August 2010
0 posts
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Two Bands, A Play And A Goodbye :(
That was Mike and Declan, better known as Men About Town. They’re a pretty rockin’ duo comin’ straight outta D-town. Listen to more tracks here.
Another awesome band I’ve had the opportunity to see live is The Airplane Boys. They’ve had their music featured in shoe commercials and they’ve just started creeping into the Canadian airwaves. They...
July 2010
37 posts
8 tags
Smile right MEOW!
My new camera is awesome! Literally, awesome. It goes by the name of Fujifilm FinePix Z700EXR and the 3.5-inch display will blow your mind. Not only is it touch screen, but it can also be held horizontally and vertically without missing a beat. And if you’re into shooting video but can’t be bothered to lug around a video camera, the Z700EXR records HD movie that you can hook up to your TV. ...
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The End.
Welcome to the end Mr. Yantho and friends. As the AXE Summer Gig officially comes to a close today, I feel it fitting to look back on the past two months. Sure it’s been busy and time-consuming with the huge commitment to the blog, but with hard work comes play. Deadlines are deadlines, but once the day is done, in come the fun. And there definitely was no shortage of that! Now let me take...
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Al's Ontario Road Trip Vol. 2: Grand Bend
Read part 1 here.
SATURDAY
I dragged myself out of bed around 8 and jumped in Dan’s pool to wake myself up. Then I air dried.
Sweet feet, bro.
Pretty soon after, Ed and I grabbed a quick breakfast, said our goodbyes to Dan’s parents (thanks again!) and hit the road to Grand Bend baby whoooo! We left early because we were on a mission: find a place to stay the...
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Basic Training: Day 2
Whoever said it’s inappropriate to talk about ladies’ underwear obviously didn’t catch a glance of the AXE Facebook page last week, because it was absolute mayhem. Comment mayhem that is. When trying to decide what I should write about for this week’s topic – underwear – I thought what better than to hear what dudes have to say about women’s unmentionables. And man did they have a lot to say! ...
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Fundies In Undies
Just for you, I lived the past few days wearing alternative underwear. My findings?
Name: Tighty Whities (Steady Reddies?)
Weather: 28ºC, sunny
Pros: - Available in awesome colours
- Most socially acceptable undergarment to prance in
Cons: - Only 50% of ass sweat absorbed (boxer briefs catch 100%)
- Tight.
EoU (ease of urination): 4/5
Additional Comments: - much...
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Al's Ontario Road Trip Vol. 1: On The Road
This past weekend I took a road trip to chill with some of my boys and spread the word about this blog and our Facebook page! My activities were numerous. Our antics were possibly debaucherous. That’s not a word. Enjoy responsibly.
FRIDAY
I woke up, packed like a banshee, scribbled down directions and headed out in a rental for some good times in K-W, aka Kitchener/Waterloo. After...
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Retiring the (AXE) Jersey
The time has come my friends; time to close the curtains on AXE Canada’s Ridiculously, Ridiculously Good Summer Gig. We’re retiring our jerseys and clockin’ out, this is last call ladies and gentlemen. It’s been a wild summer that’s for sure, and it’s hard to believe how fast it went by. And if you don’t mind me being lame for two seconds, I’d like to comment that the saying is true, time does...
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Basic Training: Day 1
We’re going back to the basics. Uncovering the truth. Find out what’s underneath it all. The topic, or lack thereof, is underwear.
And if you’ll excuse me for a moment I’d like to rant it out. If I was a dude for a day I feel like I’d go for the whole boxer look. I mean, they seem pretty simple but I can only imagine how uncomfortable they must be under jeans… correct me if I’m...
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What Grinds My Gears
Alright girls, this one goes out to you. I know your summer vacays are totally awesome. Spring break was great, too. I’ve seen your photos and they are lovely. Chillin’ at the pool pic? Check. Girls’ night out with a colourful drink pic? Check. Dance floor pic with that random guy that turned out to be a terrible mistake? Yeah, you’ve got that one, too.
But wait,...
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Underwater Magic
Hands down one of coolest specs about the FinePix XP10 is the waterproof feature. I’m not talking the kind of waterproof where it’s still advised to avoid water. I mean full-blown underwater madness. And the first time I did it, well, it was wet’n’wild!
Of course I knew my camera was fully functional underwater, but actually testing it out was more nerve-racking than...
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Toronto Things: Part 2
Ever climbed 144 steps without taking a single breath? I’m gonna take a wild guess and say you haven’t. No offence, but unless you’re the seven time champion of a bike race around France, this feat may be beyond your reach. Or perhaps, you’re not unlike me and those terifying 144 steps were actually moving.
Yep, you got it! I’m neither a professional cyclist...
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Getting Shorn
After a few months of growth and a weekend at the beach, it was time for me to get a haircut. Now, I’ve always been a barbershop kind of guy, but since this summer is all about trying new things, I decided to book an appointment at a salon.
Off a recommendation from a friend, I took my scraggly ‘do to Cooney for Hair on Queen and Spadina. I was paired up with Yoshima, a very...
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Dudes Gettin' Kissed
It’s not just girls that have make out horror stories… guys have some dislikes, too.
I took my camera to beach and the streets to find out what girls can do to get a thumbs up from the guys they’re smoochin’.
More importantly, what are the common mistakes that send dudes running for the hills?
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Awkward Turtle
Cover your ears kids. As you may have noticed by now, the topic of the week is making out and it got me thinking… Where is the most awkward place for swappin’ spit? So naturally I took my question to the AXE Facebook page and this is what I found out. The top three most awkward places to make out:
1. An elevator
2. A restaurant booth
3. On public transit
All...
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Home Cookin' In The City
Do you like cheese? Do you like melted cheese? Mmmmmm melty. Jaime and I stopped by The Grilled Cheese in Kensington Market to see if they could fill our bellies. The interior of the place was great - a very relaxed, homey feel with worn wooden tables and friendly staff. We also could have sat at the sunny picnic tables outside. Alright, decor’s out of the way. On to the food! The...
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Skin Tight, Outta Sight.
K, do I have your attention?
Yeah, thought so.
Looking for something awesome in Toronto this week? Check out the Toronto Burlesque Festival.
Jaime and I traveled to the festival’s fundraiser on a sunny afternoon in the back yard of Doll Factory by Damzels, a very neat “Girly, Rock & Roll Retail Heaven”.
Once there, I met up with Mena Von Fleisch, the extremely friendly,...
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Toronto Things: Part 1
If I’ve noticed one thing while living in Toronto this summer, it has to be the enormous population of wiener dogs. With that being said, it’s been a very funny summer. I LOL’L (laugh out loud literally) everytime I see one. No offence wiener lovers.
- Jaime
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What if the hokey pokey really IS what it’s all about?
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Take Out the Make Out
Get a room.
If someone has said this to you, chances are you’ve been caught swappin’ spit in a not-so-private venue. I mean, good for you for getting your game on, but seriously, take your make out to a place with curtains. I get it though, sometimes you just can’t resist the urge and you gotta make out in the most obvious places on the planet. Well playa, this post is dedicated to you.
After...
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Mouth-to-mouth Etiquette
Alright guys, It’s the middle of the summer. You’ve finally found a job, you’ve reunited with all your friends and you’re finally slipping into the sweet summer routine. And maybe, just maaaaaybe, you’ve been getting your game on.
You know what I’m talkin’ bout… the girl that you’ve talked to at the bar a few times? The one that gave you...
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Project Nightlife
Project Nightlife is officially complete! In four days we hit up a club, relaxed in a lounge, belted karaoke, experienced burlesque, enjoyed a patio, cheered for our team, and took in some Toronto talent. It was quite the weekend, and though all of this is true, I’ll leave the boobs, beats and bands to your man Al Hal.
As fast as a riot can break out during G20, Thursday night rolled around and...
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Alternative Fun
Friend 1: “hey man, what do you want to do tonight?”
Friend 2: “uhhhhhh, let’s go to the bar, I guess.”
Both friends: Sigh.
Are you tired of going to the same lame bar every night? Feeling bored by the lack of imagination in your night life? Could Friend 1 and Friend 2 be YOU?
Fear not, my sighing brethren! The past few nights I have been tirelessly seeking...
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Hotel Indigo
The Queen may have left Canada but that doesn’t mean you can’t live like royalty. That was a lame sentence but you know what’s not lame, Hotel Indigo. It’s actually quite rad.
- Jaime
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Fuji Friends
Wake up and check the weather for the day. Simple, yet regular routine right? Besides curiosity, you do this in order to dress accordingly for the weather. Raincoat for rain. Rubber boots for mud. Elbow pads in case you fall. And a warm jacket when the temperature dips below the freezing mark. But what if you had something that was suitable for all weather? Something you could use in rain...
9 tags
Pub, Club, or Live Music?
Anything can happen once the sun goes down. The night is what you make it, and there’s a decision to be made. Pub, club, or live music?
Of course there are other venues and activities you can engage in at night, but this week I’m focusing on the typical nightlife scene. Do you grab some pub grub, get down at a club, or jam to the local band? While living in Toronto it’s these choices I’ve been...
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Bring On The Night
Living in Toronto definitely has its perks: all bands that come to Canada play here, there are street cars, and I earn points for traveling when I shop at the liquor store (on pace for a Beijing round trip by end of summer).
The nightlife of Toronto cannot be left off this list of perks! You want exclusive VIP lounges where big bosses pop bottles? You got it. Legendary music venues, some of...
10 tags
Fuji In The Sky With Diamonds
Similar to my late adoption when it came to cell phones, I have never owned a digital camera. Until now! Fujifilm has hooked me up with not one, but TWO different say cheese machines, and they’re both awesome for their own unique reasons.
The first is the F80. When Fuji says FinePix, they aint lyin’ with this creature. This camera is like the brother who is the pride of the...
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True Patriot Love
Moustache Ride ‘09!
You know what spending Canada Day in Ottawa helped me realize? Just how proud I am to be from this country. While I haven’t biked across the country like a few friends from high school did (shout out to Moustache Ride ‘09), I’ve experienced a pretty good chunk of our beloved Great White North, and I am impressed. Here are a few reasons I dig Canada:
...
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Hup Holland!
As a proud Dutch girl and owner of klompen, I am thrilled to see my oranje reach the finals of that international soccer tournament going on right now. Hup Holland!
Update: I am sad to say that after an incredible match, my country did not come out on top like I hoped they would. <Enter sad face here>
- Jaime
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Lookin' Rullll Nice Vol. 2
I’ve already given you my fave AXE shower products, so let’s move on to the rest of the bathroom business, shall we?
Laid Back Shaggy Look Cream - this is the AXE styling aid for me. Not that I’m a particularly shaggy dude, but this product actually holds my hair in place without looking like I shellacked it. If I need extra support I’ll pop in the pleasantly goopy...
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Get it Tight, Get it Right
As everyone is probably aware of by now, Al Hal and I celebrated Canada Day in Ottawa. But it wasn’t just any old Canada Day bash. For starters, the Queen made her way to Ottawa for the big day and I took pictures of a woman who I thought was the Queen. Fail. Must have been her stunt double or something. Anyways, on a scale of one to crazy fun, I would rate Canada Day in Ottawa...
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HBD, Canada!
Aaaaaand we’re back! After a whirlwind 48 hours I think it’s safe to say that Ottawa will never be same. Although our time there was limited, the partying definitely was not. So sit back, chill, and let me take you through the highlight reel.
First stop – Ottawa. After a five and a half hour trek via train, we finally touched down in Canada’s capital. Surprisingly the train ride wasn’t that...
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Gettin' Silly On The Hilly
If you’ve been following Jaime and I on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll know that last week AXE sent us to O-town to live it up Canadiana style on our country’s 143rd birthday. And live it up we did!
6:00am, June 30th - We wake up to catch our train
6:55am - The train leaves and our adventure begins! I immediately regret running the night before as I fold my legs into my seat.
...
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Making Neighbours Jealous Since 2005
While I’ve been cavorting around Toronto, writing about manscaping and drinking cran-tinis, my man Dan has been chillin’ in D-town, working landscaping and drinking ice cold Halifax microbrews. I have to give him some love because of:
a) his sick graphic design skills
b) how good he looks with grass stains
BAM!
8 tags
Al Gets Groomed
The other day I decided to get educated and see what all the hype was about regarding men getting manicures. I also got a pedicure for good measure.
Jaime, Maria and I all went down to Buff Nail Lounge to get our digits cleaned up. Big thanks to them. A bigger thanks to Sherry, who put up with a lot of typical dumb guy questions from me, along with almost getting kicked in the face.
...
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"A Guide to Guy's Grooming by Girls"
When I last left you, I was determined to find out what really goes into a guy’s grooming regimen. Well, after a weekend at the cottage surrounded by half a dozen unshowered dudes, my research was not going as well as I had hoped. Since the lake was as close to a shower that anybody would get, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create “A Guide to Guy’s Grooming by...
June 2010
22 posts
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Lookin' Rullll Nice
At 4: “Make sure to clean behind your ears!”
At 8: “Sweety, we need to get that hair cut before the family reunion.”
At 18: “Is that a moustache or did you just dirty sanchez?”
From the time we’re out of diapers until the day we need them again, we’re constantly being needled about our appearance. And while I’ll never consider it the...
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Dirty Little Secrets
Holla blogaholics, Imma ‘bout to get real serious with ya’ll. Since we’ve been best friends for nearly a month now, I think it’s time to dish some dirt. Due to a recent incident in which my best friends could only come up with two solid facts about me (I hate germs and I like cats), I’ll go first!
We’re talking about grooming. I’d like to think of myself as a low-maintenance kind of girl, but...
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“Good afternoon Ms. Neefs, welcome back!” - the hotel concierge (AKA, the nicest people on the planet)
Behind the desk with the best
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BandWatch: The Bombadils
You can take the boy out of Scotia, but you can’t take the Scotia out of the boy, and if you’ve been to my home province you know that we THROW DOWN when it comes to celtic music. Furthermore, after many years of stringent testing, you can take it from me there is no better genre to listen to while sipping a pint.
Enter: The Bombadils, a killer celtic fusion pub band made up...
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Al's Online Date: Finale
When we last left our hero, he had successfully found an online suitor… Finally I had come across a girl who was sane and actually messaged me back! I was happy; I had a good feeling about this one after reading her ideal first date involved “slapping kittens around”. A little more exciting than the traditional dinner and a movie. We exchanged contact info and were soon...
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Computer Crush
You’re 20 (well, I am). And there are a gazillion things to do while being young and single. A boat ride for three? Cool. A road trip. Travelling. Camping out. These things are perfect for summer, but what isn’t perfect? Online dating… at least not at my age.
The general consensus of the weekend was to keep it simple and out of cyberspace. But not without reason. My friends...
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Online Cruising (For A Bruising?)
I had never really considered online dating before, but a mere three weeks into this ridiculous summer gig and there I was, filling out what I was looking for in a soul mate and trying to figure out which pictures I could use that didn’t make me look like a creeper.
My first misconception about the online dating world was that since it’s much more anonymous than real life, the...
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I Got the Fever!
Man, the things I would do to get a ticket to the music video awards in Toronto…wow. Kidding, but not really. Somedays…most days… I’m living the life of a 14-year old girl when it comes to the awards performers. Specifically one with immovable hair. Melt. Embarrassing. Whatever.
Update! Checked out the award show on Sunday with Al in a sea of screaming/crying...
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ZIG
Last week Al and I interned at Zig, a communications company that creates “ideas in their most powerful form.” They work with some of the most ballin brands in the world, making ads for TV and web and everywhere else. Lately we’ve been living on the Internet, discovering what people do and where people go, reporting back to give more insight into the ultimate 19-year old...
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Log in for love
My first time was awkward. I didn’t really know what I was doing and I hoped it didn’t show… online dating was very new to me.
Lucky for me and my internet skillz, I think I’ve got it figured out. I’ve been at this game for, oh I don’t know, 24 hours now, and instant messaging makes more sense and sending smiles are simple… not that I’ve done either. You know, it’s not that...
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Open Relationships, Your Computer And You
There are several ways to meet a woman. The friend-of-a-friend (tried and true), the classmate (slightly higher risk) and the bar hookup (no qualms here).
But the twenty-first century man has a new tool in his lady-chasing arsenal: the internet. Originally conceived of as a series of tubes, the internet can now be used to read news, check sports scores and yes, get a date!
Now,...
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(Mis)Adventures Of A Rookie Texter
I still remember my first text. I was diligently sitting through a girlfriend’s choir practice, and I was bored. I decided to use her cell phone to text my buddy Ed to tell him how “I have been thinking about you for months”, “My passions are so strong I can’t sleep at night” and how “In my heart of hearts, I know you are the man for me”. Maybe...