Thank You to my Top August Droppers

Thanks to all of you who visited my site during the past month! I want to take this time to say a very special Thank You to my Top Ten Droppers of August...

Photos for a Fryday

This is Sooo my Luck...



I Always Thought he was Creepy...



My Version of SezWho...



Parents' Revenge for the Terrible Twos...


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Do the Salsa: Part-Three

If you decide that you wish to keep them for several months, then you will need to Can them and here’s how you do that…

Take the salsa and place in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Take the tongs and place your pre-washed and hot jar (I usually place the clean jars in the oven and turn the oven on low) next to the pot and, using the funnel, place the salsa in the jars leaving at least ½-inch space near the top. Place the lid on the jar (again, the lid being prepared according to the manufacturers directions) and set aside. Repeat until all the salsa in placed in the jars.

Once the water in the canning pot has come to a rolling boil, place the jars in the pot and replace the cover. Once the water comes to a boil again, then set your timer for 50 minutes. Buzz, Buzz… OK now remove the jars and repeat as necessary. When cooled, store in a dark, cool place. Hope you enjoy your salsa.

See also:
Do the Salsa:Part-1

Do the Salsa:Part-2

Do the Salsa: Part-Two

If you decide to Can…

• Mason Jars w/lids


• Mason Jar Extractor (to retrieve the jars from the hot water bath


• Canning Pot (to boil the canned salsa)


• Tongs (to handle the hot jars)


• Canning Funnel

First, take your lovely tomatoes and skin them. I know that is very cruel, but it is something that needs to be done. If you don’t know how to do this, than boil some water. When it comes to a boil, add your tomatoes and boil them for 30 seconds. Immediately take them out of the boiling water and place them in the sink (which you first filled with cold water). The skins should just come right off.

Next, cube the tomatoes and place them in a large bowl. You then need to finely slice the green onions and add on top of the tomatoes. Next, add the chilies, if they are not already sliced, then you will need to slice them. Finally, add the salt and vinegar and mix well. If you will be using all the salsa within a few days to a week, store in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Next Time: If you decide that you wish to keep them for several months...

See also...
Do the Salsa:Part-1

Do the Salsa:Part-3

Do the Salsa

This past week, our tomato plants just went wild and we ended-up with about 60 ripe tomatoes. Now, in addition to adding tomatoes to hamburgers, sandwiches, and creating my famous Tuna-Stuffed-Tomato, I had to find something to do with them all. Naturally, we shared some with the neighbors, but my wife had other ideas…Salsa.

Using her feminine wiles and various threats, she told me that she wanted me to make salsa. Well, given the fact that I misplaced the recipe I usually used (actually, it was bits and pieces from several recipes that I used), this was going to be a challenge. Thankfully, I remembered the main ingredients; I just forgot the proportions. Since it turned-out very well, if I do say so myself, I will bore you with the recipe. This will serve me in two ways: First, I will have something to post and Second, I will be able to find the recipe the next time I make it.

Stuff you will need:

• Tomatoes (duh)


• Green onions…4-5 bunches


• Chilies, fire roasted…6- 6 oz. cans. We used mild, but if you like yours hotter, than get medium to hot, or mix and match.


• Pickling Salt…1-1 ½ Tablespoons


• White Wine Vinegar…1 cup

Next time: If you decide to Can…

See also...
Do the Salsa:Part-2

Do the Salsa:Part-3

An Advertiser Thank You

I want to give a big Thank You to those that advertised on my site last week...

Phun Photos phor Phriday

Learn how I earned all this in only 10 days online...



Someone has a sense of humor...



When I say I want food, I mean now...

courtesy of: www.imagepaste.com


Let the chips fall where they may...

courtesy of: www.b3tards.com

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I Can't Stomach This: Part-Three

I am bringing this up for the simple fact that, I perform all these abdominal-intensive exercises and I have no problems. In fact, I get a great tingle feeling as I am doing them. Yet, I wash my hair and I’m out of commission for a week. This is what I don’t understand. Do you use a different set of muscles when arching your back (another exercise I do, but my stomach is fully supported) as opposed to crunches, etc? Anyway, that’s where it stands for me. If I put a positive spin on this, you can say that it happened at the perfect time.

In order to prevent a possible plateau every 6 weeks or so, I take a week and relax. Yes, it came at the right time, but I really didn’t want to take THIS week off. Oh well, time to go. Have a good week everyone.

I Can't Stomach This: Part-Two

The thing that really confuses me (and it doesn’t take much these days) is the fact that I am constantly working my stomach muscles during my exercise routines. I mean I do the usual abdominal crunches and sit-ups, but I also do twists, pullovers, and crossovers. OK, for those who don’t have an idea of what I am talking about, let me explain: when I am working on the Total Gym, I am on a sliding bench that is attached by cables to handles you use during the routines. The Twist: sit straight on the top of the bench and grab both handles let the tension out of the cables by twisting you body towards the front of the machine (this is the resting position). You then use your stomach and back muscles to pull your arms towards the front of your body, until you are facing forward. Release and repeat. When finished with your set, you switch sides.

Pullover: Lay on your back on the bench with your arms fully extended while holding the pulley handles. While keeping your arms straight, you pull the handles over your head until your arms are by your sides. While doing this, you perform an abdominal crunch. You can actually feel the tingles in your stomach as you do this exercise. Crossover: Start in same position as the Pullover and using one arm at a time; keep it straight and pull it to the opposite side of your body. Again, performing an abdominal crunch.

I am bringing this up for the simple fact that...

Next Time: The conclusion.

I Can't Stomach This

Well, it’s official I’m out of commission for the week. In other words, I can’t workout like I would like. You see, on Saturday I happened to strain my stomach muscles. If you have ever done this, you will know how painful that can be. Now for the $10,000 question: how did I do this? Was it while trying to build a retaining wall for the berm in our backyard? Was it by hauling concrete in a wheel barrel? No, I contrived to do it in the most unmanly way possible: I washed my hair.

I know, you’re asking yourself how can anyone possibly strain a stomach muscle while washing their hair? When I just wash my hair and don’t take a shower, I end up leaning over the side of the tub with my head under the spout and balance myself on the side of the tub. It was while I was doing this, that I happened to put too much strain on my muscles and they just didn’t like that all too well. I stood-up and I immediately felt the intense pain. The last time that this happened, it took just over a week to fully recover.

Next Time: The thing that really confuses me (and it doesn’t take much these days)...

Thanks to my Advertisers

Once again, I found out about doing this from other sites I have visited. This is only my first month and I'm still learning, so please bear with me. I would like to include those that have advertised with me before so, if you have, please leave a me a comment or send me a message via Entrecard and I will be sure to include you. Is there a way that Entrecard keeps those stats and I just don't know about it? Anyway, I will be keeping track from now on. So, on to the main event: I want to thank all those that have advertised with me during the previous week so, turn down the lights, put on some Barry White, and get ready for some link luv...

Fun Photos and Cartoons for Friday

How I would've Liked to See Them...



When your Blood Catnip Level is Above the Legal Limit...




Peeping Tom Cat...

photo courtesy of:imagechan.com
(site has mature advertising)

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Finally, Even More Much Ado about Nothing

I’m hungry. Trying to think of something to write about has given me an appetite. Of course, there really isn’t much I can do about it, since I’m on a diet and all. However, I can still think of food. Yet, that isn’t a very good thing to do if you’re hungry and trying to lose weight. Fish and Chips, now there is one of my favorite foods. Put some malt vinegar and some lemon juice (fresh squeezed please) and you have yourself a tasty meal. Of course, you need tartar sauce to dip the fish in; at least I do. I don’t know how you like your fish and chips and I will not presume to tell you how you should eat them. That is assuming that you actually like fish and chips. Flow, blink, flow.

Well, I think I’ve done enough damage for one day. I look upon the page before me and I see many words. The fact that these words have very little value does not concern me overmuch, because I am at the point of shooting the blinking cursor. Is overmuch actually a word? I don’t thing I’ve ever used it before. Although just because I have never used a word before, doesn’t mean that it is not actually a word. That would be thinking mighty highly of myself, don’t you think. Anyway, I think that I will just slink away and try again another day.

See also...

Much Ado about Nothing

More Much Ado about Nothing

More Much Ado about Nothing

OK, staring at a blank page. Can I think of something to write about a blank page? Hmm, I am staring at a page that has no images on it. I am staring at a page void of substance, kind of what I am writing now, void of any tangible value. This page is lacking alphabetic characters arranged in a non-random and coherent manner. Hey, that sounds pretty good, maybe I should try and write like that more often. Blink, blink.

Well, I can’t really say that the page is blank anymore, since there are actually words on it. The value of the content may be minimal, but at least there are words on the page. Now, let’s see…let me look around and see if there is anything to write about. Do you notice how I keep jumping from one thing to another? That is not a good thing to do when trying to write an article. The article should flow like a gentle mountain stream. The ideas should flow naturally from one to the other. Do you think that I can use the word flow again, or have I overdone it? Blink, flow, blink.

Next Time: Finally, even more Much Ado about Nothing...

See also...Much Ado about Nothing

Much Ado about Nothing

You know, there are some days when I just can’t think of anything to write about. Have you ever had one of those days? Well, for me it seems to happen every couple of weeks. I just sit myself down in front of the computer and wait for something to happen. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be happening, except for that stupid cursor blinking at me: blink, blink.

It seems that my muse has gone on holiday and left me high and dry. I hope she brings me something back. I think it’s the least she could do after abandoning me. I guess you noticed that I keep referring to my muse as a “she”. Well, the reason I do that is simple: I’m a guy. I think I’m experiencing Writer’s Block. Although there are several ways to overcome it, I simply like to write about the first thing that comes to my mind. Unfortunately, at the moment, there is nothing coming to my mind. To use an internet-marketing term, I think I need to drive traffic to my mind. Blink, blink.

Next Time: More Much Ado about Nothing...

See also...Finally, Even More Much Ado about Nothing

The List

I have been asked by Lea(Lmt50) to write a list of the 10 things that make me happy. I've never done this list-thing before, so I know I'm not doing it right. So, I'm sitting here trying to think of 10 things, not as easy as it sounds. It's not something that I usually think about, but I'll give it a try.

1. My wife


2. My kids


3. Seeing the guy who cut me off in traffic, get pulled over by the police


4. A paycheck


5. Gabrielle from Xena


6. Watching my cat get drunk on catnip


7. A good rain storm


8. Finishing my workout


9. A good book


10. Finishing this list

Fun Photos

When good penguins go bad...




Here I come to save the day...


This is just plain tacky...


uh, honey, I think I need to call you back...


See also...More Photos...

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-Three

Belt Size

I was just talking to someone who had just purchased a treadmill and they were complaining that they have to watch how they walk, because the tread was to short and they had to alter their stride. After all, the last thing you need to do during your workout is to have to alter your stride. You will need to make sure that the treadmill you choose has a tread that is at least a 50-inch in length and 18 inches in width. If you are tall or have a large stride, try to find a machine that has a 55-60 inch length and 20-22 inch width. The belt itself should consist of a two-ply construction of polyurethane as the top layer and a nylon-polyester weave as the under-layer.

Snapshot

• Length: Min: 50 inches Preferred: 55-60 inches


• Width: Min: 18 inches Preferred: 20 inches

Construction

”A steel frame you will feel a more spring-like feel when your foot strikes the deck, and generally the steel frame lends itself to a tighter, quieter unit. Aluminum frames are strong and last just as long as steel, but those aluminum units have a deadpan feel which is really bad for runners (why?). Understand that companies that use aluminum rivet the frames, and that is just not as good as a unibody steel-welded frame.” ²

These are just a few of the main items that you should look for when purchasing a treadmill. For a more detailed analysis on some other components, please visit one of the sites below. I hope that this has given you an idea of what to look for when comparing machines. Good luck in your purchase and happy “treadmilling.”

For your Consideration...



As of today, 09/22/08, both offer Free Shipping

See also:

Tips for Choosing a Treadmill: Part-1

Tips for Choosing a Treadmill: Part-2


^1,2http://www.smoothfitness.com/treadmill-buying-guide/treadmill_buying_guide-2.htm

http://www.treadmilladviser.com/treadmill-buyers-guide.html

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-Two

Warranty

There should be a warranty for the treadmill itself and another one for the motor (depending on the company, there may also be a one-year in-home service contract). The warranty for the frame and parts should be between 3 and 5 years. If the warranty is for 1 year or less, then you can be sure that the treadmill was not built to endure regular use. As a guideline, you can say that the longer the warranty, the better the machine. Ask yourself this question: If I build a treadmill that I know is not built to last, I’m I going to want to put a long warranty on it? If a company is going to build a treadmill and then back it up with a 3 to 5 year warranty, then you know you are getting a high-quality piece of equipment. The warranty for the motor is extremely important as well, this should be a minimum of 10 years. Again, the longer the warranty the better the motor.

Snapshot

Frame & Parts: min: 3-5 years
Motor: Min 10 years
In-Home Service: 1 year
Extended Warranty: Would not purchase

Motor

This is the heart of your treadmill, so let us choose wisely. First, look at the Horsepower of the motor. You will want one with a minimum of 2 HP, although 2.5 and above would be better. Here is a table that will help you to choose how many horses to get.

• Walking: 2chp +


• Jogging: 2.5chp +


• Running: 3.0chp +

If you weigh over 200 pounds, you may want to add .5 to the above values.

You will come across two terms, which can be confusing. They are Peak Horse Power and Continuous Usage Horse Power or Continuous Duty (CHP).

• The Peak HP is the maximum horsepower that the treadmill can reach.


• Continuous Horse Power is the measurement that is consistently delivered during heavy usage over an extended period of time.

When you are comparing different treadmills, make sure you find out what the CHP is for each machine and use that number for your comparisons. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard with regards to horsepower. The measure of the horsepower of any particular motor is determined by the manufacturer itself so I would also advise you to choose a manufacturer that has a good reputation and know you can trust. (the length of the warranty offered can be your best gauge as to this question). ¹

Next time: Treads and Belt Size.

See also:
Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-1

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-3

¹http://www.smoothfitness.com/treadmill-buying-guide/treadmill_buying_guide-2.htm

http://www.treadmilladviser.com/treadmill-buyers-guide.html

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-One

I know what you’re thinking, “What can be so hard about choosing a treadmill. Just find the cheapest one you like and then buy it.” Unfortunately, this is exactly what my sister-in-law did and I must say, they regret it. Before you venture out into the shark-infested waters of eager sales people and second-rate equipment, you need to ask yourself: how serious are you about actually using the treadmill?

Strange question to ask, isn’t it? Well, the reason I have you ask yourself that question, is even though you may be gun-ho about working-out on your treadmill in about six weeks, after the novelty has worn off, you may find yourself with a very expensive clothes hanger. If you have it in mind that you just want to have one for the occasional workout, then you may be better off with a less expensive alternative. However, if you are serious about your commitment, then be prepared to shell out between $700 and $3,000, for a quality machine.

I realize that this sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but you have to remind yourself that you will be buying a machine that will last for many years. The less expensive machines are good for the occasional user, but for something that will be used on a regular basis, you need to invest the money for a top-quality treadmill. Now, I’ve wasted enough of your valuable time, so let’s get to the root of the matter: how do you choose a quality treadmill?

Next Time: Warranties and Motors.

See also:

How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-2


How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-3