Most readers of this site will understand the intrinsic value of a fine Swiss timepiece. It’s long been championed that every man should have at least one hero piece in their wardrobe for those special occasions.

Lest we forget, not every guy out there has a cool $10,000+ to drop on something that will sit on your wrist for only a few hours before it goes back in the vault. The dilemma is real. Enter the young New York company Eleven James, a service which is allowing watch enthusiast to borrow luxury timepieces for a monthly fee.

RELATED: 50 Watch Brands To Know

Sound familiar? Anyone with a Netflix subscription will know the effectiveness and efficiency of such a business model and so does Eleven James’ founder and CEO, Randy Brandoff. As of this Tuesday his company has locked in a new round of funding amounting to a staggering $30 million. $20 million of that capital was received as a credit facility whilst the remaining $10 million is in the form of Series A-1 equity financing headed by an existing investor. Since its launch the company has raised a total of $40 million.

Brandoff, who isn’t from the watch industry, believes that the confidence behind his company validates his company’s business model. “[It] firmly establishes our position as a leader in democratising access to luxury goods and experiences,” he said.

Eleven James launched in late 2013 and is currently made up of corporate clients as its main members. The company owns most of its watch inventory with others being put forward by the members themselves for others to borrow. Brandoff comes from a luxury services background as the first employee of private aviation firm Marquis Jet in his previous role.

The post You Can Soon Rent Luxury Watches For A Monthly Fee appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Miraculously, the studio of Australia’s great expressionist has been kept the way it was when he died of a heroin overdose in 1992. Browse Whiteley’s books and records and see the unfinished painting he was working on – as well as a changing roster of mini exhibitions.Sydney may no longer possess the thriving nightlife it once did but there are still other forms of entertainment for those seeking cultural intervention.

We’re talking art and where to find it in Australia’s most populated city. With no less than ten locations to get your fix, Sydney makes a pretty damn good effort in showcasing the latest works from major exhibitions and local artists.

Not sure where to start? The answer’s right here.

Annandale Galleries

Step inside this unassuming space just outside of the Sydney CBD and you’ll be greeted with an art gallery owned by dedicated art collectors and dealers. Don’t let its independent tag deter you from venturing beyond the norm either – Annandale Galleries is quite large for its independent tag and is located amongst the walls of a former Masonic lodge and Methodist Church. The art filling this space is consists of international contemporary art, European art and Indigenous Australian pieces. Such is the calibre of their exhibition that they even have private showrooms which have featured icons including Picasso.

110 Trafalgar Street Annandale

White Rabbit

Head over to Chippendale towards Broadway and you’ll stumble across White Rabbit, a privately owned non-profit gallery which houses four levels of 21st century Chinese art across a beautifully designed space. Once you’re done perusing the creations, punters can head to the ground floor tea room for dumplings.

30 Balfour St, Chippendale

S.H. Ervin Gallery

Step over to Observatory Hill in the heart of the city and you’ll be rewarded with the S.H. Ervin Gallery, a National Trust-operated public institution which has been around since 1978. Besides the scenic harbour views outside, the gallery inside houses a selection of Australian art from the mid 1900s to the late 20th century with a focus on paint works and creations on paper.

2 Watson Rd, Millers Point

Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

Hidden away in a quaint Paddington Street is the Roslyn Oxley9 gallery which showcases some of Australia’s finest artworks alongside international names. Photomedia works, Archibald Prize winners and installation art can all be found in this eastern Sydney location.

8 Soudan Lane, Paddington

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

The MCA as it’s affectionately known by locals is one of the major players in Sydney’s art scene. The building saw a complete $53 million overhaul in 2012 and now boasts up to 50% more exhibition space as well as a rooftop cafe and stunning function areas. The art is of course the main drawcard and they have that across multiple levels with regularly rotated exhibitions from some of the world’s best in the game.

140 George Street, The Rocks

Artereal Gallery

Artereal is a space dedicated to showcasing works from both rising and established artists from Australia. It’s an artistically fitting space for the works too with the location being in a former heritage fire station which retains all of the architectural flair one would expect from an old high-ceiling building.

747 Darling Street, Rozelle

Brett Whiteley Studio

Brett Whiteley is no longer with us but his legacy of work lives on at the Brett Whiteley Studio, the very workplace and home of the Australian artist. What visitors can witness here are the collection of finished and unfinished paintings alongside a solid rotation of mini exhibitions. The space is now owned by the NSW Government and is open to the public as part of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

2 Raper Street, Surry Hills

Artspace

A slice of Sydney’s contemporary art scene can be found at Artspace located in the Woolloomooloo’s historic Gunnery Building. Works there include exhibitions, residencies and talks alongside the creation of artist monographs.

43–51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

Art Gallery of NSW

Sydney’s biggest and most frequented gallery is the sandstone confines known as the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Built in 1871, today it is the leading museum of art in the New South Wales region with stunning works from Australia, Europe and Asia alongside an annual roster of up to 40 different exhibitions. It’s a perfect date spot too with close proximity to the equally attractive surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Art Gallery Road, The Domain

4A Centre For Contemporary Asian Art

Blink and you’ll miss it. Follow the tram tracks from Central towards Chinatown and you’ll cross paths with the 4A Centre For Contemporary Asian Art. The non-profit art gallery regularly holds exhibitions, performances and public sessions which help to highlight international Asian artists alongside their Australian counterparts.

181-187 Hay Street, Haymarket

Glass Artists’ Gallery

For something truly different drop into the Glass Artists’ Gallery in Glebe for a crash course in the intricacies of Australian glass art. The gallery spans two levels with the ground floor making up the exhibition space for artists of the non-glass persuasion to showcase their work. Head up the staircase and visitors will be greeted with what you came for – glass sculptures in all of their glory.

68 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Artsite

Camperdown’s Artsite went public back in 2010 meaning anyone could come inside to witness the exhibition of Sydney’s most creative figures in art. Landscape painters, sculptors and photographers make up the bulk of the works in here and is further complemented with the space’s high ceilings and partitioned areas for a well-balanced exhibition.

165 Salisbury Road, Camperdown

The post A Guide To The Coolest Art Galleries In Sydney appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are few names in the watchmaking world more prominent than Omega, and within the Omega family there are few names more well-loved than Seamaster. The Seamaster is the oldest line in the Omega collection, an honour it has more than earned over the course of its 67-year history. The Seamaster was first intended to be a robust but elegant watch for active individuals who needed a versatile timepiece, but its legacy has expanded far beyond those original intentions.

History

As its name implies, the Seamaster was originally designed to accompany sailors on their marine adventures. It was modelled after the Omega Marine, which was introduced in 1932 and made history as the first water-resistant watch. Inspired by the success of the Marine, Omega launched the Seamaster in 1948.

Though several variations of the iconic model can be found now, it retains many of its original distinguishing characteristics. The Seamaster is an automatic winding chronometer and quartz watch known for its luminescent arms and markers (which make it highly visible underwater) and its stainless steel case. Other notable features include a screw-in crown and caseback, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a helium release valve and a sea monster logo engraved on the back.

The Seamaster’s list of accomplishments is lengthy. The watch’s first diving record was achieved in 1955, when diver Gordon McLean reached a depth of 62.5 metres in Australia. In 1956 one was attached to the outside of a Douglas DC6 aircraft and flown the Polar Route over the North Atlantic, to prove that its case was immune to water infiltration. In 1963, Seamasters were worn by Jacques Cousteau’s team during experiments to prove divers could live in a submerged saturated gas environment for extended periods without adverse effects.

When not making diving history, the Seamaster was also responsible for much of Omega’s research into alternative case materials and treatments. Many designs in exotic materials – like titanium, tungsten and forged carbon – actually made it into production. Now with both a “Professional” and “Dress” range, the Seamaster line continues to make history and decorate the wrists of some of the world’s most prominent politicians, divers, treasure hunters and even a spy.

In Popular Culture

Throughout its lifetime, the Seamaster has proved particularly popular with a celebrity fanbase. Famous wearers include Jeremy Clarkson, Prince William and the ultimate icon of men’s style, Mr. James Bond. Omega has been associated with the Bond franchise since 1995, when Pierce Brosnan took over the role and sported an Omega Seamaster Quartz Professional in GoldenEye. Current Bond Daniel Craig has worn both the Seamaster Planet Ocean and the Seamaster Diver 300 M in the movies. Omega has released several special edition Seamasters in conjunction with the film series.

Where To Buy

OMEGA

The post Essential Classics: OMEGA Seamaster appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s time to get my tall poppy syndrome on. London boasts more restaurants than Sydney, Melbourne and New York City put together. This causes an issue for locals like myself and visitors in a sense that you’re simply spoilt for choice. 

Forget the bangers and mash, today we’re showing you guys how to select the coolest places to eat in London when there’s such a staggering amount to choose from.

Randall & Aubin

Recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, this smart Anglo/French brasserie in Soho has been a stylish go-to for London’s discerning diners that desire exceptional food in a relaxed but luxurious environment. Head Chef Ed Baines is well known for flying the British flag and his passion for fresh ingredients confidently fuels all the classic dishes here. Think moules mariner, French onion soup, rotisserie chicken, lobster, crab and steak all done to perfection. You can’t go past a dozen oysters and bottle of the house champagne to start things off.

16 Brewer Street, Soho, W1

Pollen Street Social

To be honest, any restaurant in London with ‘social’ in the title is a winner in the cool stakes. After gaining a Michelin Star in 2011 Chef Jason Atherton went on to replicate the formula in his other eateries whilst raising the bar for dining experiences in London. We could list any of his restaurants here but Pollen Street is where is all started so it get’s the mention. Food wise it’s the real deal in casual fine dining. It’s starred, has won multiple ‘Restaurant of the Year’ awards and it’s Atherton’s flagship. Enough said.

8-10 Pollen St, Mayfair, London W1S 1NQ

Rules

If you don’t think that being the oldest restaurant in London is cool then you are reading the wrong list. You can stick your fancy awards and hard-to-get stars; Rules opened it’s doors around the same time as Australia was first discovered and the French Revolution still raged so they’ve been doing something right over the centuries. We won’t bore you with the history (there’s so much of it) but, if you are looking for the true London dining experience, then look no further than ‘Rules’. It even made a cameo appearance in the last Bond film Spectre.

35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB

Corazon

Hot, hot, hot! Some people say that the Mexican wave has been and gone but when food is done right, it never goes out of fashion. This brand new Taqueria off Oxford Street in Soho offers a welcome alternative to some of the chain mexaurants that have dominated the capital in recent years. While the mention of ‘creative Mexican comfort food’’ already had us drooling we also noted the impressive Agave list which marries two of our favourite things in the world together; Epic Tacos and amazing Margaritas!

29 Poland St, Soho, London W1F 8QR

Gymkhana

Most Brits will admit that, behind fish n’ chips, the Curry is celebrated as a national dish. This is London and so high-end Indian Tukka needs to be tremendous to stand out from the crowd. In 2014 Gymkhana won the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award putting ‘posh cuzza’ firmly on the map and beating the Marco’s, the Heston’s and the Gordon’s in the world’s most competitive culinary battlefield. “How good can it be?’ you ask. Well, of course it’s always subjective, but it has been described by one critic as ‘a magnificently perfect restaurant’. Okay then.

42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH

Barrafina

Forgive me, as I need to break my own rules here. Two things that aren’t necessarily ‘cool’ are restaurant franchises (although thank you God for Pizza Express’s ‘American Hottest’ with the Romana base) and queuing. Barrafina is the exception to this. It has taken its winning diner-style Tapas bar and ‘extended’ it to other parts of Central London. Why?

Probably because they don’t take reservations and so you have to queue. So, on one hand, I don’t want to include a restaurant experience that isn’t unique but, on the other hand, there’s more chance of me getting a seat (although possibly less now that you know about it). Take my word; best Tapas in Central London with the queues to prove it.

Dean Street, Drury Lane & Adelaide Street

Kitchen Table

When it comes to cool dining experiences, Kitchen Table should be what it’s all about. We could roll off the standard Michelin-infused restaurant archive which most people can’t afford (or get a reservation at) and offer little in the way of unique participation by the paying customer. Not so with Kitchen Table; although affording the meal and indeed getting a reservation still maybe a challenge, you will be rewarded by a truly special meal that I guarantee you’ll be talking about for days afterwards.

Discretely accessed via an existing restaurant, (Bubbledogs) you enter though a curtain leading you to an edible Narnia. I will now translate what has been described as an ‘amphitheatre of cheffery as a spectator sport’; 19 comfortable bucket seats surrounding a working kitchen space with an 11 course tasting menu and all eyes on your host, Chef James Knappett. P.S Also has a Michelin Star.

70 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 4QQ

Temper

You don’t just need to like meat to visit Temper; you need to love it! Chef Neil Rankin is a master of his craft and part responsible for pioneering the British barbeque scene of late. He uses Temper to exhibit his pit-smoked, flesh-searing techniques and provide an impressive range of tapas style dishes that’s guaranteed to give you the night sweats. Stop complaining! It’s fantastic and they have one of the best Mezcal selections in London to accompany their also tasty tacos. Perfect for the committed carnivore.

25 Broadwick St. London W1F 0DF

Bocca di Lupo

This is a big call but Bocca is probably one of the best Italian restaurants in the world. I know, I know… but I am not alone in this school of thought and this is what makes it so cool. Internationally renowned as another Soho stalwart this restaurant revels in its consistent excellence. Chef Jason Kennedy opened at the height of the global financial crisis in 2008 (ballsy) and has continued to please his customers time and again. It offers big and small plates depending on appetite or occasion and goes that extra yard with the finesse of its service. All this, as well as housing some of the finest wines known to humanity right there on the premises. Cannot. Go. Wrong.

12 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7BB

The Ninth

The Ninth is the ninth restaurant by Chef Jun Tanaka and has food critics and customers raving about it. The cuisine is described as ‘European/French/Mediterranean’ and just one look at the menu will delight even the fussiest of foodies. The restaurant environment itself is distinctly unfussy although intimate and, dare-I-say, ‘neo-industrial romantic’ (yes, I did just make that up).

You may easily forget about your surroundings once you taste the dishes on offer. This is cool for being a true food lovers restaurant and the prices are also quite reasonable including a 3 plate ‘set lunch’ for just £23.

22 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2NB

The Laughing Heart

Any place named after a Bukowski poem has got our attention – particularly one that advises ‘your life is your life, don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission’. ‘Or pay good money to eat at bad restaurants’ we might continue. Add to that a versatile offering of restaurant, wine bar, off-licence and with a 2am licence in Hackney then we are definitely listening. The new venue indulges its customers in three very simple ingredients; great hospitality, sensational wine and splendid food. It’s East London cool done right.

277 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8NA

German Gymnasium

Nestled neatly between St Pancras and King’s Cross Stations this former gymnasium (hence the name) offers an unusual environment for the London diner. Open space is the novelty here. The D&D Group (responsible for a whole host of famous London eateries) have taken full advantage of the gentrification of ‘the Cross’ and produced a sexy cathedral-like ambiance not dissimilar to the railway platform canopies in the vicinity. This is not just a restaurant but a modern European Cafe and impressive bar space as well. The food on offer stays true to the venue’s name with Bratwurst and Schnitzel at the ready.

King’s Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU

Padella

South of the river and a stone’s throw away from ‘Borough Market’ (a hunger-inducing experience if ever there was one) is ‘Padella’ – A chic pasta bar! And let’s just get this straight now; it’s not an Italian restaurant. They do one thing very well and that’s serve fresh pasta (different types, with sauce, etc).

And who doesn’t love a good pasta dish? It’s first come, first serve (although they offer a ‘virtual queue’ service in the evenings), it’s won a load of awards, it’s well priced and you will likely have to wait for a table but, and it’s a big and very important but….it’s bloody good.

6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ

The Electric Diner

Don’t get me wrong, Notting Hill (and indeed West London) has its fair share of mentionable places to chow down; from the double Michelin-starred, fine dining mecca ‘The Ledbury’ to the relaxed-but-eternally-cool ‘E&O’ plus many in between. However, ‘The Electric Diner’ located on the world famous Portobello Road is firm a favourite of ours.

Whether it’s an early weekend brunch on a Saturday morning next to the busy antiques market, a few cold beers on a warm summer evening or a pre-cinema burger fix (‘The Electric Cinema’ is attached and provides the coolest movie experience in London) this place has you covered for almost every occasion. It’s also part of the Soho House Group (‘The Electric House’ members club is located upstairs) and so the quality of food and service is guaranteed at reasonable prices. This place proves that versatility is cool.

191 Portobello Rd, London W11 2ED

Som Saa

Talkin ‘bout an evolution! Starting life as a Peckham pop-up before enjoying a residency at a East London coffee roastery, Som Saa went on to raise £700k in less than 3 days in a crowdfunding campaign to secure their current Spitalfields premises in a former fabric warehouse.

We love Thai food (who doesn’t?) so why is it so hard to find in London? A decent restaurant list could not be complete without representing this most flavoursome of cuisines which is why we are so grateful for Som Saa. The pedigree of chef behind the venture is outstanding and so it’s no surprise that the food is incredible. New for 2016 and making a big impact.

43A Commercial St, London E1 6BD

Anglo

We’ll finish off this list with the most British of selections; Mark, Jack and Nick, the three guys behind ‘Anglo’ have already won the favour of many and it’s no surprise to see why. A small restaurant with simple, refined dishes based around a tasting menu in the evening and a la carte and set menu at lunch. It’s a nice enough environment but the food really is stand-out. Critics have described it with such adjectives as ‘exquisite’ and ‘mind blowing’ and we couldn’t agree more. If you want to see how far British food has come in the past 10 years then this would be your first port of call.

30 St Cross St, London EC1N 8UH

The post 15 Coolest London Restaurants (According To A Londoner) appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Melbourne streets are often lined with quaint little homes but one particular Victorian terrace located in Brunswick East is garnering attention for all of the right reasons. Designer reasons.

Quarry House received a drastic makeover from Hook Turn Architecture who borrowed the historic lines of the home and completely enhanced it with a touch of the digital age out back.

The historic portion of the build pays tribute to the location’s history of brick and bluestone quarrying whilst the striking rear design reveals a uniquely modern look of double stacked boxes.

The ground floor is designed to mimic a brick box whilst the upper level takes after a bluestone box. Consistency in the build was retained in order to remain faithful to the home’s original architecture. What most wouldn’t realise though is that the front is completely non-descript in its 1880 Victorian guise, making it near-impossible to know such a bold design concept has gone on out back.

The rear receives the maximum amount of natural lighting possible as much of it is needed to really appreciate the art deco inspired fit out indoors. Geometric shapes flow throughout the home with a clash of pastel and striking fluorescent hues.

And then there’s the cool lighting features, implementation of lush floating greenery and the mix of white brick, natural wood and matte black steel.

Think milk crates in Melbourne alleyways given the neo-art treatment and you’re about on the money. Money which can’t buy you this kind of cool.

The post Trendy Brunswick Home Hides A Backdoor Secret appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

With every new year comes the world’s most innovative advancements in technology to boggle the mind. Welcome to the Consumer Electronics Show, an annual hub for groundbreaking ideas.

As the world’s largest showcase of gadgets, you can expect the diversity to be astounding with devices ranging from self balancing motorcycles to pet robots to mirrors that tell you if you’re ugly.

Let’s not spoil the surprise too soon though. Just as we did with last year’s show, these are the mind-blowing creations from CES 2017.

Honda Riding Assist

Riding a motorcycle no longer needs to be a balancing act for novices (or those who just hate . the boffins at Honda R&D have unveiled the Riding Assist concept at this year’s CES convention. The freakish new technology enables riders to stay completely upright when the bike is stationary whether it has a rider on it or not. The motorcycle also has an autonomous feature which can ride on its own at low speeds. Watch the video to see it in action.

LG Hub

The age of robotic butlers have arrived. Sort of. LG Hub is a stationary home assistant that can swivel to face you upon taking your commands via a personable voice (and beady eyes). It does all the basics including play music, looking up the weather and acting as a central command centre for wireless LG products. At the CES show the LG Hub demonstrated its ability to preheat a connected oven (don’t ask) before activating LG’s wireless robot vacuum cleaner and robot lawnmower. LG emphasised that the technology in the Hub is cutting edge AI which can also allow them to “learn” their masters whilst holding a conversation. It can even distinguish family members’ faces with its camera. Creepy-cool.

Sleep Number 360

The term ‘smart’ has attached itself to just about everything these days and today we have the smart bed. More specifically the Sleep Number 360, a bed with a brain which can keep a slumberer comfortable throughout the night by using its array of sensors to detect movements whilst automatically adjusting your sleeping position to ensure the most seamless sleep. That could potentially mean no more snoring as it automatically raises your head, perennially warm feet and a faster trip to slumber. It’ll also help those who have a tendency to fall out of bed and can accommodate up to two people.

HiMirror Plus

HiMirror Plus is a smart mirror. What the vanity device does is identify imperfections with a single glance of its camera before spitting out areas in need of attention. Once the image is processed it can identify things like wrinkles, red spots, pores and fine lines that you probably weren’t aware of. Thanks mirror, you SOB. The mirror works by rating sections of your skin out of 100 with 100 being the epitome of perfect skin. For now it might serve as a great vanity device in order to point out early signs of ageing or damage before you notice it, but the technology’s potential could be vastly significant if used to identify life threatening diseases such as cancer in the future. Think of it as a personal breath tester but for the skin.

Swagtron Swagsurf

It’s a stupid name but a cool product that will keep legions of wannabe surfers and Back to the Future fanboys busy all summer long as they glide effortlessly across the waves without any actual wave.

LeEco Smart Bike

They say don’t fix it when it isn’t broken and that could certainly be the case for the ‘smart bike’. The LeEco smart bike thankfully is a bit more than just a bike with an app. LeEco have unveiled two of their latest road bikes equipped Bike OS which is a modified version of Android OS. What that means is that they pack proper computers within including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor and 4-inch touchscreen powered by a removable battery. All this computing power is used for turn-by-turn navigation based on Here Maps whilst simultaneously allowing riders to chat with other riders via embedded microphones on the same setup. And yes, it can also play your music. Pretty snazzy.

Taclim VR

Ever dreamt of walking on snow whilst in the desert? Now it’s possible with the Taclim VR shoes which can mimic varying surfaces and terrains before feeding that sensation back to the wearer in the form of haptic vibrations. Why you’ll need one is beyond anyone’s comprehension but we suppose it would serve a purpose in space exploration training or places that require a lot of walking on uneven ground. The technology was developed by Japanese firm Cerevo and works with a VR headset to complete the virtual sensation of standing on in another place other than your bedroom. Mars, anyone?

Hypersuit

Following the same concept as the Taclim VR, the Hypersuit by French tech firm Theory can give the wearer the sensation of flying with wings with nothing but a set of arm apparatus and a VR headset. The device comes complete with a cool looking exoskeleton and is intended for entertainment and gaming activities.

The post Groundbreaking Creations You Missed From CES 2017 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Visiting Africa conjures up images of jungles and deserts, of big game safaris, of rich history and adventure. South Africa offers an immense range of experiences for travellers, from those romantic rugged exploits to modern cities and urbane wine tours.

South Africa’s diversity of wildlife, natural scenery, sights, sounds, and cultures is like no other place on earth. The population is a unique blend of Africa, Europe, and Asia. The constitution recognises 11 official languages, one of the highest numbers of any country in the world. The landscape includes renowned national parks and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ‘Big Five’ game animals roam freely.

Such a multi-faceted country is impossible to generalise, but should you find yourself exploring its enchanting shores, here are a few basic rules and customs you’ll want to know.

Dress

Dress in South Africa is largely casual, but don’t mistake casual for unstylish. Many locals – especially those running in younger, hipper circles – are snappy dressers who wouldn’t look out of place in the snaps of Scott Schuman or Tommy Ton. Feel free to stretch your sartorial wings while in the country, though you may want to keep your flashiest and most expensive items at home. Anything too extravagant could make you a target for criminal activity.

Civilities

South Africans are generally polite, friendly, and accommodating to tourists, and travellers from Europe and North America will find many familiar social customs.

Men greet with a firm handshake, while women may opt for a kiss on the cheek instead. Public displays of affection between heterosexual partners are not frowned upon, provided they don’t go overboard. Homosexual displays of affection are accepted in the more cosmopolitan and gay-friendly areas of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, though they can sometimes generate unwelcome attention.

Use a moderate volume when speaking. Raising your voice is considered aggressive and challenging. Lowering your voice too much will have you accused of spreading gossip. Keep your hands out of your pockets while speaking, as this is considered rude. Address people by a title and surname in formal situations.

South Africans are proud of their country and what they have achieved. Be wary of airing grievances about the country with residents, who will harshly defend their home against outsiders they believe have no business commenting on their affairs. It’s best to steer well clear of racial and political remarks as a visitor, as South Africa’s complex history and diverse cultural disposition make it easy for tourists to put their foot in it.

Safety

Tourism has grown exponentially in South Africa in recent decades, and the country has become safer for visitors as a result. Unfortunately, crime is still a reality of life, and though most holidays end without incident, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions.

As always, it’s best to avoid looking like a tourist. Put away your maps and your cameras unless you’re using them. Don’t wear expensive items or leave valuables visible in your car. Beware of pickpockets in highly populated areas. Be careful where you walk at night, particularly if you’re travelling alone. A taxi is a safer bet after dark.

If driving, keep the doors locked and the windows up in city traffic. Disregard any stranger who tries to confront you at a traffic light or stop sign. Don’t stop for hitchhikers.

Tipping

Tipping is practised in South Africa. Ten to fifteen percent of the tab is common at restaurants and for taxis. It’s also customary to tip hotel staff (porters, cleaners, etc), parking attendants, and anyone who services your vehicle at garages and filling stations.

Invitations

South Africans are very social, and you may find yourself invited to someone’s home for a barbecue called a braai. Bring a gift – flowers, chocolates, or wine will do – and contact the host ahead of time to find out if you’re expected to provide a dish. Make discreet inquiries about the expected dress code as well.

Once you’ve arrived, offer to help with preparation or clean up after the meal is served. Use both hands or your right hand to present a gift; it is considered impolite to hand a gift over with your left hand.

Food

Modern urban South Africa has largely adopted Western modes of dining. Many eat with a fork and knife, held in both hands, and in the same hands throughout the meal. On some occassions, like the braai, it’s appropriate to eat with your hands. More traditional, rural areas will also eat with their hands. Use your right hand only, unless you’re eating something that clearly requires two hands. Wash your hands before the meal and again after.

The post How Not To Get Shot Or Arrested In South Africa appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Men’s Grooming is an area that no man should ever be complacent with. Don’t believe us? Ponder the vibes you’ll give off to your date when wearing an immaculate suit, smelling like roadkill and looking like Tom Hanks’ stunt double in Cast Away. Get the drift? Now follow these pointers.

#1 Avoid Shaving Irritation With Shaving Cream

When the day comes for the hipster beard to die and it’s time to take it all off, remember this handy little grooming hack: Leave your shaving cream to settle on your skin for five minutes before commencing the cut. The finish will leave you without the red bumps and irritating skin.

#2 Use Lip Balm To Fix Shaving Cuts

No man likes to leave home looking like they’ve just waxed their face and have toilet paper to compensate for the bloody mess. Use a handy lip balm instead. Rub a small amount onto your finger and then apply over the wound. The wax texture will help seal the cut and act as a rapid blood clot. You’ll also be saving the trees, man.

#3 Deodorant Prevents Blisters From New Shoes

Say what? You read right, you fine specimen of a man, you. This works best for roll on deodorants so grab an old roller you’ve got laying around and apply it to your heel area before inserting your feet into a fresh pair of dress shoes. You’ll notice a lot less friction when walking around and you’ll also avoid the nasty blister.

#4 A Bar Of Soap In Your Gym Bag Prevents A Sweaty Stench

Hey-yo Rocky, we know you lift but your gym bag stinks. Easy fix? Get yourself a nicely fragranced bar of soap, throw it in the gym bag and the odour will neutralise along with the soap. If you you’re paranoid, throw in three bars of soap.

#5 Conditioner Makes For Good Shaving Cream Downstairs

Now we usually condone having your razor anywhere near your nether regions, but if for some inexplicable reason you do need to go the full Brazilian downstairs, then do it right. Shaving cream may leave behind an uncomfortable sting and tingle due to its menthol-based ingredients. Use hair conditioner instead. It provides the same follicle-softening effect whist reducing skin friction and dare we say, accidental cuts. As Captain Planet says: The power is yours.RELATED: A Gentleman’s Guide To Grooming Downstairs

#6 Chewing On Parsley Can Prevent Bad Breath

Cooking dinner for the sexy date and forgot to bring some gum? No kissy-kissy for you tonight. Or it is? Grab that bundle of parsley you’ve been chopping up, shove a few clovers in your mouth and chew away. It won’t taste the greatest but the enzymes in the parsley help deodorise bad breath. Remember to rinse out with water though otherwise you’ll look like an even bigger grub.

#7 Blasting Your Razor With A Hair Dryer Increases Longevity

This grooming tip is more about prevention than reaction. By drying your razor with a blow dryer after every shave, you’re removing the water that can cause rust and a build up of residue on the blades. Either of those will drastically limit the life span of your razor blade costing you a fortune. So take an extra 30 seconds to dry those babies off before packing it away.

#8 Hand Cream Can Smooth Frizzy Hair

Not a fan of the bed hair? No worries. Ran out of hair product? No worries. Find your closest hand cream (preferably that of your partner’s) and lather it through your hair evenly. It’ll do the job nicely whilst not smelling too shabby.

#9 Groom Your Nails After Showering When They Are Softer

Water is your best friend when it comes to nails. They absorb the water and in turn soften your finger and toe nails. This is the perfect time to attack them with the clippers as they’re more flexible, leaving little chance for cutting into yourself especially when the nail is stiff and dry.

#10 Vodka Will Remove The B.O Smell From Your Shirt

Find yourself some cheap Vodka laying around and do something useful with it. Like pouring it into a spray bottle and lightly covering it on your odour emitting shirt. Remember, the idea is to spray on a light mist and not soak the garment. Once the alcohol in the Vodka evaporates, it takes with it the odour. Explaining the legitimacy of the smell to the police at a random breath testing station is another story.READ NEXT: A Guide To Manscaping

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Unlike middle-aged women in Hollywood, Mercedes-Benz cars age gracefully. No nips, tucks, or tweaks of any kind are needed on the beautiful facades of these classic automobiles. It was tough to narrow it down, but we nominate these five as our all-time favourites:Favourite Classic Mercedes-Benz #1 – 1955 300SL GullwingThe word ‘iconic’ gets thrown around a lot these days when it hasn’t been earned, but that isn’t the case here. The Mercedes Benz 1955 300SL Gullwing is the very definition of an icon. Not only is the 300SL considered a classic for its legendary gullwing doors, it’s also notable as the first time direct fuel injection was used in a road car by Mercedes-Benz. Today, the 300SL’s unique doors, technological firsts, and low production numbers – only 29 were made – have made it one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models in the world. (WWW)Favourite Classic Mercedes-Benz #2 – 1979 Geländewagen (G-Class)When you think “Mercedes,” you think sleek, sporty, and luxurious. The 1979 G-Class (short for Geländewagen) is not the first image that comes to mind, but don’t let that boxy frame confused you – the G-Class is such a popular car that it’s got the longest Mercedes-Benz production run in Daimler’s history. Mercedes originally developed the G-Class as a military vehicle based on a suggestion by the Shah of Iran, then offered a civilian version in 1979. Even the Vatican received a special edition of the G-Wagen, which was outfitted with a clear thermoplastic top and served as the Popemobile.  (WWW)Favourite Classic Mercedes-Benz #3 – 1970 C111No list of classic Mercedes-Benz cars would be complete without this one: the 1970 C111. The first edition of the C111 debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1969, but the real stunner is the second edition that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show the following year. The experimental car did everything right: spectacular body design, innovative materials, pioneering technology and, last but far from least, top-level performance. The fiberglass body shell and four-rotor engine accelerated the Mercedes-Benz C 111 from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and gave a top speed of 300 km/h.  (WWW)Favourite Classic Mercedes-Benz #4 – 1988 560 SEC AMGThe 1988 560 SEC AMG is part of the Mercedes-Benz W126 series that launched in 1979. Cars in the W126 line were aerodynamic, fuel efficient, and more safety-conscious than their predecessors. The 560 SEC model is a coupé built from 1985–1991, with noteworthy features including the first standard driver side airbag, anti-lock brakes, and heated front seats. AMG offered body kits for all W126 models, as well as a widebody kit for the coupé. AMG also offered many levels of engine tuning, a Gleason Torsen differential in varying ratios, manual transmission, and various TV/radio consoles.  (WWW)Favourite Classic Mercedes-Benz #5 – 1964 230 SL PagodaThe Mercedes-Benz 230SL (designated W113 internally) is a two-seat roadster/coupé, introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Lead designers Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi designed the car with a patented, slightly concave hardtop that became its defining feature and inspired the “Pagoda” nickname. Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut demonstrated the capabilities of the 230 SL on the Annemasse Vétraz-Monthoux race track in 1963, where he earned a best lap time of 47.5 seconds against a V12 Ferrari 250 GT. The 230 SL was also the first sports car in the world to feature a safety body consisting of a rigid passenger cell and front and rear crumple zones.  (WWW)

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