St. Patty's beer guide

How about a beer? It's that special holiday where Americans get fucked up to celebrate another culture we don't understand. No, not Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick's Day! Since you're likely to be drowning in green beer today, let's go over a few basics, shall we?

Quickie Chick diva (and Facebook friend!) Laurel House breaks it down:

1. Just because it’s light in color, doesn’t mean it’s “Light” in calories. The #1 misconception about beer is that a dark beer is heavy, high in alcohol content, high in calories and bitter.

2. Like wine, beer can have notes of caramel, chocolate, nutmeg, rosemary, citrus, among other “flavors” or “notes” and can be perfectly paired to any meal.

3. Like wine, swirl beer before drinking it so you can get all of the aromas out of it… remember: 80% of taste is actually from scent. In fact, you can drink your beer from a wine glass.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Drink wisely -- and DON'T DRIVE!!!

Josh Hutcherson & Liam Hemsworth shirtless montage

I'm so sorry, you guys. I didn't include shirtless pics of Hunger Games stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth in my Hunger Games workout post before. What was I thinking?

Hot bitches of Hunger Games

OMG you guys, are you sick of hearing about The Hunger Games yet? I mean, super excited to see the movie?!? Yah, me too. Since there’s no such thing as media over saturation, let’s see how the film’s stars got in shape to film those killer fight scenes. Because this is the kind of stuff you need to know for that impending end of the world 2012 thing.

“It’s lots of training,” Jennifer Lawrence told MTV, “but the training’s actually really fun. I’ve done archery for about six weeks, and rock climbing, tree climbing — and combat, running and vaulting. But also yoga and things like that, to stay catlike!”

Jen also told Glamour that she eats what she wants; “I don’t diet. I do exercise! But I don’t diet. You can’t work when you’re hungry, you know?”

So there — Run! Jump! Climb! Shoot stuff! And eat! If you want specifics, Vanity Fair created a routine you can follow below:

ABS AND CORE
• Exercise – Bear Squat
• Equipment – none, just your body weight
• Description – The bear squat combines a full plank, which is fantastic for the core, and an explosive leg press. Begin in plank then bend your knees and send your hips back over your heels keeping the knees off the floor (spine is flexed and arms are extended). With a powerful push from your legs, extend back out to plank and hold.

LEG STRENGTH
• Exercise – Curtsy Squat Side Lunge
• Equipment – Dumbbells
• Description – To truly develop strong legs that are functional for running, jumping, leaping and carrying heavy loads, you must train them in all directions. Holding heavy dumbbells in each hand begin with feet together. Step out to the side with your right leg, keeping your left leg straight. Hinge forward slightly but keep chest lifted with the dumbbells on either side of your right leg. Push off your right foot and immediately step back and cross behind the left leg, bending both knees into a curtsy squat.

Would you hit it?

No lie, I was totally crushing on Robbie Williams back in the day. He's sort of jumped the shark for me. * Geek trivia: "Jumped the shark" is a phrase TV junkies use to describe a show that hits a point of no return and continues to run past its expiration date. It is used to describe the moment the show took a turn for the worse. Like Simpsons after the movie. The term is based off an actual episode of Happy Days in which the Fonz literally jumped over a shark, while still wearing his trademark leather jacket.

So what I'm saying is Robbie has crossed the line of doability. It's a mixture of attitude and aesthetics.
I have few standards, but beyond the normal shit like honesty and a big wang they are as follows:

No stupid tattoos. Tats are fine. It is the placement and artistry that counts. Love across the knuckles? Some scrawl on the back of the hand? Writing across the neck...all a pass. I also have a personal issue with multiple star tattoos but only because they're so played out. Yes, I have a lame Chinese character on my midriff -- but I tell people it has a really deep, personal meaning (and that I designed it).

Bad boy posturing. Stop trying to look tough. No celebrity is living a hard life on the streets. Most dudes that embrace this persona aren't either; so it seems fake to me. If you really have that big of a chip on your shoulder, you probably have mental issues and I don't like the competition in the crazy department Got it covered, thanks.

Spoiled brats/moochers. If mommy and daddy bankroll your life, you still need to get a real one. Call me when you grow up. If you need someone to pay your way in and buy your drinks, you should stay your ass home and start a savings account. I'm totally unimpressed by other people paying your way.

This hottie would have me running in circles

Whore relay! I win! Wait, what? I sort of forgot my point here. I get distracted easily. More like dickstracted, amirite? Last night, I did a killer cardio routine (thanks to Richard Simmons) and was reminded that after a hardcore sweat, you continue to burn calories. The easiest cardio workout? Running, because duh. You can do it anywhere. A few tips for a BETTER run:

* Running on a treadmill puts less stress on your knees than running on asphalt or pavement.

* Wear proper shoes!

* Define a goal. Why are you running? If you want to get fitter and faster, having a goal for the day -- and sticking to it -- will develop the physiological systems that make you stronger.

* Pace yourself. Don't go full out 100% of the time. Train at various paces.

* If you're not working up a sweat, you're not working hard enough.

Does this turn you on?

No. Just no. No to whatever you're thinking. All I can tell you is that the things I do for beauty are occasionally terrifying. But there is a limit. Tell me if you've heard this one before: Sperm is good for your skin! Uhm, just because your boyfriend swears it's true right before his big moment doesn't make it a fact (same rule applies when he grunts "I love you").

If you've ever gotten this type of "facial" then you already know all it does it dry out the skin -- which is not a good thing.

Although semen does contain minerals like calcium, chlorine, magnesium, nitrogen, vitamin B12, and zinc, there is no proof that it can relieve acne symptoms. Acne is caused by bacteria and trapped oil in normal sweet glands or hair follicles. Sperm doesn't deep clean or kill bacteria. Sorry to be a buzz kill!

COFFEE OR TEA?

What's healthier, coffee or tea? Yesterday, I talked about the health benefits of coffee, which naturally led to people telling me how much healthier tea is for you. I've heard this before, but is it true? The problem with the information age is that half the shit you hear is totally wrong, or only half right, or based on a truth that is distorted to fit some agenda or sell a product. I blame the internet!

The bottom line: If you’re talking about coffee and black tea, coffee is the healthier choice. If you’re a green tea drinker, green tea is the healthier choice.

[source]

How about a cup of hot Joe?

This is Joe.  Just kidding. He's just some random I found on Tumblr, but he's hot and holding a cup of coffee and therefore he's a "hot cup of Joe." History lesson: There is an attribution to Josephus Daniels (1862-1948) who, as Secretary of the U.S. Navy under President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, was said to have abolished the officers' wine mess. And thus coffee became the strongest drink aboard navy ships known as "a cup of Joe." I have no idea if this is true, but I also found it on the internet.

7 Benefits of Coffee

Coffee (Or At Least, The Caffeine!) Can Help You Proofread Better
The caffeine in coffee could actually help you to spot grammar errors, according to a new study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Coffee Could Lower Women's Depression Risk
Women who drink a few cups of caffeinated coffee have a lower risk of depression than women who don't drink any coffee, according to a Harvard study. (NOTE: No clue why this doesn't apply to men, but since I'm very in touch with my feminine side this surely applies to me as well, right?!?)

Coffee Could Save Your Brain
A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests that there's something in coffee -- though researchers have yet to determine what exactly that "something" is -- interacts with caffeine to boost the levels of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), a growth factor that seems to be able to fight off Alzheimer's disease in mice.

Coffee Could Lower Men's Prostate Cancer Risk
A Harvard School of Public Health study shows that men who drink six cups of coffee a day have a 60 percent decreased chance of developing a dangerous form of prostate cancer, as well as a 20 percent decreased chance of developing any other kinds of prostate cancer. (NOTE: Stimulating your prostate also reduces this risk. Have more butt sex!)

Coffee Could Ward Off The World's Most Common Cancer
New research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research conference shows that coffee could help to ward off basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer in the world.

Coffee Could Protect You From Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking coffee is associated with a lower Type 2 diabetes risk, with more coffee consumption linked to a greater decrease in risk, according to an Archives of Internal Medicine review of studies from 2009.

Coffee Could Decrease Parkinson's Risk
Drinking a few cups of coffee a day could lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by as much as 25 percent, according to a study published last year in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

[source]

A closer look at Harry Shum Jr.'s abs...

Mike Chang FTW! We should all petition to have the powers that Glee show off his sexy shit more often. The show is a guilty pleasure as it is, but there could be more masturbation material.

A 6-pack like this doesn't just happen. It requires a thin frame, like a dancer. If you're not a dancer, you can mirror the effects with a proper diet (sorry, fatty!) and a fat-burning workout routine.

There is no secret formula, BUT there is this fantastic 10 minute abdominal routine I came up with (all by myself!) that delivers results in a short amount of time -- for those days you truly can't get to the gym.

I do 20 repetitions of each exercise described below, repeated twice:

ONE-MINUTE WARM-UP
Flat Floor Crunches: Regular old sit-ups on the floor or a mat. I like to put the balance ball between my legs and press up just enough to touch the ball, working upper abs.


Balance Ball Pikes: This move is a bit tricky. Start in a push-up position with your feet on the balance ball, then suqeeze with the lower abs until your body makes a triangle with your butt at the top.



Balance Ball Crunches: Sit on the balance ball and crunch using lower abs



Side-to-sides: Lie flat just like a regular sit up, except you move to the side -- touching your fingers to your ankle. Basically, take your right hand towards your right foot, touch the heel and then do the other side keeping your and upper back just above the floor.



Bicycles: At least one minute at the tail end of the routine.

Sexy Plumber (x2)

Double impact? Not even subtle. You know what is subtle though? The gradual build up of grime and dirt in your living space. You're gross! Yah, count me in on this mess too. I can't even remember the last time I scrubbed my shower (I just spray that foaming cleaning shit in there and leave it). I admit, I'm a filthy boy (in more ways than one).

There are some things I do well. I'm pretty good about cleaning up after myself with food stuff. I don't cook elaborate meals, but when I do get in the kitchen I always clean as I go by washing up pots and pans (or whatever) when I'm done with them. After I'm done eating I always wash my dishes or let them soak in the skin with soap.

I've just never been a neat freak. I accept it, but I don't want to live in my own filth. I'm teetering somewhere in the middle. Maids wanted!

Links:
How often should you clean?
6 surprising places germs hide
9 home health hazards

Take a pic of me shirtless, bro...

This isn't gay at all. Nope. Just two dudes admiring each other's bodies. Carry on!

Hey, everything is better with a buddy. Having a buddy makes you more accountable when it comes to keeping on track of fitness goals. Having a hard time hitting the gym? Make a workout date with a friend. You're less likely to skip when somebody is waiting on your fat ass to meet up.

At the gym, on the trail, or wherever you need a "helping hand," buddies are the best!

[Image via DudeTube]

Remember this hot piece?

Those Olympic swim trunks still do it for me. VPL! And yes, I know he kind of looks like a goober in the face, but I think it's adorable. Michael, call me! I digress. Mr. Phelps here is involved in a new shampoo campaign and it reminded me about the one of the BEST HAIR CARE TIPS EVER.

It is also one of the most simple to do.

Lots of peeps have trouble with dry, itchy scalp -- not dandruff -- that is caused by overuse of hair products. Recently a friend told me he had this problem. My first question: How often do you shampoo? He said every day. That's where this hair care tip comes in. Don't wash your hair every day.

Try every other day. Sometimes I go several days without washing mine, but I have fine hair that doesn't get oily or gross. If you have oily hair, try a powder shampoo in-between washings.

Poof, you're beautiful. Feel BETTER?

I took this photo when I was really sick

I've been feeling like crap all week. I don't want your pity! Just saying. That's why I haven't been blogging. If you missed me. But you probably didn't notice. Ok, now I'm fishing. I need attention to heal, people. Lavish me.

This week I really wanted to talk about accountability and how you can only depend on yourself. Sometimes I can't even do that. Sometimes we are slugs and accomplish nothing. It happens.

The most adorable workout buddy ever

OMFG! So. Cute. Seriously, this is why I want a dog -- so I can dress it up in cute little outfits! Pets also make great workout buddies. It's not like they have much else going on. A furry friend is never going to flake out on you and be like "Oh, sorry, forgot we were supposed to workout today."

I feel terrible about this...

Ok, so I did a copy/paste job on the info below and totes forgot where I got it from. Does that make me a terrible person? Don't answer that.

HOW TO SAVE UP TO $200 A MONTH WHILE LOSING WEIGHT!!!!

Take Inventory.
Avoid overbuying at the grocery story by taking inventory of what you have. Before you head out the door, base your shopping needs on a weekly menu plan. You are less likely to buy impulsively and have a better chance of not going over budget.

Shop at a farmer’s market.
Much of the produce and fruits will cost less at a farmer’s market then your local grocery store. Locally grown produce don’t include the shipping costs. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont found that many conventional grocery items were cheaper at farmers markets than at supermarkets. I’ve saved at least a 33 percent on costs while produce shopping at my local farmer market.

Buy off-season frozen produce.
As you are gathering ingredients for your next recipe, think of using frozen produce. You can use the amount you need, reseal the produce, and place it back in the freezer. Frozen produce are packaged at their seasonal best making them the most nutrient-packed. You can buy a bag of frozen vegetable for under $1.70 and a bag of mixed frozen berries for under $3.00

Are you eating for two or one?
Most restaurants serve excessive quantities of food. Consider eating half your food and take the other half home. Left-over meals make a great lunch for the following day and you will scale back on your dining out tabs. You can save at least 30 dollars a week.

Serve meat less often.
Give those meatless Mondays a try. Opt for beans, legumes, eggs, tofu, and other vegetarian foods to get your protein. Meat is more expensive. The estimated retail price for beef is $4.44 per pound. Substituting other protein sources for meat will keep money in your pockets.

Exercise for free.
Do you work out at the gym or are you tempted to buy those seemingly miraculous exercise products featured in infomercials? Opt for a cheaper – oftentimes more fun – option. Check out a few to get your FREE workout on.

No. 1 Do calisthenic exercises. You are using your own body weight as a workout machine. Examples, such as yoga, push-up, squats, Pilates, stretching, planks, jumping, and kicking are some examples.

No. 2 Rent exercise videos (or fitness books) from the library

No. 3 Rather than always meeting up with your friends for dinner, have workout parties.

Take up another sport or activity.

If you can count on one hand the amount of times you work out at the gym per month, then it’s time for you to cancel your membership. Instead, sign up for tennis lessons, yoga, Pilates, etc. Make your workouts fun. For example, LA Fitness charges around $30 to$35 per month or $360 to $420/year. By signing up for online local deals, such as Bloomspot or Living Social, you could use the money you saved from cancelling your membership to purchase discounts on yoga classes, tennis lesson, etc