Generally speaking, the following tips are for those who know that they will be biking more than once a month or [gasp] a year.

These tips are for newbies in training (for say, a triathlon), as well as those who are looking for a fun new way to get fit (cycling is about the only way I can shed pounds fast, easily... and healthfully!), and cyclists who've been away from the sport for awhile (like me).

Whether you'll be doing short- or long-distance rides, doesn't matter. But if you'll be riding on the road (rather than a bike path or offroad), then these tips will come in handy. They should save you some money, and could even save your life!

My Best Tips For New (or Returning) Cyclists:

Two of the best holiday cards we received this Christmas were:

#1 A "Seeds-n-Greetings" card.
#2 A computer monitor display card & screensaver.

Randy wrote in yesterday asking for Ugly Sweater ideas. Not for women, but for men.

Okay guys, here we go...

Ugly Sweater Ideas For Men:

#1 Wear A Ladies Sweater!
Perhaps the most common choice is simply for guys to wear a woman's sweater to the Ugly Sweater Party.

That may be a little over the top for some, but a ladies Ugly Sweater would probably be doubly ugly on a man. So you might win a contest!

I found a bunch of fun gift ideas to include in care packages to U.S. military soldiers or to give to the spouse or family member of someone who is serving.

After participating in this, my 3rd season of Black Friday sales, I've learned a few things.

You do realize that each year, the stores change their strategies a bit, right? As do the shoppers!

Check out this summary of approaches you can take to Black Friday shopping. Most notable is the unique opportunity to take part in a Black Friday day of protest against consumerism where everyone is encouraged to "get out there and buy nothing!" Originally known as "No Shop Day"... this effort has officially been organized into International Buy Nothing Day.

Based on the stores' unique strategies -- and the shoppers' -- here are my best tips for Black Friday shopping...

We recently purchased a 42" widescreen, flat screen, HDTV set.

And now, it's hard to watch TV on anything smaller. (But we do... our other TV is an "old-fashioned" 20-inch television set.)

The point is... we're really happy with our 42" TV set. And depending on where you're going to put it, it seems like the perfect size that would fit in most places.

While researching ugly sweaters, I came across a few that aren't necessarily Christmassy, but just plain 'ol ugly.

Check e'm out.

Perhaps they'll meet a need... fill a gap... or just take you back a few years.