When Ford Australia announced that the revamped Ford Focus RS Limited Edition was making its way to Australian shores, it came with crippling news – it would be the current generation’s final RS model since debuting to acclaim mid-last year.

Just 500 examples of the Focus RS Limited Edition models have been allocated to local dealerships and with that, one of the finest examples of purist driving will see its departure.

It’s not all bad news for lovers of hot hatches though. Ahead of the car’s arrival, we were invited to Sydney Motorsport Park to take part in experiencing the new Focus RS LE to find out how the minor changes translated on the track.

We weren’t disappointed.

Fresh Upgrades, Faster Lap Times

Blink and you’ll miss it. That’s the only way to describe Ford’s update on an already-capable rally warrior dressed up for public roads.

The engine is the familiar 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo which is borrowed from the Mustang and modified for bigger performance. It pumps out 257kW and 440Nm of torque (470Nm on overboost) which is unchanged from the standard Ford Focus RS. The only transmission available here is also the same six-speed manual which sends power to all four wheels.

So what’s new exactly? The addition of a tricky Quaife limited-slip differential, auto emergency braking and new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which replace the previous Pilot Super Sports. There’s also forged lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels shod in matte black which now wear the ‘RS’ centre cap logo instead of the more pedestrian ‘Ford’ one.

Beyond that the changes are primarily cosmetic with the LE version being offered only in the attention-grabbing Nitrous Blue hue that is now paired with a matte black roof, matte black spoiler with contrast ‘RS’ badging and matte black mirror covers. In the cabin, drivers will find body-hugging Recaro Sportster CS seats which now come with matching Nitrous Blue leather highlights.

Driving Impressions

With such minor changes to the body aesthetics for the LE, it’s safe to assume that Ford wanted to send the RS off with performance and quicker lap times squarely in mind.

Daily driving duties wouldn’t allow these enhancements to be exploited to its full potential, so it was off to the track to “feel” these changes. Aiding us on this journey was a group of telemetry boffins who tracked our lap times and positions on a graph between the standard RS and the new RS LE. There were also pro drivers on hand to make sure we hit the apex at ideal speed rather than a wall.

The day started with a host of other performance backed Focuses which weren’t as ballistic as the RS – a necessary stepping stone in moving up to the RS LE whilst getting a feel for the track.

You can put this down to inexperience on the track, but we couldn’t actually tell the difference between the RS and RS LE.

We attribute this to the fact that we were easily pulling over 210km/h down the main straight before diving into the first high-speed corner and then lining up the car for the next corner, and the next corner…and you get the point. Processing power was pretty much dedicated to driving fast rather than thinking about how fast we were going.

Thankfully when back in garage HQ, the aforementioned boffins brought up our telemetry and explained to us what we were doing at every corner and why the the blue line (RS LE) sat above the red line (RS). That magical LSD was apparently helping us carry more speed through the apex and on corner exits.

Quicker lap times: Accomplished.

Driving the RS LE at our limits demanded a sensory overload where the hands, feet and mind needed to work twice as fast because the corners were approaching much quicker when compared to the standard front-wheel-drive Focus models.

The RS LE devoured corners with brutal precision and felt extremely poised throughout both the tight bends and high speed undulations. The driver’s only job was to keep the revs up and that’s not exactly hard to do in a car like this.

On gear shifts there’s the raucous pop and crackle of a bonafide rally car which helps to egg the driver on even harder.

So our verdict is pretty obvious. Fun, intoxicating and exhilarating is an understatement. And we didn’t even need to talk about the skid pan antics in Drift Mode.

Living With A Beast

It’s fairly obvious that the Focus RS LE is a shining star on the race track. In civilian guise though the heavy clutch can be a bit tiresome on the left leg if you’re ever stuck in start-stop traffic.

The turning circle also leaves a lot to be desired but these are just minor setbacks when you consider the type of car you’re sitting in.

Those who buy the Focus RS LE will know exactly why they’re doing it. Those who don’t will usually go for the new front-wheel-drive Honda Type-R or something a little more refined and slightly slower like the VW Golf R or Mercedes A45 AMG.

That’s not to say the Focus RS LE isn’t practical. Interior quality is your standard Ford affair but the thing has a decent boot as any hatchback should and it can also fit five people in comfort.

It even comes with air-conditioning – a feature which our pro-driver instructor insisted we turn on during our track session. How’s that for racing in comfort?

Fuel consumption figures from Ford claim an 8.1L/100km combined usage so this isn’t too bad when compared to similar cars in its class like the Subaru WRX STI’s 10.4L/100km.

One Hell Of A Swan Song

The Focus RS LE makes up weep not because of its strengths or minor shortcomings, but because it showed a world obsessed with expensive hypercars and Nurburgring lap times how to have fun again.

And it did it with nothing but a classic stick shift, a tuned engine and proper handling dynamics rolled into a grocery-getter.

If that’s not a bargain at AU$56,990 then we’re not sure what is.

The post Ford Focus RS Limited Edition: Behind The Wheel Of The Blue Oval's Final Rally Warrior appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

What do cucumbers, Matthew McConaughey and Antarctica have in common? They’re all cool, and you can be too if you read our hacks for beating the heat at home this summer.

The best bit is that there isn’t a skyrocketing power bill or backyard sprinkler in sight – although, let’s be honest, what grown man doesn’t enjoy running through a sprinkler?

Embrace Lightweight Linens

We all know the importance of changing our bed sheets regularly, but we don’t often consider buying different sheets for different times of the year.

Ditching the trusty doona is an obvious starting point to comfy summer sleeps, but you should also invest in good quality lightweight cotton sheets (Egyptian, if you’re feeling fancy). These lightweight cotton fibres will boost airflow during slumber and lead to a less stuffy experience than the woollen or synthetic varieties more suited for insulation.

Flick The Switches Off

Avoid unnecessary heat by unplugging all appliance when not in use. Even when they aren’t operational, electrical outlets continue emitting energy, and thus heat. Heat is bad, mmkay.

Address Your Fans

Air-conditioning units and central heating/cooling systems are a luxury that will keep you cool…and broke. If you can’t afford to run the A/C all day and night, think about reverting to fans. Not those cumbersome old spinners from your youth, but the modern alternatives that do more than just move dusty air around the room.

We love the range from Big Ass Fans, especially the Artisan range which will look schmick in just about any bachelor pad. Side note: No matter what fans you choose, remember to be smart with placement. The ideal configuration sees fans positioned across from open windows to encourage circulation and make the most of any breezes coming through the open windows.

If you have ceiling fans with speed settings, adjust it to rotate counter-clockwise at high speed as this creates a wind chill breeze effect. Another handy hack is to turn on your bathroom exhaust fan and leave it on as this will expel hot air out of the room.

The Good Kind Of Black Out

Keep all your blinds closed or curtains drawn to avoid unwanted heat seeping through like a mini greenhouse. Black out curtains are an investment piece well worth the initial outlay because they naturally insulate the home while blocking sunlight.

Close Your Windows

This may seem counterintuitive, but unless there’s a pleasant breeze blowing, a closed window will effectively cool a room quicker than an open one. Doors are no exception, so keep them closed as well.

Address Body Temperature Instead Of Home Temperature

The most overlooked solution for cooling the home often doesn’t involve cooling the home at all. Drink lots of ice water, eat frozen fruits pulled straight from the freezer and wrap your neck and wrists with ice packs. You’ll be cool in no time wondering why you ever cried “air-con!” in the first place.

Sleep Lower To The Ground

According to science, heat tends to rise so if you’ve got a low laying bed or even a stray mattress, lay that bad boy down on the ground to ensure a cool night’s slumber.

Let The Night Air Flow

Summer nights are the perfect time to let in some cool and refreshing air. This might not work if you live in a humid environment but you can definitely accelerate this process with a fan positioned in front of the window to draw in fresh air for a stuffy room.

Plant More Leafy Greens Around The Home

Get your green thumb on. Strategically placed plants outside can make a world of difference in a naturally hot home. Whilst the pay-off isn’t immediate, you’ll be feeling the natural cooling effects of a tree once it has reached about three metres in height. If the growth rate is an issue, opt instead for fasting growing vines or tall shrubs which require a bit more maintenance.

Shut Up & Cool Down

When all else fails it’s time to shut up shop. No, don’t burn down the house. Consider installing awnings, shades and shutters to your windows.

This extra layer of protection from the sun not only provides security but can also aid in reducing a home’s internal heat gain by up to 75 percent. The same can also be said for re-painting your roof a lighter colour to reflect the sun’s rays.

The post Clever Ways To Keep Your Home Cool When It's Hot As Hell appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It might seem like a tongue-in-cheek joke at first glance but make no mistake, these are officially licensed Nike condoms. And toilet paper. And yes, that’s Puma dish washing liquid, Reebok band-aids and an Adidas toothbrush.

Hypermarkt is the name behind these oddball yet highly sought-after domestic products. The German online drug store was founded just this year and has already collaborated with major sporting names like Nike, Adidas, Puma and more to deliver exclusive products that enhance the daily lives of people whilst maintaining the aesthetic feel of the brands.

This move could also be a win for the major sporting labels as high fashion becomes an increasingly saturated market to compete in. And who knows, you could probably even attribute your bedroom performance to Nike one day (hopefully they don’t make make a Dri-Fit version).

Have a scroll through the gallery to see what Hypemarket have on offer and don’t worry if they’re sold out. The site is currently in its beta phase and all of their products are still available upon request.

Just do it. Get your fuccboi domestic goods fix over at Hypemarket.

The post Nike Condoms Have Arrived To Enhance The Sex Lives Of Fuccbois appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Shoulder pads. There, we said it. Made famous by the business magnates of the booming 80s and dirty disco floors of the late 70s, shoulder pads have since become a dirty word in the world of modern men’s suiting (and probably the general population).History always tends to repeat itself though and after decades of absence in the male wardrobe, Harry Styles is looking to be the man to single-handedly revive it. At the recent Victoria’s Secret show in Shanghai, the British singer stepped out in a retro-inspired suit complete with Miami Vice pastel hues. Sure, he’s Harry Styles and can probably get a way with wearing a potato sack but there’s actually more at play here.The fit around the mid-torso is actually tapered in like a modern slim fit before it broadens out drastically towards the shoulders. This iconic look is further anchored with flared trousers which actually isn’t as hardcore as the Brady Bunch, but still a decent throwback to yesteryear. The whole ensemble is polished off with a pair of Cuban heeled boots to add a bit of flair and height into the mix.Could this be the controversial menswear look that’s making a comeback? Think bomber jackets with shoulder pads. We’ll let you guys decide.

The post Harry Styles Is Reviving This Controversial 80s Accessory appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

After three long, cold months of human hibernation, you’re eager to say farewell to winter and sprint full speed ahead to summer. There’s just one problem: you’re rocking a body by Netflix and a personal sweater that would put a sheep to shame.Gym junkies have been getting swole since the start of spring – cutting carbs, smashing protein shakes, and ripping through reps to get beach-ready physiques by day one of the season.Meanwhile the only thing you’ve been smashing is pies, and it shows.It’s too late to look like an extra from Baywatch, but all hope is not lost. Use our guide to beach body grooming to prepare for summer in a pinch, and fake the handsome Hemsworth aesthetic you were too lazy to work for ahead of time.

Crop Your Winter Coat

Welcome to the jungle. While there are no steadfast rules for body hair, a wildly untamed pelt is rarely the right look for a beach day. Which hair removal method you choose will depend on the area in question and your desired outcomes. You can shave, wax, trim, pluck, or use creams for temporarily silky skin. For a more permanent solution, try electrolysis or laser hair removal.Back hair is public enemy number one of the beach body. If your shoulders could be mistaken for Caesar’s from Planet of the Apes, you need a serious shearing. Chest hair comes down to personal preference, but in all cases you should aim for a balanced look between pecs and back. Most men look best somewhere in the middle: neither caveman shaggy nor Olympic swimmer smooth. Invest in a body hair groomer to tackle the task and start with a higher guard setting to prevent cropping too close.As for the bits below the belt, we suggest letting your swimwear be the guide. Anything that creeps over the top or out the sides should be mowed. Anything closer to the Danger Zone is up to you.

Glow Hard Or Go Home

Fake tan may seem like the province of bodybuilders and pageant queens, but if you have the sun-kissed colouring of a bowling pin, we say break out the bronzer. A pre-beach tan makes your bod look healthier and leaner, and if applied correctly, can artificially enhance your muscle definition. It can also even out your complexion and camouflage any flaws.Skip the dicey tanning bed situation and let a pro do your glow. A knowledgeable spray tanner will know exactly how to slim you down and beef you up with strategic shading. If expert assistance is not in the budget, a self-tanning lotion or spray is a suitable substitute. Apply with a light hand lest you turn out looking like a giant Cheeto finger.

Masculine Mane Maintenance

Beach-proof your brainbox with a curated collection of products. A leave-in conditioner can protect your hair from the seasonal abuses of sun, sea, salt, and chlorine. A sea salt spray provides an instant surfer look, even if you’d never actually brave a barrel. Apply a stronger gel or cream to keep unruly strands in place and enjoy an active day with aesthetic impunity. For limp or greasy locks, try a dry shampoo or texturising paste to liven things up, and to fight humidity and frizz, look for anti-humectants and hydrating formulas.

Embrace The Oil Exec

Show grease who’s boss with an oil-fighting skincare routine designed for the sweaty season. A body wash with a gentle, oil-free cleanser and follow up with a pore-minimising toner. Exfoliate regularly to smooth the surface and remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.Use a light-but-effective water-based moisturiser to stay hydrated while resisting the slick. Don’t forget deodorant to keep the summer funk at bay, and if your pits still won’t quit, talk to a doc about trying a prescription-strength antiperspirant.

Safeguard Your Skin

Save face – literally – with an arsenal of pre- and post-sun products. Sunscreen is a must to protect your precious outer layer. Don’t neglect the hard to reach areas, or forgettable ones like lips and undereyes, and let it absorb for at least 20 minutes before jumping in the water. A moisturiser with SPF is an easy choice for the lazy man.In the event of a burn, here’s how to alleviate the pain and speed up your recovery.

Buff Up, Bloat Down

Need a quick tone before embarrassing yourself in your Orlebar Browns? You should have spent weeks working with a trainer instead of marathoning movies while snuggled in a Slanket, but the next best thing is a little muscle pump.You may have noticed that your muscles look fuller immediately after a workout. The effect is the result of a buildup of muscular byproducts, and though it’s only temporary, it can be the extra shot of confidence you need before stripping down to your swim shorts. Pencil in a workout right before the beach to take advantage the boost. Aim for slightly higher reps with lower weight and less rest time between sets to maximise the effect.If you have more time to prepare before the beach, you can also launch an offensive against bloating and water weight. Schedule steam time in a sauna to sweat out your body’s extra H2O. Take a digestive enzyme with each meal. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens and protein. Avoid processed foods with high salt content, cruciferous veggies, dried fruits, sugar alcohols, beans and legumes, dairy products, and carbonated drinks.

Toe It Goes

Get your Frodo feet ready for sandal season. Say sayonara to any short-and-curlies that bedeck the tops of your toes, and book a pedicure to tame your raptor claws before someone loses an eye.

The post The Beach Body Grooming Guide For Boys Of Summer appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Mother Nature literally raining on your parade? Don’t let the sopping metropolis get you down.New York City’s pretty parks and iconic skyline may be soaked, but it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a day of Netflix and Seamless. The Big Apple is bursting with indoor attractions for uncooperative weather, whether it’s an unexpected downpour, a Siberia-worthy blizzard, or a blistering hot summer scorcher.Slip on your boots and grab your London Undercover umbrella. Here’s how to spend your next drizzly day in NYC.

Eat

Everything’s bigger in Texas New York City. New Yorkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisine, and thanks to the city’s plentiful food halls and markets, there’s no need to set foot outdoors to sample some of its most enticing eats. Worship at the altar of Italian fare at Eataly, Mario Batali’s 42,500-square-foot food and drink complex in the Flatiron District. Head to Chelsea Market for shops, events, and grub from more than 35 globe-spanning vendors. In Brooklyn, hit up DeKalb Market Hall, the latest large-scale tuck temple to open its doors, to sate the tummy grumbles.

Escape

The escape room phenomenon is officially unstoppable, and New York City has more than its fair share of challenging puzzles for weather-dodgers with a sense of adventure. Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Escape The Room, Clue Chase, BrainXcape, Komnata Quest, Paradiso, OMEscape, Mission Escape Games, and more. You’ll need every ounce of Sherlock’s wit to solve the clues and break free before the clock runs out.

Educate

Ready to get schooled? NYC institutions like Brooklyn Brainery offer classes in every topic you can think of – and a few you probably haven’t. There are craft classes, art classes, dance classes, fitness classes, photography classes, DIY classes, circus classes, and cooking classes. There are workshops to help you master the art of fire spinning and the art of love(making). Learn to code. Learn to play the stock market. Learn to tend bar. Learn to tend a garden. If it can be taught, someone in New York City is teaching it.

Exercise

You could sweat it out in an overpriced cycling class or get shredded at a trendy boxing gym, but NYC offers a wealth of more creative workouts for the nonconformist exerciser. A few favourites include parkour at Brooklyn Zoo, Metal Yoga at Cobra Club, AM raves with Morning Gloryville, and lightsaber duels with the uber-nerds at New York Jedi.

Unwind

A spa day is the ultimate excuse to stay indoors. At Premier 57, the traditional bathhouse gets a modern upgrade for the urban set. A single daily admission fee provides unlimited access to indoor and rooftop hydrotherapy pools, six unique saunas (Gold, Loess Soil, Himalayan Salt, Far-Infrared, Ice Igloo, Chromo Therapy), a sleeping room, a meditation room, water lounges, a steam sauna, and dry sauna. If you prefer an old-school vibe, the East Village’s Russian & Turkish Baths are not to be missed.

Watch

There’s no such thing as boredom when you’re stationed in one of the world’s entertainment capitals. Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg and Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Brooklyn are go-tos for patrons who prefer their movies to come with food and craft cocktails (served right at your seat). For the musically inclined, there’s The Bitter End, Pete’s Candy Store, Saint Vitus, The Cutting Room, Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Rockwood Music Hall, the Blue Note, the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, and countless other venues that cater to all tastes. And let’s not forget about that little thing called Broadway.

Wander

If only New York City had a high concentration of mind-boggling museums and world-class institutions to stroll through on a stormy day. Oh wait: the Met, the MoMA, the Whitney, the Guggenheim, the Brooklyn Museum, the Queens Museum, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the American Museum of Natural History, the Tenement Museum, the New York Transit Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, the Museum of the American Gangster, the Museum of Sex, the Mmuseumm…

Read

Hunker down with a book until sunny skies return (and no, we’re not talking about the Kindle kind). NYC’s beloved independent booksellers include McNally Jackson in Soho, the Strand near Union Square, and the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe downtown on Crosby Street. The city also has an impressive network of public libraries, including the iconic main branch with the lions, and niche institutions like the Morgan Library, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Poets House.

Shop

Shop ’til you drop and the drops stop. The Shops At Columbus Circle is a high-end retail and dining complex with more than 50 stores, including Bose, Diesel, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Moleskine, Ted Baker, Thomas Pink, Tumi, and The Art Of Shaving. The property is also home to a prestigious collection of restaurants and stunning views of Central Park. Should you be downtown when the weather turns, seek shelter in the new Westfield World Trade Center inside the Oculus. The $4 billion architectural marvel boasts an Apple Store, Aesop, Breitling, Cole Haan, Eataly, Fossil, John Varvatos, Monblanc and more.

Swig

A bar doesn’t sound like the most original place to pass the time, but New York City does bars better than most. There are establishments with unusual themes, like Lovecraft and Beetle House, and slick speakeasies like Employees Only and PDT. For groups, there are indoor beer gardens where you can hoist a stein surrounded by your nearest and dearest (and driest). We like Spritzenhaus, Radegast, Houston Hall, and Berg’n. And for competitive streaks, NYC’s game-themed bars offers ample opportunities to imbibe over a friendly bout of Skee-Ball, ping pong, Pac-Man, and more.

Play

Though the weather outside is frightful, you can still indulge your sporty side at Chelsea Piers, iFly, and Indoor Extreme Sports. Together this trio of athletic and adventurous exploits offers year-round golf, bowling, ice skating, batting, swimming, wrestling, rock climbing, laser tag, paintball, exercise classes, basketball, baseball, soccer, ice hockey, cycling, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, and indoor sky diving – all either in or easily accessible from Manhattan.

The post How To Spend A Rainy Day In New York City appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If Aston Martin were looking to cause a bit of commotion to close out the year then they’ve certainly done that with the unveiling of their next generation Vantage sports car.

The iconic name in the Aston Martin line up has been around for seven decades now and 2018 will see the nameplate make its boldest and most polarising move yet. The new Vantage is a clear departure from Ian Callum’s distinctive body lines which were inherited throughout the DNA of other Aston models. The new car takes more inspiration from the futuristic lines of James Bond’s DB10 concept and injects it with steroids to arrive at the beast before you.

The British marque highlights its new design direction with features such as a more “predatory stance” with “minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches” to express a new dynamic aesthetic. Adding to this is the massive side grilles which adorn the front fenders to aid in air flow from the wheel arches.

Inside the cabin the sleek and sexy affair of old Aston has gone, replaced with bulging muscular lines and angles that wouldn’t look out of place in a Lamborghini. Some might like this whilst traditionalist will likely be outraged. It does however gain a few points in the practicality game with generous stowage space and extra room behind the seats for weekend bags.

Under the bonnet is where the car will shine with Aston Martin’s latest 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 positioned as low and as far back as possible in the chassis to achieve the magic 50:50 weight balance for fans of handling. The engine develops 375kW and 685Nm of torque between the useable 2,000 – 5,000rpm range with power sent to an eight-speed automatic transmission positioned in the rear whilst an impressive 1,530kg dry weight aids the car in moving with haste and agility. Aston Martin is claiming a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 313km/h.

Other appointments include a tricky new electronic rear differential to provide driving stability and a proven chassis further refined from the DB11.

The post Aston Martin's 2018 Vantage Features A Polarising New Design Language appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

What do a robot, ice cream, fidget spinners, and a Mars lander have in common? They’ve all been named one of the 25 best inventions of 2017 by TIME.

The magazine’s annual round-up of the year’s best people, places, and things is underway, honouring everything from novels, to gadgets, to influential teens.

To compile the unranked best inventions list, TIME considers hundreds of innovations from around the world. Contenders are making the world better, smarter, or in some cases, a little more fun – solving problems you didn’t think could be solved, and problems you didn’t even know you had. Past inductees include the floating lightbulb and the desktop DNA lab, as well as the real-life hoverboard and alcoholic coffee.

This year’s cutting-edge products come from a wide range of industries. There are the obvious electronics, including Apple’s latest flagship smartphone. There are cars and gaming consoles. There’s clothing and cosmetics, food, viral toys, baby gear, and vehicles for space exploration.

Jibo, the world’s “first social robot”, has the honour of appearing on the cover of the best inventions magazine issue. The first-of-its-kind product is poised to redefine the way people interact with technology. Jibo is packed with personality, can answer a wide variety of questions, play the role of photographer at your next party, help you stay updated on a loved one’s flight status, and control your smart home devices, and learn up to 15 other family members or friends as he settles into his new home.

“Building the first social robot for the home isn’t an easy task, and I am extremely proud of our diverse team of engineers, software developers, digital artists, animators, writers, sound designers and visual artists who helped advance the Jibo vision into a reality,” said Steve Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Jibo, Inc.

“Jibo is a revolutionary social robot, and he is ushering in a new category of robot that is designed to improve the quality of peoples’ lives through education, coaching and information they can bring into homes,” added Cynthia Breazeal, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Jibo, Inc. “Looking ahead, I see social robots contributing positively in so many different ways that improve quality of life for all kinds of people. But, before we can get there, we need to introduce social robots in a natural way, and we’re starting with Jibo.”

Check out the 25 inventions that made this year’s cut in the gallery above, and learn more about the winners here.

The post 'TIME' Magazine Reveals The 25 Best Inventions Of 2017 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s hardly a surprise that envy is one of the seven deadly sins. Lusting after what we don’t have – especially when our mates have it in plentiful supply – can turn friendships into battlegrounds.

Sure, it’s normal for mates to get jealous from time to time. We all do it. But we’re grown-ups here, and think mates should be able to transcend the petty shit and leave the resentment where it belongs.

If you’ve been dealing with a jealous mate and aren’t quite ready to pull the plug, this guide will help you set him straight – because we’ve all heard ‘its not fair’ one too many times at some point in our lives.

Why Do We Get Jealous?

Good bloody question.  Our in-house (but unaccredited) psychological assessment team puts it down to thwarted ambition. Maybe we’re conditioned to expect certain things: money, success, women, whatever.

When our efforts – substandard or not – fail to produce the outcome to which we feel entitled, we howl at the gods for rewarding others and ignoring our own laudable efforts. Jealousy ensues, and it poisons the well like piss in your Weet-bix.

Women (Or Lack Thereof)

Among even the best of mates, girls are a flashpoint. You see the group lady-killer who has no trouble cleaning up – shadowed by another hapless gent who tries every trick in the book but can’t close the deal. Next thing you know he’s angrily festering over creepy MGTOW blogs and taking it to heart (but really not fooling anyone).

Our Fix: Put him in touch with one of the girls in your group (not for that reason). We all need a bit of quiet advice at some point, and it’s most effective if it (willingly) comes from the fairer sex. If that doesn’t set him on the right track, he’s on his own.   

But: Don’t act like too much of a match-maker. He’s not your little brother chasing his first shag (we hope) and there’s a fine line between a bit of brotherly help and patronising behaviour. 

Work Status

After high school, your peers won’t tread the same path as you, and success doesn’t follow a predictable trajectory. Some people end up in a corner office before they’re thirty and some people work their arse off yet take the bus until they’re sixty-five. It’s easy to see how this makes a lot of guys on the wrong end ask, ‘why me?’

Our Fix: Help him network and build a shoppable CV. It’s how most business is done these days anyway, whether it’s a quick polish of his LinkedIn profile or a coffee with a contact in his industry.

But: Don’t be too quick to give him a job. Friendships often don’t survive the workplace and what’s to say you won’t leave him in the dust and reinforce the jealousy you were trying to eliminate?

Money Status

It’s a cruel world, fellas, and even crueller when you realise that some get (or are born) rich like it’s nothing while their peers never catch a break. You might think that that’s just life, in all its shitty glory. But that’s cold comfort if you work your arse off and watch your friends splash out on holidays, cars, and watches like kids at a candy store. 

Our Fix: Think about monitoring how you flaunt your wealth. Sure, it’s your money, you earned it. But it’s easy to see how the group moneybags can turn his mates off with persistent demonstrations of what he has, and by extension, what his mates don’t have. Don’t be that guy.

But: Don’t give him money. Ever. Guys are independent, we need to feel in charge of our own destiny. Handouts completely undermine that. Plus, how much cash can you have lying around anyway?

Or Just Cut The Bastard Loose

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a decent bloke that wants to help your mates where you can. But there’s only so much you can do.

At the end of the day, you aren’t responsible for making your friend’s life fairer. You can help him, sure, but you can’t change him.

Don’t let the sooky bastard drag you and the rest of your crew down. Leg it and let the good times roll.

The post Dealing With Jealous Mates Is Easier Than You Think appeared first on DMARGE Australia.