Music to romance by

Looking for the perfect romantic music for your candlelit dinner or to share a glass of wine at sunset? Try the Second Movement of Bach's Double Violin Concerto in D Minor.

Yes, it's a mouthful, but well worth the effort to locate this piece.

String orchestras are some of the most romantic musical instruments, especially violins when playing a movement like this one. The two violas compete with each other like two lovers desperate to let the other know, "I love you".

While most musicians will tell you the construction of this piece is an excellent example of a technical composition known as counterpoint, you don't have to know anything about music in order to appreciate its beauty. It'll carry you to emotional highs that are a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.

Still, if you're curious, it might make good table conversation to know a little about the piece. The technique, counterpoint, focuses on two instruments or sections of the orchestra playing different melodies in a kind of duel - note against note. Each violin's melody is independent of the other yet when played together, they fit. The two harmonize and blend into a wonderful bigger sound that is exciting and breathless.

As you listen to the building of the melody, the strings wail with heartfelt emotion and rise almost to a crescendo only to fall back into the melancholic rhythm gradually rising once more.

So set your table, light those candles and enjoy this piece while dining, knowing you're setting the perfect romantic mood.

Wallis Simpson and King James VIII

Best romantic couples countdown - # 44

Wallis Simpson was an American socialite and married the former King of England. It was a love affair that caused great upheaval. Rumored to be lovers while she was still married to her third husband, Wallis divorced her husband when Prince Edward ascended to the throne in 1936.

The new King of England proposed to her, but there was such an outcry within the royal court because she’d been divorced two times and both ex-husbands were still alive. Gossip and whispers surrounded the love affair and engagement and escalated to the point where King Edward had to choose between his love for Wallis or his duty as King.

On December 11, 1936 it shocked the world when King Edward VIII announced that he was abdicating the throne to “marry the woman I love”.

The controversy their relationship caused didn’t stop there. Rumors followed them wherever they went with rumors about their loyalties to the crown throughout World War II and long after. They were married for 36 years until Edward died in1972.

Kiss me baby!

We all do it. Love it. Enjoy it. We all remember the first time we did it - Kissed a lover.

Scientists believe that the biological process and motivation of kissing is more than just an attraction or a chemical response. It's all about taste testing. A kiss can help you determine if the recipient is a good match for your life partner. So what does the taste test tell you?

There are many subconscious messages been transmitted to each of you when your lips meet that first time, but there are more conscious messages being processed and evaluated.

It's a known fact that if your romance is escalating and moving to the next stage, the first kiss is going to determine if you keep going or if everything comes to a screeching halt with the sound effect of a needle scratching across an old vinyl record echoing in your head.

Many wonderful romances have been doomed by a bad first kiss. Chances are if that first kiss doesn't curl your toes, you aren't going to grant a do-over. No second chances with the first kiss because you've got all the information you need to make that decision.

So will being a good kisser help you in this taste test? Surprisingly, this is one time practice and expertise doesn't mean much.

The first criteria is to put your heart into it. You can't just kiss someone without genuine emotion and expect your partner not to sense it. Kissing should be fun and exciting. It should set your heart pounding and your senses tingling. If the chemistry isn't there, no amount of kissing techniques can change it.

On the flipside, if that first kiss spark ignites a wildfire, then you're on to more great kisses and romantic moments with your newfound love.

So pucker up those lips and get ready to taste test romance..

Internet Romance Gone Bad

You’ve heard stories of successful internet romances and then there are the horror stories of deception and in some cases tragedy.

How can you avoid this kind of incident to your internet romance?

It’s easy for people to disguise themselves over the internet. It’s not a unique story of a woman flying to meet a man. She's out of her own territory and trapped.

What can you do to assure this scenario doesn’t happen to you?... Read rest of article

Fae's Gargoyle - Top Pick!

The reviews are coming in for Fae's Gargoyle. Below are some snippets:


"Fae’s Gargoyle will sweep you up in erotic passion as the plot quickly pulls you into the dilemma that faces the destined lovers. The characters develop with each page to give you a well-rounded romance that sizzles and leaves you burning for more of Ms. Painter’s sexy gargoyle stories. Fae’s Gargoyle is a great read and a satisfying quickie..." Night Owl Romance

~~~~~

"Fae’s Gargoyle is like a smooth, rich square of silky chocolate; deeply satisfying, incredibly decadent and completely delicious. This one is sure to have existing fans whooping in joy and sure to create new fans in just a few pages. Ms. Painter is proving to be quite the force in erotic romance writing." Sensual eCataromance

~~~~~

"This erotic fantasy will keep you flushed and fanning yourself, as the newlyweds enjoy each other. The sensuality shared between them can only hold danger off for so long; soon trouble comes knocking on the door. Maria has to complete her mission which happens to include her new husband.

Even though this is a petite fable, it is savory. It is everything you would expect in a longer novel only compressed. The vivid writing will make you feel every caress and penetrating kiss." Bitten By Books

~~~~~

"Sally Painter writes passionate full-bodied whimsical stories that never fail to thrill readers. With FAE'S GARGOYLE we meet this unlikely pair (a fae and a gargoyle) who despite their differences and the troubling situation love with a single-mindedness that is simply enchanting. Of course there's plenty of conflict and butt kicking..." Romance Junkies

Fae's Gargoyle available at Ellora's Cave, Jasmine-Jade

Science takes the heart out of romance

You feel giddy, flushed and unable to think about anyone but your lover. You’re in love and it’s all coming from your heart.

Wrong.

According to neuroscientist researchers it’s actually coming from your head. Science can now explain how romantic love really works and it’s all about hormones, genetics and of course the big processor – our brains.

According to these researchers it all takes place in four little areas of your brain. In other words, it depends on how you’re wired as to how you respond to love and romance.

Another disheartening find for die-hard romantics is that the emotion that love creates is really a chemical response that basically makes you addicted to love. Oh yeah, you already knew love was addictive, but now you have the science to back up your suspicions.

Does this explain why people die for love or even kill for it? Are we truly slaves to nothing more than chemical reactions?

Whether you’re madly in love or horribly heartbroken, it’s still just a chemical reaction that these scientists compare to a cocaine addiction.

So what next? A new drug to give you the same feelings of being in love when you aren’t?

Maybe you’re like the rest of us romantics and simply prefer not to think about the science but just enjoy the way love feels.









For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher .

How well do you know your Valentine?

Surprising, many surveys reveal that women know their men better than the guys know their gals. Okay, maybe you’re laughing about now because you already knew this. What would be the results of your personal survey ?

The following questions will help you determine just how well you know each other.Be sure and get your Valentine to answer the questions too.

You can highlight the questions and then print two copies for each of you. The first will be your answers about your lover and the second will be the answers about yourself. Once finished, swap papers and compare notes. Be sure and leave a comment on how you did.

What is your lover’s…

1. Ideal romantic weekend?
   
   
2. Favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day?
   


3. Hobbies?
   


4. Favorite school year?
   


5. Favorite musical group?
   


6. Dream car?
   


7. Favorite color?
   


8. Best friend’s name?
   


9. Deepest passion?
   


10. Cherished dream?
    


11. Biggest challenge overcome?
    


12. Favorite book?
    


13. Shoe size and clothing sizes?
    


14. Ring size?
    


15. Least favorite thing to do?
    


16. Favorite food?
    


17. Worst memory?
    


18. Biggest fear?
    


19. Closest relative?
    


20. Biggest challenge facing him/her?
    

Go to Big Sur for Valentine's Day

Don't wait until the last minute to make special Valentine's Day plans for you and your lover.


There are some wonderful weekend packages available. Many have been created just for a romantic getaway. In fact, the Ventana Inn & Spa just created one for romantic souls or rather soul mates :

Kindred Spirit


This is a new romance package being offered by the Ventana Inn & Spa . Designed for those couples who feel a deep spiritual and soul mate connection, this package is the perfect Valentine's Weekend getaway.

Package includes:

• Two-nights deluxe accommodations


• Couples Spa welcome basket


• Dinner for two ~ $150 dining credit


• An 80-minute Couples Experience at Allegria Spa


• Special turndown amenity each night


• Complimentary daily activities including; welcome reception, sumptuous Big Sur breakfast, discovery walk and yoga session

Ventana Inn & Spa is located along the Big Sur Coast, between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

For more info: Visit Sally at Romance Examiner

Personalized Valentine's gifts

If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little more personalized and says what you want it to say instead of limited messages, then Personalization Mall is for you.

There are all kinds of products to choose from to express your love for your special Valentine.

Some of the gifts include:

Personalized Frames

Choose from wood, acrylic, marble, sterling silver, canvas and more

Love Letter

Engraved on a Lucite Heart You write the message from your heart and it'll be engraved forever on the sculpted heart.

Candy Jar of Chocolate Hershey's Kisses®
You write the love messages etched in 7 hearts.

Your Personal Love Letter Inside A Bottle
Write a love letter for your Valentine. It'll be scrolled onto parchment paper and tied with a red ribbon. Your love letter will then be corked into a bottle.

Personalized Canvas Art
You and your Valentine - Your names written in the sand in this artwork.

Chocolate Body Paint
French chocolate with a gold seal lid using your customized message.


Personalized gift – Perfect Valentine

For Him

For Her

Biltmore House - Valentine's Day romantic rendezvous

If you've never been to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, then Valentine's Day is the perfect time to go.

Here's what the Bilmore has in store for you and your Valentine:

"Biltmore provides the ideal location for romance with Biltmore House, a stunning French Renaissance chateau built in the late 1800s, as a backdrop; spectacular gardens and woodlands perfect for leisurely strolls as well as horse and carriage rides; a winery, the most visited in the U.S., where guests can purchase sparkling wine for that special toast; and a 213-room inn with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations.On Sat., Feb. 16, guests can dance to live music from the band Emporium, and enjoy a delicious dinner at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant Wine and Roses Dinner, or savor an intimate four-course dinner at Bistro, located adjacent to the Winery. If guests are interested in extending their stay, Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering a Romantic Getaway package:"Romantic Getaway PackageEverything from champagne to candlelit dinner.

Included:

• Accommodations
  
• Valet parking
  
• Estate admission for the length of your stay
  
• Estate transportation
  
• Audio tour of Biltmore House
  

Plus:

• Champagne delivered to your room after check-in
• Chef's breakfast buffet daily or breakfast delivered to your room
• Dinner daily in The Dining Room or Bistro, gratuities and alcoholic beverages not included.

Reservations can be made online .

For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher

A Green Valentine's Day

Looking for a Valentine's treat that is unique and helps promote green? You can do this while pampering your sweetie with a luxurious romantic getaway packages at Portland, Oregon’s Avalon Hotel & Spa.
The Pacific Northwest’s greenest hotel, The Avalon, invites guests to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul with packages including everything from:

• Gourmet Chocolates
• One Dozen Roses
• Four-Course Italian Wine Paired Meals
• 3 Hour Couples Spa Treatments.

Avalon Hotel & Spa is the Pacific Northwest’s first USGBC LEED certified existing hotel building - the second in the World.

The Avalon provides luxurious accommodations in a sustainable fashion.
Part of the Avalon green:

• Recycling bins in every room
• Offers preferred parking to guest arriving in hybrid vehicles
• Powers all hotel vehicles with biodiesel
• Pampering packages including Valentine’s Is Not Always for Two and Cupid’s Couple Spa
• Package are sure to appeal to the environmentally-conscious and luxury-seeking traveler alike.

Valentine’s Day Special Accommodation Packages:

One Night Valentine's Package:
This one-night accommodation package features a four-course dinner for one at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a glass of Prosecco Italian Champagne, a 35 percent discount coupon for spa treatments, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Two Night Valentine’s Package:
This two-night accommodation package features a Friday, February 13, 2009, four-course dinner for two. Saturday then features three hours of relaxation treatments at the Spa, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room, overnight parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Everlasting Love:
This one-night accommodation package features a three-course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Cupid’s Couple Spa Package:
This one-night accommodation package features a couples aromatherapy massage, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Imagine Me & You:
This one-night accommodation for two package features a three course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a couples aromatherapy massage, rose petals, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Avalon Hotel & Spa

For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher.

Venice: City of love and romance

A trip to Venice is the ultimate romantic getaway and a perfect place to spend Valentine's Day. Imagine you and your lover gliding through the canals in a gondala.

Carnival

Februrary 13 thru 24

The famous Carnival begins the day before Valentine's Day and lasts until February 24. You can probably still get a booking by going to some of the travel auction sites or contact your travel agent. Last minute deals are always available.

Venice Connected: New Tourist Service

An inventive new service is now available to visitors. On February 1, the City of Venicelaunched a new website called, Venice Connected. This portal allows visitors to the city to plan their trip beyond the usual hotel, restaurant and touristattraction.

It gives you the opportunity to purchase in advance the services you might not consider in the budgeting of your trip.In addition to assisting the visitors, this online purchase center allows the city government to plan for the actual number of tourists for any given day or week. This means greater efficiency and a smoother trip for you

Here’s how it works:

You will first register on the site. Once you have your username and password set up, you’ll access the services area.

You select the first day of your stay in Venice and then choose what services you’d like to have included in your trip.

These services include:

Public Transport
Museums
Toilet Services
Car Parking In The Municipal Garage

Why bother to book these online? Because they are cheaper than when you buy them after you arrive in the city.

Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year. A brief guideline is given about the pricing:

Low/Medium season
Cheapest online price

Medium/High Season
Medium online price

Peak
Higher online price

*In order to get online prices, you must book at least 15 days before your arrival.

Be sure to read the description of each service as well as its terms and conditions so you’ll know what you are purchasing.

Each service selection requires you enter the date of service and will go in your shopping cart.

You’ll receive a voucher via email with a unique code (PNR) along with a summary of the services you purchased. You will need to print out the voucher and bring it with you on your trip. If you lose your voucher, you can always access it again online.

Live Webcams of Venice

There are four webcams set up throughout the city. While they are not the best cams, you can still get a glimpse of your destination. You'll need to refresh with F5 to advance the frames.

Venice Webcams

Calendar of Events

You can click on a calendar of events to help you plan your trip.


Venice Connected



**For more Valentine's Day ideas visit Sally at Romance Examiner

Cheap roses - best kept Valentine's secret

So the economy has you reconsidering spending those bucks on roses for your sweetheart? Money is tight and most of us have to consider our expenditures more than we did this time last year. Stop. Have you considered alternatives? All that's required is an adjustment to your shopping mentality.

So before you nix the roses consider one of the best kept secrets in the flower giving world – the grocery store florist.

Wait. Before you turn your nose up, consider the economics of this alternative. Admittedly, It might not be as glamorous as your past flower giving, but buying roses from the grocery store will allow you to still give your sweetheart that dozen red roses.

Two Options:
You have two options when you shop at the grocery store florist. You can purchase a bouquet arranged in a vase or you can buy the roses wrapped in plastic and arrange the bouquet yourself.

Most grocery store florists provide bouquets of arranged flowers at a fraction of the cost you typically pay at a floral shop.

Arrangement Vs. Bouquet
An arrangement at the grocery store will cost more than the bouquet wrapped in plastic and sitting in the cooler, but it's still cheaper than what you'd pay ordering through a floral shop.

If you're going to buy an arrangement for Valentine's from a grocery store, call to place an order, if you just walkin on Valentine's Day expecting to find an arrangement, you'll be disappointed. Make sure you get the price because even the grocery store florists' prices go up on Valentine's week - $3- $7 more. That's still a savings over a traditional florist.

Here are some of the current prices at local grocery stores for a dozen roses floral arrangement:

• $40.00


• $38.99


• $59.99

If your budget just can't take this price even at such a reduction, then consider buying a bouquet of roses that come wrapped in plastic and arranging them yourself, or getting a friend or family member to help you arrange them.

The cost will depend on what region of the country you live and from which grocery store you buy. Just add some baby's breath and/or greenery and you'll have a dozen red roses you'll be proud to give your Valentine.

A sampling from a few phone calls to local grocery stores for a dozen roses (not an arrangement):

• $12.99


• $15.99


• $21.99

You can expect to pay $3 - $7 dollars more per dozen the week of Valentine's Day. Even so, this is still a great price for roses.

Add a nice vase and a few sprigs of baby breath and your cost will be between $20 - $30 for a bouquet of red roses in a vase.

Select healthy roses by avoiding those with darkened edges around the petals.
Don't have a clue how to arrange the flowers? That's the easy part.

• Select a vase and make sure the mouth isn't too wide. 3"-5" is a good diameter. The smaller the mouth the tighter the bouquet and easier it is to keep your flowers arranged.


• The height of your vase should be no less than 1/2 the height of the flowers. You don't want your vase to be top heavy and tip over.


• Fill the vase half-way with water and if it came with an extended-life packet of powder, then add the packet to prolong the life of your flowers.


• Divide the roses and set them in the vase. Try not to bruise or touch the buds.


• Place the baby's breath between the roses. The sprigs will help keep the roses separated.


• Next fill the vase with water, adding it from the rim of the vase and not the center of your arrangement. Let the water trickle down the inside of the vase. This method keeps from disrupting your arrangement and risking damage to the roses.


• Add a card and a bow and you're set to deliver your bouquet to your Valentine.

Still think you can't afford roses this year but want to give flowers? You can buy other flower bouquets at the grocery store florist section that will cost less than the roses.

Explore alternatives and other ways to save money while still having the kind of Valentine's Day you want. Just because the economy took a nosedive doesn't mean your romance has to follow.

Alternatives to roses:

• Potted plant


• Pansies repotted in a nice flower pot

For the gardener:

• Gazing globe


• Garden art


• Stepping stones


• Tabletop water fountain

Just use your imagination and think outside your normal shopping mindset. And, remember, Valentine's Day is not about the gifts. It's about the romance!

Read other articles by Sally

For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher

Ready for Romance - Valentine's Day Gift

It's not too early to start planning for your evening of romance. What makes Valentine's Day so special?

Some people think it's because of the excuse to get dressed up to go out with your most beloved while some think it's just a commercial excuse to get you to spend more money.

I prefer to think of it as the first reason. I've had many special Valentine's Day romantic evenings and weekends that were pure fantasy and abundant in romance. Attitude seems to be the determining factor of whether you have a wonderful Valentine's or if you become a jaded valentine. Sniff. Isn't that the way it is with most things romantic? It's all about your attitude and how you feel about the person you are with. If you're in love then you probably jump at any chance to show your lover how you feel. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse even for those who have a difficult time expressing their feelings.

Whatever you do to celebrate this special day with your special someone, remember that it's not so much what you do but that you take the time to spend it with your lover. Those moments all add up and create a strong basis for your relationship for the times when those bonds will be tested in the future. Cherishing each other is something each of us needs to take the time to do. Romance is not just for special days of love's celebration. Romance is for every day.

Gifts are things we give to show others that we appreciate them and care. I'm participating in the Ellora's Cave's new FREE READS called Naughty Nooners launches February 16, and one of my free reads, LAP DANCE will be given away starting on that day. I hope you'll enjoy it. Be sure and drop me an email and let me know what you think about it!

Here’s a little teaser:

“That’s it, now grind your hips,” Cat Ramey’s best friend coached her.

“Grind my hips? Are you crazy? I haven’t even sat down in his lap, yet.”

The man sitting in the chair laughed. It was a deep baritone sound that reminded her of warm sultry nights. She’d introduced herself after Pam had approached him to participate in their video.

She felt his stare moving over her and regretted letting Pam talk her into the provocative skimpy costume. Stiffening her spine, Cat met his dark gaze. Her pulse spiked.

“Get on with it, will you?” Pam whispered.

She turned to her best friend. “You have no idea how silly I feel, Pam. “I’m never going to be able to do this.” She turned to leave.

“Dammit, Cat.” Pam grabbed her by the forearm. “You want to win the contest or not?”

Her friend dragged her over to the alcove near the bar, her brown eyes narrowing into an angry squint.

She’d hated that look ever since the first time she’d seen it in kindergarten.

“You’ve accomplished four of the challenges. This is the last one and you have to do a better job than anyone else to ensure you win. You have to put your heart into this.

Pretend he’s your boyfriend. I don’t care what you have to do to make it real, but make it real.”
She glanced back. The nightclub was loud. The dimly lit club was filled with brilliant, strobe light, colors flashing around them. “I can’t do this. People are gathering around―”

“Yeah, it’s a club where lap dances are done. Duh! Come on, you’ve come too far to give up now.
Think about how much you want to go back to college. You can become the doctor you were going to be before your mom…well, you were a good daughter, Cat. You quit to take care of her. Now it’s your time. Stay focused on the prize and what it means to you. You’re going to win the car so you can get back to your classes. So suck it up and sit in that guy’s lap.”

“Grant,” Cat said. “His name is Grant Evanston.”

“Whatever, go lap dance your heart out just the way you practiced.”

Stiffening her spine, Cat took a deep breath, before turning back to the handsome man still watching her. His blue eyes were like magnets and latched onto her gaze.

The crowd clapped when she returned and sexy Grant opened his arms wide in a greeting.
“Come on, Cat, I’ll be good. I promise,” he said, giving her a wicked grin.

She closed her eyes. This was the most humiliating challenge yet. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes to the knowing look moving over his handsome face.

“This is not personal,” she said.

“Wanna bet?” he asked with a deep chuckle.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Pure Romance - reality TV show

Mark your calendar for February 1 at 10 PM for a date with TLC's reality show about Pure Romance, Inc., the in-home party company of romantic intimate products. The title of the show is, Mother Knows Sex. Even if you've never attended a Pure Romance party, you'll certainly find this one hour show interesting. TLC plans to rerun the show three times in February (just in time for Valentine's Day).

Couples get ready to see inside the daily operations of this family business based in Cincinnati, Ohio. You'll follow founder, Patty Brisbane, as she reveals a few secrets of the largest women's owned business in Cincinnati. Founded in 1993, some of the products Pure Romance carries include Dust Me Pink, edible flavored dusting powder and also edible panties. The product line is vast and varied with intimate games for couples, vibrators and erotic gismos and gadgets to enhance your sex life.

This $80 million annual revenue company employs 95 Cincinnati residents. According to their website, a consultant holding only a couple of parties a week can earn over $1,000 a week. Another section breaks this figure down to your earning potential being between $300 - $600 per party.

Be sure to tune in on Sunday, February 1 and learn how Pure Romance can spark your love life.

Joy of Sex is back - vibrators and foursomes

If you missed it the first time around in the 1979, you can catch the new wave of the revised edition of "The Joy Of Sex". This was the book that helped bring the sexual revolution discussion out into the open.

So how has sex been revised? Well, it's been updated to reflect the modern view of sex and includes a section on STDs and of course, AIDS. Also added is a brief mention about the use of vibrators and helpful advice for multiple partners or foursomes.

The best-selling books had a face-lift with a new purple cover and pink pages.

You can read excerpts online

Never too old - 101 year old romance author

You may think you're too old to start a new career or seize your lifelong romantic dream, but with role models like romance author, Jean MacLeod, who celebrates her 101 birthday on January 20, you may just change your mind.

Mrs. MacLeod hasn't let age stop her from doing the thing she loves - writing romance books for Mills and Boon (Harlequin). It's reported that she is currently writing romance novel # 130.

This is one romance author who literally takes the cake when it comes to not letting age get in the way of living or in her case, writing about romance.

Taco Bell Wedding

It's true enough! In Normal, Illinois, a couple got married inside a Taco Bell but the fastfood restaurant didn't shut down for the ceremony.

Customers gawked as the ceremony took place. The couple, seated in a nearby booth, exchanged vows over the din of requests for value meals and extra hot sauce.

After the ceremony, the guests didn't have far to go for the reception food line.

Male sexual sweat - women's brains recognize

Below is the press release sent to me that I found very interesting. I hope you do too:

New study by Rice University psychologist finds women's brains recognize, encode smell of male sexual sweat

Rice University
Office of Public Affairs / News & Media Relations

News Release

HOUSTON -- (Jan. 8, 2009) -- A new Rice University study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that socioemotional meanings, including sexual ones, are conveyed in human sweat.

Denise Chen, assistant professor of psychology at Rice, looked at how the brains of female volunteers processed and encoded the smell of sexual sweat from men. The results of the experiment indicated the brain recognizes chemosensory communication, including human sexual sweat.

Scientists have long known that animals use scent to communicate.

Chen's study represents an effort to expand knowledge of how humans’ sense of smell complement their more powerful senses of sight and hearing.

The experiment directly studied natural human sexual sweat using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nineteen healthy female subjects inhaled olfactory stimuli from four sources, one of which was sweat gathered from sexually aroused males.

The research showed that several parts of the brain are involved in processing the emotional value of the olfactory information. These include the right fusiform region, the right orbitofrontal cortex and the right hypothalamus.

"With the exception of the hypothalamus, neither the orbitofrontal cortex nor the fusiform region is considered to be associated with sexual motivation and behavior," Chen said. "Our results imply that the chemosensory information from natural human sexual sweat is encoded more holistically in the brain rather than specifically for its sexual quality."

Humans are evolved to respond to salient socioemotional information.

Distinctive neural mechanisms underlie the processing of emotions in facial and vocal expressions. The findings help explain the neural mechanism for human social chemosignals.

The understanding of human smell at the neural level is still at the beginning stage. The present work is the first fMRI study of human social chemosignals.

The research, co-authored by Chen and Wen Zhou, graduate student in the Psychology Department, appeared in the December 31 issue of Journal of Neuroscience.

The research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health.


Who Knew?
Located in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked one of America's best teaching and research universities. Known for its "unconventional wisdom," Rice is distinguished by its: size -- 3,001 undergraduates and 2,144 graduate students; selectivity --12 applicants for each place in the freshman class; resources -- an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5-to-1; sixth largest endowment per student among American private research universities; residential college system, which builds communities that are both close-knit and diverse; and collaborative culture, which crosses disciplines, integrates teaching and research, and intermingles undergraduate and graduate work.

New Year - Adventure and Discoveries

I love the week of New Year's because it gives me a chance to reflect not so much on the past year, but what's yet to come. I love standing on the threshold of possibilities and unknowns.

A entire year awaits me to discover so many things that I could never imagine. Perhaps this is why the holidays hold so much excitement. The magic of exploring another year is one of the great adventures. It's all out there in the future just waiting to unfold.

This is the same feeling I have each time I start to write a book. Being a by-the-seat-of-the-pants kind of writer, means my motivation for writing is simple - I want to know what's going to happen next. I can guarantee that if I were to know what was in store for a story and how it would end, I wouldn't write the book. What would be the point?

The fun part for me as a writer is equal to that as me as a reader. The unknown and the excitement of discovery all urge me to write more. Find out more.

So the day after New Year's Day, I find myself asking these questions as I finish writing a vampire book. What's going to happen next? How is it going to end? When I find the answers to these questions, I'll be typing The End. After all, it's about the adventure, not the final destination. May your new year be full of love, romance and adventure!