Consumer review: Billy Blanks Boot Camp Elite DVD

Billy Blanks' Bootcamp Elite is an advanced workout system that stands as a follow up to the very popular "Tae Bo." The set includes three DVDs and a set of resistance bands. The bands are very useful and adjust to different lengths for varied resistance and include removable 1-pound weights in the handles for an extra kick. The main attraction, however, is the workout DVDs.

Many of the exercises demonstrated in the boot camp videos use the resistance bands, but none of them actually require them. The flexibility of using the bands or not and the optional extra weight makes "Boot Camp Elite" useful to people at different levels of fitness. Also this allows for longer use of the product by gradually stepping up the resistance. The three discs cover a wide range of exercises for a full-body workout. Each disc has a specific theme or "mission."

Mission One "Get Started"

The first video is essentially an overview and warm up for the more advanced exercises in the program. This is basically a combination of strength training, abs, and cardio to get you ready for mission two. Don't be surprised if you find it difficult to make it through the warm ups the first time. The Boot Camp program is very intense and it starts that way right off the bat. One complaint would be that the program starts and moves a little too fast. It may take a little bit of time to get the movements down, but with some dedication, it will be easy enough to learn.

Mission Two "Maximum Power"

Disc two of Boot Camp is focused on strength training. Exercises include bicep curls, shoulder press, and a series of moves designed to increase strength and muscle definition. Running approximately 43 minutes, this video stands as a good tool for strength training, although it would be better with some more core and leg work, as it is largely geared toward upper body work.

Mission Three "Rock Solid Abs"

Disc three is about 28 minutes of direct ab work. Using variations on crunches, leg raises and resistance training, this one does a good job of targeting your mid-section

Overall

Is Billy's Boot Camp Elite a good investment? Well that depends. If you are really out of shape and looking for a place to start, this probably isn't it. Many will find it difficult to make it through mission one because this program is not designed for amateurs. Additionally if you have had success with P90X, Boot Camp may be too tame for you. This is geared toward people who are somewhat fit and want to take it up a level. The product claims to get "results in 7 days" but don't expect to be ripped in a week; do expect to be sore, but remember this is not magic. Billy's Boot Camp Elite can be found for around $20, so overall it's a pretty good value for the price.

Super Short Reviews: Product Reviews Without the Filler (Exercise Products)

Iron Arms:

Probably the best piece of equipment out there for developing muscle tone in forearms. It's basic, simple and effective. Iron Arms uses isometrics to increase strength and muscle tone.

Price: $20-$30

Shake Weight:

Really stupid, but really great. You can't help but feel stupid while using this strange device, but you will be surprised by the burn you feel.

Price: $15-$30

Tower 200:

Excellent concept with a poor design. The mechanics are great, but the materials used are too cheap so the product is not durable and could cause injury. The tower 200 is a great product for moderate use, but when pushed to its limits, it doesn't hold up.

Price: $110-$120

Perfect Pushup:

Buy this! The original Perfect Pushup is still one of the best and most simple products out there for improving strength and tone.

Price: $20-$30

Ultimate Body Press:

Excellent all around workout device. The "Ultimate Body Press" is designed for numerous body-weight exercises such as tricep dips, chest dips, and body weight rows. This product has a very sturdy design and works perfectly for its purpose.

Price: $100-ish

ISO7X:

This is another really great isometric device. It uses pushing and pulling motions to exercise different muscles in different ways. Isometric exercise is great for fitness, and the ISO7X is a great product at a pretty good price.

Price: $20-$30

Ab Roller with Pro assist:

Do not buy! The Ab Roller is okay but nothing special. The "Pro Assist" is a nonfunctional rip off that actually interferes with the working of the roller.

Price: Overpriced!

Supreme 90-Day:

Buy from Wallgreens. The company that produces this will rip you off if you order over the phone or online. If you buy in the store you will avoid extra mystery charges on your CC and will get a pretty good product at a really good price. This set of workout DVDs will work you hard and bring noticeable fast results if you can stick with it.

Price: Around $20

Top Ten Best Colognes for Fall

Are you looking for a new fall fragrance? If you're a man looking for the best cooler weather cologne or if you're shopping for your boyfriend/husband, check out these excellent scents ideal for fall.

Polo Explorer

Polo Explorer perfectly captures the essence of the great outdoors. The scent instantly puts you in a calm wooded area on a cool autumn day. It's a very warm woodsy scent that goes perfect on a cold day. Read more about Polo Explorer here.

Burberry London

This is one that is very popular right now, and is recommended for use in the fall. There are several Burberry scents out there such as "Burberry Brit", "The Beat", "Touch", and "Burberry Original" but Burberry London appears to be the most positively reviewed and highly praised scent from the lineup. Some Burberry scents are criticized for being too strong, but London is a more mild and pleasant fragrance. It's a warm fresh scent that evokes images fall.

Cuba Red

The entire Cuba line is surprisingly good and affordable. It's easy to find a large bottle of Cuba Red or Cuba Gold for under $10 online. I've included both "Red" and "Gold" on the list because they are both exceptional fragrances, but "Red" stands out as the one more intended for the fall. This cologne is a little too strong for a hot day, but it's combination of woods, spice, and just enough cinnamon, makes it a great fall/winter cologne.

Cuba Gold

I actually must say that Cuba Gold is one of the best colognes out there, and it is certainly a great deal. The scent is indistinguishable from Jean Paul Gaultier's "Le Male." I personally have had numerous people falsely identify my Cuba Gold as "Le Male." So essentially you get a popular designer fragrance for less than half the price. The scent is subtle but noticeable and has a combination of sweet and spice that perfectly compliments a cool autumn day or evening.

Curve

The original Curve is a classic that defies explanation. This is not actually intended as a fall or winter cologne. Curve is marketed more as a spring cologne, but it will garner compliments year-round. I've included this one because it is just so great any time of the year, and its apple accord and subtle sweetness work well in the fall.

Versace Dreamer

A very complex cologne, Versace Dreamer is a great sophisticated scent that works year-round. Many people are put off by the opening of this cologne because of its strength, but when the top notes die down you're left with a subtle warm scent that is nothing like any other cologne out there.

Lucky Number Six

Liz Claiborne's Lucky Number 6 is a great scent that is highly underrated. This very affordable fragrance has notes of plum, sandalwood and vanilla that make it a unique fall scent.

Dirty English

Juicy Couture's Dirty English is a very strong and masculine scent that is reminiscent of old school colognes with a hint of freshness to make it modern and unique. Personally I have the same issue with this one as many report about "Versace Dreamer." The top note seams a little too strong and potentially obnoxious, but the dry down is excellent. This cologne is ideal for fall and winter because the scent is very strong and creates an aura of warmth.

Versace Black Jeans

This is a very affordable designer cologne with a dark subtlety which lends itself well to the fall and winter months. Black Jeans is a floral fragrance but it's nothing like you would expect when thinking "floral." The scent is very dark and masculine; overall this offering from Versace is a very unique scent.

Corduroy

This is hands down my favorite fall/winter cologne! It's close to the top year-round, but it's so perfect for cooler weather. The fragrance from "Zirh International" is one of the best kept secrets in the industry. There's a pretty good chance you haven't heard of this one, but it truly is exceptional. Corduroy is another cheap online buy that surpasses expectations. The scent is an indescribable oriental/gourmand that is very noticeable but subtle enough to offend no one. Corduroy's fragrance carries a soft warmth that makes people want to get closer to you on those cold days and nights. This is a must have, and definitely the Best Fall Cologne.

You may also want to read:

Sean Jean's "I Am King" Review

The Best Affordable Fragrances For Men

Polo Explorer Review

Rushfit Workout Review

The Rushfit workout is an 8 week program of exercise featuring a combination of cardio and strength training. This program featuring MMA star George St Pierre seeks to be an all around workout as apposed to Insanity's heavy cardio or P90X's muscle building program. Is it worth buying? Let's take a closer look at Rushfit.

Overview:

Rushfit is an MMA themed workout designed by Eric Owings and featuring George St-Pierre. The program contains six DVDs providing a range of different exercises to target different muscle groups and fitness goals. Each workout contains a 10 minute warm-up and a five round workout followed by a cool down. The central workouts utilize both isometric and explosive training to work the body in different ways and to promote overall fitness. Additionally Rushfit features bonus workouts for flexibility and agility.

Pros 

Rushfit is very well put together and features some pretty innovative exercises to provide a solid full body workout. Many of the exercises rely on body weight only, and others require only light dumbbells. This program is simple and easy to set up in your living room without a lot of equipment. While this is a simple workout, it is not easy. Rushfit uses mostly simple methods to create a very challenging experience that will grant serious results. This workout will burn a lot of calories, burn fat and build muscle in a relatively short time. The length of the individual workouts is a big plus as they are all under an hour. A short workout that doesn't require a lot of equipment makes it easy to fit into your schedule. Lastly the price is a big selling point for Rushfit. Listing on Amazon for under $30, this program is noticeably cheaper than many competitors.

Cons 

The warm up gets really old fast. Each DVD starts with the same warm up. Not just the same routine, but the exact same video. After a few days, hearing George St-Pierre explain the importance of the warm up "The body is like an elastic…" blah blah blah gets really annoying. Also, while most of the workouts are pretty simple and straight forward, some require a little more footwork and complex movements. It seems like sometimes you have to focus too much on the choreography which takes away from the actual workout. 

Overall 

Rushfit is a very solid program. The tone is very laid back, which would be a pro to some and a con to others. This is not the kind of video workout where you get yelled at by a Drill Sergeant type instructor to work harder. If you need that kind of motivation, Rushfit may be too relaxed for you, but if you find people like Shaun T to be a little over the top, you will appreciate the more calm approach here. The workouts are shorter than P90X and Insanity but pack a serious punch. Overall Rushfit is a very affordable high quality workout worth trying if you're serious about fitness.

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Blackheart Rum Review

Spiced rum has been a popular choice in adult beverages for years, and the undisputed leader in the genre has been Captain Morgan. In recent years, however, several new varieties have emerged offering a cheaper alternative to the Captain. These alternatives range from cheap knockoffs of Morgan to high quality budget rums. Most have nautical names like "sailor Jerry" and "Admiral Nelson" as a not so subtle connection to Captain Morgan. New to the scene is "Blackheart."

At less than $13 for a 750 ml bottle of this 93 proof concoction, Blackheart seemed like a steal, more so with the attached $10 rebate form. Because I'm dedicated to helping the public by providing good product reviews, I took the time to sample this one for those who aren't sure about making the buy.

The first thing I notice is that the bottle is nothing impressive, which is fine with me, that's how prices stay low. The label features a pin-up girl pirate and old style calligraphy on the front. The back of the label has some story about a sexy, seductive, pirate chick named blackheart who.........bla bla bla, who cares? They made it up because it looks cool on a label. The bottle and label, however, are not what's important. Let's get to what's inside.

The first smell after opening the bottle indicated something different from other spiced rums. The opening was notably darker and hinting at perhaps something more complex. The first sample taste was not so much complex as intense and offensive, however, this is to be expected when sampling a high proof rum standing alone at room temperature. To properly test Blackheart, it had to be mixed into a drink to see how well it blends.

Test One: Vanilla Cola. I love some Captain and Coke, so this was an important test. When I mixed the drink I was surprised at the smoothness. I could barely taste the alcohol, and actually wondered briefly if I had made a measuring error. My concern was short lived as I began to quickly feel the effects of the Blackheart. A smooth drink with a punch? Test one was a win.

Test Two: Lime Shooter. Spiced rum, lime juice, and a shot glass....interesting, but probably not the best idea for those of us over the age of 25. The drink itself was good in a "I'm doing horrible things to my body" kind of way. The Blackheart holds up as well as any other rum I've sampled in this shot.

Verdict: Surprisingly smooth without lacking strength, Blackheart is a pretty good value for the spiced rum enthusiast.

Iron Arms Review

You may have seen the "Iron Arms" forearm exerciser advertised on TV recently. This is a product that has been out for some time, but recently began a new ad campaign. The device was marketed under a different name and packaged alongside the ISO7X. At the time the company wanted to tie the Iron Arms to the concept of isometrics which was the foundation of the ISO7X. For this reason they marketed as "Iso-Arms." The same product is now in full infomercial hype mode looking to attract new buyers, but the question remains, is it any good?

First lets look at what the product is exactly. This is a device designed to target the forearm muscles. This is not a multi-function piece of equipment; it will not build biceps or give you rock hard abs. It is simply a forearm strengthening device. This is one selling point for the Iron Arms, because there are not a lot of products that specifically target this part of the body. While this is a selling point for some, it's important to mention that some others would say that such investments are foolish because any weight lifting logically uses the forearms, and as such, forearm targeted machines and exercises are unnecessary. This product is clearly geared toward those who feel that they need more strength and definition in their forearms.

If you are one of these people, this is a pretty good product. Essentially the Iron Arms consist of two spring loaded hand grips within a plastic figure eight frame. Reps are performed by twisting at the wrist which compacts the springs creating resistance. The motion can be done clockwise or counterclockwise to impact different muscles. The product does do an excellent job of isolating the forearms, and the impact on the muscles is quickly noticeable as you work.

In terms of the design, the product seems really cheap at first sight, but seems to be sturdy. The hand grips are well designed and comfortable, and the overall design is ergonomic and functional. When it comes down to it, this is a pretty simple device that simply does what it's supposed to. It's nothing revolutionary, but it's pretty good. $19.95 might be a little much for something that accomplishes the same results that could be achieved with weights, but If you're looking for an easier way to target your forearms, the "Iron Arms" might be worth a try.

Ab Roller Review

There's kind of an obsession in the US with abs. Everyone wants a small stomach and toned washboard abs. This may stem from the fact that in this country we also like greasy fast food but not its obesity effects. The biggest obstacle in the way of toned abs is simply: Crunches are hard. To be quite blunt, they suck. I'll do hundreds of push-ups, I'll run, jog, lift, I'll do anything without complaints, but throw me some crunches and I'm ready to throw in the towel. It's for this reason that companies are always churning out new devices to make ab workouts easier. One of the cheaper options is the Ab Roller with Pro assist. This one goes for about $20 - $25 and claims to make firm abs easy by isolating the abdominal muscles while eliminating back and neck strain. Additionally this comes with the "pro assist" spring, which is basically just a spring that attaches to the back of the headboard to make the movements even easier. What they don't tell you is that the Pro Assist spring is completely worthless, but more on that later. First let's look at the claims.

Easy to assemble:

It is...mostly. I set it up i about ten minutes without reading the instructions (I'm a guy.) Well, I set up everything except the stupid spring in ten minutes. It took me a lot longer to figure out the pro assist part because it's a retarded design that can't be physically attached the way they tell you to.

Isolates abs and eliminates neck and back strain:

Well, it does make it easier to perform crunches without placing too much pressure on the neck and back, so you can perform more reps with the ab roller.

Pro assist spring ads a boost to your workout, cushions the neck, and adds fun to any exercise:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! If you call having a limp spring that frequently falls out of place under your head while you do crunches fun, then yeah. If having an unstable piece of metal wobbling under you throwing of your balance somehow helps in your workout, I don't understand how. This is probably the dumbest thing I've ever pulled out of a box.

Final Verdict: The Pro Assist part is a waste of material, but the ab roller itself has some value. This is not a miracle machine; you still have to work to see results, but if you hate regular crunches or have back problems, this may be a good $25 investment.

Kava: Herbal Miracle or Toxic Plant? a Look at the Facts

Kava has been around for many years and has been used by people around the world as a muscle relaxer, a social drink, and a treatment for anxiety and depression. Traditional kava is served as a tea by the pacific islanders but can also be found in pill form. Kava pills are often marketed as a healthy herbal supplement to treat problems like depression, but concerns over health risks and side effects have caused a significant decrease in the availability of these pills. It's important to consider both the benefits and the side effects of any supplement.

Benefits

Kava has been used for centuries for both social and medicinal purposes. The main active ingredients in kava root are called kavalactones. This chemical compound has been extensively studied in laboratory studies. It has been found to reduce convulsions, promote sleep, and relax muscles in animals. There is also indication of pain-relieving properties (umm.edu). When drinking kava tea, one of the first things we notice is a numbing of the mouth; because of this numbing effect, some cultures have used kava for a mild anesthetic. Most notable, however, ar the psychological effects. Kava is very relaxing and has similarities to the effects of alcohol but without the loss of cognitive function. Studies have found that kava has a very similar result to valium in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Additionally, kava may offer the same benefits as prescription drugs while lacking some of the negative side effects. "A 2004 study found that 300 mg of kava may improve mood and cognitive performance. That is significant because some prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines (like Valium and alprazolam or Xanax), tend to decrease cognitive function" (umm.edu).

Side Effects

Reported side effects can range from mild to severe. The most notable side effect when drinking the tea is the instant mouth numbing. Some may also feel light headed and relaxed, but not drowsy. Drinking a lot of the tea in a short period of time can lead to a temporary reddening of the skin like a rash, but this subsides within a few hours. On the more serious side, studies have indicated possible liver damage associated with kava use. Fears of liver toxicity caused the removal of kava pills from shelves in the US and the all out banning of kava sales in Germany. One important note is that the findings that indicate liver toxicity were primarily pills and not the traditional preparation. Further study has found that the toxic elements are found in the leaves and stems of the plant and not in the root. Traditional preparation involves using only the dried and ground root powder, but some companies have taken the short cut route of including leaves and stems, creating a product with significant health issues. There is no complete consensus at this point about potential health risks, but it is evident that some products are a greater risk for health problems than others, and traditional kava root powder is a safer option than unknown pills. As a result of new information, Germany has scaled back its ban, and kava is being looked at worldwide for it's health benefits with less fear of negative side effects. If kava sounds interesting, try it in moderation, and make sure you purchase from a reputable seller that uses root only.

Forms and Varieties

As mentioned above, the product is sold in pill form as well as a powder for making tea, additionally, some companies sell other products like canned drinks with kava in them. These products, however, likely do not have enough of the kavalectones to have much effect, and may have a greater risk of including toxic leaf extract. In terms of varieties, there are several. The most commonly sold variety is "Melomelo Kava" native to Vanuatu followed closely by the somewhat stronger kava of Fiji. Many varieties exist offering different strengths both of flavor and effect, but they all do essentially the same thing.

Useful Information

If you don't live in an area where kava is common, buying online is the best option. Ensure that the vender sells only pure root powder. Remember to shop around, but don't assume the cheapest is the best value; remember quality above price. Also understand that making kava tea is not easy. The tea is prepared and served at room temperature, so there is no heating water, but there is a lot of soaking and straining which takes quite some time if you do it right. Most important: buy a strainer bag! These are sold for around five dollars by the sane people that sell the powder. Good kava tea cannot be made with coffee filters or any other method; trying this will simply waste your time, money, and kava powder. Check with your doctor about drug interactions, and possible health risks involved, use responsibly in moderation, and enjoy.

Sources:

www.ikec.org/publications/docs/PressRelease-EuropeanKavaUnjustified.pdf

www.nakamalathome.com/.../europe-lifts-kava-ban-and-south-pacific-hopeful-for-resumed-kava-trade.html

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/kava-kava-000259.htm

Iso7x Review

The Iso7x is a product that claims great results with little effort at an amazing value. Of course any product "seen on TV" promises to be a revolutionary new idea at a low price that will change your life. How does the Iso7x hold up?

First we need to look at what exactly the Iso7x is and then we can review the pros and cons of the product itself. Explaining the product is kind of difficult because it is very different from most common exercise equipment. While it is different from most exercise devices, it is not a brand new idea. The design is a variation on a bullworker. The bullworker was an isometric device that came out in the 1960's and featured a spring loaded cylinder that creates resistance when compressed.

The Iso7x copies the original bullworker design with the main changes being to the material used in its construction. Essentially there are two cylinders with one overlapping the other, and inside is a large spring. At each end of the bar created by the joined cylinders is a hand grip. Nylon straps are attached on opposing sides of the cylinder linking at each end of the bar so that when they are pulled outward it forces the cylinders to compress against the spring.

The Complete Book of Isometrics: The Anywhere, Anytime Fitness Book

The design of devices like the Iso7x allows for multiple different kinds of exercise because the hand grips can be used for pushing motions while the pulling exercises with the straps work entirely different muscle groups. While it does allow for several different exercises, the important question is whether the iso7x workouts are effective.

One good test for the effectiveness of any exercise is the impact you feel while performing it. The old adage of "no pain no gain" is very true. It's important to not injure yourself, but performing exercise that doesn't place enough stress on the body will garner no results. The Iso7x definitely puts significant stress on the targeted muscle groups. This product offers a pretty strong impact that you will definitely feel. The reason for this is not some revolutionary new concept specific to the Iso7x; on the contrary it's because of the rather old concept of isometrics the product utilizes.

The HELM Core Fitness Strength Training System - Multi Grip Push Up and Plank Device for Balance Ball and Stability Ball

Isometrics are exercises that work the muscles hard because they don't mirror common activities in daily life, and thus the body is less apt to deal with them. Isometrics involve holding contracted muscle in a static position. This means that as opposed to a range of motion movement like in a curl or a push-up, the muscle would be held in place against continuous resistance. The Iso7x achieves this by compressing the spring and holding it in place for seven seconds.

When using this device or any other form of isometric exercise, you will notice much more of a burn than from range of motion type exercise. This makes for a great way to increase strength and build muscle, but the Iso7x is not the only way to benefit from isometrics. The idea behind the product is great, but the device itself has pros and cons. Before buying any piece of equipment, it's important to look at all aspects of the product.

Benefits: The benefits of Isometric exercise cannot be denied. Isometrics are definitely one of the best ways to build strength and muscle. The ISO7X is a very simple and good product for performing these exercises. A chart is included that lists 36 different exercises and multiple different programs including advanced, intensive, and specialized training. Utilizing the various exercises the device is capable of will definitely provide a solid workout. Additionally, the ISO7X is a very lightweight and relatively small piece of equipment that can be used anywhere.

Quality: The quality depends on whether you are willing to shell out the extra cash for the deluxe edition or if you get the basic. On the basic version, the Cylinder appears to be quite sturdy, and the hand grips are of strong plastic design. The deluxe edition features rubberized hand grips, a stainless steel design, an upgraded spring mechanism, and a lifetime warranty (whatever that means these days.) In both editions, the weakest point would probably be the straps; they are decent and should last a long time, but they would be better made with metal cables rather than nylon straps. The Basic and Deluxe versions don't differ enough to make a huge difference in durability; it's mostly a difference in price.

Value: The product is very good, and the price sounds very good, but as with anything sold on TV, the final price is different from what's advertised. The official site sells the basic edition for $29.99 plus $12.99 shipping and handling; they also throw in the ISO Arms forearm exerciser for free! Of course free isn't really free. After adding all the extra charges, the $29.99 ISO7X and "free" ISO arms come to around $50, or $60+ if you upgrade to the deluxe. The 7X can be found for less on Amazon, but whether you are better buying from Amazon or the company website depends on how important the bonus ISO arms are to you. Check out or review here. In terms of basic value, the ISO7X isn't an amazing value, but it's not a bad buy either. It's a fairly good product at a fairly good price.

Results: I'll say the same thing I said in the Tower 200 review; there is no magic machine to provide instant results. Don't believe the hype about incredible fast results. This will not make you look like the guy in the commercial, but it will provide you with a tool to build strength and muscle. If used correctly with dedication to fittness, the ISO7X can offer great results. If you've never tried isometric exercise, and you want to increase strength, give this one a try.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

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More Affordable Fragrances for Men

If you read my previous article on affordable cologne, you know that I'm a proponent of balancing price and quality. Blow you will find more options for those who want a lot of variety in their fragrance wardrobe. These are not the best out there, but they are decent products at low prices.

FCUK ($10-15)

This is one that created a lot of controversy a while back. The name stands for French Connection UK. The resulting anagram, however, was very offensive to a lot of people. The name is an obvious marketing ploy combined with their slogan "scent to bed." FCUK is pitched as a very sexy seductive scent, and it comes in male and female versions FCUK him, and FCUK her respectively. I'm not sure that it lives up to the promise of sexiness, but some people really like it, and it gets points for uniqueness. This one doesn't smell like any other cologne and if you're worried about smelling like every other guy, this will definitely set you apart. Beware, however, that this is a very strong scent and very little is needed. At first spray, it's very strong, and a little obnoxious. After several minutes of drydown, the scent softens to a more clean smell while still keeping its unique spice. If used properly (very lightly) this will provide a clean, fresh, long lasting smell with a little something extra. This scent is not for everyone, but if you want something different, give it a try.

Lucky you ($15)

Lucky you was the Liz Claiborne/ lucky brand scent that was a predecessor to the great Lucky Number six. The latter is the superior fragrance, however Lucky you is quite popular and for good reason. This is a very clean refreshing scent with good longevity; it gives you the crisp, clean, fresh out of the shower smell all day. This one is perfect for a light everyday wear.

Escape ($25-$35)

Released by Calvin Klein in the early 90's, this scent has become a favorite of many people, but it never reached the popularity of other Klein fragrances. The lower popularity means lower price, and if you want something of good designer quality at a reasonable price, Escape is an option. This one has a strong but pleasant scent that dries down to a soft sandalwood tone. Some might feel that it has too much of a perfume smell and lacks masculinity. The fact is that it does have a significant floral note but still remains a very male scent. Perhaps it would do better with additional musk or wood notes, but overall, Escape is a good fragrance for occasional wear.

Remember that high quality does not necessarily mean high price, and an expensive price tag does not guarantee quality. You can find success while spending less, and I hope this guide helps.

Sean John I Am King Review: Fragrance Royalty, or Celebrity Hype?

Sean John's I am King was released in late 2008 following the success of unforgivable. The company aimed to build on the success of its earlier fragrances, however, I am King falls short of this goal by bringing little to the table. Every new fragrance that comes out talks a good game about being original and daring. They all have a lot of hype, few back it up. I am king is no different, and the pretentious name does little to help the matter. With a name like that, one has certain expectations; the name implies a very high class scent that stands out in the crowd. Sean John's latest offering simply does not stand out as anything special or unique. It comes off more like an average low end cologne with a high price tag.

The fragrance list includes tangerine zest, orange, cranberry, French berry note, Mediterranean water accord, key lime, lemon, cedar, and vetiver. Few if any of these notes are actually detectible in this fragrance. The green and aquatic notes are missing leaving a very fruity citrus smell. At first spray, however, there are no notable citrus notes, but rather a synthetic recognizable scent of a common cologne. With all the hype, the celebrity endorsement, and the heavy price tag, the initial burst is astonishingly average and cheap smelling. The initial smell is like a strange assortment of scents that don't really go together and don't compliment each other. However, the opening notes are short lived and within 15 minutes or so you have a better idea of the base scent you will be wearing for the day. The top notes you smell when first applying a cologne, are not as important as the dry down scent you are left with, and Sean John's I am King has better base notes than top notes. The base smells better than the opening, but it's not enough to save this fragrance from the discount shelves.

After the dry down, king has a pleasant fruit smell that's not unlike an apricot body wash or scrub. While it does have a light somewhat feminine fruit scent, there is an element that somehow retains the masculinity of the cologne. It's a soft male fragrance that sits close to the skin, so it won't make you stand out in the room, but it will make you smell nice in close romantic situations. The problem is that if you are paying for a designer fragrance, you aren't looking to smell "nice." If you're spending top dollar for cologne, you should get something that gets attention and stands out from the pack. I am King does neither. With so many affordable fragrances on the market that excel far beyond Sean John, this one should be left on the shelf.

Review of Polo Explorer Cologne for Men

Ralph Lauren has long been a big name in fragrance as well as fashion. The most notable contribution would have to be the Polo line of men's cologne. Launched in 1978, Polo went on to include several incarnations and variations including, Polo Blue, Polo Black, Polo Double Black, and Polo Explorer. In this review, we'll take a look at Polo Explorer and rate its value in terms of price and quality.

Price: Polo cologne is quite popular, and as a result it's not cheap, however, when you compare it to others like Armani colognes, it's quite a bargain. Polo Explorer can be found on Amazon for between $33-$45 for a 4.2 oz bottle. I've found it at target for under $20 for a 2.5 oz bottle.

Longevity: Some people have said that Polo Explorer does not have much staying power, and that Polo colognes in general do not last long. Others have reported it lasting 6+ hours. Partly, this depends on the person and their individual body chemistry, but for me, I tested it and it lasted around 5 hours.

Scent: The scent of Polo explorer is really great because it doesn't fit too easily into a category. As the name would suggest, Explorer is designed to evoke a sense of wilderness adventure. A good fragrance will take your mind and your senses to a new location. Polo Explorer places you in a fragrant forest. You expect this one to be a woodsy smell, and it is, but it's also more. The thing about green forest scents is usually they simply involve lots of strong pine smell, and I don't really like them. I don't have any desire to smell like a car air freshener, or pine sol. Nobody wants to be that guy in the office that smells like a walking Christmas tree. For that reason I'm usually skeptical of green forest scents, but Polo got it right.

When you smell Polo Explorer, you don't smell pine; instead you get a collaboration of scents that blend perfectly to create a deep and complex aura of woody and aquatic notes. In contrast to many other green woods fragrances, Explorer has the pine smell as somewhat of an undertone or a background to complete the scent. Polo Explorer is not exactly a green scent, a floral, or an aquatic, because it features each of these in perfect balance with each other. Picture a deep woods with a flowing river and wildflowers throughout; this is what you can expect from Explorer.

Overall Value: taking into account the great scent, the decent longevity (in my experience), and the mid range price, this is a pretty good buy. If you like woodsy outdoors scents this would be a great investment.

The Best Affordable Fragrances for Men

One of the most important investments a man should make is also one of the most frequently overlooked and misused. Men will spend a good amount of time and money on their clothes and hair in an attempt to look good, because as visual creatures, we think visually. We tend to think about our look much more than our scent, but neglecting the other senses in favor of the visual, is a huge mistake. Whether it's a date or a job interview, any time you want to make an impression, a good cologne is imperative.

Your scent tells people a story; it tells people something about you. A good scent will tell people that you are accomplished, energetic, and confident. A bad scent will say that you're cheap, desperate, and probably trying to cover something up with some dollar store cologne that smells like mouthwash. The problem for many of us, is that we don't want to be the guy wearing the terrible cheap cologne that smells awful, but at the same time, a couple hundred dollars for a popular designer fragrance is kind of outside the budget. If you're a normal person with a normal income, there are several options for cologne that ranks high in quality while not being too high in price. Below are three of the best fragrances out there that balance excellent quality with moderate price.

Lucky number 6

Price: $25-$35 3.4 oz bottle

Scent: (Mild) Musk/spice/floral

Longevity: Excellent

This is cologne that doesn't seem like cologne. This is a good thing. You don't want someone to think you smell like a good cologne, you just want them to think you smell good. Lucky number six has a soft smell that is sweet yet musky and features a unique scent unlike what you would expect from traditional male colognes. A blend of vanilla, plum, and Asian spices, the smell really stands out in a crowd but in a subtle way. It separates you from the pack, while not being overpowering. Another important note on this one is that it is definitely the longest lasting fragrance I have personally tried; apply it in the morning and you'll be set for the day.

Cool Water

Price: $20-$30 4.2 oz bottle

Scent: Fresh/Aquatic/green

Longevity: Fair

One of the most popular brands to come out in the last few decades, cool water from Davidoff changed the game in men's fragrances. In 1988 cool water came out and popularized the clean fresh aquatic smell that is popular today. Consider that Armani's Aqua Di Gio has been the top seller for the past couple of years and a top ranked fragrance, but had it not been for the influence of Davidoff's aquatic scent, Gio among many other colognes would never have become popular. Cool water is a classic and garners many compliments from women as it creates a clean sexy scent that gets a lot of attention. Probably the biggest downside is that it doesn't last very long. Some cologne will make you smell pretty good all day; Cool Water will make you smell great for a few of hours.

Curve

Price: $20-$30 4.2oz bottle

Scent: (Mild) Floral/musk/spice

Longevity: Very Good

There's something special about this one. I don't know what it is, but there's some secret in the blend of scents in curve that really stands out as something very unique and very appealing to many women. It's kind of odd because it's a very mild scent but also very noticeable. Also, it is a scent that several men are not personally fond of, but women seem drawn to. I did not particularly like the smell of curve when I first tried it; I wondered what the big deal was, I wondered what all the hype was about. I thought the smell was too light to notice much, and what I could notice, I didn't like. My opinion changed a little as the scent grew on me; it changed a lot when I started hearing female responses. Whatever the secret is in the scent, curve seems to strike a definite chord with women and bring favorable attention to the wearer.

Whether you want the calm, casual, laid back scent of curve, the mysterious spice of Lucky Number Six, or the crisp fresh smell of Cool Water, any of these great products can offer great results without breaking your bank.

Ultimate Body Press Review

The ultimate body press is really my favorite piece of equipment. I say this for a couple of reasons. First of all, it's very basic, by which I mean it's not some complicated machine with straps and cables, wheels and pulleys and a celebrity pitch person telling you that you'll be ripped in 4 weeks. It's a tool for people who are serious about their workouts and want something simple to use for their training. It isn't some machine that falsely promises to get you in shape; it's like a chin-up bar: just a piece of metal that someone truly dedicated to self improvement can use to achieve great results. Additionally, it provides a great way to do some great exercises. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Pros

Price:

Dips are one of the best exercises you can do for your triceps and chest, and because of this, dip stands are not cheap. The ultimate body press is probably the only dip station you will find for under $100. this of course is a big selling point.

Ease of setup and use:

Five minutes out of the box, and it's ready for use. Extremely easy to setup, you don't get exhausted from the assembly and can quickly get to working out. As far as using the product, it's all about bodyweight exercises so it really can't be more simple.

Safety:

It won't slip or tip while you're relying on it for support if you use it properly. Also, if you are capable of doing dips, it should be capable of supporting your weight. The design is sturdy and wont fall apart on you.

Range of exercises:

Allows for tricep and chest dips, standard bodyweight rows, inverted rows, leg raises, and if you spring for the additional attachments, chest flies and the most challenging pushups possible: ring pushups. With this you can get a good ab, tricep, delt, forearm, and chest workout.

Cons

Not easily collapsible:

They advertise it as being easy to fold up and store, but I have not found this to be the case. I don't really care that it doesn't easily collapse for storage because it doesn't take up enough space to bother me. It is, however, an example of exaggerations in advertisement.

Stability Issues:

Some people complain that the dip stand will appear as if it's not as steady as it should be in use. Some feel that it's a little to shaky and wobbly when you do dips with it. The fact is that it can be somewhat shaky which is disturbing when it's supporting your weight. However, the small wobbles are only moderately annoying, and can usually be fixed by simple adjustment of the rubber feet at the base.

Overall, the Ultimate body Press is a very good piece of equipment for someone looking for a good workout on a budget. If you have the will and determination to work hard and push yourself, this product can be a great tool to help. Final Grade: B+

Kava Kava Information: What You Need To Know

Kava Kava has been around for many years and has been used by people around the world as a muscle relaxer, a social drink, and a treatment for anxiety and depression. Traditional kava is served as a tea by the pacific islanders but can also be found in pill form. Kava pills are often marketed as a healthy herbal supplement to treat problems like depression, but concerns over health risks and side effects have caused a significant decrease in the availability of these pills. It's important to consider both the benefits and the side effects of any supplement.

Benefits

Kava has been used for centuries for both social and medicinal purposes. The main active ingredients in kava root are called kavalactones. This chemical compound has been extensively studied in laboratory studies. It has been found to reduce convulsions, promote sleep, and relax muscles in animals. There is also indication of pain-relieving properties (umm.edu). When drinking kava tea, one of the first things we notice is a numbing of the mouth; because of this numbing effect, some cultures have used kava for a mild anesthetic. Most notable, however, ar the psychological effects. Kava is very relaxing and has similarities to the effects of alcohol but without the loss of cognitive function. Studies have found that kava has a very similar result to valium in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Additionally, kava may offer the same benefits as prescription drugs while lacking some of the negative side effects. "A 2004 study found that 300 mg of kava may improve mood and cognitive performance. That is significant because some prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines (like Valium and alprazolam or Xanax), tend to decrease cognitive function" (umm.edu).

Side Effects

Reported side effects can range from mild to severe. The most notable side effect when drinking the tea is the instant mouth numbing. Some may also feel light headed and relaxed, but not drowsy. Drinking a lot of the tea in a short period of time can lead to a temporary reddening of the skin like a rash, but this subsides within a few hours. On the more serious side, studies have indicated possible liver damage associated with kava use. Fears of liver toxicity caused the removal of kava pills from shelves in the US and the all out banning of kava sales in Germany. One important note is that the findings that indicate liver toxicity were primarily pills and not the traditional preparation. Further study has found that the toxic elements are found in the leaves and stems of the plant and not in the root. Traditional preparation involves...READ MORE

George St-Pierre's Rushfit review

The Rushfit workout is an 8 week program of exercise featuring a combination of cardio and strength training. This program featuring MMA star George St Pierre seeks to be an all around workout as apposed to Insanity's heavy cardio or P90X's muscle building program. Is it worth buying? Let's take a closer look at Rushfit.

Overview:

Rushfit is an MMA themed workout designed by Eric Owings and featuring George St-Pierre. The program contains six DVDs providing a range of different exercises to target different muscle groups and fitness goals. Each workout contains a 10 minute warm-up and a five round workout followed by a cool down. The central workouts utilize both isometric and explosive training to work the body in different ways and to promote overall fitness. Additionally Rushfit features bonus workouts for flexibility and agility.

Pros 

Rushfit is very well put together and features some pretty innovative exercises to provide a solid full body workout. Many of the exercises rely on body weight only, and others require only light dumbbells. This program is simple and easy to set up in your living room without a lot of equipment. While this is a simple workout,...READ MORE

O-Duster review

The O-Duster from O-Ceder is described as a robotic floor cleaning product, and at a price range of $20-$50, it's hard to resist the impulse buy. I mean who wouldn't buy a robot for under 50 bucks that cleans your floor. In reality, however, the O-Duster is a pretty simplistic device. And there are some things to consider before buying. Let's review what you need to know.

Be Realistic: If you expect the O-Duster to be a cheap alternative to a $400 Roomba, You will be very disappointed. It does not have a vacuum component. It simply picks up dust, dirt and and pet hair by sweeping it up with its disposable microfiber cloth. Also, the O-Duster does not have sensors to keep it from going down the stairs or to focus more attention on more dirty areas. It uses a simple grid pattern making its way over the entire floor.

How does it work?: The underside of the O-duster has two wheels on a rotating axle meaning that the whole device spins sweeping the floor with the microfiber pad while the wheels propel it across the room. It picks up dirt quite well as it moves, and when it encounters an obstacle it will usually self-correct and change direction after struggling for a few seconds.   

What you should know: The O-Duster picks up quite a lot, but if you use it on a floor with a lot of pet hair and dirt, the cleaning pads will need to be replaced quickly. Also, if you have a lot of dog hair to deal with, you may encounter the problem I did. The axle and wheel housing is not sealed, so you may have to do some maintenance to remove pet hair that jams up the wheels. After a few uses, my O-Duster stopped moving. It would sit in one spot and spin. I found that the wheel assembly is easily removed and that, in my case, dog hair had become wound around the axle stopping it from moving. After cleaning, the O-Duster went right back to working like it had.

Overall: I'm pleased with my purchase of the O-Duster ($20 impulse buy at ALDI.) It picks up well, cuts down on the sweeping I have to do and gets problem areas like under the couch. It won't replace your broom and dust pan but it certainly helps. It won't perform miracles, but it will save you time and energy around the house, and for a low price, it's a pretty good deal.                  

Furinno 10025 Simple Design Coffee Table Review

The Furinno 10025 Simple Design Coffee Table is very affordable and has a functional design, but it may not live up to high expectations. Let's review.

First let's talk price. This Furinno table is $36.39 on amazon. This is much cheaper than the hundreds of dollars you could spend on a higher quality table. The important difference is that more expensive tables are not made of particle board and are designed to last. This is a cheap table made from cheap materials. However, cheap doesn't necesarily mean poor quality and if you don't plan to subject it to great abuse, this table might not be a bad idea.

This table is attractive and features a nice finish and lower shelf for remotes, magazines, etc. One notable problem is that while the finish looks good it is not durable and will chip off rather easily. You could say that this is more of a decorative piece than a functional table as it can damage easily.

One really annoying yet easily adjusted problem I found was that after assembling, the legs were uneven creating a wobbly table. This was due to an issue with the little plastic feet installed to the bottom of the table legs. No one likes a wobbly coffee table, but a penny placed under the offending foot quickly fixed the problem. Installation was pretty quick and simple requiring little more than a screw driver. After about 20 minutes I had a decent looking coffee table.

So to review, the Furinno 10025 Simple Design Coffee table is not great but not bad. If you just want something to hold your remote and TV Guide, get it. It will do the job well. If you are buying for decorative purposes, make sure that the finish durability issue won't be a problem, and then give it a shot for under $40. If you want something to stand up to heavy use for years to come, you may want to consider spending the extra cash for something better. With reasonable expectations for a cheap piece of furniture, the Furinno 10025 Simple Design Coffee Table is a pretty good buy and probably the best you'll find in the price range.           

Perfect Pushup Power 10 Advance DVD review

Perfect Pushup Power 10 Advance is a quick workout targeting upper body muscles. Essentially this is a cheap simple fifteen minute workout utilizing the perfect pushup bars (sold separately.) Let's review:

The price: The Perfect Pushup Power 10 Advance DVD is a whopping 6 bucks on Amazon. 

The DVD: Workouts are broken into three five minute categories of chest, arms, and shoulders. Each section uses multiple exercises to work the body from different angles.

The Good: The Perfect Pushup is a really great tool and power 10 Advance offers some really great ways to use it. these are the kind of workouts where a little definitely goes a long way. It's a solid workout in a small burst. It should be noted, however, that this is not a complete system and you can't expect huge results from 15 minutes a day.

The bad:  Alden Mills is the creator of the Perfect Pushup which is awesome, but he is also a really annoying host of this DVD. If you're one of the people who thinks Tony Horton is a D-bag, then you will hate this guy. If you like Horton and P90X, you still may hate this guy. Just a little over the top macho jock gym coach crap that gets annoying fast. But I guess being a Navy seal and creator of Perfect Pushup, I can let it slide.

The Value: Gotta say it's good. Clearly it is not in the same category as the 60 day and 90 day workouts out there that cost an arm and a leg, but for $6 I wouldn't expect it to be. The workout's are good, and it's less than a meal at Burger King, so in conclusion...drop the sandwich and do some pushups.