LEATHER LOVIN’: CARING AND MAINTAINING YOUR LEATHER CAR SEATS

You know you’ve struck a good deal when your car comes with a set of super sweet leather seats. Unless you were living on Uranus all this while, you’d most likely know that leather is formed from cow skin, and just like human skin that is slathered with moisturisers and balms on a daily basis, taking care of leather requires nearly the same amount of accumulative attention. Show your leather some love, and it will reward you with long lasting comfort and durability. Here are some tips on how to pamper your leather car seats:

(Image above via Land Rover)

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO MAINTAIN MY SEATS?
Always park your car in an area with shade. If that is not possible, use sun shades on your windows, and on extra sunny days, leave your windows open about an inch to provide an outlet for the built-up heat.

Invest in a set of good sunshades.Image via npautoparts.co.uk

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY SEATS?
Depending on how much the seats are used, leather seats should be cleaned anytime from 2-6 times a year. Once in every six months if your seats are not used that much, or once in two months if your car is constantly transporting a full load. If you are a frequent but solo user of your car, then make sure you pay more attention to the drivers seat, cleaning it more often than the rest of the car seats.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN MY SEATS?
Always use products specifically made to clean leather. When using leather conditioners, try to find one with mink oil in it. If you’re not sure where to start, some of the brands at the top of the range are CarPlan and ArmorAll, all at a relatively affordable pricing which will last you quite a while (depending on how big your car is).

The Car Plan Leather Connoisseur Kit comes with everthing
you need for a session of leather lovin’

ArmorAll has a range of leather care products as well.
These neat leather wipes are particularly useful for
unexpected spillages and for quick  cleaning. 

HOW DO I CLEAN MY LEATHER SEATS
Follow these four steps:

1. Wipe down leather seats with a damp cloth. Use a soft cloth such as a microfiber cloth.

Microfiber clothes are also excellent at eliminating dust
Image via totalcleaningsupplies.ie

2. Test a small amount of your leather cleaner on a discreet part of the seat (e.g. under the headrest or at the bottom of the seat). Let it sit for 24 hours.
3. If no signs of damage are apparent, proceed to clean the seats by rubbing the product in one-foot sections.
4. Once done, work in some leather conditioner or leather moisturiser on the seats.
5. Run your hands all over your seats and admire the supple effect of your hard work.

BY NISHA 

http://www.360celsius.com

BEER MAKING YOU FAT? – SCOPING OUT THE MOST UNHEALTHY ALCOHOL DRINKS EVER

Lots of people drink and the majority of them are blissfully unaware of how many calories they’re chugging down with each glass of liquid happiness. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, alcohol – once you minus off the taste and flavours – is pure sugar and too much of it really isn’t too good for the body. (http://www.allaboutspirits.com/alcohol)

The Wiseguy decided to take an in-depth look at this unpleasant fact and decided to use 7 of the more commonly drunk poisons to do a comparison.

1)    Carlsberg 1 pint – 227 calories

2)    Guinness 1 pint – 210 calories

3)    Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky 50ml – 167 calories

4)    Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisky 50ml – 167 calories

5)    Wolfblass Shiraz Wine 175ml – 119 calories

6)    Piper Heidsieck Champagne 150ml – 114 calories

7)    Jose Cuervo Tequila 50ml – 105 calories

So there you have it, beer is indeed the scariest of the lot with a whopping 227 calories in 1 pint. Now we know why so many beer drinkers have this condition called a ‘beer belly’!

For all the party-goers and drinkers out there, here’s another public service announcement by the Wiseguy: if you like drinking but want to watch your weight, stick to wines and tequila and try to avoid beer and stout. It’ll be a lot easier on your waistline in the long run.

BY WISEGUY85 

http://www.360celsius.com

MOVE IT, WORK IT, STRETCH IT : STRETCHES TO DO AT YOUR WORK DESK

Monday is just around the corner, and getting back to that daily routine of sitting at your work desk for nearly 8 hours a day is going to take a toll on your health. Weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, heart disease – these are some of the problems that can arise. Instead of just sitting around, keep your blood moving and your muscles warm with these quick and easy exercises to relax your body at work.

****TEXT BY KOGI VIJAY****

BY NISHA

http://www.360celsius.com

TYRE TENDERING – BASIC TIPS ON HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WHEELS

“The wheels on our car go round and round” but yet we forget to keep them in shape. We tend to angst over the washing and polishing of our cars, but not so much the tyres, ironically, as they are the solid foundation to any form of automobile. They carry up to 5 times their weight in total, yet more often than not, get less attention from its owner. With proper maintenance, you could go further on your set of wheels, thus saving you costs in the long run on your repairs and replacements. For those of you who are guilty as charged, here are some answers to your questions on how to treat your wheels with care.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO MAINTAIN MY TYRES?

• Pump up your tyres once a month according to the air pressure specification.
• Realign your wheels once in six months, or when you feel the handling of your car or steering wheel go off.
• Avoid portholes and slow down your speed on damaged roads. Going over too many rough patches on high speed can cause the alignment of your wheels to go off, not to mention damage your car suspension system.
• When replacing a damaged tyre, always make sure it matches the other three for perfect balancing.
• Check your tyre balancing every time you replace a wheel or purchase new tyres. A balanced tyre
• Wax tyres regularly after washing them, to reduce UV damage to tyres.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY TYRES?
You should clean your tires every time you wash your car – at least once a month.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN MY TYRES?
Use a degreaser or an all-purpose cleaner purchased from a car store, and specific tyre wax or polish that comes with UV protection.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY TYRES
Follow these steps to achieve squeaky clean and buffed:

1. Hose down tires with a power jet hose.
2. Apply tire cleaning cream / spray as instructed on the product, and scrub the tires, making sure you reach into the metal plates to clean the brake pad area.
3. Wash off all the residue of the cream / spray with regular soap and water (or as instructed by the product).
4. Dry the tyres completely with a soft microfiber cloth.
5. Apply tyre wax / dressing with the included applicator, and buff it around the tyres like you would a car.
6. Stand back and admire your handiwork.

BY NISHA 

http://www.360celsius.com

COMING SOON TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU: NEED FOR SPEED

Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, DreamWorks Pictures’ “Need for Speed” captures the thrills of the game in a real-world setting. An exciting return to the great car-culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when authenticity brought a new level of intensity to the action, “Need for Speed” taps into what makes the American myth of the open road so enticing.

The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul)—who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side—reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino framing Tobey for manslaughter.

Two years later and fresh out of prison, Tobey is set on revenge with plans to take down Dino in the high-stakes De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing. To get there in time, Tobey must run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet, dodging cops coast-to-coast and dealing with fallout from a dangerous bounty Dino put on his car. With his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia as allies, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.

“Need for Speed” is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by John Gatins, Pat O’Brien and Mark Sourian and directed by Scott Waugh. The screen story is by John Gatins and George Gatins and the screenplay is by George Gatins and John Gatins, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts. The film releases in U.S. theaters on March 14, 2014. Seriously, this looks like it’s something that’s worth waiting for!

Info & Images via www.theneedforspeedmovie.com

BY KOGIV 

http://www.360celsius.com

LIVING THE AUTOMATED DREAM

Once upon a time, having an automatic gate was a novelty that would impress most guests, now pretty much everyone has one. Now, thanks to the wonders of cutting edge technology, it’s not that hard to have your home automated inside and out. But hold your horses, let’s not get all gung ho about it just yet, as a little planning will go a long way into making your house reflective of the modern age… without looking like a 60s cartoon gag.

Thanks to computers, Smartphones and the Internet, we now have the option of having access to just about any appliance in the home wherever we are. And, more and more innovations are becoming available. This, has proved indispensable to urban dwellers with hectic schedules – allowing for better security and energy savings.  So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the some of the basics to get you started.

TimersJust about any device plugged into a power source can be hooked up to a timer. Commonly, these are used with appliances we need activated at specific times such as sprinklers, lights, and central air-conditioning.

You can get these at your average hardware store and they won’t burn a hole in your wallet. However, if you’re thinking of a centralized timer system for a multitude of appliances, that, is going to cost you. The main benefits of having timers are for power savings and to create the illusion that people are home.

SensorsThanks to infrared technology, you have the option of replacing conventional switches with sensors. Why would someone do this you ask? Pretty simply, this allows you to activate devices from a distance, without a remote control.

Clapping your hands twice for the lights to come on may be a little cliché, but with the latest sensors you can just wave and the lights will come to life. These can look especially sci-fi on staircases and pathways, where the entire stretch lights up upon the first step.

Detectors, Alarms and CamerasYou can equip pretty much every door and window in your house with a magnetic sensor which connects to a central alarm system. But why stop there? You can have lasers placed in strategic parts of your home which will sound the alarm as well, coupled with surveillance cameras (which are far more discreet than they used to be).

Also, to further enhance peace of mind while you are away, smoke, fire, and gas/water leakage detectors can be installed. Besides sounding the alarm, the latest systems will send a message and live camera feed to your phone, and even contact the police/fire department in case of an emergency. Furthermore you can even install automatic food dispensers with cameras and sensors for your pets.

Hardware
Besides the common automatic gate, more and more homes are getting equipped with automated blinds, curtains, windows and awnings – and this helps you better manage heat, along with the flow of light throughout the home. They come in handy in a multitude of situations, for example in areas with plants, clothes hanging, and on windy days. At just the click of a button, or a few taps on your mobile phone you can activate them and carry on with your business while the automation does its thing.

Other useful devices in this category include Smart Locks, which require you to enter a code on your mobile phone to unlock them. These only recognize selected numbers (such as your family members/housemates) as authorized users. Basically, these allow you to check your surroundings before unlocking the doors, and save you the trouble of fumbling around for your keys.

The Nerve CentreDepending on how extensive the automation works you’ve envisioned in your home are, you may or may not require a centralized system to manage all functions from a single location. To help you do so, various types of software are currently available, allowing you to manage devices in your home from any place with an internet connection such as your office, or even another country when you travel.

‘Control centre’ apps are available for mobile devices as well, making even easier to manage your home’s automated systems on the go. While having the control panel installed in a convenient location in your home is still an option, many homeowners are now opting for mobile alternatives which save you the hassle of more hacking and drilling.

DIY or Professional Help?
While many automated devices are easy to install, with some such as automated locks running on batteries and requiring nothing more than a screwdriver to apply, it would be wise to consult professionals if you’re planning to give your home an ‘automation makeover’. While it may be simple enough to synchronise one or two apps on your phone, you may need help when synchronizing numerous devices to a single program or application – so as to ensure hassle free operation. On the other hand, for those on a budget, all-in-one solutions are available to help you manage just about any appliance plugged in – by way of being connected to the main power supply. This option makes sense if you’ve already got all the appliances you need and don’t want to waste extra time re-fitting your entire home.

That said, you may now embark on your mission to transform you home into the house of the future.

BY A.MAN 

http://www.360celsius.com

HAIR LOSS AND HOW TO AVOID IT

Having a healthy head of hair is important. Let’s face it, a guy can be dressed to kill in a thousand dollar suit and still look less than desirable if he’s got a hair loss problem. And if he tries to do a comb-over to cover it up, it’s only going to look worse and quite frankly, more pathetic. It is the Wiseguy’s opinion that it is far better to shave it all off and go for a clean bald look if that’s the case. But, if this extreme approach is not for you, then read on.

(Image via Yeahgift)

Let’s look at how you can keep your hair and scalp healthy and put off that pesky hair loss problem for a few more years with the cultivation of some good habits.

1) Wash your hair daily. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, washing and shampooing your hair religiously does not cause hair loss. In fact, it helps to clean oil and dirt for the pores on your scalp, allowing hair follicles to grow properly.

2) Use non-oily hair products. Hair loss is often the result of excessive oil clogging up the pores in your scalp so do try to use non oily shampoos and conditioners so as not to add to the problem.

3) Avoid high heat settings on the hair dryer. Ladies please take note, hot air can be very damaging to hair. Instead, try to use lower settings. While it may take a bit longer  to dry your hair, it’ll be far worse to end up damaging your hair just to save on a bit of time.

4) Wet hair = Easy Breakage. Avoid hair breakage by not brushingit excessively when its wet. This is when it is at its most delicate. Try brushing or combing only when hair is dry to avoid this problem.

In addition to the above, smoking, stress and bad eating habits also contribute to hair loss so do try to make a change if possible.

BY WISEGUY85

http://www.360celsius.com

PROJECTORS: WILL THEY REPLACE THE TV?

At this point in time, it’s safe to say projectors are not going to replace smart TVs just yet. However, there are numerous advantages to projectors which make them a great option for viewing media. Just to scratch the surface of some obvious points – projectors take up less space than a television set, and rely on a wall to project images. Also, they’re easier on the eyes – as larger images don’t force your eyes to focus on small details.

They’re all the same right? 
To the uninitiated, there are several types of projectors currently available, three to be exact – and depending on your budget, the options are numerous. The most affordable and common options currently available are usually LCD models which utilize technology similar to that found in flat-panel TVs. However, while they may be considerably cheaper, advances in technology has allowed them to compete with the more high-end models out there.

Another option comes in the form of DLP (Digital Light Processing) models which projects images via millions of small mirrors – price wise, they can either be very cheap, or pretty damn pricey. While this technology is notorious for poor black levels and contrast rations, they present superior motion resolution. However, we’re not saying that these are inferior across the board, as there are models out there which do in fact surpass the image quality of other technologies.

The slightly more pricey option comes in the form of LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) projectors, which combine LCD and DLP tech. Justifying their price, this type of projector generally has the best image quality.

What else can I do?The more appropriate question would be what shouldn’t you do. Considering you can hook your projector of choice up to your player, PC,Laptop or Gaming console, the options are pretty much endless. In fact, many gamers now prefer playing simulation games on projector screens for a more realistic feel. Beyond that, you might want to look into configuring your sound system to compliment the width of your screen space for that home-cinema experience.

While many users go simply with a white wall for projection, image quality and contrast can be siginificantly improved by way of investing in a screen.Currently available are specialized screens which look like your typical flat screen TVs, and these have been crafted with materials which help to reject ambient light which is by far the worst enemy of any projector. While the other option comes in the form of the roll-down screen which is similar to that seen in lecture halls.

It’s a matter of individual taste where the argument of superiority surrounding projectors and TVs comes in. To best get an idea of which you truly prefer, it’s always best to compare quality at a store or to hang out for a few movies at a friend’s place with a projector to assess how much your eyes like the medium.

BY A.MAN 

http://www.360celsius.com

LOOKING FOR HAPPINESS? MAYBE THIS WILL BRING YOU CLOSER

It’s Monday, and you’re most likely feeling a tad depressed and stressed jumping headfirst into the daily grind. Well, the good news is, scientists have discovered one of the greatest contributing factors to happiness, and it’s not that hard to get a little closer to contentment. Turns out, the act of expressing gratitude almost increases happiness levels – and could put a kick in someone else’s step as well.

To demonstrate this, scientists had a few individuals write an essay about a person they were most grateful to, and got them to give them a call and read their essays out loud. This resulted in tear jerking moments, smiles, giggles, and bouts of laughter. That said, sometimes in out pursuit of happiness, we sometimes forget that even simple things can make make a difference. Check out this video, and pass the ball on!

So… when was the last time you called mom? 

BY A.MAN 

http://www.360celsius.com

BAR TALK: SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT OUR BIG FRIEND, VODKA

Have a little too much of this colourless, odourless Russian alcohol and you could be spending breakfast with your head by the toilet. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve had your fair taste of the drink, whether on its own, with Red Bull, or some cheap mixer or other. Either way, here are some facts you (probably) never knew about Vodka:

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHICH IS THE PUREST OF THEM ALL?
Vodka is the purest alcohol as it contains much less fusel oils than other alcoholic drinks. If you’re not sure what fusel oils are, just know that they are bad for you. (Or Wiki it)

Image via packagingdesignarchive.org

VODKA MEANS ‘WATER’ IN RUSSIAN
Well….that explains the Russians for you. But on a serious note, it was the colourless and odourless feature that brought about the nickname “Voda” which means water.

Also once you’re sloshed, they taste the same.Image via glamourmagazine.co.uk

NUMBS YOUR PAIN

Both emotionally and physically. Vodka is popularly used to drown one’s sorrows, but it was also used as an anaesthetic for soldiers during the war days.

Image via hoxomoxo.deviantart.com

YAY! HEALTH BENEFITS!
A moderate consumption of Vodka keeps arteries healthy and cholesterol down, while reducing the risk of strokes, heart-attacks, and Alzheimer’s. The key word here though is moderate. Sorry, alcoholics.

“DAMMIT!”
Image via health.azkexpert.com

VODKA CAN BE USED AS A DISINFECTANT
But let’s face it, to use Vodka to clean your dishes and mop your floors, you’d first have to be slightly cuckoo. Or filthy rich. Or both.

“But this IS a special occasion, honey!”
Image via xeteraman.blogspot.com

ONE IS NOT EQUALS TO ONE
All your mathematical foundations go out the window even before getting tipsy. Due to Vodka being less dense than water, 1 litre of Vodka would weigh up to less than 1 kilogram.

Image via quickmeme.com/

VODKA CAN’T FREEZE OVER
This is the main reason it grew in popularity in cold, cold Russia. The high alcohol content in Vodka makes it difficult to freeze.

One glass down, 7 more to go for the day.Image via .webmd.com

CAN BE SPLASHED ON YOUR FACE….as an aftershave. It was said that the Polish once used scented Vodka this way

Image via fendrihan.com

THE HOLY GRAIL OF WINE STAINSAn eye for an eye might make the world go blind, but in this case, using alcohol to fight alcohol works like magic . Soak the wine stained section in Vodka for a couple of minutes, and voila! Your clothes may be drunk, but they’re clean.

Nice try, Steve. We’re not giving you the whole bottle.
Image via 6pm.com

MOST POPULAR DRINKS

via streetwise.coVodka Redbull – the ingredients say it all

via apartmenttherapy.comMartini – Vodka, Dry Vermouth

via yaymicro.comBloody Mary – Vodka, Tomato Juice, Tabasco sauce

via esquire.com
Cosmopolitan – Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Cointreau

BY NISHA 

http://www.360celsius.com

DODECADO – FUNKY LEGO-STYLE LIGHTING

With the advent of LED lights, increasing numbers of people are using them for their homes and offices. It was only a matter of time before someone came up with the idea of modular, stackable LED lights and Dodecado was just the company to make it happen. Dodecado is designed to be fun and funky, allowing you to arrange the light modules into any shape and configuration you desire, whether it’s an arch over your doorway or simple standing light.

Think of them as big Lego blocks that light up the room. Now you can go crazy and arrange them in any formation that your heart desires.Admittedly, with only 8 lights as the max number that can be supported on a deck, you might be a little limited in terms of arrangements but what the heck, they’re still pretty innovative.

Dodecado lights are available in 4 different functional units: the basic block, the multicolored version (for hipsters maybe), even one that comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and a Power Deck which is used to charge all the individual units. The units themselves are linked together by magnets and the Power Deck can hold up to 8 units per Deck.

While not available on the market yet, the company is currently taking pledges on Kickstarter to raise funds for the mass manufacture of these innovative new lighting solutions so you may be in for a long wait if you’re thinking of having them right now.

For a pledge of US$54, you will receive a single lighting unit and a Power Deck. Additional units can be purchased separately. Dodecado plans to start shipping out these innovative lights by December this year so hopefully customers may be able to get their lights in time for Christmas.

Dodecado Video

BY WISEGUY85 

http://www.360celsius.com

BAR TALK: SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN WHISKEY?

You might be trying to impress that scotch-loving client of yours. Or maybe you have a know-it-all guy in your group that you’d love to shut right up. Either way, here are some pretty awesome facts about whiskey that you can whip out as a conversation starter, or just to sound like you know your stuff!

“WHISKY” OR “WHISKEY”?
Only the Scottish spell their whiskey without the ‘e’, as they believe that more vowels are a waste of good drinking time (so is pondering over this logic).

When in doubt, have a shot.
Image via cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com

WHISKEY COMES FROM BEER 
To first make whiskey, you need to make beer. Whiskey is the product of beer that has been distilled 2-3 times over.

“Dad?”

SCREW ICE
True whiskey drinkers take their whiskey without any ice (neat), and with a drop or splash of spring water to enhance the aroma and flavour of the drink.

Image via lakevermilionrealestate.com

BOURBON, KENTUCKY
Bourbon refers to whiskey that has been distilled once in the county of Bourbon, Kentucky, and is sweeter as it is mostly corn-based. Ironically, the county is not allowed to sell any liquor!

ANGELS DRINK WHISKEY TOO
And boy do they love them. The term “Angel’s share” or “Angel’s tax” refers to the 4% of whiskey that evaporates into thin air every year (unless you bottle your whiskey – angels don’t know how to open bottles).

“Can I have more pleeeaaseeeeee?”
Image via bubblews.com

THE WATER OF LIFE
In Gaelic, which is a group of languages used by the Irish and Scottish, whiskey was called ‘uisce beatha’ which means ‘water of life’. As no one could pronounce the whole word (when drunk, likely), they started calling it ‘fuisce’, thus evolving to ‘whiskey’.

Image via troll.me

IRISH OR SCOTTISH?
Some claim that whiskey originated from Scotland, however, evidence shows that Ireland has been distilling it for a longer time, and legend has it that the Irish monks first introduced the alcohol to the Scottish. The debate goes on till today.

For some reason, the monks had an extra-terrestrial look
Image via businessinsider.com

WHICH REGIONS PRODUCE WHISKEY?
There are 5-7 regions (depending on who you ask) that are active in whiskey production. The regions are Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Kentucky (Bourbon), Canadian Whiskey, and Tennesse Whiskey, while the debatable two are New Zealand Whiskey and Japanese Whiskey.

Image via luxq.com

THIS SCOTCH IS ON FIREEEEE!
The story goes that in Scotland, they used to light their scotch up to determine the alcohol content in it. Too hot a flame meant too high alcohol content, which they’d usually sell off to the distillery workers for cheap (if they didn’t burn them down first).

Image via chuckbauman.com

HOW SHOULD I ORDER MY WHISKEY?

via wineware.co.uk
Whiskey Neat/Straight UpServed at room temperature with nothing in it.

via fitsugar.com
Whiskey on the Rocks
Served over ice

via refinedguy.com
Whiskey Coke
Served with one part of Coke

via giglig.com
Whiskey Sour
Served with lime juice (sometimes with Sprite)

via esquire.comWhiskey Dry
Served with two parts whiskey and one part mixer

Or, you could just be clear and tell the bar tender what you would really like!

BY NISHA 

http://www.360celsius.com