We Grab The Keys To The 2009 Toyota Matrix And Head To Hoover Dam To Take Photographs. Let Us Tell You Why.

Let us start by telling you a story about a guy who, a few years ago, was relegated to driving a Toyota Matrix for a business trip. The drive was a 6 hour run from Washington D.C. to Boston and the washboard seats, rental-car ride and dismal stereo managed to be utter joys compared to the ultimate mishap: hitting a pothole greeted this poor man with a dashboard that literally fell off. Glove compartment on floor, instrument cluster hanging by wires and an A/C vent in lap. Loads of fun.

Then again, this poor fellow wasn’t driving a 2009 Toyota Matrix. A car, that besides its namesake couldn’t be more different than the aforementioned rental car. We suppose Toyota wasn’t aware of our story when they handed us the keys to copper orange (of course) and blue 2009 Matrix(ices) while we were in Las Vegas for SEMA. A show best described as a car modifier’s mecca.

We decided to take a break from the debauchery and tear down to the Hoover Dam. Why? For some dam pictures and a surprisingly damn fun ride. Read on…
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Don’t Throw Away That Water Bottle Just Yet

If you do a fair share of traveling you probably know that staying hydrated is important. Outside of Las Vegas, you’re probably not staying in any hotels that take room humidity into factor, an important part of better sleep and avoiding dry/flaky skin.

The Air-O-Swiss Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier allows you to bring along a high quality Swiss humidifier wherever you go by just adding your own water bottle. It uses high-frequency vibrations to generate a micro-fine cool mist that is blown into the room. It’s transcontinental AC adapter and exchangeable plugs ensure you’ll be able to use it in any country.

Editor’s Note: Also works great in the office.

Cost: $60

Also See: Voltaic Solar Backpack | Tumi Packing Cubes | Priority Pass

Throw Down Anytime, Anywhere

A man’s college years are crucial testing grounds for good and bad ideas. Hindsight shows downing six shots of whiskey and streaking the dean’s lawn was a bad idea. Kissing your best friend’s girl afterwards probably was too. On the other hand, filling cups with beer and tossing ping pong balls in them, now that was brilliant.

That’s why the guys over at Pong-a-long created the 8 foot portable beer table. This 8 foot regulation sized table collapses to become a 2×2 briefcase perfect for toting to your next party or event. So you’ll never miss an opportunity to brush up on your game.

We gave ours a thorough testing at the Far Hills Downs Steeple Chase a couple of weeks back and were pleased as punch. It did reveal though that Patrick’s skills have clearly faded since his school days in the 1940’s.

Next year’s tailgating will prove if an old dog can learn new tricks. Check out a shot of our own table after the jump.

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Prepare Ye For All Out Awesomeness

Hot. Not Gear Girl hot, but hot nonetheless.

Keep your eyes peeled this Friday for something that will strike men’s nerves deeper than anything you’ve seen in a while. Here or anywhere.

Routines Are Good, Change Is Better

Ed: The face one might expect when seeing Patrick at the gym.

I’ll be the first to endorse developing a routine at the gym. Repeating exercises week to week allows your body to adapt and thus become better at them (i.e. stronger, better conditioned).

Personally, I like to have three separate lifting routines that I do each week for one month. My body becomes more comfortable with the motions each successive week, enabling me to up the intensity. By the last week it’s not unusual to lift 40-60% more than when one starts. This approach also has the added benefit of constant improvement, which can be intrinsically rewarding. The same holds true of your cardio routines. Whether you prefer interval training or running 5k, sticking to a routine will aid in faster improvement.

Unfortunately, your body will become too well adapted and therefore won’t have to work as hard as it used to. When this happens you’re bound to see diminished results.

My suggestion: a new routine. Scrap what you’ve done over the past month and get yourself a new plan. This is a great way to work muscles in new ways or target muscles that you’ve previously neglected. If you’re a runner, try spinning or rowing. If you’ve maxed out your bench press, try incorporating circuit training (Eric’s favorite). It doesn’t matter what your goals are, changing up your routine each month will certainly get you there faster. Muscles under duress learn to operate more efficiently. It’s one of the main reasons trying new things is so beneficial. Imagine becoming noticeably stronger or better conditioned with just the muscle you already have.

If you’re stuck on a dreaded plateau or find yourself simply bored at the gym, trying something new will not only offer a fresh start each month, but will also help train your muscles in a variety of ways. Always a plus.

Many heath and fitness magazines/websites provide monthly routines. Don’t be afraid to try something just because you’ve never done it before. It won’t be long before you’ve master it.

Also See: Hydryx Hard-Core Workout Towel | High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Door Gym Chin-Up Bar

12 Months Of Prep

This past weekend Anthony made an appearance at a prep themed MBA party in Chicago. Ironically, he’s not pursuing an MBA but that’s neither here nor there. Regardless, while packing he seeked out prepster sartorial advice in me. Long story short, Anthony went dressed as Eric Yang, or what he claimed to be any given page of a J.Crew catalog. Insult or compliment? Probably both.

That got me thinking about J.Crew’s Tie Of The Month Club. It doesn’t really require any explanation other than you’ll receive one simply designed yet overengineered J.Crew tie per month over the course of a year. Some preppy, some dressy, some casual. All 100% J.Crew.

Cost: $475 Per Year - Call 866.739.5844 To Register

Also See: J.Crew Tribeca Men’s Shop At The Liquor Store | Max Benjamin Mini Cigar Bar