Tips on Carpeting and Flooring

Tips on carpeting and flooring

• Consider ordering carpet from a specialy store or factory where most carpet is manufactured, and having it shipped it to your home.
• If you choose to buy carpet from a store locally, your best bet is to shop at Home Depot and Costco, which are putting enormous pressure on the industry to lower prices.
• Consider wood floors if you prefer wood, but not to increase the value of your home.
• There are three kinds of “wood” floors: Laminate, engineered, and solid wood. Solid wood lasts the longest but is the most expensive. Laminate and engineered floors work best when installed over concrete floors.
• Tile and stone are more expensive than hardwood. Tile costs about $7 a square foot installed.

Green Rebates & Incentives for Your Home

While you are caught up in your remodel whirlwind, remember that there are likely Federal, State, Local, and Utility provider incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. GetWithGreen.com covers eco-friendly products for your home remodel or makeover project. Virtually all the products discussed on GetWithGreen.com have some form of incentive attached to them by one of these parties (or the manufacturer).

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is one of the best and most comprehensive sources on the web for finding incentives and rebates. DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The names above should not fool you -- this database goes beyond North Carolina to cover the entire U.S., and it goes beyond solar to cover interest free loans, appliances, and more! To leverage the database we recommend you to start browsing by State. At the State level you select either

* Federal Incentives: Here you will find all of the Federal Incentives available. As a homeowner you need to look for "Applicable Sectors: Residential". By clicking on each incentive you will quickly see if the incentive is Commercial, Industrial, or Residential.
* Homeowner Incentives: Here you will find all of the incentives, from local entities such as your State, County, City, and Utility.
* All: Here you will find a compilation of Homeowner, and some other State programs (not listed under Homeowner Incentives). TheGreenTheory.com recommends searching with this option, and then searching again with the Federal Incentives option!

So as you run through your remodel list make sure you take some time to dig into DSIRE. It is a great resource to save on your remodeling, or home improvement venture!

Learn how to bring traffic to your blog

If you think having a website will gain you popularity, think again. Or rather, think of the other millions of people who also have their websites and think like you. If you want to boost your website’s popularity, you have to know how to give that extra shove.

Google, Yahoo! and other search engines get more than 400 million searches every day. Imagine the number of websites you have to beat in order for your site to appear on the first page of the search engine results.

Today, it takes more than glittery background page or blinking fonts to get your site noticed. You need to optimize your website to ensure your position at the top of the results. Getting to the first page of the results and more importantly at the top position is a big competition. A lot of factors determine your position in search engine results; there’s the design, although it’s not as important as the content and the code, which should be search engine-friendly. According to statistics, most people don’t usually go on the second or third page of the search engine results. Imagine the effect your site would yield if it got put on the first page. Your site traffic, and more importantly your income, will increase.

Green Media Concepts is an example SEO outsourcing company that takes your business to the top by ensuring its place on the first page of search engine results.

How to save money on food

We all have different approaches to food. My goal is to enjoy it. Yours may be to eat all the right things. But however you look at food, I want you to buy it at the right price. You can learn to save money and reduce your food budget, whether you eat at home, eat out, or bring home ready-to-eat meals. As to what you drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, there are tremendous savings available in that area as well.

One of the few places virtually everyone spends money is the supermarket, and it’s a prime place to save. There are a few common-sense rules that can help you save on your grocery bill. You may be using one or more occasionally already, but you probably don’t follow them consistently. The first is to shop with a list. If you go into a supermarket without a list, you’re going to fall prey to the store’s marketing tactics. You’ll buy things that are displayed at “end caps,” at the end of each aisle. You’ll be tempted by merchandise that is positioned at eye level, often foods with a lot of fat and calories that will earn a higher profit for the store and also be bad for your health. The store’s goal is to get you to buy things you hadn’t intended to buy. Using a list helps you fight that. My wife, Lane, is obsessive about lists. She figures out exactly what she needs, goes down the aisles, and picks out only those items.

The second rule is never go to the supermarket when you’re hungry. That is a fatal error for you finances, because you’re much more likely to make impulse buys when you’re hungry. If you do just those two things, you can make an enormous difference in you grocery bill. There are a number of techniques that will help you save money on the things you buy. One is using discount coupons. I judged a newspaper contest on handling money, and it was tough to pick a winner, because each of the contestants had brilliant strategies. One woman took $500 and turned it into $1,900worth of food, simply by couponing. It was phenomenal. She did her shopping at four different stores, and was very organized about it. She went through the fliers each week to see what they were offering. If a store doubled or tripled coupons on certain days, she would shop there on those days. That may make your eyes roll because it’s a lot of work and a lot of time. But if you can take $500 and turn it into $1,900 by spending a little time organizing yourself and going to four stores, that seems well worth the effort. Normally, you’re not going to spend $500 on groceries at one time, but I love the idea of being able to get double or triple the value for your money simply by buying items that are on sale or couponable.

How to read blood test results

Blood sustains life. It delivers oxygen, nutrients and other essential substances, including vitamins and medicines to the different cells and tissues of the body.

A deficiency in the supply or quality of blood will impair the quality of life and even compromise life itself. For example, if oxygen does not reach the brain, the lack of it would cause death within three minutes.

Blood also removes carbon dioxide and other harmful wastes, which in turn are eliminated by the different organs of the body.

The white blood cells defend the body against infections and injuries. If the organs and the tissues lack the proper supply of blood, bodily functions would break down, hampering mental functions, triggering emotional changes, and even causing debilitating diseases. Blood has to flow freely to keep the body performing at optimum levels and help eliminate risks from diseases, infections, free radicals and the natural decay of body organs due to the ageing process.

Regular intake of dietary supplement helps ensure healthy blood and efficient circulatory system. It also provides the body with vital protective free radical scavengers from its anti-oxidant compounds such as flavonoids and bioflavonoids, including proanthocyanidin oligomers (PCO), which is 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C, acting as powerful defenses against free radicals. The dietary supplement should have herbal extracts that work synergistically on the blood, heart, veins, and nerves. The herbal extracts are hawthorne, ginkgo biloba, garlic and lemon balm.

Hawthorne (Crataegus Oxyacatha) helps stimulate heart metabolism, strengthen contractions, and increase blood flow through enhanced permeability of the membrane and improved heart beat. It nourishes the blood and increases metabolism in the heart muscle and oxygen utilization by the heart. It opens the coronary arteries, improving blood flow, softening deposits of fats and cholesterol, and reducing degenerations of the blood vessels. Hawthorne is a source of flavonoids and PCO.
Ginkgo Biloba helps maintain normal blood flow in the arteries, veins and capillaries, including the central nervous system, the brain, and the extremities. Acting as an anti-oxidant, Ginkgo Biloba contains flavonoids, bioflavonoids and PCO.
Garlic helps lower cholesteros and triglycerides in the blood, keeping the blood thin, eliminating stickiness and slowing down blood coagulation. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which safeguard the body against infections and diseases. It also reduces the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the body and gas in the stomach.
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) helps ease nervous agitation, relieve sleeping disorders, and alleviate gastrointestinal problems. It offers a calming effect that helps prevent stress, which might lead to high blood pressure and nervousness—affecting the action of the heart and causing chest pains, palpitations or an irregular heart beat. It contains flavonoids, an anti-oxidant, plus antiviral and antibacterial properties that work on the nervous system.

The combination of these herbs working in synergy helps keep the blood, heart, nerves and nervous system healthy and working efficiently. It ensures the healthy flow of good blood through a circulatory system and nervous system working at optimum efficiency.

Armani Exchange Clothing

A/X Armani Exhange is now capturing the consumers’ wildest idea of a free, more active and stylish but urbane taste in fashion wear. A/X has been widely known for its worldly class and high quality of creating trends from ordinary to most special outfits for extraordinary events.

Introduced by Giorgio Amrmani in the year 1991, A/X brings out the strong and adventurous image of the clothing product. The company has grown and increased a significant number in terms of its branches. A/X has outlets in North America where people have learned to embrace A/X in their lifestyle and include in their clothing allowance.

This popular clothing company has branches in other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and in the Philippines. Giorgio Armani, beyond doubt, has brought a craft that showcases power, art and style that has gone to the different parts of the world to make a name and to be a part of everyone’s daily system.

The latest innovation that A/X is into is its collaboration with one of the leading soft drink companies all over the world, which is Pepsi. With Pepsi’s special, chic and unique creation of another has-to-buy cola, these two companies have formed elegance, passion, and personality in the persona of anyone who gets to obtain the products.

Pepsi Deluxe, Zero-Calorie Cola is the brand’s latest specially made cola. From the name itself, Pepsi Deluxe has a delicious, sumptuous and captivating taste that surely will get the people run for it in stores. Pepsi Deluxe’s variations are Crème Caramel and Strawberries & Cream.

This is actually the first time that a fashion wear and a soft drink company work in partnership to promote a character of the youth today that is outgoing, tough bold and stylish.

Reigning in diseases during rainy days

The rainy season brings woe to some of us. Ailments like cough, cold, and diseases like diarrhea and leptospirosis are common during the rainy season. How does one fight them?

For diarrhea, hygenic practices especially hand washing when preparing food is essential. We have to keep our surroundings clean, e.g. proper waste disposal to prevent flies from breeding in these places. Use of clean water (boiled or bottled water) for consumption is equally important. For leptospirosis, persons with open wounds, especially in the lower extremities, should avoid bathing or wading in floodwaters. Protective clothing like use of boots and gloves should be worn to reduce occupational exposure. It is also important to remember that if any of above-mentioned symptons are observed, the person should be brought to the nearest health center or hospital at the soonest possible time.

How to act in front of a hot girl

Q: You have been in love with a very attractive woman but she doesn’t notice you because there are many guys who are lining up to be with her. What do you do to get noticed?

A: If you are eyeing a very attractive woman and want to date her but she doesn’t know that you exist, welcome to the real world. There are many guys who are in the same circumstance. Since there are many of you wanting to get hold of her, the best thing that you need to do to get her attention is to be different from the other guys. This will work if you see her everyday like in the school or office set-up. When you see her, try to be as cool and calm as you can be. Don’t let her know that you like her. When she passes by, ignore her. When everyone is looking at her, continue on what you are doing. Sooner or later, she will take a mental note of you and say to herself that you’re a different guy. When you feel that she still hasn’t noticed you, you can approach her for small talk. When you talk to her, don’t be super nice and super sweet. Imagine that you are talking to the evil stepmother. Very attractive women tend to be comfortable more with guys who do drop pick-up lines every other sentence.

Going green at home

Did you know that you can cut your electric bill by a significant percentage by following a couple quick tips:

Be bright about light

• Artificial lights add to the 44% of your energy so make sure to turn-off lights from rooms that you’re not using. And if possible, always use the natural light.

• Use an Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures which may give you two-thirds less of energy consumed, and set up a timer or motion sensor on it so it will automatically shut off when not in use.

Maximize computer efficiency

It has been discovered that business industry wastes $1 billion worth of energy a year because of computers.

• Always make sure that you turn off your computers and the power strip on it whenever you’re leaving. If not, you’re still consuming energy. You can check your IT department to make sure that your computer doesn’t need any maintenance or backups. When it’s daytime, you can have your computer go on an automatic sleep especially during breaks. This will be a help because 70% of energy can be reduced. And keep in mind that screen savers don’t save electricity.

• Make it a habit to own energy-saving computers, monitors, printers and other related devices. You can also have your old computers recycled or you can look for a recycler who doesn’t export harmful e-waste. Or better, donate your old computers to organization which can modify them. You may have deduction on tax.

Follow these simple steps and you're golden.

How to lose your belly fat

Have you been enjoying that double-cheeseburger topped with tomatoes and lettuce? And now you finally decided to lose that belly fat out of your looks because of sexy, latest trend outfits you wish to wear? How are you supposed to do that? Discover a comfortable, worry-free and safe way to slim down your body. Zunic introduces non-surgical procedures to make you feel secured and relaxed while you’re achieving that most desired slender body.

Have you been tired of taking diet pills, going to the doctor a lot of times for medications and running back and forth at your village’s side road? With Zunic, you don’t have to endure those kinds of tiring activities. To tell you bluntly, this is the most satisfying, free way to tone down your belly. You get to choose the body shape you would want for your body in as fast as 45 minutes.

This one of a kind slimming procedures usually go for ten sessions. This includes slimming and body sculpting methods which can help you obtain slow metabolism and get your old chubby fat belly picture out of the frame. You would surprisingly and normally feel comfortable while having this non-surgical medication. You won’t be suffering from pain, unease and sweating. In fact, a lot of people from different fields have tried experiencing the soothing way of Zunic, and now they feel pleased and contented with the kind of body that they have.

If you really want to give yourself a gift that covers two exciting profits, have a relaxing experience of giving yourself a well-shaped body. Come and enjoy Zunic’s unique way of slimming down your belly fat and fit out that sexy dress you’ve been desiring to wear.

Some quick fashion Q and A

Q: Sometimes, when I’m too busy to style my hair, I think it would be great if I could just wear a hat. But then I end up looking like a goon. And my head is just too big. Are hats only for certain people, like, um, models?

A: Of course not. all hats can be unflattering on a shorter man and a man with a relatively larger head. If you are in either category, face up to it and get over it: don’t wear hats. Besides, hats should strictly be taken off indoors.
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Q: As tacky as it sounds, i'm a huge fan of bling. I wear anything from flashy rings, necklaces, watches, and earrings. How much is too much for a straight guy?

A: This is a dilemma of personal style and the social situation. Per se there is nothing wrong with bling. We’ve always appreciated stylish jewelry on men, especially in celebratory settings like a cool party or a fun club. “Too much” can be defined as a point when it makes people around you uncomfortable. Being stylish is always being about being aware of the context in which yu dress. For a professional setting such as meetings, we’d suggest no more than a necklace and a ring or a bracelet. Unless its a guys night out of peacocking, leave everything else at home.

Kinda late... but I just saw Eagle Eye the movie

Do you wake-up every morning and immediately look for your laptop to either check-out mails or read the day’s news? To tell you honestly, I do. Let me also divulge to you the fact that I seldom walk the street instead use my wheels to go just to the next street to pick-up some stuff for my new phone. Well, definitely, I depend too much on the technology that we enjoy today. I somehow see myself on the society, on some of the characters actually, from the movie Eagle Eye. These people depend on technology too much, like they develop a very natural way of living in the community with technologies on their hands. Initially, I got interested to sit down and watch the whole film because I knew that it wasn’t a classic, traditional movie that makes me sleep all the way on the couch. Newly invented and astonishing gadgets really caught my attention. But as I started seeing the movie, I was a bit curious what the heck is the relationship of modern technology to the title. I became more excited to finally discover the answer to this one. Can you guess? I bet not. Because even I, myself didn’t get it right for the first few minutes of watching that silver screen.

What fascinated me more is the significant role of Shia LaBeouf in the movie as a very mysterious man who belongs to the society but as I did mention, mysterious… enigmatic in a sense. As series of events went on, I was dazed by La Beouf’s capacity of being a one day advanced person. What am I trying to say? Well, can you imagine a person who knows everything and has contacts anywhere? This man can always be heard over the phone. But eventhough he can’t always be seen physically by the community, even I dread him for that matter. When we take a closer look at LaBeouf and on what he can possibly do, we definitely know the answer now to our previous curiosity. Metaphorically, he’s the eagle eye. Would anyone want an eagle? I bet nobody would. Even in my own room, I don’t like to have any of these eyes, no matter how good they are.

If you think that LaBeouf’s unique ability is the highlight of the story, well, there’s more. Ironically, this perfectly invented machine took an advantage on the people who made him, instead of the fact that people should have been the ones who took advantage on him. It’s like being stabbed at your back by your own hands, right? The movie reaches its peak and I could hardly take my eyes and entire concentration on the screen. I was too excited on what will happen next. This movie really made my day. And in fact, telling these things to you about the film even makes me feel good. It’s as if I want to go and see the movie again and check if I missed some important and exciting details that I should have told you. To continue, LaBeouf made his way and dismantled the whole community. How strange it is to finally realize that ironically, people make things in the intention of being protected by those but instead, their lives are being destroyed by their inventions. Perhaps, like any other good movies, this film tells us something essential to our actions and even attitude toward depending on modern culture that we have now.
Eagle Eye is indeed a big success. It makes sense.. not only for my eyes, but I’m pretty sure, for yours too.

To tuck or not to tuck

Q: Why does my girlfriend insist on tucking my shirt collar in my suit jacket? Is there something wrong when it’s just hanging out?

A: By tucking your collar under your suit, we’re assuming you mean under your lapels. And the answer would be: because she knows what’s right. It’s just more elegant to have your collar neatly secured under your lapels instead of floating like a pair of rocket fins over your jacket. There was a time when it was fashionable to display the collar over lapels and leaving the top couple of buttons undone. This just happens not to be that time, and the collar over lapel look just looks vulgar and sloppy. Trust your girlfriend on this one guys. They may not tell you all the time, but they happen to be just as judgemental and critical when they check out other men.

The TASCAM: CD-DJ1

Release your inner DJ with the TASCAM: CD-DJ1 and be the greatest DJ in the world, or least in your room. A professional DJ’s best friend, the ultra-compact CD-DJ1 may be small in size, but it sure is big on powerful features including seamless loop, hot starts master tempo and more. And with its low profile, ultra-compact, there is absolutely no need to lug a big, traditionally heavy table top CD player around.

Co-designed by Mixwell and TASCAM DJ, the CD DJ1 is the world’s smallest tabletop CD/MP3 player for professional DJs. The CD-DJ1 is also compatible with TASCAM’s award winning TT-M1 CD/MP3 Scratch Controller. Once connected to CD-DJ1, you can use your existing turntable and any vinyl record to mix and scratch MP3s and CD audio without the need of any special audio hookups, coded vinyl or computer.

Have one ON ME

You know you could play bartender at your own party. There are inherent advantages to this arrangement. For one, you will not have to work the room –your guests, especially the lushes among them, will come to you. Moreover, we all know the ladies open up more readily to a man behind the bar. You could precipitate this candor with lines like, “I kept the best vintage for you.” It works most of the time, especially when the curvy, full-lipped recipient is too sloshed to hear a word you’re saying.

First, you must arm yourself with the weapons of mass inebriation. The Boston Shaker consists of a mixing glass and a stainless steel cover. It is used to prepare hard-to-mix drinks, to ensure the drink is cold when poured, and to create a maracas-like sound when “Let me Blow Ya Mind” is played.

Next in importance is the Hawthorne Strainer used to prevent ice and other undesirables from being poured into drink. A mixing glass is where stirred (not shaken) drinks are combined. Measuring devices – double jiggers, measuring spoons, speed pourers, graduated shot glasses – are indispensable, although it is very cool to appear like you are mixing a drink using gut feel rather than science.

Other essentials are the waiter’s wine opener ( a corkscrew with a short blade used to cut away the foil or wax seal that covers the cork – never ever use this to open champagne bottles, vulgarian ), a bar spoon ( long-handled spoon for stirring drinks), a blender, a pitcher, and a big ice bucket. Then there is the assorted glassware like shot, cocktail, high-ball, old-fashioned, and wine glasses. Oh, and the brandy snifter.

Still thinking of tending your own bar? I see you’re a persistent one. Let’s talk garnish, then-wheels, slices and wedges; olives, cocktail onions, maraschino cherries, and celery stalks. I’ll spare you the syrups.

Listen, the trick is to keep the things simple. Constrain yourself to just two concoctions like, say, vodka martinis (shake the vodka, a dash of dry vermouth, cracked ice in a shaker then strain, serve in a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a stuffed olive) and margaritas (lime, Cuervo 1800, Cuervo White, Lime Juice, Bols Triple Sec, Bols Orange Curaco – flip the shaker in the air and wait for the ooohs). Otherwise, the usual suspects should be austerely partnered. Vodka and gin with tonic, scotch with soda, rum with Coke. Better yet, offer to serve your guests’ poison straight up (te-quiii-la!) or on the rocks. By the way, one memorable flourish is to frost your glasses where applicable by dipping the glass in water and placing it in a freezer for 30 minutes.

Try Pontet-Canet Vintage 2000 (an exceptional harvest year) for your red wine. It’s a bit of a splurge at over $100 a bottle, but you do get a very fruity wine with a soft finish. At $40, Sancerre Jadis Vintage 1999 is a full-bodied white wine that is crisp and buttery, with a hint of lemon. As for the bubbly, the pragmatic connoisseur suggests Billecart-Salmon Brut non-vintage champagne$50. Hey, nobody said throwing parties was cheap.

So… may your party secure legendary status. May the curvy, full-lipped woman fall for each of your well-worn lines. And may you wake up the next day clearheaded enough to remember to hire a real bartender for next year’s party. That way, if the first two hopes get dashed, at least one person will listen to your sad tale.

How to dress better for the average looking guy

As we observe our society, not all men are naturally gifted with great body, good looks and ideal height. We see men who almost occupy seat on the bus that is supposedly for two persons. There are also those who seem can’t find a good shirt just enough for his slim body and thin arms, and they look for alterations. These people face a different kind of dilemma which can have a good solution just for them to look a little more handsome and presentable than form what they’ve been used to with the aid of our wardrobe techniques. Fat men will look slimmer and the skinny ones would look like they gain kilos.

If only the society develops a sense of acceptance and fair treatment to every kind of person, amidst its the physical, social and moral condition, then people don’t need to confirm with the norm just to be accepted. They would not feel a lesser than what and who others are because of their appearance. But since, we’re in an inevitable societal condition and culture, we go with the flow and try our best to adapt to what the world has become.

These are some of the fashion tips that we can offer you to feel a little lighter when you have a hefty body, and make you seem a bit chubby if you’re a skinny type of man.

· Buy blazers with small shoulder padding.

Wearing blazers with small pads put on its shoulder would make you look like a bit muscular because shoulder pads enhance your chest and back. But don’t over do it. Don’t buy blazers with bigger pads because the blazer might eat your body.

· Avoid slim fitting shirts.

For skinny men, keep away from slim fitting shirts instead have larger sizes of t-shirts that may fool the body goers to see your ribcage. Don’t wear clothes that are too stretchy, they will not look good on your thin body.

· Tailor your blazers.

Your original body size will be obviously noticed if you don’t customize your blazers to the intended body size that’s good enough to make you appear better. If you leave extra cloth under the blazer’s arms or you a have loosened shoulder, then you do not make success in utilizing this kind of idea for your looks.

· Wear jackets at the right length.

Even if it’s a rainy season, your goal of achieving a pleasant air out of your wardrobes doesn’t hinder you from doing so. When wearing a jacket, see to it that it goes all the way down under your buttocks but be careful to have too long. Have a jacket that ‘s just right to you especially the length. A short one will lay emphasis on your thin size while too long ones will give you an awful guise.

· Wear flat-front pants.

Pants with patterns and lines would help you seem less skinny. You can also have simple, plain straight-leg cut pants. If you want to have skinny jeans or steer-clear of narrowed trousers, you may wear them. These pants usually have pockets that may add to your intended bigger size.

· Choose bulky fabrics.

For skinny men, you can prefer more than a single stuff to wear. If you can have for your top, heavier wools or a suit and something more to put on, try wearing them. Always dress in layers if you want to gain volume for your body. While for pants, you can have corduroy, if it’s in style to boost up your legs.

· Wear turtlenecks and crewnecks.

As much as possible, wear something that does not expose your collarbone, neck or any part of your body that would show the bony portion of your body. You can wear turtlenecks and crewnecks. Check your shirt if they are buttoned and if you have to wear collared sweaters, make sure to have broad collar. This will help you have an extensive-looking chest.

Tropic Thunder Movie Review

I didn’t expect Tropic Thunder would offer one hell of a trip. I expected it to be funny, but not so hilarious like I want to jump up and down in my seat, which I almost did by the way. Unlike other war movies, Tropic Thunder put me on the verge of tears not because my favorite character got his head blown off, but because my head almost got blown off because of laughing so hard. And if Jack Black and Ben Stiller—together in the same movie—are not enough reasons for you to see this movie, take in Robert Downey Jr. And not just the Regular Downey Jr., but Downey Jr. playing black man. And a black soldier at that.

At first the plot sounded simple enough, and I thought I would be subjecting myself to the typical Jack Black character, you know, the doobie-smoking, hight-pitched-dialogue singing, rock music-nut blabbermouth. But he, as well as the other characters, seriously offered more than I expected or hoped for. And the movie got me hooked the moment I sat in my seat and throughout the end.

The plot of the movie is actually about three actors wanting to make, and star in, their own war movie to revive their acting careers. On that premise alone, you know something is bound to go crazy along the way. And what happens to these three friends trumps the kind of crazy in your mind. In the course of their production, they suddenly find themselves caught up in an actual war which makes them go nuts. Their pursuit for survival now not only pertains to their acting careers, but their own lives as their decisions only aggravate their already sorry situation.

The twists and turns of the movie, and its structure of being a frame story kind of reminds you of a Shakespearean comedy with a lot of confused characters running around and making unbelievably stupid decisions. And come on, Robert Downey Jr. as a black soldier, you got to love to see that.

But what makes it better than an actual Shakespearean comedy is the use of absurdly witty dialogue. Shakespeare’s great and all that, but all those old English exchange of lines are a bore sometimes. But imagine the always hyper Jack Black arguing with the ever stupid-looking Ben Stiller about saving their necks. I’ve never seen three actors click together so naturally, until I saw this movie. Everything is so unbelievable, yet believable because of those three. I mean, there came a point in the movie where I actually thought it actually happened to them. Just because they act naturally silly.

And as if the side-splitting exploits of those three weren’t enough, the movie threw in couple more eye candies that are Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey. With an all-star cast, a crazily funny plot, and clever dialogue well-blended out in a two-hour flick, I’m sure you’ll be a happier man when you go out of the theater for seeing this movie.

Las Vegas travel tips

There are many misconceptions about our place and about us so here are factors that would give you ideas on what Las Vegas really is. Let me give you some tips on how to survive in Vegas.

When you came in early to your hotel and it’s not allowed to have early check-in, why bother to worry when you can make necessity to go on your way. Vegas usually have beautiful hotel lobbies, but dare not to stay any longer no matter how amazed you are in the place. There is always something worthwhile to do here.

Before leaving home and you know you’d be taking a cab, make sure that you have cash on you because a lot of Vegas taxi drivers cannot accept traveler’s checks. When you pass by the road, you’ll see some guys who give leaflets. You might probably ask who those guys are and what is on it. Well, they are canvassers and those fliers are for strip clubs and escort services. If you are thinking that this is illegal, mind you they already have the right to canvass such kind of business and to give out information about that matter. Don’t worry, these guys wouldn’t harm you in any way. All they got to do is give out fliers which wouldn’t really matter if you would not accept.

What to wear: If you are coming here, it would be better if you bring with you a jacket, especially from Halloween to Valentine’s Day. During summer, it is very hot here but when it’s not, it’s a lot colder here than what you expected. People nowadays consider fashionable shoes rather than the comfy ones. But if you are planning to go here especially walk around or shop during day time, or even to party at night, I suggest that you wear the comfy shoes that you have. Forget first about the fashion because if you will not take my advice I’m pretty sure that you will need to have Band-Aids with you.

How to attract hot women

What Very Attractive Women Want

You know instantly know them when they enter the club. They seem like goddesses emerging from the heavens. They won’t look or talk to just anyone. They walk like they’re modeling on a fashion ramp. Have you ever wondered what goes on in their minds? Are you at lost at how to act during a date with a very attractive woman? Or do you want to date a very attractive woman? You just got to know what they want.

On the outside, very attractive women may seem confident about their appearances but on the inside, they’re not. If they enter into a room and no single guy give them even a single look, they will not act as confident as they are. The most attractive women may also be insecure inside and want their men to tell them they are lovely. When you are with an attractive woman, even if it’s obvious, complement her dress and tell her something nice about her appearance. She’ll appreciate it.

Very attractive women always get the same treatment from men. Men always hit on them. They are sick of men doing this. Pay them sincere complement then stop. Very attractive women want to be treated not as sex objects but as persons. Don’t immediately start flirting with them because they are tired of those smart-ass pick-up lines. Don’t treat them as trophies to be worked for by always devising the best strategies on how you’re going to take them home. Be cool. Act like you are not awestruck. Stop looking at the prominent part of their body. You may make it easier for you by looking instead at their eyes.

Look on other things besides their outer appearance. You may lose a lot of fun moments if you just focus on their physical appearance. Many very attractive women also have attractive ideas. They want their men to hear them. Before moving your hands anywhere, you may want to engage them first into a conversation. Get to know them. You may start by asking about their day and then make them tell stories about themselves. Show that you are interested in knowing them better. Not all very attractive women have airs in their brains.

You don’t have to be a dashing debonair or a millionaire to date very attractive women successfully. Dating very attractive women is just the same as dating any other women. You just need to know what they want and give them that. Very attractive women want to be appreciated not only for how they look but for who they are. They may look like the most beautiful goddesses but you have to remember that they are also humans. Very attractive women appreciate sincere complements, treating them nicely and getting to know what’s behind their stunning appearance.

Recipes for party foods - with a Spanish touch

Clueless male need not fret. You don’t have to slave hours in the kitchen preparing this feast. The trick is in knowing where to source find food. Preparing a spread only takes a few minutes, even for a guy who doesn’t know how to fry an egg. Daunted by the task of finding enough decent plates in your flat for a dinner party? Go Tapas, a quick, fuss-free, yet filling way to entertain. A few small mismatch plates will do. Originating from the Spanish habit of eating a late dinner in the company of family or friends, Tapas are snacks in little plates eaten with glasses of wine, sherry, or brandy from 7pm to 10pm.

No need for a culinary degree abroad pull off a Tapas party. The trick is a trip to gourmet store that specializes in Spanish cuisine. For starters, try Pork & Wild Boar Pate, Pork & Duck Pate, and Lobster Pate for starters. Just open a can of tasty Navajas Chilenas (razor clams) and Almejas Chilenas (Chilean baby clams) and serve. You’ll be spared the hassle of going to the market for the clams, cleaning the shells, and steaming them. A bottle of Picuezo White Asparagus is heavenly with mayonnaise or baked in the oven allowing the grated Parmesan cheese to melt. Bacalao ala Vizcaina, a traditional Spanish dish of salt cod with onions, red peppers, tomatoes and spices, fresh from the can or heated in the microwave is paired perfectly with a crusty baguette. Heat up Spanish classics like Fabada and Callos on the stove or microwave for a few minutes for added variety. Serve Angulas, a Spanish delicacy of baby eel, by opening a bottle and quickly sautéing in garlic and olive oil for a few seconds until warm. Stuffed small squid on olive oil or in its own ink compliment warm bread or becomes an instant gourmet meal when cooked in fried rice. Splurging on several tins of Duck or Goose Foie Gras will surely impress, but this will also make a dent on your credit card bill.

Create several large platters from extensive deli offerings of cold cuts and cheese. Include Chorizo Salamanca Spicy for its addicting tinge of spiciness and Salchichon with the perfect saltiness in every tender bite. Selecting cold cuts and cheeses depends on your budget and taste. Get a small slice to taste to aid you in making your choices. Throw in a bottle of olives and several chorizos for guests to graze on all night.

If your guests have man-sized appetites, add paella to your spread. You can try the instant Pre-cooked Paella Valenciana or Paella Marisco, requiring only 20 minutes to cook at home. Or serve Arroz a Banda, wet paella with clams, squid, shrimps and fish. Other traditional dishes are ideal such as Slow-cooked Oxtail, Gambas al Ajillo, Almejas Marinera (Clams in a Sherry, Garlic, and Paprika Sauce), and Tortilla cooked Farmhouse style with mushroom and duck confit gizzards, with Jabugo chorizo or Seafood. Your guests will be impressed thinking you’re a seasoned gourmet, while sparing you the trouble of laboring in the kitchen for hours. Bluff your friends. Play your favorite bossa nova CD and relax. Be sure though to hide your cans, bottles, and the copy of this magazine before your guests arrive.

Drinking alcohol vs Marijuana use

Q: During some night outs with friends, we would go on drinking sprees and some of the guys would occasionally smoke marijuana. We usually take just one car and nominate one designated driver. When it’s time to go home, the least drunk among us would drive the car, with one caveat—we don’t trust the guys that smoke grass, even if they were the ones that didn’t really drink too much. This is a good idea, right?

A: Hmmmm. To whom should you entrust your life? A person tipsy on alcohol or someone high on marijuana? Sounds like a trick question to me, or if it’s a serious question, a lose-lose situation. While being under the influence of marijuana in this country is a serious crime in itself, no real studies on how it can affect driving ability have been conducted.

One study done by the United Kingdom Transport Research Laboratory had test subjects smoke marijuana sticks then perform a series of driving and motor tests. The results showed that all the subjects ended up driving slower to compensate for their intoxication, but their reaction time to road hazards did not seem to be affected. Despite difficulty in following a figure 8 driving loop, they were generally still able to spot hazards.

Alcohol-and fatigue-intoxicated drivers did not fare as well. This UK study concluded that alcohol and fatigue impair driving more than marijuana. Marijuana smokers should not let this study lull them into false sense of invincibility. Driving completely sober is still the safest way to go. It is also best to bring along a non-drinking, non-smoking designated driver with you next time your friends go out. If you can’t do so, make this world a safer place by passing out where you are. It might not be the best sleeping accommodation but the most responsible thing you could.

Weight training vs Cardio exercise

Q: There is a new trend now of losing fat via weight training instead of just merely aerobic or cardiovascular activities. I’ve tried it and it does work, but what I would like to know is does weight training have beneficial effects for the heart as well, just like aero and cardio workouts?

A: In the mid-1900’s, Dr. Cooper revolutionized the fitness world with his book Aerobics, which got Americans and the rest of the world more conscious about health and fitness. Because of all the cardiovascular benefits of aerobics, aerobic activity was considered then to be the best way to get and stay healthy. Few benefits were conceded to building muscle. That was then. Today, new research has shows there is a lot more to weight training than simply building muscles. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) now recommends weight training as a central part of everyone’s fitness regimen. Now only does weight training build muscle and reduce body fat, it also lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Weight training has also been shown to lower one’s blood pressure. It also makes lifting (and carrying) objects easier on the heart. Strength training helps build endurance and maintains lean muscle mass, which in turn burns more body fat. Body fat has long been linked to heart diseases and stroke. Incorporating weight training exercises into your fitness regimen twice to three times a week would be a good way to start.

Update your wardrobe and work out

By “updating” we mean throwing out the ripped jeans and the flannel shirts you hoarded since Curt Cobain started smelling the teen spirit. Let’s face it, you’re not in college nom ore, guy. Time to be choosier about the clothes you wear. First into the trash bin is that ratty sport shirt you had since college. Ask yourself this: Does a checkered orange-and-blue shirt ever flatter anyone? Get yourself to the nearest mall and grab a few Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Chino sport shirts. For sheer comfort, nothing beats Polo classic chino shirt. This version is especially washed creating the timeworn, lived-on look of you favorite shirt. And in time, we guarantee you, you’ll be hanging on to these the same way you’ve resisted giving up your college favorites.

Do something different

Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard the same old tired excuses, but the fact is, we’re all lazy bums who’d rather watch the sports channel than break out into a sweat—especially if it’s not the bedroom variety. Try prying the remote from your fingers and do something different. Conquer your fear of heights and take up mountain-climbing. Aside from getting you in tip-top shape (No weak sissies allowed in this sport. It’s your life literally hanging in the balance out there), mountain climbing hones your intelligence, quick-thinking, and gets you ready to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenger. Pretty good deal for scaling a rock, what? But before you go up that mountain, do as the Boy Scouts do and be prepared. Suit up in the proper gear. And for many years now, the world’s best mountain climbers have relied on one brand of outdoor apparel: The North Face. So if you’re planning on hiking up that rock face, be sure you have someone reliable covering your back—literally. The North Face products are available at sports and outdoor stores nationwide.

I wear fake Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Armani, etc.

Q: What’s your opinion about wearing fake designer stuff? I was recently gifted with a really nice-looking, good quality designer raincoat, which my friend later confessed was a knockoff bought in Shanghai. I swear no one will know it is a fake except for me and the friend who got it for me. Should I wear it?

A: I won’t go into the ethics or economics of fake designer goods. You know all of the arguments for and against brand piracy, and this isn’t the place to have that discussion, although for the record I do think that Giorgio Armani deserves to make all the money he can from his designs. I’m sure that all al foregone revenue from the Armani knockoffs coming out of China and who the hell know where else would easily buy him another villa in Italy on top of the three he already has, which of course is so necessary in life and therefore an injustice to the great man.

But anyway, here’s the thing with knockoffs: No matter how well they’re made and no matter how many people you fool, what you’re doing is pretending to be someone that you’re not. If you can’t afford to buy $1,500 Prada raincoat, then running around wearing a fake one is just like lying. There’s plenty of lower-priced, good quality stuff that you can buy that declare in all honesty what your status is in life. And hey, if you’re working class then don’t pretend not to be. I’d rather see someone who’s proud of what he is than someone who pretends he’s something he’s not. That may be hard to understand in our shallow, materialistic, and pretentious culture, but if you understand it then you know what the essence of cool is.

Having said that, there are a few things you can do with that coat. You can wear it as is and pray that someone out there does not realize that it’s fake and make you the laughing stock of the social circle you so desperately want to climb you way into. Or you can tear off the tags and wear it as an unbranded jacket. Or you can simply return it to your friend and dare him to wear it in public.

I'm not feeling this chick...

Q: This is the sort of problem I hear from my female friends all the time, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. Two weeks ago, my friend set me up with a close friend of his. The date went well but she’s not really my type. She’s attractive and all, but I wasn’t really into her. At the end of the evening, I told her I’d give her a call, just to be polite. Of course, I had no intention of doing so. Since then, my friend has been telling me that the girl really enjoyed the evening and wanted to go out with me again. Last week, she called me up and invited me for drinks with our common friend and girlfriend. How do I tell her I really don’t want to go out with her without offending her? And how do I know I tell my well-meaning friend that I’m not interested in this girl?

A: Never tell a girl you’ll call her if you don’t mean it. Apparently, the silly little things actually believe us, and they get all disappointed and resentful if we don’t actually call. They even believe us when we tell them we love them just as we’re about to slip them the hot beef injection. Which shows that men and women really are from different planets. Now this girl. . .you say she’s attractive, but you weren’t into her. . .but she’s attractive. . .hmmm. . .I must confess that’s never happened to me. If a girl is attractive I usually find myself getting into her (figuratively, not literally), unless she’s a complete and utter idiot. But hey, that’s just me. Just keep being evasive about when you’ll go out next. She’ll get the hint.

Love Handles are dangerous

Q: I'm 25 years old, and i'm starting to develop "love handles" around my waist. Is that okay for a guy my age? I hear the girls love it.

A: "Love handles" is a euphemism for belly fat - more precisely, the mound of fat on either side of your waist. Also known as beer belly, spare tire, or gut fat, they are actually dangerous to your health. Recent studies have shown that abdominal fat is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, insulin resistance, gall bladder disease, some types of cancer, high blood fats, high blood pressure, and blood clotting abnormalities. Various tests such as BMI, skin-fold caliper, waist-to-hip ratio, and electrical impedance can be done to measure your body fat. However, the easiest way to find out if you fail the gut test is to look in the mirror. Or simply measure your waist girth. Vanity will settle any doubts you may have.

If your reflection strikes you as unflattering, or if you nearly run out of measuring tape, then better get started on a weight loss program by combining physical activity and diet. Doing a thousand sit-ups isn't going to do the trick. Smoking and stress aren't going to be of much help either.

Short Sleeved Tie Combination

Q: What do you think of the short-sleeved, shirt-and-tie combination? I work for a multinational corporation and I see co-workers wearing this. I'm a little iffy about it, but I sometimes think it's unavoidable because of the hot weather. Any advice on this?

A: Wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a tie projects a certain attitude or demeanor. To complete the impression that I assume you're trying to make, get a crewcut, take five or six cheap pens, a pocket protector, then stuff them all into the breast pocket of your shirt. Now put on a pair of thick black plastic framed glasses, and you're ready to go to any of the following: the National Geek Convention, a 50's retro costume party, or your local Mormon Church.

Note that if you choose to go to the third, it would be best if you could follow around some similarly dressed guy. If you've had a chance to drive by a Mormon temple while some of them happen to be walking around, you'll notice that there's always one or two redneck-looking, short-sleeves-wearing white Mormon dudes. I suspect they're not here to evangelize but to recruit servants. So back to answer your question. Do not even wear a tie with a short-sleeved button up.