What a time to be alive, huh? After a tough few days marred with big tech announcements and challenging issues, we were hit with some shocking news to finish off the week. The great woman herself has shuffled on, finally bidding farewell to the modern world she had a hand in shaping. That’s right, after what seemed like a lifetime on the throne, Channel 9’s Tracy Grimshaw has officially announced her departure. Who will report on hoons desecrating the sanctity of our suburbs now? Where can we go to see dodgy tradies chased down the street by gawky journalists? Will we no longer hear about drug-dealing grannies and neighbourhood disputes over palm trees and ugly fences? That’s not a world I want to live in. And apparently, neither did Queen Elizabeth II. Nevertheless, we pay our respects to those who have passed on and shudder at the thought of who is to replace them, but before we do, there’s work to be done. We’ve once again scoured the net for the coolest products and experiences out there, settling on a few big names. Here is Man of Many’s Staff Favourites for this week.
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Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins | Image: Paul Manser
Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
I love a good hard-cover book and while this one isn’t quite the novellas I generally go for, I really enjoyed Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins. The brainchild of Melbourne-based travel writer Paul Manser, this book is a wild ride. Some people might remember Manser as somewhat of a guru on all things international, writing for a bunch of different newspapers and magazines, however, Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins is a collection of everything that didn’t make the final edit. As someone has previously been caught in a sticky situation overseas, I really loved Manser’s story about being kidnapped in the most expensive taxi in Mexico and his quips about shirking responsibility really rang true for me. If you keen on a light read that will make you laugh, I recommend checking out Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins.
Favourite Article of the Week: First ‘Knives Out 2’ Trailer Reignites the Good Old-Fashioned Murder Mystery
Bose New QuietComfort Earbuds II | Image: Bose
Bose New QuietComfort Earbuds II
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
I’m always excited when Bose releases a new flagship product. It’s just one of those brands that consistently delivers the goods. I’ve been using the first generation of the Quiet Comfort Earbuds for several years now and they are absolutely amazing. The only negatives really are the large charging case which is super bulky in your pocket and also the large size of the actual buds themselves and the way they sit in your ear. Not major issues but just the way they look in your ear appears quite bulky, despite them being insanely comfortable.
With their second generation, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II appear to have solved both issues whilst still producing incredible sound quality and noise cancellation performance. They’ve also introduced CustomTune technology which is very similar to what you’ll find in the Nura Headphones that tunes and calibrates the sound to your ears. Smaller sizer, smaller case for carrying. Bring it on. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are available from September 29 for AUD$429.
Favourite Article of the Week: Celebrities are Prioritising Mental Health. Here’s Why You Should Too
KRUNK Social Fitness App | Image: KRUNK
KRUNK Social Fitness App
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
KRUNK is a new app that’s connecting people through their mutual health and fitness interests. The way the app works is users select their favourite activities and the app will display people nearby who enjoy the same activities. Users select from an extensive list that includes running, basketball, hiking, Jiu-jitsu, spearfishing, pool, surfing and the list goes on. KRUNK founder Tobias Quinn, created the platform as a way to get like-minded people offline, interacting in person and sharing experiences in the activities they love the most. But there’s also a deeper need for human connection that Krunk aims to facilitate. Quinn says “41% of the population in a very transitional phase of life aged between 18-34”
“We may find ourselves alone from time to time as our friends travel, move abroad, have kids. That’s why I wanted to create KRUNK, so people can find others with a common interest no matter where they are and where their friends are.”
Favourite Article of the Week: Celebrities are Prioritising Mental Health. Here’s Why You Should Too
Hunter Gum Boots in ‘Hunter Green’ | Image: Hunter
Hunter Gum Boots in ‘Hunter Green’
Denise Barnes – Head of Branded Content
With all the rain that La Niña has brought to Sydney over the last year, this might just be the best investment I’ve made. All our beautiful parks are often turned into swamps with puddles everywhere you look, and if like me, you’re a dog owner, you’re more often than not forced to take on these muddy terrains. They came in handy once again this week when we had an outdoor shoot next to a lake, and every single time I wear them, I genuinely am so happy about the $200 I spent on them. I’ve got the “Hunter Green” colour pictured above, but they come in all sorts of colours, lengths and sizes.
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Blind Barrels Spirits Subscription | Image: Blind Barrels
Blind Barrels Spirits Subscription
Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer
Doesn’t it seem like 10 new whiskey brands pop up on a monthly basis? At the same time, how much of one’s personal taste is driven by preconceived notions? These are the two questions that helped create Blind Barrels, a subscription service that doesn’t tell you what you’ve tasted until after you’ve tasted it. The concept is beautifully simple. Visit the website. Sign up for a quarterly or annual subscription. Start receiving curated whiskey samples, each one presented in a small bottle with no distillery designation. Use the adjoining flavour chart to uncover characteristics or let your taste buds be your guide.
Once your tasting is finished, visit the “reveal” page to see what you’ve been drinking. Expect to find high-quality, independent producers and distilleries like Middle West and King’s County. This is a great way to explore the wide and modern world of whiskey without falling victim to any hype. Easy, breezy, tasty.
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Acqua Di Giò Eau De Parfum | Image: Giorgio Armani
Acqua di Gio
Tim Fernandes – Senior Sales & Partnerships Manager
Acqua di Gio by Georgio Armani is undoubtedly one of the most popular fragrances in existence. Twenty-five years of heritage, iconic advertising, ambassadors and cologne iterations have all led to incredible success and the stats don’t lie. According to the brand, a bottle of Acqua di Gio is sold somewhere in the world every five seconds. As Georgio Armani continues to progress, sustainability is at the forefront in a variety of ways. For the latest iteration of the fragrances, they’ve used natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, with proceeds of the fragrance pledged to preserve forests in Guatemala. Best of all, the new Acqua di Gio eco-conceived bottle reduces the use of plastic thanks to its new cap, directly shaped into the wood & sustainably sourced in Europe. Most importantly though is the Acqua di Gio refill, which is designed specifically to fill to attach without a nozzle. This allows the new Acqua Di Giò cologne to be effortlessly and seamlessly decanted into the original bottle, saving 31% carbon emissions, 43% glass, and 67% metal compared to buying two regular bottles. Smell nice, save the world.
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Justin Hawkins Rides Again – YouTube Channel
Rob Edwards – Branded Content Writer
I started watching this YouTube channel shortly after it launched just under a year ago, and while there was a period in which I was waiting for the novelty to wear off or the content to grow stale, I’ve now accepted that it simply won’t.
Justin Hawkins is the undeniably charismatic and well-spoken lead singer and guitarist of the tongue-in-cheek-but-really-very-good glam metal/hard rock band The Darkness. Via his channel, he explores a range of topics, from critiquing the latest musical trends to discussing the surprisingly interesting politics and machinations of the music industry. Hawkins always does so with a self-effacing charm and sardonic wit that means he’s never too tough on those who stumble into his crosshairs, and he tackles subjects with a world weariness that’s balanced by his own stubborn positivity.
Ultimately it’s his love of music that shines through and proves unshakably infectious. While I can’t guarantee it, I’d be very surprised if subscribing to Hawkins’ channel doesn’t open your ears to something new to listen to or rekindle your love for an artist who once soundtracked your life.
Favourite Article of the Week: INTERVIEW: Jim Jefferies Reveals the Most Ridiculous Lie Ever Told
EPOS Adapt x Aston Martin 660 Headset | Image: EPOS
EPOS Adapt x Aston Martin 660 Headset
John Guanzon – Head of Social
For any working professional, a good set of wireless headphones is essential. The special edition EPOS Adapt x Aston Martin 660 Headset is one for the race car fans, sporting the striking Aston Martin green, but also for the any modern day professional. The headset offers four noise cancelling microphones, support for the Alexa voice assistant, plus up to 30 hours of battery life. It utilises AI to maximise call quality, making them a perfect companion for a video conference or phone call and they’re even certified for use with Microsoft Teams – which can be accessed with the touch of a button. The set up and bluetooth pairing was straight forward, pretty much just plug and play (after downloading the companion app). Comfort is great and you could easily wear them all day without the need to adjust or loosen. My favourite practical feature? It offers multi-point bluetooth connectivity, which means you can easily switch between audio from multiple devices – no more having to fiddling around with connections between phone and laptop. And then finally, to turn the Adapt 660 on, you simply turn the ear cups as if you are putting them on. To turn off, turn the ear cups so they are flat. Genius, if you ask me!
Hasbulla at Happyfield, Haberfield | Image: Man of Many
Happyfield, Haberfield
You might have spotted across our social pages this week that young Internet sensation, Hasbulla Magomedov was confronted with a giant stack of pancakes at a little corner cafe in Sydney’s Inner West called Happyfield in Haberfield. Great choice, Hasbi. Great choice. If you’re ever in the area on a weekend, you definitely won’t miss it with its bright yellow egg-yolked-coloured decor and likely buzzing with crowds waiting for a table. The North American-style diner, owned by long-time mates Chris Theodosi and Jesse Orleans, boasts a menu to brighten anyone’s day. The showstoppers are their iconic pancake stacks that look just like the pancake emoji, topped with Pepe Saya butter and Canadian maple syrup and then there’s also my personal favourite, their drippy coddled eggs – cooked in a water bath for 75 minutes and only available until sold out. If it’s your first time, ask for their not-so-secret menu item ‘The Happiest Meal’, which combines all their greats – a short stack of pancakes, a McLovin’ muffin and an in-house hash brown made with a 13 spice blend. Tell them Hasbulla sent you. Check them out on Instagram or drop by at: 6 Ramsay St, Haberfield NSW 2045 (Walk-ins only!)
Check it out
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Taylors Wine Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon | Image: Taylors Wine
Taylors Wine Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Tech
I’ve never been one to need any excuse to crack open a bottle of red wine and with the 1st of September marking not just the end of winter, but also a very important date in the international wine calendar… World Cabernet Day, I dove into my treasure chest of wines and pulled out something new. A few of the team in the office have been mentioning just how much they’ve been enjoying Taylor’s Wine’s latest offerings so I thought it best to pair the day with a Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon and some delicious Cuvée Chocolate. So in other words, I just had a quiet Wednesday.
Region: Coonawarra 60% / Clare Valley 40%
Colour: At release, the wine has a deep ruby red colour to the centre with a youthful purple hue to the edges.
Nose: There are lifted aromas of dark blackcurrant fruit along with subtle choc-mint and a hint of eucalypt.
Palate: Rich, full-bodied wine with intense flavours of blackberry fruit along with attractive oak characters.
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Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser | Image: Youth To The People
Youth To The People Skincare
Richie Hall – Video Producer
I’m a late adopter of Youth To The People (YTTP), the pro-grade vegan skincare company from California. They’ve been doing amazing things with unconventional superfood ingredients since 2015 and it’s all backed by science. I like to keep my routine minimal and YTTP is great for that. I start with the Superfood Cleanser, an award-winning face wash with antioxidants from kale, spinach and green tea. It’s gentle, nourishing and doesn’t dry my skin out. I follow up with a couple of pumps of the 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum that actually manages to make my skin look like I got more sleep than I actually did. I finish with the new Polypeptide-121 Future Cream. It’s a multitasking moisturiser that works with all skin types. It’s packed with more than 180 amino acids found in human collagen as well as ceramides. It’s all about future proofing my skin! It’s all vegan, it’s all friendly and it’s all stocked at Sephora.
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HeatPulse Knee Massager | Image: HydraGun
HeatPulse Knee Massager
Clelia Niyikiza – Branded Content Assistant
Having joint pain before 30 (or at any age) isn’t ideal. Having had an injury in my early 20s and being a runner who’s too lazy to follow through with the exercises I got from a chiropractor, I think I’ve finally found a solution after years of dealing with tightness, soreness, stiffness and pain for days after a long-distance run.
I’ve been using the HeatPlus for a few weeks to massage my knees right after my runs and have seen a massive difference and the easy use of automatic settings is the best way to unwind. I use it on each knee for 30 minutes on a 50 Celcius setting, but it ranges from 40 to 60 celsius, has three message settings and can provide over an hour of gentle, steady warmth. It also comes with an elbow and shoulder strap which I kept because I’ll need it at this point before I hit 40.
Favourite Article of the Week: Blancpain, Biopixel & the Battle to Save the Great Barrier Reef
