Lifestyle
How Condoms Are Made and Tested
Today is World AIDS Day, and everyone is focused on bringing awareness to this epidemic. Promoting safe sex is just one step. Everyone knows that using a condom is the simplest way to practice safe sex, but do you know how condoms are produced? In this video, you’ll see how LifeStyles produces and thoroughly tests condoms that help keep people safe.
The testing is no joke, either. You’ll see these little latex wonders go through rigorous air inflation tests, water tests and electronic testing to gauge microscopic defects that can’t be seen by the human eye. Take a look:
Dec 1st
Gatorade Workout With Lacey Stone
A couple weeks ago I had the privilege to get a sneak peek at a new product line that Gatorade will be unveiling in the upcoming months. The fine folks at Gatorade invited MANjr out to New York to test out the new line and learn more about health and fitness. The event was held at a brilliant location, The Setai Fifth Avenue, right in the heart of Midtown. Led by world-renowned fitness instructor Jay Blahnik and super cool Michigan alum Kate, I viewed a presentation of what Gatorade has in the works to improve the life of the athlete.
I was very impressed with the presentation. Details are limited, but the new line will surely revolutionize the athletic experience. World Shape magazine selected Jay as one of the top 5 fitness instructors on the planet. He has appeared in a slew of award winning videos and has traveled the globe spreading the importance of health and fitness. His unsurpassed expertise on the subject makes Jay an invaluable consultant to mega companies like Nike and Gatorade.
The highlight of the presentation was my personal workout session with preeminent fitness guru Lacey Stone. Founder of Lacey Stone Fitness and innovator of TheBigGame! fitness class and BOOTYCamp workout, Lacey’s mission is to inspire people to reach levels they thought were impossible. A former Division I basketball star at Maine, Lacey whipped me into shape with a grueling 45 minute spinning session. This shit was no joke. Lacey’s unyielding motivation combined with a sweet play list to jam to kept me peddling away. Take a look:
I was able to complete the workout, but afterwards, my legs were jelly. I decided to hang around and recover a bit and received helpful dietary advice from sports nutritionist Susan Kundrat. Thankfully, Gatorade team member and all-around good dude Andrew hooked me up with some refreshments and directed me toward the spa.
Two weeks later, I’m still sore. Lacey had me working muscles that have been in hibernation for decades. Her brilliant ability to motivate got me through the workout, but the aftermath has been a struggle.
Even with the after-pain, the experience was great and damn-near life-changing. I intend to apply what I learned in my time with Lacey, Jay and the entire Gatorade team. Lacey’s motto is Passion + Persistence + Patience = Excellence. Definitely solid words of wisdom.
Special thanks to Andrew, Kate and Ashley for making me feel very welcome and affording me this remarkable opportunity to learn about the new product line and push myself physically at the same time. I look forward to utilizing the new products on a regular basis in the near future.
Nov 30th
State Farm Garage Makeover Sweepstakes
The State Farm Garage was a big hit at the LA Auto Show, and the garage will be making the rounds to other local auto shows in the coming months. Visitors who check out The State Farm Garage will have the chance to play a driving challenge game, compete in home run trivia and they also have this thing set up where you can see how your wing span measures up to LeBron James.
To go along with this auto show installation, State Farm is also running a pretty sweet contest: The State Farm Garage Makeover Sweepstakes. For this contest, State Farm is teaming up with GarageMahals to give away a custom garage makeover valued at $35,000. You have to be 18 or older and live in the contiguous US (sorry Alaskans and Hawaiians). The grand prize winner gets a gift certificate redeemable for a 400 sq. ft. Prestige Class GarageMahal makeover in the winner’s garage. 
The Prestige class makeover includes the following:
- GarageMahals® creative and detailed design services
- GarageMahals® metallic floor coatings
- GarageMahals® rolling door storage
- Upgraded electrical system
- Moderate framing and drywall changes
- Complete paint scheme
- Architectural surfaces
- Custom trim
- Customized lighting
So basically, you can really transform your garage into a custom mancave-like area that you can brag about for years. You can enter the sweepstakes at your local auto show or just visit the official sweepstakes site. The sweepstakes ends on 5/9/11. Here’s a full list of the local auto shows where you can check out The State Farm Garage:
- 11/19/10-11/28/10 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA
- 1/27/11-1/30/11 St Louis Auto Show at America’s Center and Dome in St. Louis, MO
- 2/11/11-2/20/11 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
- 2/26/11-3/6/11 Cleveland Auto Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH
- 3/12/11-3/20/11 St. Paul & Minneapolis Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN
- 4/7/11-4/10/11 Dallas Auto Show in Dallas, TX at the Dallas Convention Center
- 4/22/11-5/1/11 New York International Auto Show in New York, NY at the Jacob Javits Center
Nov 23rd
Schick Hydro Target Holiday Gift Pack
Christmas is coming up quick and that means it’s time to start making a list of all the people you need to get gifts for. You’re likely to hook up some people more than others, and if you need an inexpensive holiday gift for someone, don’t blow your small budget on a useless item. If you only have 10 bucks to spend on your dad, uncle, brother, cousin, son, nephew or any other dude needing an affordable gift, consider the Schick Hydro Holiday Pack at Target.
This holiday gift package is available at Target for $10. Yep, just one Alexander Hamilton. It comes in a nice big shiny box, so you won’t look like a massive cheapskate in front of your family. The box includes one Schick Hydro razor, five replacement cartridges and a bottle of Schick Hydro Moisturizing Shave Gel.
The Schick Hydro razor is pretty sweet. It has five blades that have these skin guards that smooth your skin over as you’re shaving, The hydrating gel reservoir is where it’s at though. This is the protective strip above the blades that has this gooey combo of Aloe and Vitamin E. I received one of these boxes and I’ve used the razor a bunch of times. It’s still gooey without too much gooey. That thing still glides up and down my face after multiple uses. The Moisturizing Shave Gel is one of those extra-blue, super-foaming gel deals where a little gel can go a long way. A tiny amount of blue will end up covering your whole face in foam.
It’s all pretty high tech sounding, but it works. The thing about the Hydro is that you always feel like there’s a protective layer between your face and the blade. This reduces irritation and razor burn and generally makes for a pretty comfortable shaving experience. Getting someone all this in a $10 package is a nice way to say, “I couldn’t spend all that much but hey, at least I got you something that you’re actually gonna use.” It’s the thought that counts, but it’s the practicality of the gift that’ll score you extra appreciation points in the long run.
Nov 19th
AXE Hair Shampoo Review
AXE recently sent us some samples of their new shampoos. We tried ‘em out. Here’s what we thought:
AXE Heat – Igniting Citrus 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner
Some guys are really into the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner action. If you dig soft hair, this stuff will do the trick. The best part about the Heat 2 in 1 is the smell though. It’s got this warm, caramelized flavor to it that smells like oranges, but isn’t too pungent. It manages to stay mellow even with the sweetness coming through. It could easily go jolly rancher, but it stays subtle. It works.
AXE Downpour Refreshing Mint Shampoo
This shampoo is great for a good wake-up call. Like when you need to head to the office after a long night of drinking and you need a little kick in the ass during your shower recovery. It’s like a little minty alarm clock for your dome. The peppermint action is refreshing and brisk, without coming across like a candy cane or a York peppermint patty. In addition to hangover recovery, this shampoo also works well for those times when you’re extra-filthy and you just wanna get some extra sparkle freshness going before you head out for the day.
AXE Zen Soothing Tea Tree Shampoo
This shampoo option works best for those end-of-the-night, winding down shower times. It’s like the obligatory green tea ice cream desert after a long and expensive sushi dinner. It’s a calming, fragrant shampoo that’s ideal for a shower head massage. When you want to call it a night and prep yourself to pass out, this realxing shampoo will do the trick.
So there you have it. These shampoos cost $4.99 a bottle and they’re good for different things at different times. I don’t know if they’ll get you laid, but if you want to mix up your shower routine a bit, try ‘em out. You’ll be surprised how you alter your shampoo selection to fit your specific shower situation.
Nov 17th
Tsubo Men’s Krieken Shoe Review
Finding the right pair of dress shoes can be a challenge. You don’t want to go too cheap or too expensive, and you don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort. When looking for snazzy shoes, it seems like the options are often limited. When you search for shoes that can match up with slacks or jeans, it feels like there are only a few styles available with little differentiation. It’s hard to find a distinguished looking shoe that still has some character to it.
Tsubo, a shoe company founded in 1997 and acquired by Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 2008, seems to understand the balance between style, comfort and class. The company manufactures shoes that combine serious comfort with unique personality. It’s hard to stay classy and funky, but Tsubo has quite a few shoe types that seem to achieve this goal.
I received a pair of Tsubo’s Men’s Krieken shoes to review, and I wasn’t sure if they were supposed to be dress shoes, casual kicks or ergonomic sneakers. The shoes seem to fit in each of these categories. The Krieken features soft premium leather and a layer of 3D mesh lining that improves air circulation. There’s an instep strap that makes for easy adjusting. It’s kind of odd to see a strap on a dress shoe, but it works. The Krieken also includes rubber pods on the leather outsole which gives the shoe a bit of a sneaker-like bounce.
Bottom line, the Krieken is light and comfy. They can pass for classy, but they also got this modern, funky Euro feel that gives ‘em plenty of personality points. If you need to look sharp, but you don’t want a pair of uncomfy clunkers in the same tired styles, check out Tsubo’s site to find some relaxed, gentlemanly shoes that can be paired with just about anything.
Nov 16th
Hardee’s Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger Giveaway
Hardee’s recently rolled out the Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger, and we’re putting together a giveaway package for you to try it. Hardee’s, which is the sister restaurant of Carl’s Jr., specializes in big burgers and sandwiches that can satisfy even the manliest hunger. The Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger is a monster. It features two thick pieces of grilled Texas Toast, bacon, American cheese, tangy BBQ sauce and a fat, 100% Black Angus beef patty. There’s no way you can stay hungry after consuming this thing. The winner will receive eight coupons to try it out!
As part of this giveaway, we’re also throwing in an autographed photo of Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Julie Henderson, Hardee’s new southern spokesperson. If you like hot chick autographs and coupons for free big burgers, here’s how to enter:
- Follow us on Twitter (@MANjrcom)
- Leave us a comment telling us why you love Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.
- Winners will be chosen at random
- Giveaway ends next Tuesday, November 23rd
Nov 16th
IPATH Cat Review
I’m usually a sneaker guy. I tend to sport a pair of Sauconys no matter what the situation is. What can I say? I just like having my feet feel comfy. If you enjoy foot comfort too (and really, who doesn’t), check out the IPATH Cat.
I received a pair of these semi-moccasin things, and my first impression was that they were huge. The rubber outsole base is wide and the upper ankle portion makes these kicks feel more like boots than sneakers. But sneakers they are — cushy, boot-like house-shoe sneakers that surround your feet in with a thick lining of fluffy shearling fleece. It’s like putting two sheep on your feet, only much more stylish.
So they’re big and comfy, but they’re not clunky. The shoe is form-fitted with thick tongue padding, and they’re not too heavy. You can sport ‘em as everyday kicks and not feel restrained. Each shoe has a pocket in the tongue for convenient storage.
Bottom line – there’s a lot of personality to these kicks. They’re half-sporty, half-causal and all kinds of comfortable. They may look like boats from afar, but once you slip ‘em on, you won’t feel burdened by their size. For $80, you’ll feel like you’re getting a relaxed fluffy foot hug all day long.
Nov 15th
Honest Tea Features Subtle Organic Sweetness
We live in a world where everything is extra-sweet. Everyone’s getting fat on sodas drenched with high fructose corn syrup. That’s stuff’s bad for you. If you try to cut out some of that extra sugar from your diet, you get stuck with synthetic, fake-nasty substitutes that make things like low-fat cookies, saccharin yogurt and aspartame chewing gum taste like a lab coat washed in anthrax. Sugar saturation is horrible, but put anything tasting like Sweet and Low in front of me and I’ll hurl. I don’t know if artificial sweeteners cause cancer, but they sure taste like something entirely synthetic and gross.
I know sugar’s not that great for you, but I look at any and all alternate sweeteners with extreme skepticism. So when I received some samples of Honest Tea to try, I wasn’t sure what to make of the whole “organic cane sugar” and “sweetened with organic Stevia” thing. But hey, I thought, if it’s not an artificial sweetener, how bad could it be?
So I tried some of the tea flavors. And you know what, they’re kinda good.
If you try drinking flavored iced tea of any kind, you’ll typically encounter two different reactions. The first is blandness, the second is super-sweetness. The Honest Tea flavors I tasted were neither of these things. The flavors I tried were actually quite mellow.
The Half Tea and Half Lemonade tasted like the title on the bottle. It wasn’t some industrial syrupy Arnold Palmer concoction. The Honey Green Tea wasn’t overly sweet, just sweet enough. Same deal with the Mango Green Tea and Passion Fruit Green Tea. I half-expected those flavors to taste like Jolly Rancher juice, but that’s not how they went down. If you looking for a beverage that packs some subtle sweetness without the bad sugars or the synthetics, try this stuff out.
Nov 10th
Finally, Sunglasses for Dudes With Big Noggins
If you’re a big-headed fella, finding the right pair of shades can be tough. No one looks cool sporting tight-fitting sunglasses that look like they were made for a 12-year old. But fear not. If you’re a dude with a big melon, there’s still hope.
Enter Fatheadz. Not to be confused with those oversized athlete posters that you put on your wall, Fatheadz sunglasses are designed specifically for dudes with big noggins. Designed by fellow large headed man Rico Elmore, Fatheadz launched their 2011 line this month with 12 new styles of shades and 12 new styles of regular optical glasses.
Fatheadz sent me a pair of the Moondance shades, and they’re pretty nifty. The sunglasses are, sleek and ready to take on massive domes of any size. You can purchase Fatheadz at Walmart Vision Centers or visit the Fatheadz website to browse through their different styles. The prices range from $29.95 to $79.95 a pair.
Don’t let that orange-on-a-toothpick head of yours prevent you from keeping the sun out of your eyes. Check out the Fatheadz site and score some shades that’ll fit with that extra-large cranium you lug around on your neck every day.
Nov 10th
