Shaving-Gillette
Shaving Gel-Gillette fusion
Body Wash-Avalon Organic bath and shower
Lotion-Hempz moisturizer
Fav app-8tracks-I'm too lazy to find new music so I would rather listen to tracks others put together.
Fav site for buying clothes-Banana and maybe Nordstrom
Latest fad that works-n/a

(04-28-2016 09:50 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  Let's play a little game and change the tempo a little.

Great idea Brother!

(04-29-2016 01:17 AM)Anabasis to Desta Wrote:  Over 50 different top popular scents from Creed to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille to Terre D'Hermes. Perfect for the cash strapped or anybody who's not a true cologne aficionado.

Thanks for the recommendation bro, I just ordered a few bottles!

Shaving – Gellete Fusion, they work great + I don’t have much facial hair so they last awhile
Shaving Gel – Not too picky, whatever is reasonably priced
After Shave gel – I use alcohol pads, or cotton balls. No razor bumps, but I would like to get rid of the darkness somehow. Any recommendation?
Body Wash – Ivory soap, not a fan of extra fragrances
Cologne – Polo Black & Sean Jean. Been using a combo of these two for years, but hoping to switch things up a bit
Body Lotion – Jergins Ultra Healing
Dental Tip – Regular old toothpaste, but I did buy some Charcoal capsules after listening to the podcast. How often should I use it?
Favorite App – Google Hangouts, along with a Google Voice number. I’m in an LTR and like to be discrete with an alternate #
Favorite Site for buying casual clothes – Due to my job, I’m dressed up nearly all the time. I primarily shop at Dillards Dept Store for the Big & Tall selection. I also hit up the fashion District in LA occasionally for great deals on suits.
Latest Fad that works – Decluttering. I have very few possessions outside of clothes, I live a very simple lifestyle.

I want to buy a muscle car, a 66 Chevelle.

Anyone done something that foolish?

WIA - muscle cars are the hottest thing right now, have been for some time.
I simply love American muscle cars, I say pull the trigger if you have that kinda of scratch.
I have a soft spot for the El Camino and late 60s Mustangs. I am also in love with the air cooled Porsche's, think Bad Boys the movie.

DimeBait - The darkness you get from shaving is called hyper pigmentation, I believe there is laser treatment for it. It would be costly I would imagine.

For your teeth I recommend the charcoal powder, not the capsules. I would do it daily, depends if you drink coffee like me.

(04-29-2016 11:06 AM)WestIndianArchie Wrote:  I want to buy a muscle car, a 66 Chevelle.

Anyone done something that foolish?

I love classic cars. I just picked up a 60 Impala Convertible. I weighed the options on buying new car and opted for the classic since it' won't go down in value unlike new luxury car.

WIA,

I am a huge fan of American muscle cars as well. With the 66 Chevelle being one of my favorites. However, a 66 is probably one of the most popular models so it will definitely put a dent in the bank account. Another one of my favorites is the Corvette Stingray, C2 model years before it started looking more like a sports car.

It can be an absolute pain to go through the shopping process if you want an all original 66 Chevelle. You seem to be very wise so I know you will do your due diligence but if you have a friend that can cover your gaps in classic muscle car knowledge, it will definitely help you get a good car with no surprises. It helped during my search (before I moved to Europe and sold everything I owned except my house).

@Fury/Dime/Rude

It's definitely been a learning curve. I've seen them range from 10-150k. Just getting my mind around what to look for in a cruiser/daily driver. Comparing it to the last car that I owned that I loved (Didn't love the TL, but did love the 540), I don't need more than 300 hp. Though I wouldn't say no to 350. I can't imagine that's maneuverable in the city.

It's the handling/braking/suspension and overall modern driving conveniences that I need to dial in on. Anything that says pro touring I give a once over, but seems like a lot of builders are just marketing.

I've never driven anything older than the 90's.

WIA

WIA - I wouldn't suggest using that car as a daily driver, I think a car of that age would need to driven gently.

I see your concern, but since moving back to the East Coast, my last daily driver got driven twice in three months.

I mention daily because I don't need a stroked and bored monster that sounds like a mini earthquake at the stop light. A car from the sixties that drives like a modern BMW lol.

Ideally I could find a project car that has an LS swap with the right suspension and brake setup for non drag strip usage. Then I could just paint it and add some decent wheels.

But since whatever I really want is going to be between 20-40, I gotta really do a lot of research.

WIA

Might end up buying an 07 3 series and wait till I'm older and greyer to get a muscle car, haha

Definitely keep a paid off daily driver. The right classic cars nowadays can be an investment. Even financing terms, depending on your credit, could see appreciation that outpaces interest. I have a nearly 10 year old Cadillac for a daily driver that suits me well.
One thing I will NEVER do again is purchase a new car.

(04-29-2016 01:17 AM)Anabasis to Desta Wrote:  Used to buy Aventus Creed for $280 per 120ml (4oz) If you're a loyal passenger on the daily #teamsmellgood train but tired of spending that much, i suggest trying out fragrance oils. I swear by these. Regular replicas are mostly alcohol based. A 12 year old could tell you they smell cheap. Fragrance oils however are almost indistinguishable even to the trained cologne nose.

I'd argue they're even better than the originals since it's all oil and lasts for 8-20 hours. All for the dirt cheap price of $20 for a 4oz. Roll-on ball format instead of sprays as well. So many compliments on the daily I'm getting tired.

http://www.amazon.com/Impression-Quality...B010647EJO



Over 50 different top popular scents from Creed to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille to Terre D'Hermes. Perfect for the cash strapped or anybody who's not a true cologne aficionado.

Edit: Not an affiliate link of any sort.

Decided to try this out. Just bought the Creed and Tobacco Vanille

Here are the colognes I own. I never buy anything over $120

Tom Ford Black Orchid
Tom Ford For Men
Bleu De Chanel
Gucci Guilty
Dolce & Gabbana The One
Viktor & Rolf Spice Bomb
Acqua Essenziale Blu by Salvatore Ferragamo
Givenchy Play Intense
Armani Diamonds
Diesel : Only The Brave Tattoo
Mont Blanc Legend
Burberry Sport

rudebwoy Wrote:Let's play a little game and change the tempo a little.

I'll throw my hat in...

Shaving - Nivea men's shaving cream + lather brush + safety razor in tow

After Shave - Tend Skin, the stuff works for getting rid of those razor bumps

Body Wash - whatever the hotel I'm currently staying in has complementary, otherwise whatever's on special at my local drug store.

Cologne - A rotation of about 8-12 at any time depending on occasion and weather (Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry Brit, Aqua Di Parma, etc)

Body Lotion - Ashy Larry, what body lotion?

Favourite App - Google Maps, because asking for directions is only for daygame

Dental Tip - The classic works - brushing twice a day, flossing before bed, and dental visits for clean-ups as scheduled.

Favourite Store for buying casual clothes - Simons

Latest Fad that works - Being a cheap ass and not spending money, squirrelling it away instead and watching my account grow. Evidently the more money I make, the more stingy I become.

Cars - Non-sensical obsession with Japanese mid to late 90s SUVs. The kind you can take straight off-road without being worried about your undercarriage turning to swiss cheese, or you dying a horrible death or suffering an unpleasant injury if you flip over, crash, or crunch your cheaply acquired Japanese princess on wheels...or end up in a river, the river is always an unpleasant surprise especially when the car starts to sink in the mud and you need to bolt.
For example:
4runner (1996 edition)
Mitsubishi Montero (1996)
Nissan Xterra (1999)

I'll play along too

Shaving - Bevel Shave System here is the website: https://getbevel.com/. One blade system helps prevent razor bumps and gives a mighty close shave. Black owned business too. My skin has cleared up considerably after a month of use.

After Shave - Bevel again, they have their own version which is really good.

Body Wash - Nivea for Men, I like the smell and fresh feel after washing.

Cologne - Davidoff's Cool Water

Body Lotion - Vaseline brand Cocoa Butter

Favourite App - Tie between Google Maps and Soundhound

Dental Tip - I was told by somebody that using mouthwash before brushing was better than using it after, if somebody wants to elaborate. Plus brushing your tongue helps to curb bad breath.

Favourite Store for buying casual clothes - Express. It used to be Gap but got tired of buying a large t-shirt and then getting home only to find out it was too small (large is my normal size for everything from dress shirts to sports jerseys).

Latest Fad that works - Been taking vitamins daily for the last seven months. Consequently the last cold or any type of sickness I have had was this past September, while a bunch of my co-workers have came down with either really bad colds or the flu a few times since then. Even my allergies have calmed down, and they're usually really bad around the beginning of spring.

Cars - 2008 Ford Focus. Nothing too fancy, but runs like a champ. I love how Chevy people clown on Fords but everybody I have know who has owned a Chevy was making constant trips to the mechanic. My cousin knew a guy who bought a Chevy brand new and had to take it to the shop after a week of driving it.

How 'bout ballin' on a budget?

Don't know anything about cars but my cousin got one of these for $25,000 at like 35 k miles. 2005 Lotus Elise. For those of you living in flashier cities with more materialistic girls it might be an option ... especially if it fits your personality. My nerdy ass would look ridiculous in it. Besides, I drive strictly German out of habit.

Looks like a 200k car at almost a tenth of the price. Thoughts?

Shaving: N/A
After Shave: N/A
Body Wash: Generic bar soap
Cologne: I rotate between Allure, Gucci and Eternity
Body Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care
Favorite App: Spotify
Favorite store: ASOS, H&M, Nordstrom

Latest fad that works: About a week ago I got an outbreak of eczema under my eyes. Since then I've been drinking ACV + water in the morning and my eczema is practically gone now.

Gonna have to double you up on the Lotus. Highly recommend the Evora simply on the basis of it being so much bigger than the Elise.

I'm 6'3" and test drove an Elise couldn't fit in it easily(roadhead is easier though I'd imagine due to it being compact). Rode in the Evora and it was just right. It's why it's my dream car, but cheap enough to actually get in my lifetime. It'll run you about 80k to get.

Elise looks more expensive than it actually is... Its a good deal.

I'll upload my Grenada, West Indies holiday review later today.

Grenada, West Indies Review

The Key Facts

Duration: 7 nights
On the ground network: Most of the older generation from my dad's side stay there
Last visit: At 18 years ago, as a 7-year-old
Reason for the return: Felt like I was too far removed from my roots. My mum is east African so I go there quite a bit but the other half of my heritage was lacking
Travelled Solo/Group: Solo
Flight: £550 on Virgin Atlantic 8 hours 45 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel £350 kitchen, shower, living room and single bed

Introduction

Let me start by saying, I wanted a local experience, so I used my family connections to avoid tourist locations and I didn’t speak to a single westerner my whole trip. And that is a fact that I’m very proud of. I loved this holiday. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is live and there wasn't any abject poverty. The weather was always more the 30 degrees and you're looking at 10 hours a day of uninterrupted sunshine. It's nice to see a predominately black country that doesn't fit the stereotypes. The people take pride in their houses, build their own houses, don't do graffiti, paint their houses with bright colours and line their verandas with flowers. That's not to say it's a paradise.

Social Issues

Speaking to my female cousins, a trend became pretty clear: black Caribbean fathers don't stick around for their kids. This means it's not rare to see a woman in her early thirties having two children with two fathers and neither dude is in the picture. Granted the dudes have goofed but why do these men seem so popular with these women? Furthermore, the majority of the islanders who left for the UK have produced biracial children. Women from Poland, England and Italy. Needless to say, that some of the women on the island do not speak highly of this. Often, they said to me, " they can't handle the high standards that black women hold these black men to , so they seek an easier life."

Despite, Grenada being a safe island there is concern that it may end up like Trinidad. I was unaware that the murder rate in Trinidad is insane. Close to two hundred murders so far this year? Apparently it's close proximity to Venezuela means drugs and guns find a suitable market that’s not too far away. My uncles and older cousins have seen some foolishness by the younger generations that wasn't there previously- sagging of pants, selling cocaine for cash and overly hostile attitudes.

Women

I would say that the average woman on the island is sick of black men who do nothing with their lives. Physically, you will see quite a few head-turners. If you like caramel skinned sisters with blue or green eyes you won't be out of luck. Speaking with the females, they say they want a good, ambitious brother. I don’t know how true that is but make no mistake, there is no swirling with these females. They want a black man. Other pluses, these women don't do piercings or tattoos so much. Few people smoke, which is a plus. There is no in between, the women are either slim sizes 8-10 or 18 plus. I would put the quality of girls below Tanzania just for that reason. In Tanzania, there were very few fat women. The Grenadian accent is sexy, though.

The Competition

The men from my family are all light skin and tall, so they told me how they ran through various women in their youth. Even the older family members, seem to hold frame well and exude calmness: it’s like they just don’t care.

There isn't a gym culture here. The dudes a lean and very few are fat but not many are muscular. They are ripped but not jacked ripped. As a westerner, with money and a career, you will get a lot of attention and intrigue. The dudes are cool. There is nothing weird about rolling into a sports bar- alone- and shoot the shit. It’s an open culture.

Closing Comments

After my Tanzania trip and this trip, it has convinced me to see more of the diaspora and to keep holding out for a fine sister because there is no shortage of these females when you have a passport. You're also playing with a pretty strong hand. Next locations are Kenya and Ghana.

I think it's vital to reconnect with your roots. I guess it can provide a stronger sense of self. I truly believe that travelling to the black diaspora would go a long way to combat against this need for European approval.

TDK

Great datasheet!

What's the food like? Heavy on the fish and vegetables/fruits? Do women take pride in cooking and being a homemaker?

What about online game and night/day pickup?


Can you drop any info on Tanzania? I've been dying to visit there.

(04-25-2016 02:02 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-23-2016 01:21 PM)SuS Wrote:  Light skin and biracial men don't enjoy the benefits of being black (and there are benefits), while still suffering most of the detriments. Not all of America operates with this mindset to the nth degree, but in the long run, I'm considering pulling out of America, even if it's just to Canada.

You might want to think long and hard about that move!

Being American and being black will help your social life, but your bank account will suffer and I hope you are a fan of the cold.

Not sure I agree with the bolded part. A lot of that is going to be on how you present yourself. I'm fair skinned and I always felt like it was a way for me to stand out given that a lot of my black peers had their own style going on, I had my own thing going on and I was pretty much accepted as another black guy who was just a little different.

I won't front like I grew up in a totally black or white area, though. The town I'm from was known for having a huge number of Biracial couples. I think at one point in the late 90s and early 2000s it had the most biracial couples (not even kidding, look it up.), so I think it was just a non-issue.

Like in China, for example, my looks and background are a talking point for people. "Where are you from? Are you american/african/latino?" Etc. Sure, I don't fit the image of the sexy, tall black man, but being a little different looking can be an advantage if you frame it properly.


This isn't a poke at you in particular, SuS, but I always get the impression that dudes over think race, especially us Americans.

I have European friends who are mixed and they simply don't take it the same way that american might. Sure, their dad is black and mom is white, but they're British and that's just what it is. I can't speak to their experiences, but I don't get the impression that they think about it all that much, but I could be wrong.

Meanwhile, I've got an American half-black/half-white friend who was obsessing over race so much that he contrived this hilarious story of how he's probably 51% white because his family (on the black side) descended from slaves, so some rape must have gone and so he's clearly mostly white. Just absurd.

Americans are the only people who will tell you they're 1/16th native american (as though it matters). I think race obsession is a uniquely American thing. I was talking with Belgrano (forum member here) and he was laughing about how in the NOLA area they had different classifications for people all based on how much black you had in you: octaroon, decaroon etc. It's all just hilariously contrived to an outsider's eye.

I think guys count themselves out because they don't fit some archetype out there, but that's just life. I'm a short, bald, fair-skinned black dude, but I don't think it's a weakness. 90% of the time, it never comes up unless I bring it up.

Sorry for the rant, but I occasionally get my engines revved up when I step into these sorts of threads.

Loving the conversations going on in here.

(05-02-2016 09:32 AM)thedarkknight Wrote:  Closing Comments

After my Tanzania trip and this trip, it has convinced me to see more of the diaspora and to keep holding out for a fine sister because there is no shortage of these females when you have a passport. You're also playing with a pretty strong hand. Next locations are Kenya and Ghana.

I think it's vital to reconnect with your roots. I guess it can provide a stronger sense of self. I truly believe that traveling to the black diaspora would go a long way to combat against this need for European approval.

TDK

Fantastic post overall but the bolded part is key. I repped you for it.

No matter where you come from ... re-connecting with & accepting your background and heritage will do wonders to your game in particular and metal health in general.

I come from one of the poorest countries in the world. It's a stupid semi-desert country ... which despite it's history and culture is disgusting and pathetic. Any sane person would be ashamed to be from Ethiopia. But it's who i am. And i own it. You have to do the same.

I know a lot of African and Caribbean guys who lie about being from America ( I'm from "N.Y.C/L.A/Miami " how 'bout you girl?" ) to score some points with girls or even male colleagues abroad. Fuck that! Own your shit. People will respect and admire you for being yourself with no apologies.Own your heritage ... the good, the bad and the shame and switch use it as armor. Own it so no one can use it against you. I've dated white girls who now "only date Ethiopian men" because of me. It's not because i got top game. I'm pretty beta in real life. But i never tried to be someone else.

Know who you are and where you come from ... and own it. Most people have no concrete identity and are like dry leaves in October wind.

As much as i hate the ghetto African American mentality and culture, I respect those guys because they don't give a fuck and take pride in their background and culture. Which is why hundreds of millions of people world-wide try to emulate some degenerate gangsta from Compton, College Park, Brooklyn or South-site Chicago. It's not because they're more impressive or cooler. They just accept and own who they are with no apologies. The good, bad and ugly. Unlike a lot of Asian-American guys who try sooo pathetically hard to look, act and sound white ... which they'll never be.

Authenticity is the pillar of attractiveness.

And to become authentic ... you have to know and unconditionally accept who you are.

^^ There it [email protected] Nuff said

Leaning out for summer.
Started in January at 189 and headed to 177. Arguably there at the end of this month.

But glad that the gut is going, need the muscles to do their part.

Good dumbbell program?

WIA