!"

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Helen George

Call the Midwife's Helen GeorgeWho?: Call The Midwife actress Age: 31 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: She trained in Musical Theatre at The Royal Academy of Music. Sounds like she'll know what she's doing.

She says: "I can't wait to get my tan and sequins on".

Jamelia

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Singer and TV presenter JameliaWho?: Singer and Loose Women host.

Age: 34 Dancing experience: Apparently dancing is "not her fortĂŠ", although her video for "Superstar" tells a different story.

She says: "My girls are amazing dancers so I definitely want to learn a new skill so that I'll be able to give them a run for their money, and end them teasing me [about my dancing] once and for all!"

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Anita Rani

TV presenter Anita RaniWho?: Countryfile presenter Age: 37 Dancing experience: She likes to boogey on down to Beyonce.

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She says: “So many elements of Strictly terrify me but I shall try and think #BeyonceAlwaysOnBeat as I hit the dance floor.

I'm so excited to indulge that fantasy and hopefully learn some mean Jay McGuiness

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Former The Wanted bandmate Jay McGuinessWho?: Part of former boy band The Wanted Age: 25 Dancing experience: Swaying and jumping around in videos for hit singles including "Glad You Came" and "Chasing the Sun".

He says: “My family are such huge Strictly fans, I know I've made them very happy by taking part - I can’t wait to get started! I love to dance but this is going to be so different from anything I have done before, I'm up for it!"

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Anthony Ogogo

Boxer Anthony OgogoWho: Professional boxer who won bronze at the 2012 Olympics Age: 26 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing Experience: He's used to physical training, even if it's not dancing. It's fair to say the boxer should be able to throw some serious weight around the dance floor.

He says: “I've faced a lot of tough opposition in the past, but I've never faced anyone as tough as the Strictly judges before!

My Mum is a massive fan of the show so I will be trying my hardest to make her proud.�

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Daniel O'Donnell

Irish singer Daniel O'DonnellWho: Irish crooner and TV presenter Age: 53 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: Gentle swaying on stage to classic country songs.

He says: "I love to dance and boy am I looking forward to getting started and being the best that I can be!"

Peter Andre

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Singer and TV personality Peter AndreWho: The singer turned reality TV star needs no introduction. We all know who this Strictly contestant is, for once.

Age: 42 Dancing experience: He's had experience of getting the moves down for routines to "Mysterious Girl" and "Flava", among other hits.

He says: "I’m flattered to have been asked to take part before, but due to certain work commitments was unable to. I now feel the time is right to give it a go - everything has just clicked into place to do it this year."

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Carol Kirkwood

Weather presenter Carol KirkwoodWho: BBC Breakfast Weather Presenter Age: 53 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: She has previously sung and danced on TV, and participated in special routines for Children in Need.

She says: “I can't wait to learn to dance and hope my experience on Strictly will be a breeze, whether it will be or not is one forecast I cannot predict!�

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Katie Derham

BBC3 presenter Katie Derham Who: The BBC Proms presenter Age: 45 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing Experience: "I'm a typical wedding dancer...Two glasses of Prosecco and I'm truly fabulous. Or so I think."

She says: "Strictly Come Dancing is a national treasure. I'm extremely excited to be part of such a wonderful show."

Georgia May Foote

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`Actress Georgia May FooteWho: Former Coronation Street actress who played Katy Armstrong in the soap. She has also appeared in Life on Mars, Doctors, Casualty, Heartbeat, Emmerdale and This Is England '86.

Age: 24 Dancing experience: A fair amount. The actress says she enjoys dancing, but it is not known if she has received formal training.

They say: "I love dancing and I love a challenge so this is the perfect experience for me."

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Kellie Bright

East Enders actress Kellie Bright Who: Linda Carter in East Enders Age: 39 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: She trained as an actor at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, which presumably involved some dance tuition as well.

They say: "If I said 'no' [to the show] Linda Carter would never forgive me!"

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Ainsley Harriott

TV cook Ainsley Harriott Who: Celebrity chef extraordinaire, still hanging around from the late Nineties.

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Age: 58 Dancing experience: Gliding around the kitchen They say: "In my day job the only type of Salsa I know about is the one in my recipes"

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Jeremy Vine

TV presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine Who: Veteran broadcaster and journalist.

Age: 50 JOY FEELINGS

Dancing experience: Minimum They say: "Now I just need to find some dancing shoes and identify my left foot."

LATEST HOT TRENDS THIS YEAR: Don’t miss out!

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