Travis Scott is one of the hip-hop world’s most underrated style icons, and his latest vehicular flex proves he’s the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to 90s-inspired style.

Yesterday, Scott (real name Jacques Webster) shared a pair of Polaroids showing him relaxing against his convertible Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen 4×4 – which he’s just installed with eye-catching mirror-style rims – resplendent in an archival Stussy t-shirt, cargo pants, Nike Dunk sneakers and just some of his outrageous jewelry collection.

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Routes

A post shared by flame (@travisscott) on Aug 21, 2020 at 6:58pm PDT

Scott is clearly a fan of the G-Wagen, as he owns two: this black one and another khaki Maybach model worth a tidy $1.4 million. Both his G-Wagens have drop-tops – the venerable off-roader, which has been in production for over forty years, is only one of a handful of SUVs available with a factory convertible option. It’s high praise for the German automobile, considering Scott has quite the car collection: other members of his stable include the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 488, as well as multiple Range Rovers.

We suspect he likes the G-Wagen so much because the retro SUV matches Scott’s retro style perfectly. The SICKO MODE rapper has long been a champion of 90s style, regularly spotted in flannels, oversized t-shirts, and retro Nike sneakers. ‘La Flame’ has a number of signature Nike models, including Air Jordan 1, 4 and 6s; multiple Air Force 1 collabs, Air Max 270 Reacts and of course Dunks (although the Dunk His he’s wearing in this photo aren’t one of his signature models – he just really likes Dunks).

Scott’s unique sartorial skill is pulling off baggy cargo pants. Scott’s aesthetic has always been inspired by military looks – his favourite colour pallet is informed by olive drabs and camos – and the ‘tactical’ trousers he’s often spotted with have become a hallmark of his style. This latest photo is further evidence of his surprisingly good taste, not only in cars but in fashion: the archival Stussy tee is an inspired choice, and pairs unexpectedly well with the rest of his ensemble.

In a world where so many musicians just throw money at designer brands and brag about not having to employ a stylist (when sometimes they probably should), Scott stands out. He’s got a distinct personal style which sets him apart from the pack without being too ostentatious… Well, he leaves the ‘being ostentatious’ part to his bling and his cars.

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The post Travis Scott G Wagen Is Lotta Hell Yeah appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Winston Churchill said, “A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.”

Bob Dylan said, “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.”

Mark Twain said, “Clothes make the man.”

History’s greatest thinkers have offered a variety of answers to the question “What makes a man?” but the simplest answer is this: a man is defined by his character.

Character is the sum of a individual’s attributes. It is the amalgamation of the distinctive qualities that describe a person and determine the mark they leave behind. Good character is your most valuable asset and should be the foundation of every man’s life – but what does it mean to be “good”?

Like the Great Wall or the pyramids of Giza, character is built stone by stone, decision by decision. A man of character knows his values and has the courage to live his life accordingly, and others are drawn to him as a result.

Honestly, Honesty

Without trust, there is nothing. Strive always to be honest, to be loyal, and to live up to your good reputation. An honest man does more than tell the truth – he lives it. He is straightforward and trustworthy in all of his thoughts and deeds, and willing to be vulnerable when necessary. His authenticity is never called into question.

Carry Yourself With Passion

Passion is a powerful force in accomplishing anything you set your mind to, and in experiencing work and life their fullest extent. Passion is the beginning of every success story. It fills our lives with meaning and excitement. It is a source of motivation and happiness. All who possess it are unique, dynamic, authentic, attractive. Proactively pursue your passions and you will never be bored (or boring).

A Little Respect Goes A Long Way

“Do unto others…,” as the old rule says. Give and get respect in equal measures. Deal with disagreements peacefully. Be tolerant and accepting of differences. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Act with courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity, and civility. The more respect you give, the more you earn in return.

Loyalty Is Your Friend

Through thick and thin, a man of character remains loyal to the people who matter to him. He is no fair weather friend. He is dedicated to upholding his personal commitments. He keeps confidences and does not speak disparagingly of those he values. He is a devoted partner, friend, professional, and family member.

Responsibility Shows Maturity

Accept your obligations and follow through on your commitments. Be accountable for your behaviour and choices. Finish what you start. Be dependable, reliable, and faithful even when (and especially when) it’s a challenge. A responsible man commands respect and earns admiration.

Humility Makes You Approachable

Take pride in yourself but maintain a modest opinion of your own self-importance. A man of character strikes a balance between confidence and humility. Though he is aware of his many accomplishments, he allows others to sing his praises instead of shouting them himself. He never sees himself as “too good” for other people. He expresses gratitude for what he has and works for what he wants, rather than insisting he deserves more and expecting it to be handed to him.

Compassion Without Being A Pushover

The capacity for empathy and the willingness to help others combine to form compassion. A compassionate man can think and feel what others are thinking and feeling, giving him a powerful ability to tolerate, understand, and forgive those around him. He acts with kindness and treats everyone as equals because he knows nice guys don’t really finish last.

Earning Citizenship

What mark will you leave on the world? A man of character acts not only to serve himself, but to serve his community. He desires to make an impact and leave the world better than he found it.

Integrity Is A Reflection Of You

Integrity is the foundation of good character. Living with integrity means being true to yourself and living in accordance with your personal code under any circumstances. A man with integrity conducts himself with the same high ethical standards no matter where he is or who he is with. He is guided by his core principles whether or not others are watching. He is intrinsically motivated to live up to his highest ideals.

Courage To Prove You’re More Than Just Talk

Courage comes in many guises. It’s more than bravery in the face of physical danger (though we’re all for standing up to the bully on the playground). Courage also takes more subtle forms, like telling the truth, taking action despite self-doubt, engaging in difficult conversations instead of avoiding them, and acting in accordance with your values when you’re tempted to do otherwise.

Self-Discipline For Success

Little gets done without a sense of responsibility. Successful men can put aside their whims and urges in order to accomplish their goals. Through careful preparation and ongoing self-control, these men can harness their willpower to build good habits, rise to their commitments, and live up to their principles.

Teachability To Ensure You’re Always At The Top 

Though he is skilled and intelligent, a man of character never stops seeking self-improvement. He takes pride in becoming better, so he acknowledges his shortcomings and isn’t afraid to admit how much he doesn’t know. He is always willing to learn, try something new, improve a skill, or take on added responsibilities. He is focused on building his own character, not dragging down the character of others.

Drive, A Simple Concept

Everyone wants success, but only some are willing to put in the work required to get it. The difference is drive – the burning passion to achieve goals and persevere through any hardships along the way. This motivation is the fire that fuels all personal growth and achievement. It’s the engine of accomplishment. Drive is the difference between taking the initiative and letting the world pass you by.

Confidence Opens Doors

Cockiness is for those who lack actual confidence. A truly confident man takes a quieter approach – he is self-reliant and self-assured without a fanatical, narcissistic need to prove either. He is comfortable in his own skin. He is not defined by others. He stays true to himself in the face of pressure. His confidence is attractive, empowering, and inspiring to others.

Generosity Fosters Respect

A man of character willingly offers up his time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, and assets without the expectation of reciprocity. He gives credit when it is deserved and gives back to share his success with others. No task is too small and no person is too inconsequential for him to lend a hand when the opportunity to make a difference arises.

Optimism Is For Winners In Life

In the words of Churchill (again), “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” An optimist is healthier in both mind and body, as well as more successful at work and more resilient in the face of challenge. His positive attitude is highly attractive to others, and inspires those who know him to make positive changes in their own lives.

Balance To Ensure You Don’t Crack

“Work-life balance” is a trendy buzzword, but the importance of balance defies any trend. A balanced man is the modern Renaissance man. He prioritises his time effectively and is well-rounded in many areas. He pursues his professional goals with gusto, but leaves time for self-care (sleep, nutrition, fitness), personal projects, friends and family, and spontaneous play.

Humour To Reinforce Your Mental Health

There’s a reason “good sense of humour” is a top requirement in the search for a mate. Humour is scientifically proven to improve both psychological and physical well-being. It also has enormous social benefits. People who create and appreciate humour receive positive attention and admiration, can laugh at themselves when necessary, and navigate uncomfortable situations with charming ease.

Purpose Is The Ultimate Key

Laziness achieves nothing, but work for work’s sake is an empty pursuit. A man of character lives and works for something – a calling, a mission, a purpose beyond his own personal benefit. Purpose guides behaviour, shapes identity and goals, and offers a sense of direction. It is purpose, ultimately, that creates meaning and fulfilment in one’s life.

The post The Secret To Building Unrivalled Character appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Wellness Ambassadors. There: I’ve said it. It started with chicken edamame salad and activewear and this is the absurd conclusion. Wellness ambassadors aboard flights at a time when airlines can barely afford to be in the air (don’t believe us: check how many are sending their planes off to graveyards in Nevada and Alice Springs).

That’s one cynics take anyway. The other point of view is that this is an essential service that will soon be as important as tray tables if an airline wants to stay relevant in an ever more health-conscious market. But we digress. Before we get ourselves into any hot kombucha we’ll hand you over to Etihad for the direct down low.

The Wellness Ambassadors come as part of Etihad Airways’ ‘Etihad Wellness’ program – a comprehensive health and hygiene programme and customer guide which, as Etihad Airways recently announced, “builds on the stringent measures already put in place by the airline to deal with COVID-19.”

“The programme will be championed by the introduction of specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who will provide essential travel health information and care so guests can fly with greater peace of mind.”

“Etihad Wellness initiatives will be communicated through an easy-to-use online guide highlighting the high standards of cleanliness, health and hygiene being applied at every stage of the customer journey,” the airline continued. “This includes culinary hygiene at the airline’s catering facilities and food testing laboratory, aircraft cabin deep-cleaning, check-in, health screening, boarding, inflight experience and product, crew interaction, arrival, and ground transportation.”

 

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Fly with peace of mind. With impeccable hygiene standards, world-class HEPA air filtration technology, and dedicated Wellness Ambassadors on every flight, we’re ready to welcome you back to the skies. #EtihadWellness

A post shared by Etihad Airways (@etihad) on Aug 5, 2020 at 6:13am PDT

“For those needing more specific and personalised information, skilled Wellness Ambassadors can be contacted directly 24/7 by emailing wellness@etihad.ae,” Etihad added. “This dedicated multi-lingual team will offer reassurance to customers by sharing advice on travel wellbeing and details of the health and sanitisation measures being implemented throughout their journey.”

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Providing for our guests, and their wellbeing, is one of Etihad’s core values, and we have a responsibility to protect them, to keep them fully informed, and to provide even greater levels of genuine warmth and personal care.”

“Once travel restrictions to and from the UAE are lifted, and the airline resumes an expanded network of international flights, Etihad will introduce Wellness Ambassadors on board, complementing the roles performed by other Cabin Crew, and providing an enhanced level of customer care focused on health and wellness inflight,” Mr Douglas added.

DMARGE reached out to frequent flyer expert and founder of Flight Hacks, Immanuel Debeer, to get his take. Will this prove a publicity stunt or a genuine attraction for customers?

On one hand, Immanuel said this is a smart response to 2020 from Etihad: “Let’s face it, almost everyone is having a tough time right now but airlines are the ones really getting a thorough beating thanks to the pandemic and hysteria that comes with it.”

“That means it’s only natural they are trying everything in the book to a) survive this shitstorm of epic proportions and b) convince all the Karens of the world that flying is indeed still safe.”

On the other hand, Immanuel also told us, “I do think they are taking things too far. A ‘wellness ambassador’? What’s their job? Standing outside the lavatories with a checklist to ask guests brutally honest questions such as: did you wash your hands? Most worryingly is the fact that clearly there’s a need for these health ambassadors because humanity has lost all common sense during lockdown.”

“I think it’s time for this pandemic to end because from what I can tell, the airline marketing teams are running out of clever ideas to reassure the general public of their safety on board.”

We then asked Immanuel whether this kind of initiative could show up in Australia. His response?

“Highly unlikely! Australians are too easy-going for this kinda nonsense. If only our politicians got the memo and started opening borders between states that clearly don’t have any community transmission; that’s a rant for another day.”

With both Qantas and Virgin Australia having both made positive steps to prioritise passengers’ mental health pre 2020, and both Qantas and Virgin Australia now being forced to drastically cut costs (but also differentiate themselves from each other) it will be interesting to see, in the coming years, which directions they go in.

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• Take A Personal Tour Inside Etihad’s Exclusive $27,000 Travel Class 

The post Wellness Ambassadors Raise Uncomfortable Question For Etihad Airlines appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We now have food, dates, entertainment, clothes and news at the click of a button. But it wasn’t always like this. As we loll back on a Dorito stained couch with a growing pile of Uber Eats, our ancestors were out howling at the moon and fighting for survival (according to HBO, anyway).

Point being, though there are attitudes we’ve rightly left in the past (and, arguably, many more to add to that list), there are some vestiges we shouldn’t be so quick to arrogantly dismiss. One is ‘toughening up’.

That’s not to say the concept can’t be detrimental. The ‘suck it up’ message can be catastrophic to one’s mental health, and is a known factor in the high suicide and depression rates we see, particularly in men.

However, as it finally becomes a mainstream belief that men should be free to show their emotions, we now face the question: should we completely dismiss the ‘harden up’ attitude?

Or is there a middle ground?

To better understand the issue, DMARGE got on the phone with Dr Lars Madsen, a forensic and clinical Psychologist, who is also the Lead clinical advisor for the mental health charity The Mindshift Foundation.

Dr Madsen quickly cleared up a common misconception: being emotional and being tough are not mutually exclusive. In fact, given the stereotypes around it, often the bravest path is to be vulnerable and show your emotions.

“Stoicism is not helpful really, the whole harden up, suck it up kind of mentality,” Dr Madsen told us. However, hard work is a whole other matter: “If you want to pursue any kind of goal in your life… a lot of the time, it’s not going to be fun; there’ll be a lot of times when it’s hard and challenging and unpleasant, and just difficult.”

“We need to be able to be gritty to achieve those things that mean so much to us, and gritty means being able to stick it out and get through the challenging times.”

“However, [when this is] a blanket approach to [everything in] your life… then that’s when it becomes problematic. That’s when it’s toxic and damaging to people.”

How should we encourage each other to be gritty, then, while still being supportive? Dr Madsen said to pick your battles, and to understand some challenges may require more sheer gruntwork than others.

“Getting gritty when you need to put in that last 2km because it means so much to you is great, it’s important, we need to be able to do that. But if we apply that harden up, don’t feel your feelings, don’t feel vulnerable, don’t feel any kind of self-doubt across the board all the time, then it’s dysfunctional and doesn’t work.”

“It’s not me saying that because you’d be a nicer person if you just talked about your feelings… People end up having all kinds of physical and medical conditions when they ignore that kind of stuff, that’s well documented within scientific literature. People end up burning out and ultimately having mental health problems, anxiety, unravelling because they adopt that kind of robotic, ‘I have no feelings and I don’t need to pay attention to my feelings’ approach,” Dr Madsen told DMARGE.

“I would say that historically, men have been encumbered by expectations that probably don’t match reality. In terms of them being able to cope with things, be unbothered by things, be unemotional, be stoic.”

“I think what we realise nowadays is that obviously isn’t the case and there has been a changing of attitude toward that kind of stuff that started in the 1980s/90s, but has become more so over the years,” Dr Madsen added.

“We know that men and boys are much more at risk of suicide than women, more at risk of going to jail, more at risk of dying in car accidents, risky behaviour, developing mental illness, being locked away, dying from violence, having drug and alcohol problems etc. So men, when you look at almost every mental health marker across the board, are struggling.”

“It’s a function of the fact that men historically haven’t really been able to access psychological support and talk about feelings and be able to explore and understand and get help when they need to,” Dr Madsen told us. “And when it feels like they need to do that, the experience can be for a lot of men that they feel like they’ve failed. They’re no good, that kind of thing. It leads to these poor outcomes.”

RELATED: Grown Men Open Up About Why They Don’t Feel Like Real Adults

Fortunately, things are changing. Charities like The Mindshift Foundation and R U Ok? aim to spread the word. But – as society’s response to men like Kanye West and Will Smith opening up and showing their emotions, as little as two months ago shows – things change slowly.

“You can see that there is still some way to go with regards to accepting that mental health issues are a problem for men and young men in particular,” Dr Madsen told DMARGE. When you see things like the [Will Smith] meme, it’s funny, but it speaks to a stereotype or an implicit assumption or idea.”

What’s crucial though is keeping nuance in the discussion: telling men they’re not allowed to rib each other (or laugh at a meme) is likely not to make it past their bullshit radars, and so a valuable mental health message may be missed in the process.

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• How To Ask A Mate, ‘R U Ok?’ Without Making Things Awkward

The post Viking Mentality We Shouldn’t Be So Quick To Dismiss appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

One of the most important facets of the James Bond film franchise’s lasting allure is the fantastic automobiles they always feature. Bond cars are the highlight of the films for many fans (including us here at DMARGE): cars like the unique convertible Toyota 2000GT from You Only Live Twice, the Lotus Esprit S1 “Wet Nellie” from The Spy Who Loved Me, the gravity-defying Ford Mustang Mach 1 from Diamonds are Forever, and of course the scores of Aston Martins, most notably Bond’s signature DB5.

But there’s one Bond car that’s not quite as well known, but just as worthy of contention: the Alfa Romeo GTV6, the hottest consumer-available version of the stylish Alfetta coupe.

This beautiful 80s GT car is an expression of Italian automotive flair par excellence, and a dream car for many Alfisti. If you’re one of them, or just someone looking for a very cool and very different ride, you’re in luck: a particularly fine example of the breed is on sale in Templestowe Lower, Melbourne on Gumtree.

Visually distinct from the Alfetta, this GTV6 is powered by the same SOHC V6 2.5 L engine from the Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 luxury sedan (hence the name). Unlike the rather slow Alfa 6 however, the GTV6 has electronic fuel injection, making it much sportier and capable of a healthy 118kW. The instantly recognisable bonnet bulge was necessary to make the eponymous V6 fit in the GTV6, as the Alfetta originally debuted with a comparatively wimpy 80kW inline-four.

There’s just something so appealing about the design of Italian cars from this era: the clever mix of harsh angles and curves; the minimalist, ultra-futuristic instrument clusters; the forward-thinking but restrained use of plastics and composite materials… And of course, the throaty yet temperamental engines that power these beasts.

Bond’s joyride in the GTV6 is, to this date, the only time the car-loving character has got behind the wheel of an Italian automobile. In 1983’s Octopussy, Roger Moore as Bond steals a parked grey GTV6 in West Germany while its owner uses a payphone so he can race to foil villain Kamal Khan’s plot.

Perhaps more notable than its filmic appearance was the GTV6’s success in motorsports. The GTV6 won both the European Touring Car Championship and the Tour de Corse an unprecedented four years in succession respectively, as well as top spots in the British Touring Car Championship and Australian Rally Championship.

The owner relates that this is a “very original 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6 in silver with charcoal velour interior.”

“The car presents well, all original parts and panels, original interior and mechanicals. The car was originally Australian delivered to Victoria, it was moved to Queensland before coming back to Melbourne and stored. Since then it has been fully serviced, brand-new custom made stainless exhaust and drives beautifully.”

“Interior is in very good condition, just some cracks on the dash. Paint needs some attention in a few places, but a very good driving GTV6 with later model much-improved isostatic gearbox, that you can spend iso doing some small tidy-ups to get it perfect. Books show servicing til 150,000km… Would love for it to go to a good home.”

While no Concours show pony, this silver GTV6 is a perfect sporty daily driver. Imagine cruising down Lygon Street in this bad boy – you’d have jaws to the floor in an instant. Hardcore Bond fans would also appreciate your exceptional taste, too. Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson has touted the GTV6 as one of his favourite cars of all time, and ask any car nut and they’ll tell you you’re not a real revhead until you’ve owned an Alfa.

Why not make this GTV6 your ticket into the inner circle, then. It’s listed for only $18,900 on Gumtree (but you can shave a grand off the asking price if you mention @car_rave).

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The post Alfa Romeo GTV6 For Sale In Melbourne appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Motorcycling can be either exhilarating or terrifying, depending on who you ask. Hurtling down a road with a machine filled with flammable liquid making dozens of explosions every second between your legs, at the mercy of the elements and car drivers? Sounds stressful on paper, but any biker will say there’s nothing quite like it.

Indeed, new research has found that ditching four wheels for two might just be the key to better mental health.

A recent study commissioned by ING (who has just started offering motorcycle insurance) has revealed that, on average, motorcyclists are much happier than the average motorist. The study has uncovered the unexpectedly therapeutic potential of motorcycle riding, with 82% of motorcycle riders agreeing riding makes them happy, compared to only around 55% of motorists. Crucially, more than half of the motorcycle riders surveyed said the positive mental health effects of riding was the top reason for them choosing the biker lifestyle.

 

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A post shared by Harley-Davidson ANZ (@harleyaustralia) on Aug 11, 2020 at 4:00am PDT

Superficially, this makes sense. Bikes aren’t as susceptible to gridlock – they can just filter through traffic in most cases. Getting stuck in traffic is easily one of the most frustrating things about driving a car, and if motorcyclists don’t get stuck in traffic as often, that’s surely a huge mental health boost. The study also found that only 23% of motorbikers stress about finding a park, compared to 40% of motorists. Finding a park is another big stress factor when motoring, another area where motorbikes clearly win. Bikes are also cheaper to own and operate.

“The research indicates that riding a motorcycle could be providing many with some of the same benefits of practices like yoga and meditation,” ING Head of Wealth Cathy Duncan relates.

Bikes over Bikram sounds like a pretty good mantra for us.

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The post Motorcycle Riding Health Benefits appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It should be common knowledge now but it’s worth reiterating just for posterity’s sake: looks aren’t everything when it comes to dating – your personality and attitude are crucial too.

But what do you do if you have no personality? Or if the things that constitute your personality just aren’t conventionally interesting?

That’s the conundrum this female Redditor found themselves in and took to /r/dating_advice for a little perspective.

The advice commenters gave her is a goldmine for any single out who is worried they are too boring to date – whatever gender they are.

“[I’ve] run into a bit of a roadblock in my dating life. I have difficulty connecting with others, I think in large part because I come across as pretty boring on paper.”

“In the ‘getting to know you’ phase I tell the other person that I like to sew, knit, bake, and occasionally garden. My ideal night is sitting on my couch watching a history documentary while knitting with a glass of wine. I dabble in other stuff, I paint and draw, volunteer with a local cat rescue, listen to podcasts, occasionally go on hikes, watch anime and read manga. But ultimately I lead a pretty low-key lifestyle. I have some ‘weirder’ interests; I draw recreations of unidentified decedents [dead people], I enjoy true crime, and I have a morbid fascination with fundamentalist Christians. But none of those seem like appropriate first date conversations.”

“I’m not expecting people to have the same interests as me… that’s a nice way to bond with someone, but not necessary. But when people ask about my interests and I tell them sewing, knitting, and baking they don’t believe me and ask what else I do for fun? This usually follows after a conversation where I ask detailed questions about their interests, history, passions, etc. even if it may not necessarily interest me.”

“I’m limited to some degree due to my health in pursuing more popular, active hobbies. But I don’t think you need to share every interest ever to connect with someone? I would be more than happy to try out a new hobby with someone but so many people seem to think I have the personality equivalent of flour because of my interests.”

The irony here is that most people would consider such an extensive ‘social resume’ to be hallmarks of a very interesting person. Okay, drawing pictures of dead bodies is a little morbid, but it’s not like they’re out there graverobbing or something.

That seemed to be the consensus among other Redditors, who were quick to point out how this was nothing but self-consciousness.

“So as a guy I don’t think there is anything wrong with your hobbies,” one responded.

“Tons of guys aren’t interested in the ‘party at the club’ types, I know, I’m one of them. I’d much rather have a night in, cuddled on the couch with someone I care about, than going to a club or bar. Just be honest about who you are, the right person will like you for being yourself, not who you pretend to be. Your openness to trying new hobbies with someone is a big plus.”

“If you are in-fact asking detailed questions, you would 100% not be boring to me,” another commenter agreed.

“The most boring dates I have been on are the girls that just answer your question and have zero follow up questions/conversation starters… The only feedback I can offer is, do you say those hobbies with passion or do you just expect they will be bored with it and just kind of change the subject quickly? Passion is attractive in my opinion, no matter what you are doing.”

Another summed it up best: “everything you wrote makes you sound incredibly interesting. I think conversing with you would be fascinating provided you don’t hold back. The only thing that could be boring is how you perceive yourself, which can be changed.”

I need to work on not getting offended when @bumble matches unmatch me before I even message.

— datingisdumbblog (@datingisdumbbl1) August 14, 2020

Indeed, our heroine took this advice to heart and updated the subreddit with a new post this week, sharing how they’ve since discovered dating success.

“The world is too big for there not to be! Even if you begin to lose hope make sure you’re in a position to at least have the chance to meet that person, don’t decide they wouldn’t be interested before you even give them a chance to meet you.”

At the end of the day, this Reddit saga proves two things: firstly, that everyone suffers from the same dating concerns and insecurities, and secondly, that there’s really somewhere out there for everyone.

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The post Reddit Dating Advice Could Be A Lifesaver For Singles appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We don’t need a degree in mind-reading to know that every man secretly dreams about cruising down the highway or tackling some coastal drives in their very own vintage car. New cars may have all the bells and whistles or modern technologies to either keep you planted on the road or entertained in the cabin, but they’ll never have the soul, charm or sex appeal of a vintage motor.

Of course, with a car that is as old as dirt, comes the endless list of potential issues that something like a classic Ford Mustang, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz or Aston Martin can encounter. Whether it be endless breakdowns, hard-to-source spare parts or even insurance that is more expensive compared to what you’re used to paying. However, just as how you would pay out your behind to keep your children happy and healthy (we presume) you’re going to do the same for your four-wheeled baby too.

Thankfully, such issues can be avoided with a bit of forward-thinking and a dose of foresight into what owning a classic car will entail. Understanding what could potentially go wrong with your vehicle of choice is paramount, especially when more and more people are turning to other sources, such as online, to buy their prized possession. When it comes to classic cars for sale in Australia, for example, there are numerous ways Australians can get their driving-glove hands wrapped about some vintage machinery.

It is, therefore, crucial for novice buyers to not be sucked into the hype before examining the real deal. Too good to be true? It most likely is. Hold onto your moolah tight.

Here are the most important tips you need to know when hunting for your first classic vehicle to take home.

What To Consider Before Buying

The most obvious question of classic car ownership also comes with the most obvious answer. Why do you want a classic car? There are countless reasons why men buy classic cars, from aesthetic pursuits to brand loyalty to fulfilling a childhood dream. That’s all good and fine. What buyers need to think about however are the more pragmatic aspects of classic car ownership.

RELATED: 10 Vintage Roadsters That Ooze Cool

Will it be an investment buy where you expect a return in the future? Will it be a weekend driver? Or will it be resurrected from the ground up as a daily car? All of these answers need to be addressed as it will ultimately determine the condition and quality of the vintage ride you’re after. And let’s not forget – how much coin you’re willing to drop for said quality.

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The Rust Check

Even before you contemplate putting pen to paper, a thorough inspection is imperative. This goes without saying when buying any second-hand car but even more so for cars which pre-date 1990. Doing this in person is preferable but if that’s not feasible for you, ask for specific and current photos of common rust spots.

That means:

• under the car from front to back
• inside the wheel arches
• under the bonnet and around the firewall
• under the spare tyre in the trunk

If the seller is serious and has nothing to hide, they will happily take the requested snaps for you.

Rust is considered cancer for older cars which normally don’t have the same level of metal treatment of today’s modern cars. The goal, therefore, should be to start with as clean a canvas as possible. A few rust specs on the outer body panel is fine and easily resolvable.

Anything more than the size of a pinky nail should be black flagged for the purist. Panels may be easily replaced but it won’t retain the vehicle’s original condition and untainted lines. Always follow the easy saying: If you can see road through a panel, hit the road. It’s an evolving money pit just keeping it on the road.

Numbers Check

A mandatory VIN number check also serves as a good indicator of whether the vehicle rolled out of the factory as one piece (as opposed to coming together in a backyard out of fifteen different replica cars). Number matching is the process where the engine code, transmission and rear axle all link up to the car’s VIN number stamped inside the engine bay.

A vintage enthusiast selling a complete classic will often have all of these intact or in the case where parts have been replaced due to wear, they will let you know with receipts of work done.

Keep an eye out for the last six digits of the VIN number stamped onto the engine block, the transmission housing or rear axle arms. There are even date codes on these parts which should all match. Again, not imperative since parts would have been swapped out over time for newer ones, but it’s still good to note that a matching VIN and parts car will always be worth a bit more.

Negotiating A Price

Negotiating on a vintage car is a bit different to the standard dealership spiel. Given the rarity of your chosen steed, it’s not uncommon to find examples ranging from the extreme price point for a factory conditioned model right through to a much cheaper one that needs a bit of TLC.

Buyers should scour the internet and sites which sell classic cars to determine what others, if any, are going for in the same condition. This is because private classic car sellers don’t have the KPIs that regular dealerships receive, so haggling down on price is not as easy.

Take your time, register your genuine interest but don’t be afraid to walk away if the seller isn’t in a hurry to sell. If you spot any imperfections or minor work required that you aren’t too fussed about, you can bring this up with the seller and ask them to drop the price accordingly. Again, this all goes back to what you want out of your vintage car. Experts say that those looking for a gauge on price should follow this scale:

1. a perfect car
2. a very good car
3. a good car
4. a fair conditioned car
5. walk away and don’t settle for anything over a ‘4’

Mileage Check

One of the most important areas of any car purchase is the mileage check. For classic cars? This isn’t so much of a major impediment. Given that most driven vintage cars would have easily racked up over 300,000km on the clock, buyers looking to drive their car should focus more on the seller’s history of maintenance than the little number in the gauge.

The only thing mileage should determine is the asking price. Well looked after vintage cars can look unassumingly new until you step inside to find out that it’s done many kilometres than first assumed.

For collectors who only want the best, the formula is simple – combine low mileage cars with a meticulous maintenance regime. You’ll be paying for it but you’ll also have a more holistic peace of mind.

Look Out For Special Edition Models

Not all vintage cars are manufactured equal and sometimes makers will release a limited run of ‘hero’ models to herald the end of a production line. Keep an eye on these in classic car circles as they won’t only be worth more in the future but also set you apart from the crowd.

The general rule goes by the simple formula of the lower the production number, the higher the value of the car. So do your research not just on the base model but also the ones which feature odd markings, unique plaques, different bodywork and different engine number coding. Take the details and do your research as you could be unknowingly stumbling on a rare gem.

Value By Colours

Paint always comes down to personal preference and if it’s a vintage car, it’s more likely to feature either an immaculate paint job from the factory or paint that’s been fading (or faded) over the decades.

Either way, it’s one of the first things to receive attention so don’t be too worried if the paint isn’t up to scratch. Adjust the asking price accordingly to this and find out if it has been resprayed and if so, how many times.

Special edition colours from the factory such as stripes will always command a bit more than standard production colours. Some rare coloured cars can fetch four times the price of a standard so keep this in mind when hunting for your own.

Engine Conversions

A big trend in vintage and replica car circles involves engine conversions. These usually come in the form of project cars where the older heart is transplanted for something a bit newer, more reliable and powerful.

They in no way follow the conventional rules of the classic car ownership but the beauty lies in the fact that they were restored from the ground up to be driven rather than kept in a warehouse in its original trim. If you’re the type of driver who falls into the former then this type of buy is the way to go.

Parts from the engine to the chassis reinforcement to the interior can be completely custom made where only the shell remains a “classic”. What you’re paying for here is the engineering work required to get the car up to modern driving standards whilst retaining the unique look of a vintage vehicle.

How To Buy A Vintage Car FAQ

Read Next

• A Guide To Buying A Classic, Vintage & Used Porsche 911
• The Best Classic Car Showrooms To Visit In Sydney

The post How To Buy A Vintage Car & Not Get Ripped Off appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

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Before you blow up at your boss or smash your head through a window, you need a break – stat.

Sydney gents, we’ve got you covered here. Melbourne men, you’re up next. These D’Marge-approved weekend getaways in Victoria will leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, well-fed, and ready to take on that boss in a perfectly reasonable tone of voice.

The post Best Weekend Getaways In Victoria For Guys Who Need A Break appeared first on DMARGE Australia.