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0:30
'Creation Theory' by Arc’teryx: Chasing the ‘Aha’ Moment of Creativity
Men's Journal - Andy Cochrane
This article was produced in partnership with Arc’teryx Creation Theory is the antithesis of your run-of-the-mill outdoor film. It doesn’t follow an unsung hero through their trials and tribulations. It doesn’t glamorize a heroic expedition, nor is it doom and gloom with climate catastrophe. Instead of answering big questions, it throws them back at you. A surfer on a wave, a snowboarder on a peak, a musician in front of a crowd. The intersection of swell, gravity, and rhythm. Ben (Sturge) Sturgulewski, the film’s director, believes all these things harness the same cosmic energy, which comes alive when you enter a flow state. He calls it electric alchemy. Creation Theory poses the question: Where does it come from? Does it come from within or does it find us? “When you try to control things, nothing happens,” says Ben Moon, the film’s creative director. “We could have followed a more traditional narrative arc, but our goal for the film was different and we were lucky that Arc’teryx let us run with it. They let Sturge be Sturge. He had this big idea to make a film that shows where creativity comes from, but we didn’t know how it would play out until the end of the process.” A Big, Messy Idea The film came to be when Sturge reached out to Ben Moon, a close friend and frequent collaborator, to bring together their divergent set of skills. “It was an easy ‘Yes,’ ” says Moon. “He sees things differently. He’s a conceptual guy. He explained that this was the big creative film of the year for Arc’teryx and they wanted to push boundaries.” Moon’s experience is primarily in surfing and music, while Sturge is more adept in the snow. “It was an easy split of roles. He was the driving force behind the film and I was brought on to shoot the surf portion, help Sturge develop the idea, and to find the right musician,” says Moon. Their process in making Creation Theory mirrors the “aha” in the finished product. Unlike many short films these days, it came to life in a non-linear, almost organic way. The team shot for a month in Iceland and worked for weeks afterward in edit, piecing the story together. “For some people and films, you need a full storyboard and a detailed shot list, but I prefer to start with just an idea and find the magic along the way.” Sturge and Moon wanted it to be part adventure film, part music doc, part surrealist walk through. “Time, space, and relativity. It was a big, cerebral idea,” says Moon. “We didn’t know anything until it all came together, which …
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2:49
Escape Routes: Columbia's Silver Ridge™ Utility Collection
Men's Journal
This article was produced in partnership with Columbia Sportswear Weekends are precious for outdoor adventurers: They’re a respite from the hectic schedules of the workweek and a chance to slow down and enjoy nature. Just ask Yassine Diboun and Willie McBride, Columbia ambassadors and co-owners of Wy’east Wolfpack, a Portland, OR-based organization dedicated to helping people stay active and connect with the outdoors. Diboun and McBride are both accomplished endurance athletes—check out Lowest to Highest, a film by Kirk Horton profiling one of their FKT attempts. But in addition to chasing FKTs, they’re passionate about helping people from all walks of life discover the joy and value of outdoor exploration. “There’s always going to be more work to do,” Diboun tells Men’s Journal, “so I think it’s important to carve out these times where you can just get out and get after it.” For Diboun and McBride, getting outside brings all kinds of benefits. That includes physical ones, like improved fitness, as well as mental ones, like learning to push past challenges and giving your mind time to wander. “Getting out to these places on a regular basis is just like a sanctuary for me,” says Diboun. A Little Exploration Yields Big Benefits Whether they’re pushing themselves to the limit in a long-distance ultrarun or coaching clients at Wy’East Wolfpack, Diboun and McBride’s work illustrates the restorative benefits of time spent outdoors. Anyone can reap those benefits, no matter what your experience level is. Here’s a closer look at some of the rewards you can look forward to, whether you’re hitting the trail or exploring your local park. It Keeps You Healthy: No matter how you choose to spend time outside—running, cycling, kayaking, or just walking to the grocery store instead of driving—you’re giving a boost to your health. Working your muscles through outdoor exercise is one benefit, but Diboun and McBride emphasize that moving your body helps your brain and your spirit, too. Stepping away from screens and getting outdoors can help you feel recharged, refreshed, and ready for whatever’s next on your agenda. It Helps You Overcome Adversity: When you embark on a tough day hike or a challenging bike ride—or whatever your chosen outdoor activity may be—you have to dig deep and push through the difficulties to achieve your goal. Reaching the summit or hitting your mileage goal is one reward, but in the process, you achieve something even more important: the mental toughness to …
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12:05
Drew Brees on His 3 Non-Negotiables for Success
Men's Journal
The Talking Series is a weekly segment that delves deeper into topics discussed by guest of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast. You may know Drew Brees as one of the most prolific quarterbacks of all time, a man who amassed 80,358 passing yards over 20 seasons in the NFL. While this is how most people know him, his loved ones know him as a father, husband, son, and brother. That’s because who we are largely depends on who we’re with. For you, that may mean being a parent at home and a leader at work. For Brees, it means being a family man at home and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer everywhere else. Regardless of who we are, there are actions we can take to set ourselves up for success and reach our full potential. For high performers, these habits are simply non-negotiable. We recently had the legendary Brees on the Everyday Warrior Podcast to talk about life and football. Watch our full interview with Brees in the video above and read about his non-negotiables on life below. 1. Set an Intention Every Morning In 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.) told a graduating class, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day…by the end of the day, that one task will have turned into many.” Brees has a similar philosophy: “How you start your day is an absolute non-negotiable.” Both men believe it either sets you up for success or failure. The routine is different for everybody, but for Brees, it’s reading the Bible and having a cup of coffee. “It just lays the foundation for the day and puts me in the right frame of mind to be the best husband and father I can be,” Brees explains. For everyday warriors, beginning each day with purpose is nothing new; if you haven’t tried it, we recommend making it a regular practice. Admiral McRaven went on to tell the graduates, “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” To make an impact on others, you must first do the work in your own life. “Set a moral compass and choose how you’ll treat and interact with others,” Brees recommends. It’s as simple as that. 2. Find Your Inner Motivation Football is not an easy sport; it takes dedication, determination, and the ability to push yourself beyond your limits. Quarterbacks with the talent, drive, and grit to make it into the NFL face such intense competition in the league that the average career is just three years. With only 32 starting quarterback positions, talented individuals are always ready to step in and take …
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1:00
The Perfect Summer Whiskey Cocktail Does Exist
Men's Journal
This article was produced in partnership with Pendleton® Whisky If you’re a whiskey buff, but relegate the spirit to the cooler months, you’re missing out. There are plenty of summer cocktails for whiskey purists, but our favorite is a riff on the classic Moscow mule. It’s called “Mule 6” and it’s got military roots. Mike Sarraille—retired US Navy SEAL Officer and host of Men’s Journal‘s Everyday Warrior podcast—teamed up with mixologist Kyle Petrick at the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot bar in Austin, Texas, to come up with the libation. The name of the drink is a unique salute to our nation’s military. “When you place a ‘6’ behind the call sign, that means you’re the commander of that unit,” says Sarraille. “So, if [someone] got on the phone and said, “This is ‘Mule 6’—you’d know you were talking to the commander.” Inspired by the bravery and leadership of the United States military, the “Mule 6” is made with Pendleton Whisky’s annual Limited Edition ‘We’ve Got Your 6’ Military Appreciation Bottle. It honors veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Pendleton Whisky has pledged to donate a portion from sales totaling $100,000 to the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help create healthy, positive futures for service members, veterans, and their families. The cocktail is refreshing yet bold, comprising simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer. Pendleton’s oak barrel-aged whisky adds a distinctively smooth, rich flavor. To learn more about “Mule 6”, watch the full video above. Once you’re ready to stir one up for yourself, grab a Pendleton Whisky Military Appreciation bottle and get mixing. How to Make the “Mule 6” Cocktail 1.5 ounces Pendleton Whisky • Dash simple syrup • Dash lime juice • Top off with ginger beer • Garnish: lime wedge Fill rocks glass with ice. • Add all ingredients except ginger beer and lime. • Stir to mix, then top off with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge. Pendleton® Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). ©2022 Pendleton Distillers, Lawrenceburg, IN. Please drink responsibly. LET’ER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.
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1:13
Take Paddling Safety Seriously This Summer: Learn the Ropes Before Hitting the Water
Men's Journal - Adam Bible
This article was produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Taking out a canoe or kayak for some summertime fun doesn’t seem like an inherently dangerous activity—it’s not something where the stakes are apparent, like rock climbing, sky diving, or even piloting a power boat. Paddling on a calm waterway is a relaxing, soothing way to get outside and enjoy warm weather and have some fun. But being on the water can be deadly; the threat of getting hurt or dying from mishaps like drowning or hypothermia is omnipresent. But you can become a safer paddler, and even gain some knowledge to help others on the water by simply educating yourself before launching a watercraft when heading out on your next excursion. There are many ways to get trained to be able to handle almost anything nature or chance throws at you, from simply watching a few videos to going to an actual course in the real world with certified instructors. What you’ll get by seeking out a legit source of paddling knowledge is coverage of a wide range of topics that could help save your life—or another’s—when confronted with an emergency or accident. Things like learning how to get back in your kayak or canoe after capsizing, the rules of navigation to keep you from getting run over by a bigger boat, how to call the Coast Guard for help by radio if you get into a jam, and what essential gear you’ll need to make your next trip a safe and comfortable outing. So even if you’re a seasoned paddler or a newbie, it’s a good idea to keep up-to-date on best practices and expand your knowledge. Not only will it make your paddling time more fun and exponentially safer, but it sets a good precedence for any young ones around you—or boating buddies who aren’t as aware about how to stay safe on the water.
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3:20
Elevate Date Night With Napoleon Grills
Men's Journal
This article was published in partnership with Napoleon Grills. Blaise Ffrench is the definition of a busy man. The actor, model, and NBA agent doesn’t get a lot of spare time to cook his own meals, so when he does have a night off, he likes to go all-out. When it comes to making a favorable impression on date night, Blaise fires up a classic surf-and-turf dinner: grilled tomahawk steak and lobster tails, with potatoes and asparagus. Sometimes cooking a meal of this caliber can feel daunting, but with the Napoleon Prestige Pro 665 at your side, anyone can tackle a restaurant-style meal with confidence. With a shining, stainless-steel body and the brand’s iconic WAVE cooking grids for distinctive sear marks, the Napoleon Prestige Pro 665 makes pulling off that perfect date night meal a breeze. So go ahead and cancel those reservations at that trendy hot spot and turn your home into the hottest place in town. Learn more about the Prestige Pro 665 and find a local retailer at napoleon.com. Learn More and shop now How to Grill Tomahawk Steak and Lobster Tails Grilling isn’t baking, so we like to leave some creative discretion up to you in terms of favorite spice blends and rubs. For the tomahawk steak you can ask your butcher for a nicely trimmed cut, some supermarkets will have a tomahawk cut at the ready. If you need more guidance on how to cook a tomahawk, here’s a surefire recipe from Napoleon Grills. 1 tomahawk steak (approx. 2.5 lbs) For the lobster tails, you should check with your local fish monger or seafood counter at your store to get the freshest tail, however quality frozen tails are normally available. If you need a bit more guidance on handling and grilling the lobster tails, you can refer to this recipe from Napoleon’s ‘Sultana of Sizzle.’ 4 fresh lobster tails • ½ cup butter • 1 clove garlic, grated • 1 lemon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tsp parsley, chopped To start this date night dinner, you’ll want to fire up the sizzle zone on the Prestige Pro 665 and set one side of the grill to medium heat. Toss some quartered potatoes (either white or Russet will suffice) and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, paprika and garlic powder. Wrap the potatoes and mushrooms with a whole peeled garlic tightly in foil and place on one side of the heated grill over medium heat. Next get started on grilling up some asparagus stalks on the patented S-WAVE grid on the left side of the grill. With the sizzle zone nice and hot, season your Tomahawk chop with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear …