Lifestyle
Celebrate National Coffee Day With Jack Daniels
It might sound weird, but if you are celebrating National Coffee Day you might want to add Jack Daniels. We have a cool recipe below from Los Angeles-based mixologist Eric “ET” Tecosky called the Frozen Monkey.
Jack Daniel’s has raised a glass to National Coffee Day by creating a delightfully caffeinated, sweet-meets-bold, frozen cold brew coffee-based cocktail (frozen mostly because we’re not quite ready to let go of summer) to help celebrate two national treasures – coffee and Tennessee Whiskey.
FROZEN MONKEY 
1 1/2 oz. Gentleman Jack Daniel’s
2 oz. cold brew coffee (can supplement with chilled espresso or very strong chilled coffee)
1 oz. whole milk
1/2 oz. Gifford Banana Liqueur
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup
1/4 ripe banana
1/2 oz. Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Directions: Add all but banana to a blender. Add ice to just above liquid. Add banana. Blend until smooth. Pour into a pint glass or Mason jar. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with espresso dust (crushed espresso) and add a slice of banana.
Sep 29th
Nike Has Self Tying Shoe Coming In November
While we were waiting for the kicks Marty McFly wore in Back to the Future, we now have the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 to keep us occupied. “Innovation at Nike is not about dreaming of tomorrow. It’s about accelerating toward it,” says Tinker Hatfield. “We’re able to anticipate the needs of athletes because we know them better than anybody. Sometimes, we deliver a reality before others have even begun to imagine it.”
The Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first performance vehicle for Nike’s latest platform breakthrough, adaptive lacing. The shoe translates deep research in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering into a product designed for movement. It challenges traditional understanding of fit, proposing an ultimate solution to individual idiosyncrasies in lacing and tension preference.
Functional simplicity reduces a typical athlete concern, distraction. “When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten,” explains Tiffany Beers, Senior Innovator, NIKE, Inc., and the project’s technical lead. “Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect.”
For Hatfield, the innovation solves another enduring athlete-equipment quandary: the ability to make swift micro-adjustments. Undue pressure caused by tight tying and slippage resulting from loose laces are now relics of the past. Precise, consistent, personalized lockdown can now be manually adjusted on the fly. “That’s an important step, because feet undergo an incredible amount of stress during competition,” he says.
Through 2013, Hatfield and Beers spearheaded a number of new systems, a pool of prototypes and several trials, arriving at an underfoot-lacing mechanism. In April 2015, Beers was tasked with making a self-lacing Nike Mag to celebrate the icon’s true fictional release date of October 21. The final product quietly debuted Nike’s new adaptive technology. Shortly after, the completion of the more technical, sport version they’d originally conceived, the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, confirmed the strength of the apparatus.
The first generation of the HyperAdapt 1.0 will be available in the U.S. at select Nike retail locations. Appointments to experience and purchase the product begin November 28. Details on how to make an appointment will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sep 27th
Future Teams Up With Reebok For A New Line Of Apparel
Reebok has been doing a great job teaming up with people in the limelight that have a key sense of fashion. To continue with that theme Reebok and Future are rolling out a new fashion line. This summer, Billboard chart-topping rap star, FUTURE, announced his collaborative partnership with global fashion and athletic brand, Reebok and his self-started apparel brand, Freebandz Clothing. Today, Future unveils the joint venture’s first collaboration, The Reebok Classic x Freebandz Apparel Capsule Collection. Available Tuesday, September 27th on Reebok.com, the collection will offer a wide variety of “Freebandz” embroidered tee-shirts as well as athletic track and varsity jackets – all seen being worn by Future on stage during the 2016 Summer Sixteen Tour.
When asked about the brand partnership, Future says “I’m excited to wrap the summer with the official reveal of my Reebok Classic x Freebandz Apparel capsule collection. Working with Reebok has been a natural fit for me. They share my beliefs in moving culture forward and being passionate in what you believe in. Not only am I honored, but I feel privileged to be a part of the family.”
The Reebok Classic x Freebandz Apparel Capsule Collection will feature the Freebandz Crest T-Shirt (short sleeve black, short sleeve white, sleeveless white), Freebandz Vertical T-Shirt (short sleeve black, short sleeve white), Freebandz Captain T-Shirt (long sleeve black, short sleeve white), Freebandz Summer 16 T-Shirt (long sleeve black), Freebandz Coaches Jacket (white), Freebandz Varsity Jacket, Freebandz Windbreaker (black, white). Price points range from $55.00 USD to $125.00 USD. For more information on sizing, pricing and availability, please visit www.Reebok.com.
Sep 27th
Review: ToughTested Rugged Battery Pack and Marine Earbuds
Whenever I leave the house for more than an hour so, I always have some sort of charging device in tow. Maybe I’m on my phone too much, but I’m just spoiled like that. I like keeping track of the latest football news, streaming music whenever it suits me, looking up directions for the quickest route someplace to avoid LA traffic, settling arguments on trivia and so forth. I also crush a lot of candy on the regular. It calms me down.
The point is we’re all so tethered to our cell phones that whenever we find ourselves low on juice, a very particular type of panic sets in. The prospect of losing that digital extension of ourselves is discomforting. We’ve all been in this situation. That’s why we stock up on portable battery packs.
But not all battery packs are created equally. Some are more transportable than others. Some have short lifespans. Some chargers get you fully juiced up in no time and others just sort of sit there, on, but not really helping your cause. Sometimes a little pocket battery thing will do the trick if you need just a little boost before you get back to a wall charger. Other people have battery pack needs that can best described as “industrial.”
The ToughTested rugged battery pack is made for people with industrial-style device charging needs. It’s not something you necessarily want to stash in a pocket. Not to say that you can’t – the thing isn’t that big – but it does have some heft to it. This isn’t a rinky-dink, plug-in-a-cord-and-hope-for-the-best type battery situation. It’s an 8,000mAh weatherproof dual USB battery pack that provides up to five full charges for most smartphones and is IP-65-rated for water, dust and shock protection.
Got one of those little cig lighter chargers in your car? Forget about it. The ToughTested rugged battery pack is like 30 of those things wrapped up into one little brick. It charges up to two phones at once at a noticeably fast pace (something called InstaSense technology allows for the fastest possible charge). And you can keep getting more juice out of this thing long before it’s fully drained.
Outside of all this super functional utility, I appreciate that this thing feels like it could survive an apocalypse. Seriously. You can drop this in the sink, out of your car or off a building and still charge up two people’s cell phones no problem. Heading to the beach with your phone at 25%? Toss this pack in your beach bag and you’ll be good for at least a few days. You’ll want to make sure your phone is protected from the elements, but you know you don’t have to worry about your battery pack.
Along with the rugged battery pack, ToughTested also sent us out a pair of Marine waterproof earbuds to review. True to the brand name, these earbuds were designed to take a beating. The cord uses silicon-coated Kevlar. Kevlar, bro! And these things are IP67-rated to be water, sweat and dust resistant.
What does IP67 mean anyway? Glad you asked! IP stands for Ingress Protection and the full IP code is the Ingress Protection Rating (sometimes referred to as International Protection Rating). It’s an international standard that “classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures.” The whole point of this rating is to give consumers more detailed information on products that are marketed as “waterproof.”
The first digit in the IP code refers to level of protection against solids (0-6) and the second digit refers to level of protection against liquids (0-8). So an IP-67 rating is pretty amazing. The “6” means that these earbuds are “dust tight” with no ingress of dust; complete protection against contact. The “7” means that these earbuds are protected from water immersion up to 1 meter.
So when ToughTested says these earbuds are waterproof, they mean it. If you’re the kind of outdoorsy type person who likes to pair wilderness with a great soundtrack, these earbuds are definitely worth checking out. Their toughness is unquestioned and the noise cancellation factor on these guys is legit. We’re talking a Certified Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26db. You could basically use these as an earplugs-only option if you just want to drown out any outside noise.
The sport-fit shark fins on the buds themselves make for super secure in-ear fit. The Halo 360 mic and quick access controls allows you to easily handle phone calls. My one complaint is that I would prefer a bit more on the low end of the sound spectrum, but if you’re wearing these on a boat, you’re probably not overly concerned about bumping basslines.
If you tend to abuse your electronic devices, take a look at these two products from ToughTested. If they work under extreme conditions with top protection ratings, they’ll probably suit your day-to-day device habits just fine.
Sep 21st
Guinness Adds Two More Beers Into The Mix
Guinness had just released some very cool news. They announced the newest additions to their growing portfolio. It will be a Rye Pale Ale and Antwerpen Stout. Both of the beers are available nationwide until December. Here is some information on each one.
Rye Pale Ale: Created last year around the holiday as a gift for family and friends, Guinness Rye Pale Ale quickly became a staple at the Open Gate Brewery in Dublin. With a peppery bite thanks to the rye malt used, Rye Pale Ale gets a nice balance from the grapefruit and citrus flavor from Mosaic and Cascade hops. The beer was such a hit that Guinness began brewing larger batches in order for more people to sample it.
Antwerpen Stout: Previously only available in Belgium, Guinness Antwerpen Stout is making its way to the US for the first time since the initial batch was brewed in 1944. With intense roasted malt, smoked wood, raisin and licorice notes and its sweet smells of bittersweet chocolate, coffee and a touch of black currant, the beer is still a favorite of brewers at St. James’s Gate.
Both of these beers are the latest to come from The Brewers Project, the same team behind Guinness Blonde American Lager and Nitro IPA.
Sep 20th
Allen Iverson Gets Honored By Reebok In NYC
Earlier this week at the Union Square FitHub in NYC, Reebok Classic held an exclusive celebration of Allen Iverson’s legacy after his Hall of Fame induction last week as well as the 20th Anniversary of his iconic Question Mid sneaker this year.
Reebok surprised Allen Iverson by transforming the Union Square store into an homage to the “Answer” himself, fashioning the store into an art gallery, which included larger than life iconic photos of Allen Iverson shot by famed photographer Gary Land. Gary also provided Allen Iverson with his unreleased photography book that features some of AI’s top on court and off court moments, serving as a visual history of Allen’s storied career and legacy.
The event also served as a preview of the Packer Shoes takeover of the Union Square FitHub location on Friday, September 16th, and guests were able to check out the new Reebok Classic x Packer Shoes Question Mid “Curtain Call,” as part of the Question Mid 20th Anniversary collection this year. Limited to just 500 pairs for $175, the all black colorway in premium Horween leather upper references both the original Question Mid “Red Toe” and “Blue Toe” sneakers with a hit of red on the toe box and blue on the collar.
Surrounded by some of his closest friends and supporters including Mike Packer (of Packer Shoes), Fabolous, Melody Ehsani, Swizz Beatz, Jahlil Beats, and Ramon Sessions, among others.
Sep 16th
Crown Royal Adds A Vanilla Variant To Their Fantastic Collection
Crown Royal is at it again! They recently released a new variant to the outstanding whisky lineup. It is Crown Royal Vanilla. To make this variant Crown Royal had their master blender carefully infused the rich flavor of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla to their whisky. The result is a uniquely sophisticated whisky, bursting with the bold flavor of vanilla and the distinctive smoothness of Crown Royal.
The smell of the Crown Royal Vanilla has a rich vanilla bean with delicate hints of oak with a creamy vanilla with a smooth, light whisky finish that has a warming Crème Brulee aftertaste. This is just another fine variant in their collection. The next time you are looking to enjoy whisky responsibly try out the Crown Royal Vanilla. Below are some cocktail that you can try with the new whisky.
Crown Royal Hard Cherry Cola
Ingredients
1.5 oz Crown Royal Vanilla
4 oz Cherry Cola
Glass: Highball Glass
Add Crown Royal Vanilla to an ice-filled highball glass and add Cherry Cola and stir.
Vanilla Ice
Ingredients
1.5 oz Crown Royal Vanilla
Ice
Place single ice cube in rocks glass and top off with Crown Royal Vanilla.
Vanilla Old Fashioned
Ingredients
1 oz Crown Royal Vanilla
.25oz Simple syrup
1-3 dashes Bitters
Glass: Rocks Glass
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Next strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with orange twist.
Sep 16th
Let Us Cheers To Bourbon Heritage Month
September is National Bourbon Heritage Month. So this month we can celebrates its ninth anniversary reinforcing the 1964 Act of Congress that declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit.” Passed unanimously by the US Senate, the bill inspires the celebration of the indigenous Kentucky spirit, moderately, all month-long.
So to celebrate here are some fantastic bourbons that you can pick up and enjoy responsibly this month.
Bulleit Bourbon
Suggested Retail Price: $27.99
Tom Bulleit originally considered calling Bulleit Bourbon, based on his great, great grandfather’s high-rye recipe, “Thoroughbred Bourbon.” Bulleit Bourbon can be found nationwide, but lucky consumers in Kentucky may be able to get their hands on the newest addition to the family – Bulleit Barrel Strength.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Suggested Retail Price: $49.99
Blade and Bow’s five keys represent the five steps of crafting bourbon. The sixth “unofficial key” is southern hospitality, which Stitzel-Weller Distillery’s Carol Perry has showcased every day for the past 45 years as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery’s friendliest face and head greeter.
The Hilhaven Lodge
Suggested Retail Price: $49.99
In 1927, The Hilhaven Lodge was built and the first “talkie” film “The Jazz Singer” was released, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. The Hilhaven Lodge is a new release for 2016 in partnership with Hilhaven Lodge’s owner, Hollywood producer and director, Brett Ratner.
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Suggested Retail Price: $34.99
Since the launch of their very own fashion line in the height of their popularity in the 1940’s, I.W. Harper has long been immersed in style. The brand honors its stylish roots today with Goorin Bros. and “The Harper” – a premium felt fedora featuring the I.W. Harper’s iconic “Bowing Man” on the interior available for a limited-time this holiday season.
Check out this recipe from I.W. Harper. It is a whiskey smash cocktail.
I.W. Harper Whiskey Smash
1.5 oz. I.W. Harper
.5 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
Top with ginger beer (and candied ginger if you have it- gives it a nice spice)
Garnish with a sliced lime
Sep 9th
Reebok Honors Shaq And Iverson With Hall Of Fame Kicks
Today, Reebok celebrates the illustrious careers of two of its most storied basketball athletes – Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal. As they take the stage in Springfield, MA today for their official inductions into the annals of basketball history, Reebok will be releasing two limited edition versions of their two iconic Reebok sneakers – Allen Iverson’s Question Mid and Shaq’s Shaq Attaq.
Dubbed the Question Mid “Celebrate” and the Shaq Attaq “Celebrate”, the shoes will go on sale at noon EST today exclusively at Reebok.com – www.reebok.com/us/celebrate
Made of premium Italian Pellegrini leather uppers in platinum metallic, the sneakers sport pale fold smooth leather accents on the heels (and the toe of the Question Mid) with deep debossed logo treatments and glove-soft chalk leather linings. The shoes are an homage to each of the player’s permanent mark on basketball and culture in general, but also serves as a thank you from both Allen Iverson and Shaq to their fans and supporters via messages on the insoles of both sneaker styles.
Allen Iverson
The Answer
This induction is a tribute to everybody that helped me – my family, my friends, my fans. I want so much for the people that stuck with me through everything, I want them to feel good about it. I want them to feel like they’re Hall of Famers. Everybody that was with me throughout the ride, I want them to be proud of themselves for helping me get to such a high level. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. – Allen
Dear Shaq-Nation,
It’s been a long journey in this game and I can truly say that I’ve loved every part of it. I set out to be the most dominant player ever, but stats don’t validate my career, the respect of my peers and love from the fans are my biggest validation. This induction is only a part of what makes my career so special, the other it you, the fans. Without your love & support, I would never have become the Big Diesel. From the bottom of my heart, I give you the big thank you. – Shaq
The Question Mid “Celebrate” and the Shaq Attaq “Celebrate” will retail for $275 exclusively at Reebok.com today at 12pm EST.
Sep 9th
Score Big With These Football Recipes
Today is the day! Football is here! I can’t hardly wait for tonight. Denver is taking on Carolina in a rematch from last year. You got your favorite jersey and your football fantasy lineup is all set. Now what are you going to eat and drink?
We here at MANjr. have you covered. Here some delicious recipes that are inspired from Crown Royal and George Dickel. Next time you are at the store put these items on your list and invite some friends over to watch the games this weekend.
Crown Wings
.3 cup Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
.3 cup Honey, SueBee
.25 cup Soy sauce, Kikkoman
2 Tablespoons Thai chili sauce
1 packet (0.75-ounce) stir-fry seasoning, Sun Bird
2 teaspoons crushed garlic, Gourmet Garden
4 pounds chicken wing drumettes
3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (optional)
.25 cup chopped peanuts, Planters (optional)
In a large bowl, combine whisky, honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, stir-fry seasoning, and garlic. Add drumettes, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking. Let drumettes stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place on hot, oiled grill. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and peanuts (optional).
George Dickel No. 12 Barbecue Sauce
1 cup of Honey
1 cup of White Vinegar
1 cup of George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No. 12
3 cups of Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
In a low pan, add honey, white vinegar and George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No. 12 over medium heat. Cook mixture until you hear a frying sound and alcohol is cooked off. Add barbecue sauce and stir to combine. Place back on fire and let simmer for at least 10 minutes. (recipe by Adam Perry Lang)
First Down
1.5 oz. Crown Royal Deluxe
2 lemon wedges
3 oz. tonic
Cascade Hollow Punch (recipe serves 25)
750 mL bottle of George Dickel Rye
10 oz. Lemon Juice
5 oz. Ginger Syrup
7 tbsp. Simple Syrup
15 oz. Sparkling Water
Muddle Raspberries
Muddled Mint Leaves
Sep 8th
