Another week down and we’re nearing the end of January, can you believe it? With half of the Man of Many team still on holiday, it feels like the year has hardly begun and yet, we’re surging through without our third blockbuster edition of Staff Favourites for 2023. Settle in and get cozy, here’s what we unearthed this week.
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Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 21 January 2023
Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 14 January 2023
Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 7 January 2023
Sound of Metal
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
It’s been a little while since I watched a film that really moved me, so when it came time to pick a flick to tune out to last weekend, I went for Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal. I’ve been waiting for the right time to put this one on and after two long years, I finally bit the bullet. I’m so glad I did.
A harrowing tale of personal growth, Sound of Metal is one of the most thought-provoking, realistic and captivating films I have seen in years. It tells the story of Ruben, a recovering addict and metal drummer who suddenly realises he is losing his hearing. Facing the prospect of losing his love, job and ability to communicate, he joins a rural shelter for Deaf recovering addicts run by a man named Joe, a recovering alcoholic who lost his hearing in the Vietnam War.
Watching Ruben’s journey as he learns to not only accept his circumstances but learn how to be deaf is incredibly humbling. Riz Ahmed is fantastic in his portrayal of the jaded Ruben, but it’s Paul Raci’s tough but fair Joe that really steals the show. Equal parts uplifting and tragic, Sound of Metal definitely isn’t for everyone but I absolutely loved it.
Favourite Article of the Week: Are You Adventurous Enough to Try This Whisky-Infused Meat Pie?
Jones Adventure Board Bag | Image: Evo
Jones Adventure Board Bag
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
I recently picked up a Jones Adventure Snowboard Bag to carry my new skis from Whistler back home and I gotta say, I’m pretty impressed. This bad boy is a fully padded roller bag, built to carry my Fender x Giro Ski Googles Let You Shred Riffs While You Shred Gnar gear on my long-distance travel trips. It’s got a main compartment with compression straps to keep the skis secure and a zippered pocket inside the top lid to hold gloves, goggles or apparel. The oversized wheels and skid plate make it easy to roll this bag through airport terminals or city streets, and the four exterior handles provide multiple options for carrying or lifting. The bag is available in one size and fits up to a 166cm board but comfortably fits my 170cm skis diagonally. The exterior is made of water-resistant PVC-free fabric, so no need to worry about getting caught in the rain.
Favourite Article of the Week: Samsung Unveils 200-Megapixel Image Sensor For Future Flagship Smartphones
Sustainable Goods | Go For Zero
Sustainable Goods by Go For Zero
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
Go For Zero is an online retailer specialising in sustainable consumer staple goods. Their mission is “to Do Good for you and our planet”, which is achieved through transparency, safety and sustainability.
Stocking a product range that includes skincare, grooming, kitchen storage, gifts and more, Go For Zero is committed to toxin-free products, sustainable packaging, 100% transparency and carbon-neutral delivery. So if you are looking for a way to make more conscious and environmentally friendly choices in your everyday purchases, Go For Zero is a great option to consider.
Favourite Article of the Week: 2023 BMW M3 CS Unveiled, Priced for Australia
Brooks Hyperion Max Running Shoes | Image: Brooks
Brooks Hyperion Max Running Shoes
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
I’ve set myself the ambitious goal of running 1,000 km in 2023. It sounds like a lot, but breaking it down means running just under 3km a day which is much more palatable. My progress so far has been made all the easier thanks to the new Brooks Hyperion Max. Light, comfortable and responsive, they are perfectly designed for running shorter distances at faster speeds. Importantly for me, the ultralight cushioning helps absorb impact, keeping my knees happy and meaning I can be out running again sooner. Only 918km to go…
Favourite Article of the Week: 2023 Lookbook: 7 Outfits For Every Destination
Antler Stamford Mini Crossbody Case | Image: Antler
Antler Stamford Mini Crossbody Case
John Guanzon – Head of Social
So I’m literally fresh off the plane from an overseas holiday (sporting a sun-kissed tan and a couple of extra kilos) and looking back on my travels, there was one essential accessory that deserves an MVP shout-out. Prior to my trip, I picked up a new Antler Stamford luggage set and decided to add a matching smaller Stamford mini crossbody bag into the mix. Now, I’m not one to typically carry around a man-bag, but this tiny-but-mighty case was a travel game changer.
The sturdy 14cm x 18cm hard-case was the perfect personal companion that housed all my essentials – phone, passports, cash, sunglasses, AirPods, hotel keys and the occasional snack too; and because it was always strapped around my body, everything felt close and secure. Inside, the case is spacious, featuring an internal divider and zip pocket that’s perfect for smaller loose items, like cash and card. Overall, the Stamford Mini combines the strength and durability of a suitcase but with the portability of a little bag that’s both stylish and functional. If you’re anything like me and usually carry a suitcase full of items in your pocket, this is one level-up accessory you need to look into.
Favourite Article of the Week: Best Barbers in Sydney
Matilda Bay Cherry Saison | Image: Matilda Bay
Matilda Bay Cherry Saison
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Tech
We should call this ‘Ben’s Beer Reviews’ because I’m back again with another recommendation. And like Matso’s Mango Beer from last week, I took myself out of my comfort zone again, jumping straight into the ‘Saison’ category this week with the Matilda Bay Cherry Saison. It’s the first time I’ve tried a Saison (commonly referred to as farmhouse-ale), and it’s the first time I’ve drunk a beer out of a Champagne flute, so it was an experience from the start. Then came the bursting flavours of fresh Victorian cherries on the nose, the underlying spiced notes of Saison, and a palate that starts with ripe cherry fruit, before a smattering of natural yeast silkiness. Of course, it’s tart like a cherry should be.
This is what I’d call “the natural wine of beer” and if you’re looking to expand your palate, check out Matilda Bay’s Cherry Saison. Available at Matilda Bay’s Yarra Valley Brewery, and at select First Choice, Vintage Cellars and Liquorland stores across Australia, RRP $30/750mL bottle, 6.7% ABV. It’ll also be available on tap at a select number of venues around Melbourne. Check out @MatildaBayBeer to keep in the know.
Favourite Article of the Week: 10 Most Popular Car Brands in Australia
Samsung Odyssey Neo G85B Monitor | Image: Samsung
Samsung Odyssey Neo G85B Monitor
Richie Hall – Video Producer
A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to try out Samsung’s flagship new release, the 55″ Odyssey Ark (If you’re interested you can check out my review here). Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m not sure John, who sits next to me, would’ve enjoyed the screen encroaching on his desk. That’s where Samsung’s 32″ Neo G85B comes in. It’s a curved QLED UHD monitor with a super fast 240Hz refresh rate. The matte display fully reduces reflection and the fully adjustable, swivel is really easy to use. It’s an impressive monitor for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Favourite Article of the Week: 10 Most Popular Car Brands in Australia
Image: URBNSURF
URBNSURF
Sam Mangioni – Journalist – Entertainment, Culture & Lifestyle
When I was a wee little grommet, I spent more time in the ocean than a mermaid on her lunch break. So, when I heard about URBSURF and their fancy mechanical wave maker, I knew I had to check it out. I mean, what’s the point of living in a world without waves bruhhh? So, I bravely set out on a journey to Melbourne, even though it meant risking life and limb in a car (big mistake). But let me tell you, it was worth it. URBSURF is like surfing on steroids. The waves are so perfect you’ll feel like you’re riding a unicorn on a rainbow. And the best part? You’re guaranteed at least 12-15 waves per session. No more fighting for a wave at Bondi with a bunch of wannabees, URBSURF is where it’s at.
Favourite Article of the Week: New ‘Succession’ Season 4 Trailer Confirms the Ruthless Roy’s are Back in March
Takeya Originals Insulated Steel Bottle | Image: Takeya Originals
Takeya Originals Insulated Steel Bottle
Claudette Sampang – Sales Executive
My new “emotional support” water bottle has helped me stay cool and hydrated in Sydney’s unpredictable summer weather over the past few weeks. It has many perks, such as the dishwasher-safe material and its double-wall vacuum insulation that can keep my drinks ice cold for up to 24 hours or steaming hot for up to 12 hours. Gone are the days of my water bottle spilling in my bag with its convenient and leak-proof spout lid that allows me to sip my beverage with just one hand! Whether I am at the gym, on a long walk or just relaxing on the couch, my Takeya water bottle keeps me feeling refreshed all day long.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Most Exciting Feature of Apple’s Mixed-Reality Headset has Been Revealed
EcoFlow Delta Portable Power Station | Image: EcoFlow
EcoFlow Delta Portable Power Station
Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer
The weather’s getting crazy out there and you never know when the next power outage will strike. For those who don’t want to go “full generator,” this portable power station makes for a brilliant compromise. It charges from 0%-80% in just one hour and ultimately delivers up to 1800W of battery-powered backup. Featuring 6 AC outlets, assorted USB ports, and more, it can power up to 13 devices at the same time.
Thanks to a compact and easily transportable design, the EcoFlow Delta is both a functional home appliance but also the perfect camping essential. Take it with you into the wilderness so that you’re basically never left without an energy source for your gadgets. All it takes is the push of a button to bring this baby to life and now you rolling with countless hours of battery power, plus considerable peace of mind.
Favourite Article of the Week: Ryan Gosling’s Epic Stunt for ‘The Fall Guy’ Shuts Down Sydney Harbour Bridge
