Lifestyle
Element Vapor Pro Elite iPhone Case Review
If you don’t buy a case for your iPhone, you’re crazy. I like you, but chu’re crazy. iPhones are too damn expensive and too important to your daily routine to be left to the mercy of your clumsiness. Seriously, if you own an iPhone, how often are you on that thing? Between phone calls, texts, web surfing, music, photos, social checks, it’s gotta add up to at least an hour or two of your day. And you want to jeopardize all that by trusting yourself not drop the thing? Don’t do it, bro.
Considering one of those cheap plastic sleeves or snazzy plastic cases? Besides giving you a false sense of security, the cheap plastic protectors make it near impossible for you to fish your phone out of your pocket. Especially if you wear the skinny jeans, which is a different problem altogether.
But back to the phone protection issue. Why invest $10 worth of protection on something that likely cost you hundreds. If you’ve invested in your smartphone, you need to invest in its protection.
Enter the Element Vapor Pro Elite iPhone case. At $179.99, it’s expensive on purpose. It’s not a sleeve that you slip on or a piece of plastic that snaps halfway onto your phone. It’s built like the hull of an airplane. It’s comes with a nickel plated perimeter frame that requires some actual assembly. The Vapor Pro Elite doesn’t just cover your iPhone, it gives it a T-1000 exoskeleton. And a damn sexy one, too. Cause let’s face it, at the end of the day, whatever you purchase to protect your iPhone needs to actually look good.
And this case has style for days. It comes with an easy-to-affix, rich dark leather backing and a posh touch of Ziricote certified wood. It’s all very swanky and modern without going overboard. It even comes with a foam protected zipper case if you need even extra protection.
The package includes those plastic screen covers that are nearly impossible to apply. I don’t think those are terribly essential. There’s also an extra leather add-on for the front ear piece section, but I say you leave that off.
Bottom line, the Element Vapor Pro Elite looks fantastic, feels good in your hand and is easily pocket accessible. It balances the sleek surface area of the aluminum with plenty of grip opportunities on the sides, leather backing and wooden accent.
Best of all though, it works. Less than a week after I got this thing, my fiancée was riding shotgun and checking out directions on my phone. When we arrived at our destination, she opened the door and jumped out of the car, forgetting that my phone was resting on her lap. My phone – shiny new case and all – got some serious air before it crashed down on the curb. Game over, I thought.
I went to pick it up and the only thing I noticed was a slight scratch on the top right corner. Maybe it got less air than I thought. Maybe it was the perfect landing. Or maybe this expensive-on-purpose case did just what it was supposed to do. If you’re spending hundreds on a phone and you want to cover klutziness with style and strength, it’s worth paying for a primo case like this.
Jul 31st
A Gentleman’s Call – GQ and Ketel One Are Looking for One Idea Worth $100,000
Are you sitting on an amazing idea that will enhance the modern world in a gentlemanly manner? Do possess the core values of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and all around gallantry? Well if so, GQ and Ketel One Vodka want to hear from you.
A Gentleman’s Call is a nationwide campaign that seeks to invest in an original, game-changing idea that “champions the lifestyle of the modern gentleman.” If you have a thoughtful idea that you think is deserving of a 100K push, visit www.AGentlemansCall.com to share it. Make sure to get your entry in before July 29.
After July 29, five projects “exemplifying a higher standard of thinking and living” will be chosen. The five final projects will be voted on by consumers, and the Grand Prize Winner will received the $100,000 investment from Ketel One.
Leading the call for gentlemanly endeavors are three ambassadors who epitomize the values of inspiration, craftsmanship and philanthropy: Actor and activist Ian Somerhalder, Actor and recording artist Carlos Ponce and Movember Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Adam Garone.
You must be 25 years of age or older to enter. The contest is void in California and Puerto Rico. To enter, follow the on-screen instructions at www.AGentlemansCall.com and provide a written description of your idea in 1,000 characters or less. Limit one entry per person. To read more about the official rules of the contest, visit http://www.facebook.com/KetelOne/app_228870700557121.
Photo via Design-Milk
Jul 16th
Plantronics BackBeat Go Wireless Headphones Review
What’s there not to love about wireless headphones? How can these not be standard issue already? We live in the 21st century. We can fit entire music, movie and gaming collections in our pocket, but we still have to be audio-tethered to our smart devices and tablets? Not so, people. There’s a better way.
Plantronics BackBeat Go wireless headphones are the truth. They’re manufactured in Santa Cruz, California (go Slugs!) and they do exactly what they were designed to do. It’s easy to connect these things to any Bluetooth enabled device. It can handle voice calls, music, podcasts, movies and all that stuff. The unit features an intuitive and unobtrusive control section right near the right ear bud. It’s easy to power the unit on or off, adjust volume and control calls. When fully charged, you can get 4.5 hours of continuous listening action out of these things or up to 10 hours of standby juice.
If you’re searching for insanely sophisticated noise cancellation or big time booming bass, these aren’t the headphones you’re looking for. The Digital Signal Processing and full duplex echo cancellation isn’t terrible, but there are better options out there on the market, especially if you’re willing to sacrifice the wireless factor. You can also get a lot more bass boost with another set of head phones, but again you’d be sacrificing comfort for boom boom.
And the comfort factor shouldn’t be underestimated. The lightweight unit weighs less than half an ounce. The tangle-free cord combined with the lightness of the headphones makes for a super comfy experience all around. The cord that connects the two ear buds rests on the back of your neck, which makes it seem like you aren’t wearing headphones at all. The cord doesn’t tangle and it doesn’t feel weird resting on your neck. It comes with a few different earbud options as well, so you can find the buds that fit you just right.
The Plantronics BackBeat Go headphones cost $99.99. Not cheap by any means, but the convenience and comfort factor is unmatched. If you want to keep listening to tunes in the office and walk up to 33 feet away from your desk, if you use your phone in your car and you need voice clarity or if you just like the idea of having headphones on that you’ll totally forget about, these are worth picking up.
Jul 12th
Guest Post: Car Maintenance Made Easy with Simple Tips from a Gear Head
(Editor’s Note: The following guest post is from Rutledge Wood, the host of Top Gear U.S. on the History Channel, a NASCAR correspondent on SpeedTV and Valvoline spokesperson.)
Everyone knows car maintenance is important, but if you’re not a gear head – someone who loves working on vehicles – the idea of doing routine car maintenance can be very intimidating.
Whether on the set of Top Gear, at NASCAR races or just in my garage at home, I’m fortunate enough to be around cars a lot. I love driving them, repairing them and tinkering with them. However, for a lot of people, cars can be a confusing and even intimidating piece of machinery to work on.
To help people feel more comfortable in maintaining their vehicles, here are some simple tips that can make anyone feel like a gear head.
Change your oil
While many don’t find the prospect of being under a car messing with greasy filters their idea of a fun Sunday afternoon, changing a car’s oil isn’t as daunting a task as it seems. Here are a few easy tips:
1. Make sure your engine is cool before you start, then safely jack up your car and support it with jack stands. Lay a piece of cardboard under the engine, just in case you spill any oil.
2. Position a recycling container under the oil pan that’s on the bottom of your engine, then undo the drain plug and let the old oil pour into it. When the old oil’s out, put the drain plug back on and tighten it to your car’s torque specification.
3. Next, remove your old oil filter using an oil filter wrench; turn the filter counterclockwise until it’s free, but watch out you don’t spill the old oil that’s still in it. Make sure the rubber gasket comes out with the old filter.
4. Then, taking your new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with some new oil and fill the new oil filter with oil to about two-thirds full.
5. Carefully screw the new oil filter clockwise into place (holding it upright); tighten only as much as you can with one hand, don’t overdo it or else it can cause a leak.
6. Now it’s time to fill the engine with oil, so unscrew the oil fill cap on the topside of the engine and insert your funnel. It’s smart to check your owner’s manual to find out how much oil your engine holds if you’re unsure, then pour a little more than three-fourths that amount into the engine.
7. Finally, start your vehicle and let it run for about a minute. During that minute, take a peek underneath to make sure you don’t have any leaks. After a minute, turn off you vehicle and check the oil level on the dipstick, adding more if necessary.
I use and recommend Valvoline NextGen Oil. It works great and since it’s made with 50 percent recycled oil, it’s good for the environment as well. To sweeten the deal, they’ve even come out with a ’Close the Loop’ program where they’ll give you a $20 mail-in offer if you return your used oil at participating auto parts stores and buy five quarts of NextGen for your next oil change.
Clean up cloudy headlights
It may seem obvious that your headlights are one of the most critical safety features on your car, but what’s not always top of mind is how quickly they can become yellowed, hazed or dull from rough road conditions and exposure to the sun. This can lead to severely diminished visibility for yourself and other drivers, especially when driving at night or in poor weather.
Replacing or professionally restoring headlight lenses can cost hundreds of dollars. Options like the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit – No Tools Required allow you to use basic DIY skills and a little elbow grease to sand, smooth, and polish your way to clearer lenses from the comfort of your own garage. This easy-to-use kit includes a series of hand-held abrasives and rubbing compound that’s used to remove yellowing and surface blemishes, and then refine and polish the lenses to reduce and remove scratches.
Check your tires
Worn treads are a major safety issue while on the road, leading to hydroplaning, poor traction as well as reduced fuel efficiency. Luckily, checking your tread wear is simple. Look at the tread pattern. You’ll probably see something called “tread wear bars.” These are small bridges between your treads. Look at the tread pattern and you’ll see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. As the tires wear, these bars will become flush with the tire’s tread. If they are, then it’s time to change your tires.
Another simple trick is to head for the change jar. Just grab a penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread (at the thickest part of the tire). If you can see the top of his head it’s time to get new tires.
By following these tips, you might not quite be ready to join a NASCAR pit crew just yet, but you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true gear-head.
Jul 12th
Clear Men Scalp Therapy Review and Giveaway
I’ve been a loyal Head & Shoulders guy for years. I wouldn’t say I have a serious dandruff problem, but I do get an itchy scalp from time to time. And like all guys, when I find a grooming product that I like, I stick with it for a long time. I’m just loyal like that.
So it was with some hesitation that I tried out the new Clear Men Scalp Therapy shampoo. Could this stuff really replace my go-to Head & Shoulders bottle?
Well for starters, it’s a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner product. That’s helpful because I can’t remember the last time I ever purchased a bottle of conditioner. I mean who really buys a separate bottle of conditioner these days. If you’re a guy, it’s just not necessary.
I tried the Clear Men Scalp Therapy Complete Care 2-in-1 product and I liked it. It smelled good. Kind of hard to describe, but imagine a type Head & Shoulders consistency with a subtle Herbal Essence kick. The formula includes a blend of 10 nutrients and botanical actives called Bio-Nutrium 10. This cocktail of goodness includes ginseng, soybean, sunflower, tea tree, natural mint, vitamin E, vitamin B, almond and coconut oils. So yea, the stuff smells good.
And it feels pretty invigorating, too. The thing I like the most about this shampoo-conditioner combo is that it suds itself up like there’s no tomorrow. You put a little bit of this stuff in and start working it a bit, and the next thing you know, you got lather for days.
It’s got a little tingle to it as well. Maybe it’s the Pyrithione Zinc working its dandruff-eliminating magic. I’m no scientist, so I’m not sure. I just like the tingle.
So I’ve been using this stuff for the past few weeks and I haven’t had many problems in the itchy flaky scalp department. It’s got the 2-in-1 action, it smells good, lathers up big time, brings the tingle and seems to be working. All-in-all, it’s enough to make me reconsider my long term relationship with Head & Shoulders (it’s not you, H&S, it’s me). Clear Men Scalp Therapy Complete also comes in these flavors: Cool Sport Mint, Clean & Fresh, Dry Scalp Hydration and Strong + Full.
Do you want to try this stuff out for yourself? Well you’re in luck, cause we’re giving away 10 bottles of Clear Men Scalp Therapy. The winner of this giveaway will pretty much be set on shampoo purchases until next summer. To enter, like us on Facebook and send us an email below and tell us why you want a year’s supply of free Clear Men Scalp Therapy. We’ll pick a winner at random next Tuesday, July 10.
Good luck!
Jul 3rd
Teva Reforge Ion-Mask Review
It’s summertime, and the living is easy. We’re officially hitting the seasonal sweet spot of 2012. That means blue skies, high temperatures and conditions that make you feel bad for not getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. It’s time to hit the beach. Go camping. Water ski. Fish. If you ride bikes, get out there and peddle. If you like to run, go jog it out with the nice scenery. And if you enjoy hiking, go out and conquer some tough terrain. Just make sure you have the proper shoes with you.
A pair of Teva Reforge Ion-Mask shoes should do the trick. The ion-mask technology used to coat the shoe actually repels water on a molecular level. Every fiber is protected from moisture on a nano scale. So if you’re about to jump a creek and you’re worried about getting a case of the wet-socks, fear not. These shoes will keep you dry.
They’ll also make sure you don’t slip and break your neck, which is especially good for clumsy fellas like me. The Spider365 sole has got the special grip action you need to conquer any terrain and the extra ridges on the side of the sole and heel stabilizer will help you stay connected to whatever surface area you’re trying to conquer.
If you’re hike is a long one, it’s a good thing that these kicks are comfortable, too. The Reforge Ion-Mask shoes use the same Mush-infused top sole that comes standard on the Teva flip flops and the Mush Frio Slip-ons.
So all around, not a bad bit of shoe. It is a bit on the pricey side, but that’s what you pay if you want high-tech footwear. They retail for $130, but you can find ‘em priced a lot less if you look around online.
Jun 27th
Philips Norelco PowerTouch with Aquatec AT830 Review
So a few weeks back we accepted the Philips Norelco Go With a Real Pro Challenge. We made MANjr’s resident hairy guy Danny Dabiri grow out a hockey playoff beard, and according to team sources, this may have directly contributed to the Los Angeles Kings winning their first Stanley Cup. We followed Danny’s beard progress and even gave him a trim using the Philips Norelco Vacuum Stubble and Beard Trimmer Pro so his scraggily hockey playoff beard wouldn’t get too out of control.
After the hockey playoffs ended, it was time for Danny to say goodbye to his Persian face rug. He enjoyed his time among the bearded ranks, but the playoff beard had run its course and achieved its desired effect. It was just time to move on. So Danny shaved the thing off using the Philips Norelco PowerTouch with Aquatec AT830. Here was the result:
The PowerTouch with Aquatec is a dual purpose shaver that can be used wet or dry. So for dudes with the sensitive skin, you can use foam or shave gel in combo with the shaver. For more rugged faces, or just to maximize speed and convenience, you can just go with a dry shave. The heads of the shaver pivot and flex to follow the contours of your face. The DualPrecision heads also target short stubble and longer facial hairs simultaneously and they use the patented “lift and cut” system to lift up your face whiskers and cut them as close as possible to the surface. You’ve seen the commercials, so you know what I’m talking about here.
So Danny used this thing to tackle his playoff beard, and that was no small task. Even with the trim, Danny had still developed a pretty thick coat of chin fur. But the PowerTouch performed well under pressure. It really helps to use shaving gel with the thing. Otherwise, with a beard like Danny had, you’re just asking for too much.
Danny ditched the blade and went with the shaver for the last couple of weeks. Once the full beard was hacked through, the dry setting was way better for quick maintenance. Now the guy doesn’t have to spend a girl amount of time in the bathroom while getting ready every day. Just a couple quick minutes with the PowerTouch and he’s good to go. If you let your beard go a few days without any maintenance, then it’s probably best to go back to the wet shaver approach.
There may be a time when Danny reaches for a razor again, but probably not in the short term. It’s just too easy to maintain his scruff with the thing. As long as you keep your facial hair situation in check, you can reach for the PowerTouch for quick maintenance and a pretty close shave.
Jun 27th
2012 LA Beard & Mustache Competition
The fine bewhiskered gentleman of the Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Club hosted the second annual LA Beard and Mustache Competition on June 24 at the Belasco Theater in Downtown LA. I attended the inaugural competition in 2011, and I have to say, this year’s event was bigger and better by any measure. There were more competitors, more spectators, more vendors, more food trucks – you name it. I think the secret is officially out. Bearding, as a legit and extra-enjoyable sport, has arrived in LA. The way these competitions are expanding, next year might be invite only. Let’s hope not though, cause man I love me some cutthroat facial hair battles.
You just feel manlier being there. Maybe it’s the crowd, with babes and beards (and babes-with-beards) as far as the eye can see. Maybe it’s the layers of one-upmanship and camaraderie between the competitors. Whatever it is, I like it. You got good people, a friendly vibe, cute chicks and some friggin’ amazing displays of whisker wizardry. What’s there not to like?
If you didn’t get to attend the 2012 LA Beard and Mustache Competition, fear not. I put together some video highlights for you, set to some up-tempo beats for your viewing pleasure. I didn’t capture all the greatness, but I hope I did this sweet event some justice. Enjoy:
Some photos from Sunday:
If you’re curious who won, here are the complete results of the competition:
Natural Mustache
1. Alfred Nash
2. Javier Quintanilla
3. Brenden Kenney
Business Beard
1. Mark Hurlston
2. Patrick Daniel
3. Karl Dunn
Goatee
1. Kevin Riordan
2. Chris Noel
3. Stephen Scarpa
Sideburns / Muttonchops
1. Nate Johnson
2. Aaron Abravaya
3. Jan-Michael Losada
Groomed Beard
1. Jeffrey Moustache
2. Joshua Davis
3. Shawn Hasson
Whiskerina
1. Killo Kitty
2. Emily Abravaya
3. Lindsay Stinner
Styled Mustache
1. Sean Raiger
2. Robert “Cowboy Bob” Richardson
3. Richard Schipper
Full Beard Natural
1. Ryan Dreyer
2. Scott Lehr
3. Riqo Sanders
Freestyle
1. Aarne Bielefeldt
2. Justin Vorhauer
3. Jack Tannatt
Photo Credits: Ranil Wiratunga, Cathy Zandueta
Jun 26th
2012 Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Competition
It’s that time of the year, folks. That’s right, the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Competition is taking place this Sunday. There’s still time to score tickets, too.
It all goes down this Sunday from 2-9pm at The Belasco Theater. Tickets are $15 for spectators or $25 for a competitors spot. Visit LABeardComp.com for tickets and registration. If you want to know what to expect, check out this video from last year’s competition:
Jun 19th
Crown Royal XR Review
If you’re going to buy your father a bottle of booze for his special day, why not go with something a bit classier than your standard whisky selection? Crown Royal is the top selling Canadian Whisky in the U.S., but if you’re going to pick up a bottle of Crown for your pops, why not go the extra mile and get him something finer, something smoother, something extra rare.
Crown Royal XR is limited-release blend of Crown Royal that’s sold in numbered bottled. It’s made out of the last batch of whiskies produced in the LaSalle distillery, located in Montreal. The distillery, which was built in 1924, had access to very fine water in the surrounding areas, and that smoothness is passed on to the bottle. This XR creation is the second Crown Royal XR release. The first came in 2006, and included whisky that was produced at the Waterloo distillery, another famous Canadian distillery that actually burned down in 1993.
So what does this XR stuff taste like? I think the most noticeable quality is the overwhelming smoothness of the whisky. It has some pretty strong flavors – there’s definitely some power behind the maple-nutty sweetness that starts things off, but the bite that you’d expect out of a bold, 80-proof beverage never really manifests. It’s the absence of a kick at the end that makes this whisky so nice. It just hits you with sweet, oaky flavor and follows through with a muted coating of friendliness. You expect a kick, but instead you’re served a pillow of dry, tranquil aroma.
As you’ve probably already guessed, Crown Royal XR isn’t cheap. It retails for $129.99. But if you’re looking to give the gift of extra-smooth whisky-love to your dad this Father’s Day, the price is worth it. You also get some sexy packaging – a clever bottle in a classy box with a gold silk lining that foreshadows the silky-smooth experience you’re about to enjoy. It’s better than presenting a liquor store bottle in a brown paper bag, that’s for damn sure. So this Father’s Day, get your dad something nice. Hook him up with some Extra Rare and he’ll thank you for it.
Jun 12th
