Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 7 December 2024

It’s all happening, team. Less than three weeks until the big man arrives, we’re entering the pointy end of the year. The Man of Many team is busy ticking off projects and quietly shifting things to the ‘next year’s problem’ pile, but rest assured, our Staff Favourites segment is still going strong. Here are all the latest and greatest things we’ve discovered, wrapped up in an (almost) Christmas-shaped package.

Penfolds Holiday By NIGO

Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief

When it gets to the end of the year, I constantly find myself ducking to the bottle shop to pick up a nice bottle of wine. Whether it is a gift for a friend, a toast to a new project or just something to elevate the summer experience, quality wine never goes astray. This year, the team at Penfolds have made me the most popular person in my family with the addition of the new Holiday by NIGO collection.

The unique gift set features four distinct and iconic Penfolds drops, each wrapped in a collectible Furoshiki wrap designed by Kenzo artistic director NIGO. A key textile in ancient Asian culture, the wrapping cloth was traditionally used to wrap and/or to transport goods, and NIGO has lovingly adorned these wines with a distinctly patterned colourway. As a Penfolds fan, I have to say my favourite is the Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019, not only for its rich and delicious liquid, but also for the striking red motif on the packaging. Trust me when I say, if you are looking to elevate your gifting this year, Penfolds has you covered.

Favourite Article of the Week: Our ‘DISRUPTION’ Digital Edition Has Landed!

Turning My Phone Greyscale Changed My Life

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

This is less so a product recommendation this week but more a self-help productivity tip for you out there who are doom scroller or addicted to your phone. It’s no secret that looking at your phone late into the night in bed or first thing early in the morning can impact your sleep quality. The stats speak for themselves: 

• Using your phone before sleep is associated with a 27 per cent increased risk of sleep disturbances. 
• Increased screen time leads to shorter sleep duration and longer sleep onset delay, significantly impacting sleep efficiency, which can impact mood and health. 
• People with problematic smartphone use are twice as likely to experience anxiety compared to peers without such use.
• Checking phones first thing in the morning increases stress and anxiety levels by over 30 per cent.
• Morning smartphone use decreases mindfulness and physical activity by up to 40 per cent, which we know are vital for mental well-being.

So, how can you circumvent this? After years of trying out apps and different methods, the solution was quite simple. Samsung’s got a built in Routine+ app that enables you to turn your phone greyscale (making it look super boring) and block specific apps during certain hours. 

• Open the Modes and Routines app in Settings.
• Tap Routines and select + to create a new routine.
• Tap If, choose Time Period, and set it to 9 PM to 9 AM.
• Tap Then, select Display, and enable Greyscale.
• Tap Then, select Apps, and choose Block Apps.
• Name the routine and tap Save.

Got an iPhone? The process is also pretty similar: 

• Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
• Enable Screen Time if not already active.
• Tap Downtime, enable it, and set it from 9 PM to 9 AM.
• Tap Always Allowed to select apps you want accessible during Downtime.
• Go to Settings > Accessibility.
• Select Display & Text Size > Color Filters.
• Enable Color Filters and choose Grayscale.
• Open the Shortcuts app and tap the Automation tab.
• Create a new Personal Automation and select Time of Day.
• Set it to trigger at 9 PM and add the action Set Color Filters to Turn On.
• Create another automation to turn Color Filters Off at 9 AM.

Enjoy the serenity. 

Favourite Article of the Week: My favourite article of the week is basically anything from our Disruption Edition. It’s chockers full of amazing articles!!

LEGO Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

This week’s pick is more of a “Santa’s wishlist” item than something I own (yet). I recently attended the Sydney LEGO Store’s first birthday celebration, which, surprisingly, is the largest LEGO store in the world—right here in Sydney. The visit was pure nostalgia. I haven’t owned LEGO since I was a kid, but one set immediately caught my eye: the LEGO Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 (10317).

This detailed set perfectly recreates the iconic 1984 model, featuring functional steering, working suspension, and two engine options. You can keep it classic or customise it for off-road adventures with accessories like a roll cage, roof rack, and traction boards. Measuring 32 cm long, it’s ideal for both display and play (though I’d stick with display). My son might be a bit young for this at three years old, but I can already imagine us bonding over sets like this in the years to come.

Favourite Article of the Week: In a Flattening Market, Breweries are Turning to New Horizons

Hotel Morris

John Guanzon – Head of Social

You know the feeling of finding a hidden gem in your own city that completely catches you off guard? That’s the feeling I got stepping into Hotel Morris recently, after booking in an impromptu anniversary staycation. From the outside, the building is charming but understated, nestled away in Sydney’s Thai Town center. I wouldn’t blame you if you walked right past it. But step inside, and it’s like you’ve been transported to a classy art-deco world where old-money elegance meets modern-day cool.

The hotel lobby doubles as a dimly lit, Gatsby-esque bar, and check-in is behind the bar. Upstairs, the rooms offer boutique charm with playful nods to the building’s 1920s heritage with a luxe twist. The show-stopping decor in each of the 82 thoughtfully-designed rooms features bespoke commissioned artworks from local artists to infuse an authentic Australian feel to the grand art deco theme. Come evening time, Bar Morris truly comes to life, offering seasonal signature cocktails and a finely crafted food menu. We dined there for dinner and drinks, opting for the guided tasting menu, and my personal highlight would have to be the MB5 Wagyu, soaked in Cafe de Morris butter.

A huge plus for foodies is that you’re literally steps away from some of Sydney’s best Asian food – also bonus points if you’re a fan of late-night eats. Bar Morris and Hotel Morris remind me that some of the best experiences are found in the most unexpected places. It’s understated on the outside, but trust me, once you’re in, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

Favourite Article of the Week: WIN! We’re Giving Away $23,000+ Worth of Epic Prizes For 12 Days of Christmas!

Extending My Display, Espresso Style

Dean Blake – Journalist – Tech, Entertainment & Features

This week I’ve been testing the new entry-level portable monitor from Aussie tech start-up Espresso, and so far I’m quite impressed. Compared to some of the more expensive models, the new cheaper variant comes at only AUD$499, and features a redesigned magnetic stand that allows it to better serve as an additional display for your laptop.

Essentially, after feedback from its users, Espresso switched up how the stand functioned to allow it to be pushed just a bit higher so that the monitor can sit comfortably above your laptop screen, creating the most bang for your buck screen real estate without needing a ton of room on a table. You lose the touch screen of the more expensive monitors, and this cheaper model features a 1080p display with a 60hz refresh rate, but that’s more than enough for most users.

It’s pretty remarkable that a screen so thin can be completely powered through a single USB-C cable while also sending video, and the fact that you can get a display of this quality for this price is impressive. So far, it’s been a nice addition to my work flow.

Favourite Article of the Week: The Cinematic Seven: Vampires, Hauntings, and Bears in Hats

Lune Croissants Sydney

Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Fashion

Yes, I’m back preaching to the choir about food! However, I’ve been lucky to spend time at the new Lune Croissanterie store in Rosebery, Sydney, this week and what a place! We’ve filmed a Monday Munchies (spoiler alert) and a long-form YouTube video which are both scheduled to come out this Monday, but I’ve also interviewed the founder, Kate Reid, for out latest Digital Edition. What an amazing person she is and her story is an inspiration for everyone. From working as an aerodynamicist at Williams F1 to perfecting the croissant, she’s an inspiring person who creates outstanding food, so you know I have to give Lune a shoutout this week. Also, Lune Sydney is open, so make sure you head on down and check out the new spot!

Favourite Article of the Week: How an Ex-Formula 1 Aerodynamicist Created The Perfect Croissant

Manscaped Chairman Pro

Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships

As an outside observer, I’ve always loved Manscaped as a brand. They often have very clever and cheeky ads, and I see there logo alongside a lot of sports that I love. Recently, I had my first experience with their new face trimmer – The Chairman Pro.

I was upgrading from three foils to four, and I’m no expert but you can tell the difference straight away. Extremely smooth gliding even on dry skin and I was getting the mundane task of shaving done in record speed. The precision trimming will take some getting used as my previous shave had a separate pop up attachment for this but Manscaped still get the job done. It’s also has a handy battery charge icon so you know exactly when the shaver needs a charge. No more shaver dying mid shave and having to wait a while half shaved to finish the job.

Overall, I’m super happy I upgraded. One of the best things you can do in life is to optimise repeat tasks or make them easier, and that’s exactly what The Chairman Pro does.

Favourite Article of the Week: Every Australian Playing in the NBA This Season, Ranked