quote of the day
“You don’t plan to fail, you fail to plan.”
Thanks to Collin for sharing this in response to my ‘dream job’ post awhile back.
Men’s Magazines Ranking
June 19, 2008 by Greg · 7 Comments
Urban Monarch in most senses is a men’s magazine. Albeit homegrown, digital, and personal, but still a men’s magazine. Pretending to be the talented writer I hope to someday be, I regularly read the traditional publications to read what my future-peers are writing. Here are my reviews and ranking. Read more
poll: your neighbor’s music
June 18, 2008 by Cash · 3 Comments
This morning I had a surreal experience. Prior to my shower, I’d been listening to some Frank Sinatra. Afterwards, I was jamming out to an Ed Banger mix cd a friend made me (a sweet Justice track to be precise).
To my surprise, when I hit the power off button on my amplifier I heard the muted sounds of Steve Aoki’s excellent “Pillowhead” DJ set filtering into my living room from somewhere below. With a huge smile on my face - remembering the incredible time I had at Aoki (and following morning for that matter!) I headed for work.
Where’s Your Straight Razor Cash?
While searching for an archived article on shaving I found this:
I’ve committed myself to purchasing a straight razor sometime this year, and since I’m still rather baffled by all the choices on offer was intrigued by an article on Thrillist about a man who can custom craft a straight edge to your exact specifications.
an introduction to shop dropping
June 18, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
When I was in high school, I knew two girls who were avid PETA supporters.
One of their favorite Saturday night activities was to visit Osco Drug with a bunch of “Animals Were Tortured In the Making Of This Product” stickers and affix them to ‘naughty’ cosmetic products known to do animal testing.
Apparently, there is a new faction of people engaging in similar activities, albeit with much more entertaining goals in mind.
“Shop Dropping” is like reverse shop lifting. It involves leaving something on a store shelf (usually repackaged goods with some sort of artistic / humourous / political message) and then returning a few days later attempting to buy it, in order to watch the clerk’s reaction.
Interesting stuff, and the girl’s English accent makes it all the more watchable. Rawr!
Notable quote: I LOVE NERDS
Chicago Tango
If you are living in Chicago, and you are not dancing the tango, you are missing out on a great opportunity that isn’t available most other places.
Check out these places for what I’m told is the coolest scene.
- Mondays - ATI
- Wednesdays - Barba Yianni (I can personally vouch for the coolness of this milonga)
- Thursdays - Cafe Duvall
best dinner deal in dowtown denver: pizzeria mundo
June 17, 2008 by Cash · 5 Comments
Pizzeria Mundo used to be an international pizza buffet, featuring all manner of strange ethnicy concoctions. New ownership has changed the menu back to the basics; excellent pie, pasta and a variety of hipster friendly, cheap beer (PBR, Schlitz, Mickey’s). They also serve salads and sandwiches.
The best part is the price.
Short Wisdom: Rudyard Kipling
‘Oh, that is nothing,’ said the horse-dealer. ‘Men are like horses. At certain times they need salt, and if that salt is not in the mangers they will lick it up from the earth. He has gone back to the Road again for a while. The madrissah wearied him. I knew it would. Another time, I will take him upon the Road myself. Do not be troubled, Creighton Sahib. It is as though a polo-pony, breaking loose, ran out to learn the game alone.’
Rudyard Kipling, Kim
um contest winner
June 16, 2008 by Cash · 3 Comments
“Molly” by Donnie
um contest winner
Awhile back I did a write up on Despair.com’s parody poster generator. I also invited our readers to send in their own designs, with the promise of an awesome prize awarded to the best of the best. Well, the results are in.
The winner is Donnie. For those of you into the dance music/rave scene, its cleverness should be apparent. For those of you who arn’t? Hey, Molly Ringwald!
Donnie’s prize package includes a vial of Blow energy drink (we received their press kit, which has to be seen to be believed - full review of the product coming soon) and a $10 Chipotle gift card.
check out a few other notable entries (and Greg’s great work) after the jump:
Thoughts on Life: Subway Sandwiches and Walmart Cakes
June 16, 2008 by Greg · 3 Comments
Some people really like Subway sandwiches and Walmart cake. Just not me…
daft punk - around the world
June 16, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
Aaah, lazy, running behind schedule Monday mornings.
Why Daft Punk around the world? Why not.
ladytron - ghosts (toxic avenger mix)
Check out this sweet remix of the first single from Ladytron’s latest disc “Velocifero”.
Ladytron - Ghosts (Toxic Avenger Remix)
P.S. stuff like this will actually be embedded right here on UM in the near future. Excitement!
Show Me Your Genitals
June 13, 2008 by Greg · 4 Comments
I can’t get enough of Jon Lajoie. I’ve had this song stuck in my head since Sunday.
happy friday the 13th
June 13, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
One of the best days of the year. Don’t waste it.
Bastards
This one goes out to the people person who didn’t reply to my request for a place to crash in Chicago.
beware ‘the crappening’
June 12, 2008 by Cash · 3 Comments
A few months ago, I posed a query to our UM community about the possiblity that M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening” would actually be good.
According to a UM tipster; it’s worse than you could have imagined:
Random: Jimmy The Bean
I recently received an instant message from an unknown friend. He said that I’ve been on his list for a long time. We figured it out was from somewhere around 8 years ago. He described himself as “tall, scrawny, and awkward.” After we realized we wouldn’t remember each other he bid me farewell letting me know that his name was Jimmy The Bean.
the incredible hulk
June 11, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
I have to admit, even with Ed Norton in the title role, I was ho-hum over the upcoming Hulk flick.
Then I saw the latest trailer. Holy sh1te, it’s looking good.
True to the original series? PLUS Tim Roth? PLUS Ed Norton..? Even an Iron Man tie in with Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark?
Hellz yeah.
Watch the trailer here and tell me you disagree, sucka.
Greg’s Delusions: Plane Theory
June 11, 2008 by Greg · 3 Comments
Sometimes I wonder if planes really take me anywhere. I’ve driven from Michigan to Colorado, so I’m pretty sure that these two places exist and are significantly far apart from each other. Aside from this, everything else is up for grabs. When I get on a plane and end up somewhere exotic, I tend to question the means. Read more
redken for men minis review
June 11, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
Redken recently sent along their new line of ‘minis’; travel / gym bag sized versions of their top 4 selling products.
Over the last week, I put them to the test.
One Place I Love: REI
June 10, 2008 by Greg · 8 Comments
From the minute I step off the bus, my experience at REI is a good one. At the Denver flagship store, the entrance is guided by winding paths lined with small trees. A small wooden bridge takes the visitor over a narrow creek to the huge front doors. I think these doors are a test. You have to be strong to enter the outdoor outfitter store. Read more
I know someone with a Kitchen Aide Mixer… It’s real nice.