Author: Bullz-Eye Staff (Page 150 of 302)

Carving a Place for Him: From Man Cave to Man Castle

July 16, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

The spaces have existed since man can remember, yet somehow the modern man often forgets how to dress his dwelling area. The ‘man cave’ gets salutes in modern literature, media coverage, and quips from presidential candidates, yet the ‘average joe’ scratches his head when it comes to carving a place for himself.

Why the ‘Man Cave’?

The ‘man cave’ is representative of the man himself, a framed and lived-in creation of one’s personality. The man cave improves a man’s quality of life, provides comfort, and serves as a place to hang one’s hat (or head and sulk depending on the events of a given day).

Lifestyle

man cave

Car Review: 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

July 16, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

Hot summer days demand drop-top cars to truly enjoy this time of year in the Midwest, and the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata answered the call for us. We drove and drove the MX-5, soaking up everything this car and the summer breeze had to offer, and never left the wheel disappointed. After a week of driving, it’s no wonder to us that the MX-5 is still by far the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world.

EXTERIOR

The MX-5 Miata was developed primarily for the North American market, and throughout the vehicle’s history, the region has come through to remain dominant in global sales. Available with two distinctive and easy-to-operate head wraps, the 2014 MX-5 Miata comes standard with a Z-fold design soft-top or an industry-leading Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) as tested. The soft top, available on all trim levels, continues to set the industry standard with its simplicity and ease of use. With a central latch handle, the top requires only a simple hand motion to fold and stow behind the seats. The top itself descends into a cleverly designed storage well, thus leaving the 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space completely untouched.

An available option on Club and Grand Touring trims only, the PRHT is stored in the same manner as the soft top, again not affecting storage space. Designed to perform in any climate, PRHT models outsell soft-top models by a 4:1 ratio worldwide. Using a single-button operation, the PRHT offers one of the fastest power-operated open-and-close cycles for a hard top in North America at an efficiently expedient 12 seconds.

The true red paint coupled with the shiny black hard top looked amazing and really popped with the dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 street-sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.

Car Reviews, Cars

Mazda Mazda Miata Mazda MX-5

Product Review: Adidas RG3 Energy Boost Trainers

July 15, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

We’ve been fortunate to test some amazing shoes lately, but the all new RG3 Energy Boost Trainers are crazy hot! Adidas and Robert Griffin III recently launched the quarterback’s first signature training shoe, and we would like to report that they are going to be a huge hit for the folks at adidas. RG3’s signature trainer features full-length Boost, adidas’ revolutionary energy-returning cushioning technology, along with a SPRINTWEB upper for maximum comfort, support and breathability. The TORSION SYSTEM, which allows independent movement of fore and rear foot, is fully integrated into the SPRINTFRAME platform. The dynamic fit panels for lockdown work with the seamless strap and the full-length booties offer the ultimate in comfort. Adidas Football’s Carmoflauge colorway is inspired by the automotive industry’s prototype testing process, meant to test future products without revealing design lines. The diamond tread design reflects RG3’s movements on the field and in the gym.

The design is sleek and the shoes are so smooth that it feels like you’re walking on air. And considering these are probably the quietest shoes we tested, you can work the field or court and go virtually undetected. Fresh looks along with signature RG3/adidas styling will have these shoes popping off the shelves. Snap up a pair here for around $140.00.

Gear, Sports, Stuff to Buy

Adidas adidas RG3 Energy Boost Trainers football football shoe RG3 Robert Griffin III sneakers

Today’s Military Swords Become Tomorrow’s Civilian Plowshares

July 11, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

What will the hot, new tech of tomorrow be like? As a general rule, we need look no further than the cool tech of today’s military. It is the closest thing we have to a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy that swords will be beaten into plowshares. Unfortunately for the prophecy, we just keep making newer, better swords. All military tech is designed to facilitate blowing things up, right? Not really, but it is comforting to know that at the very least those tools eventually enter the civilian techosphere to facilitate better, fuller, happier lives.

It is almost certain that the Swiss army did not anticipate their multi-function pocket knives becoming the hottest dad gift of a generation. Yet today, what boy-scout pack is complete without one? Other sword-to-plowshare tech includes:

1. GPS
2. Duct tape
3. Freeze drying
4. Epipens
5. Microwave ovens

What will tomorrow’s civilians make of today’s military tech? To get some idea, lets take a look at some of the coolest gadgets intended for the military:

Praselater

I know, I know, It sounds like something from a bad sci-fi movie. But if you think good TV instead of bad movie, what you have is an early version of the Universal Translator from Star Trek. Talk to a person in your language, and they will hear it in their language. Right now, it is being used to say things like, “Put your hands over your head and don’t make any sudden moves!” Eventually, it will be used for asking, “Where’s the restroom?” and “How fresh is the squid?”

Lifestyle

Car Review: 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid

July 9, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

There is no doubt that Toyota has been focused on styling with new models recently, and the 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid keeps that spirit alive and well. The all-new Highlander is a no-compromise, mid-size, three-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability and safety. Its exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, which complements a totally redesigned interior that will raise the bar in its segment. We drove the new Highlander for a week and had the chance to see exactly where Toyota is headed.

EXTERIOR

I first want to comment on the silver sky metallic paint, because so many people took notice of the color and complimented on the appearance and paint for the whole testing period. It’s a very clean color that also looks very modern and stylish. Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander Hybrid features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches, while width has increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance. The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by a newly designed height-adjustable rear lift-gate with an available one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and a bumper that exude style and strength. The chromtec roofrails were also a nice touch!

INTERIOR

This is where Toyota has really stepped things up with the 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid, delivering a luxurious cabin with more space than appears from the exterior. Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The 2014 model offers a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel and silver-painted, satin and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim. The Limited grade model we tested adds touches of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high-quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

Car Reviews, Cars

Toyota Toyota Highlander