Source: Zazzle.com

Can you believe Father’s Day is right around the corner? Have you decided how you’re going to celebrate and what you may be getting those guys for their special day?

Sometimes the best Father’s Day present is the gift of ease and convenience, and Verizon is definitely a one-stop shop. Thanks to the nation’s largest 4G network, Verizon can help you find the quickest, easiest Apps to give Dad this Father’s Day. Whether he loves his Android or iOS device, there’s an App out there for you to show how much you appreciate your Father this year.

Here are Verizon Wireless New York’s top five Apps to show Dad this Father’s Day:

• iHandy Carpenter ($1.99)- The iHandy Carpenter is the perfect App for the handyman of your house. Available on both Android and iOs devices, it provides five professional tools in one App. Users can turn to this App for a plumb bob, surface level, bubble level, steel protractor, steel ruler and inclinometer. The app is not only practical, but beautiful, with clear and crisp graphics.

• ESPN ScoreCenter (Free)- Dad will never miss the score from his favorite games with this free App. With scores from the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and more, he will never have to ask how his favorite team is doing. In addition to scores, Dad can get breaking sports news and fresh-cut video clips streaming to his phone.

• Weber’s On the Grill ($4.99)- If Dad’s a grill-master, then the Weber’s On the Grill App for Android and iOS smartphones will certainly be the gift that keeps on giving. With over 300 recipes, videos and recipe sharing, this App is great for grillers old and new. To make cooking even easier, users can create a grocery list to make shopping for their favorite meals organized and simple.

• Mint (Free)- If your Father’s like most today, he probably keeps track of every penny spent. Mint is a great financial planning App that is not only 100% affordable, but helps him keep the family’s spending in check. The safe, user-friendly App helps create budgets, manage bills and keep track of spending, all from an Android or iOS device.

• How to Tie a Tie (Free)- Dad works hard everyday, so there’s no reason why he can’t look good! This free App gives easy instructions on how to tie 20 of the most popular tie knots. Available on most Smartphone devices, this App ensures that your Father looks neat and stylish, no matter the occasion.

Although these Apps are great to share with your Father this Father’s Day, the list doesn’t stop here. Be sure to check out the Android Marketplace and the App Store for more fun and easy apps your Dad is sure to love.

People always have something to say about who, why, and how people are or appear to be happy. There’s sure as heck no silver bullet in this regard, but as you can see, there are some real patterns. I think, regardless of what people think about some tried and true, “old school” ways of thinking and living, so things don’t seem to change.

Well, little Tina, as per The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, it seems that:

1. Extroverts are happier than introverts;
2. Optimists are happier than pessimists;
3. Married people are happier than singles, though people with children are no happier than childless couples;
4. Republicans are happier than Democrats;
5. People who attend religious services are happier than those who do not;
6. People with college degrees are happier than those without, though people with advanced degrees are less happy than those with just a BA;
7. People with an active sex life are happier than those without;
8. Women and men are equally happy, though women have a wider emotional range;
9. Having an affair will make you happy but will not compensate for the massive loss of happiness that you will incur when your spouse finds out and leaves you;
10. People are least happy when they’re commuting to work;
11. Busy people are happier than those with too little to do; wealthy people are happier than poor ones, but only slightly.

If you want more goodies, check out Business Insider.

Well, it seems that many people (you know, like scientists and stuff) believe that the average human needs to sleep perhaps 7-8 hours per night.  If you sit down, concentrate, and just do the math… 8 hours per night is damn near close to 1/3 of the 24 hours in a day! That seems excessive, no? I mean, you have to eat to survive, but do you eat for 8 hours a day? Certainly not…at least not on most days…let’s not count Thanksgiving, Christmas, your kid’s birthday, Sundays, Friday nights, or other days of festive excitement and co-mingling with others.

I digress.

As far as this supposed “needing” sleep charade, I just don’t see it. It’s been close to four months and I’ve not really slept for more than 3 or 4 hours per night. And I’m just dandy. I’ve never BEEN better. I have so many more hours in the day to pursue interests I may have never been able to pursue if not for that hungry baby. It’s a blessing from God, to tell you the truth. A real revelation.

Just take a look at all the Top 5 wondrous things I could now accomplish if I just set my mind to it.

 Source: whyyesiwould

• Skydiving. I’ve never done and I don’t think it has to do with the fact that I actually like my life and would like to continue it for as long as possible. I think it’s because I’ve been sleeping for 8 hours per night.  Think about how many death-defying, otherwise moronically insane jumps I could do with another 8 hours per day? I could be the king of the skies with all this time.

   Source: Etsy

• Needlepoint. It’s something that’s so timeless yet under-appreciated. The be truly great at this fine art, one needs at least 7-8 hours per day to train. Why am I not created gems like the one above, shining light on the masses, and becoming an A-1 rockstar needle-pointer? Too much darn sleep, that’s why. I mean, I could hem my own pants and save myself $8 bucks this way, too. 

Source: PoliticalStrife

• Ferret Breeding. You know what there are just not enough of in the average American family domicile? Ferrets, that’s what. I would like to do my part to rectify this imbalance of household love and resources. I could be the next great breeder, one that changes the world. Much like the guy that made the “Labradoodle” or “Cockapoo” not just ordinary mutts but sought after “breeds” that people refer to admiringly by official title. Ferrehuahua anyone?

• Non-blinker. I would dominate the world of staring contests. My kids always want to contest me. I always win, big time. but I want to win by even more. I want to be freakishly good at this. Imagine what could be done with such a skill? I would never miss a move the the local chess tournaments. I would be able to watch entire movies and tv shows literally without missing one second of action…Duck Dynasty and Real Housewives of New Jersey would be so much better this way. 3AM feedings…I can see every slurp and head bob of little Caleb, soaking up all the action right as it transpires. I could be the next Rob Pattinson!

Source: All Things NP

• Brain Surgery.

Ok, so you are looking for something new to drink this summer. You want something light and refreshing but maybe something a little more substantial, a little bit different than Bud Light and Mich Ultra? Enter the good fellas at Samuel Adams.  You know who they are…they are awesome. They keep coming out with great beers, every season, every year…despite being pretty darn large. (Sam Adams is now the largest AMERICAN OWNED beer company…controlling about 20% or so of the market).

They’ve come out with an awesome summer pack of beers…perfect for the hot summer days…but with a bit more flava fo you to sava…

Here’s some of the dope…

You can purchase is from APRIL – AUGUST:

With a new name and look for 2013, our Beers of Summer variety pack delivers on the exploration that Sam drinkers have come to enjoy during the warmer summer months. This year we added two new styles (Blueberry Hill Lager and Little White Rye) in addition to perennial summer favorites Summer Ale, Boston Lager, Porch Rocker, and Belgian Session. See where you can get it here.

A very impressive lot. You likely know Boston Lager…one of the standard bearers of main-stream craft goodness. You also may have come across Summer Ale…a light ale that may not be my favorite, but something to look for in the seasonal tap selection at your local. Belgian Session may be my favorite…light and crisp, a very pleasant riff on a traditional Belgian-style beer.  It has some IPA kick, but not quite as hoppy. Porch Rocker is basically a summer shandy….beer and lemonade…and it’s done well. Not too sweet, right amount of lemonade taste…very refreshing. Blueberry Hill Lager is very similar to a long-time fav of mine, Blue Point Blueberry Ale, as it’s a tasty lager cut a but with some blueberry sweetness kept to a minimal amount – go find your thrill (ba dump dump). Little White Rye is a very pleasant riff on a wheat beer with some added citrus and spice notes to change it up.

The entire pack is great, very well done for sure. You will NOT be disappointed serving this at your BBQ, or showing up with this at someones summer jam. You will be commended and admired for your wondrous gift. And even if you’re not…hell, you have some good beer to drink in the corner when no one’s watching.

Well, my little boy is 3 1/2 mos at this point, and he keeps getting better. He’s sleeping better, he’s much more able and happy to lay down and relax without being picked up…he’s just all around better.  And that’s good because the first 3 mos were BRUTAL.  Ok, let me rephrase that…they were FREAKING BRUTAL.  It’s still so great to have another little one in the house…and the kids adore him. He’s a beautiful little boy…but man, did those almost 6 years since Liam was born take a toll. It’s tough to operate on 3-4 hours of sleep. However, he’s been sleeping at a 6-7 hour clip the last few nights…so he’s SO much better. It’s awesome. He gives us some peace, we are able to be normal. He’s even taking a little nap here and there…which he would not sleep more than 10 minutes at a time not too long ago. He even sleeps through the dogs’ incessant barking at times. It’s quite a turnaround, and a truly welcome one. Just in time. He’s also getting big enough and manageable enough that we feel ok leaving him with grandma a bit…which is fantastic as well. Life is getting better and the new normal is becoming much more manageable for all. It just goes to show you how fleeting it all is with your little ones. Like me, try to soak it all in and appreciate it all…I’ve even gotten pretty darn good at appreciaiting the 3AM feeding…most of the time….

With the peak of wedding season upon us, there are no shortage of tips-and-tricks to keep your bride looking blissful, spectacular and all around picture-perfect. But, while most say the day is about her – the groom also needs a little TLC when it comes to prepping for the big day. C’mon, don’t be shy…you know you want to…it’s 2013 or something.

Here’s a quick guide on getting wedding ready…be it yours, your buddy’s, your cousins, your second marriage…whatever!! ;o)

Diet Do’s and Fitness Routine: Months leading up to any big event can be stressful. But with the added pressure of knowing friends and family will be all-eyes-on-you adds to the mounting pressure. Optimize your well-being by changing up your regular workout routine, don’t be afraid to have fun and try something new.  Kickboxing, climbing or adding some local 5K runs/bike rides can keep it interesting.  When it comes to your diet, concentrate on fueling the body with healthy snacks, such as fruits and veggies – at a ball game?  Pick peanuts over popcorn for added protein, you’ll feel great, satisfied and happy to save the sugar binge for wedding cake and honeymoon!

Guys Grooming: You’ve already invested in a high-end wedding photographer, with an intimidating zoom-lens so every pore is on display. Start your healthy skin regimen now with Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream. It reaches deep down to the pores to remove dirt and oil. It conditions skin as it cleans, so you are left feeling soft, smooth and healthy-looking – without over drying.  And even better, it is dermatologist-tested, that you are guaranteed to have no adverse reactions on the big day. The one-of-a-kind, deep tingling clean will leave your skin feeling reinvigorated for a one-of-a-kind special day.

Dapper Duds: Once you’ve got the canvas to perfection, picking out a suitable suit or tuxedo is a cinch. Any classic, tailor made will work and stay in style for soirees to come. Want to spice it up? Highlight your spunky sense of style with fun colored tie options or pocket squares, whimsical cufflinks, patterned bow-ties or go completely classic with basic black.

Did you see the ridiculous opening weekend for Fast & Furious 6? $120 MILLION…crazy given it’s the sixth movie in a series.  And, c’mon…you know you like them…

As luck would have it, Universal CityWalk celebrated its 20^th birthday with a blockbuster-worthy bash that drives flashy street racers from Universal Pictures’ “Fast & Furious” films to park at CityWalk in time for the much-anticipated movie opening weekend and the launch of the summer blockbuster season.  A life-sized wax figure of Vin Diesel from Madame Tussauds Hollywood will also share the spotlight with the “Fast & Furious” cars.

A retrospective of eight original, souped-up prop cars, including three from “Fast & Furious 6” will be staged at “5 Towers” on CityWalk to help get the birthday party started.  With an exciting slate of blockbuster movies poised to reign over Hollywood this summer, Universal CityWalk will become LA’s blockbuster movie destination where guests can join the fun and see the latest hit movie for only $2 in parking or ‘Movie Buffs to Park for $2 Bucks.’

The arrival of an elaborate 20-tier cake, punctuated by confetti canons and a lively Happy Birthday rendition from the popular band,Midnight Red, will keep the momentum going. Midnight Red will also headline CityWalk’s free “Summer Music Spotlight” concert series at “5 Towers,” beginning June 29.

The following “Fast & Furious” cars will be on display as part of CityWalk’s 20^th Birthday Bash. Pretty darn cool… (Note:  All but the “Fast & Furious 6” “Flip” cars will return to their original display areas at Universal Studios Hollywood beginning on Friday, May 24, where guests can view them with the purchase of a general theme park admission ticket.)

It’s been 5 months since the last one, but the Nation is back with a UFC preview. UFC 160: Velasquez vs. Bigfoot 2 will be airing live on PPV from the MGM Grand Arena on May 25th, starting at 10 PM Eastern.

The Nation went 2 for 5 on his last set of predictions and is now 42 of 69 overall.

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (20-5) vs. K.J. Noons (11-6): Cerrone is coming off a dominant loss against Anthony Pettis, while Noons has lost 2 in a row (although his last loss against Ryan Couture was debatable at best, an outright robbery at worst). This should be a stand up war for the most part, as both have professional kickboxing experience, with Noons having pro boxing experience as well. But, Cerrone’s ground game is much more advanced than Noons’ (14 of Cerrone’s 20 wins have been by submission, while Noons has never won by that route), so expect Cerrone to try to get this to the ground eventually and work from there. Prediction: Cerrone by decision.

“The Bully” Gray Maynard (12-1-1, 1 NC) vs. T.J. Grant (20-5): With the winner of this matchup scheduled to get a shot at the 155 lbs. title next, this should prove to be an interesting fight. Maynard has only lost once in his pro career, to Frankie Edgar, in a fight he was close to winning at one point. Grant, after only 5 fights at lightweight, is knocking on the door to a title shot after wins over some impressive 155′ers. What intrigues me about this fight is that both guys are big lightweights who use their size and strength advantage against most opponents. But what happens when it’s strength vs. strength, size vs. size, as will be the case here? Should be a close one, but I think Maynard pulls it off. Prediction: Maynard by decision.

Glover Teixeira (20-2) vs. James Te-Huna (16-5): Teixeira is a destroyer, and quite frankly, is the only guy at 205 right now who I think has a legit chance against Jon Jones besides Lyoto Machida. Glover will finish Te-Huna and will do it in devastating fashion. Prediction: Teixeira by K.O.

Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos (15-2) vs. “The Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (9-7): Hunt has had quite the career renaissance, as improved takedown and ground defenses, along with better conditioning, has seen him won 4 fights in a row. Not bad for someone the UFC really didn’t want but was forced to honor his Pride contract for. I mean, this is the guy who was submitted by Gegard Moussasi, a 205 lbs. fighter who can also fight at 185, and by Sean McCorkle, both times in barely over a minute. Junior has a black belt in BJJ, so I can see him winning this via submission. But what I see more likely as happening is a repeat of the Dos Santos-Roy Nelson fight, where Junior uses his quicker hands and feet to pick off and batter Hunt from range, avoiding the one punch KO power both Nelson and Hunt have, and the only thing saving Hunt is the iron chin he shares with Nelson. Prediction: Dos Santos by decision

For the UFC Heavyweight Championship: The Champion – Cain Velasquez (11-1) vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (18-4): This is the 2nd time these men are fighting, and this won’t end any differently than the first one. Cain will push forward, take down Bigfoot and just ground and pound him relentlessly on the ground. Silva has a black belt in BJJ, but that’s not gonna help him. Cain is just a tireless machine, and he’ll wreck Bigfoot. Prediction: Velasquez by TKO

Old Spice is classic, right? The scent, the “manliness” just permeates the thing. I like it, damnit…Wife got me some gel-type stuff for the shower, called “Champion” (yes, yes I am), and it’s great, too. Solid, good smell, and it actually lasts for a bit, too. Plus, I love that an old-school product has completely reinvigorated itself for today.

Anyway, figured I’d share these two videos…they are pretty funny. I can respect the team that made these…

“Watermelon” - http://youtu.be/hfiiWGWhB9g

“Shower” - http://youtu.be/XS1dM6kmCx4

Seems like they’ve even come out with a bar soap, which is awesome. I don’t mind the gel so much, but if I had a choice, I’d go bar all the way.  More control, less waste…or something like that.

Old Spice New Bar Soap is available in scents like Fiji, Pure Sport and Swagger. Whichever one you choose, it’s “The Bar Soap You’ve Been Smelling For.”  This new soap is sure to please the more than 40% of dudes who prefer the classic feel of bar soap. Check out youtube.com/OldSpice for more.

It’s been 7 weeks plus already since our little one, Caleb, was born. It’s been a whirlwind of crying, diapers, spit up, formula changes, poop, burping, changing, and…complete and total love. And that’s what is most important and what’s it’s all about. You see, if people really cared and/or focused on these (in the grand scheme) trivial travails, then the human race would have died off many, many moons ago.  For sure, it sucks big time to not get a full night’s sleep for 7 freaking weeks. Sometimes you most certainly do not want to hold him and walk him around, bouncing up and down like a drunken kangaroo. There are times when the thought of a stinky, Alimentum-tinged diaper is just the last thing you want to tangle with. But, especially this time around, after almost 6 years since the previous baby (our boy Liam) and almost 8 years from out little princess (Natalie), you just accept it more, you appreciate it all much more, you slow down and take a deep breath more. You chuckle and the poop and the insanely load, nails-on-chalkboard board screeching when hungry. You think the spit up is cute in some way.  Because it is. It 100%, without a doubt is. And even if you have to really convince yourself, kicking and screaming while in the weeds with it, you just do.

For all intents and purposes, this is the end of the baby-making road…unless by divine right or some other such obscure chance, this will be the last 11 pd newborn I hold at 3AM. And I don’t want to miss a minute. Because time flies, it really flies by. And you really just have to revel in the little stuff, the good stuff, which sometimes is the bad stuff.