June 2010 issue of Sharp magazine

SHARP THE FATHER’S DAY ISSUE: WATCHES, BOOZE, CLOTHES AND TECH—GIVE THE OLD MAN WHAT HE WANTS

LOOK BETTER · FEEL BETTER · KNOW MORE

LIFE LESSONS FOR FATHERS AND SONS

BOLD SUMMER SUITS

WEAR LINEN, SILK AND SEERSUCKER WITH CONFIDENCE

EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI

BILLION RIP-OFF

JOINS OUR ENTOURAGE

IS YOUR COMPANY SPY-PROOF?

THE GULLWING FLIES AGAIN

THE BEST STEAK IN THE WORLD

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MERCEDES’ STUNNING NEW SLS AMG

LEONARDO DICAPRIO ACTING, SCORSESE

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©2010 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.

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CH

contents

FEATURES

 Father's Day Guide

From tech toys to outdoor gear to watches. Gifts for every kind of dad.

  Things

50 life lessons from across the generation gap.

I

 Spies Among Us

F

Foreign spies are costing Canadian companies more than $12 billion a year. How did it come to this?

R

 Leonardo DiCaprio

OU

A candid chat with Scorsese's muse about acting, politics and the power of film to change the world.

MO AN

 Fashion

F

Keep cool in the heat with these fine summer suits.

 Cars

We take Mercedes-Benz's beastly SLS AMG for a run on the track, plus Jaguar's refined XJ and new sedans from Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce.

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SHARP

contents

THE GUIDE

CANADA'S MAGAZINE FOR MEN S

 A Better Camera Bag

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P

F

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C O M

john mcgouran publisher michael la fave editorial and creative director

 The Sharp Briefing

Things you should know about this month on the Web and in the world.

jeremy freed editor adam taylor art director

7 Sharp Woman

leo petaccia associate editor bradley horn automotive editor

A few words with Republic of Doyle's Rachel Wilson.

mark moyes web developer

 The Sharp Traveler:

Luke langsdale fashion director

Cape Town

editorial interns jordan dykstra, matt currie, shawn star, melissa manzo

Things to see and do between matches in South Africa's finest city.

contributing writers barry barnett, adam barr, carol besler, stephen patrick clare, rod cleaver, todd coyne, earl dittman, janine falcon, alex hughes, Michel Juneau-Katsuya, rick leswick, jil mcintosh, jonathon narvey, albert rose, lorne rubenstein, william stodalka, bob strauss, mark teo, robert thompson

 Music

Having a rock legend for a dad ain't easy. Five sons, some more prodigal than others.

The well-dressed cyclist: two easy ways to look great on a bike.

A

EDITORIAL

Finally, a way to tote your DSLR without looking like a tourist.

 Style

H

contributing photographers lorenzo agius, darryl augustine, todd cole, greg gorman, darryl humphrey, evan hurd, paul koziorowski, mario miotti, richard phibbs, robert watson

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 Movies

videographer bob barrett

Chris Noth talks philosophy, college and the pursuit of success.

letters to the editor love us, hate us, want to validate us? write us at letters@sharpformen.com

 Entertaining

ADVERTISING

No one throws a terrace party like the Italians. Here's everything you need to know to have your own.

john mcgouran sales director john.mcgouran@contempomedia.ca

 Wine

Champagne's great, but Cava and Prosecco deserve their due, too.

48

7 Food

jeff mccann senior account manager -- jeff.mccann@contempomedia.ca vincent noël quebec regional manager .. vincent@contempomedia.ca

Where to find the world's best steak, from someone who ought to know.

 Grooming

Summer skincare essentials, plus tips from our grooming expert.

REGULARS

 Editor’s Letter  People & Places

We like a good party as much as the next fellow. Here are some we've been to recently.

 Where to Buy

See something you like in the pages of Sharp? Here's where to find it in the real world.

 The Last Word 12 JUNE 2010 sharpformEN.com

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media inc

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sharp is published six times per year by contempo media inc. no part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. annual subscription rate: $ canadian. to subscribe, visit www.sharpformen.com sharp welcomes pitches and submissions from writers: submissions@contempomedia.ca. we have -month internship opportunities in editorial and marketing. these are unpaid positions. please send your resume to: resumes@contempomedia.ca. contempo media inc.  queen’s quay west, suite  toronto, on mv j -- volume , issue , june  cover photo: Leo wears the TAG Heuer Aquaracer M, benefiting the NRDC. $,

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Letter from the editor

editor’s seLection “Tongue is a hugely underrated cut. Especially the way the Japanese do it.”

Mark Schatzker p.37

Passing it On there is a bit of conventional wisdom that tells us, we will all—no matter how hard we fight it—eventually become our parents. Like most bits of conventional wisdom, this is an oversimplification. But it also happens to be true, at least in my experience.

And why shouldn’t it be? From the most basic level we are, quite literally, a combination of our parents (and their parents, and their parents before them). For better or worse, there’s only so much you can do to distance yourself from your genes.

But I’m not trying to get all Philip Larkin on you—as much as we take on our parents’ faults, there’s plenty of good stuff that gets passed along, too. Indeed, this wouldn’t be much of an introduction to our Father’s Day issue if my advice echoed the English poet’s infamous, “Get out as early as you can/And don’t have any kids yourself.” To the contrary, while dads do lend us their tempers and receding hairlines, they give us our senses of humour and creative streaks, too.

But biology is only half the question.

To dismiss the father-son relationship as something primarily defined by genes is to miss the most important part of the equation. The lessons sons learn from their dads—whether the literal ones like how to tie a Windsor knot or locate Orion in the night sky, or the more implicit things like how to make small-talk with the neighbours or when to bring home flowers for mom— these are the things that teach us how to live as functional adults.

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The lessons don’t just go one way, either.

Until a man becomes a father, he can’t truly understand what it means to be a son. Parenting teaches us, often unexpectedly, just what kind of men our fathers were, and just how difficult the task of raising a happy, well-adjusted child can be—no matter who you are. In fact, when you think about it that way, it’s a miracle we all turned out as well as we did.

In the end, the thing we hopefully come to terms with is the fact that our dads, like ourselves, were just guys doing the best they could. Just as their fathers did, and their fathers before them. Heredity is a mixed bag, to say the least, but it’s by no means a curse.

The challenge is knowing what to embrace and what to fight, and it’s that journey, towards being the men we want to be, that defines what kind of men we are. More often than not, they bear more than a passing resemblance to dad.

Jeremy Freed

Editor letters @ contempomedia.ca

Boys’ night out Canada’s leading men's magazine is once again proud to sponsor Canada’s best event for men: Boys’ Night Out, a fundraiser in support of prostate cancer research. Not only do the ticket sales and auction proceeds support a great cause, with some of the best food, drink, cigars and entertainment in the city, it’s always a night to remember. This year’s event is on July 8, and you can get all the details at www.liffordboysnightout.com.

“In Canada, spies have routinely been allowed to return to their home countries without so much as a fine.”

Spies Among Us p.59

“There’ve been a lot of great performances by actors in the past in films that weren’t great. If you’re lucky enough to get that combination together and be in a memorable movie, that to me is like being a part of a piece of art that is going to last forever.”

Leonardo DiCaprio p.64

“A poorly executed jeans/ blazer combo can be spotted from a mile away. Conversely, when done right it can be a masterpiece—think Mickey Rourke in Rumble Fish, Richard Gere in American Gigolo and Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate.”

Summer Suits p.68 photo: mario miotti

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extended features • photo galleries • exclusive videos • daily updates • newsletter sign-up

styLe:

The 10 Most Stylish Musicians of All Time They might be known more for their headnodding rhythms and crowd-pleasing riffs, but the best musicians often make just as bold a statement with their clothes as they do with their instruments. From Chet Baker to Andre 3000, we list 10 musical icons with style as smooth as their melodies.

grooming:

Battle of the Blades Our award-winning grooming editor (and world record holder for most hirsute twentysomething) got his hands on some new razors. In a battle that will reveal which blades cut the closest, Leo Petaccia will put each razor to the ultimate test of endurance and pick a winner.

tech:

cars:

Since the first smartphone descended from the heavens nearly a decade ago, BlackBerry and iPhone have been the popular choices. But recently, phones wired with Google’s Android OS have been gaining serious ground. Are you ready for a switch?

We review your best options.

We’ve come a long way since the days of Volvos with fewer geometric shapes than a box of Lego. Today, the Swedish automaker bills its new, anything-but-boxy S60 as its most “dynamic” car yet, boasting a 304-horsepower inlinesix and all-wheel drive, among other treats. We’ll let you know how that translates on the road.

A Lesson on Mastering the Smartphone

2011 Volvo S60

woman: rose Byrne Along with Ted Danson, Rose Byrne makes a very good case for why Damages is one of the best shows on TV. She's also a stellar actress.

This month, Byrne stars in Get Him to the Greek opposite Russell Brand.

We talk to her about the film, as well as what she’s got in store for the coming months.

16 JUNE 2010 sharpformEN.com

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see page 89 for detaiLs EXISTING SHARP INSIDERS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED. CONTEST RULES, PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS AND REGULATIONS ONLINE. No purchase necessary. Contest valid from June 10, 2010 to August 6, 2010. There is one prize available to be won with a total approximate retail value of $549.00 CAD. Odds of winning a prize depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Potential winner must correctly answer a time-limited, skill-testing question. Open to all legal residents of Canada, excluding residents of Quebec, who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Limit one entry per person. For complete contest rules, visit www.sharpformen.com.

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vw.ca

It’s a Volkswagen. No, seriously.

That’s what we tell people when they point to the 2010 Passat CC and ask, “what is it?” or “is that a (insert name of expensive luxury car here)?” And we get those questions all the time. Although it’s not that surprising, it has sleek lines on the outside, premium materials on the inside, and it’s loaded with the latest technology. It also comes with a fuel-efficient 2.0L TSI 200 hp turbocharged engine, or an available 3.6L FSI 280 hp V6 with 4 MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The affordable 4-door coupe, starting from only $33,075*. No, seriously.

Passat CC © 2010 Volkswagen Canada. *Base MSRP of a new 2010 Passat CC 2.0 TSI Sportline base model with 6-speed manual transmission is $33,075; excludes up to $1,365 freight and PDI, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options, and other applicable taxes. MSRP of model as shown is $38,875. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. See vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. "FSI" is a registered trademark of Audi AG. “Volkswagen”, the Volkswagen logo, "TSI" and "4MOTION" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Passat CC” and “Das Auto & Design” are trademarks of Volkswagen AG.

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Letters@sharpformen.com

SHARP THE GOLF ISSUE: CAMILO VILLEGAS, CANADA'S NEXT PGA STARS AND THE WISDOM OF GARY COWAN

·

Sharp golf guide looK BeTTeR • play BeTTeR • scoRe low

the sharp guide to golf It’s that time of year again. You’ve waited patiently all winter, perhaps easing your withdrawal at the indoor range, or, if you managed it between work and the kids and all the rest, a few days on a course someplace where winter means you need to wear a sweater some mornings. But now your patience is being rewarded. The grass is turning green again, the sprinklers are chk, chk, chk-ing back to life, and somewhere, off in the distance, you can hear the Evinrude drone of a weed whacker.

Golf season has returned, and with it, the indescribable joy of spending your precious weekend days chasing that little white ball around. We get it. But before you dust off your clubs and get back on the green, we think you’ll want to read the next few pages. And then maybe hit the golf store.

·

LOOK BETTER FEEL BETTER KNOW MORE

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i have just finished reading the article by Rick Leswick regarding airport security. The article was well written and definitely a good read. As a security specialist I can tell you he hit the nail right square on the head. To put it bluntly, anyone who for one microsecond does not endorse and believe that profiling is the answer is a complete DUMB ASS!! We have tolerated the “special interest” groups and sadly given them their way for far too long. It is now paramount that we consider the greater benefit to the masses (and not just in our country) rather than stooping to keep the few happy. At the end of the day they will continue to promote their own causes regardless of how much we give them, so why not take care of business for a change and let them fade away into the night? Writers like Mr. Leswick need to get more exposure and get the message across over and over again to the public. Keep these great articles coming.

les r. vass toronto, on

i wish to say that i enjoyed reading the article by Rick Leswick. I used to work for American Airlines in the ’70s and ’80s.

Things in the airline industry have really changed for the worse. Sure glad that I’m doing something else these days! laura tyson toronto, on

i have read a few of rick leswick’s articles. I like his style. Keep them coming.

walter vogl toronto, on

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i read “the problem with airport Security” with great interest. As a frequent business traveler, I have spent more hours standing in security lines than I care to count. Profiling, however, is just not the answer. We are lucky to live in Canada, a truly free, democratic society, where human rights are staunchly protected. Our country’s reputation for equality and multiculturalism is a great point of pride for me whenever I introduce myself as a Canadian abroad. Singling out people because of their race, religion or country of origin is completely contrary to everything our country stands for. I will continue to wait in lines at the airport, not happily, but with the knowledge that this is the cost of true democracy. jerry mckee calgary, ab

over beers recently i was telling a friend about Michael La Fave’s column about modern-day air travel in the last issue (May 2010) and it brought up a question.

He mentioned a yearning for a transatlantic ocean liner voyage and we wanted to know if any cruise lines are still making that epic journey with all the pomp and circumstance of the Titanic—minus the iceberg, of course. patrick bergeron montreal, qc

patrick—For those in search of a transatlantic voyage aboard a majestic ocean liner, we’d suggest checking out the Cunard Lines’ Queen Mary II, which sails from New York City to Southampton. The voyage takes about a week, and while on board, passen-

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gers have their pick of a wide range of “Enrichment Programs,” including lectures by prominent academics and explorers, acting classes, astronomy seminars and book clubs. as an above-average duffer, i thoroughly enjoyed the Golf Guide in the May issue. All those cutting-edge irons would surely help my game, but it got me to thinking: if you’re dropping a grand or more on a new set of clubs, what’s the best way to clean and protect them to keep them in top shape through multiple seasons? eric mackenzie vancouver, bc

eric—It’s always good practice to keep a towel in your golf bag for wiping off mud and grit as you play, but cleaning your clubs every few rounds with mild soap, water and a soft brush is also recommended. Use headcovers for your woods and putters, as nicks and dings can seriously alter their performance. After cleaning (or a rainy round) dry your clubs thoroughly, and store them in a temperature-and humidity-controlled environment (i.e., not the garage). i really enjoyed the golf guide in the latest issue of Sharp—and the fashion component was nothing short of community service! I can’t begin to tell you how many poorly dressed guys I see on the links every time I go out. If you send me a few more copies of the issue, I promise to discreetly slip them into some golf bags and continue your good work. richard davies halifax, ns

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People & Places

Bang & Olufsen Opens in Toronto The Danish audio/video powerhouse opened their newest Canadian boutique this spring by throwing a lavish party for customers, media and devotees of stunning Scandinavian electronics. At 4,000 square feet and spread over two levels, the new location, on Avenue Road in Toronto, is the largest B&O store in North America.

[1] Hakeem Adewunmi and guest [2] Igor Korenzvit and Jordan Korenzvit [3] Mary Symons and guest [4] Igor Korenzvit and David Mirvish [5] Anwar Mukhayesh and Charles Khabouth [6] David Lee, Chef of Nota Bene [7] Jeanne Beker and Laurent Fort [8] Karsten Ruwoldt 2

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A Bombay Sapphire Patio Party The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for outdoor entertaining when Bombay Sapphire hosted their intimate rooftop barbeque.

Mixologist Merlin Griffiths chatted up the crowd and mixed innovative gin cocktails, while Rob Rainford of Food Network’s License to Grill demonstrated how to use Bombay Sapphire in pre-grill marinades.

[1] Guests take in the view of Toronto’s downtown skyline [2] Rob Rainford and Merlin Griffiths [3] Ryan Jennings, of Cooking with Booze, and Alex Hughes

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photos: PAUL koziorowski

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peopLe & pLaces

russian standard at the haZeLton hoteL The billionaire banking mogul and founder of Russian Standard vodka, Roustam Tariko, made an appearance in Toronto to celebrate the success of Russian Standard in Canada. A party at the Hazelton Hotel’s restaurant, One, featured free-flowing vodka cocktails, as well as a bar carved out of several tons of ice.

[1] Roustam Tariko poses with Russian Standard’s brand ambassadors [2] Glenna Weddle and Anwar Mukhayesh 1

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iron man 2 premieres in Los angeLes Sharp’s May cover man, Robert Downey Junior, made an appearance alongside cast mates Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson and Mickey Rourke (who sported a flashy, alligatoraccented tuxedo jacket) for the opening of Iron Man 2 at the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood.

[1] Scarlett Johansson [2] Sylvester Stallone and Robert Downey Junior [3] Robert Downey Junior and Susan Downey [4] Mickey Rourke and Gwyneth Paltrow [5]Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris [6] Jasmine Dustin and Helena Mattsson

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photos: paUL koziorowski

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Guide

women • music • film • travel • food • drink • tech • grooming • watches • sex • style • home • health • books

L OOK B E TT E R F E E L B E TT E R K N OW MOR E

A BETTER CAMERA BAG Despite all of the amazing improvements in DSLR technology in recent years, the issue of portability remains. Any time you want to go out with your camera, you’ve got the choice of hanging it around your neck and looking like a tourist or toting around a big, unsightly camera bag. Finally, a solution has arrived in the form of the Kelly Bag, which is large enough to carry everything required by the serious photographer, but looks like a fine leather satchel. www.kellymoorebag.com The Kelly Boy Bag in brown leather ($200)

24 JUNE 2010 sharpformen.com

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thE sharp Briefing Things you should know about this month on the Web and in the world start

the Best way ever to Learn cpr www.supersexycpr.com

the BicycLe thief spy vs. spy vs. ninJa vs. viking Ever wondered who’d win if a Samurai took on a Spartan? What about a Nazi SS versus a Viet Cong? Of course, historically, these fighters would never have met. But that’s not the point. The point is it would be a hell of a fight and if someone can make it happen, then by god someone should.

This is precisely the idea behind Deadliest Warrior, now in its second season on Spike TV. Every week, the show’s team of scientists, historians and special effects guys meticulously analyze tactics, training and weapons to bring you such epic matchups as Apache vs. Gladiator, IRA vs. Taliban and Al Capone vs. Jesse James. It’s possibly the manliest thing ever shown on television.

Episodes online at spike.com.

The name Igor Kenk entered the cultural lexicon in the summer of 2008, when the Slovenian native was linked to some 3,000 stolen bicycles discovered in storehouses across Toronto.

The New York Times called him “the world’s most prolific bicycle thief.” Now, Kenk’s story, based on over 30 hours of video interviews, has been turned into a graphic novel called Kenk (Pop Sandbox, $28). Kenk, it turns out, is a fascinating character, and the gritty black-and-white illustrations, along with his bizarre ruminations on life, western society and bikes, bring him to vivid life.

you know you aLways wanted that van Like most remakes of late, the new A-Team movie is probably going to suck. Don’t be a fool and sully your image of TV’s original crack commando team. Instead, buy this box set (check out the box—it’s their van!), which features all 98 episodes on 25 discs and makes a perfect replacement for those portraits of your in-laws on the mantle. $90

this month's BLog we wish we'd thought of www.nerdboyfriend.com

this is happening

two words: sookie stackhouse you are what you eat Texas-based photographer Mark Menjivar recently spent three years traveling across the country, photographing the contents of ordinary American fridges for a series called “You Are What You Eat.” The one in this photo belongs to a bartender in San Antonio. View the rest of his photographs at www.markmenjivar.com.

If you watched the first two seasons of True Blood, HBO’s incredibly addictive show about sexy vampires in small-town Louisiana, you’re as eager as we are for season three, which premieres on June 13.

From its opening credits—a creepy homemovie montage of sex, voodoo and roadkill—to its cast of sultry vamps (including a frequently scantily-clad Anna Paquin), it’s perfect summertime TV.

In what frontman James Murphy has reportedly declared will be the last album ever from legendary electrorock outfit LCD Soundsystem, This Is Happening (DFA) is a snarky, dance-happy return to form. The soundtrack to summer? We’ll go there. eND

26 JUNE 2010 sharpformEN.com

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SHARP WOMAN GUIDE LOOK BETTER • FEEL BETTER • KNOW MORE

RACHEL WILSON AGE:

32 Actress St. Catharines,

OCCUPATION: HOMETOWN:

Ontario The CBC series Republic of Doyle, the second season of which begins filming this summer.

BIG BREAK: Breaker High, a late ’90s Canadian teen dramcom, as Tamira Goldstein, the quirky small-town girl.

ON HER iPOD: “I’ve been listening a lot lately to a band called Empire of the Sun, because I like it for running, and I’m a big Bon Iver fan.”

WHAT MAKES HER LAUGH: Ricky Gervais and Will Ferrell. She somewhat reluctantly admits that she’s seen Land of the Lost twice.

WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HER:

ROLES THAT SHE’D TAKE BACK:

“I really don’t have any regrets. Every acting role you can learn something from— even if it’s not the most high calibre job you’ve ever had.”

BEST BOOKS SHE’S READ: The Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje.

IF SHE COULD WORK IN ANY OTHER FIELD: “I would love to do something with music… like scoring a soundtrack for a film. I like setting things to music, but I feel like it’s a little too late to be in a rock band.”

JORDAN DYKSTRA

PHOTO: MARIO MIOTTI STYLING: TARA MOBAYEN MAKE-UP: LI ZHENG, PRODUCT COURTESY OF MAC AND YABY COSMETICS HAIR: ISABELLE FOURE

ONLINE for more sharp women, visit sharpformen.com

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BLEED TRIM

LIVE

Guide sharp travel

U le

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The Sharp Traveler: Cape Town

While soccer will be the main attraction in South Africa's cultural capital this summer, as ever, it's a great place to eat, drink and swim with the sharks. by Matt Currie Stay The Mount Nelson Hotel The Mount Nelson Hotel is as good as it gets in South Africa (or anywhere else on the continent, for that matter). A century-old fivestar estate surrounded by lush gardens, the Nelson has 201 elegant rooms and suites in addition to a champagne bar and two of the region’s best restaurants, the Oasis and the Cape Colony. Better yet, it’s within 5 km of the beach and popular tourist haunts like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. ➸ 76 Orange Street, 021-483-1737, mountnelson.co.za

Shop Pan African Market The Pan African Market on Long Street is packed with vendors selling locally made tribal masks, drums, handwoven fabrics and garments representing the cultures of 14 different countries. ➸ 76 Long Street, Cape Town Central, 021-426-4478

Eat The Tasting Room Cape Town is home to some of the best high-end cuisine on the continent. We recommend The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français hotel in the Franschhoek winelands. Chef Margot Janse’s fusion of European tradition with African ingredients has landed Le Quartier Français on the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for five years running. And really, what’s the point of coming to Africa if you’re not going to try some coffee-roasted warthog loin? ➸ 16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, 021-876-2151, lequartier.co.za/cuisine/the-tasting-room

Baía If you’re eating in the city, enjoy seaside and harbourfront views at Baía on the Victoria Wharf, where fresh seafood is the specialty.

The menu includes mainstays like seared tuna and Alaskan crab, but local catches, including Moçambican curry prawns and grilled kingklip with crayfish thermador are compulsory. Be sure to book a table on the terrace; the nighttime view is more than worth the visit on its own. ➸ Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, 021-421-0935, baiarestaurant.co.za 28 JUNE 2010 sharpformen.com

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Drink Kennedy’s Cigar Lounge After dinner, finish off the evening with a trip downtown to Heritage Square for scotch and stogies at Kennedy’s Cigar Lounge. Kick back and enjoy some live jazz while puffing a Dunhill Churchill, or a Hoyo Epicure No. 2, if you’re feeling flush. After you get a few glasses of the good stuff in you, head upstairs for some sing-along in the piano lounge. ➸ 251 Long Street, 021-424-1212, kennedys.co.za

Franschhoek valley region Should the traffic and soccer mania of the city become tiresome, the Cape’s stellar wine country is under an hour away. Stop off at the picturesque Franschhoek valley region, which boasts 45 vineyards, both large and small. We recommend walking the intimate grounds of Lynx Wines and sampling their modest roster of reds, highlighted by an intriguing Michelangelo-award-winning, Bordeaux-style blend dubbed Xanache. ➸ R301, Franschhoek, 021-867-0406, lynxwines.co.za

Do Table Mountain In between matches at the brand new Green Point Stadium, you’ll find that Cape Town has a pretty diverse array of things to keep you occupied. At the top of the list is Table Mountain. Peaking at 1,087 m above sea level, this massive flat-topped rock offers a spectacular view of the city and coastline, as well as indigenous plants and wildlife. Hike to the top along one of several trails, or ride up on the cable car. ➸ 021-424-8181, tablemountain.net

Shark Diving Mountain trekking not exciting enough? How about testing your mettle against nature’s greatest killing machine? Shark Adventures will take you out on the ocean blue, fit you with scuba gear and plunk you down with the great whites (in a cage, of course). Boats run daily to Seal Island in False Bay and Dyer Island in Gansbaai. If you catch the former, keep an eye out for the region’s famous flying white sharks. ➸ 11 Faure Street, Gordons Bay, 021- 856-4055, sharkadventures.co.za

ONLINE visit sharpformen.com for more 48 hours destinations

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V 1w

To pos tra to Acc wit 1

Unlike most other cards, the TD First Class Visa Card lets you pay for any travel with points.

Flights

Cruises

Jet Ski rentals

Resort vacations

Hotel reservations

Car rentals

Use TD Points to pay for any travel.

DO MORE

with the TD First Class Visa Card.

The TD First Class* Visa* Infinite Card is the travel rewards card you’ll find more rewarding. It lets you use your TD Points to pay for hotel reservations, resort vacations, car rentals, train tickets, cruises, even airport parking and taxes.1 In fact, any travel you charge to your card can be paid for with your TD Points. Simply put, it’s the travel rewards card that gets you more.

Apply today and get 20,000 Bonus Points upon approval.2 Visit a TD Canada Trust branch 1-888-660-5963 www.tdcanadatrust.com/firstclasstravel To redeem TD Points for travel purchases charged to your Card that are not booked through the TD Visa Travel Rewards Centre (the “Centre”), Cardholder must contact the Centre after the travel purchase has been posted to the Account and within 90 days from the transaction date of the travel purchase. The required TD Points will be redeemed from the TD Points balance available on the date TD Points are redeemed for the travel purchase, not the transaction date of the travel purchase. The amount that will be credited toward the travel purchase will be equal to the value of the TD Points redeemed. If there are insufficient TD Points available to cover the entire amount of the travel purchase, the Account will only be credited by the value of the TD Points redeemed. Any amount of the travel purchase not covered by the TD Points redeemed will remain on the Account for payment. 2Applies to new TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Accounts only. Bonus TD Points will be awarded to the new Account upon approval. Offer may be changed, extended or withdrawn at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer. *Trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

1

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Guide sharp music LOOK BETTER • FEEL BETTER • KNOW MORE

Prodigal sons

If your old man happens to be a rock ’n’ roll legend, it can be tough to go out on your own.

Here’s how some of the best—and worst—have handled it.

By mark teo

Justin Townes Earle

Trace Cyrus

Jakob Dylan

Rufus Wainwright

Nas

His adopted father wrote “Achy Breaky Heart.” His sister’s Hannah Montana. So, 21-year-old Trace did the only thing he could do: cover himself in paint-by-numbers tattoos and form Metro Station, perhaps the Cyrus clan’s most irritating contribution to the pop-detritus canon to date.

Songs such as their MySpace smash, “Seventeen Forever,” aren’t terrible—if you’re a tween or a pederast. Joking aside, Metro Station—for whom Cyrus provided vocals and guitar—played a brand of blandly emotive, vaguely retro electro-schlock; we’d hesitate to call them ’80s influenced, because we don’t remember the decade sounding that bad.

The good news: Trace mercifully put Metro Station to its end in March. The bad news? He’s in a new band, Ashland High.

That “One Headlight” is still an adult-contemporary hit a decade after its release is one thing. That The Wallflowers existed well into the 2000s is yet another. But that 2010’s Women and Country, Jakob Dylan’s sophomore solo release, is a damn good record—well, that’s especially surprising. Not that the talent’s never been there—the younger Dylan’s always been an underrated songwriter—but it looks like, at the tender age of 40, he’s finally emerging from Bob’s shadow.

He’s not a frenetic rambler like his pops, but Women is a stripped down, mid-tempo affair owing as much to dusty heartland Americana as it does to his royal lineage. Of course, having Neko Case as a backup singer never hurts either.

Rufus Wainwright’s been places—and we’re not just talking about his time spent at McGill’s esteemed music program. He came out of the closet in his teens. He was raped as a 14-year-old in London. He spent nearly a decade celibate. He went blind temporarily after an addiction to crystal meth.

And he somehow managed to pen a classical musicinflected opus, Prima Donna, along the way. Although he’s since been estranged from his father, former M*A*S*H* star and folk singer Loudon Wainwright III, his bloodlines are still evident. Classically trained, with an ear for the operatic, the 36-year-old’s sixth studio album, 2010’s All Days Are Night, is an achingly beautiful, piano-driven opus.

Despite the title of his 2002 album, God’s Son, we were disappointed to learn that Nas’s father is very much a man of flesh and blood—and he’s an accomplished avant-garde jazz musician named Charles Jones III, better-known as Olu Dara. And while he’s no Miles Davis, Dara’s certainly left an impact on his son. Conversational, lyrical and literate, Nas is one of the finest MCs walking the planet: he took Jay-Z down a peg with “Ether,” one of the brainiest and most seething diss tracks of all time.

He brought out the best in DJ Premier and Dr. Dre, both legends in their own rights. That, and he debuted with Illmatic, arguably the best New York hip-hop LP ever produced.

His latest? Distant Relatives, a collaboration with yet another famous son, Damian Marley.

Models: (RIGHT PAGE) Wade and Wayne, both from Ford Models.

On his sophomore 2009 LP, Midnight at the Movies, Justin Townes Earle finally admitted that he is “his father’s son.” Well, duh. But while apprenticing with Steve Earle’s touring group as a teenager, he picked up a few of his old man’s bad habits; Justin claims he’d overdosed five times by the time he’d reached reaching legal drinking age. But beyond the penchant for substances, he picked up plenty of tricks from Earle Sr.: Midnight, along with his full-length The Good Life and his debut EP Yuma, reveals a sublimely talented songwriter balancing Van Zandt’s finger-picking prowess, the frenetic energy of Bakersfield country and a healthy dose of honky-tonk swagger. He might not be ballsy enough to pen his own “John Walker’s Blues,” but we get the feeling that, at 28, we’ve yet to see Justin’s best.

30 JUNE 2010 sharpformen.com

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sharp styLE guide

modELs: (right pagE) wadE aNd wayNE, both from ford modELs.

Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

Biker styLE Two fresh looks for the discerning cyclist PHotoGraPHy by riCHarD sibbaLD FasHion DireCtion anD GrooMinG by Luke LanGsDaLe Cap ($40), Classic jersey with arm warmers ($195), Criterium gloves ($130) and Fixed shorts($190), all by Rapha. Sidi T2 carbon composite cycle shoes ($269); Timbuk2 custom design bag ($225).

Bike: DeVinci SL3 ($1,300), available at Curbside Cycle.

ONLINE

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Biking is a great way to get around in nice weather—not only will it take care of your weekly exercise quota, you’ll be doing your bit to reduce traffic and cut down on summertime smog. Best of all, though, spandex shorts need not be involved, thanks to the host of stylefriendly, high-performance gear that’s now available. Not only has there never been a better time to hit the road on two wheels, it’s never been easier to look good doing it.

Windproof/waterproof Arcteryx Veilance Blazer LT ($700); I/O Bio Contact Crew merino wool jersey ($70); Patagonia Utility Pants ($85) available at MEC; Brooks Cascadia 5 trail running shoes ($150). Bike: Pashley Guv’nor ($2,000) available at Curbside Cycle.

for reviews of all the biking gear on this page and more, visit sharpformen.com

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Guide sharp movies LOOK BETTER • FEEL BETTER • KNOW MORE

A Word with Big

Chris Noth was in town recently promoting his new line of BioTherm Homme products, and we took the opportunity to talk to the Sex and the City star about life, literature and the importance of being able to do what you love.

By Leo Petaccia

when your woman scolds you for forgetting the little things, like the breakfasts in bed, the surprise flowers and the last-minute weekend jaunts to New York City, blame it all on this guy. Ever since he first seduced Sarah Jessica Parker as the hotshot millionaire on Sex and the City, Mr. Big (as he is known to his legion of Jimmy Choo-wearing, martini-swilling devotees) has personified what smart, single women of a certain age really want in a man: charm, sophistication and, of course, a diamond worth more than your mortgage. But beneath the bravado and moneyed sheen, Big is actually not that guy. He’s Chris Noth, and the only thing extravagant about him is his appetite for the simpler things in life, like poetry, philosophy and nature—which are way cooler than any diamond ring. If only more women felt the same way.

➸ Name: Chris Noth ➸ You know him as: Detective Mike Logan on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Mr. Big from the Sex and the City movie and HBO series. ➸ Born: Madison County, Wisconsin, U.S.A. ➸ On success: Never ever pursue success for the frivolous idea of fame. Pursue it for your own betterment, for your own personal development. ➸ On theatre: I studied at Marlboro College in Vermont, a very small but superb school. They had a great arts and theatre program. I initially got involved just to have some fun. Gradually, I started to take my fun more seriously. I became more in touch with my acting talents, which I had never anticipated. I was planning to become a writer. I’m kind of happy I didn’t.

I just didn’t have the chops.

➸ On literature: I’m a voracious reader. I love Robert Frost, who has to be the most misunderstood poet of our time, as well as anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is up there. I’m also a big biography nut. ➸ On Homer, Plato and all those other guys: These are works that speak to today. ➸ On inspiration: When I need inspiration, I think back to my life in college. I have a vast curiosity about history, literature and philosophy. Those things inspire me to no end. Learning inspires me immensely, the very act of it. Anyone who hasn’t experienced college of some sort is a poor, poor soul. ➸ On the wisest piece of advice he’s ever been given: Find out what you love to do and just do it. It’s a lot harder than it sounds.

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BOYS WILL BE Lifford Wine Agency is hosting the fourth annual Boys’ Night Out event. It’s a celebration of guys’ stuff cleverly disguised as a sophisticated wine tasting. Hot cars, boats, golf, fine wine, steaks, live entertainment, oysters, motorcycles, music, bbq, auctions and much more.

Proceeds will benefit prostate cancer research.

Audi Downtown Toronto, 328 Bayview Avenue.

Thursday, July 8th, 7pm to 10pm.

Tickets are $100. To order or for more details visit www.LiffordBoysNightOut.com Call 416 440 4101or email wineevents@liffordwine.com

JEROBOAM SPONSOR

MAGNUM SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

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guide sharp party pLaNNEr Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

sUmmEr ENtErtaiNiNg: the terraZZo party August is an important month in Italy. It marks the beginning of “Ferragosto,” the country’s month-long holiday. That’s right, a month long. See, in Europe, a month off work every year isn’t seen so much as an extravagance as a necessity. Civilized, no? A weekly staple of Ferragosto is the traditional terrazzo party, essentially a lively al fresco gathering celebrating balmy weather, good food and friends. You don’t need a month of holidays to throw your own Ferragosto party (although it surely wouldn’t hurt), so long as these five elements are observed. Buona fortuna.

THE LOOK To be Italian for one night is to know that style isn’t just about wearing the fanciest or most expensive clothes, it’s about looking good and feeling comfortable. Go for effortless, classy pieces. A well-cut linen suit, a pair of aviator shades and handmade leather loafers would be a good place to start. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Italians have made an art of this (try and think of anyone else who can pull off leather sandals with blazers).

THE FARE Italians love to share food, especially at these kinds of soirees. That said, never be without a big antipasti platter, with marinated vegetables, cured meats (don’t forget the prosciutto and the carpaccio) and Italian cheeses. Get some steaks, sausages (Italian, of course) and fresh anchovies and sardines for the grill, too. The latter will land you some serious respect from the actual Italians in attendance. So will a “porchetta,” a savoury, garlic and rosemary-stuffed boneless pork roast that’s cooked over wood, a Roman specialty.

THE GRILL Why use a regular barbeque when your grill can be a work of art? Fuego’s “01,” with its clean lines and modern looks, was conceived by Apple’s former director of design—and looks as desirably high-tech as any new Macbook. It’s constructed from stainless steel, with slate counter surfaces and teak accents, and it's compact enough to fit nicely on a balcony or rooftop patio. Should the wind pick up, just raise the Fuego’s fully retractable weather lid.

the definitive terraZZo party pLayList: Save the Bocelli for your mom’s birthday. Terrazzo parties call for music that’s upbeat, classy, and with just a hint of Italian-inspiration.

Consider this a basic framework for the night’s soundtrack, and let your creativity take over.

1. Luck Be a Lady Frank Sinatra 2. Big Easy Raphael Saadiq 3. This Is Jazz Miles Davis 4. Rags to Riches Tony Bennet 5. Ain’t That a Kick in the Head Dean Martin 6. Parlami d’amore, Mariu Giuseppe di Stefano 7. 100 Days, 100 Nights Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings 8. Money I$ King Lee Fields & the Expressions 9. This Is What You Are Mario Biondi & The High Five Quintet 10. Going Up the Country Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

THE AMBIENCE A terrazzo party is all about ambience. Have the scene ready with sleek sofas (the simpler, the better), comfortable chairs and two or three rustic wooden tables lined with food and drink. Vintage Italian film posters on the walls can help set the scene (include Cinema Paradiso and anything Johnny Stecchino). Lighting should be on the softer side of things, and make sure your musical selections channel easy summertime sophistication.

(Tip: Sinatra should be there—see sidebar.)

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sharp party pLaNNEr guide Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

THE 3 BEST TERRACES IN CANADA Don’t have a terrace of your own? No problem. Canada’s got a wealth of them. Here are three of the best we found—get your group together and take one over for the night. Not only will you not have to play bartender, you won’t have to clean up, either.

VANCOUVER

TORONTO

MONTREAL

Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront houses a rooftop terrace with unbeatable views of the city’s harbour and skyline, and it can easily accommodate big parties. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, go with the Terrace Room, which has its own private harbour garden and mountain view patio. fairmont.com/waterfront

Nestled in Toronto’s trendy west end, the Drake Hotel’s Sky Yard is the go-to hangout for modish downtown professionals, as well as artists and musicians from the neighbourhood. The patio is furnished with daybeds, the mojitos are famous, and the hotel specializes in private functions. thedrakehotel.ca

The terrace of Suite 701, located on the roof of the Hotel le Place d’Armes in Old Montreal, is the closest thing to a European-style terrace you’ll find in this country.

The mood here is always relaxed, the martini options abound and a special evening menu features award-winning Quebec cheeses and antipasti. suite701.com

THE DRINKS When it comes to beverages, you’ll want to cover all your bases. Keep these five flowing all night and everything should go swimmingly.

PERONI

RED WINE

WHITE WINE

CAMPARI

SAN PELLEGRINO

Peroni is a solid summer beer, chiefly because of its crisp, hoppy body and clean finish. Pair with chicken, fish or grilled panini sandwiches.

Barolo, a bold, hearty wine from the Piedmont region, is a sure bet. For a lighter, fruitier option, try Bardolino served chilled.

Two words: Pinot Grigio.

Or, to impress the sommeliers in the crowd, try Gavi, a drier, delicate white with hints of grapefruit and honey.

This aperitif is made of herbs and fruit steeped in alcohol and is the key ingredient to a Negroni, along with equal parts gin and sweet vermouth.

Not everyone’s a drinker, so be prepared for it.

Make some of this Italian sparkling spring water into a fruit soda by mixing it with lemonade.

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guide sharp boozE Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

sparkLing wine cocktaiLs three miXed drinks that put cava, champagne and prosecco to good use

3

Sparkling wine—whether it goes by Champagne, or any other name—is great on its own. It also, however, mixes a mean cocktail. Try these three with brunch, or at your next warm-weather party.

cÔte d’aZur 1

2

a sparkLiNg wine primer

Champagne is great, but there’s much more to the world of bubbly.

Here’s what you need to know before you pop your next cork. by suZan yuM

bubbly and the resounding “pop” of a cork have become synonymous with celebration—be it a wedding, a birthday or the end of a Formula One race. However, sparkling wine need not only be reserved for special occasions. With its crisp, bracing acidity, sparkling wine is a great companion for a wide variety of foods (especially seafood, spicy Asian dishes or deep-fried foods) and a great drink for summer.

There are two main ways winemakers create the fizz: the tank method and the traditional method, a.k.a. méthode champenoise.

The traditional method is labour-and timeintensive, but enhances the complexity of the wine. Yeast and sugar are added to still wine, then bottled and sealed. These ingredients induce a secondary fermentation, which produces CO2. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on the lees (deposits of remaining dead yeast), which add toasty, bready notes to the aromas and flavours. Although champagne is the gold standard, Crémant from other regions of France and Cava from Spain also use méthode champenoise to create their wines.

Predictably, in the tank method, the secondary fermentation occurs in a sealed tank. Once CO2 has been dissolved into the wine, the final product is bottled under pressure. Prosecco, produced in northeastern Italy, is a popular

example of this type of sparkling wine, and because it is not aged on lees, it is refreshing and crisp, with lively flavours of citrus and stone fruit. Here are a few we recommend:

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ONLINE

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1

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva

Surprisingly elegant and flavourful, considering its price range, this medium-bodied Cava has a nose of yeast, green apple and a hint of citrus, and finishes on a clean, dry note. This great-value sparkler from Spain is also made in the traditional style, with local Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes. $14 2

Skillogalee Sparkling Riesling

Made from 100% hand-picked grapes grown in the Clare Valley, this lively, medium-bodied drink is made in the traditional style, with approximately two years of aging on lees. Although this fizzy wine is a model Riesling with its great acidity and fruity aromas and flavours, there is a bonus nose of toasty yeast that adds complexity. $20 3

2 oz. Crémant Brut (or other dry French sparkling wine) 1 oz. premium vodka 1 red plum 1 oz. fresh-squeezed orange juice 1 tbsp. Creme de Cassis Cut plum in half and remove skin, pit.

Muddle plum in shaker before adding vodka and orange juice. Shake well with ice. Fill tall glass with ice and drizzle cassis prior to adding shaker’s contents. Add Champagne gradually while stirring.

sassari 3 oz. Prosecco 1 ripe white nectarine 1 tsp. Campari Halve the nectarine. Thinly slice half and place one slice in the base of a flute, accompanied by some nectarine juice, which you can extract from the other half with a citrus juicer. Fill with Prosecco and several drops of Campari. Stir gently.

cataLan

2 oz. red wine (Tempranillo or Garnacha, if possible) 2 oz. Cava 1 blood orange 1/2 oz. dark rum or Cremat (Catalan burned rum) Seasonal berries Shake juice from blood orange over ice with wine, adding Cremat sparingly. Fill tall glass with ice and combine mixture with Cava. Garnish with berries.

JoHn Martin MaCDonaLD

John Martin Macdonald is a resident mixologist at Spice Route in Toronto

13th Street Cuveé 13 Rosé 2006

This Niagara sparkling wine is created with a blend of traditional Champagne grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a secondary bottle fermentation. Don’t let the colour fool you. This stylish bubbly may be a salmon shade of pink, but it is also dry and crisp with tasty aromas of strawberry, spice and toast. Real men drink pink. $25 for wine recommendations and recipes from the book of tapas, visit sharpformen.com

10-06-08 10:51 AM

sharp food guide Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

iN sEarch of thE worLd’s Best steak Grass-fed or corn? Dry-aged or wet? Angus or Kobe?

The answers, plus a few words on eating tongue. by aLbert rose

like many of us, mark schatzker loves steak. But unlike most of us, he loves steak so much that he recently spent three years of his life researching, traveling the world and eating countless rib-eyes, tenderloins and T-bones in search of the very best beef known to man. His conclusion?

A truly great steak is as wonderful as it is hard to find. Schatzker’s new book, Steak: One Man’s Search for the World’s Tastiest Piece of Beef (Penguin, $33), takes him from the feedlots of Texas to the Pampas of Argentina to the famed Wagyu steakhouses of Japan, where he talks to butchers, ranchers, scientists and “beef loyals,” in his hunt for perfection, done medium-rare.

We spoke to him about what makes a steak great, as well as where to find one a little closer to home.

and so was the absolute best. It’s much more difficult to do—it’s just very easy to get cattle fat on grain—but when it’s done well, it’s just incredibly good.

how important is marBLing in steak?

transLate to Better steak?

The reason we think of it so highly is because of effective marketing. It can be meaningful, but it’s often not meaningful at all. I think it was important at one time, but what’s happened since then is that the industry has just gotten extremely good at producing marbled beef very cheaply and very efficiently, using genetically modified corn and hormones and all sorts of things that ramp up production and bring costs down. Marbling basically tells you that a cow has eaten a high-energy diet, but it’s what that diet consists of that’s going to contribute to the flavour.

I think there’s something valid to aging, but there’s a lot of marketing going on. You shouldn’t need to age a steak for 60 days for it to be good. I’ve had steak that was aged for five days that was outstanding. That’s not to say that all steak should be aged for five days, but I think two or three weeks is ideal. Wet aging is good, too. There are differences, but I think the quality is going to have more to do with the piece of meat that you’re aging than the aging itself. You can’t save a lousy piece of meat with aging.

does grass-fed Beef have Better fLavour?

Here’s the thing: there are no easy answers.

If you want to make good steak, it’s hard. It takes a lot of work and it’s not just a matter

My finding about grass-fed was this: the absolute worst steak I ate was grass-fed, ONLINE

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terms Like angus and koBe appear on menus a Lot. are they important?

They can be important, the problem is the terms are meaningless. A lot of what’s sold as Angus or Kobe beef are at best crossbreeds, which is to say they’re half something else, or sometimes not even half.

Breeds in themselves have certain differences in them, but what you buy—what’s marketed as a breed—isn’t necessarily going to reflect that. There’s just a tremendous amount of BS in the beef world, as you can tell. what aBout aging? does more aging

what’s the Best way to go aBout Buying steak?

for directions on how to grill the perfect steak, visit sharpformen.com

of organic or grass-fed. It’s a whole bunch of things. I think it’s important to ask if they’ve been using things like hormones or antibiotics. Not to say it has to be organic, but that tells you something about the values of the person raising it. Are they just trying to create something cheap and sell it or are they trying to create a better product? I think you should ask what age it was when it was slaughtered. Anything earlier than 20 months, you should probably be wary of that. It really helps to know what it ate. That’s probably the most important thing—something that has eaten grass will have a very different flavour profile than something that’s eaten grain. you say a Lot of nice things aBout tongue in your Book. underrated cut?

It’s a hugely underrated cut. I adore tongue.

Especially the way the Japanese do it—thinly sliced and grilled on a very hot flame. It is delicious. A good butcher shop will be able to get it for you, and the best thing to do is get it kind of half-frozen from the freezer, it’s easier to cut that way, and then you kind of cut the skin off it and you’re left with what almost looks like a mini tenderloin, and then you just slice it thinly across the grain and grill it. where to Buy it: The best steak Mark Schatzker found on his journey was from Alderspring Ranch in the mountains of Idaho. They sell their beef online at www.alderspring.com. He also has good things to say about the steaks from Beefalo Meats (www.beefalomeats.com) and Tallgrass Beef (www.tallgrassbeef.com). sharpformEN.com JUNE 2010 37

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Guide sharp grooming LOOK BETTER • FEEL BETTER • KNOW MORE

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sharp groomiNg guide Look bEttEr • fEEL bEttEr • kNow morE

protect yoUr hidE Five Solutions for Summer Skincare Like smoking, tanning makes you old, and fast. Exposure to UV rays will make your skin look like well-worn leather, a look that works for Greek fishermen and people who live on communes in New Mexico, but probably not for you. If you’re going to be in the sun a lot this summer, use protection.

1 Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 85

One of the most stubborn sunscreens you’ll find.

Not water, sweating, rubbing or wiping will wear this stuff off. An SPF of 85 means you can go longer under the sun without reapplying. Hairier men should use this since it absorbs through hair quicker. $13 2

L’Occitane Ultra Moisturizing Fluid SPF 20

A rich fluid that doubles as an intensive moisturizer. It’ll keep drier-than-normal skin wellhydrated and UV-protected for up to 24 hours, so long as a liberal amount gets applied every morning (or any time you’re out in the sun, for that matter). $40 3

Kiehl’s Cross Terrain UV Skin Protector SPF 50

For the man of adventure. It has a unique wax texture, which aids in resisting water and sweat.

A generous application to your face and body will help protect against the most extreme elemental damage, namely sunburn and windburn. $32 4

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

If you’ve spent a few hours in the sun without proper protection, consider this your skin’s rescue cream. It’s enriched with seaweed extracts and botanicals to cool irritated and sunburned skin, as well as glycolipids, molecules that help keep skin cell proteins healthy. $41 5

LAB Series Daily Defense Lotion SPF 15

This one’s not as gloppy as most lotions, so don’t worry if it disappears quickly after rubbing it on. Guards against UV rays, as well as city pollution and smoke. If you live, work and play downtown, look no further. It’s also infused with antioxidants to help keep crow’s feet at bay. $50 ONLINE

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thE wELL-groomEd

man

Staying kempt can be a tricky business. Our award-winning grooming editor, Leo Petaccia, answers your questions.

Burn!

I’m going to be traveling to South Africa this summer and I’m prone to sunburns. I always wear sunblock, but in case it happens, what’s the best and easiest way to treat one? raf, victoria, bc

first, jump into a cold bath. this won’t feel pleasant, but it’ll reduce the temperature of your skin quickly. Next, “apply a mild topical steroid to the affected area, like Cortate, as well as a thick, greasy moisturizer or a calamine lotion,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist based in Toronto.

“Take a couple of ibuprofen pills as well, if the pain is intense, make sure the area is well protected for the next six months or it’ll get burned again pretty easily.” the pits Why the hell do I keep getting yellow armpit stains on my shirts? I always use an antiperspirant, but they keep showing up. Help. hugh, lethbridge, ab

that’s your problem right there, Hugh, antiperspirants. Antiperspirants are great for things like hyperhydrosis (profuse sweating), or for business professionals who can’t afford to be walking around with puddles under their arms. But the thing is, most antiperspirants tend to contain a high amount of aluminum chloride, and that’s the stuff causing those pit stains on your shirt. Switch to a deodorant and you’ll be fine. mechanic’s hands I recently bought a ’67 Corvette and I’m restoring it in my spare time. Thing is, it’s next to impossible to get the grease and oil

for more grooming tips, visit sharpformen.com send your grooming questions to groomingtips@sharpformen.com

out of my hands with regular soaps. What would you recommend?

sean, stratford, on

my old man’s a classic car nut and he’s gone through enough soaps to settle on one, and that’s Cherry Bomb ($100, available on amazon.com). The guy swears by it.

It gets rid of dirt and grime in seconds and, better yet, it won’t roughen or damage your skin. Another good method is mixing dish soap and sugar (which acts as a pumice).

The grease won’t come off as quickly, but it works. sunscreen vs. sunBLock: Sunblock has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (that white stuff your granddad puts on his nose before gardening). These components physically block UV rays. Sunscreens have chemicals like avobenzone, mexoryl and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays (if you’ve got sensitive skin, stick to sunblock). Both will do the job, but remember: the lower the SPF level and longer you stay in the sun, the more you should reapply.

Fact: “Broad Spectrum Protection”: Some of the sun lotions and sprays you’ll come across will have this printed on the label. This denotes a higher quality product because it’ll guard your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. What’s the difference between the two? UVA rays penetrate the skin cell, causing damage, mutation and premature aging, while UVB rays burn the surface of the skin.

With thanks to Dr. Benjamin Barankin of The Dermatology Centre in Toronto.

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T H E

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sharpformen.com SharpForMen.com just got a heck of a lot better. Whether you’re on an iPad, iPhone or Android-based gizmo (or even an old-fashioned desktop computer), you’ll be able to watch our videos, flip through full layouts from our past issues and take advantage of everything the new site has to offer.

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wiN aN apple ipaD p.89 Sharp woman New interviews, profiles and Q&A’s with our favourite leading ladies, supermodels and songstresses every week. Plus pictures, of course. Lots of them.

entertainment From film reviews to actor interviews to album reviews to what should be playing on your iPod right now, SharpForMen.com has got you covered.

Grooming Whether it’s the newest fragrance, the latest in skin care technology or that new barbering studio opening up down the street, you better believe we’re on it. Plus answers to your grooming questions.

The Magazine Missed your chance to get your hands on our latest issue? Want to take

another look at that story you loved last summer?

We’ve got it all here.

opinions on all the biggest happenings on the frontiers of science.

The 10

Cars

Top 10 lists of everything you’re into, from clothes to fitness to travel to technology.

Insightful reviews on all kinds of cars can be found here, plus videos from our road tests of some of the world’s most desirable automobiles.

Galleries The perfect remedy for those dreaded three o’clock doldrums (especially when we post our yearly tribute to the Pirelli Calendar) this is your quick eye-candy fix.

Quick Hits Look here regularly for up-to-the-moment stories about everything Sharp covers, in handy newsbite-sized chunks.

Tech Constantly updated with in-depth gadget reviews, as well as reports and

Contests Check the home page regularly for your chance to win the stuff you see in the magazine, like grooming supplies, gadgets and clothes.

Food & Drink From reviews of rare single-malts to recipes for the best summer cocktails to how to grill the perfect steak, you’ll find it here.

Ask Sharp Do you want to know how to calibrate your HD TV

for the best picture possible? How about gut a salmon? Got a last minute dinner party, but not the slightest clue of what to prepare in a pinch? The answers to these and more.

Sharp TV Our own HD video channel dedicated to cars, travel, food, fashion and all things Sharp.

Sharp insider Our daily newsletter.

Sign up for insider news, reviews, breaking stories, style advice, grooming tips and more.

Style By clicking here, you’ll always be up to date on the newest and best men’s clothes, from the best designers in Canada and around the world. sharpformEN.com JUNE 2010 41

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Tribute toDadinFour Parts A

By the editors of Sharp

Dear Reader,

We know what you’re thinking—“My old man doesn’t care about Father’s Day or presents, just that I lead a happy and healthy life,” and that’s fine. Maybe it’s even partly true. But we’re going let you in on a little secret: when he says, “Don’t get me anything,” he’s really saying, “Don’t get me anything I won’t find a use for.” Luckily, you’ll see that everything on the following pages is not only quite useful, but also well-made and nice to look at. We also know all dads aren’t the same—the one who spends his weekends wearing hip waders and stalking trout will not necessarily want the same gift as the one who spends his evenings poring over tech blogs and pre-ordering his next smartphone. With that in mind, we customized this guide for one purpose—so that you’ll find at least one thing that’s meant for him and only him. Now go out and spoil the shit out of dad. You owe it to the guy. After all, he was brave enough to raise you.

Regards, Ed.

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O U T D O O R S M A N p.44

T E C H N O P H I L E p.46

E X E C U T I V E p.48

G A S T R O N O M E p.50

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thomas aND thomas whisper-lite Fly roD & saracioNe mark iV 3-1/4� black-aNDgolD reel Thomas and Thomas makes rods fit for royalty. No, seriously, Ronald Reagan gave a pair to Charles and Diana in 1982 (Charles must have been chuffed—Lady Di probably less so).

The Whisper-Lite rod is accurate, consistent and excels in small stream flyfishing. Saracione reels are world renowned for their precision-tooled quality, peerless style and supreme functionality. roD: FroM $550 reel: $950 CourTeSY oF WIlSon'S

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The

Outdoorsman:

His idea of a leisurely long weekend involves scaling a small mountain, twice. For him, if dinner can’t be caught it isn’t worth eating, and there’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a multi-tool, a roll of duct tape and a handful of river moss.

1. orVis carib straw traVeler hat An elegant alternative to that faded baseball cap, but just as packable, this water-repellent Panama-style hat has a loosely woven crown that allows your head to breathe, while the tight-woven brim maintains its great shape, even after a long haul in a suitcase. $70

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2. reD caNoe caNaDiaN FielD carDigaN With their range of vintage Canadian and aviation-inspired apparel, Red Canoe makes some very stylish outdoor gear. It’s also one of those rare brands that draws from a thoroughly man-coloured swatch book. This sweater comes from their premium Black Canoe line, and is made from 100 percent merino wool with cotton twill detailing. $160

3. best maDe co. aXe 2 3

When it comes time to chop logs for the cabin’s wood-burning stove, nobody should be using a boy scout’s hatchet.

With an oil-treated, 61 cm hickory helve, a 0.79 kg head of fine grain steel and a beautifully painted lower handle, this hand-crafted axe is proof that man’s oldest tool still works (and looks) just fine. $185

4. biNoculars- olympus magellaN colemaN 8X25 wpi Who wants to carry a bulky pair of binoculars around their neck for any length of time, no matter how far you can see with them? This set of eagle-eyes is lightweight, compact and even waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about using it in the rain or on your next boating trip. Nitrogen filled, with high-quality BaK-4 roof prisms, not even fog can frustrate their focus, plus a special lens coating protects your eyes from UV rays. $130

5. laNgForD hbc caNoe 4

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There’s really nothing like paddling out onto a quiet, misty lake just as the sun is rising up over the trees. It reminds you of your childhood, when the Outdoorsman himself taught you how to do a proper J-stroke. Now’s your chance to pay back the old man with a beautiful 4.88 metre cedar plank and rib canoe built by Langford, Canada’s oldest canoe company. The HBC canoe is one of three designs commissioned to Langford by Canada’s oldest corporation to celebrate over 300 years of heritage. $6,500

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FatmaN itube carboN 2 In our societal push to make all things compact and convenient, there have been a few casualties, notably in the music field.

Sure, being able to carry around a massive archive of albums is handy, and attempts to make record players portable have never been fruitful, but music has become cold and digitized in the process. But don’t worry, there is a middle road, now that manufacturers are making amps with tubes again.

This combines the convenience of digital technology with the warmth of an old-fashioned vacuum tube. The valves on the Fatman iTube, a tube amp with an integrated iPod dock, glow mesmerizingly when it’s in use, but that’s nothing compared to how it sounds. $600

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The

Technophile:

His love for all things electronic is so intense that his man cave’s security system is modeled after the Pentagon’s. For him, old technology is anything that’s been around more than six months, and when he jokes about having his cell phone implanted directly in his brain because “it would just be easier,” he’s not really joking.

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1. harmaN karDoN gla-55 speakers These speakers reflect light as if they were carved out of rare crystal, and believe it or not, they sound even better than they look. With Atlas woofers and CMMD tweeters, the GLA-55 system is compatible with nearly any audio device.

They also feature touch-sensitive volume controls and Digital Signal Processing equalization. Who says men can’t appreciate shiny objects? $1,000

2. caNoN rebel t2i Taking the step from point-and-shoot to digital SLR can be a pretty intimidating move, but the Canon Rebel T2i is a great way to go from amateur to semi-pro in a snap. This 18.0 megapixel camera shoots well even in low light and it also takes great full HD movies. The Rebel T2i also comes equipped with layman features like Night Portrait and sports mode, and with simple controls and a compact design, this entry-level DSLR is accessible to any budding photographer. $1,000

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3. htc hero

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HTC’s third Android Phone, the HTC Hero, is one of the sleekest—not to mention most feature-heavy—of Android units out there. It boasts a bright touchscreen, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 5-megapixel camera, among other frills. The phone runs on “Sense,” HTC’s custom version of Google’s Android, which comes packed with unique applications, as well as support for multi-touch web browsing and Flash videos. $500

4. JawboNe bluetooth heaDset

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Gone are the days when the highlight of a Bluetooth headset was keeping both hands on the wheel. This tiny piece of tech can play stereo-quality music, podcasts, sports and even turn-by-turn driving instructions through apps uploaded from Jawbone’s Mytalk website. And the NoiseAssassin technology eliminates background sounds, so the Technophile will have no trouble following the conversation, no matter where he is. $130

5. paNasoNic 3D Vt series tV The first line of 3D TVs from Panasonic has arrived and offers full 1080p resolution. Unlike some competitors, the VT comes with the necessary 3D glasses, which constantly communicate with the TV set to give viewers a full HD 3D experience. The Infinite Black Pro display gives a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and the TV itself has four HDMI connections, two USB ports and ISFccc capability. Ranging from 50 to 65 inches. Starting at $3000

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New Watches, Classic Designs Wearing a vintage watch is a nice way to participate in fashion’s current obsession with the ’50s and ’60s without having to don a cravat or look like Austin Powers.

Many Swiss brands are introducing vintage-style watches this spring as part of a strategy to emphasize their heritage at a time when flash is, well, history. Models are culled from brand archives or introduced as new collections with a vintage design. The look is defined not so much by the era as the styling: domed crystals and dials, gorgeously elongated lugs with rounded or beveled finishing, minimalist dials and, in some cases, distressed finishes on the case or strap.

What is not vintage are the movements: these watches tick to the tune of modern mechanical calibres.

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Carol Besler 1. Concord C1 Vintage with a hammered (worn look) PVD case, faded bezel and “worked” strap, with automatic movement and rubber crown. $14,500

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2. TAG Heuer Silverstone automatic chronograph, in the original cushion-shaped case of the 1974 original, named for the Silverstone Circuit, an English racing track. $6,500 3. Longines Legend Diver, a reissue of a 1960 model, with 300metre water resistance, superluminova indices, in steel with an automatic movement. $2,600

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4. Tissot Visodate 1957, inspired by a design for Tissot’s centenary in 1957, in steel with PVD coating, large day/date window and automatic movement. $750 5. Tudor Glamour Day/Date in steel with double bezel, retro logo and styling, and leather strap. $2,020

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The

Executive:

By the time he turned 27, he owned a publicly traded company. He wears a different bespoke Italian suit each day of the week, and matches his watch to his belt and shoes. He is the reason why young women prefer older men.

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1. oliVer peoples altmaN suNglasses There are countless designer sunglasses out there, but few offer the distinct combination of vintage style, masculinity and handmade quality of British framesmaker Oliver Peoples. These understated frames, sans flashy logos, present a perfect combination of style, attitude and panache. $295

2. lotuFF aND clegg brieFcase It might be time to trade in that ratty old hard briefcase for something a little more sophisticated. This English brief is handmade from organically dyed leather that its makers assure only gets better with age—a statement they back with a lifetime warranty. $915

3. watermaN careNe coNtemporary black aND guNmetal roller ball peN

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After nearly 120 years of creating museum-quality writing instruments, the Waterman name adorns some of the finest pens money can buy. Designed and crafted in Nantes, France, the Carene Contemporary features a cross-etched gunmetal finish that is both modern and elegant. Available in roller ball, ball point and fountain pen. $265

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4. DuNhill seNtrymaN cuFFliNks & bullDog keyFob For the man who reaches for the stars, these exceptional cufflinks are made from nothing less exotic than black diamonds mixed with crushed pieces of meteorite.

The meteor itself slammed into the Argentinian countryside in 1576, and the region has since been referred to as Campo del Ciel (Field of Heaven) by locals. For the dog lover or the anglophile, this hand polished, sterling silver British bulldog keyfob is stately and refined, with just a touch of humour. $595 eACH

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5. ZegNa silk ties For any man with half a sense of style, ties are a vital element of expression in his daytime wardrobe. These ties will give even the most conservative suit an extra bit of flash, making the Executive look and feel like the sophisticated fellow he is. $180

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The

Gastronome:

1. COGNAC—COURVOISIER XO IMPERIAL

The only thing more refined than his knowledge of food is his palate. He takes trips to Europe solely to peruse farmer’s markets. No one dares use his good chef’s knives. You’d never tell your mom, but his lamb is still better than hers.

The XO stands for “extra old,” and it contains a blend of more than 40 cognacs, each between 20 and 35 years of age. It’s a complex combination of many aromas and flavours, including chocolate, caramel, fruit and oak.

Pour it neat and let it breathe for a minute before sipping. $215

2. PORT—TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE PORT 2007 2

A perfect growing year has resulted in a stylish, full-bodied port, showing layers of ripe fruit, followed by spice. It’s well-balanced, vibrant and not too sweet: admire the almostblack hue, take in the blackberry nose, and chew on the tannins. Buy him two—one for now, one to leave in the cellar for the next quarter-century. $140

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3. TEQUILA—MILAGRO SELECT BARREL RESERVE REPOSADO Bearing no relation to the salt-shot-lime-grimace variety, this tequila is for sipping. Estategrown blue agave is roasted, triple-distilled and aged for ten months in oak barrels for this honey-coloured spirit—four months longer than Milagro’s regular Reposado. Like fine whiskey, it unfolds in layers on the tongue: pepper, butter, earthy vegetables and toffee. $100

4. SCOTCH—GLENFIDDICH 30 Three decades of sleeping in sherry and bourbon casks gives this scotch a complex blend of subtle flavours—think chocolate, vanilla, dried fruit and honey—beautifully positioned between youthful anxiety and elderly sedateness.

Rich, sweet and satiny, this elegant single malt is best enjoyed after a good meal. $280

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5. BOURBON—KNOB CREEK

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A premium small-batch bourbon from Jim Beam, Knob Creek spends nine years in charred oak barrels, producing a rich caramel taste. At 100 proof, it initially comes on strong; open it up with a couple of ice cubes or a dash of water and enjoy the long, warm finish. $46

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6. AGA MARVEL PRO+ WINE CELLAR This under-counter refrigerated wine cellar is a great way to safely display your vintages and keep the fridge from getting cluttered. The Pro+ wine cellar can securely hold up to 45 bottles (including magnums) in its inclined display racks and the MicroSentry monitor notifies you if the door is left open or the temperature rises or drops. It comes in five different trim colours and the dual-pane glass door even protects the contents from UV rays. $1,500

7. MOORE & GILES MEEHAN BAR ROLLUP Think of this as the bartender’s equivalent to Batman’s utility belt. Moore & Giles has been working with leather since 1933, creating products that are durable, functional and handsome. M&G collaborated with mixologist and culinary writer Jim Meehan to develop this bar rollup, which holds everything the barman-onthe-go could possibly need—from wine opener to fruit muddler to lemon zester to cocktail shaker. $150 50 JUNE 2010 SHARPFORMEN.COM

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Spies Among Us

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In 2005, a Chinese defector estimated that there were 1,000 Chinese spies operating in Canada. The bad news is they weren’t alone. How Canada became one of the most spied-on

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countries in the world, and why little is being done to stop it.

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By Michel Juneau-Katsuya

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“A copy of an official report prepared by CSIS in 2006 clearly warned that espionage activities in Canada had reached a level not seen since the Cold War.”

he head of the delegation could not believe what he had just experienced. Never in his long career had he ever seen anything like it. Sure, he had heard his Security Director warn him about possible attempts by Chinese Intelligence Services to watch him and his group—and even steal secrets—but this was almost unbelievable.

As soon as his plane touched the ground in Vancouver for a short refuel, he called his Security Director and requested a meeting with the CEO. What he had to share still had him shaking. But could they afford not to do business with the Chinese? After all, they had felt lucky when this Chinese company came knocking at their door— such a partner would give them access to the world’s largest single market.

Sun Tzu, the Chinese general and world famous strategist who wrote The Art of War in 600 BC, teaches, “All warfare is based on deception.” If you want to trap an enemy, “hold out baits to entice the enemy and then crush him.” An enlightening little book with only 13 chapters, the last section in The Art of War concerns the art of using spies. When you deal with a country that has this level of experience in the game, you’d be well advised to respect it and approach with caution.

In reality, the true motive for the Chinese company was to get access to new technology the Canadians had discovered in their research on airplane fuselages. What the Canadians had not known was that this Chinese company had been mandated by

the Communist Central Committee, the supreme centre of government in China, to build the country’s next generation of stealth bombers.

During their stay in China, his delegation noticed they were being followed everywhere by not-so-discreet individuals.

More troubling, they had found listening devices—“bugs”—in their hotel rooms.

Their rooms had obviously been searched, and one of the male engineers even received a visit late at night from a beautiful young lady, who, despite his polite refusal, insisted on coming into his room for “a drink.” The Security Director recognized this to be a “Honey Pot,” a classic technique used by Chinese Intelligence to trap a person in a sex scandal and eventually blackmail him with compromising evidence. What was going on? Were the Chinese so confident that they could show such arrogance? This seasoned executive never imagined feeling so vulnerable and violated.

The company is not named here because this is a true story, only one case in the many hundreds known to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). And this government-sanctioned economic espionage is not the only form of espionage in action. There is company-againstcompany industrial espionage; foreign interference, in which authoritarian regimes send goons to intimidate and threaten dissidents and ethnic communities abroad; political bribery, where elected officials are swayed to act in favour of a foreign country; and military espionage. All told, Canada has become such great hunting ground for foreign spies that espionage has quietly become one of the most important and pressing national security issues threatening the future of Canadians.

The problem is that nobody other than CSIS seems to know anything about it.

Certainly not Canadian business leaders—all past and current federal governments have been practicing the policy of “See no evil, speak no evil.” A copy of an official report prepared by CSIS in 2006 clearly warned that espionage activities in Canada had reached a level not seen since

the Cold War. The sad reality, however, is that Canada might be the hardest-hit member of the G-20, and paying the dearest price for not protecting its national economy. A previous study conducted by CSIS in 1995 found that Canada was losing an average of $10 billion to $12 billion per year as a result of spying. A similar study done the same year in the USA by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) stated that their country was losing an average of $24 billion per year. Considering that Canada’s population is 10 times smaller than its neighbor to the south, this means that Canada is, in reality, losing five times more per capita. The Americans continued to monitor the situation and, in 1996, adopted the Economic Espionage Act. Despite their efforts, the FBI realized the problem continued to increase at warp speed. In a public presentation in 2003, FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Detroit Economic Club that “theft of trade secrets and critical technologies—what we call economic espionage—costs our nation upwards of $250 billion a year.” Last year the FBI revealed they were investigating over 500 major cases of espionage. If they experienced such a sharp increase in under 10 years, it is reasonable to assume that Canada’s losses also increased significantly in the same period. Now the only question is, can we afford not to talk about this anymore? + Who Spies? +

CSIS recently revealed that 15 to 20 countries are actively engaged in economic espionage against Canadian interests—that is, using national intelligence services to actively steal Canada’s economic secrets— and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Chen Yonglin, a Chinese official who defected to Australia in 2005, estimated then that there were at least 1,000 Chinese spies in Canada.

During a visit to Ottawa, he shared in an interview that Canada is one of the most important countries for China because it is easy to steal technology and monitor dissidents here. But China is not the only culprit. There are not only the “traditional villains” like Russia, North Korea and Iran,

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“In most countries, those arrested for spying go to

jail—and in

some places are even

executed.

In Canada, spies have

routinely been allowed

to return to their home countries

without so

much as a

fine.”

but also so-called “friendly” countries like the USA, England, Israel and France (which is particularly aggressive in Québec), to name only a few.

In 2009, the Financial Transaction Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), the federal agency responsible for monitoring all financial transactions in Canada, revealed in its annual report that it helped stop a foreign front company that had been operating in Canada for over five years. During that period, foreign agents had been able to buy more than $35 million in restricted technology for a nuclear program from Canadian companies. None of those companies ever bothered to check the validity of that suspicious company.

FINTRAC did not want to mention the specific country, but many concluded it was probably Iran. + Yesterday’s Friends Are Today’s Foes +

At the end of the Cold War, all countries moved from a military confrontation to an economic war. From then on, it became every man for himself, and the old alliances surfaced only on occasions of shared military or (later) anti-terrorist initiatives. All G-8 countries except Canada immediately adopted laws to not only protect themselves against economic espionage but also

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give additional powers to their national intelligence services to actively defend their national interests—doing so by stealing economic secrets to pass on to their own nations’ companies. Meanwhile in Canada, trusting “peaceniks” debated whether maintaining an intelligence service was justified, and resources for CSIS were cut by almost half in the mid ’90s. Since 9/11, budgets have returned to previous levels, but the main focus has shifted predominantly to counter-terrorism, continuing to leave the Service at a handicap when it comes to protecting our economy.

This situation has more than ideological and political ramifications—it translates into severe loss of national revenue, jobs, and, ultimately, competitiveness in the international market. Because the government has refused to examine and discuss the problem openly, business leaders remain totally oblivious to the threat until it is too late, after they have already lost important intellectual property or a crucial contract.

They cannot even comprehend that some major players are not playing by the same rules. Many companies receive direct help from their national intelligence services, who steal trade secrets about contract proposals or new technologies and deliver the information directly to them. For example, the German engineering giant Siemens has for decades allegedly used a special budget estimated to be more than US $2.1 billion to bribe and spy on the competition. It maintained a close relationship with the German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND) in order to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. + Why Canada? +

Because Canada is a knowledge-based society and, despite our famous national inclination to diminish our capabilities and successes, we have world-class universities and private research centres at the cutting edge of technology in many different fields. Contrary to other countries, we do not have a significant piece of legislation to protect us and deter foreign spies; thus, our federal law enforcement agencies do not pay as much attention to the issue as they should. Nobody wants to admit when they’ve been had, but with the “well intentioned ignorance” we are guilty of, Canada is losing billions every year to foreign spies.

By not talking about it, it doesn’t get the attention it needs from our government, and Canadian companies remain open to the threat, unable to protect themselves.

The sobering reality is that with the current world economic crisis, all countries

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practicing foreign espionage have increased their budgets and activities. For any country, the returns on R&D investment are dividends over the medium or long term.

But if you steal “ready-made” intellectual property or a potential major contract, you reap the rewards immediately. In a period of time when all countries are struggling to cope with the economic crisis, the immediate gains from spying are irresistible to many in their efforts to gain a strategic advantage. + How Much Damage Are We Talking About? +

Public examples are rare because, of course, companies do not reveal their damages for fear of losing trust among shareholders and other partners. But one case revealed how quickly the costs can add up. In 1998, the Ottawa-based telecom giant Mitel was hit by one of its own employees. After 16 years with the company, To Van Tran stole a cutting-edge new PBX (private branch exchange) telephone-switching system and went to Vietnam to sell it to the government. Within a month, the Vietnamese military (who, like the Chinese military, are allowed to conduct business) were able to put the new product on the market at a price Mitel could not compete against. Of course, they did not have the cost of research to recoup. Tran was eventually arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police in March 1998, but he could only be charged with fraud and possession of stolen property because the Canadian Criminal Code has no specific section covering economic espionage. He received a $25,000 fine and a 6-month suspended sentence—not much for Tran, since he had received $50,000 from the Vietnamese government in the sale. Mitel estimated that they had lost 10 years of research, $40 million to $45 million in R&D and $200 million to $1 billion in market share. When one considers the damage that can be done by one guy, in one case, selling one gadget, the potential for damage on a national scale becomes frighteningly clear. Ridiculous sentencing like this does not even come close to deterring spies.

Take the case of Paul William Hampel (at least, this is the name he gave to CSIS).

He is the most recent Russian spy to be apprehended, taken into custody as he was boarding a plane at Trudeau Airport in Montreal on November 14, 2006. Identified as an SVR agent (the old KGB), he argued his innocence in court just enough to find out where his agency had screwed up, so they could do better next time. When it became clear that the documents he had used

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were the cause of his downfall, he suddenly made arrangements with the judge to stop the procedure and to be sent back to Russia.

In most countries, those arrested for spying go to jail—and in some places are even executed. In Canada, spies have routinely been allowed to return to their home countries without so much as a fine.

Companies are constantly assailed. Take the case of a foreign delegation that came to Canada to discuss a specific product. No cellular phones, cameras or electronic devices were allowed in the meeting, but when the technical details were shown, each member of the delegation had been tasked to remember their assigned part of the blueprints.

When they returned to their hotel, they had enough information to reverse engineer the product. Similar situations are exploited when companies involved in a joint-venture trade technicians and engineers for a certain period of time. Some of those technicians’ secret task is to quickly gain access to sensitive information. This is a scenario similar to one found in various university departments, such as one case at a Quebec university. An engineering professor returned to his office late one night after forgetting something important, only to discover a masters degree student from India photocopying some of

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his confidential notes on classified research.

Further investigation revealed that this “student” actually had a post-doctorate degree and had been sent by his government to acquire sensitive information. Tuition fees from foreign students are big money for all universities, and in fear of losing substantial revenues generated by Indian students, the university did not pursue criminal charges in court, and only asked the student to leave after his term. When it comes to developing schemes to achieve their goals, spies have no lack of imagination. + How to Fight It +

Espionage has continued to evolve for the last two decades. New techniques like cyber-espionage have appeared, but in the end, it is still a human story and the human factor remains the weakest link. It is estimated that 80% of all economic or industrial spy cases are committed by an insider, either intentionally, for personal motives, or unintentionally, sometimes without knowing they have even been manipulated in the process.

In order to protect ourselves, we must first acknowledge the problem. Under the current circumstances, business leaders are left to protect themselves, their enterprises and their

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trade secrets on their own. Prevention is the only game in town, and it has much more to do with the business culture of a company and how it manages sensitive information than how many cameras, locks or access passes it has. Though legislation is not in place for authorities to help companies protect their economic secrets, CEOs and CFOs still have the power and authority to act within their own enterprises by implementing a securityconscious business culture throughout the company. Protection of intellectual assets must be a reflex for employees. Awareness is half the battle, but thorough assessment to determine actual threats against the company would enable optimal use of the budget for security and implementation of more refined business practices and processes. Ultimately, more security does not mean better security.

Catching up to the way business is done does not necessarily mean playing dirty like the competition—it means being aware and being prepared. A strategic outlook is crucial for companies—and Canada—to survive in the business jungle. + Michel Juneau-Katsuya is the former Asia-Pacific bureau chief for CSIS and is the co-author of Nest of Spies: The Startling Truth About Foreign Agents At Work Within Canada’s Borders (Harper Collins). +

The all-new 2010 Accord Crosstour.

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After shooting to stardom with the help of James Cameron,

Celine Dion, and a sunken transatlantic steamship,

Leonardo DiCaprio has wasted no time setting himself up

as one of the most compelling and successful actors in

Hollywood. Now, thanks to his pal Martin Scorsese, as well

as a new project with The Dark Knight ’s Christopher Nolan,

he seems poised to do the impossible:

Become even

bigger.

INTERVIEW BY EARL DITTMAN

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photo: JohN macdoUgaLL/afp/gEtty imagEs

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I realized how similar those two comingof-age stories were. Both have the father and son dynamic, and they both have the dynamic of my character having almost a surrogate father in the person that’s, ironically, opposing him the most.

Are you close to your own father?

Very close.

What is the most important thing that your dad has taught you?

My dad has always veered me towards things that you don’t commonly see in the world, and that goes for art and politics.

He’s always tried to give me a different perspective and a different outlook on things. He’s definitely heavily influenced me in my career as well. For example, not long before Titanic, he suggested the lead role in Total Eclipse, the story of Arthur Rimbaud. He said, “Pay attention to this character. This is like the James Dean of his time, in the world of poetry. This is a great character for you to play.” I didn’t know much about Arthur Rimbaud. I’d heard about him before. My dad was somebody that told me in great detail about him, and told me why he was a fascinating character to play. his summer, Leonardo DiCaprio will star

What makes you decide to take on a role?

in the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller Inception, written and directed by Christopher Nolan—the man responsible for making Batman cool again. As hype continues to build for the film, we sat down with DiCaprio to talk about movies, his relationship with Martin Scorsese and his plans for the future.

Well, it’s never a conscious decision to gravitate towards any type of role ever. It is like what Marty once said, “You can’t help what you’re emotionally moved by.”

The plot of Inception revolves around the manipulation of dreams—do you dream a lot?

It’s funny—I don’t really remember my dreams. I don’t have a memory of them.

I haven’t had them for years. Only when I took a nicotine patch when I was trying to quit smoking did I have blood curdling nightmares of murder, mass murders. I woke up in the middle of the night and had to take them off, but I don’t really remember my dreams that much. I don’t know what that means about me from a psychological standpoint, but that’s the truth.

Do you find you're drawn to certain roles?

Well, that’s interesting. Let’s take fathers and sons for instance: Gangs of New York was a totally different role for me than Frank Abagnale’s son in Catch Me If You Can. Even though I’m trying to play as many different types of characters as I can,

Would you say that you and Scorsese have a pretty unique bond?

I do feel a kinship with him. I've felt like that ever since we met—we do share a taste in what we like film-wise and artistically. I say, “You know, that movie has been deemed as great, but I don’t really think it’s great,” and he says, “No, no, I don’t really like it either.”

He’s been a mentor to me, but what can I say? Who wouldn’t want to or feel like it’s a gift to work with that guy?

Were you a fan of his work before you met him?

Yeah, I became a fan of his work at a very early age. If you asked me who I wanted to work with starting out in the business, it would have been Marty, and I got fortunate enough to work with him on Gangs of New York in 2000. I don’t have an exciting term for it other than, we have a good time working together and we have similar tastes as far as the films we like. He certainly has broadened my spectrum as far as films that are out there in the history of cinema and the importance of cinema,

and it really brought me to different levels as an actor.

What’s your favourite thing about movies?

I think that this is the great modern art form. There have been a hundred years of cinema, but there is so much still to be done. There is something about watching a film that’s been burned into celluloid for all time, it’s now a piece of history. There’ve been a lot of great performances by actors in the past in films that weren’t great, but if you’re lucky enough to get that combination together and be in a memorable movie, that to me is like being a part of a piece of art that is going to last forever.

Do you think movies have the power to change people’s minds and attitudes?

I think that there is tremendous capability there and certainly in the world of documentary. Absolutely. I mean, look at films like Fahrenheit 9/11 or numerous other documentaries that have changed the political climate. Al Gore’s movie; I’ve never seen a documentary in my life or heard of one that had more of a global impact than that film. It completely changed the environmental movement forever. So I think that there is a tremendous role to be played in that respect, but that’s the key thing, that rare combination wherein you’re able to get people to be involved with the compelling story, and meanwhile, they’re getting this political message. It’s also not hitting them over the head. Traditionally, it’s kind of been one thing or the other.

The environmental movement is something you’ve been outspoken about for years. How important are things like buying eco-friendly clothing and using energy-saving devices?

I do all that, but without getting into my solar panels and my hybrid car, I feel like that argument segregates a group of people, and I think that’s not the right way to approach the issue. It’s not telling people how to live.

It’s not saying you should be judged because you don’t drive a certain car or have the right light bulbs or don’t buy this. To me, it’s about cultural awareness, that’s the whole point of the issue. As much as it is important to change your light bulbs and be “green” and all that stuff, it is important, but it’s got to be a collective thing on a massive level. When the argument gets shifted into the judgment of people and how you live your life and if you’re “green” quote-unquote or not, this muddies the issue in a way that I think is not productive for the overall problem. This is a cultural and global shift that needs to happen on a massive level.

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Do you have a particular philosophy that presides over your work?

There’s something that I was told when I did This Boy’s Life, directed by Michael Caton-Jones. I was this sort of wild child that did not know how to conduct himself on a film set, that didn’t obey really any rules, and when it came down to the really serious subject matter, he was the first to say to me, “Look, I know this may suck right now and you might not want to go there, but pain is temporary. Film is forever and whatever we do right now will be burned into celluloid for all time and for thousands of years to come.” So to have that pressure on you in a scene, that mantra kind of stuck with me. It presents a challenge as an actor that is a lot of fun. It’s a different type of fun.

At the height of Titanic-mania, and even to a big extent these days, there’s a great interest in your personal life from the press. Does that bother you?

You have to know that going into this, and that’s what I’ve learned afterwards, that I could sit there and piss and moan all I want about people manipulating stories, or there photo: Rune Hellestad/Corbis

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being a grain of truth in something, and having it be mutated into something far beyond what it ever was. But you know what, there’s way too much upside to sit there and wallow in that kind of garbage.

That must make it tough to meet people you really like and trust.

The truth of the matter is, I don’t need any more friends. I have my friends. I meet people, and you know what? If somebody that I meet, I’m drawn to, and they’re somebody I feel a connection with, I’m not going to sit here and say, “Well, I’m too famous and skeptical of you right now so I’m not going to be open to that opportunity.” What I’m saying is, I’ve got a great core group of people around me, and all this stuff has brought me closer to them.

You’re on the road a lot for work. Does that make it difficult to have a personal life at home?

These movies I’ve done, I’ve literally worked for two years straight. When you’re an actor, your whole life goes on hold, and when you come back from location, you realize you’ve changed and everyone around

has changed. It’s a constant game of catchup, of “Oh, wow, you had a baby? Let’s see the baby. Sorry, I gotta go to the next location.” When you’re working at that pace, especially far from home, it’s a very weird dynamic to balance.

Do you enjoy traveling?

I love traveling, but sometimes, for example, when you’re off for a year of your life in Africa you kind of want to go home for a while. As wonderful and rewarding as these locations can be, you just want to go home.

Could you ever envision setting out, leaving everything behind and exploring life?

Sure, and there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for that in the future. I feel like I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity to choose the movies I want to do, and this is my time to be able to do that as an actor and to fulfill the dreams I had as a younger actor.

And that’s it. I have friends in the industry and I know how hard it is—how lucky you are to be able to steer the course of your career. It’s something I look at as a gift, and all other things are kinda put on hold. sharpformen.com JUNE 2010 67

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summer in the city there’s no better time to be a city-dweller than in the s u m m e r t i m e . e s p e c i a l ly i n c a n a d a , w h e r e c o l d w e a t h e r k e e p s u s indoors for a good chunk of the year, when the heat hits, everyone takes to the streets, boardwalks, parks and patios to celebrate. whether you’re headed to the office or a garden party, the summer suit is a great way to be stylish in the dog days. fabrics like linen and seersucker will keep you cool, while light colours and bold cuts allow for your personal style to come through. sure, s p e n d i n g j u ly a n d a u g u s t a t t h e c o t t a g e w i t h y o u r f e e t u p , s i p p i n g mojitos, has its appeal, but then who would get to see you in your great summer suit?

photography: richard henkels fashion direction and grooming: luke langsdale

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Canali A nice way to distinguish a more casual mood from smarter attire is to pick a piece with contrasting hardware. The white buttons really pop on this navy linen blazer, and although the look is traditionally formal, the contrasting elements suggest a carefree attitude.

Double-breasted linen jacket ($1,698), cotton shirt ($275) and trousers ($375).

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Louis Vuitton In the heat of summer, light fabrics like linen and seersucker will help you keep your cool. The blend of cotton and silk used in this suit, however, does one better—not only is it highly breathable, it’s also extremely soft against the skin. cotton and silk blazer ($1,535) and trousers ($835). cotton poplin shirt ($975).

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Gucci If you’ve got the balls for it, why not go white for a summer suit? Make sure you combine it with a contrasting shirt and tie—and definitely avoid bowties with this look, otherwise you could wind up looking like you’re holding a secret fried chicken recipe in your breast pocket.

Cotton and silk jacquard jacket ($2,595) and skinny pants ($875), printed cotton shirt ($495), leather skinny tie ($250) and leather moccasins ($390).

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Dolce & Gabbana The double-breasted jacket is coming back with force, and summer is the time to embrace this stylish classic. Try dressing it down for outdoor events with a pair of contrasting pants, the epitome of smart-casual.

Navy double-breasted blazer ($1,895), khaki pants ($685), cotton dress shirt ($360).

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J. Crew The traditional chino suit is an absolute summer classic. Suitable for the office when accompanied by a tie, or for virtually anything else when worn without one. Apart from being so versatile as a suit, the pants can be worn with a white tee and denim jacket on weekends, and the jacket, thrown on over a pair of dark jeans, will smarten up even the most casual look. aldridge two-button suit jacket ($248) and pants ($118). gifford leather oxfords ($275) and truro madras tie ($60).

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Ermenegildo Zegna Summer wouldn’t be summer without the pinstripe. One word of warning: if you do go for a patterned summer suit, do make sure you pick something classic and understated. Try wearing yours with a plain button down, a t-shirt or a fine-knit sweater.

Cotton silk suit ($2895), merino wool sweater ($545).

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Hermes Don’t be afraid to go tone on tone this summer—making an outfit out of multiple tones of the same colour.

The mix-matched suit can allow for a really stylish, yet not overdressed look that’s perfect for summer afternoon functions or daytime wear. two-button seersucker jacket ($2,475), cotton trousers ($510), cotton poplin shirt ($695), calfskin moccasins ($815).

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Brunello Cucinelli If you choose to wear a suit jacket with jeans, be it tweed or chambray, silk or linen, be sure to do it right, as a poorly executed jeans/blazer combo can be spotted from a mile away.

Conversely, when done right, it can be a masterpiece— think Mickey Rourke in Rumble Fish, Richard Gere in American Gigolo and Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate.

A few tips to doing it correctly: always make sure the jacket fits properly. Same with the jeans—they should be form-fitting, without looking like leggings. Try to make the denim as contrasting as possible—if it’s a casual jacket, go for a smarter denim; if it’s a more formal jacket feel free to wear your beat- up vintage 501s. Simple as that.

Double-breasted linen jacket ($1,995), checkered cotton shirt ($495), denim jeans ($405), pocket square ($80).

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E m m a n u e l l e C h r i q u i E n t o u r a g e ’ s o n

l i f e

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P H O T o :

They say Hollywood is the land of beautiful people, which may or may not be true in real life. On Entourage, however, the HBO series chronicling the life of bigtime actor Vinnie Chase and his posse of hangers-on, there are no shortage of them.

In fact, you might say that the show’s parade of jaw-droppingly beautiful women is kind of a selling point. Emmanuelle Chriqui, the Canadian-born actress who plays Sloan McQuewick, the headstrong daughter of a Hollywood powerbroker, has been on Entourage since early on, simultaneously accounting for more than her share of the hottie quota and holding her own opposite Vince, his boys, and on occasion, Gary Busey. In preparation for the show’s seventh season, which begins later this month, we chatted with Chriqui about celebrity, Canada and people who don’t find her sexy (because apparently they exist).

Do you feel like you’ve hung on to your Canadianness?

Yeah, definitely. I think just in the sheer fact that my family still lives there. And there really is a respect towards Canadian actors.

When I was studying theatre, we learned a lot about the European playwrights and how they really are all about the arts in Europe. And I think that in Canada it’s very

H o l l y w o o d

A n d r e w

I n t e r v i e w :

i n g E n u e

s o u tha m

Matt

C u r r i e

similar. And you see it. You see Canadian actors that come here and just do so well.

Talk about landing your breakthrough role on Entourage.

God, now, let’s see, we’re shooting our seventh season, so I’ll say seven years ago, when it was pilot season, I just was really not into it and I said to my people, “Fine. If I’m gonna do a show, it’s gonna be for HBO.” And then, lo and behold, we get this audition for Entourage, but it was just for three episodes. And, you know, I remember Kevin [Connolly] had said to me, “Let’s really try to make this the best that it can be because it really could turn into something. And it did. Like, there’s always a possibility, but contractually it was just three episodes. So now that it’s like seven years later is mind-boggling to me.

Have you had any trouble dealing with the transition to celebrity?

I think because my journey has always been a slow and steady climb up, nothing ever felt like it happened overnight. I felt like I got to adjust accordingly. And I just happen to be a very private person. I just don’t see the need to be out there talking about personal things that have nothing to do with my work. I just find that it opens a can of worms that can potentially be quite unhealthy because

people stop seeing you as an actor and then start seeing you as just a personality, which doesn’t really serve you. In order to go into other film roles and other things and have people see me other than just Sloan, I think it serves me to be sort of quiet.

You’ve been making a lot of “hottest” and “most desirable” lists.

What does it mean to you to be a sex symbol?

Oh my god, it is so funny. You know, I made the mistake of reading some comments about these things...I mean, any excitement that I might have felt…[laughs] it instantly grounded me. I was like, “Oh, wow, there are many that disagree.”

Really, people disagree?

You know, people are vicious. I think the thing to always understand in this business is there’s always going to be people that put you on a pedestal, and for every person, there’s gonna be ten more that try to knock you from that pedestal. That is just the nature of the beast. And so the truth is…it’s a beautiful compliment, but I feel like it’s just another part of the puzzle that, hopefully, has given me a bigger name and thus will get me better opportunities to work with great directors and great actors.

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ONLINE for more pictures from our photoshoot with emmanuelle chriqui, visit sharpformen.com

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wiNgeD Victory

it hasN’t Quite maDe the louVre

yet,but the merceDes-beNZ

sls amg is high-perFormaNce art. by braDley horN

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2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG $198,000 6.3-litre V8 Output: 563 horsepower/ 479 lb-ft of torque Gearbox: 7-speed, dual clutch automated manual Launching: Available now What Matters: Gull-wing doors; epic power and sound; more attainable than an SLR Price:

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he “corkscrew” at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in So-Cal is one of the most epic, pants-wettingly insane turns in all of motorsports. In a little over the length of a soccer pitch, the left-right kink of pavement drops a roller coaster–style five-and-a-half stories.

Threading the 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG down the corkscrew the first time is a nail-biter—or it would be if your sweaty palms were not permanently glued to its leather-wrapped steering wheel.

On approach, toss out the anchor by pounding on the massive ceramic brakes.

That dull sensation is your brain sloshing against the inside of your cranium. Then, click the left paddle shifter twice so AMG’s first rear-mounted, dual-clutch, seven-speed gearbox dispenses with a pair of cogs in 200 milliseconds. With the hand-built 6.3-litre V8 barking, dial left as the world drops away ahead of that two-metre-long hood. See that treetop ahead? Bite your bottom lip and head straight for it, rolling into the throttle. Now steer right as the SLS’s 479 lb-ft of torque

launches you towards the corkscrew’s exit and those sticky tires and the all-aluminum double-wishbone suspension fix the coupe to the tarmac. Suddenly you’re through and headed for the next turn. Brilliant.

The SLS AMG is the new flagship of Mercedes-Benz and also the first super sports car designed from the rubber up by its high-performance division in Affalterbach, Germany. The rear-drive coupe, wearing dramatic gull-wing doors, pays homage to the classic 300 SL of the 1950s and packs the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine. In a world of overwrought sports cars, the SLS is a purist, with no turbos, all-wheel drive or computer-controlled suspension—only the rear spoiler deploys automatically at speed to dial up downforce.

Despite their near overlap, Mercedes says the SLS does not replace the outgoing SLR McLaren. Aside from being half the price, at $198,000, engineers said, “It’s like comparing Metallica [SLR] and Wagner [SLS], both are fierce and powerful, but not in the same way.”

Sitting front-midship, the SLS’s rev-happy V8 engine is the wellspring of its charisma.

An evolution of the 6.3 L in other AMG offerings, it utilizes racing-derived dry sump lubrication, forged pistons and a carbon-fibre driveshaft for Samsonian-levels of muscle.

The SLS is the first Benz to use an aluminum body shell, actually lighter than said carbon-fibre SLR by 150 kg. It’s also equally quick from 0 to 100 km/h, at a rapid 3.8 seconds, and is not a limited production machine, with 30 built per diem in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Behind those trademark gull-wing doors, the SLS’s interior is minimalism in leather. Highlights include aviation-themed air vents, sport seats, the Comand screen and a row of buttons on the console for launch control, stability assist and to alter how hard and fast that AMG Speedshift transmission changes gears.

One of the few available options is a sonorous 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system—though we’d forgo it. The twin tailpipes’ concerto: “V8 in the key of AMG” is all we really need.

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CARS Sharp

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Sharp CARS

2011 Jaguar XJ $88,000–$133,500 5.0-litre V8; 5.0-litre V8 supercharged Output: 385–510 horsepower/ 380–461 lb-ft of torque Gearbox: 6-speed automatic Launching: Available now What Matters: Divisive, modern styling, supercharged power, loaded with luxuries Price:

Powerhouse:

Jaguar XJ Coventry’s new flagship sedan sends tradition out the window. jaguar’s choice to put us up at the tony Sunset Marquis Hotel during our drive of its new XJ flagship sedan served as a subtle hint. The Hollywood hangout is chock-full of lore about its notorious rock ’n’ roll clientele. In particular, the anecdote about Green Day throwing furniture from their balcony had us drawing parallels to Jaguar.

Metaphorically speaking, the British marque has sent granny’s overstuffed floral sofa sailing of late. Gone are the days of stoic machines that regurgitated past glories. Jag’s working to recapture its swagger with strikingly modern, sporty cars, like the XF sedan and XK coupe and cabrio.

This all-new XJ—the “quintessential” Jaguar—is said to embody all that’s avant-garde about the reborn brand.

Built largely of aluminum, the 2011 XJ is the antithesis of the retro flagship it replaces. Highlights include a panoramic roof, unconventional blacked-out rear pillars and, dare we say it, a Korean tail treatment. The cabin’s no less contentious, with large swaths of wood and leather, aviationinspired air vents and “virtual” LCD instrumentation borrowed from Land Rover. That said, it’s still exceedingly cosseting. Front seats that heat, cool and massage, four-zone climate control, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a rear-view camera and blind spot monitoring are all available. The long-wheelbase XJ debuts alongside the standard car for the first time, adding five inches of rear legroom.

Jaguar wanted its new XJ to be “agile, responsive and comfortable”— a large car with the luxury and technical attributes of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but the spirit of a Maserati Quattroporte. In reality, the standard model is actually more akin to the Lexus LS—that is, fairly soft— and is powered by a new, more efficient 5.0-litre V8 producing 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

The supercharged variant is a different breed of cat altogether. Its engine is heavier, the suspension more taut, and there’s an active rear differential to power out of corners. It’s one seriously quick sedan, making 470 horsepower, 424 lb-ft of torque and running 0 to 100 in 5.2 seconds.

What’s more, the special order Supersport trim bangs out 510 ponies and 461 lb-ft of twist for a sub-five second sprint to 100. All XJs use a six-speed automatic gearbox, a couple cogs short of rivals, but offering rapid downshifts when controlled via the paddle shifters.

Every XJ offers four driving modes: normal, sport, winter and dynamic, which turns the instrumentation a sinister red, sharpens the steering, stiffens the dampers and makes the throttle more responsive. We left the latter toggled on perpetually.

Jaguar design director Ian Callum said it best: “Nobody needs a Jaguar, they want one.” We’re sure this new XJ will add a few names to the queue. BH

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Sharp CARS

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Price:

approx. $264,000

6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 Output: 563 horsepower/ 575 lb-ft of torque Gearbox: 8-speed automatic Launching: Available now What Matters: Slightly more affordable than other Rolls’, but still über-opulent Powerhouse:

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls’ new, more affordable saloon begs the question: Is it better to drive or be driven? in a lifestyle orbit where spending $10 million on a yacht and millions more on multiple homes spread far and yon isn’t unusual, a paltry quarter-million for a car is scarcely a consideration.

If you haven’t heard, Rolls-Royce is back and, now, not only does it provide the world’s chauffeur-driven vehicle of choice—the stately Phantom—its new, smaller and more affordable Ghost sedan makes a compelling argument for what’s next, especially for those who’d rather drive than be driven.

If ever the term “land yacht” could be applied to an automobile in a positive sense, this is it. Just shy of five-and-a-half metres in length and weighing more than twoand-a-half tons, the Ghost is a true vessel among automobiles, yet the ride is sublime, straight-line performance and braking are well within sports car territory, and the construction, fitment and appointments are impeccable.

The Ghost’s BMW-derived twin-turbo V12 engine displaces 6.6 litres and sends

563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through an imperceptibly smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. It whooshes to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds without engine or exhaust noise, harshness or unpleasantness of any kind. Riders find it hard to tell that the engine is running, that gears are being shifted or that there is a hostile road surface passing under the big 19-inch wheels and runflat Goodyear tires.

The integrated umbrellas located in the front doors are another hint that the Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls before it: in the Phantom saloon, they’re only in the rear doors.

Wrapped in leather sourced from bulls raised in barbed wire-free pastures (for fewer imperfections), each seat is multi power-adjustable with heating, cooling and optional massage functions. Four-zone climate control allows each rider to enjoy individual temperatures. Large-framed riders have ample room to stretch. Carpeting is thick and lush, and wood veneers of

the buyer’s choosing are milled and sanded by hand, then coated with five layers of lacquer. For the sake of continuity, veneer from a single tree is used in each car.

Upping the ambiance for passengers, the seats are located behind the C-pillar, heightening privacy. A refrigerated cooler with integrated champagne glasses is available and the rear-hinged “coach” doors swing open backwards for easy entry, and even more importantly, dignified exits. They can be closed electrically at the touch of a button.

Technology remains essentially invisible. The dash is clean and free from clutter, switches and controls are kept to a minimum; with the exception of a navigation screen, the Ghost radiates a muscular, confident, old-world charm.

The clean-sheet challenge put to the designers and engineers was to create simplicity from complexity, with the ultimate goal being to enhance the driving experience, not complicate it, and until they made it as perfect as they could, they would not give up the Ghost. Joe Knycha

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CARS Sharp

2011 Aston Martin Rapide $215,000 6.0-litre V12 Output: 470 horsepower/ 443 lb-ft of torque Gearbox: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters Launching: Available now What Matters: Aston's first four-door offers high-end luxury, without losing sight of its sporting pedigree Price:

Powerhouse:

prior to uncloaking the new fourdoor Rapide to the world, Aston Martin engineers jetted off for northern Italy. To sip vintage Barolos or escape another damp day in Warwickshire? No, for the Passo dello Stelvio.

The latter is one of the most spine-tingling coiled ribbons of tarmac on the planet. Nestled against the Swiss border, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, with some 60 hairpin turns. What better place to ensure two extra seats have not diluted this Aston’s sporting pedigree?

But Italy was not the only locale British engineers used to test the new Rapide: 50 prototypes endured the blast furnaces of Death Valley and Kuwait, the glacial chill of northern Sweden and, of course, “the green hell” itself—Germany’s Nürburgring.

Why mention all this? Because recently, by way of new investors and a desire to build world-beating automobiles, Aston Martin has entered boldly into the 21st century.

Built in Graz by Magna Steyr, the Rapide is the culmination of the brand’s new edict.

Though it recalls a stretched DB9, the four-

Aston Martin Rapide

Finally, a family car worthy of 007 himself.

seater is 85 percent unique. Coupe-like contours mean the interior is not Mercedes S-Class capacious, but the technology and trappings aboard are truly swish: sat-nav, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone climate control, rising “swan wing” doors and so on. The back seats are suitable only for sub-six-footers, but riding rearward is an experience, with a towering centre tunnel, copious leather, real metal trim and available DVD screens. There are even baby seat anchors. Loading heaps of luggage into the hand-trimmed “boot” is possible thanks to the Rapide’s hatchback design and folding rear seats, which triple cargo space. A bespoke leather luggage set is available for a tidy sum, as is a very Bondlike touch-sensitive Swiss wristwatch from Jaeger-LeCoultre, which remotely locks and unlocks the sedan.

The Rapide shares its 6.0-litre V12 engine with Aston Martin’s sports cars, here making 470 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The rear-mounted six-speed “Touchtronic 2” automatic

with paddle shifters is the only gearbox offered.

If most other Astons are rugby players, the Rapide is a fencing prodigy. Lithe and subdued, it can lunge with fervour when required—naught to 100 km/h takes 5.2 seconds. The adaptive suspension, first seen on the DBS, has five settings, with a “sport” mode for the firmest ride.

At $215,000, the Rapide aims at the Maserati Quattroporte/Bentley Continental Flying Spur set. Its trump cards?

Exclusivity, individualization and hand assembly. The paint takes 50 hours to prep and apply, plus 25 hours of polishing. The V12 is manually assembled in Köln, Germany, and 80 man-hours are needed to finish an interior with 10 flawless cowhides.

All told, it takes 220 hours to build one Rapide. The Brits claim 2.5 million possible colour and trim combinations, and you can travel right to the Austrian factory to spec your sedan. It’s worth noting, too, that the Passo dello Stelvio is a mere six-hour drive from Graz. BH sharpformen.com JUNE 2010 87

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Where to buy

Hermès www.hermes.com 416-968-8626

Arcteryx www.arcteryx.com 1 888-458-2473

I/O Bio www.io-bio.com 1 877-322-3351

Bay Bloor Radio www.baybloorradio.com 1 800-563-7776

Jawbone www.us.jawbone.com 1 877-254-7426

Best Made Company www.bestmadeco.com 1 888-524-7145

J. Crew www.jcrew.com 1 800-562-0258

Brooks www.brooksrunning.com 1 800-668-5480

Kelly Moore www.kellymoorebag.com

Timbuk2 www.timbuk2.com 1 800-865-2513

Kiehl’s www.kiehls.com

Tissot www.tissot.ch

LAB Series www.labseries.com

Tudor www.tudorwatch.com

L’Occitane www.loccitane.com

Waterman www.waterman.com

Longines www.longines.com

Wilson’s www.wilsonstoronto.com 1 877-347-4460

Brunello Cucinelli www.brunellocucinelli.it Available at Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen Canali www.canali.it Available at Harry Rosen Canon www.estore.canon.ca 1 866-521-9965 Curbside Cycle www.store.curbside.on.ca 1 866-920-4933

Lotuff & Clegg www.lotuffclegg.com 1 888-763-2247

Concord www.concord.ch

Louis Vuitton www.louisvuitton.com 416-968-3993

Dunhill www.dunhill.com 1 866-929-0637

Moore & Giles www.mooreandgilesinc.com 1 800-737-0169

Dolce & Gabbana www.dolcegabbana.it 1 877-70-DGUSA Available at Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen

Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca 1 888-847-0770

Ermenegildo Zegna www.zegna.com 1 416-923-4724 Available at Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen Fatman www.fat-man.co.uk available at bay bloor radio in toronto Feugo www.fuegoliving.com 1 888-883-8346 Gucci www.gucci.com 416-963-5127 Harman Kardon www.harmankardon.com HBC www.hbc.com 1 888-595-8786

s a

Saracione www.saracione.com

AGA Marvel www.agamarvel.com 1 800-327-5609

Sidi www.sidisport.com TAG Heuer www.tagheuer.com 1 877-444-0824 Thomas & Thomas www.thomasandthomas.com 1 800-511-0922 Available at Wilson’s

Oliver Peoples www.oliverpeoples.com 1 888-568-1655 Olympus www.olympuscanada.com 1 800-622-6372 Orvis www.orvis.com 1 888-235-9763 Panasonic www.panasonic.ca 1 800-561-5505 Patagonia www.patagonia.com 1 800-638-6464 Rapha www.rapha.cc Red Canoe www.redcanoebrands.com 1 866-448-1271

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the last word

A History of Violence it’s not the violence that i watch that concerns me. It’s that I watch it as entertainment. Mind you, I’ve always watched a lot of violent television shows and movies, played violent video games and lived out violent fantasies as a child, either for Halloween or storming about my parents’ backyard dressed as a commando.

It’s safe to say that all that is normal. Which is reason enough to give pause, perhaps.

At times I think this immersion has made me ambivalent to violence. I’ll watch TV for hours with all manner of violence playing out in front of me, though I’m hardly paying attention. More likely than not I’m on my iPad or BlackBerry, answering emails, writing or cruising the Web. It’s just there, constantly in the background. Documentaries about war, dramas about war, dramas about murderers, catching murderers, solving murders, planning murders, murdering murderers, etc., etc.

Yet while violence is almost always on TV, I don’t gravitate towards violent content online. In fact I’d likely never come across any except when someone sends it to me (boy, an Apache helicopter can really lay it down on insurgents. Hamburger anyone?). So why do I watch it on TV or in film? Why soak it in like a sponge that releases desensitization? I don’t know.

It’s as though violence is a part of my life without actually being a part of my life— and that troubles me. Deeply. Even though I’ve never actually killed anyone, at least not that I’m aware of (though I’ve definitely wanted to at times), and I’ve never actually

seen anyone killed firsthand, I’ve witnessed the depiction of thousands being killed, maimed and mutilated. That strikes me as a perverse discord between reality and fiction. I’m a law-abiding citizen and I’m being entertained by lawlessness and murder.

Recently, however, two examples stood out and made me feel like I’m becoming an old fuddy-duddy. Exibit A: a TV program called Spartacus: Blood and Sand. If you thought 300 was gruesome, then you owe it to yourself to find out just how Mary Poppins it was. Sadly, the violence is one of the only reasons I’ve been watching the show.

I’m addicted to finding out just how ridiculously graphic it can get.

Exhibit B: Repo Men. Strangely, it was my wife who recommended we see this movie.

I thought it was because Jude Law was in it, but rather it was simply a mistake. She assumed it was a comedy about repossessing cars. Understandable, given the economic climate. It wasn’t. No film I can think of has embraced gruesome violence as brazenly as this. To make matters worse, they even tried to make disgorging someone of their internal organs (while alive no less) a pseudosexual pursuit. It’s not and never should be.

Spartacus, I must confess, is a guilty pleasure. Primarily because it’s a tale of bad people getting theirs, and, to paraphrase Dirty Harry, “There’s nothing wrong with stabbing people as long as the right people get stabbed.” That said, I was disgusted by Repo Men. And this is where it gets really rich—I was especially disturbed at the age of some of the children in the audience.

The parents in attendance obviously were completely devoid of any filter or common sense. Or perhaps their sensibilities are far too common. If this is the level of ambivalence that our society feels towards the depiction of gutting living people of their organs, then we’ve really got some problems.

You can probably imagine what’s coming next. Yes, my wife and I are expecting our first child, and I’ll be damned if he is going to consider something like Repo Men entertainment. I’m sure it will prove almost impossible to shield him from much of anything in this world, but I do want him to understand that violence and the inhumane treatment of others is, well, you know, wrong.

That said, I definitely don’t want him to be a pacifist. Nothing good can come from that. And I don’t want him to be plunged into a deep depression every time a passenger jet drops into the ocean, a lunatic attacks a school full of children or an innocent is killed by a stray bullet. If he (or any of us) were to let that have too great an effect, there wouldn’t be much time for anything other than the blues.

I don’t know how to help him strike that balance between compassion and composure, but I’m sure it won’t involve desensitizing him with “entertainment” based solely on violence and killing. That much, at least, I think is obvious.

Michael La Fave Editorial and Creative Director letters @ contempomedia.ca

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