Battle of the Merchants

Two Victories

2008-08-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say the company basketball team notched its second victory tonight (out of 10 games) and it feels good to not have the feeling of impending puke at the end of the game. Best of all is my mid-range J. For those that knew me during my high school days, I was strictly low post but being out of shape and knee surgery has pushed me to work on the J. Banging in the low post is extremely hard on the body so the mid range jumper takes the pressure off. My game is getting to be very Beasley-esque. There is an inside and outside game.

Aiyyo Swagger and Monet, I will J you chumps up right now. nullus...

Breathe Easy

2008-08-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Taken from Men's Health

08/18/08
COLD CURE BUSTED
Makers of a popular immunity booster have to pay up for false advertising

Swear by Airborne? It may be all in your head—a recent court ruling decided Airborne isn't the cold cure it claims.

"There is no credible evidence that Airborne products ... will reduce the severity or duration of colds, or provide any tangible benefit for people who are exposed to germs in crowded places," said Lydia Parnes, director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which filed a complaint against Airborne's makers.

The FTC has ruled that Airborne must pay back consumers for up to six purchases—which could cost the company up to $30 million. People who bought Airborne products between 2001 and 2008 have until Sept. 15 to apply for a refund. Claims will be paid by Oct. 15, the company said in a statement.

But here's the catch: People still swear by the fizzy vitamin tablet—as one person told the Washington Post, "It may be mental, but it works for me"

Our relentless belief in the cold cure shows the placebo effect is more than just stuff of scientific experiments—it's an everyday occurrence that's a testament to the power your mind holds over your body and health.

Yes, this means we dupe ourselves into buying brand-name medicines that contain the same active ingredients as the ones that cost $2 less—but it also means you can think your way to better health for zero cost.

If you want more than a mental fix to stay healthy, wash your hands, stock up on natural cures, and take a daily multivitamin. Oh, and for good measure, take our word that doing these things will actually work.

Votes..

2008-08-17T23:25:00.001-07:00

Are you guys campaining for votes?
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New 20 my ass!

2008-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm two days into my workout plan and I'm starting slow since I've been a bum the past few (lot of) years. I started with some early morning running and a circuit workout. For those unfamiliar with what a circuit workout is...Circuit training is a type of interval training in which strength exercises are combined with endurance/aerobic exercises, combining the benefits of both a cardiovascular and strength training workout. I didn't time the run and didn't use weights during the workout. Mine consists of jumping rope, push ups, dips, lunges, prisoner squats, and chair step ups/calf raises.

I know Tob tried to take a shot at me with his "must be harder after 30 comment)...and he's right!! I don't feel 20 dammit!! I'm sore and I know it only gets worse from here. The only reason I'm not cursing is because I also know it gets better from here as well. As long as I stay at it, my muscles will stop screaming...eventually.

Fat Swagger

2008-08-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited. It's like a 2 for 1 deal. I get my ass back in shape---and kick yall's ass in the process.

Oh, and I'm bringing my target weight down to 205.

Let it begin...

2008-08-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I am ashamed of myself but this humble posting is enough to get my ass in gear. Nothing is more shameful than the gut and moobs. My love handles have sport grips. This is gawful. Swagg is a chump for not posting pics! Yo, Money Buckets, I don't appreciate your shit talk.

Back on the Grizzy

2008-08-11T21:51:00.001-07:00

So my first day back produced mixed results...The stationary bike took a chunk out of my arse this morning before work but lifting this evening proved I hadn't lost too much strength. Seriously though and this is a stern warning, it's never too late to get into shape but don't F around. I figure it only gets harder after 30. I need to make a pledge to stay on the grind for life. Forget all that my family is big boned stuff. My family medical history is no bueno. I need to take responsibility for my personal health.

Mobile blogging in the 08.
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MONEY MAN

2008-08-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Mr. Monet here! What's poppin? On to the show!

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 172

Gut: Atrocious!

Unlike my counterparts, I'm not really looking to lose any weight. According to the charts I should be at around 166, but who in the hell wants to look like Steve Urkel? I'm going for overall conditioning and to look like a He-Man action figure by the time this is done. In the interest of having a real goal, I am looking to get to up to 180. Since Toby is running his 5 miles in 40 I'll hit 35. As far as weightlifting, when I was 18 weighing about 185-190 I maxed out at 300 and stopped lifting all together. I figure 275 would be respectable now. So to recap, 180 lbs, 5 miles in 35 minutes, and a bench max of 275. Let it be known that when we all agreed to do this we agreed to start with pictures to fully document this journey. I see candyman 1 & 2 opted to be "forthcoming." Well world, I'm not one to stand on ceremony and I have no shame...so here I am in my portly beauty!

I really am going to crush you guys...you know this right?

Seymour Monet

It's the Swagg

2008-08-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

What's good?!? It's Preston. Pictures will be forthcoming for me as well

Start Weight: 234 lbs
Target Weight: 210

Fitness Goal: This is a good idea. I haven't thought of one yet. Toby's sounds good. I may fuck with that...

Weightlifting Goal: None.

Hey what do ya want???? I'm shallow. I could give a fuck what I bench. My goal is to get my shit lookin tight. And those forthcoming before/after pictures will be my vindication...

Holla

--Preston

Hustle Goals

2008-08-10T22:53:00.001-07:00

O.k. so here are my goals for this competition. Pictures will be forthcoming.

Start Weight: 264.4 lbs
Target Weight: 235

Fitness Goal: Run 5 miles in 40 mins. Believe me that will be some straight pickin em up and puttin em down for my current fitness level.

Weightlifting Goal:

I'd like to bench press somewhere north of 350 lbs. I am coming off a minor shoulder injury so 350 is a decent goal.

TH Weigh In 08042008.jpg

2008-08-05T00:39:00.000-07:00

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