Grooming Products

I came across this term today while reading an issue of one of my favorite mens mags and thought how quaint - do you groom yourself anymore? I think most of us just "get ready" - its seems to be one of those words - grooming products - that someone in some organization dreamed up to organize how to make money from us, we no longer are individuals but part of someone's plan to make them successful in life. Where is Naiomi Klein and the anti-globalization movement when you need her? I do not want to name the guy but in the article a well known individual was talking about all of these products he used for grooming and then he gave away the game as he uses soap that he effectively steals from hotels he stays at. Why would up you bother spending any money on skin care products if the one that you use most frequently across your body, you have no clue where it came from. Do you think those bright lights give the best soap in hotels? Most people are there for only a few days so it is probably designed to work on your skin really effectively for a short period of time - after that it probably eats your skin. Hey, maybe that is why he likes it - he has this fresh looking skin all the time...

Real Men Walk

I was intrigued the other day when I saw an ad saying "Fewer than 300 people have ever made it overland to the South Pole" . I thought to myself "300", isn't there any place where someone hasn't already been and remembered how Amundsen from Norway ran the race to the South Pole 

Many of you may think it was Robert Scott but you can be forgiven to succumbing to the overwhelming press from the British Imperial Propaganda machine

In an case, these were real men who faced insurmountable odds and tested the limits of human endurance.

How times have changed when our own young Kuwait scientist Mariam Al-Jouaan was sponsored by VIVA on a scientific expedition made it to Antarctica Peninsula at 65 Degrees not the 90 at the South Pole. We salute you for your rigor in ensuring your journey was captured accurately on the blogs!

So when I looked in detail at this latest journey http://expeditiontothesouthpole.com/how-we-got-here/introduction/ I just laughed 

I thought only an American would think of driving to the South Pole.....but that is because it is so far away....just like that Seven-Eleven 100 ft from your apartment

In case you actually want to track a vehicle making it way to the South Pole, here you go http://expeditiontothesouthpole.com/how-we-got-here/introduction/

Hot Wheels

I saw this car and fell in love all over again. Who is going to be the guy who brings this to Kuwait?

Sexy and I know It

One of the keys to success for any man is not to take himself too seriously. If you are not familiar with LMFAO, you are definitely missing the lighter side of life. Smile, it takes the edge off...http://youtu.be/wyx6JDQCslE

Start Your Engines

Many people do not fully appreciate what our laborers do fur us - they keep our cars clean! There is nothing more enjoyable than cruising down the Gulf Road, a sea of beautifully washed cars that sparkle in the sun or moonlight. Of course, what a great place to meet people.  Just keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road or is it eyes on the person next door and hands on your....smart phone.

Now, if you are going to be successful cruising and meeting the dream of your life or maybe just the dream of the night, you need a set of wheels. Here is something hot from the LA 2011 Auto Show

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500

The most powerful production V8 in the world, Ford's 650hp 5.8-litre V8 200mph Shelby Mustang GT500 turned a lot of heads at the LA Auto show. The brand added a bigger, more-efficient supercharger to achieve that massive 650bhp, then improved the car's aerodynamics - to maximise downforce and minimize drag - by modifying the front fascia and splitters to keep the car firmly planted on the road. Six-piston caliper Brembo brakes were then added to ensure the new GT500 stops as well as it goes

Who is going to be the first one driving this in Kuwait my friends - you or me?

Eyes Popped

All of us have a late night and then have to rise and shine early in the morning. Most of us carry it off well and enjoy the memories of the night before. However, sometimes those bags under the eyes will give away the game.
Unless you enjoyed peeling and slicing  cucumbers early in the morning and had a very understanding partner (or one who was in the same boat and enjoyed you making the extra effort for both of you), you didn't have many options but today you do.

One of the best eye de-puffer's on the market is Kieh's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, I have tried quite a number but keep coming back to Kiehl's.

Not only does it work but the dark blue bottle is definitely designed for a man.

Don't worry that your partner really enjoys it as well - just think  It is like when she wears one of  your favorite shirts to bed....

Rumble in the Jungle

I know there is a lot of excitement about this Pacquiao  and his boxing prowess.  I am sure he is good and he certainly does get a lot of  media attention (who doesn't these days?) but can anyone real dominate boxing again like Muhammad Ali? He became a Muslim when most Americans didn't even know what that was (well, some things never change) and he stood up and said no to a crazy war in Vietnam but most importantly he was a legend in the ring. A Man who stood his ground and earned the right to brag about being the best. It drove his opponents mad but then that was probably part of his strategy. 

Check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNTdUfByIhY and enjoy a few minutes of a boxing legend. They were about to throw in the towel on him  - never give up on yourself even when others have given up on you.

The Suit Makes the Man or The Man Makes the Suit

An eternal question. You know the answer guys. Unlike the members of the opposite sex, clothes do make the man as it is all about communicating a presence and an attitude.

When it comes to Vilebrequin, it is definitely the suit that makes the man. The colors, the cut, the style all come together to give a whole different experience to canvas. In fact, they look so good because they almost look like they are a knock-off of Everlast boxing shorts. That large, wonderful label just projects power and then combine it with Saint Tropez and what do you have but Vilebrequin. How can you wear anything else? You can? Really, just wait until your hanging out at the pool or on the beach and someone shows up wearing a pair. Like bees to honey.....buzz,buzz,buzz.

The Sport of Kings

What is the fascination with the Sport of Kings in Kuwait? Judging by the success of La Martina, clearly there is a desire for tight fitting macho clothes - hey, which guy swinging a wooden club from the back of horse is not impressive? And La Martina is truly the real thing which makes Ralph Lauren rather concocted doesn't it?

If you truly want to impress, check out Polistas on your next trip to London or Buenos Aires. Since I know you are always trying to impress the women in your life with suitable gifts, maybe they would like something from  http://www.polistas.com/women Of course, you are only looking for a special gift for your sister right...

New York Protection

What do the real men in New York do to protect themselves - against the elements gentlemen, please stay focused on the subject at hand -  they just go down to Kiehl's and buy  some "Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash".  

This is not such a difficult feat - I am certain you use soap when you wash so what is the problem in buying something designed to protect your good looks? You walk into a store and buy soap so walk into Kiehl's in the Avenues and buy some of this.

 Ahhh, I see, you will be making an effort and it may look like you take yourself too seriously. Well my friend, unlike the ladies who share their beauty secrets, guys never talk about this stuff "Ahmed, I just got this great scruffing lotion and look at my face" - it just doesn't sound right does it. So no sweat, no need to talk about it, just do it. You probably already spend time getting your hair just right before you leave your cave so it really isn't a big deal. You do not want to be the last guy to figure out how to maintain your cool good looks do you???

The Sea

Now for those of us who grew up with a fondness for the sea, we always knew real men would find fame and fortune across the sea. Others didn't survive - did you ever meet a pirate of yesteryear you did not like?

I remember as a kid my father using a brand called Old Spice. When I was a teenager, I wouldn't want to be seen with it - way out of date.

Well maybe you want to see what Old Spice is today - 37 million views isn't too bad... http://youtu.be/owGykVbfgUE

Men Only

Most of us have travelled near and far. Did you ever wonder where men in the Anglo Saxon countries go to get their hair cut? Probably to a unisex hair salon....

I cannot think of anything more depressing than going to what is effectively a salon for women to get your haircut. Come on, think about it, if it wasn't primarily a women's place do you think any women would go there? Most of the men have probably been dragged their early in their life by their mothers (fathers - where are you when needed most?), by their girlfriends and wives (in no particular order).

Now, one of the benefits those of us enjoy growing up and living  in masculine countries (for those from way over there I do recall most Texans consider Texas a country and most Americans consider California a different planet...) is going to a barber shop. Isn't it great - just a bunch of guys, the TV is on a sports channel and everyone is just hanging out. Who rushes out of a barber shop or a men's salon? You get to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a male hangout., a cave (if you think "refuge" is a better word, you are clearly under the thumb of some lady)  in a world where at times it seems being masculine is a bad word. In fact, there is a quote that sums up what is going in some places "Women's liberation is the liberation of the feminine in the man and the masculine in the woman."   I am all for women's rights but please leave us alone.

Another great benefit of being a man in Kuwait is the women are women - they do not try to be men. Something many women in the "Western" World (excluding Japan) seem to have forgotten - it is nice to meet women who are comfortable being women and do not want to be men. If I want to hang out with the guys all the time, I would do just that.

Over the years, I have been to a number of barber shops or men's salons in Kuwait and elsewhere. One of the best has to be Corners in Le Royal on the Gulf Road, particularly since Bassam and his colleagues from Shaab set up shop there as well.

Blades

Of course, real men use a blade. I tried an electric razor when I was a teenager but there is no better feeling than steel against your skin in the morning. If that doesn't wake you up nothing will. Maybe it appeals to the hunter instinct in every male - we no longer go out in fight but every day the glint of cold steel in your hands reminds you of your power....or maybe not.

An electric razor's main benefit is what? Convenience - sure driving to work and shaving as you go. Definitely not cool and where does that stubble go - hmmm, some of you didn't think of that did you? And who needs another item to plug in ? Maybe you know that it was actually the electricity companies in the US who dreamed up electric razors as a way to create demand for electricity. Shocking!!!

Face Scrub

Now, the good news is we are very lucky because all that shaving actually helps keep the skin in great shape and that is one of the reason's men facial skin ages later than a woman's. However, time is a friend of no one and it does catch up.

One of my trusted brands is Clinique - it is specially designed for men so no fragrance and the packaging looks great (hey, if you are going to have this in your bathroom, you want it to remind you of who you are not someone else). If you are ever going to only try one product, this one is it - "Face Scrub". You use it before you shave - there are granules in it that prepare your face and it leaves your face feeling refreshed before you shave. You end up with a great, close shave and you can feel the difference.

The Edge

So you wake up in the morning, have a shower, shave and off to start your day. Easy.

Now, if you are with someone, she may take a little longer in the morning. Right, she wants to do it so she looks great as she knows she is in a competition out there and looks can go along way. I bet you always felt lucky you did not have to worry about that.

You have no need to compete, you have it all - women are fawning over you, men want to be with you as you are a magnet for women and riches besides being the life of the party.

So maybe just maybe you should be spending some time figuring out your morning routine to give you an edge.