If there was an Unfinished Guy like there is an Old Spice Guy or the Most Interesting Man in the World, I’d be him. I write my articles while heli-skiing to meet my supermodel date for the finest meal of bacon wrapped puffin. I’m like the James Bond of guy advice- I like big guns, designer clothing, sexy women, slick cars, and things that fold out of things to make new and exciting things.
Every time the name Chuck Palahniuk arrives in conversation, I can’t help smiling from ear to ear, eyes glowing with excitement like a sycophantic teenage groupie ranting about their favorite rock star. Most people recognize the author’s name behind the David Fincher masterpiece, Fight Club. Others, well, they are the work of the mischievous few who recommend to their friends to read such titles as, Choke or Snuff. Soon enough, the satirical black humor that enslaves the characters under consumerism, sex addiction, party crashing or even hell, infects readers like a good case of the rabies. And those few, who yearn to read Palahnhiuk’s every word, they are The Cult. So when his latest book, Damned, was announced, I was drooling with anticipation to be able to see him once again on his book tour. But since Vancouver was at the very end of the tour, I’ve been staring at those damn tickets on my desk for months now. Finally, I can say it was well worth the wait. continue reading →
As a smoker of 10 years, I’m always, always hesitant of the idea of any anti-smoking device, patch, or aid that tries to make me quit smoking. Even more so is the endless struggle I have to cope with from the relentless, though loving, nagging of friends, family, and coworkers who want me to quit. The simple truth that they will never tolerate is the fact that I love to smoke. A cigarette with my coffee is my impeding coup de grâce of leisure. But after receiving my first electronic cigarette kit from an acquaintance, I think my outlook is starting to change. With a bit of time doing some online research online, I was amazed by the huge e-cig online community, the variety of different models, and the whole modification/DIY scene makes all sorts of flavored recipes to inhale. As part of my research, I reached out to JJ from Vancity Vapor who sells e-cigs kits and formulates a bunch of custom flavors for his customers to enjoy. I don’t think trying to quit smoking will ever be this much fun! continue reading →
With all great varieties of liquor to be tasted at the Hopscotch Vancouver whiskey festival, who would have thought there was something new to discover beyond whiskey. Just before my Johnnie Walker whiskey tasting class, I got the chance to learn about the tradition that goes behind the production of the Mexican liquor, mezcal. Like a classier artisan-crafted version of tequila, the methods behind mezcal production creates a taste combination similar to smoking a fine Cuban cigar while eating sweet aged jerky. Luckily for me, I was under the influence of Spirits of Mexico 2010 judging panel member and front runner to becoming Canada’s tequila ambassador, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirts. continue reading →
Over the past 15 years, the Hopscotch Festival in Vancouver has become a hotbed for bringing together whisky, beer, and spirits enthusiasts. It’s a week-long celebration in November that brings 5000 fans to 27 events, including the Grand Tasting Hall nights, where anyone can become their own personal connoisseur as they sip on the finest offerings from a selection of over 250 premium whisky, beers and spirits. With these amounts and type of liquor floating us Canadians, it’s no surprise that the welcoming and friendly environment brings random strangers together, taste masters and taste beginners alike. There’s even over a dozen master classes to choose from, where you get to sit down with some samples and enjoy some lively discussions. After the jump, I’ll tell you about my Johnnie Walker master class tasting. continue reading →
When they’re not busy incorporating their top of the line equipment for soldiers serving on the front lines, Hazard 4® and 911 Supply decided to team up and send us an updated version of their very versatile sling packs. But with a product coming from a company with this type of calibre we couldn’t just do a run of the mill type of review. So, I decided to hit the gun range to see how the pack affected my aim. continue reading →
To kick off the promotion for their new album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, the Beastie Boys dished out a kick-ass music video for their new track, Make Some Noise. It plays homage to the vintage Beastie Boys who we grew up with (actually ‘setting’ is just after the original Fight For Your Right’ video) and doesn’t stop with it’s ‘pissing match’ of a star-studded cast of cameos. This type of nostalgia instantly takes me back to ninth grade when my friend made me a Beastie Boys mixed cassette tape. continue reading →
In 2009, Danish filmmaker Janus Metz followed a group of Danish Soldiers on their first mission to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Embedded for six months at Forward Operating Base Armadillo, Metz captured some of the most intimate and surreal war footage ever to be shown in a war documentary. How good is it? Well, let’s just say it makes Jarhead look like In the Army Now. continue reading →
This week Aston Martin announced the development of the new Vantage GT3 race car based on the V12 Vantage road car. Replacing the DBRS9, this elegant beauty joins Aston’s racing portfolio amongst the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1. The Vantage GT3 will be built around the Vantage aluminum VH architecture with a 6.0 liter V12 engine producing 600 hp and over 500 lbs of torque. Matched with a semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems, it’ll look as fast as it sweeps by the competition when its ready in 2012.
In our search of all things made out of the most lucious flavor ever, there are only a few products that leave us panting for more. Can a cologne be one of them? Bacon (pronounced Bay-Cone) by fargginay comes in two scents, the “spicy maple aroma” in Classic and the “memorable sizzling citrus” in Gold. What’s best about this little gem is it encapsulates one of the greatest legends in bacon history.
Zack Snyder’s latest flick is a dystopian fantasy thriller, draped with layers of pumping action and sweetened by a tantalizing array of visual eye candy. It’s hard to argue against the sights and sounds of glamorous girls battling through some of the most creative and visually aspiring fighting sequences that are harmoniously paired with a stellar soundtrack that tickles the ear in a symphony of destruction. How could it possibly go wrong, right? continue reading →
