Lifestyle
The Valvoline Reinvention Project
Back in the spring, our friends from Valvoline hooked us up with an amazing trip as part of their Reinvention Project campaign. The Reinvention Project celebrated Vavloline’s 140th anniversary and the official partnership of the company that invented motor oil and Hendrick Motorsports, the Rick Hendrick-led four-car auto racing team responsible for winning the last five Sprint Cup races. It was a unique competition that pitted Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a head-to-head battle to restore two classic trucks (with the help and resources of the full Hedrick Motorsports team) and clash these modified monsters in a series of exciting challenges.
Fans were encouraged to follow all the restoration action, vote on their favorite ride and even build their own custom truck at ReinventionProject.com. Footage of the restoration and subsequent competition can also be viewed at the official site.
Jimmie started off with a ’55 Chevy truck and Junior rolled with a C10 from his birth year, 1974. Each truck was modified with an LS3 Corvette V-8 engine and a 4L60 transmission with a limited-slip rear differential. The suspension of each ride was also modified to improve overall handling.
I got an inside look at the Valvoline Reinvention Project when I visited Charlotte in the spring. Before the media trip, Valvoline sent out a survey asking what my level of expertise was when it came to overall car handiness. I answered honestly. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m about a zero when it comes to overall auto mechanic know-how.
I mean, I know how to change a tire and check my oil. I’m not an animal. But I’m by no means an all-star mechanic either. I’ve never changed my own oil. Never really repaired my own car. I know enough to know I don’t know nearly enough to fix things myself. So yea, in short, when it comes to cars, I basically have no idea what I’m doing.
But that was the old me. That was before I represented #TeamJimmie in an engine building competition that was held at the Hendrick Motorsports Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only did I get to rebuild a NASCAR engine, I also got to see these two sweetly restored rides up close and personal (complete with a #TeamJimmie ride along) and watch as Jimmie and Dale battled through a series of burnouts, drag races and autocross runs. Check out the video:
These two trucks were absolutely gorgeous, and they weren’t just build for show. I was partial to Jimmie’s ’55 Chevy, but then again, I had to represent #TeamJimmie, so maybe I was a bit biased. There was just something to the voluptuous, curvilinear lines on that truck. Just timeless appeal all around. Check the photos of these shiny, well-restored, suped-up beasts below. They’re pretty.
One of the major highlights of the trip was a tour of Rick Hendrick’s private car collection. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous cars in my life. Wall to wall Corvettes. Muscle cars from every conceivable era. It was borderline obscene. I don’t know how the man could possibly keep track of all the cars in the collection. Every one of them restored to flawless condition, too. They need to include a box of Kleenex on the tour, because the site of that many amazing cars in one spot is enough to make any grown man cry.
So yea, I’m pretty much qualified to be an official NASCAR pit crew member at this stage. Haven’t gotten any calls so far, but I’m ready if need be. Who knows, I may even change my own oil soon. I’ll be putting in some Valvoline NextGen in my ride either way!
Jun 17th
Johnny Appleseed To Build World’s Largest Ice Luge In Boston
Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider has the recipe for a sweet and intense summer: just add ice…or more accurately, 25 feet of ice to build the World’s Largest Ice Luge in Boston, Mass.
The World’s Largest Ice Luge will stand at least 25-feet high (surpassing the current record holder by two feet), span four feet wide and weigh 25,000 pounds. The structure will take an estimated 600 man hours to complete from start-to-finish, with a 16-foot replica bottle of Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider sitting atop an 8-foot platform.
Thirsty to take part in the adventure? Plan ahead for a long weekend and visit the record-setting ice luge in the heart of Boston’s Seaport District on Thursday, June 19, for a promotional event that evening beginning at 7 p.m. Adults 21 and older interested in attending may RSVP for the event by visiting http://events.thrillist.com/johnnyappleseed. Guests will be granted exclusive access to the World’s Largest Ice Luge and an intimate concert with a major music act to be announced in the coming days.
Those outside of Boston or otherwise unable to visit the World’s Largest Ice Luge in-person can log on to the Johnny Appleseed social media channels for exclusive video and photos from the event, including a time-lapse video that shrinks the World’s Largest Ice Luge 600-hour build to just 60 seconds.
When the World’s Largest Ice Luge melts, the up to 1,800 gallons of water used to construct the luge will be donated to the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association to water the trees and flowers along the trail.
Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider is available nationwide in 12-ounce glass bottles with a twist-off cap in six-packs and 12-packs, and sold individually in 16oz. and 25oz. cans. Draught distribution will be available nationwide starting June 16.
For more information on Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider, visit www.JAppleseed.com or facebook.com/AppleseedCider (must be 21 years of age).
Jun 10th
Tackle Father’s Day Gift Giving With Fishing
Tackle Grab, the leading online subscription box service for the recreational and sport-fishing industry, in partnership with Earnhardt Outdoors™, the outdoor lifestyle brand founded by siblings Kerry Earnhardt, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Bringing together a subscription box service with a celebrity-endorsed brand for the first time, the two organizations hope to promote a multi-generational love of the outdoors by bringing families together for new fishing experiences.
Since its inception, Tackle Grab has been delivering monthly boxes of high quality lures and terminal tackle to fishermen throughout North America. The lures are customized to members’ geographic location and unique fishing needs. Targeted at the 60 million men and women in the U.S. who participate in fishing each year, Tackle Grab endeavors to help each member, ranging in age from 12-65+, discover new tackle and enjoy successful fishing experiences by delivering tackle that best corresponds to their type of fishing.
Tackle Grab is offering several Father’s Day specials all with free shipping: 12 month subscription for $130 (regularly $180), six month subscription for $65 (regularly $90), and three month subscription for $35 (regularly $45).
Jun 10th
Get Your World Cup Drink On
Every four years when soccer takes to its biggest stage, one group of teams stands out as having the fiercest, most intense competition in the big tournament. Known as the “Group of Death,” the talent among these four squads is often so overwhelming that it becomes impossible to predict its outcome.
This year, the USA is part of this group. Since it will inevitably be an exhilarating ride throughout the tournament, we wanted to provide you and your readers with some fun and easy cocktails with a twist to enjoy while they cheer on the Red, White and Blue! The twist? Each of the cocktails listed is unique to one of the Group of Death teams.
Below are the cocktail recipes to enjoy responsibly when you are watching the World Cup!
Black, Red and Whisky- Germany
1.5 oz. George Dickel No. 8
1/2 oz. orange juice
1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 oz. homemade grenadine
Instructions: Pour ingredients into Shaker with ice. Shake and strain into Coupe glass.
Stars & Strikers- USA
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE RUM
2 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. orange juice
Instructions: In a shaker half filled with ice, add CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE RUM, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Shake well and strain into highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime.
The Black Star- Ghana
1.25oz Crown Royal XO
.25oz Dry Curacao
.25oz Lime Juice
Bar spoon kumquat cordial
The Shield
1.3 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
1 oz. Orange juice
1 oz. Lemon juice
½ oz. Simple Syrup
½ oz. amaretto
Instructions: Garnish: orange & cherry. Shake ingredients and strain into an ice filled tumbler.
Jun 9th
Kamikaze II Low from Reebok Classic launching on June 13th!
Shawn Kemp lived up to his name, the Reign Man. His bold style and earth shattering athleticism reinvented the game and inspired a low cut shoe, that was as high profile as the Reign Man himself: the Kamikaze II Low.
Shawn Kemp and the Kamikaze II Low, High Profile since 1994.
Limited pairs of the black/white Kamikaze II Low will be available at Finish Line, Champs, Footaction, Jimmy Jazz, Eastbay, and Reebok.com on June 13th for $100.
Kids sizing can be found at Finish Line, Champs, Kids Foot Locker, Eastbay, and Reebok.com for $80 (GS) and $50 (TD).
Jun 4th
MANjr.’s Dad & Grad Gift Guide
As we are now in the month of June we look to celebrate the dads and those who have graduated. We here at MANjr are looking to hook you up with some great gift ideas. From geeks to gadget lovers we got you covered.
LifeLogger
Check out the smallest and lightest wearable video camera captures your memories and broadcasts them as they are happening in real time. The LifeLogger is a cloud based metadata processing software automatically uploads, stores and makes life’s moments easily searchable. It shoots in 720p HD video at 30 fps, as well as still images at 5 megapixel. Android and iOS app allows users to control their device and manage existing info. The footage goes through image stabilization, face and voice detection, optimal character recognition and GPS positioning before being stored and made searchable.
Booq: Boa flow
The Boa flow is a rugged backpack that fuses inimitable design with rock solid protection, for the roving professional. It has a flexible interior and collapsible main compartment acclimates to accommodate and protect all your gear, including a DSLR. The back laptop compartment is densely padded, keeping up to a 17” Mac/PC free of bumps and scratches. The ergonomic shoulder strap system has three points of adjustment for load distribution and comfort. There is a plethora of interior/exterior pockets and features keep your fundamentals safely stowed and in place. It also is weatherproof. The 1680 denier ballistic nylon with water repellant coating keeps your gear dry and protected in all conditions, plus reflective rain cover adds added protection and keeps you visible in low light conditions.
Blackfire: Clamplight Lantern
Meet the world’s first dual-action LED lantern doubles as a flashlight and clamps onto virtually anything, illuminating all your adventures. Equipped with two separate CREE LED’s and up to 230 lumens for better optics and ultimate performance. Easily switch between, hi, low, and strobe modes for lantern in addition to flashlight mode. Pivoting head illuminates any space or area. Rubberized coating offers extra grip and added durability. And it meets IPX4 international weatherproof standard, making it perfect for camping, fishing, and boating.
Wicked Audio: Helix
These vibrant, dual-color earbuds feature earhugger technology for a comfortable and snug fit. The earhugger design allows you to be as active as you’d like without earbuds falling out. I have had this issue while working out, but not anymore with the Helix. They are crafted with 10 mm driver and features maximum noise isolation, for crisp sound quality. The cord measures 1.2 meters long guaranteeing maximum flexibility while on-the-go. They are available in three color patters, Blue/Orange, Black/White, and Magenta/Yellow
Xventure Smartphone Handlebar Clamp Mount
The Xventure Smartphone Handlebar Clamp Mount is an ergonomic, portable handlebar mount universally designed for smartphones, GPS devices and MP3 players. Perfect for the recreational biker, this bike mount protects your device and keeps you connected on your ride. Store your credit cards, money, directions and other personal items in a separate compartment while you’re riding. The easy-to-use consists of a weather-resistant case to securely hold and protect your device and a heavy-duty adjustable clamp that connects to the case using a sturdy T-Notch with a Quick Lock & Release switch. With a ball joint for 360-degree rotation, your device can be positioned and tilted for optimal viewing from any angle.
Star Wars Gift Items from ThinkGeek
Star Wars Set of Four 16oz Pint Glass Set
Star Wars was destined to change the face of cinema forever. It was an instant classic and an unparalleled box office success. The epic space fantasy introduced the mystical Force into cultural vocabulary, as well as iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Star Wars products include merchandise, gifts and memorabilia featuring timeless images on mugs, lunch boxes, clocks, glasses and more. The Star Wars 16 Ounce Glass Set is a 4-piece set of 16 ounce glasses features distinct Star Wars images on front and back of the glass. It has a full color open window gift box packaging, and hand washing is recommended. This set is the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan.
Star Wars R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set
A ThinkGeek exclusive that allows you to bake recipes from a long, long time ago. It is a set of measuring 
cups that look like R2-D2. I really don’t need to say more, but it is an officially-licensed Lucasfilm product and is a ThinkGeek creation and exclusive! The body is built from 4 measuring cups: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup. It has detachable utility arms turn into nested measuring spoons: 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp, and 1/3 tbsp. The dome is both 1/2 cup and 1 tbsp and the materials are Food-grade ABS plastic (BPA-free). May the baking be with you.
Star Wars Athletic Shirt
Here is a cool shirt that has the Star Wars logo in distressed orange, yellow, and green ink on a grey athletic shirt. Made from a close-weave athletic mesh. 100% polyester. It is perfect for a chilling with friends on Hoth or sweating it out on a run on Tatoonie.
Jun 3rd
Swizz Beatz “Kicks” It Old School With Pump Omni Lite OG
The Reebok Pump Omni Lite is a favorite of Reebok Classic Creative Director Swizz Beatz who was among the first to receive an early pair. Check out how he styles out his Pump Omni Lite here.
School is out! Time to pick up one of the hottest retro releases of the summer courtesy of Reebok Classic– the white/black/swag orange Pump Omni Lite OG.
The rare “home” colorway to the iconic black/white/orange, the white/orange Pump Omni Lite is back in all its glory on Friday, June 6th at key retailers for $115.
Please follow @reebokclassics for upcoming information on the release.
Jun 2nd
NEW Cam’ron Video With Reebok’s New Blacktop Retaliate
Cam’ron hits the West 4th Street Courts in NYC to ball in the Reebok Blacktop Retaliate. Take your game outside and check it up with the Blacktop Retaliate, the latest performance basketball model from Reebok Basketball.
Built to meet the demands of athletes without compromising style, the Blacktop Retaliate takes inspiration from the incredibly popular Reebok Blacktop collection originally introduced in the 90s.
Reebok Blacktop: on-court technology, off-court style.
The Blacktop Retaliate will hit shelves at key retailers Jimmy Jazz, City Gear, Expressions, Shoe City and Reebok.com for $125 on June 1st.
May 30th
Fusing Spirits With Kicks
Bacardi has partnered with Mache Customs to create a custom sneaker inspired by the newest flavor in the game, BACARDÍ Mango Fusion.
Mache takes you behind-the-scenes and into the design process by walking through his childhood roots and what drives his inspiration for unique and fresh sneaker style.
May 30th
New Limited Edition Captain Morgan 1671 Commemorative Blend
In 1671, Captain Henry Morgan set his sights on Panama City, the richest city in the western hemisphere. Amidst his raid and ultimate capture of Fort San Lorenzo, Morgan lost five ships, including his famed flagship The Satisfaction. What will forever stand as a historic battle in Panamanian history now serves as inspiration for the Captain Morgan Rum Co.’s newest offering – the limited edition Captain Morgan 1671 Commemorative Blend Spiced Rum.
The Captain Morgan 1671 is instilled with a unique blend of spices that provide a luxurious, full-bodied flavor. The distinct spices create a taste of chocolate and dark fruits with hints of vanilla. Finished in Spanish Oak, the commemorative blend contains palatable elements derived from the type of barrels that were believed to have been on board The Satisfaction.
Available only for a limited time, Captain Morgan 1671 Spiced Rum not only celebrates the brand’s legacy, but also provides adult consumers with a rare opportunity to enjoy a bold take on the Captain Morgan Rum Co. original blend. The recipient of a gold medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Captain Morgan 1671 is packaged in a unique jug designed in a nod to the 17th century.
At 70 proof (35% ABV), Captain Morgan 1671 is available now for a suggested retail price of $19.99 (750 mL bottle). The limited time offering is best enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with cola for a new take on the Captain Morgan brand’s signature drink.
This commemorative rum is very smooth. Whether you enjoy it on its own with some ice or in a cocktail you will love the taste. It is perfect for the summer. It is not heavy and there are endless options to mix the Captain Morgan 1671 rum with. If you are using it for a classic rum and coke or a Captain’s Colada you can’t go wrong. This past weekend I was enjoying the rum with each BBQ I would be at, but I made sure I enjoyed it responsibly.
If you are a fan of Captain Morgan you will be very satisfied with the Captain Morgan 1671 commemorative blend. Like I said earlier though it will be available for only a limited time so don’t let the Captain’s ship pass you by!
May 27th
