P90X® consists of 12 muscle building, fat melting workouts plus a diet guide. According to the promoters, the workouts are designed to “transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days.” The nutrition plan is divided into three phases and the program also includes a calendar to track your progress, online “peer” support and other goodies to keep you on track.

The program’s official website describes the 12 intense workouts as follows:

1. Chest & Back. Targeted strength and definition workout emphasizes two classic upper-body exercises.
2. Plyometrics. Explosive jumping cardio routine proven to dramatically improve athletic performance.
3. Shoulders & Arms. Potent combination of pressing, curling and fly movements that will leave you stronger.
4. Yoga X. Combines strength, balance, flexibility and breath work to enhance your physique and calm your mind.
5. Legs & Back. Get ready to squat, lunge and pull for a total body workout like no other.
6. Kenpo X. Intense cardiovascular workout with punching and kicking for endurance, balance and coordination.
7. X Stretch. Achieve a higher level of athleticism over a longer period of time, plus avoid injuries and plateaus.
8. Core Synergistics. Build and support multiple muscle groups to build and support the core while conditioning your body.
9. Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. Target both large and small muscles to push you to the brink.
10. Back & Biceps. Flex those powerful biceps and focus on toning and tightening those showcase arm muscles.
11. Cardio X. Low impact cardio routine is a fun, fat-burning workout that will leave you feeling lean and mean.
12. Ab Ripper X. Sculpt the six-pack abs of your dreams and benefit your health and physical performance.
The brain and brawn behind P90X® is Tony Horton, exercise instructor and fitness guru.  Horton developed this home fitness program and he’s also the personal trainer featured on the DVD’s.
Born in 1958, Horton was a regular at the World Gym in Venice, California in the 1980’s, a gym utopia frequented by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. Horton was focused on extreme fitness but he didn’t want to develop the overly developed bodybuilder look. So he developed exercise routines that zeroed in on speed and flexibility as well as muscle growth. He soon collaborated with a former triathlete and Ironman competitor who introduced him to interval training.
A well-known personal trainer for over 30 years, Horton’s client list has included Billy Idol, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks. More recently, he has trained Grammy winner Usher Raymond and actor Ewan MacGregor.

We’ve all had some really bad shaves.  Razor burns.  Painful red slashes across the face.  But with some quick prepping and simple shaving tips, you can have the best shave of your life.

Cleanse. You must cleanse your face with a gently, quality cleanser.  Use  hot water to open the pores.  A good wash will also soften the beard and prepare your face for a perfect shave.

Moisturize. To avoid those painful razor burns and red slashes, apply moisturizer liberally to your face and neck.

Lather up. A gentle, good quality shaving cream is a must.  Ingredients like aloe vera cool and soothe your skin before and after shaving.

Massage. Massage your shaving cream over all areas to be shaved.  A gentle, moisturizing shaving cream that won’t dry out your skin will give you the best results.

Avoid Harsh Products. Don’t use products that contain benzocaine or menthol.  These ingredients dry and irritate the skin.

Vera Wang for Men. Vera blends a woody, oriental fragrance with a zesty freshness from leaves and yuzu with mandarin leaves, nutmeg and vintage leather. It’s seductive and masculine.  A sensuous base of sandalwood complete this warmly inviting scent.

Burberry Brit. The British know style.  Burberry brings British flavor with a sumptuous blend of cardamom, green mandarin and ginger accord.  Cedarwood, nutmeg and wild rose accord, delicately blended with grey musk, wood accord and tonka beans finish off this tempting scent.

Eternity by Calvin Klein. First launched in 1989, Eternity is classic at its very best.  It has been described as a refreshing, spicy, lavender, amber fragrance.  This masculine selection mixes greens, jasmine, sage, basil and rosewood for a sophisticated scent.

Armani. Giorgio Armani knows how to pull together a sophisticated, masculine fragrance.  This clean, citrus scent blends lavendar, beramot, cedar, clove, nutmeg and patchouli.

Though changing seasons herald changing fashions, there are some rock-solid items that should populate your closet, no matter what the year or season.  Here are a few tips for the well-dressed man:

The Suit. Whether attending a cocktail party or a funeral, you need to have a few of these in your closet.  Stick with basic colors – dark blue, gray and black.  You can dress these up or down.  A suit blazer can be worn with jeans or khakis for a more casual look.

White Dress Shirts. Having several of these, neatly pressed and waiting, will minimize stress when dressing up at a moment’s notice.  Keep these ready for more formal occasions.

Black Shoes and Matching Belt. Black goes with everything and these are a must for the pulled-together look.

Jeans. It goes without saying, jeans are staple items in any man’s wardrobe.  Try to keep a nice, neat pair ready.  Holes in your jeans are not attractive.

Casual Shirts. For most men, casual outings make up most of their social life.  But that doesn’t mean you have to look like you’ve been working out in the yard all day.  Polos or “button downs”, paired with a blazer, will carry you through most casual gatherings.

Solid Ties. In addition to an array of fun, fashion-friendly stripes and patterns, keep some solid ties on hand for interviews, weddings or other more austere occasions.

Overcoat. This is an essential for a polished look.  It can be long, ¾ length or “car coat” length.  This item finishes off your outfit, no matter where you are going.

• Women are maestros of subtle meanings.  They masterfully orchestrate complex innuendos, hidden suggestions and cryptic nuances.  Men, on the other hand, are direct.  They talk less then their female counterparts and rarely send out confusing messages.  While the woman is a mystery, crying out to be unraveled, a man’s communication is straight forward, no decoding necessary. The smart woman doesn’t waste time looking for hidden meanings.
• Men aren’t as emotional and don’t always communicate well “face-to-face.”  If this is misinterpreted, it can lead to serious misunderstanding and eventually anger and resentment.  When a woman recognizes the differences in communication patterns, the relationship will become much less volatile.
• It goes without saying that men express their emotions differently than women.  Traditionally, society has dictated man’s emotional style.  For centuries, they haven’t been allowed to cry or express their feelings.  Let’s face it.  Since childhood, men have been taught that it’s just not “manly” to openly express themselves.  They learned that emotions need to be subdued and suppressed.  He may want to pour out his innermost longings, but his training dictates suppression of such “feminine” outpourings.  Absolute trust must be firmly established before women can possibly expect today’s man to open up. Decades of indoctrination take time to melt away.  Women, be patient!
• Men are taught from almost birth that a prolific display of emotion is downright unseemly.  There’s the “fight or flight” mechanism that factors in here.  Men are expected to avoid being overemotional.  You’ve seen it before.  Men are uncomfortable with other men who are “in touch with their inner feelings.”  It’s critically important for women to understand that most men will never be as “emotionally honest” as women, for fear of being thought of as weak.
• Let’s be frank. Age-old biological differences are at play here. Men and women have different biological agendas.  The man is biologically influenced  to assure the continuance of the human race.  That means many female conquests!  Women, on the other hand, are biologically driven to ensure the safety of her children and herself.
• Commitment is a real bone of contention and one that continually rears its ugly head in every male-female relationship.  Men are biologically programmed to avoid commitment.  Women, on the other hand, expect commitment to raise children and assure her own safety and well being.  And, while society may have changed over the years, our biological instincts are slow to evolve.  In other words, the body hasn’t caught up with modern societal expectations.
• Testosterone is also a real bone of contention.  As long as it courses through a man’s body, it will inevitably cause relationship friction.  Elevated levels of this hormone will always cause a man to be more sexually driven.  Women need to realize that man’s enhanced sex drive is key to keeping the species from extinction.  So, when she’s talking to him about redecorating the living room, she needs to understand why all he’s thinking about is the bedroom.

Though his time on earth was tragically brief, legendary artist Jeff Buckley left an indelible impression on the world of music.

Born in 1966, Buckley took New York City’s avant-garde club scene by storm in the 1990’s and was acclaimed by critics as one of the most brilliant musical artists of his generation.

And his death was as melancholy and poignant as the music he played.

Buckley came face-to-face with his own mortality on a warm spring night in Memphis, Tennessee.  It was May 29, 1997.  The handsome 31-year-old was excited about the future.  He was newly settled in Memphis and was waiting for his band members to arrive from New York City to resume work on their latest album.

To pass the time, he  decided to take a relaxing swim in Wolf River Harbor, a slackwater channel of the Mississippi River.  One of his roadies waited on the riverbank, watching the legend enjoy the evening swim.  When a boat sped by, Buckley was caught in an unexpected current and disappeared in the craft’s wake.  They found his body five days later.

Jeff Buckley was the son of Tim Buckley, a talented and popular musician who died from a drug overdose at the age of 28.  His mother remarried and young Buckley grew up in Southern California.

After spending his early adult years as a guitar-for-hire in Los Angeles, Buckley moved to New York City and started playing venues in Manhattan, most notablely “Sin-e’,” a popular East Village Irish cafe that fast became a music venue that launched many notable careers.

Buckley’s favored music genres ran the gamut.  He was influenced by folk, alternative rock, R & B, blues and jazz, all with his unique flavor added. The 90′s were important years for the young artist.  That’s when he started to seriously focus on original material and attracted fans and record label executives alike.  He finally decided to sign with Columbia, form a band and record what was to be his only studio album — Grace.  He was working on his second album, My Sweetheart the Drunk, when his life was cut far too short.  Posthumuously, he was internationally acclaimed for his original work, as well as covers.  After his death, Buckley attained his first number one on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs with Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures

I like to think of myself as a regular guy.  I hit the gym five times a week, piling on enough weight to beat out the sweating guy beside me.  I down a few beers watching  the Super Bowl.  I savor Victoria Secret catalogs.  And I cringe when my girlfriend suggests watching the latest chick flick.

But I have to admit it.  I actually like some of these movies.  And I’ve seen a growing phenomena these days.  Men are actually admitting to enjoying some (certainly not all) of the popular female genre films.

After polling many of my buddies, I’ve selected some of men’s favorite chick flicks.  But please, don’t tell anyone!  Here goes:

The Proposal. Though a bit light on originality, The Proposal makes up for it’s cliche’ flaws with some very funny dialogue and great acting by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  And let’s not forget the wacky, about-to-turn-ninety grandma, played by the forever-young Betty White. Another zany character, “Ramone” (played by Oscar Nunez or “Oscar” of The Office) adds some very comical moments.  There’s also some pretty steamy chemistry going on between Bullock and Reynolds, particularly when the film calls for a rollicking  nude scene (OK, it was only partial nudity.  It is a PG-13 flick).

Mean Girls. OK, this is definitely a teeny bopper movie and Lindsay Lohan in the star role?  Yes, she’s a train wreck now but she has managed to entertain throughout the years.  This flick is smart, funny, sexy and maybe even a realistic look at the life of high school teens.  Definitely entertaining with lots of great looking girls.

Bridget Jones. Who could resist the squinty-eyed Renee Zellweger as the zany and lovable British frump? I think it’s secretly popular with guys because the girl is so accessible, attainable and downright honest!  Add to that great dialogue, fantastic performances and brilliant comedy and the result is an absolute winner of a film.

Love Actually. We have to admit it. This is a smart and funny film that has something that every man can relate to.  There’s just the right amount of sexual tension, real heartbreak and raw emotion that men hate to admit they feel.  It’s brilliantly written and well acted.

Titanic. Very few real men will admit a fascination with this film.  Maybe it’s the Celine Dion theme song element. That’s quite understandable.  Very few guys will admit a liking for anything remotely Dion.  But with Kate Winslet’s heart melting face and DiCaprio’s youthful masculinity, it’s a winner from start to finish.  And if the ending doesn’t move you, whether you are male or female, something is amiss.

Photos property of Universal, Fox, Paramount, etc.

Studies do indicate that a moderate amount of red wine lowers the risk of heart attack for men and women by 30-50 percent.

Research suggests that red wine consumption raises the good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the bad (LDL).  Health benefits also include preventing blood clots, reducing blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits and inhibiting plaque formation in arteries. 

What exactly are the magical ingredients in red wine?  A variety of antioxidants!  These mighty health protectors shield against a variety of illnesses, including heart disease.

The down side to any alcohol consumption are health risk factors, such as weight gain and increased risk of some forms of cancer.  If someone does start drinking for health benefits, they should limit intake to two drinks per day for a man and one drink per day for a woman (one drink equals approximately four ounces of wine).

For those who don’t partake in alcoholic beverages, eating grapes and many other fruits and vegetables, plus daily exercise, offer the same heart health benefits.

In the hunt for a new cologne, you have to ask yourself, “Will she love it?”

In the American fragrance market, 50 percent of men’s colognes are purchased by women for their men.

Actor Patrick Dempsey has made a study of what women want in the scent area. And it has paid off handsomely in his second career as a cologne magnate.  After forging out a place in the men’s fragrance world recently with Avon’s Unscripted, he’s launching Patrick Dempsey 2, a saffron-and-spicy-woods blend.

So, what should you choose?  Men have a variety of spicy, musky and woodsy scents to choose from.  Women surveyed suggest that they definitely are attracted to a subtle fragrance, manly but not overpowering.

To avoid wasting money, you want to be sure that the scent lasts throughout the day, without overwhelming your beloved.  Here are a few tips to increase the lifespan of the scent throughout the day:

• Colognes with a low concentration of aromatic compounds have a very light fragrance but the scent tends to disappear as the day wears on.  To make it last longer, try layering the scent.  Try using the same brand of after shave or body lotion before applying the cologne.
• After spraying the cologne, avoid rubbing your skin because that may alter the scent of the cologne.  Allow the cologne to dry naturally.
• Your skin type determines how long the scent will last throughout the day.  Men with oiler skin will retain the fragrance more than those with drier skin.
• To maximize the lifespan of your cologne, be sure that the cap is tightly in place after use.  This will prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
• Colognes have a shelf life of about 3-5 years.  Store the bottle away from direct sunlight to protect the original fragrance.

This fall season offers the most variety for men’s fashion wear.  Fabrics are rich in texture and colors are neutral, making it easy to mix and match.  Fall is also the time for layering and trying fun, sophisticated accessories.  Here are five must fashions for the 2010 season:

Pinstriped Pants. The classic look is perfect, whether going formal or casual.  The look is sleek in neutral colors such as navy, grey, brown or black.  For a dash of surprise, select a pinstriped shirt and argyle sweater to complete your look.

Pinstriped Shirts. Fashion designers have zeroed in on the pinstriped shirt.  They are everywhere now.  Little wonder.  They look great, whether combined with a suit or jeans.

Sports Jacket. This is a must-have in any wardrobe. Don’t go wild with colors here.  Select neutral colors that can easily combine with jeans or dressier pants.  Retro is still in – patch pockets, double side vents, big lapels.

Cardigan. We’re not talking your ancestor’s cardigan.  This year, the slimmer, more modern cut is in.  It’s thin enough to wear under a jacket and over a dress shirt.  Try a lightweight merino wool or cashmere with a double zipper.

Jeans. Will they ever go out of style?  We doubt it.  This must fashion item has even grown stronger in the past few years.  And the colors for 2010 vary, from dark to the washed-out look.