Lifestyle
11 Awesome Hangover Cures
Hangovers are the worst. That nasty combo of headache, nausea and gut-pain can cost you precious hours of your life. While there are certainly preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of a hangover (headache medication, food, lots of water before bed, etc.), inevitably you’re going to get stuck with a dirty hangover that you need to crush before it kills your day. Here are 11 awesome hangover cures that you can turn to when you need to ease the pain.
11. Ginger
Ginger is an all-purpose digestive aid. You can eat it with sushi, drink some ginger tea or mix ginger juice with water for a nausea-reducing elixir that’ll balance your gastric fluids and calm your system. This powerful antioxidant and anticoagulant can work wonders, but don’t consume fresh ginger on an empty stomach. Mix it up with something else.
10. Honey
Honey is a great antioxidant that’s loaded with fructose and glucose. In Poland, people mix honey in with pickle juice for a hydrating, salty hangover-recovery treat. If the idea of honey pickle juice sounds foul to you, just take a couple table spoons of the magic bee sauce and enjoy the fresh coat of healing goodness.
9. Prickly Pear
For desert drunks, the prickly pear is a solid morning option that’ll help take the edge off the hurt. The extract from the prickly pear cactus can help reduce nausea, loss of appetite and dry mouth. You can find prickly pear extract in a bunch of different dietary supplements.
8. Eggs
Yep, eggs. Eggs have cysteine in ‘em. Cysteine is an awesome amino acid that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxin that’s a byproduct of the oxidation of ethanol. Acetaldehyde causes hangovers and eggs break down the acetaldehyde. So get over the fact that you don’t want breakfast and scramble that hangover out of your system.
7. Coca Cola
Oh the sweet, sweet nectar of Coca Cola can do wonders for a messed up belly. Some say that Coca Cola was originally invented as a hangover cure. I don’t know about all that, but whether you’ve eaten a big meal or you need to turn down the volume down in your stomach, a cold Coke just feels good.
6. Greasy Diner Breakfast
Whether you’re pounding pancakes at IHOP, feasting on French toast at Norm’s or plowing through Moons Over My Hammy at Denny’s, greasy-ass diner food will help you booze-coated belly correct itself. Greasy food sticks to the stomach wall and help slow down the process of alcohol absorption. That’s not to say that you won’t feel like trash afterward, but it’ll be a different kind of trash – a much more manageable form of discomfort. If you have the chance to close the night out with some greasy food, that’s a solid hangover prevention method, but if you miss the prevention window, reach for some bacon in the morning.
5. Gatorade + Banana
Electrolytes. You need ‘em, man. When you’re recovering from a night of drunken excess, you’re bound to end up dehydrated. Drinking lots of water helps, yes, but a steady stream of electrolytes will hydrate you more quickly. Your hung-over body also needs an influx of Vitamin B and potassium. Drinking alcohol drains your levels of Vitamins B6 and B12. Bananas will calm your gut-hurt and expedite the metabolism of alcohol.
4. Bloody Mary
If you’re head is pounding and your stomach is sloshed with whatever god-awful combo of drinks you consumed last night, drinking more sounds like the last thing you wanna do. But more booze can actually help you right the ship. A nice breakfast cocktail like a Bloody Mary can serve the dual purpose of a breakfast and hangover remedy. This is a great option if food consumption is totally out of the question, and the tomato juice will help you metabolize alcohol more quickly.
3. Pho
Vietnamese rice noodles with broth and beef (or tripe or chicken) will hydrate you and fill your gut with a nice layer of nutrition, exfoliation and toxin-fighting spices. Don’t go too crazy with the hot sauce though. Under normal circumstances, unreasonable amounts of Sriracha in your Pho would be a great idea, but when you’re dealing with a tender tummy, you gotta keep it mellow. Add some lime, basil, sweet Hoison sauce, cilantro, onions and bean sprouts, and go to town with a soup spoon and chopsticks in hand.
2. Pad Thai
More rice noodle love here. Pad Thai will fill that void in your stomach with a tender helping of noodles, eggs, tamarind juice and some light protein like shrimp, chicken or tofu. I don’t know the science behind it, but it works like a charm.
1. Matzo Ball Soup
The medicinal healing powers of the matzo ball have been well documented throughout history. Known as Jewish penicillin, matzo ball soup can kill a hangover, eliminate pink eye and in some cases, even cure cancer. Embrace the power of the matzo. It’s the most comfortable comfort food ever invented.
Honorable Mention List:
- Borscht
- Tom Yum Soup
- Menudo
- Haejangguk
Oct 4th
Review – Sanyo Pedal Juice
The MANjr crew received a SANYO Pedal Juice unit to review, and the rechargeable 9V power source for offers some pretty convenient features for guitar players who need to power multiple effects pedals. The Pedal Juice is a rechargeable battery that can power different guitar pedals without the need of an outlet. This reduces the need for tons of 9V batteries, eliminates the ground sound you get from AC adapters, and it just saves space. The first thing you notice about the Pedal Juice unit is its size. It’s compact size is comparable to the size of other pedals, but the unit is much lighter.
The Pedal Juice unit needs 3.5 hours to fully charge. The three-stage LED indicator (red, orange, green) gives you the ability to check the power status of the unit with a quick glance. Red indicates that the unit is less than 30 percent charged. Orange indicates that the unit is 30 to 60 percent charge, and the green light indicated a batter power charge of 60 percent and above. After a full charge, the Pedal Juice power supply can last up to 50 hours. You can recharge the unit hundreds of times. Pedal juice is also water and shock resistant.
Whether you want to power multiple guitar effects pedals, mobile recorders or multi-effect devices, Pedal Juice gives you clean sounding power with little hassle. If you want to hook up multiple pedals to the unit, extra wires will be required for daisy chaining everything together. Still you can’t beat the convenience and portability that the Pedal Juice offers. If you need portable power without the annoying hum, Pedal Juice is worth the investment.
Oct 1st
$50 Hardee’s Gift Card Giveaway
Hardee’s is the Midwestern brother of Carl’s Jr. Founded in 1941, Carl’s Jr. is a fast food chain that’s located throughout the Western part of the country. Hardees may be the younger fast food sibling, but the restaurant is no spring chicken. Hardee’s just celebrated its 50th birthday.
As part of the birthday festivities, Hardee’s is doing all kinds of fun stuff this month:
- $50,000 giveaway on The Wheel of Awesome on Hardee’s Facebook page
- $50 Gift Cards awarded daily on Hardee’s Twitter feed
- Retro Hardee’s photos on Flickr and Facebook
- September 30, Made from Scratch Sausage Biscuits for just 50 cents
MANjr is getting in on the action be giving away a $50 Hardee’s gift card. Here’s how to enter:
- Follow us on Twitter (@MANjrcom)
- Drop a comment below and tell us why you love Hardee’s
- Winner will be chosen at random
- Giveaway ends next Wednesday, October 6th
Sep 29th
Nanodots Are Addictive As Hell
When I first received a sample of Nanodots, a set of little magnetic balls that can be put together to make interesting patterns and shapes, I didn’t think reviewing the little dots would take that much time. I mean how long can you really play with 216 small dots made of neodymium, the same magnetic material used in MRIs and Maglev trains?
The answer is a really, really long time. Make no mistake, Nanodots are addictive as hell.
You start out by stringing together long lines of these dots. After a little time futzing around, you start making different patterns and shapes like triangles and squares. When you get to hexagon stage, you start wondering what kind of objects you can make when you combine a larger number of smaller shapes. After you’re first 3D creation, it’s game over.
Check out this video and you’ll see what I mean:
If I had some Nandots to mess around with when I was first being taught geometry, I would’ve had an easier time visualizing the stuff I was learning. These dots are great for education, brain teasing and all around time wasting.
The original 216 Nanodt set retails for $29.99. It may sound extreme for a bunch of little magnet balls to cost 30 bucks, but one hour into it, you’ll be looking to purchase more. Check out the website and try these things out!
Sep 28th
2011 Nissan Juke Review
We recently got a chance to test drive the 2011 Nissan Juke as part of the Juke Drive LA event, and the little car has quite a bit to offer. First off, the 2011 Juke is sporty as hell. It’s one of those small crossover cars that make up one of the fastest growing segments in the auto market. The Juke has the sleekness and maneuverability of a sports car, but it still has the utility and frame that you’d expect from a compact SUV. It’s like a mini Cooper with balls.
The car’s appearance is what strikes you first. It has a wide stance, the outward appearance of a much larger car, these funky, boomerang-shaped taillights and a uniquely athletic front grill. The sculpted interior includes a center console that was modeled off of a motorcycle, a pretty decent stock sound system (with front tweeters and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer in the back) and an easy to use, climate/drive control interface that allows you to control the AC and select between three different drive modes (normal, sport and eco). The Juke also includes an optional navigation system on a five-inch color touch screen display and connection compatibility for iPod, Bluetooth and USB.
The Juke has a little kick to it too. The 2.5L engine offers drivers 188 horsepower and 177lb-ft of torque. The Juke can round corners well, crush U-turns with ease and accelerate quickly off the line. It’s a four-door, compact city car that’s fuel efficient (27 mpg on the city and 32 mpg on the highway), easy to park and gives you extra cargo space when you need it (35.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded).
The Juke S starts at $18,960 for the S CVT FWD model ($20,460 for S CVT AWD). The SV model includes a moonroof, the I-CON Integrated Control System, USB port and premium cloth. The SV models range from $20,260 (for the SV MT FWD) to $22,260 (for the SV CVT AWD). Even if you get a fully equipped JUKE SL CVT AWD, which includes leather seats and a bunch of other goodies, the asking price starts at under $25,000 ($24,550 to be exact).
If you’re the kind of person who likes classic looking cars with timeless appeal, you’re not going to love the funky stylings of the Juke. The Juke is for characters. It’s for people who buy Scions and Elements and Mini Coopers and cars with personality and flair. If you like character cars that combine utility and affordability with decent performance and style points, the Juke is worth a look.
Full Disclosure: The fine people at Nissan showed us an amazing time that included a scavenger hunt through LA, free sunglasses, Amoeba gift certificates (which we quickly spent on soul 45s, Bar Kays vinyl and this sweet German disco-funk compilation) and a free lunch at Galdstone’s (which I couldn’t finish). We also got to hang out with some great folks!
Sep 28th
Aveda Shaving Products – Soothing Rainforest Action for Your Face
At MANjr, we get a lot of stuff to review. Because we’re a men’s site, we end up trying out a lot of different shaving products. Some are good, others are not. The shaving stuff we got from Aveda falls into the good category.
First, we tried out the Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream. The stylish bottle promised some natural, moisturizing goodness, and the product did not disappoint. The shave cream contains natural emollients, Vitamin E, aloe, argan oil and scutellaria baicalensis root extract. There’s also this soothing proprietary phto-active blend in the mix that includes seaweed, licorice root, sage extract, plai oil and tamanu oil. Add it all up and you’re basically putting some pretty smooth rainforest action on your face before shaving. The result? Less irritation, reduced razor burn and some serious moisturizing as an added benefit.
The Aveda Pure-Formance Dual Action Aftershave provides a nice finish to your shaving experience. The aftershave adds extra protection against razor burn and irritation, and it provides even more moisturizing action in non-greasy, not-overbearingly-fragrant way. The aroma is a mild mix of natural flavors like lemon, spearmint, vetiver and lavender oils. The kunzea extract adds a nice touch as well.
If you like natural products that yield effective results, check out Aveda’s shaving products for men. Even the bottles are made from 45% post-consumer recycled HDPE. If you don’t like perfumey products that cater more to cologne types than moisturizing close shavers, you can’t beat the rainforest-to-the-face feeling that these Aveda shaving products have to offer.
Sep 27th
Interview with Mr. Marcus – The Porn Star Guide to Great Sex
If you’ve ever wanted to do it like a porn star, Mr. Marcus is happy to help you out. The adult film superstar wrote a book called The Porn Star Guide to Great Sex, and it’s a fantastic read. Witty, illustrated and full of useful techniques, mood-setting tips and advice on love and intimacy in general, Mr. Marcus’s book is well worth the purchase.
We chatted with Mr. Marcus about his new book, the perks/drawbacks of being a porn star, how couples can keep things spicy in the bedroom, his secret move (he didn’t tell us) and who he likes to work with. Here’s what he had to say:
What inspired you to write The Porn Star Guide to Great Sex?
I wanted something that stood out in the sex section at the book store. Not a memoir or anything biographical, just something that could help people in the bedroom right here, right now. Most of the books that I read before were written by a doctor or a woman or a combination of both, I hadn’t seen or read anything written from the male perspective, especially from a male porn star. I thought I’d be the first.
When did you know you wanted to be a porn star?
To be honest I never wanted to be a porn star, I just wanted to have sex with the girls I saw in adult magazines. I knew that pretty early on, right around the time I saw my first porn magazine, I was 16. Magazines like Hustler, Club and Black Tails were the driving force behind my decision to pursue adult, I wanted to be in those pictures, besides the normal masturbating fantasies I had bigger aspirations and have been driven by that.
What’s the best thing about being a porn star? What’s the worst?
Probably the best thing about being a porn star is the variety of women you meet and have sex with, each sexual partner your with teaches you something about yourself (what you like and what you don’t like) so through that I’ve learned a lot about myself and others. Through all those sexual partners, I’ve learned what works well and what doesn’t work well for me, but might work well for others. So the best thing is you learn a lot about yourself and others, sexually. And you become a sort of sexual guru. The worst is the reputation you get by having sex with so many people. I’ve been called a lot of names so writing the book was my effort to beat back some of those negative comments.
What tips do you have for couples who need to spice up their sex life?
I tell them to read my book…slightly kidding. It’s funny because most of the things we do sexually in the beginning of relationship somewhere down the line we tend to stop doing. You have to make an effort to stay sexually in tune with your partner. But you also have to evolve together. A challenge without a doubt, but if you’re with a forgiving partner, it’s possible. I say forgiving, because it’s not easy and you’ll make some mistakes, but if your partner is willing to try new things, then it should extend your sexual life together. With that being said, I encourage flirting with one another or with others flirting has a way of boosting our sexual confidence, try getting out of having sex in the same place in the same way, visit hotel rooms, do it at a friend’s house, in the car, late night in a park (just don’t get caught). Role playing is good way to create an alter ego, a more promiscuous ego. And don’t hold yourself responsible for what that alter ego might sexually do.
What’s one thing that guys tend to neglect when they’re pleasing a woman?
I think the simple things, women are complicated when it comes to shoes, clothes and hair styles, but with relationships they just want attention and presence. Ultimately respect goes a long way with both sexes, so if you can show your woman an appreciation and a respect in the bedroom, she’ll respond favorably. A favorite thing I like to do for my woman is give her late night massages, she loves it and has never turned down one, it’s that little bit of attention to detail, doing what she responds to and likes, that keeps it a happy home.
Who’s the hottest porn star you’ve ever done a scene with?
I’ve been with a lot of hot and horny porn stars, over the years they’ve come and gone. But one, Heather Hunter, has made a lasting impression. Beauty, smarts and sexual ability that comes across easily and naturally.
Who’s the most skilled porn star you’ve ever done a scene with?
Jenna Haze puts in a mean handjob. Monique Alexander knows how to give it as well as take it. There is a new girl Bethany Benz who has quickly become a personal favorite.
Who do you see as the biggest up and coming starlet in adult film?
I’ve always liked Sasha Grey, not only because of her intelligence, but her lack of fear when it comes to sex. Her ability to maintain crossover appeal while being a porn star, makes her interesting to watch. Another girl I see with some major potential is Bethany Benz, coming from reality tv and trying her hand in adult, she shows a sexual side that’s always been there, porn just brought it out.
What’s your secret move?
Why would I tell my secret move? What I can tell you is a technique I know that works. Something I learn from the set, is that constant intercourse during sex is not necessary, don’t let the situation fool you, pulling it out and stroking yourself while you watch her or while changing positions, can give you the time you need to subside the urge to cum or achieve a more desired erectness. Plus it gives the woman some sexual insight into how you arouse yourself which in turn she can learn from and use to keep you aroused and erect.
What are you working on now?
Currently working on an untitled 3-D porn movie. Using 5 women with different looks and appeal and I’m the guy who offers a sexual suggestion for each of them to do throughout the movie. Plus working on my clothing line Daddy, Inc. You can check out www.daddyinc.net for more info. Also working on another book with more of a memoir appeal. So you can read where and how all this sexual insight came about.
Sep 22nd
Interview with Courtney Hansen, Host of Spike TV’s Powerblock
The lovely Courtney Hansen knows more about cars than you and your dad combined. Courtney’s father, Jerry Hansen, won 27 SCAA national racing championships. You may not know much about the Sports Car Club of America, but Club Racing has been around since the 60s, and no other SCAA racer has more titles than Courtney’s pops. The guy also owned the Brainerd International Raceway, so Courtney grew up in a very auto-enthused family.
Hansen hosts Spike TV’s Powerblock, a chunk of weekend programming that currently includes the shows MuscleCar, Horsepower TV, Xtreme 4×4 and Trucks! Hansen was also the co-host of Rides, Overhaulin’ and Million Dollar Motors. Courtney penned a column for FHM and she just came out with a new book, The Garage Girl’s Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Your Car. Courtney’s also the new spokesperson for AutoTrader.com.
We had a chance to talk to Courtney about her superior auto knowledge, American muscle cars, tips for buying a new car and what it’s like to work with Chip Foose.
Do guys tend to trip out when they see a gorgeous girl like you who knows a thing or two about cars?
First, thanks, that was sweet to say. As far as guys tripping out, I’ve found that they may be surprised about my automotive passion or knowledge, but when they learn of my pedigree — my dad is the top SCCA champion with 27 national titles, and we once owned BIR raceway in Minnesota — and see that I don’t carry a know-it-all attitude — because I certainly still have so much more to learn — they aren’t chauvinistic or intimidated. Plus, more and more women are involved in the automotive industry and that’s helping to set a new tone. Thankfully, I have always found that the men in my life and those who I’ve met along the way consider my love of cars sexy!
Have you always been into cars?
I have always loved cars! I came home from the hospital in an old Rolls-Royce Corniche, and not because I come from a shi shi family, but because that was, at the time, my dad’s favorite car. Cars have always been special in my family and are in my blood, and since my first moments in the world I’ve appreciated everything about them. It also helped to be surrounded by every vehicle with an engine and racing since childhood.
Are you excited about being the new spokesperson for AutoTrader? What’s in the works for you?
I’m thrilled to be the spokesperson for AutoTrader.com and to be doing some upcoming work with Auto Trader Classics. I’ve always respected their brand and find their web site incredibly helpful when car shopping and buying. We purchased a car on AutoTrader.com that we sold for charity during a Spike TV Powerblock episode. And I have my eye on a favorite classic ride to buy through them now. I’ll be doing work with them at SEMA in Vegas and the upcoming LA Auto Show.
Why do you think women find it so stressful to shop for a car?
The car world has always been very dominated by men, so I think naturally we women can feel intimidated in this space. But I strongly believe that if we gather as much knowledge as possible about the ride we need and want for our lifestyle, compare various vehicles that are available to us, understand the vernacular so that we can talk confidently with the dealers, and aren’t afraid to negotiate, the car shopping and buying process should be fun and a great success for us!
What’s the number one mistake people make when they shop for a car?
I think it all comes down to not being informed. If we gather all of the information that’s available to us, online and for free, and go into the dealerships armed with a wealth of knowledge and prepared to get the car that is best for us, it will be a breeze and a blast!
Can you offer some test drive tips for our readers?
Take it out to the desert, put the pedal to the metal and properly test that baby out! Just kidding of course! I’m much more responsible than that. As far as test driving, if it’s a used car you’re shopping for, spend as much time with the vehicle as the owner will allow, drive with the windows both up and down so you can listen for any annoying sounds or rattles that would indicate a problem, get a real feel for how it is behind the wheel, how comfortable the seat is, how the suspension feels, how it turns, how safe it feels etc. When shopping for new cars, spend a lot of time and trust your intuition about whether or not it feels right!
What was it like to work with Chip Foose on Overhaulin’?
Chip is a dear friend of mine and one of the most gracious and talented people I have ever met. And he is a blast to hang with! He always has a funny pun, for literally every phrase. We would always try to test him on the Overhaulin’ set and he never once was without a pun and hilarious retort. The other night I had dinner with Chip, his wife and friends, and I was laughing hysterically through dinner, particularly over an enormous piece of broccoli!
What’s the most luxurious ride you’ve ever reviewed?
I almost said the Rolls-Royce Phantom, I used to work as a spokesperson for R-R years ago, but I would have to say Chip Foose’s hand built Ridler winner car, called Impression. It is beyond elegance and luxury. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. True craftsmanship, stunning art on wheels.
What’s the most powerful ride you’ve ever reviewed?
Hmmm. I got some serious power out of both the Ford GT in Las Vegas and the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at Miami’s Homestead racetrack. I scared the crap out of Tom duPont from the duPont Registry who was sitting next to me in the Gallardo. Loved it!
What new car are you looking forward to checking out next year?
I’ve been so impressed by the rebirth of the American muscle cars. The new Jaguar XF sedan is a gorgeous ride with some serious power. But right now my eyes are focused on the classic rides I’ve always dreamed of. I know it’s girly, but I adore the ’57 Thunderbird, and I used to prefer white but now I’m all about the silver. I like the ’65 Fastback, the ’71 Cuda, of course the Shelbys, who doesn’t? And the ’54 and ’58 ‘Vettes.
Sep 20th
Review: Sonos S5 Wireless Multi-Room Music System
I’m not the techiest of guys when it comes to speaker systems. All I every really need is a system that’s easy to use, can play my music loud, and can bump basslines. I’ve collected folders upon folders and drives upon drives of mp3s, and now my music system requirements are a bit more sophisticated. I want something that can play mp3s from my computer, that I can control with a remote, and that can be played in multiple rooms, even my back patio.
I’ve pretty much found the music system that meets all these requirements: The Sonos S5 Wireless Music System. ($399) This thing is pretty effin’ sick. Like I said, I’m not that techy, so I won’t go into the specs. What I can say is that YOU CAN PLAY MUSIC IN EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOUSE! That’s a pretty big deal for me since my girlfriend wants to hear music while she’s cooking in the kitchen and I want to hear tunes while I’m waiting for my girlfriend to cook in the kitchen. The Sonos S5 lets you do this pretty easily.
Setup
The setup wasn’t time consuming, but you do have to read the instructions. It pretty much consists of installing software on your computer, attaching the Zone Bridge to your router and then placing your Sonos speaker anywhere you want in your house. The thing is wireless so you can pretty much unplug it and move it to whatever spot you want.
Playing Music
If you’ve got a lot of music on your computer and you want to have access to those files from anywhere in your house, this system does it easily. During setup, the installer will take you through associating your music folders or iTunes to your Sonos S5 system. If you want to listen to internet radio stations, Sonos lets you have your cake and eat it too. You can access thousands of free internet radio stations and broadcast programs. Just press Radio. Sonos S5 will also let you access your Pandora account and paid music services like Napster, Rhapsody, and Sirius. Check the Sonos site for updated music service listings.
Controlling your Sonos S5
The cool thing about the Sonos S5 is that you can control your tunes with your iPhone or iPod Touch. Sonos provides a free app that turns your iPhone into a controller. If you don’t have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you’re going to have to cough up $349 for one the controllers that Sonos provides. It’s definitely a music system that’s best served with Apple devices if you want to keep the costs down.
Other Cool Features
If you want to use headphones with the S5, no problem, there’s a jack in the back. There’s also a line-in jack if you want to connect a portable music player, CD player, or TV.
So all in all, it’s a damn good music system. The sound is great, it’s small enough to move around to different rooms (if you don’t have the funds to buy one for every room in your place), and it’s easy to control. Did I mention that you can have different tunes playing in different rooms? With all the music you’ve stored up over the years, accessing your library from anywhere in your home is a pretty sweet deal.
Sep 7th