I don't wanna be a Fat Guy

Check out this website I found at idontwannabeafatguy.blogspot.com

Here's a guy struggling to lose some weight. Go, man, go!

Don't Give Up on Your Midsection | Easy Home Exercise for Men | Man of the House

Don't Give Up on Your Midsection

June 04, 2010, By Kurt Simonsen 1 comment

• 

For most married men, the days of the 32-inch waistline have long since expired and in its place rests a less than chiseled midsection capable of ingesting endless chicken fingers with the kids on the beach and a few beers out in the garage on a lazy Saturday afternoon after mowing the lawn. The jeans sag a little more, and the shirts remain untucked, so as not to show off the small belly creeping over their belt buckles. Women sacrifice their bodies during childbirth, something a man should never forget or even comment on, yet men certainly give away their physicality when becoming the dad. It's almost a prerequisite.

Yet a man's body need not completely fall victim to both time and children. No, he can no longer section off two-hour time blocks to run to the gym and spend time between bench press sets gossiping away with old high school buddies. Nope, time is too precious now for the old styles and haunts. Instead, however, every guy needs to know that the secret to feeling physically fit and healthy rests in perspective and priority, especially when it involves keeping a trim midsection.

A man's perspective changes over time, without question, and must be flexible enough to handle the unforeseen. An unhealthy perspective, one that is set up for imminent failure, allows for you to hold onto the past and expect that nothing changes. On the other hand, one that will permit comfortable growth and more importantly true happiness permits a man to change fluidly with an understanding that life can and should remain simple. That said, trying to stay healthy in the midst of being a good husband and father can be done.

So, rather than treating your stomach like a storage bin, start paying attention to it from the outside in. Watching what you eat is critical, but getting strong and toned in the middle does not come with healthy foods alone; you have to put in the work. The good news is, however, that the effort needn't be one that requires a trainer or a bunch of fancy machines. All you need is 15 minutes a day, three to five times a week, and some comfy space on the floor.

After you do some warming up, which can be done by simply running in place with sporadic sets of jumping jacks, drop to floor and follow these easy yet effective moves. You'll tighten up in no time.

Plank

Laying flat on your chest on the floor and prop up on your elbows creating a 90-degree arm angle. Then, holding your body straight as a board, hence the "plank" name, rise up on your toes. Thus, your body touches the floor only via your toes, your elbows and forearms. Position your head and eyes forward, and hold this position for as long as possible. You can do this to failure or do it for sets of 30 to 60 seconds. If your kids are hanging around, get them involved. Have them count down for you, lay under you and see if you touch them, or do the same exercise right next you. Repeat two to three times.

Side Plank

Same idea as above, but this time you'll focus on those love handles. Begin on your side and position yourself up on your elbow and side of your foot. Place the top foot on your bottom foot and be sure to keep your hip in a direct line with your shoulder and bottom foot. Hold this position to failure or for a set time; it's up to you. You can mix this up by set or by daily workout.

Full Body Sit-Up

This is not the old shove-your-feet-under-the-couch kind of sit up. Not even close, actually. This one, however, will challenge you in a major way. Lay flat on your back on the floor, and spread your legs wide, to about a 45-degree angle. Raise your arms straight above your chest, pushing your hands and fingers together and extending them toward the ceiling. From here, sit up using only your abdominals. Keep your hands high and push them toward the sky as you go up. Once you have reached the upright position and your hands are fully extended out and up ahead of you, turn to the left and touch your left foot. Come back to center, raise the hands high again, and then recline to the ground. That's one. Repeat, but this time go to the right at the top. Do as many of these as you can with good form. If you start flailing all over the place, just stop. A few quality good ones are better than racking up the numbers while doing them poorly. Fantastic exercise.

Doing these three movements consistently over time will have a tremendous effect on your midsection. You'll feel better about yourself, begin to see changes that you like, and have more energy to become the dad and husband you really want to be.

via manofthehouse.com

I liked this quick article on a few exercises to "tighten up". While I understand its not possible to spot tone, these can't be bad compared to sitting on your butt.

Still testing and geting the bugs out

I am testing a few new things as I get up and running with the new blog. So, in the old school way....TESTING< TESTING< TESTING......

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes (what to do) | eHow.com

When the temperatures are frigid outside, there is nothing is worse than getting up in the morning with no water due to frozen pipes. Here are the first steps to take.

via ehow.com

Here is a quick but effective method to thaw frozen plumbing.

Cyber Monday puts spotlight on online sellers - Nov. 26, 2010

ComScore, a digital marketplace research firm, expects online sales for the 2010 holiday season will reach $32.4 billion, marking an 11% increase over the previous year for the combined November-December gift-buying period.

Sales for that two-month period rose 4% over the prior year, the firm said.

"The beginning of the online holiday shopping season has gotten off to an extremely positive start, outperforming our earlier expectations," ComScore chairman Gian Fulgoni said in a statement.

"Despite continued high unemployment rates and other economic concerns, consumers seem to be more willing to open up their wallets," he said, adding that deep sales have spurred much of that spending momentum. 

via money.cnn.com

"Despite continued high unemployment rates and other economic concerns, consumers seem to be more willing to open up their wallets,"
This just seems fully mental to me! Are Americans so addicted to spending that they get after it even in spite the economic conditions they head to the mall like lemmings to empty their wallets?
I don't wanna sound like a preacher, but damn! Rein it in a little, will ya?

Really Encouraging numbers for retirement

A bottom-line budget for retiring overseas in Ecuador, Nicaragua, Thailand, Panama, and Malaysia is about $700 a month. With a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 per month, your options expand to include Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Belize, or France. Income worth $2,000 per month or more puts the whole world at your feet.

via money.usnews.com

Retiring overseas is a dream of mine. I have been thinking it is more fantasy than dream, lately. This article gives me a little more hope......

Dividend Stocks, Dividen Yielding Penny Stock Investments | InvestorPlace

Home > Hot Topics > Dividends > 13 Cheap Stocks with Big Dividend Yields

Topics: Penny Stocks(RSS)

PRINT EMAIL

13 Cheap Stocks with Big Dividend Yields

These stocks are under $5 with +5% yields

August 24, 2010   |   By InvestorPlace Staff

Penny stocks and low priced stocks are one way investors can cope with investing woes in a time of economic downturn. Buying good stocks at bargain prices can be a profitable value investing strategy. But what if you can couple the quest for cheap penny stocks with the push for income and reliable dividends?

Believe it or not, there are a number of companies like this out there. These cheap investments may trade for just a few bucks a share, but also deliver big dividends to the tune of +5%.

Here are 13 such stocks that are trading under $5 per share and offering more than a 5% dividend yield:

Advance America Cash Advance (AEA)

Market Cap: $213.36 million

Dividend Yield: 7.2%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.25

Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc. (NYSE: AEA) provides cash advance services, installment loans and lines of credit – a so-called “payday lender.” Its cash advances are small-denomination, short-term and unsecured advances due on the customer’s next payday. This consumer finance stock will not break the bank since it is trading at $3.45 per share, and it boasts a 7.2% dividend yield for investors to enjoy generous returns for a minimal investment. This is of course assuming AEA continues to pay dividends as it has since 2005. Regulation is tightening in some regions on payday lenders, but in times like these companies like AEA serve a valuable role to some cash-strapped Americans.

Chimera Investment Corporation (CIM)

Market Cap: $3.43 billion

Dividend Yield: 17.5%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.68

Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE: CIM), a real estate investment trust, invests in residential mortgage backed securities, residential mortgage loans, real estate-related securities and various other asset classes in the United States. CIM flopped big time after the financial crisis and mortgage meltdown, from almost $20 a share in early 2008 to under $4 now. But the company has been fairly stable for a year, moving sideways. Though shares haven’t delivered much value, the whopping 17.5% dividend yield from Chimera is a very tempting opportunity for dividend hungry investors.

China Nepster Chain Drugstore (NPD)

Market Cap: $291.18 million

Dividend Yield: 10.2%

Annual Dividend Payment: $1.74

China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd. (NYSE: NPD) operates more than 2,700 retail drugstores located in 12 provinces and 76 municipalities in the People’s Republic of China. NPD shares have been rewarding loyal investors fro two years now with dividends rounding out to a whopping 10.2% annual yield. Add to that an impressive gross margin and the fact that this drugstore company beat EPS estimates during two of the past four quarters, and you get a small cap stock that could have big potential for your portfolio.

DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (DCT)

Market Cap: $950 million

Dividend Yield: 6.2%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.28

DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (NYSE: DTC), formerly known as Dividend Capital Trust Inc., is a publicly owned real estate investment trust that engages in the ownership, operation and development of real estate properties. The Colorado-based company has seen a slight dip in share price this summer, but DCT has paid investors a dividend since 2007 and is giving stakeholders a 6.2% dividend return on each share held in the company.

Himax Technologies, Inc. ADR (HIMX)

Market Cap: $424 million

Dividend Yield: 10.3%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.24

Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) engages in the design, development and marketing of semiconductors used as components of flat panel displays. The company’s principal products are display drivers for large-sized thin film transistor liquid crystal displays, which are used in desktop monitors, notebook computers, televisions, mobile handsets and car navigation displays. This small cap company seems to be in the right industry to capitalize the strength of the tech sector and electronics, and it’s 10.3% yield or $0.24 per share is also enticing for investors.

Horizon Lines Inc. (HRZ)

Market Cap: $120 million

Dividend Yield: 5.2%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.20

Horizon Lines (NYSE: HRZ) is the largest Jones Act domestic container shipper in the U.S., operating with 20 vessels and about 18,500 cargo containers. The marine cargo company has been paying its shareholders quarterly dividends since 2005 and HRZ outperformed EPS estimates by a wide margin in the second quarter this year. With share prices under $4 and with a yield of 5%, some investors may want to hitch a ride on this ocean transporter.

Hot Topic (HOTT)

Market Cap: $216 million

Dividend Yield: 5.8%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.28

Hot Topic Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTT) sells premium clothing to teens and young adults – not exactly a business you’d associated with high dividend stocks. But the fashion retailer is currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share and is just coming off a 52-week low last week, creating the opportunity for investor to get in at the bottom with a yield of nearly 6% at current valuations under $5.

Kite Realty Group Trust (KRG)

Market Cap: $260 million

Dividend Yield: 5.8%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.24

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a full-service, vertically integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the development, construction, acquisition, ownership and operation of neighborhood and community shopping centers in high-growth markets. KRG has been paying dividends since 2004 and although yields have decreased as share values have dropped in the past year, the company still maintains a healthy annual yield of 5.8% for investors to tuck away.

Northstar Realty Finance Corp. (NRF)

Market Cap: $250 million

Dividend Yield: 12.1%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.40

NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (NYSE: NRF) is a real estate finance company, which focuses primarily on originating, investing in and managing commercial real estate debt and net lease properties. NRF stock has managed to outperform the broader markets in August, and its 12.1% dividend yield makes shares very attractive to some investors. While the commercial real estate market is still seeing significant trouble right now, investors may want to take a chance on this high yield dividend stock.

Primedia (PRM)

Market Cap: $130 million

Dividend Yield: 9.4%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.28

Primedia Inc. (NYSE: PRM) engages in the production and distribution of consumer directories for apartments and rental properties through online, print and mobile platforms. Best known for its ApartmentGuide.com and Rentals.com sites, PRM is also known for connecting investors with quarterly dividend since 2007. With shares trading at under $3 and boasting a nearly 10% dividend yield, PRM shares could be worth another look for those looking to get some guaranteed returns in their portfolio.

Siliconware Precision Industries Co. (SPIL)

Market Cap: $3.12 billion

Dividend Yield: 6%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.20

With operations in Taiwan, Siliconware Precision Industries (NASDAQ: SPIL) is one of the world’s largest contract semiconductor packaging and testing companies. Since late last week SPIL share began to diverge from the trends of the broader markets and actually gain some ground in a climb to just under $5 per share. This semiconductor company has failed to live up to earnings estimates from two consecutive quarters but it has not failed to pay dividends to its investors since 2004. The current yield is 6% for SPIL stock.

Star Gas Partners L.P. (SGU)

Market Cap: $310 million

Dividend Yield: 6.6%

Annual Dividend Payments: $0.29

Star Gas Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SGU) operates as a home heating oil distributor and services provider in the United States that provides its services to residential and commercial customers. SGU shares are up more than +26% from this time last summer and the company began paying dividends in 2009. With a current yield of 6.6%, Star Gas shares have relatively low volatility.

United Online Inc. (UNTD)

Market Cap: $430 million

Dividend Yield: 8.2%

Annual Dividend Payment: $0.40

United Online, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTD) provides consumer products and services over the Internet, primarily in the United States and internationally. Its businesses include FTD florists, the MyPoints.com rewards program and NetZero internet access among others. Annual dividend amount per year remains steady at $0.40 from last year despite bearish technical indicators and stock performance well below the broader markets over the course of the past three months. UNTD shares are dangerously close to a 52-week low, but the dividend yield may be enticing to investors.

via investorplace.com

This was written back in August, but I am going to look into these guys.

How to Cook a Moist Holiday Turkey Using the Injection Technique | eHow.com

How to Cook a Moist Holiday Turkey Using the Injection Technique

By Earlyriser, eHow Member

I want to do this! What's This?

Great! We've added this to your projects.

Hey there! You already told us that you want to do this task. How's it going? If you've completed the task, let us know by clicking the button below:

I Did This

You should consider writing an I Did This on this project.

You did this. View similar projects.

Cook a Moist Holiday Turkey Using the Injection Technique

How to Cook a Moist Holiday Turkey Using the Injection Technique

User-Submitted Article

Would you like to cook the ultimate moist turkey this holiday? Cooking the big bird does not have to be intimidating. Just follow these easy steps, and you are on the way to rave reviews this holiday season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One turkey (fresh or frozen)
• Meat Injector (this is nothing more than a big syringe available in the kitchenware section)
• Meat Thermometer (this can also be found in the kitchenware section)
• one pound of butter
• liquid smoke
• Tabasco sauce
• juice of one lemon

1. 1

   If not using a fresh turkey, thaw your bird according to the package directions.

2. 2

   Wash the turkey well in the sink using cold tap water. While you are flipping the old boy around in the sink, remove all of the spare parts in the cavities. Pat him dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Place turkey breast side up (legs down) in a roaster pan. I like to use the disposable aluminum ones they sell everywhere at this time of year. It makes for quick and easy clean up.

4. 4

   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

   Add 1/4 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke. (Liquid Smoke adds a touch of smokey flavor. You can find it near the BBQ sauces at the grocery store.)

   Add 2 Tablespoons of Tabasco sauce. This can be adjusted to your own taste. It adds flavor without heat, so don't be afraid of it.

   Add the juice of the lemon.

   Stir well and let cool until it is just warm.

5. 5

   Assemble your injector and fill the syringe with the warm butter mixture. Starting with the breast, insert the needle about an inch deep and slowly inject the liquid directly into the meat. You'll know when to stop when the fluid comes back out around the needle. Repeat all over the bird approximately every 2 inches.

6. 6

   Place the turkey in a pre-heated 325 degree oven. Remove after about two hours and repeat the injection process, then again every hour until all the butter mixture is used. This is also a good time to baste the turkey by spooning the liquid that is in the bottom of the pan over the top of the bird. Continue to bake until a meat thermometer placed in the meaty part of the breast reads 185 degrees.

7. 7

   Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Let the turkey sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Don't get anxious here! This allows the bird's flesh to firm up which helps the carved slices to hold together.

8. 8

   Enjoy the most moist turkey you have ever eaten, then prepare yourself for the undying gratitude and admiration of your holiday guests!

via ehow.com

I am so trying this for the Thanksgiving dinner!

Vick to speak to high school students about dogfighting - CNN.com

November 23, 2010 3:09 a.m. EST

via cnn.com

I was one the people who thought Mike Vick should be permanently banned from professional football forever. I was ready to cut him off at the knees. But, I have to say he either has one heck of a "handler" or he is sincerely remorseful and has matured and changed. Every interview I see now, I am more impressed with what he says and how he carries himself. Maybe getting a second chance ain't so bad........

Rescuers preparing robot for New Zealand coal mine - CNN.com

Rescuers in New Zealand were testing a high-tech robot Monday that they hope will provide key information in their search for 29 miners trapped underground.

A toxic mix of gases inside the coal mine still made it too risky for humans to enter Monday night, officials said. But the robot could enter "in the reasonably near future," Pike River Coal CEO Peter Whittall told reporters.

No one has heard from the men -- ages 17 to 62 -- since an explosion inside the mine around 4 p.m. Friday. Officials hope they are alive, though they do not know if the men found a haven or whether parts or all of the mine collapsed.

"We still remain optimistic. We're still keeping an open mind, but we are planning for all outcomes. ... We're planning for the possible loss of life as a result of what's occurred underground," said Gary Knowles, superintendent of the Tasman Police District

via cnn.com

Just throwing out a quick prayer for these guys and their families

700 hundred miles

The weekend ends a road trip to Kansas City.

Had some of the best BBQ ever at Wabash BBQ. They serve it dry and you add your own sauce. Absolutely the best!

+ Mobile phone posting. It is possible to psot from the road! Kansas City rocks!

Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins Go Bears!

MIAMI -- The Chicago Bears had a ready response for Brandon Marshall's taunting.

Julius Peppers and a swarming defense allowed only 187 yards and a single third-down conversion Thursday night, and the Bears won 16-0 to send the injury-ravaged Miami Dolphins to their second home shutout in 40 years.

via sports.espn.go.com

The Bears are coming on strong! A massive shutout!

You have GOT to be kidding me.......

The NFL Players Association has turned to Congress for help in preventing team owners from locking out union members next season. Steps the union has taken include drafting letters for lawmakers to send to the league and holding a briefing for members of Congress and their aides on the economic impact of a labor dispute, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

via finance.yahoo.com

I beleive this is a sign of the impending apocolypse

Test Post

I wanted to make sure I have this all figured out now, so that when I find some cool web stuff, I can post it here quickly and efficiently. So, we'll see if this works!

First Posting

I just wanted to have a place where I can post things that I find while I cruise all over the web. Nothing with any direction or focus, just full-on randomness.
So, here it goes........