The weather is sweet and driving a test model 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo SE makes it all that much better. This factory tuned ride has turbo power that really takes off when you press the pedal. The Lancer Evo SE isn't your normal sedan as this car was built for speed and we can confirm it's the real deal. Look for a full review on Bullz-Eye.com in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead to fall what styles will catch our eye? What are the latest trends in shoes? Rockport clued Bullz-Eye in on a few of their star releases and our feet thanked them for the gesture. We first tested the Rockport “D2N Wingtip” in which are Suede wingtips in winter smoke colorway and let me tell you my friends these are some very sharp shoes. They will be released in July 2011 and they are eye grabbing footwear.
Comfort is right on target with leather lining that provides moisture absorption and abrasion resistance. The premium suede is easy to clean and the leather socklining provides durable moisture absorption and sonforms to the shape of your foot. These Day to Night Wintips are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn in many a moons. I found out part of the reason is that the footbed incorporates Adidas Adiprene highly shock absorbent cushioning which protects the heel at impact. As far as the classic look is concerned the Italian leather and rubber outsole provides durability and helps protect the product life. Looking good in the box is one thing but with Rockport quality the D2N Wingtips will provide plenty of mileage for those who appreciate the best for your feet.
These kicks from Rockport are Fall 2011 styles and will be available for retail at Rockport retail stores and Rockport.com!
We joined Ford this past weekend in Dearborn with bloggers from all over the country to see what Ford has in store for the future. How does a car company deal with changing times and new trends? All companies have to react to the changing world around them and marketplace developments, but spotting trends early can be a big advantage if a company is nimble enough to capitalize on these trends.
Some of the subjects addressed included Living Green, Aging Population and Youth Influence and Global Convergence of Design. Malcolm Gladwell kicked off the event with a keynote speech that addressed the issues of change. Gladwell is always entertaining, but I learned much more when we got to see up-close some of the real trends Ford is addressing and how they are directly impacting products.
Other companies may have been first with green initiatives like electric cars and plug-in hybrids, but Ford is pushing very hard in these areas and we’ll see new vehicles in 2012. Ford has teamed up with well-known conservation and green advocate Ed Begley Jr. who gave us a compelling presentation on what was coming from Ford in this area. Some of the changes are not obvious. One interesting innovation involves soy-based foam which is being used in the seats of cars. This foam is biodegradable and offers a great alternative to petroleum-based foam products.
We got to spend time with J Mays in the Ford Design Center and I was blown away by what they can do now in the design process. Everything is digital, and now they can see and test everything on a massive digital high def screen that covered the entire wall in a large room in the design center. Digital version of the car concepts can be places in all sorts of digital settings so the designers can see what the car can really look like in real life, all the way down to how different types of light would reflect off of different paint jobs, Even the promo “photographs” are now digitally created which saves on time and money.
On the last day we had the opportunity to drive a bunch of Ford vehicles in different settings on the test track in order to learn about various Ford vehicles and initiatives. The events were fun and I learned quite a bit. I started with the F-150 drag races and managed to win my heat. I definitely enjoyed the feeling of flooring the truck from a dead stop on a straightaway!
The most revealing exhibit involved the all-new Ford Explorer. Ford had a series of dirt hills and other obstacles built so we could put the new Explorer to the test in off-road setting. They were showing off the vehicle’s Terrain Management System and I came away very impressed. The system takes the guesswork out of 4WD capabilities. Drivers can pick from four settings – Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow. It was a breeze going up and down steep dirt hills.
It was definitely an eye-opening weekend, so we’re expecting some big things from Ford over the next couple of years.
Summer is on in earnest now. Even here at drink-of-the-week central, in late-to-warm-up semi-coastal Southern California, the temps are finally starting to hit the eighties. So, it’s time to highlight some good warm weather drinks and Tom Collins is an excellent place to start. Though the genesis of the name remains a topic of speculations — we’d go into it, but it’s just too hot — and rather nasty Collins mixes have besmirched its mysterious monicker, this is an excellent and easy to make classic refreshment. It’s also substantially less rich in sugar and calories than drinks containing pre-made sodas, including the venerable gin and tonic. (Tonic water might taste slightly bitter, but it’s as high in calories as most sugary sodas.)
Tom Collins
2 ounces gin
1-2 ounces lemon juice
1-2 teaspoons superfine sugar
Soda water
Lemon slice and maraschino cherry (garnish)
Dissolve sugar in lemon juice in, naturally, a Collins glass. Add ice, gin and fill the balance with soda water. Stir with swizzle stick or cocktail spoon, add lemon wedge and a very optional maraschino cherry as garnish.
As you can see, we’ve left a considerable amount of wiggle room here. If you like your drinks very tart, use two ounces of lemon juice and one teaspoon of sugar. If you have a slight sweet-tooth like we do, use just one ounce of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar. It’s still fairly tart but not alarmingly so, and those two teaspoons of sugar only have 32 calories, about half of what you’d get out of half a can of soda. Of course, the gin has more.
Speaking of gin, there are, of course many variations using other booze. The most popular being the vodka Collins and John Collins (aka, the whiskey collins). We love the latter a lot, but looking at the Wikipedia entry for the drink, we’re joansing to try the Jose Collins (with tequila, naturally), the Ron Collins (with rum), or the Sandy Collins (with Scotch). On the other hand, we have no desire to try the Phil Collins, a mocktail, which substitutes 7-Up for the booze. However, we are still trying to figure out a good “Susudio” joke, except that there probably is no such thing…
Following last week’s tribute to “The Green Lantern” with a couple of green-themed songs, we would have been fools not to take advantage of a similar tie-in with a certain Pixar movie that a certain someone’s four-year-old son is positively dying to see. Maybe we’ll see someone singing this at a karaoke bar during one of the Tokyo scenes. (As it turns out, no one sings “Cars,” but Weezer sings “You Might Think” by the Cars. And it’s pretty lame.)
It seems amazing that this song was such a big hit at the time. Not because it didn’t deserve to be, because it absolutely did, but because there wasn’t anything else on American radio at the time that sounded remotely like it. What’s even more impressive is how well the song has held up sonically. Whenever someone makes a record using cutting-edge technology, it almost instantly sounds dated. Not this song, and it’s likely because Numan was smart enough to use real drums and an analog bass to anchor the track.
Bonus video: here’s a clip for the B-side to “Cars” (yes, we had the 45), a nifty little track called “Metal.” Almost as awesome as its A-side.
Some people really know how to throw a party and also have the means to do it. Thomas Kramer (also known as TK) has been hosting spectacular parties at his 5 Star Island Mansion for years, and he’s planning a huge bash for the Fourth of July. All of his parties feature tons of beautiful women and a much smaller group of successful men, and part of the proceeds for this party will go towards relief for the earthquake victims in Haiti. You can go to World of TK for more information on how to purchase tickets for this exclusive event or donate directly to the Haiti victims.
We’ve posted some photos from TK’s last party at 5 Star Island where our current Featured Model, Rose Chiauzzi attended, and below you can see a video prepared by TK’s staff for the last party. With a spectacular location, amazing guests and great music, everything is possible!
I spoke with TK this week to ask him about the upcoming Fourth of July party and I started with the selection of the charity. He explained, “I’m working closely with Michael Capponi, and part of the proceeds of whatever ticket sales we have will go to Haiti and the people in the camps, and that’s our main objective, to address the immediate needs of the earthquake victims.” TK hosts numerous charity events at 5 Star Island through his Thomas Kramer Foundation, saying that “it’s made for parties and events” so he takes advantage of that for charitable causes as well.
The party will be held on 5 Star Island, which we visited recently with the Bullz-Eye Bikini Team. TK told me how back in the 90s this island was used as a “waste bin” by Miami Beach until he bought up most of the homes on the island and began the process of transforming it into one of the most luxurious and exclusive residential areas in South Florida. TK is also known for his development South Pointe, which helped to transform South of Fifth neighborhood of South Beach with high-rise luxury apartments.
I asked TK what guests can expect at his Fourth of July party, and he said, “The greatest group of beautiful girls you’ve ever seen in bikinis all over this world! So far about 250 female guests are attending.” Women get in to all of his parties for free, but they need to apply for tickets on his site. TK explained the importance of the ratio of having many more women compared to the small number of male guests make these parties. “That’s part of my whole pitch. I’m having people flying in from Saudi Arabia, Germany, London and from all over the world for my parties because they know the ratios are quite favorable for the boys at my events. I just don’t let anyone in like night clubs and that’s why I do events at my house.”
He also explained the importance of networking and how the parties he throws are more than just a great time. He’s sees his work and his lifestyle as intricately intertwined – “It’s a mindset. For me, it’s all one. You don’t divide it. My main work is networking. Instead of traveling through the world, nonstop, like most executives, I have the world come to me. With honey you catch bees, and that’s what I’m doing.”
This of course, is an added benefit for the people who purchase tickets to his events. Not only are they surrounded by beautiful women in the ultimate party atmosphere, the networking opportunities with the other guests are significant. “I have the highest average of billionaires per party than anyone else in the world.” He went on to explain: “I’m asking for a competitively high donation because I just want to have a certain group of people partying with my girlfriends and friends. And I don’t want to lower the standards and make the hurdle to low. You want less people and therefore higher quality and more beautiful girls, and the 30 to 40 guys you are going to meet here are something you aren’t usually going to be able to mingle with in such an intimate location.”
You can still purchase tickets to this event and probably have the best Fourth of July you can remember. If you can’t make it, check back here for photos of videos from the party!
Bullz-Eye capped off our June Vegas trip with a full schedule of food, fun and entertainment at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino. After touring and enjoying the amenities at neighboring New York New York we were whisked into the elegant and happening Monte Carlo main entrance where we were welcomed by the most hip marketing team we have met in Vegas! Our group of online Men's Magazine types were prepared for a comfortable stay at the Monte Carlo when we quickly learned we would be staying in Hotel32 which is provides not only fabulous rooms but the total VIP treatment. No standard front desk check in here at things are different at Hotel32 as your personal suite assistant takes care of those things here my friends. After a tour of the Hotel32 rooms with our marketing amigos (and some complimentary chocolate treats in the Hotel32 lounge) we were off to the Monte Carlo Pub which was truly one of my favorites spots of my Vegas weekend. The Pub is huge with very high ceilings, great food, incredible beer selection, duleing pianos, live music and sports! Yes, the pub is has everything a guy could need so maybe they should rename it "Pub Heaven" because the place is that lofty. The breaded calamari were right on target and the blue moon beer tower kept the beer flowing.
Even though the temperature in Las Vegas was closing in on 100 degrees we were heading into Minus5 in the Monte Carlo where things were going to go cold very quickly. Minus5 was created in New Zealand and is basically an ice bar where you can witness frozen ice sculptures from mount rushmore to the Minus5 logo. Remember that everything inside Minus5 is made of ice including the seats, the walls, the bar and the glasses that your drinks are poured into! We wore eskimo coats and gloves and we all agreed that Minus5 is one of those original places you have to visit when in Vegas. After a great time at Minus5 we had time to clean up and get ready for a fabulous dinner at Andre's. When walking back to the Hotel32 elevator I realized how comfortable I was at the Monte Carlo since my visit last year. Although the Monte Carlo is far from home I realized coming back here was essentially visiting a place a where I knew my way around where the familiar surroundings were welcoming.
The Bull is now cleaned up and in a sport coat for a 5 star dining experience at Andre's which is Las Vegas' most awarded and honored Restaurant located right in the Monte Carlo. (more...)
Bullz-Eye has the pleasure to review the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track M/T and as you can see from the photos this is one hot car! The sleek appearance of the Genesis Coupe is a real eye grabber on the road and the interior is top of the line. Look for our upcoming review to learn more about this "real value play" in the sport coupe category!
Bullz-Eye recently spent some "quality time" as guests of the New York - New York and let me tell you, these folks have one of the most unique properties in the world! When you first arrive to the New York - New York Hotel & Casino the massive replica of the 150 foot Statue of Liberty just blows you away and when you look over you witness a 300 foot long and 50 foot high replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. The New York - New York is one of the most eye catching properties on the Vegas strip, and the team really takes advantage of the original design and superb amenities which you'll learn more about right here!
The hotel entrance was bustling with energy when I checked in and the staff was precise and knowledgable about the resort. They also got in good with me when I learned I would be staying in a spa suite. The room was spacious, modern and most importantly it was clean. Since I was flying for a large chunk of the day and we had limited time before our first get together I put on a pair of shorts and just relaxed in the early evening breeze by the pool. With a shower and clean clothes we were off to the main bar in the casino for a drink. (more...)
Welcome to another installment of All Work and No Playlist. This week’s victim (we really do feel bad stealing all these iPods) is Taking Back Sunday drummer Mark O’Connell (far left, kneeling, in photo below), whose band has reformed with the lineup from their Tell All Your Friends days and will release a new self-titled album June 28. Says Mark: “We couldn’t be more excited about it.” Perhaps these 10 songs will provide some insight into the sound of the new record. Or perhaps not. He did put a Billy Joel song on here, after all, and we don’t see the band making the next “Tell Her About It” anytime soon.
“Battery,” Metallica
I remember the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I had no idea music like that existed. They are the pioneers of thrash metal.
“The Downeaster – Alexa,” Billy Joel
I am from Long Island — Billy Joel is from Long Island. He has Long Island pride — I also have long island pride. I want to meet that guy so badly, it hurts.
Summer is on in earnest now. Even here at drink-of-the-week central, in late-to-warm-up semi-coastal Southern California, the temps are finally starting to hit the eighties. So, it’s time to highlight some good warm weather drinks and Tom Collins is an excellent place to start. Though the genesis of the name remains a topic of speculations — we’d go into it, but it’s just too hot — and rather nasty Collins mixes have besmirched its mysterious monicker, this is an excellent and easy to make 
After a great time at Minus5 we had time to clean up and get ready for a fabulous dinner at 
