Shared posts

25 Dec 07:32

Official Images Of The Nike Dunk High “Dark Beetroot”

by Jovani Hernandez

“Dark Beetroot” styling isn’t new to the NIKE, Inc. family of footwear products, but it’s only recently landed on what may turn out to be its most popular appearance: a Nike Dunk High.

Akin to some of the most iconic takes of Peter Moore’s 1985 design, the upcoming pair indulges in a cool grey base layer, which sets to the stage for the titular “Dark Beetroot” tone. Panels around toe, along the tongue and across the heel appear in the aforementioned, wine-reminiscent color. Other Nike Sportswear models (i.e. Air Max 97, Air Force 1) have indulged in less “Dark Beetroot” styling before, but have drawn sizable attention too. Underfoot, the high-top Nike Dunk keeps things simple with tread a shade darker than the upper’s most prominent color.

Enjoy official images of the two-tone pair ahead, as you anticipate a Nike SNKRS launch sometime before the year ends.

Elsewhere under the “Swoosh” banner, the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” has recently surfaced via official images, suggesting a release date is imminent.

Where to Buy

Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.

Nike Dunk High
Release Date: 2022
Color: N/A
Mens: $120 Style Code: DD1399-600

North America2022














© Sneaker News, 2022. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us

The post Official Images Of The Nike Dunk High "Dark Beetroot" appeared first on Sneaker News.

The post Official Images Of The Nike Dunk High “Dark Beetroot” appeared first on Sneaker News.

08 Nov 21:49

Where To Buy The Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” (2022)

by Jovani Hernandez

Last seen in 2017, the Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” is set to return on November 11th in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Back in 1997, the silhouette pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved by the Swoosh, offering the first full-length visible Air Max unit up to that point. The original “Metallic Silver” color scheme also became iconic in its own right, going on to be the go-to sneaker for countless creatives across Italy and other parts of Europe. Christian Tresser drew inspiration from the high-speed bullet trains in Japan for the AM97’s design, but also from mountain biking and the ripples commonly found in ponds. The shoe’s wavy upper has emerged in dozens of different styles over the last 25 years, although the “Silver Bullet” take continues to reign supreme.

Enjoy another look at the anniversary retro ahead, courtesy of 43einhalb, as you wait for a Nike SNKRS launch on Friday, November 11th, for $185 USD.

For more from NIKE, Inc., check out the Air Jordan 11 “Cherry” set to drop in December.

Where to Buy

Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.

warning-icon
UPDATE (10/12/2022):
A release date is expected on November 11th, 2022.
Nike Air Max 97 "Silver Bullet 2022"
Release Date: Nov 11th, 2022 (Friday)
Color: N/A
Mens: $185 Style Code: DM0028-002

After MarketAvailable Now

Womens: $180

Style Code: DQ9131-002

EuropeNov 1st, 2022 (Tuesday)

Grade School: $160

Style Code: 918890-001



© Sneaker News, 2022. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us

The post Where To Buy The Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” (2022) appeared first on Sneaker News.

The post Where To Buy The Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” (2022) appeared first on Sneaker News.

19 Jun 09:35

Matthew M. Williams Rethinks Breathability With Upcoming Nike Clog

by Michael Le

There’s much chatter about a so-called “Post-Sneaker” world, as loafers and derby shoes have become extremely popular. But not all are trading in casual for formal, with many still gravitating towards offerings the likes of Crocs and Merrell Hydro Mocs. Even influential figures the likes of Ye and Salehe Bembury have crafted their own competitors — the Foam Runner and Pollex Clog — propelling the clog to the cultural forefront.

Now, following in the footsteps of the above-mentioned, Matthew M. Williams is bringing his own spin to the formula. Alongside Nike, the ALYX head has created a slide that feels closely related to past works. The toe box, for example, proffers a brutalist, squared shape reminiscent of the Zoom MMW 4. And the rest of the shoe is kept sleek, its foam chiseled along the midsole and perforated across not just the forefoot but the footbed as well.

For a closer look at MMW’s upcoming Nike Slide, check out the available imagery below. No release date has been announced yet, but we should learn more details soon.

In other news, BEAMS Paperboy New Balance 920s are coming soon.










© Sneaker News, 2022. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us

The post Matthew M. Williams Rethinks Breathability With Upcoming Nike Clog appeared first on Sneaker News.

The post Matthew M. Williams Rethinks Breathability With Upcoming Nike Clog appeared first on Sneaker News.

29 May 04:41

Podcast #733: What a Man With 60,000 Books Can Teach You About Lifelong Learning and Building Your Home Library

by Brett & Kate McKay

Gary Hoover loves books. Among the nine companies he founded was the bookstore chain Bookstop, which was acquired by Barnes & Noble. He has a personal collection of 60,000 books, which he had to purchase an abandoned medical center to house. And he’s the author of his own book, which is about books, called The Lifetime Learner’s Guide to Reading and Learning
 
Today on the show, Gary shares how his fascination with books was born in his youth, why the collection he amassed over the decades is almost entirely non-fiction, why he prefers physical books over ebooks, and why getting your hands on old books can be particularly beneficial in enhancing your knowledge of the world. From there we turn to Gary’s method for digesting a book, which allows him to glean its most valuable nuggets in just thirty minutes, without having to read it cover to cover. We also talk about whether Gary takes notes on the books he reads, and how to incorporate more serendipity into the way you do your own reading and build your home library.

Resources Related to the Podcast

Connect With Gary Hoover

Listen to the Podcast! (And don’t forget to leave us a review!)

Apple Podcast.

Overcast.

Spotify.

Stitcher.Google Podcast.

Listen to the episode on a separate page.

Download this episode.

Subscribe to the podcast in the media player of your choice.

Listen ad-free on Stitcher Premium; get a free month when you use code “manliness” at checkout.

Podcast Sponsors

Click here to see a full list of our podcast sponsors.

Transcript Coming Soon!

The post Podcast #733: What a Man With 60,000 Books Can Teach You About Lifelong Learning and Building Your Home Library appeared first on The Art of Manliness.

14 Jan 21:14

CDC Vaccination Card Holder 3-Pack for $12 + free shipping

Since shipping is free via coupon "DEALNEWSFS", it's a good price for three of these. Buy Now at MorningSave

Tips
  • You must choose the color in cart before applying the coupon code.
  • In Pink/ Black/Rose Gold or Red/Green/Blue.

23 Nov 02:36

TaoTronics 2L Countertop Ice Maker for $60 + free shipping

Apply coupon code "FR02" for a savings of $62. Buy Now at taotronics.com

Features
  • LCD display
  • self-cleaning function
  • 2.1L water reservoir
  • made of 304 stainless steel and food-grade ABS materials
  • makes 9 small or large bullet-shaped ice cubes in one 6-9 minute cycle (up to 26-lbs. per day)
  • Model: TT-IC002
23 Oct 23:55

Calphalon Performance Air Fry Convection Oven, Countertop Toaster Oven for $169.99

Amazon is offering the Calphalon Performance Air Fry Convection Oven, Countertop Toaster Oven, Dark Stainless Steel for the best deal.

Next best price on Google is $269.50 Shipped

Amazon Price is $169.99 Shipped
01 Oct 18:23

Your Monthly Horoscope: October 2021

by Annabel Gat

October opens with Mercury retrograde in Libra, which might find us running into people from the past or revisiting plans and conversations. We’re exploring how things can move forward with the new moon in Libra, which calls for justice and clarity. A full moon in Aries also takes place, inspiring us to be courageous as we release the past, and the sun enters water sign Scorpio, heralding a season of transformation. What does this mean for you? Read your monthly horoscope to find out:

Aries

It’s an exciting time to connect with your friends, lovers, and collaborators! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Taurus

You’re reflecting on balance this Libra season. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Gemini

It’s a time of peace and pleasure! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Cancer

Libra season has you feeling nostalgic, dear Cancer. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Leo

It’s a wonderful time to connect with others! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Virgo

You’re diving deep into themes like money and desire. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Libra

Happy solar return, dear Libra! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Scorpio

This is a particularly intriguing time of year for you, little scorpion. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Sagittarius

It’s a big moment for your hopes and dreams! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Capricorn

This is a season of reward and recognition for you, dear Capricorn. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Aquarius

You’re feeling adventurous! Read your monthly horoscope here.

Pisces

Libra season invites you to get clear on love and money. Read your monthly horoscope here.

Want these horoscopes sent straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up for the newsletter.

02 Sep 00:06

Woman Arrested Trying to Enter Hawaii With 'Maderna' Covid-19 Vaccine Card

by Matt Novak

A 24-year-old woman from Illinois was arrested on Sunday while trying to enter Hawaii with a fake covid-19 vaccination record card. How did authorities know it was fake? For starters, the counterfeit card said the woman had received the “Maderna” vaccine rather than the Moderna vaccine.

Read more...

18 Jan 23:53

CBD for Dummies: How to Properly Microdose CBD

by Ben Kaye

CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, has been receiving positive buzz over the past few years for its healing and medicinal properties. It’s widely known for being a quick, holistic solution for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. There’s even ongoing research into its potential use in treating…

Please click the link below to read the full article.

CBD for Dummies: How to Properly Microdose CBD
CoS Staff

09 Oct 02:46

The Best Beers And Breweries In America, According To Indy Brewers

by daneriveralpc


Getty Image

The American Homebrewer’s Association just released their “2019 Best Beers In America” list. Why should any of us care? Well, because the AHA asked readers of Zymurgy magazine, which all AHA members are subscribed to, what they thought the best beers and breweries in the country are. And considering these are people who love beer so much they’ve decided to brew it in their own homes and read magazines dedicated to the art of making beer, we’re going to go ahead and trust their advice. (That, and the fact that several of the beers and breweries on this list overlap with our own expert coverage.)

Whether you’re all about finding beers perfect for summer or if you’re more of an experiential drinker and need a dope setting to amplify the experience, between us and this list, you’ll have all the best-tasting beers and breweries in the country dialed in.

Coming in on top of the AHA’s list is Bell’s Two Hearted Ale with their third consecutive win. “Receiving this honor once, twice even is incredible,” said Bell’s president and founder Larry Bell. “But a third time? I am speechless and incredibly thankful to the homebrewing community and everyone who has helped make this beer what it is today.” Check out the full list of beers and breweries below or head over to The American Homebrewer’s Association’s website to see the results broken up by state.

Top-Ranked Beer

T24. Russian River Blind Pig IPA
T24. Odell IPA
23. North Coast Old Rasputin
T21. The Alchemist Focal Banger
T21. Allagash White
20. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout
T18. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
T18. Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine
T16. New Holland Dragon’s Milk
T16. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
15. Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA
14. Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
T12. Three Floyds Zombie Dust
T12. Tree House Julius
11. Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
T9. WeldWerks Juicy Bits
T9. Founders Breakfast Stout
T7. Bell’s Hopslam
T7. Founders All Day IPA
6. Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout
5. The Alchemist Heady Topper
4. Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout
3. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
2. Russian River Pliny the Elder
1. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale

Top Breweries

T24. Surly Brewing Company (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
T24. Goose Island Beer (Chicago, Illinois)
23. Left Hand Brewing Company (Longmont, Colorado)
22. Allagash Brewing Company (Portland, Maine)
21. Avery Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado)
20. Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
T18. Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado; Brevard, North Carolina; Austin, Texas)
T18. Lagunitas Brewing Company (Petaluma, California; Chicago, Illinois)
17. Three Floyds Brewing Company (Munster, Indiana)
16. New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, Colorado; Asheville, North Carolina)
15. New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, Wisconsin)
T12. WeldWerks Brewing CO. (Greeley, Colorado)
T12. Cigar City Brewing (Tampa Bay, Florida)
T12. Boulevard Brewing Company (Kansas City, Missouri)
T10. Stone Brewing (Escondido, California)
T10. Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles, California)
T8. Odell Brewing Company (Fort Collins, Colorado)
T8. Deschutes Brewery (Bend, Oregon)
7. The Alchemist (Stowe, Vermont)
6. Tree House Brewing Company (Charlton, Massachusetts)
5. Dogfish Head Craft (Milton, Delaware)
4. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (Chico, California; Mills River, North Carolina)
3. Russian River Brewing Company (Santa Rosa and Windsor, California)
2. Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
1. Bell’s Brewery (Comstock, Michigan)

07 Oct 02:57

9 Cool Tricks for Outlook.com That You Can't Do in Gmail

by David Nield

For years Gmail has ruled the land of web-based email services, but slowly and surely Microsoft has been making Outlook.com a force to be reckoned with. We’re not yet at the stage where we can confidently declare Outlook.com is superior to Gmail for your online email checking—but what we can say is here are nine cool…

Read more...

07 Oct 02:55

Alchemist & Big Twins Connect For “Phantom of the Opera”

by Meka
IM3 forever.
22 Sep 23:20

Tesla lays out 'Battery Day' plans that lead to a $25,000 electric car

by Richard Lawler
The Tesla Battery Day presentation is under way, and CEO Elon Musk has shown off a number of changes the company is making that he says can halve the cost per kWh of building electric vehicle battery cells. Just before showing off the $140,000~ Model...
09 Aug 06:21

Michley LSS-Mini Sewing Machine with Needle Guard for $18 + free shipping w/ $35

That's a great price for a sewing machine; you'd pay over $30 elsewhere. Buy Now at Walmart

Tips
  • It uses four AA batteries (not included).
  • Shipping adds $5.99, or get free shipping with $35.
Features
  • protective needle guard for safety
  • auto bobbin winder
  • high/low speed
  • foot pedal operation
31 Jul 01:11

Another Token Jazz Hour: 60 Minutes of Samples Used by J Dilla (Mixed by Bowls)

by Jason

No chocolate sprinkles for Bowls. He likes his donuts dusty. This second installment of Another Token Jazz Hour gets as deep and dusty as it gets to dig up 70+ jazz originals as sampled by Dilla. No half measures, either: all tracks were ripped from original vinyl pressings, with the exception of two songs only released on …

Continue reading "Another Token Jazz Hour: 60 Minutes of Samples Used by J Dilla (Mixed by Bowls)"

The post Another Token Jazz Hour: 60 Minutes of Samples Used by J Dilla (Mixed by Bowls) appeared first on The Find Mag.

28 May 15:14

Official Images Of The Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Tie-Dye”

by Michael Le

Throughout this past year alone, Jordan Brand has switched gears in regards to women’s exclusives, offering up both the Jordan OG as well as a string of collaborations from the veritably talented Melody Ehsani. And this Summer, with its Air Jordan 11 Lows and Flint 13s, also has no shortage of standouts as many look forward to the release of the WMNS Air Jordan 1 High “Tie-Dye.” Just revealed by way of official images, the pair treats the once again trending pattern with a wash of cool tones. Hits of aqua blue as well as the more saturated Royal dye the overlays from the toe cap to the heel wrap while the toe box and profile hue to a neutral black and white, respectively. Tongues as well as their laces opt for the darker of the two, matching that of the “Nike Air” branding at the tongue as well as the overlaid swoosh. Grab a detailed look the adults, PS, and TD sizes here and expect a release to arrive at Nike.com as well as select retailers on June 11th.

In other news, the Jordan 13 Flint drops this weekend.

WMNS Air Jordan 1 “Tie-Dye”
Release Date: June 11th, 2020
$170
Color: White/Black-Aurora Green
Style Code: CD0461-100
Style Code: CU0449-100 (PS)
Style Code: CU0450-100 (TD)

Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.

Where To Buy

© Sneaker News, 2020. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us

The post Official Images Of The Women's Air Jordan 1 "Tie-Dye" appeared first on Sneaker News.

The post Official Images Of The Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Tie-Dye” appeared first on Sneaker News.

19 Apr 05:00

Kanye West on His Next Album, Designing Yeezy, and Kobe Bryant

by Will Welch
From Ye's Wyoming ranch to Paris Fashion Week, Will Welch spent three months inside Kanye West's vision for the future for GQ's May 2020 issue.
05 Jan 05:29

Weekly Dope v.92

by Shake
New music from PRhyme, MURS, Wale, and more.
30 Dec 12:36

The UGG Closet Is Open and Hundreds Of Styles Are On Sale

by Ana Suarez on Kinja Deals, shared by Ana Suarez to Gizmodo
27 Dec 19:32

Marlon Craft Bodies His Funk Flex Freestyle

by Shake
Eight minutes of straight heat from the Hell's Kitchen rapper.
15 Aug 02:00

Jay-Z Explains Why He Partnered With The NFL Despite His Support Of Colin Kaepernick

by Aaron Williams

Getty Image

Yesterday, when it was announced that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation had partnered with the NFL on a new deal to make the mogul the league’s “live music entertainment strategist,” some fans were miffed by the seeming about-face from the Roc Nation chief. Just a year ago, he was sporting a Colin Kaepernick jersey on television in support of the blackballed quarterback while also turning down offers to perform at the Super Bowl — and trying to convince other artists to do the same. Critics called out the perceived hypocrisy, but to his credit, Jay isn’t shying away from their questions.

In a press conference discussing the move, Jay “didn’t duck questions about the fact that he struck a deal with the NFL despite Colin Kaepernick still not having a job,” according to ESPN’s Jason Reid, who writes for The Undefeated. Reid recounted the press conference on Twitter, writing that “J’s position is that he’s focused on trying to help as many people as he can and working on the system from within. From his perspective, the protests were about shining a light on the problem and everyone now knows what the problem is. Now, what’s next?”

As far as the accusations from some online critics who say that Jay’s move betrayed Kaepernick, Reid says, “J shared that he spoke with Kaep, but he didn’t reveal what was said.” Meanwhile, Kaepernick has apparently been staying in shape in case he gets a call despite receiving an undisclosed settlement from the NFL in his collusion case against it.

18 Oct 00:40

Cancel Your Gym Membership And Buy This $117 Home Gym Instead

by Shep McAllister on Kinja Deals, shared by Shep McAllister to Gizmodo

Nobody wants to schlep to the gym in the dead of winter, but you can work out nearly every muscle group in your body at home with this $117 Weider gym. It uses your own body weight for resistance, but optional bands can add up to 50 pounds of force to your workouts. But the best part of using a home gym? You get to…

Read more...

12 Oct 03:18

A Private Chef For Stars Like DeMarcus Cousins And 2Chainz Tells Us All About Her Work

by Steve Bramucci


Sami Udell

It’s 7pm on a Monday night and Sami Udell is prepping a five-course dinner for her brother’s wedding party. Wearing her signature “Eat Good Food” t-shirt and apron, she chops fresh sweet potatoes while reading off a handwritten menu taped to her cabinet. As usual, the dinner will be centered on fresh fruits and vegetables, paired with a lot of heart. The potatoes will ultimately accompany the main course of crispy vegetables, halibut with cashew cream sauce, and a smokey, olive and herb relish. Though Udell has just returned from San Francisco, where she was invited to cook for NBA superstar Kevin Durant, she accommodates a last minute request to add four more people to the dinner party. These are the sorts of spur of the moment pivots she’s grown accustomed to as a personal chef.

At just 27 years old, with no formal training or accolades, Udell is a full-time personal chef for some of the world’s biggest athletes and musicians. She began teaching herself how to cook in college as a means to be healthier. When she moved to Los Angeles, she spent most of her time cooking for her friends, gardening, and learning everything she could about food to hone her craft. In a serendipitous moment of preparation colliding with an extraordinary opportunity, Sami’s hearty but healthy fare caught the attention of the personal assistant to Ludacris, after she catered a party he was at. After months of persistent follow-up, Sami received a call from Ludacris himself inviting her to cook for him. Her warm, disarming demeanor and infectious curiosity for nature and food have parlayed that into a star-studded list of clientele — including NBA star DeMarcus Cousins and rap icon 2Chainz.

I recently sat down with Sami in her makeshift commercial kitchen to discuss the highs and lows of working in such a physically demanding yet rewarding profession. She was incredibly candid about the difficult moments, the breadth of personalities, and the day to day joys and struggles behind all the glamour.

Instagram Photo

So, I know your story, but can you contextualize how you started cooking and how you first become a personal chef?

I started cooking just because I thought it was fun. I cooked for one of my brother’s networking parties, where I was lucky to meet Ludacris’s personal assistant. He actually delivered and ended up connecting me to Ludacris, so I started cooking for him when he was here in LA. I was really faking it honestly — pretending I knew how to cook while literally Googling “how to cook.” But the thrill of learning to cook was so fun that I was hooked. I ended up getting a job at a restaurant to enhance my skills. It’s such a brutal industry and I didn’t feel like I fit in. I didn’t go to culinary school but here I was cooking for a very famous celebrity. People were naturally judging me a little more than the other cooks because they didn’t understand how I had that job since my skills didn’t really align.

After being in that kitchen, as a 24-year-old, I didn’t have a lot of inhibition, and I wasn’t really scared to take risks, so I didn’t know what I was getting into when I decided to start a food truck. I figured I could run a restaurant, or a food truck on my own, and I did run the truck for two years, which was so fun, and I did love it. But what I realized through the truck was that, for now, I love cooking for fewer people and keeping the quality at its highest. Meanwhile, as the truck was running, my clientele grew and I started getting a lot of calls from NBA players. It started with DeMarcus Cousins, and I cooked for DeMarcus at his home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three months straight with no days off — for him and six other guys that were all well past six feet all. As much work as it was, I loved that personal connection, being in his house, listening to him talk about, say, ramen noodles. You know silly, normal things that he talks about. Seeing someone that people put on such a pedestal versus me being their chef is almost humorous. I get to know them in such a personal way and I love building that relationship, knowing who they are and understanding their food preferences. From there it just kept growing. I started working for NBA players and then 2Chainz and the family that owns Medmen, the cannabis company.

As long as I feel like I respect the person in some way, I’m happy. There does have to be a connection we build that makes me want to cook for them, because I devote every waking hour to cooking for them.

Instagram Photo

I know from personal experience that there’s something really special about your food, but what do you think it is that Ludacris, and ultimately all of your clients, love about you as a chef?

I think my passion for what I do has carried me really far, versus having a ton of skills. I’m not that person, but I’m very relatable and when I’m in someone’s kitchen, they can feel that I really love the food, and I care. Anyone can have skills, but not everyone has passion and care for what they do. I don’t even think I could teach it. I don’t know if it’s something that you can grow or ease into, but it only enhances as I continue. I feel so blessed to have such passion for cooking and learning about food. I have a nourishing spirit, I’m easy going, on-time, and I communicate.

You’re also really accommodating.

I do go above and beyond, even when it’s hard for me. It could have been easier to say that I can’t add four more people to the dinner tonight, but I will go above and beyond to make clients feel special, I want all my clients to feel like they’re my priority.

Tell me about how the relationship with DeMarcus Cousins came about.

I was cooking for him for two weeks and the night before my last day of meal prep, I got a call from his team saying that it would be my last day and they were going to continue with a different chef. I asked why they didn’t want me and they said they didn’t love deliveries and wanted someone who would cook in person. So I left a party in Venice and went to Erewhon to make the best homemade food I could make. It was 9:30 p.m. the night before I was supposed to drop off the food I had already made, and I decided to show up in person the next morning and do my best.

When I showed up the next day, they had already hired another guy who was on Top Chef. He had all the skills and was super extra. I looked DeMarcus straight in the eyes, he’s like 7 ft. tall, and said, “I know you hired someone else. But I will do my best, and no one is going to care more than I will.” I saw him light up, and I thought, “I think I have the job.” They called me the next day and said, “We had another chef, and we decided to go with you.” It’s so funny now because DeMarcus and I are so tight. It’s almost like we’re friends and that would never have happened if I hadn’t been so ballsy.

Instagram Photo

I love that story, and it’s such a testament to who you are as a person. So other than say, the potential rejection, what is the hardest aspect about what you do?

The hardest aspect is probably time. Imagine throwing an Easter party, or Christmas or Hanukkah dinner party for even five people. Imagine what you have to do: find the recipes, make a list, get groceries, go to multiple grocery stores, and because I like to be farm to table, I go to the Farmer’s Market. So there’s making your menu, then add LA traffic, parking, come back home, and by the time you get home, you have to make sure the kitchen is perfectly clean and then you prep and go to your client’s house. I wake up at 6 a.m. to be at the Farmer’s Market by 7 a.m. and then I go to one client’s house for breakfast, and then another for dinner, and I get home at 11 p.m. and I haven’t even looked at my email. As a personal chef, you do everything yourself. At a restaurant, they have a dishwasher or purveyor, but you’re really it — you do every aspect and having time to do all that is hard.

You cook for a number of NBA players. How do you take in their needs as top performing athletes and what do you think is unique about their diets?

Their diets are intense, especially when it comes to macronutrients. You have to take into consideration an exact amount of carbs or proteins. So as a chef, and wanting to be creative, you have to weigh things out: you’re a makeshift nutritionist and a chef. I also have to make sure they’re getting what they need to perform at their optimal level. But when you think about what they do, they have to be at peak ability, so I take it to heart and I really want that for them. To be creative with the restrictions, I go to the Farmer’s Market. Living in LA, we have access to amazing produce, maybe they can only have one cup of fruit, but I can find something interesting and make it special. I’m always finding new cool products, like a new spice or a new noodle that’s low in carbs, and because the grocery stores and Farmer’s Markets know me, they’re always giving me new products to try. Or sometimes I’ll watch an episode of Chef’s Table or eat at a Michelin starred restaurant and I think, “man, DeMarcus can’t have this…so what can I do to make it in a way that he can?” So I deconstruct my favorite dishes and I reintroduce them with things NBA players can eat.

What about rappers and hip-hop artists you cook for like Ludacris and 2Chainz? Are there similar considerations for their diets?

They’re actually quite similar. I got used to certain categories — like gluten-free is no problem. But their diets vary in calories since they’re not high performing athletes. Usually, it’s no dairy and no sugar. My brain is categorized by client — like “these two clients have the same diet,” or “this client is dairy and gluten free.” You can tell me to cook raw and I’ll figure it out.

Instagram Photo

What do you think would surprise people the most about being a personal chef?

How much work it takes or communicating. Or how physically draining it is. I’m always standing and running around. I’m always working even if I’m not at a client’s house. I’ll wake up in the middle of night, thinking about what they need for breakfast. It’s all-encompassing, in that way.

Also, the food can be pretty simple. They’re not eating foie gras every meal. Once in a while, it’s fancy but they really want tasty and healthy.

I know you’ve worked with a lot of different personalities. Are there any moments in particular where you thought, “I just can’t do this” or were really challenging? How did you keep going?

Yeah, I cooked for the founder of a major TV network and one day I brought a bottle of olive oil onto the driveway and it shattered on his driveway. They wouldn’t even let me in the house or let me clean it up, they just kicked me out. I went to my food truck after and just started crying. We’re all doing our best, so I didn’t understand why they would treat me that way. But, that stuff makes me stronger, as cliche as it sounds. After that, I cried, after DeMarcus originally told me “no,” I cried — I’m sensitive. But when I go home, I’m really good at looking at the whole picture: “What did I do wrong, and where can I go from here? Where can I grow instead of letting it stop me?”

Wow, that’s insane. But I think that goes to show why working with good clients as a chef is so important.

Yeah, I really value the people I work with, and I want all of my clients to do the best they can in life. So many people think it’s a glamorous industry, and it is… in a way. But I think people may not know that clients choosing me and me choosing a client are both important. I don’t care how much someone is willing to pay me if I’m not respected. When a client thanks me or texts me saying how much they loved a meal, I’m so grateful that they’re treating me well. Some celebrities don’t see this job as another human being, but my clients do and I respect that.

Where do you think your passion for food is headed?

I want to expand my business. I’m lucky that I’m young and that I work this hard. I know my body won’t be capable of this for a long time, but I‘m just in the present. I work as hard as I can and I work with people from all walks of life. I work 24/7 and I’m learning. When I look at my food from even a year ago, I see what I’ve done and how much I’ve grown. I’m putting in my 10,000 hours of cooking. When I watch things react in the pan, I know I have the skills and the sky’s the limit. I’ve built a strong foundation for a company and I ran a food truck for two years, so I have business knowledge which I think is only going to benefit me.

I do have goals, but I want to be present and learn so in the future I can do whatever I want. But I strongly believe I’ll be in the food industry until I die. I just really love what I do. I really love it.

Instagram Photo

Anything else you think is important to know about being a personal chef?

People are constantly texting you at the last minute with all kinds of requests [laughs]. People always want to know what my clients eat and what their personalities are behind closed doors and, honestly, I don’t think they’re the same but never in a bad way. People are always more down to earth — nice and humble. I choose to work with really good people. Being in someone else’s home takes away society’s glorified version of celebrity. It doesn’t really matter who people are, because at the end of the day everyone has to eat.

Instagram Photo

05 Sep 22:49

Curren$y – “300 Thousand” (Video)

by Shake
Wraith life.
23 Jul 00:36

Cordless Power Spin Scrubber w/ Cleaning Kit for $25 + free shipping

That Daily Deal offers the Eternal Cordless Power Spin Scrubber with Cleaning Kit for $25.49 with free shipping. That's a buck under our mention from two weeks ago and the lowest price we could find now by $12. It features a spin scrubber with expandable pole and three scrubbing heads.
22 May 08:58

Keurig K-Cup 40- to 48-Packs for $20 + pickup at Best Buy

As one of its daily deals, Best Buy offers a selection of Keurig K-Cup 40-, 44-, or 48-Packs for $19.99. Opt for in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee. That's tied with our mention from last month and a savings of at least $5 on many of these packs. (Most stores charge around $10 more.) Discounted packs include Donut Shop, Starbucks, Green Mountain, and Gloria Jean's. Deal ends today.
16 Dec 00:25

Sealy Posturepedic Carrsville Firm Tight Top Queen Mattress for $249.99 plus free shipping (normally $499.99)

from Sears
$249.99
20 Nov 07:42

5 Wonderful Background Noise Resources That Will Boost Your Productivity

by Siobhan Harmer
169H

Have you ever wondered why authors are often depicted writing in busy coffee shops instead of in the quiet of their own home? Or why artists like to paint outdoors where the breeze and the sound of mother nature seemingly infiltrates their creative zone? Well, according to a paper published by the Journal of Consumer Research, the ideal work environment entails a little bit of background noise.

In the study, a team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lead by Ravi Mehta separated their volunteers into four groups and asked each to complete a Remote Associates Test, which often used to test creative thinking. Each group was asked to work in differing levels of volume: 50 decibels, 70 decibels, 85 decibels and complete silence. Researchers found that the participants that had been working in an environment with 70 decibels of background noise performed significantly better than their counterparts. The author of the study states that: “getting into a relatively noisy environment may trigger the brain to think abstractly, and thus generate creative ideas.”

To ensure you get the most out of your time spent working, here are five background noise resources you can use to boost your creativity and productivity!

1. Coffitivity

Screen Shot 2015-02-05 at 16.09.52.png

Inspired by the idea that background noise can boost productivity, Justin Kaulzer created Coffitivity – an online site that is also available as app. If you find the ambience of a coffee shop or the bustle of a college library a comforting, familiar, productivity booster then turn on some of Coffitivity’s looping soundtracks.

2. Raining FM

Screen Shot 2015-02-05 at 16.10.54.png

If you want to keep your background noise as simple as possible then why not listen to the most calming noise available: rain. Whether you prefer the beats of light drizzle against a window pane, or a full thunder storm gets your creative juices flowing, you can choose your perfect, rainy weather with Raining.fm.

3. 99U Music

Screen Shot 2015-02-05 at 16.10.35.png

Catalogued using different themes, these playlists provide new music for those of you who are tired of your Spotify or iTunes playlists. Simply pick a genre that’s bound to get you going and get your work done in no time.

4. Ambient-Mixer

Screen Shot 2015-02-05 at 16.10.11.png

If you’re favourite background noise is traditional white noise, then you may want to try Ambient Mixer out. Not only can you listen to various loops of white noise, you can also combine them with other tracks, adjust volumes and even share your productivity boosting mixes with others.

5. Noisli

Screen Shot 2015-02-05 at 16.15.29.png

Speaking of mixing your own sounds, our last background noise provider Noisli allows you to mix the sounds of the outdoors, coffee shops, the sea, storms and many more noisy locations to help you focus on your work!

Featured photo credit: gratisography via gratisography.com

The post 5 Wonderful Background Noise Resources That Will Boost Your Productivity appeared first on Lifehack.

12 Oct 00:41

Conor McGregor is the most 'villainous hero' in sports, greatest fight promoter next to Muhammad Ali

by Adam Guillen Jr.

When your fines and tweets make it on a nationally syndicated sports show, you know you're doing something right.

Conor McGregor's massive $150,000 fine levied against him by Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for his part in a water bottle battle with Nate Diaz and Co. -- and responding tweet -- was a topic on "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" on FS1, where hosts Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless discuss the hot topics in sports.

And wouldn't you know it, both men had nothing but praise for the Irishman, who's bad boy persona and ability to sell a fight has not only earned him the label of greatest heroic villain in all of sports, but comparisons to the late Muhammad Ali.

"I love the tweet and I love Conor McGregor. He's turned into the most heroic villain or villainous hero that we have in all of sports. I love what he tweeted because it's absolutely true what he tweeted," said Bayless.

Indeed, Conor is second-to-none when it comes to being a villain, as his verbal fire has spared no one since he made his Octagon debut. And it's his unique way with words that draws the interest of even those who aren't the biggest fans of the sport.

"I'm not the biggest fan of UFC, but I watch when he's doing a press conference or the weigh-ins because I want to hear what he has to say. Nobody can sell a fight like he can. Only Ali could sell a fight better than Conor McGregor," said Sharpe, an NFL Hall of Famer who played 13 years in the league, all with the Denver Broncos.

Like Ali was to boxing in his prime, Conor has become the biggest figure in all of MMA, and his earnings show that, much to the chagrin of some.

While "Notorious" -- who will next face lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 on Nov. 12, 2016 in New York -- has been transcending all of his MMA expectations -- minus defending the featherweight title -- his reach has been going beyond the cage (prime example here).

Now, some of the top sports analysts believe he deserves to be in the same breath as "The Greatest" and leaves every other athlete in the dust when it comes to being a villain.

Anyone have an issue with those comments?