THE WORLD’S NUMBER- ONE MEN’S MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE 99 WWW.MAXIM.COM.AU
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MACHINES THE LMV 496 LA MOTO VOLANTE, M c LAREN 720S, BMW R18 AND FEROX SPOTLIGHT MEET KYM AUST-HOWLETT — THE BRAINS AND BEAUTY BEHIND RUGBY STYLE AUSSIE UFC CHAMP ROB WHITTAKER GEARS UP FOR THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE. PLUS, BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO OF VINTAGE LUXURY WATCHES GAMES THE LATEST FROM PS4 AND A HOST OF NEW TITLES FOR REV HEADS COVER GIRL FEAST YOUR EYES ON HOT WWE GOLDEN GODDESS MANDY ROSE HEALTH THE DETOX DECEPTION, PLUS 10 TOP TIPS FOR YOUR TACKLE FITNESS RECOVERY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS TRAINING
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AUTO FOCUS M c LAREN’S NEW GT — THE MOST REFINED ROAD CAR EVER?
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WOMAN OF THE WORLD MATTIE SPEARS, THE STUNNING AND FREESPIRITED AMERICAN MODEL WOWING THE WORLD TRAVEL MAXIM ’S INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO THE FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX RELATIONSHIPS TOP FIVE IDEAS FOR FIRST-DATERS MODEL PROFILE INTRODUCING FIT CANADIAN BEAUTY NYLA FULLER
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MUSIC MELBOURNE BAND CITY CALM DOWN SHOW OFF THEIR NEW ALBUM SEX THE ORGASM GAP — WHAT'S THE DEAL? 24 HOURS TO LIVE AUSSIE COMEDIAN TITUS O’REILY DISCUSSES HIS LAST DAY ON EARTH
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MACHINES
The
MOTORCYCLE T
BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
he Lazareth company is renowned for building the crazy into their motorbikes, but their latest build has taken things next level — it’s a motorbike with wings. The LMV 496 La Moto Volante, known as ‘the motorcycle’ in French, is their ballsy attempt to stick it to the critics and hit the skies — literally. It is primarily modelled after their LM847 bike — which was virtually a Maserati V8 engine on four wheels — with some key differences. The roadgoing engine was swapped for an allelectric version, and JetCat jet turbines were inserted into each wheel. Once the jets are hydraulically tilted this motorbike becomes a hoverbike — complete with a 10-minute flight time and 1,300 horsepower (969 kW).
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Anyone living in any major metro cities in Australia would kill for one of these. When traffic is doing your head in, you could pull over to a suitable launch area, press a button, and wait 60 seconds for the jets to pre-heat. From there, once the bike converts from ride to fly mode, you can lift off and leave the traffic and tolls behind. All the main wheel hubs are built around jet turbines thick enough to lift this beast skyward, with a ballistic parachute mounted in each wheel as well in case things go south. The bike weighs just 140 kg, and makes some 240 kg of thrust in flight mode. It also boasts kevlar carbon composite body panels, a digital dash, and more. Best of all, the Lazareth team will be actually building five of them at a price of $560,000 each. Now it’s just a matter of making it actually usable, affordable, and legal. Good luck with that.
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LEGENDARY QUALITY BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
Last we checked, Harley was the dominate force in the cruiser market worldwide, having sold 228,000 hogs last year, compared to BMW's 165,000. Never ones to take a back seat though, BMW are back on the offensive with their new R18. The BMW R18 was introduced to the world at this year’s Concorso, d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy; and shows off a bold design that pays tribute to the original 1939 R5 motorcycle. BMW definitely has the credibility and history to match it with the American brand, but with the new engine, it also has the twin-cylinder grunt to match them. And if 1.8 litres isn't enough, a 2000cc version of the BMW horizontally-opposed twin will also be available, setting up an enticing rivalry with Harley-Davidson’s 1923cc and Indian’s 1901cc V-twins.
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Mirroring BMW Motorrad engines from the company's near 100 year heritage, the engine block is built of blasted aluminum and Solex dual carburetors are used instead of a fuel injection setup, ala the BMW 2002. The valve gear covers were styled on preWW2 BMW engines, and the push rods were used in 1960s BMW boxer engines. Recycling at its finest. This bike is high on functionality, features minimal electronics, and focuses on the visibility of parts. The scalpel has well and truly been replaced with a machete, representing the beginning of a relentless attack on Harley and Indian in the cruiser marketplace — and the perfect time to join team Beem.
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F1ORIGINS BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
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4.0 litre twin-turbo V8
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7 speed dual-clutch automatic
527kW
568 pound-feet
195 km/h
2.8 seconds
$489, 900
t can slay the quarter mile quicker than a Bugatti Veyron. It can hit that magic 100 km/h mark quicker than a Ferrari 488 GTB. Despite coming from an automaker that started up in 2010 — it won’t back down from a challenge from all comers on the road course. The Pommy company McLaren was born out of a Formula One team, and at the heart of every McLaren model is technology which starts with a carbon fibre tub. Naturally. The 720S replaces the 650S, and is the company’s first secondgeneration supercar. This model integrates the roof, allowing the skinnier pillars to improve all around vision. As such, it proudly hits the scales at only 1436 kg — one of the lightest (and fittest) supercars on the market.
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The boost behind the 720S comes in the form of four litres of twinturbocharged British V8 hysteria. An updated 3.8 litre V8 with 40% new parts, McLaren has it mounted to the middle of the car, pushing that cab forward. When you squeeze that throttle it will take in air like Michael Phelps; afterwards it shoots towards speeds your mum wouldn’t approve of — but your mates would be proud of. The suspension is a trip, too. The dampers and sensors assess data in each of the car’s Comfort, Sport, and Track modes to determine the best ways to keep the Pirelli P Zero tyres on that road. Meaning you either get a purring pussycat or a ferocious pavement-swallowing beast. Beast mode anyone?
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MACHINES
WATER POWERED WEAPON BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
“There’s nothing else like Azaris in the world,” proclaim the folks at Ferox. Since their machine looks like a NASA buggy, has six wheels, is powered by water, and was designed and built in Australia — they’re not bloody wrong. Coming from little known Aussie company Ferox Advanced Vehicles, this monster from the year 3000 promises to ‘liberate the wheel’. The Azaris isn’t a production vehicle as such, rather a vision of a blissful future before all vehicles are automated. The power behind the Azaris comes from four fluid motors. 1 6
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Unlike standard electric motors or internalcombustion engines — the motors here are driven by a liquid that’s 95% water. That fluid gets pumped into ports inside the wheel hub, which pushes onto a series of ‘gates’ that rotate the outer housing of the motor — simple. Each motor is like a self-contained steamer wheel, pretty much. Weighing at just 11 kg each, they could produce up to 500 footpounds of torque each! For those taking notes, that’s up to 2,000 total torque — almost on par with a Porsche 911 Turbo. Keeping all six wheels on the ground is the responsibility of a
clever rocker suspension system. There are two ‘DNA arms’ sticking out from the canopy, each holding two wheels on their own rocker arms. You won’t find any hoses or connectors working with the fluid motor system here — just a seriously unique coaxial piping system your local plumber would envy. Want one? The company has built a fully functional prototype with the intention of putting it into a limited-run production — although the Mars Rover would be easier to get your hands on. ■
SPOTLIGHT
LINGERIE, HOPELESS LINGERIE, SHOES, P I E R R E H A R DY
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#GOALS
With the Rugby World Cup kicking off this month model and TV presenter KYM AUST-HOWLETT, the brains and beauty behind the marketing of some top Super Rugby clubs, shares her success story in this sexy MAXIM feature... P H OTO G R A P H E D BY N I G E L B A R K E R
T ( T H I S PAG E ) P H OTO BY C H R I S E L F E S , E L F E S I M AG E S
ell us a bit about yourself, Kym. I’m a Northern Beaches, Sydney, girl and when I turned 18 I lived in Japan as a model, which started my love of travel and ease of living overseas. I’m half English, half Australian, studied ballet and I’m a real girly girl with a slight tomboy persona — as I’m mad on sports, specifically rugby, cricket and football (soccer). My career is rather diverse as I’m a TV presenter, model and rugby-girl boss. I studied an MBA at MGSM and the University of Wollongong… yes, it took me a little while due to working full-time while studying. I live in Sydney but work in New York and London, so I’m killing it with my frequent flyer points.
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sustainable and operate as a successful business. So, they took a risk on me and it paid off. In the five year’s I was General Manager at the Waratahs, we achieved club records in sponsorship/partnership revenues plus crowd, membership and viewership numbers. I also had a strategy to align to premium international brands, so we had the most unreal global partners such as HSBC, IBM, Volvo, MJ Bale and many more.
launching edgy marketing campaigns (“Tah’s for Life”) and so much more.
Nice one. This role saw you become the first female and youngest GM in a leadership role. What advice do you have for young women and men with similar aspirations? The key to my success was having a great mentor. The Mentor opened doors and opportunities that I’d never have done on my own. Don’t get me wrong though, once those doors are opened, you then have to deliver. Achieving results through hard work, dedication and commitment shines through and in return you gain respect and credibility amongst a very hard industry — that is sport. You will not be able to succeed in sport without respect and performing at an optimum level. Sport is as ruthless off field as it is on field. Only the best will survive. For women, How did you get into the specifically, I say embrace that business side of rugby? you are a woman – that is your The CEO of Waratahs Rugby, point of difference. It is hard to Jim L’Estrange, wanted a get the opportunities, but once paradigm shift in rugby. He you do, be you. On a commercial saw the need to change an level, there is something very old mindset and culture of an different to a way a girl negotiates old boys’ club and take it into and closes a deal to a man, there a new business focussed era. is no ego and negotiations flow So, he recruited me, a young All in a day’s work: Kym reps the NSW Waratahs front office differently. Finally, I believe that girl with a skill set in marketing creating strong relationships and commercial. and partnerships is imperative. That is impressive. At 24 you became the General I also challenged the same old approach Israel Folau is a former Waratah. Marketing Manager at the NSW to Rugby, by creating new and innovative What are your views on his whole Waratahs rugby club. How so? initiatives, which were all very new at controversial saga? I was recruited through Talent 2 agency the time, such as a behind the scenes I worked with Izzy for many years — in but was lucky in the sense of timing. documentary, aligning fashion designers fact, he was the face of a campaign (with Through the leadership of a new CEO, to traditional replica kit, creating a mascot Adam Ashley-Cooper) for the Bingham rugby had to make changes to be a (Tah Man) with epic game day entries,
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SPOTLIGHT
Next in your career you crossed the Tasman and worked a similar job for the Auckland Blues Super Rugby team. So, are you a Waratahs or Blues fan these days? I made so many great friends in New Zealand, it was a great experience. I also learnt so much in respect to their approach for on-field teams and their strong pathways for players, I understand why they are World Champions. But I have to say Waratahs, as it was the club that gave me my first massive opportunity and we made so much change in rugby. You’re now working with Ruby United New York and the Major League Rugby competition in the United States. How did you get into this? A friend of mine, Ben Foden, plays for Rugby United New York and mentioned I should come and check it out, as Major League Rugby and Rugby United New York were doing some great things in rugby. So, I did, and he was right. It is an exciting time to be a part of this new competition and the breadth of opportunity for Rugby being a force in the United States, is just beyond. I’m literally a kid
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in a candy shop with the scope of what can be achieved. Has your modelling or model looks ever played a detrimental role in any job you’ve had in rugby? I often get judged when I walk into a boardroom. When I first started as General Manager I’d have leaders of organisations, who had never met me, talk to my male team members thinking they were the GM. It always amused me when the penny dropped and they realised it was me who they were about to negotiate with, not my team member – the back peddling was just gold. I don’t really get that as much anymore, as my network is large now and people tend to know me and my work, which is nice. You mentioned you also do some television presenting gigs? Yes, parallel to working in rugby, I do
“SPORT IS AS RUTHLESS OFF FIELD AS IT IS ON FIELD. ONLY THE BEST WILL SURVIVE.”
sideline rugby commentary and I’m also hosting a new show called Destination Goals, which is a travel show with a new take on it. My co-hosts are all sports stars and the destination we visit is seen through their eyes. It’s very cool and unique showcasing these destinations but with a sports element. This MAXIM photo shoot looks great. Tell us a bit about it. Ooh, my… having the opportunity to work with Nigel Barker, Americas Next Top Model judge and photographer, was surreal and so much fun. Nigel and his talented team were next level professional, but also know the balance between being focussed and having fun onset to bring the best out of people. It’s was seriously the ultimate experience. The theme was to highlight my work in New York, how rugby is taking on the US and that Rugby United New York is going to be a global brand with talented International and US stars/players. Why did you decide to do this shoot? A UK publication printed an article with the headline “Meet the Sexiest Super Rugby General Manager”. At the time, I had so many people say I should be offended and insulted, but I wasn’t at all. I own being a woman – that’s my strength and point of difference in a male dominated industry, such as sport. Being sexy doesn’t mean you are any less intelligent, hard working
( T H I S PA G E ) P H OTO BY S T U A R T WAT T S
Cup, celebrating diversity and acceptance in rugby. His saga has impacted rugby, specifically Australian rugby’s brand equity around the world. I hope a resolution, for all parties involved, comes sooner rather than later.
“I OWN BEING A WOMAN — THAT’S MY STRENGTH AND POINT OF DIFFERENCE IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY, SUCH AS SPORT.” or successful. Your actions, results and work ethic will gain respect, no matter what. I believe being part of MAXIM Australia highlights my position and thoughts on this. I hope this feature allows other women to know that they can be sexy while being intelligent and successful. What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m a ballet dancer – I have been all of my life. At one stage I had the option to go professional. Ballet is full-on but having that discipline in my life from such an early age has guided the way I approach my career and allows me an understanding of what the athletes I work with go through and how much they have to commit in their lives to be successful at an elite level. The Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan this month. Who will be the two teams fighting it out in the final and who will win? I hope one will be the Wallabies! You can never underestimate the Australians in a RWC, but I think it will be an England and New Zealand final. Weird, as my Dad is from Cornwall in England, so I have a small part of me cheering for them and I have so many friends playing for NZ. I have connections to both teams, but that’s not my bias. They are the two top teams and have been for many years. It’s a RWC – you never really know as teams step up. Its’ quite even for the top teams this time around, so I think it will be a very competitive and interesting Rugby World Cup to watch. ■
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SPOTLIGHT
Status Update NAME: Kym Aust-Howlett BORN: July 8 HOMETOWN: Sydney, NSW FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Energetic, creative, tenacious, humorous, dedicated.” HOBBIES: “Surfing, watching rugby and cricket.” HIDDEN TALENTS: “I’m a mad-keen driver. Racing is in the blood — my Dad was a racing car driver and is now an engineer who designs chassis for racing cars.” INSTAGRAM/ TWITTER/ SNAPCHAT: @KymAust
B LACK SWI M, AG E NT P R O V O C AT E U R ; SHOES, GIO DIE HAIR & MAKE-UP: M AT T H E W S K Y AT N EXT ARTISTS; FAS H I O N ST Y L I ST NAH E E D HADJ ISOFFI AT N E X T A R T I S T S ; LO C AT I O N T H E E M P I R E S U I T E AT TH E R E NAI SSAN C E HOTE L M I DTOWN, N E W YO R K C I T Y
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“BEING SEXY DOESN’T MEAN YOU ARE ANY LESS INTELLIGENT, HARDWORKING OR SUCCESSFUL.”
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THE
5g ?]k]!Vcfb 5ighfU`]Ub a]lYX aUfh]U` Ufh]gh UbX WiffYbh I:7 a]XX`YkY][\h W\Uad]cb ROB WHITTAKER dfYdUfYg hc XYZYbX \]g h]h`Y Uh I:7 &(' ]b AY`VcifbY h\]g acbh\ kY [Yh \]a [YUfYX id Zcf h\Y Z][\h cZ \]g `]ZY¼ P H OTO G R A P H E D BY JAC K R I TC H I E STYLE D BY AD R IANA D I B
I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O
ALL WAR D R O B E BY J O E B L AC K
How would you describe your fashion style? Training gear or classy, sharp suits. There isn’t much in between for me but most of the time I like to keep it casual.
When did you know you wanted to be an MMA athlete? I’ve always considered myself a martial artist and never really thought about being a professional until winning TUF.
What do you look for in a suit? Nothing better than a beautifully tailored suit. I love greys and blues. No ties!
If you weren’t a UFC fighter what would you be doing? I really enjoy coaching MMA and my involvement in Gracie Aboriginal Pathways program so I would probably take that further.
What clothing would we mostly find you wearing day to day? Training gear almost always or, if not, then T-shirts and shorts. I probably change, on average, three times a day depending on what training session I’m doing.
e’ve got you geared up in some high-quality garb for this MAXIM fashion feature, Rob. Do you consider yourself a bit of a fashionista? Not really, but I do love a sharp suit. My wife Sofia has great taste though and she double checks me so I don’t leave the house looking like an idiot. 2 4
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How did you get into MMA and subsequently the UFC? My dad put me into karate lessons when I was eight and it went from there. I progressed into Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, wrestling and boxing and over time brought it all together and started going into MMA contests. Eventually I went on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and a contract with the UFC followed.
You’re known as “The Reaper” and “Bobby Knuckles” — how did these nicknames come about? The fans (or commentators) gave me Bobby Knuckles and I chose The Reaper. There is no real story behind The Reaper other than I like it. Either nickname is fine with me. Take us through your daily training regime. On average I do three two-hour sessions a day and have very little down time. I treat my training like
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“SUCCESS IS AN ATTITUDE AND IF YOU HAVE A DREAM THEN FOLLOW IT.” a job and am working nine to five, seven days a week. What type of mental strength is needed to be a UFC fighter? Mental strength is everything. Fight night is one thing but the fight is won long before that. What you put into training on a daily basis is what you get out of it and it takes persistence and mental fortitude to do that day in and day out. I aim to improve something every single day of my life. How do you prepare for a big fight in the Octagon? My training is key to feeling prepared. Every fight is 50/50 at the top level but if I know I’ve done everything possible in my preparation then I’ll be confident. Stacking the chips in my favour is all I can do. What goes through your mind before and during a fight? Just before the fight I get very nervous but once I hear my walk-out music and I enter the arena my mind focuses. I concentrate only on my game plan, listen to my coaching team and deal with whatever unfolds before me. What’s it like to win a fight? The immediate feeling is relief more than anything and the hope is that I have done my team, family and country proud. I don’t want to let anyone down. Describe the feeling when you’ve either knocked out an opponent or won by submission? I’ll take a win any way I can get it. You are the current UFC middleweight champion — describe how you felt right after the fight to win this title had finished? I felt massive relief that I got the W. The belt and title is a nice cherry on the top but winning the title is just another milestone, it’s not everything. I have
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STYLE many goals I want to achieve and as long as I give my best every time then I’ll be happy. Winning or losing a belt is not that important. In winning this fight you became the first Australian/New Zealandborn fighter to hold a UFC title. What does this mean to you? I’m very proud of that and to have the Whittaker name etched in history. This was always one of my goals, so to have achieved it is a nice feeling. What’s it like to be a champion? Nothing has changed. I still train every day, play with my kids and do everything I always did before. Champion is just a title and means I have a target on my back. It makes me the one guy in the division that everyone wants to punch in the face. Your next fight is at UFC 243 on October 6 where you’ll defend your 185-pound belt against interim title holder, Israel Adesanya. Have you done anything different to prepare for this match up? We haven’t done anything different this time around other than we’ve had a little more time to build strength and cardio and take that to a new level. I’m feeling stronger and fitter than ever before and that’s translating into better training all around. In October you will see the best version of me. How do you think this five-round championship bout will go down? It’s impossible to predict how a fight will go because at this level anything can happen. Israel is an elite and unique striker who will be bringing his best game and I intend to do the same. All I can say for sure about the fight is that I will be taking it to him and putting heat on from the beginning to the end. If he can handle that, then kudos to him.
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“IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT HOW A FIGHT WILL GO BECAUSE AT THIS LEVEL ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.” Being at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium how different is it fighting in front of a huge home crowd as opposed to fighting abroad? Being able to fight in Australia is a huge honour and anytime I get that opportunity I feel incredibly privileged. I hope I’ll have the majority of the crowd support and I’m going to put on a special show for them and something they will remember. I owe Melbourne a great fight! UFC President Dana White says, “This will be the biggest fight in Australian history” — do you agree? He’s right. Two guys from this region headlining a fight in a 60,000 capacity stadium makes it factually the biggest fight. I’m just proud that I am the one bringing the fight here and thankful that the UFC have shown faith in me by giving me the opportunity. Hopefully the fans all turn up to be a part of it and we can break that Rousey vs Holm record! You don’t do much trash talking outside of the octagon. Why is that? It’s just not who I am. I prefer to be respectful to everyone and to let my fists do the talking in the Octagon. What advice do you have for any MAXIM readers wanting to get into the UFC? Success is an attitude and if you have a dream then follow it. Get a great team around you and train harder than anyone else. Aim to be better every day in and out of the training. Then you’re more than halfway there. Finally, being a NZ-born Aussie (your mum is a Kiwi and your dad an Aussie), who do you barrack for when the Wallabies play the All Blacks? I’m an Aussie but also very proud of my NZ heritage. I love both teams and the only time I don’t barrack for the AB’s is when they are playing the Wallabies. Go the ANZACs! ■
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Status Update NAME: Robert John Whittaker BORN: December 20, 1990 in South Auckland, NZ LIVES: Sydney NSW AKA: The Reaper / Bobby Knuckles HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 84kg INSTAGRAM/TWITTER: @robwhittakermma
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Vintage doesn’t have to mean traditional, as this highly-sought, square-faced Heuer Monaco 1133 proves, made famous by the legendary Steve McQueen in his film Le Mans
GOOD OLD TIMES Forget Bitcoin and start building your portfolio of vintage luxury watches... BY KE ITH G O R D O N
W
hen the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication watch was auctioned for about US$24 million in 2014, the bidding was limited to the rarified few who could afford such a price tag. Whether they were interested in the piece as an investment (it had sold for less than half that much at its previous public offering in 1999) or as a unique collector’s piece unmatched in horological history, we do not know. But in the last few years, this combination of investment potential and collector enthusiasm has led to a thriving vintage watch market, one in which motivations may be unclear, but the potential 3 2
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profits and growing number of interested buyers is readily apparent. Perhaps the most significant trend is the way in which the market has expanded. Now the burgeoning industry includes not only multimillion-dollar offerings, but options at price ranges accessible to non-millionaires, especially young and upcoming collectors. Just like with their billionaire counterparts, many of these younger enthusiasts not only see the style and image that comes with a beautifully designed vintage Rolex, Patek or Omega, but the economic stability and investment potential as well. Paul Altieri, founder and owner of online luxury watch boutique Bob’s Watches, as well as one of the world’s top Rolex collectors, explains that the increased activity “has really been going on
for quite some time, several decades in fact. However, [watch collecting] has substantially increased in popularity over the past five years partly because of all the media attention it has received, the increase in values, most notably for vintage Rolex watches, and social media sites like Instagram. It has also been fuelled in part by growing economies in Asia.” The latter point is particularly significant as Phillips, the action house that sold Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona for a record-breaking US$17.8 million in 2017, announced plans to stage the world’s first-ever watch auction curated by an Asian collector in Hong Kong last May. The move came on the heels of a series of record-breaking watch sales in the former British colony. The vintage offerings were
set to include highly coveted models from the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Omega, and more. So while the number of interested buyers has grown, and the range of vintage watches desired by collectors has followed suit, there still remain the basic factors in desirability and value. “I think it still comes down to the same basic principles of rarity, scarcity, and desirability,” Altieri says. Once you’ve begun your collection, watches offer a utility and practicality rare in most investment opportunities. You can’t wear a stock or bond to a dinner party, or bring a painting or classic car into a boardroom. But a fine vintage timepiece is one of the few options that allow you to invest in something practical that you can actually use every day. Sure, one might be cautious with that much money on one’s wrist, but again, this is what makes the current trend so appealing. According to Altieri, “Most of these watches, like Rolex, are very durable and were made to be worn and used and enjoyed. I wear most of mine.” The younger generation is getting wise to these developments, and whether they’re devout watch collectors, pure profit-focused investors, or somewhere in the middle, they are not only expanding the market but redefining the very demographics of the marketplace. We spoke with David, who’s under-30 and works in finance, about this thoughts on the subject. The young collector had always liked watches, but it wasn’t until the growth of online resources, communities, websites and marketplaces, that he started collecting with purpose. Now the owner of both a vintage Rolex Explorer 1 and a Longines Silver Arrow dating from 1955 (among others), which he considers the building blocks of a significant collection to come, he is one of those who leans towards a passion for collecting over investing when it comes to his horological purchases. “I don’t buy watches with the intention to sell them or profit from them,” David admits. “I have always had an interest in old, high quality, handmade things [and] being able to own and take care of something that old, [and] very likely pass it on through my family. I love that about watches.” And as to what draws him to a vintage timepiece instead of the newest release? “Vintage watches are almost always more interesting,” he opines, “because each one comes with a unique history. Each ding or imperfection is a reflection of the watch’s life on someone else’s wrist. It’s almost like nostalgia, but the memory isn’t yours. Watches tend to change in appearance over time, particularly the dials — which can have patina and look very handsome and vintage-
CLOCKWISE (FROM TOP): Paul Newman, at the Whitney Museum of American Art, wearing the timepiece he made famous and incredibly collectible, the Rolex Daytona. One of the more popular vintage timepieces for collectors is the Omega Speedmaster, with a classic, timeless design that fits in any era. While “Paul Newman” model prices have skyrocketed, certain other vintage Rolex Daytona references such as this 6263 “Big Red” are equally beautiful and significantly more affordable
looking.” This is key, the handling and treatment of these vintage pieces, as Altieri explains. “Most collectors today want a watch that is as close to its original condition as possible. That said, we don’t recommend that you polish a vintage watch or replace any visible parts like the dial, hands or bezel. It’s perfectly fine to service or overhaul the movement as needed, just be careful not to harm the dial or the hands.” But for all of the potential profits, and the attempts to gauge
in which direction the market will move, for many of those in the industry it’s more about love and passion than strictly money, and community rather than status. According to David, “For the true collectors, it isn’t about flexing wealth or making a statement; it is about the collecting, discussion, history, and the intimacy in wearing something that is distinctly yours. Something that is personal, and mechanical in nature in an increasingly digital world.” ■ MAXI M.COM.AU
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Greatness awaits on PlayStation 4...
STATEOF PLAY
With almost 100 million consoles sold, all the biggest gaming franchises, a catalogue of killer exclusives and the futuristic experience that is VR, Sony’s PlayStation 4 is a gamer’s paradise. Each month we catch up on the latest and greatest PS4 news and announcements...
BIG THIS MONTH
Concrete Genie Whenever Sony releases one of its big first-party exclusives, everyone tunes in and pays attention. Sony makes great consoles, but more importantly, it makes brilliant games. The industry juggernaut is also happy to dally beyond the expectations and boundaries of your typical genres, too. Frequently committing dollars to the art of interactive entertainment. And this couldn’t be more the case, both figuratively and literally, than with Concrete Genie. A quick glance at the screenshots is all you need to know that Sony’s usual high standards in visual quality and production values have been met. Concrete Genie is a beautiful game. However, it’s the intriguing world and unlikely hero that will capture your heart and mind.
Concrete Genie is set in a city called Denska, which is almost like an industrial ghost town. It’s dark, dank, oppressive, polluted and more-or-less abandoned.
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But it is here that a lonely young boy, Ash, comes to doodle in his notebook and escape his troubles. Unfortunately, he is discovered by a group of bullies, who steal his book and pull it apart, scattering the pages across the world. Naturally, your quest is to find your missing pages, but that is where the clichés end. You see, Ash discovers a magic paint brush and begins using it to draw pictures and murals on the walls. And whatever he draws comes to life, bringing warmth back to the world. Using the DualShock 4’s motion controls, you create these pictures, with your design and colour choices impacting the powers and abilities granted to the creatures you create. Drawing also becomes a key part of the puzzle-solving in the world as you progress an unlock more neighbourhoods across Denska. Plus, you need to traverse carefully to avoid the bullies and fix up any artwork
they destroy on their warpath. Perhaps your art may even help them turn a corner in the way they behave? The net result is a game that offers more than just a good time and interesting mechanics, but a deeper conversation about our impact on our world and on those we share it with. Kudos to Sony! Concrete Genie is out on October 9.
BY C H R I S STEAD
LOA DING
5`gc Cih H\]g Acbh\ Borderlands 3 (out now): A new cast of vault hunters leave the planet Pandora well behind, heading to a range of celestial bodies across the galaxy. There are four base character traits to begin with, but the personalisation features — in both abilities and weapons — expand massively from there. Great for co-op play. FIFA 20 (Sept 27): This year’s edition of the famous soccer sim adds in C<9A. 3\\aONYY a\ Va` cN`a range of existing modes and leagues. Similar to the 363. Street series, this is ghetto play, with fields based in neighbourhoods, a range of street-based mode types, new trick-heavy gameplay and heaps of customisation.
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Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Oct 4): Either solo or in the series’ iconic four-player co-op mode, this gorgeous, tactical military shooter is immersive fun. As an elite ghost, you find yourself stuck behind enemy lines, and must work out a way of surviving and escaping the hot zone, which is a vast open-world. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince (Oct 8): If you haven’t caught this delicious side-scrolling, co-op indie series yet, you are missing out. Amazing visuals present a world high on imagination. While the physics-driven gameplay will tickle your brain as much as your thumbs.
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Out of the blue, Electronic Arts has announced n that not onlyy is a new Need for peed game coming to PS4, but it will be out on November 8! Called Need for S Speed Heat, it’s a throwback t to the NFS Underworld N games, focusing back gam on customisation and car culture in an open world filled with challenges and police. The tone is very much neon-soaked, Miami style, and the gameplay offers forgiving handling and Fast and the Furious style arcade features like nitro. We also like th he GTA style police presence; p the more chaos you cause, th he more 5-0 join the cha ase. Sounds like fun!
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR… Erica E i If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you can’t get any stranger than Erica. Announced and released on the same day, Erica is an interactive movie that focuses on story rather than gameplay. Starring real actors, you use the touchpad to interact with the world and in-doing so, initiating new bits of footage. You have choices to make as you go that change the way you view the story. This encourages multiple playthroughs to get varying perspectives, although the story itself doesn’t vary much. It’s not for everyone, but Erica is a curious concept worth exploring at its bargain price.
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LOA DING GRI D no 16
GRID PC, PS4, XBO, Stadia When it comes to the racing genre, no video game developer has assembled a gameography as diverse and successful as Codemasters. While best known for the 3 , Dirt and GRID series, there’s plenty more to its legacy. V8 Supercars, TOCA Race Driver, Micro Machines, 3bRY, OnRush and Colin McRae Rally were all Codemasters series. This is a team that knows its way around a race car. GRID is a reboot of a series that saw three previous releases between 2008 and 2014. It’s a game that tasks you with mastering a host of different cars in a multitude of different situations. The initial release offers 69 cars across 7 class types (including GTs, Group 7 specials, tourers, ab[R_` 3\_ZbYN 7` N[Q RcR[ ]_\a\af]R` vehicles), but while they each handle authentically, GRID is not a punishing
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simulation. In fact, GRID walks a perfect line between being easy to pick up and play yet rewarding to master. That said, a suite of driver assists gives you the freedom to adjust the play just how you like it. Racing in GRID is a real thrill, and with both day and night races, as well as the possibility of rain, any given race can take on a new shape. The main campaign offers six different threads of 13 events each, and progressions through these gets you to the GRID World Series. All up 12 tracks, including Eastern Creek and Silverstone, greet players, but as four of the “tracks” unfold in cities, there are a stack of alternate routes. All up, you’ll encounter 92 circuits. Stunning visuals and pinpoint sound aside, it’s the immersion the race choreographer provides that really seals the deal with GRID. Strangely named, this system ensures things like punctured tyres, spins, rolls, technical failures, wobbles out of
w ha car each s on the s t r 12 in ace, up rack from the p gam revious es.
corners and other such moments of a race event can unfold not only in your vehicle, but with the AI, too. It’s this attention to detail in capturing what is great about racing that cements the edge-of-your-seat, anyone can play style we love about GRID. A must own for race fans. Out: October 11
Achc;D &$%PS4, XBO, Switch, PC If four-wheels are two too many for your tastes, then rest assured you won’t be lacking any gaming action this month. As its name would suggest, this is the official video game for the 2019 MotoGP World Championship. And as we’ve come to expect, that means every track, rider, bike and nuance from the real sport faithfully captured. There is much than just the MotoGP here, too. Depending on how deep you want to dive into the campaign, you can begin your career in some of the lower leagues and ride your way up to the big time. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, Moto3, Moto2 and the brand-new MotoE series are all included, adding up to a stack of content. Especially when you consider all 19 circuits are recreated in-game.
Speaking of being faithful, once you’ve rolled your leg over and jumped in the saddle, you can expect a game that is more on the simulation side of the gameplay scale than it is arcade. There are a multitude of rider assists you can toggle, of course, but this definitely a game for the bike enthusiast. Going into first-person mode so you’re peering just over the handlebars, timing your turn into each apex, managing the throttle
and grip ,and then powering out precisely is deliberately tough to master, but all the more rewarding as a result. There’s room for improvement; some commentary would be appreciated and the off-track detail is limited. Yet with impressive weather effects and online multiplayer supporting the core gameplay, it remains fast and frantic fun. Out: Now
of there without two much slide on your back tyre and then set a line for the next jump. You’ll need to balance your weight, your front and back brakes and your clutch on the way, and the concentration that requires can help you zone right in on the thrill of each of the 19 tracks. When you throw in varying weather effects, a full grid of riders all leaving ruts in the track, and no shortage of trackside obstacles that can send you flying from your seat, there’s a good challenge here. Adding to the fun this year is a full track editor with over 10,000 customisation options and four landscapes to choose from.
And if that endless supply of new tracks wasn’t enough, there is an open world Playground mode with its own kind or race types (like point-to-point Waypoint events) to enjoy or simply jumps to discover and hit. Get dirty! ■
AL;D &$%PS4, XBO, PC If you’re looking for a less hardcore twowheeled experience, then there is the official game of the 2019 MXGP Championship to dive into. Dive straight into the mud, that is! With both the premier division and the MX2 Championship represented, you can start your career at either level, but first you will need to customise your rider with a hilariously vulgar nickname. (Or is that just us? Maybe both?) Gameplay is punchy. Depending on which assists you have on, you’ll need to come into corners fast, brake hard, get out
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COVER GIRL
THE GOLDEN
GODDESS
From former WBFF Bikini World Champion to fitness and beauty entrepreneur to reality TV star… it’s easy to see why WWE mega-babe MANDY ROSE is the hottest sports entertainer in the world. And, as she makes her sexy MAXIM cover debut, she tells us what fans can expect when they see her in action at WWE LIVE touring Australia this month… P H OTO G R A P H E D BY STYLI NG
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SHAN NON LAU R I N E
J A S M AT H U R
I NTE RVI EW BY
HAIR & MAKE-UP
S A N T I P I N TA D O
SHAN NON LAU R I N E
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H
ey Mandy, congrats on your first MAXIM cover. How do you feel? Thank you! I feel so honoured and excited. This has always been a dream for me, pretty much a bucket list I would say. Ever since I started doing photo shoots while developing a huge passion in health and fitness, I was determined one day I would be featured on the cover of MAXIM.
What did you enjoy most about this MAXIM cover shoot? This cover shoot is extremely special to me and was also loads of fun. A lot of my photo shoots I’m involved in usually have to do with sports and fitness so this is very different and unique to me. Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest? Thank you. I always feel sexy in my own skin no matter what I have on. It doesn’t matter
what you’re wearing, it’s how you feel and present yourself. I can honestly say I am so comfortable in my own skin and really love to see my progression and goals come to life right in front of my own eyes on a front cover of MAXIM! What is your best asset? My legs and glutes. Growing up, I wasn’t always comfortable and secure with my lower body because I was always a bit thicker. It wasn’t until I started to get involved in fitness and bodybuilding where I developed muscle and fell in love with the way my legs look. They’re definitely my favourite assets now and I love to show them off. Tell us a bit more about yourself and life story so far. I’m from Yorktown Heights, New York and grew up with three older brothers in a pretty strict Italian home. Yes, you can say growing up had some struggles with four very overprotective men under one roof, but I don’t regret it one bit because it made me be the strong, independent woman I am today. I was a bit of a tomboy growing up,
played every sport up until about high school, when I decided I wanted to stick with just dance. I then went on to Iona College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. After college, I got involved in fitness competitions and bodybuilding which then led me to a try out for WWE’s reality show Tough Enough. After doing Tough Enough I was signed with WWE and put on their E! hit reality show Total Divas, and I can honestly say I couldn’t be happier with where I am today. You’ve been described as an “Irish Italian beauty” — which half of you is Irish and which is Italian? I’d say I get my sassiness from the Italian side and my beauty from a little bit of both! When did you first know you wanted to be a WWE superstar? I first wanted to be a sports entertainer when I got introduced into the business through Tough Enough. To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into but just went with the flow and was able to push myself to my ultimate limits. I developed a huge passion and love for professional wrestling when I knew I had IT. It’s the best of both worlds, sports and entertainment, which is everything I loved and experienced growing up. I always loved working with children so the fact I can perform in front of huge crowds and put smiles on people’s faces, especially kids, is the most rewarding feeling in the world. What do you love most about your job in the WWE? I love all the charity work and outside appearances we do within the WWE. Whether it’s a Be A Star Rally promoting inclusion and anti-bullying or visiting a children’s hospital, giving back to the community is definitely a highlight of my career. Another highlight has been performing in the first ever allWomen’s PPV event called Evolution. What fellow WWE superstars do you look up to? Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, The Rock and John Cena. Which celebrity would you love to do battle against in the ring? Serena Williams — she would definitely put up a good fight for sure!
“SERENA WILLIAMS — SHE WOULD DEFINITELY PUT UP A GOOD FIGHT FOR SURE!”
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“THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM FOR ME, PRETTY MUCH A BUCKET LIST I WOULD SAY.”
Status Update FULL NAME: Amanda Saccomanno BORN: July 18, 1990 HOMETOWN: Yorktown Heights, New York, U.S.A. FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Confident, strong, sultry, secure, independent.” INSPIRATION: “Having goals, achieving them and overcoming obstacles.” HOBBIES: “Riding my bike, drinking wine and working out.” TWITTER: @wwe_mandyrose INSTAGRAM: @mandysacs SNAPCHAT: Sacs90
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“I LOOK TO BUILD AN EMPIRE… AND JUST KEEP TRYING TO HELP CHANGE THE LIVES OF OTHERS.” You star in WWE SmackDown Live, manage your own iOS fitness app Fit With Mandy, have your skincare line Amarose and a YouTube channel, plus you travel the world as part of the WWE. Is there anything you can’t do? Umm, NOPE! It’s definitely a lot of work, but I try to balance my time and schedule very efficiently. I love staying busy and starting new projects — it’s very fun and keeps it exciting.
inside and out. She is as real as it gets, extremely down to earth and I love how open-minded she is. She’s taught me to be more open-minded and our bond is so strong, no-one can ever break us apart.
You produce a weekly show on your YouTube channel called DAMANDYZ DONUTZ, with your “Fire and Desire” WWE tag team partner Daria Berenato (aka Sonya Deville), where you review donuts from stores you visit around the world. Why donuts? Yes, Sonya Deville and I started this YouTube series around August 2018 because we love donuts and travel around the world together. We figured why not have a donut in every big city we go to and film ourselves because we all know everyone loves donuts! It’s been a huge hit and we are super excited to announce our website is launching very soon. We also hope to open a brick and mortar one day as well. Oh, and the best donuts we’ve had so far were in Lafayette, Louisiana called Meche’s Donuts.
TRUE OR FALSE: You’re on the road and travelling over 300 days a year? True – I basically live out of my suitcase.
What do you love most about Sonya Deville? Sonya Deville is an amazing person
What’s one thing men should always remember about women? We run the world.
TRUE OR FALSE: Your “Fire and Desire” tag team name is from the Backstreet Boys song “I Want It That Way”? False, but we can pretend it is.
You’re a 158cm tall WWE superstar who can lift 102kg – do men find you intimidating? Maybe some, but not the men I surround myself with. Describe your ideal man? Tall, handsome, nice physique and someone with a great personality who makes me laugh. What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart? Making me laugh and looking into my eyes when I’m talking is a good start.
What can fans expect from you at WWE LIVE in Australia in October? Any WWE LIVE show is such an incredible experience — there’s nothing like it! So, I can promise you that WWE LIVE in Australia will be an amazing show and, of course, witnessing God’s Greatest Creation live in real life is quite the blessing. So, you’re welcome! This will be your first-ever visit to Australia, right? Yes, it’ll be my first time coming to Australia, so I’m super excited — I can’t wait to be a part of the show! And I’ll be hand delivering copies of my MAXIM Australia issue, with me on the cover, to all the fans! What else are you looking forward to doing during your trip Down Under? I always love to find the best cuisine when I travel out of the U.S. and experience different cultures. Sonya Deville and myself can’t wait to try some Australian donuts! Got a message for your Aussie fans? To my Aussie fans, thank you for all the love and support and I can’t wait to come and meet you all! Finally, where do you see yourself after you’re done with wrestling? The opportunities are endless. The sky is the limit! I look to build an empire, also maybe get into acting, and just keep trying to help change the lives of others. ■
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“WITNESSING GOD’S GREATEST CREATION LIVE IN REAL LIFE IS QUITE THE BLESSING. SO, YOU’RE WELCOME!”
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J A S M AT H U R MUSE PUBLISHING
P R O D U C E D BY T H A N KS TO
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H E A LT H
The
DETOX
DECEPTION Before you sign-up for that three-week juice regime or take the first steps towards a colonic irrigation, there’s something you should know. Resident Clinical Nutritionist BROOKE BENSON CAMPBELL (BHSc Nut Med) explains…
W
hether it’s a freshly pressed celery juice promising diuretic-induced muscle definition or a cayenne pepper and cider cocktail guaranteeing liver rejuvenation, it is tough not to be persuaded by the detox industry. The concept that you can wash away your lifestyle sins with a short-term "detox” is the perfect remedy to our indulgent processed food and alcohol-driven social lives. “Detoxing”, the idea that you can spend a focused few weeks flushing your system of impurities and toxins,
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leaving it squeaky clean and renewed, is largely a good old marketing scam. It’s a pseudo-medical notion designed to sell you things. And as a population we’re falling for it, hook, line, and shiny sinker. Inexplicably, the shelves of health food stores and chemists are stacked with products displaying the word “detox”. You can buy detoxifying tablets, drinks, tea bags, face masks, bath salts, shampoos, hair brushes and ready-made foods. Yoga, luxury holidays and spa days all promise to detoxify. Seven-day diets and 24-hour juice cleanses
“IS THIS INVESTMENT TRULY BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR BODY OR JUST A PSYCHOLOGICAL BAND-AID TO EXCUSE DECADENT BEHAVIOUR?”
support the detox process while specially designed massages aim to move toxins through the body and foot pads pledge to draw out impurities as we sleep. For those unsure of which particular detox regime to follow, Amazon sells over 10,000 books related to the subject, while Google search results in around 294 million websites dealing with the subject. Currently, health website iHerb.com boasts 487 detox pills and potions for purchase and the industry is growing by around 15% per year. Our collective guilt is making people rich. When most of us first utter the word ‘detox’, it is usually when we’re bleary-eyed, hungover and facing the prospect of Monday after a hedonistic weekend. The repercussions of Saturday’s 12-course degustation with matching wines, or days filled with drive-thru Maccas and service-station pies can cause us to reevaluate everything about our close relationship with beer and trans fats: maybe I should do a detox? Surely nothing says dedication to the cause like spending $300 on a week’s worth of rainbow smoothies and a hot yoga membership? When did a regime of intravenous vitamin drips and daily algal shots come to signify smug self-care and excuse months of bad choices, excess and indulgence? Is this investment truly beneficial for your body or just a psychological band-aid to excuse decadent behaviour? Is the idea of ‘detoxing’ a physiological necessity or a modern marketing invention? To answer this question, we need to understand how the liver (our primary ‘detox’ organ) works. The liver has many duties within the body — it is a filtration plant for your blood (it cleans 1.5L/ minute of blood), a chemical plant (making hormones, cholesterol and bile to break down fat), a storage depot (for glycogen, amino acids, Vitamin A, B12, D and Iron), a metabolism and sugar regulator, a waste unit
(disposing of old red blood cells) and a distribution centre (sending hormones and nutrients throughout the body). Most amazingly, it is also the only organ that can regenerate (without the help of Milk Thistle or other herbal supplements). In fact, the liver can actually regenerate completely, as long as 25% of the tissue remains. The most impressive feature of the liver is that it can regrow to its previous size and ability without any loss of function in approximately eight to 15 days. And not only is the liver capable of all of these things, but it also detoxifies the body of all chemicals, bacteria, allergens, environmental toxins, food additives and drugs that we subject it to (both willingly and unwillingly). From pesticides to chemical retardants, sulfites to ibuprofen, the liver is responsible for maintaining balance and cleansing the body. This natural detox process is broken down into three phases. Phase One is the first line of defense and uses a group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 family. These enzymes help to neutralize substances by converting toxins into less harmful ones. However, it is important to know that the byproducts of Phase One detox still pose a threat to the body. If the toxins are allowed to build up and remain in the liver they can damage DNA and proteins. The responsibility of Phase Two is to clear these byproducts. Phase Two neutralises the byproducts of Phase One by conjugating toxins to allow excretion from the body, and (big clincher) Phase Two is largely nutrient dependent. This phase relies on amino acids like cysteine, glutamine and glycine (found largely in animal products, nuts, seeds, tempeh and legumes) to fuel the breakdown of toxins. Lastly, Phase Three finishes the process and transports the water-soluble toxins to the kidneys to be excreted as urine and binds the fat-soluble
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H E A LT H toxins with bile to be expelled. So, round of applause folks: a perfect detox program according to Mother Nature. However, there are a few pitfalls along the way that are important to consider. Firstly, a high fibre diet is essential for this pathway to work effectively. When there is enough fibre in the diet, the toxin-filled bile will mix with insoluble fibre and will be excreted as a good old number two. But, if the diet is deficient in fibre, up to 94% of this toxic cocktail is reabsorbed back into the liver to be stored in fat cells for safe keeping. Note: 72% of Australians do not have adequate fibre intake, so in 72% of cases the liver is in danger of being overwhelmed by these toxins — generally speaking there isn’t an expensive juice regime in the world that can provide the fibre needed here. As it turns out, the best way to support these detox pathways if by feeding our bodies with adequate amino acids, sufficient hydration and foods that are high in fibre and protein. Simply put, the best way to ‘detox’ your body is to reinforce the natural detox system and to take good care of it in the long term — not to bypass it all together, as you do when you’re on a detox regime. While apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and green smoothies are all attractive additions to a daily regime they exert limited influence over the liver detox pathways (and can be detrimental to tooth enamel, reflux and sugar intake respectively). As it turns out, the ultimate lifestyle detox is not smoking, enjoying daily exercise, and following a balanced healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet high in omega 3 fatty acids, olive oil, nuts,
fruits and vegetables. Shiny new packages and costly metallic bottles be damned. Sure, psychologically we don’t get the same pat on the back and congratulatory self-affirmation when we bite into an apple or eat a mound of broccoli as we would if we signed up for a $50 subscription to Man-tox Monthly, but we’re affording our body the same respect. Soups, juice cleanses and other low-protein diets are counterproductive because these foods are lacking in the amino acids that support Phase Two detox pathways and allow the liver to rid the body of toxins. Furthermore, when we juice foods we remove all fibre from the fruits and vegetables and leave the sugar behind, which can create blood sugar and cortisol (stress hormone) spikes and leave people ‘hangry’ with a headache (you know who you are, bitchy office assistant). A lack of fibre and protein can also cause muscle breakdown and catabolism, forcing your body to ‘eat’ its own muscles for fuel (hello, Stephen King!), slowing metabolism and destroying any semblance of hard-earned muscle tone. The bottom line: leave the detoxing to your liver, and give your brain (and your wallet) a break. So, we’ve established juice subscriptions, detox regimes and one-ayear spring cleans aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, and we’re all aware that limiting alcohol and processed foods can only work to boost our general health, but are there other simple changes to support our body on a daily basis and provide our liver with a little long-lasting T.L.C?
“OUR COLLECTIVE GUILT IS MAKING PEOPLE RICH.”
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Ä=G H<9 =895 C: Æ89HCL=B;Ç A PHYSIOLOGICAL NECESSITY OR A MODERN MARKETING =BJ9BH=CB3Å INCLUDE A DAILY CUP OF BONE BROTH
Containing 17 amino acids, protein and collagen, bone broth is the perfect addition to your daily detox regime. Amino acids fuel the Phase Two detox pathways to rid the body of toxins, while glycine (present in collagen) can aid repair of liver injury caused by alcohol-induced damage. High in protein, bone broth will help the liver while encouraging muscle growth and definition.
USE A CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENT
Curcumin, the key active ingredient of the spice turmeric, has been shown to reduce toxicity caused by heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and mercury (found in rice, car emissions, water pipes, cooking utensils and fish oils respectively). Curcumin also works to lower triglyceride levels, fatty acid accumulation and resultant liver injury. It also prevents glutathione depletion; this is important as glutathione is the body’s number one antioxidant to fight free radical exposure.
ABOUT BROOKE
LIMIT EXPOSURE TO ENDOGENOUS CHEMICALS
THINK OUTSIDE THE DETOX SQUARE
Two of the major contributions to the modern health crisis are stress and digital exposure (and unlike chemical toxins, our body doesn’t have an inbuilt pathway for processing these). Rather than buying up a carton of detox tea, try switching off all digital devices for 2 hours before bed to ensure adequate melatonin secretion and a deeper sleep. If you are desperate to employ a week-long detox, go off-grid: no phones, computers or screens – to allow your brain and body an essential reset, calm heightened stress hormones and allow the parasympathetic nervous system time out from the busy d\_YQ \S 3NPRO\\X PNa cVQR\` Instagrammable social outings and Twittered opinions.
It is clear: next time you’re standing at the counter of a store or scrolling through an Instagram advert extoling the virtues of a shiny jar labeled “Detox”, ask yourself: does this product provide me with the nutrients necessary to support the natural liver detoxification process (amino acids, protein and fibre) or am I falling victim to a glossy marketing ploy designed to persuade with pseudo-religious notions of purification and repentance? Will this detox diet result in the creation of healthy new long-term habits (in which case, go for it!) or am I just signing up to a Jesus-like concept that takes advantage of the modern psychological scale of sin and atonement? Because there is better way: a healthy natural diet high in fruits, vegetables, moderate indulgence, limitation of chemicals and stimulants and daily exercise. It may be boring, it may not be social-media worthy or require a big-budget marketing campaign, but as it turns out, it’s all we need. It’s detox at its best. ■
SWAP COFFEE FOR DANDELION TEA
Dandelion tea (also known as Dandelion coffee) is considered a liver tonic as it helps improve the flow of bile (essential for the removal of fat soluble toxins). A recent study also shows that water-soluble polysaccharides from dandelion root protect the liver from fat-induced hepatic injury. Dandelion also helps relieve constipation and stimulates bowel movements to clear toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.
The average home contains 500-1000 chemicals, and indoor air is approximately two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Many of the cleaning products we use to clean our furniture, bathrooms and windows are full of toxic chemicals, so look for chemical-free options. Many environmental endocrine disruptors that contribute to cancers, infertility and hormonal changes are also present in our shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and moisturisers and so replacing your skin care and personal health care with chemicalfree and natural options will go a long way to limiting toxin exposure. Specifically, avoid parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulphate and BPA plastics — all of which can contribute to organ damage, hormonal disruption and have carcinogenic effects.
Brooke Benson Campbell (BHSc) is a Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, speaker, writer and presenter with a passion for all things health, beauty and wellbeing. A selfproclaimed human test subject, she is constantly trialling the newest products, seeking the latest discoveries and reading the current clinical studies, in order to share her findings with the public through private practice, social media and industry education. Follow Brooke at her Instagram @the.b.b.c
MAXI M.COM.AU
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H E A LT H
TIPS
For Your
TACKLE
y ever as happy as their family jewels on any given day. So, to ensure both you and yours remain happy and healthy, here are a few facts and helpful hints you need to know… BY S H O N AG H WA L K E R
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IT’S OK TO BE A WANKER
Who’d have thunk it? Spanking the monkey is actually really good for your health and may even improve your chances of becoming a Dad one day. According to a 2003 Harvard Medical School Study, “Men who ejaculate 21 or more times a month enjoyed a 33% lower risk of prostate cancer compared with men who reported four to seven ejaculations a month throughout their lifetimes.” This was backed up by a 2004 Australian study of 2,338 men, which found that “men who averaged 4.6 to seven ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70 than men who ejaculated less than 2.3 times a week on average.” And if that’s not enough to get you going, it seems regular ejaculation also keeps your swimmers healthier and better able to do the job that nature intended! Says leading Australian fertility specialist, Dr. Raewyn Teirney, “It encourages the body to regenerate and refresh sperm and if the male is otherwise healthy, we typically see that the quality of sperm is good.”
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YOU ARE A SPERM FACTORY
Your testicles are a literal sperm making factory, churning out new swimmers daily. From the beginning of spermatogenesis, or the production of sperm, it takes 72 days for each guy to go from being a small cell to having a tail and being ready to go. This gives you a fresh chance to improve your health and in turn, produce
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the healthiest, happiest swimmers you can. “You can do this by looking after your general wellbeing every day,” says Dr. Raewyn. Think: good quality sleep, regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, cutting down on your booze intake, quitting smoking and well, just living the healthiest life you can.
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THE BOXERS vs BRIEF DEBATE IS REAL
“Studies suggest that wearing tight underwear and pants may heat up the testes, which may detrimentally affect sperm health,” explains Dr. Raewyn. Ditto for that hot jacuzzi or sauna or anything that restricts circulation and heats up the gonads. Keep your boys cool with a quality pair of cotton boxers which allow room to comfortably move around.
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NO PHONES IN YOUR FRONT POCKETS
“It’s thought that radiation from mobile phones may have some effect on sperm DNA,” explains Dr. Raewyn. Slip it in your back pocket, or better still, keep it in a brief case or bag when not in use.
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WATCH YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
Over-drinking? Don’t expect a party in your pants any time soon. “Alcohol may have an immediate effect on virility, making it tricky to achieve or maintain an erection, and
it can slow down sperm production as well as affect the good health of the sperm you do produce,” says Dr. Raewyn. Stick to the standard two drinks a day or less and aim for at least two consecutive alcohol-free-days a week.
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DON’T SMOKE
Cigarettes are bad on every level, so little surprise that the free radicals smoking produces can negatively affect sperm health and vitality. Smoking marijuana does almost as much harm, if not more, as it is thought it could cause impotency in users. “Taking any illicit drug can detrimentally affect reproductive health,” adds Dr. Raewyn. “Similarly, men should talk to their GP about any prescription medications they may be on that could affect sperm health or virility, especially if they are thinking about starting a family.”
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GET OUT INTO THE SUN
“Vitamin D assists with testosterone production, which is directly linked to general wellbeing, health and energy, as well as healthy sperm,” explains Dr. Raewyn. “If you can’t be in the sun, consider a quality supplement.” Likewise, your sperm relies on antioxidants to perform at its best. “It’s widely thought that antioxidants may improve testosterone production as well as the DNA of the sperm and its function,” explains Dr Raewyn. This means eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies or taking a supplement if your diet is lacking. MAXIM recommends conceiveplease SpermPlus for Men vitamins, $26, which contain Vitamins C, E D, lycopene,
Ă&#x201E;A9B K<C 9>57I@5H9 &% CF ACF9 H=A9G 5 ACBH< 9B>CM98 5 '' @CK9F F=G? C: DFCGH5H9 75B79F"Ă&#x2026; selenium, folic acid, zinc, calcium and garlic oil which together are said to act as scavengers, helping to remove the harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
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DITCH STEROIDS
%$
EXAMINE YOURSELF
Every few weeks, have good feel down there to check for any unusual testicular lumps or abnormalities which may indicate early signs of testicular cancer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you notice something unusual, have it checked out straight away,â&#x20AC;? says Dr. Raewyn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The earlier you catch these things, the better your chances of successful treatment.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013;
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steroids lead back to the brain and cause hormone production to be reduced, which may cause temporary sterility,â&#x20AC;? advises Dr Raewyn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can also promote cancer cells.â&#x20AC;? If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough to scare you, they can stop your Little General working properly. Just TVcR xRZ b] ;\O\Qf YVXR` aUNa ]bZ]RQ up look anyway.
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EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL
Regular exercise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even just a walk every day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will help keep your tackle in top shape. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that exercising regularly improves general health and wellbeing and we also know that this includes sexual and reproductive health,â&#x20AC;? says Dr. Raewyn. Nobody expects a tri-athlete, just do what you can each day.
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FITNESS
RECOVERY
Forget beast mode. MAXIM fitness guru ALEXA TOWERSEY says sometimes it’s best to try least mode… 5 4
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I
f you’re training harder than everybody else at your gym, but all those expected gains just aren’t coming, it could be your body’s way of telling you to back off. What you need could have nothing to do with set/rep schemes or the fact that your glutes aren’t activated.
TO STRESS OR NOT TO STRESS Hormones are essentially cellular messengers that deliver information about what’s happening outside the body to cells inside the body. Cortisol is the 911 hormone. Anything that poses a potential threat to the body (a stressor) will result in cortisol being called in to help. Training is a stressor. The body needs a certain amount of stress to cause adaptation. So while cortisol is often seen as an “evil” hormone that stores fat and shrinks muscle, it is required for optimal health and actually burns fat under the right circumstances. WHAT ARE THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES? During exercise, cortisol works with your other fat burning hormones (adrenaline and
noradrenaline), and growth hormone to increase fat release. During rest, prolonged exposure to cortisol can disrupt the entire endocrine system, affecting important processes like sleep and digestion and can make you insulin resistant which isn’t great if you’re trying to lose body fat. At the most basic level, we want cortisol higher while we’re training BUT lower when we’re at rest. RECOVERY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS TRAINING I liken the body to a bank balance. Every training session is a withdrawal, every recovery session is a deposit. If you’re always training and withdrawing, and never recovering or depositing, eventually you will end up overdrawn and injured.
MASTER THE BASICS NUTRITION Enhancing recovery is more than just eating clean, drinking plenty of water, and having a protein shake. What you take in before and during your training can be crucial. Make use of pre-and -intra-workout windows and you’ll limit protein breakdown and minimise inflammation, all the while optimising the hormonal response correlated with increased growth and fast recovery. Invest in a solution that has both protein and easily absorbed carbohydrates to take 15 minutes before your workout and during your training session. SLEEP In our brave new world, sleep has become a luxury and trying to prioritise it is often looked at as lazy or weak — ironic given that people who don’t sleep are actually getting fatter and weaker. Sleep releases growth hormone, and inadequate sleep is associated with higher levels of stress and lower levels of testosterone. Six to eight hours of quality sleep per night is the aim of the game.
TOP TIP
ACTIVE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Create a systemic drain post training by elevating extremities above the level of the heart in order to push lymphatic fluid back into central circulation. On lowerbody training days, find a wall then lie on your back and elevate your feet and legs. After upper body training, just place the arms overhead in a relaxed position.
WALKING Walking is our most fundamental movement pattern, and can be done anytime and anywhere. It helps spark recovery by increasing blood flow and circulation, essentially improving lymphatic drainage and the rate at which waste products and fluids are expelled from the body. Add in compression tights and Bob’s your uncle — these garments place pressure on the vasculature system and enhance the active muscle pump.
TOP TIP
Rub Topical Magnesium Oil on the soles of your feet, on your throat, in your elbow crease and on the back of your knees before bed. Magnesium helps to dampen the nervous system therefore helping you to sleep.
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FITNESS
INVEST IN THE BEST If you’re doing three HARD training sessions per week, you need to balance it out with three recovery sessions. These can include simple practices like trigger pointing in front of your TV, getting a massage, going to a yoga class, hitting the surf or grabbing 30 mins of zzz’s in low level sunlight. They can also be a bit more hi-tech.
INFRA RED SAUNA Infrared light is used to penetrate the skin up to 70% deeper than a regular sauna, drawing out toxins at the cellular level. They also help to increase circulation of blood and nutrients to the muscles, ligaments and soft tissues which enhances healing. FLOAT TANK OR EPSOM SALT BATH You can head down to your local float tank for a complete experience in sensory deprivation or you can DIY. Epsom salt AKA Magnesium Sulphate crystals are available at any health food store. Add 200-400 grams to a warm
TOP TIP
Want to seriously test your mettle? Load up your bath with ice from the local petrol station and see how long you can handle. The record is 72 minutes!
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bath and soak for 20 mins. This is a very simple and effective way to relax your muscles, decrease inflammation and increase blood magnesium levels. Perfect as part of a bedtime ritual.
CRYOTHERAPY Pop your budgie smugglers on and immerse yourself in a Cryo Chamber for three mins at temperatures as low as -160C. The freezing cold will send your body into a defensive mode, transporting blood, nutrients, and resources to the organs in the core. The body then starts oxygenating your blood, flushing it of toxins and lactic acid. Straight after, your body starts returning to its normal state increasing blood flow of your newly oxygenated blood back to your limbs. The body absorbs this blood, which is now enriched with erythrocytes, oxygen, collagen, and other essential nutrients. I’ll leave you with one final thought — you may think you don’t have time to recover, but do you have time to be injured? ■
ABOUT ALEXA
“Action Alexa” is an internationally published celebrity trainer, sports model and nutrition and lifestyle coach with over 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, and has worked with NZ’s world champion rugby team, the All Blacks. She has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs and was named as one of the Five Toughest Trainers in Asia during her seven-year stint in an MMA gym in Hong Kong.
Grand AUTO FOCUS
McLaren’s new GT aims to be the marque’s most refined road car ever...
I
n the mere eight years since McLaren Automotive, the British supercar marque born of McLaren Racing, debuted its first independent production car, the brand has become one of the most highly regarded in the world. With an impeccable racing pedigree and performance to match, incredibly beautiful designs, and more than a bit of James Bond flair, it’s no shocker that the business has become an astounding success nearly overnight, with 4,800 cars sold globally in 2018 up from just 400 in 2011. Made to be true driver’s cars, McLaren’s creations, from the “starter” 570S which costs US$192,000, to the eye-popping US$1.4 million Senna GTR, deliver an adrenaline-fuelled experience from the moment you turn the key in the ignition and the competition-bred engine snarls to life. Now however, McLaren is preparing to enter a new era with its first-ever touring car: the McLaren GT, for grand tourer. Powered by a newly-developed 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 good for 612 hp and 465 lb-ft. 5 8
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of torque, it’s capable of 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and boasts a top speed of 200 mph. In no way a watered-down version of an existing model, the GT represents a whole new product line for McLaren (which now operates as the McLaren Group), alongside its Sports, Super and Ultimate Series. Priced comparably to the 570S Spider, which starts at $208,800 in the U.S., the mid-engined McLaren GT’s chief competitors include the the Aston Martin DB11 V8 (US$198,995), Porsche 911 Turbo S (US$190,700) and Ferrari Portofino (US$215,000). McLaren claims the GT is lighter and has more horsepower than all three, while it also shares DNA with the new limited edition hybrid Speedtail, the fastest McLaren to date. And while the GT’s exterior design is somewhat more docile than McLaren’s sportier models, the brand has given its traditionally spartan interiors an upgrade. The GT’s cabin can be specified in semi-aniline leather, or leather and pure cashmere
Design BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N
P H OTO G R AP H E D BY O L I TE N N E NT
on the model’s Atelier trim level, while ambient lighting, technical and functional “jewellery”–like metalwork and an upgraded and more intuitive Infotainment System place it firmly in the luxury sphere. Compared to other McLaren models it’s designed to be more comfortable over greater distances with a more spacious interior giving it “continent-crossing capability,” though McLaren has chosen to forego the traditional grand tourer’s 2+2 seating arrangement in favour of an impressive amount of cargo space both fore and aft, which can accommodate a full-sized set of golf clubs as well as luggage, or two sets of skis and boots. That’s in addition to rapid throttle response, a bespoke exhaust system highlighting a “bass heavy” engine note, hydraulic steering, proactive damping control, braking and steering optimized for maneuvering at low speeds, and 360-degree visibility through glazed c-pillars, roof, and swooping tailgate. Small wonder, then, that McLaren Automotive CEO Mike
Flewitt says he will be first in line for one of the new GTs. “I’m intending to use the car as a daily driver,” Flewitt tells MAXIM. “I think it is very practical… Apart from the luggage space and the comfort and [better] sound insulation, you’ve also got a slightly different stance to the vehicle. There’s a little more ground clearance at the front [and a] very slightly higher seating position in the car. Everything about it is oriented to… more comfort, a little more usability,” without sacrificing McLaren’s legendary driving dynamics. “I think this gives us a real opportunity to broaden our customer base.” Grand tourers or GT cars “cover quite a broad spectrum in the market,” Flewitt notes. “There are very capable grand tourers from brands like Bentley where [it] is the evolution of a saloon car.” On the smaller end of the scale are true supercars with grand tourer attributes, and with the GT, McLaren is aiming to be the best in that class. If performance and handling are a priority, “you come to McLaren,” MAXI M.COM.AU
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AUTO FOCUS
The new McLaren GTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details are indicative of its competition heritage and impressive 612 hp engine, yet it delivers a much more refined ride
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Flewitt says. “Our car will be super light. It’ll be the lightest car in its class. It’ll have great driving dynamics…. What we’ve really done is alter the mix here of the McLaren characteristics, [and] we’ve added to that a little more luxury…. [But] it’s still a pretty sharp drive.” Like McLaren’s other models it is being built by hand at the marque’s ultra-high tech Production Centre in Woking, UK. Each car is constructed to order, but if you want something even more customised you’ll have the option of bringing in McLaren’s Special Operations (MSO) division. Flewitt says they have already “designed in parallel some unique optional features that will be made available on the car for customers to choose from. In addition, they’re always open to individual conversations with customers. One of the things that I think works best in McLaren is when an individual comes and talks to MSO about what it is they want. What we try to do is cater for that individuality, that ability to bespoke a product…. We’re very open to having those conversations and delivering that for the customer to have a unique proposition.” It’s all part of the company’s ambitious Track25 business plan to release an astonishing number of new models and derivatives by 2025, representing a £1.2 billion investment in new product development. “That money would bring in 18 new models through that period,” Flewitt notes. “We would be moving into electrification, so primarily hybrids from 2020 to 2022, 2023 onwards…. We are developing an EV [electric vehicle] proposition [and] a successor to the P1 [plug-in hybrid]. I said at the time of the [P1’s introduction] we thought [it] would be about every 10 years doing a vehicle that really set new standards in terms of technology for road and track use. [And] we will deliver that car before the end of 2025.” In 2016, revenues totaled £649.8 million, an increase of 44% over the previous year. All of which is bound to put a smile on the faces of McLaren’s select
group of shareholders. And while some of them are based outside the UK, McLaren is a quintessentially British brand; some would even say the last true British car brand. “We are based in Britain,” Flewitt says. “Most of our employees are British… The heart and the character of the company are absolutely [British]. Our technology center, our production centre is in the UK. We don’t build cars or develop cars anywhere other than the UK.” Which leads us to ask if a certain British secret agent wouldn’t be best seated behind the wheel of one? “I’ve been a James Bond fan since my dad took me to the first movie,” Flewitt tells us. “Absolutely he should be driving a McLaren. If he wants to stay ahead of everyone….”
RECAPTURE THE FLAG McLaren’s plan to get back on the F1 winner’s podium BY N I CO L AS STE C H E R
The connection between McLaren and Formula One is an unbreakable bond. McLaren Racing is not only one of the oldest active F1 teams, but also the second most successful in history — having captured 182 Formula One victories, 12 drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ championships since 1963. Their past roster includes giants like Emerson Fittipaldi, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton. Literally the pantheon of the sport. “It’s an unbelievable job and responsibility. It’s such an iconic brand in the motor racing and automotive space, one that I grew up following,” Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, tells us. “Everyone feels like it’s a privilege to work here. I think that’s one of the things that enable us to attract such great people: the brand itself motivates people. And given that we’ve not been successful these last five years, it’s an exciting opportunity to help quarterback McLaren back to its winning ways.” One of the most storied entities in the greatest racing series on Earth has been languishing in the mid-tiers for the last couple of years, unable to keep up with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing. For McLaren fans this has been nothing short of heartbreaking. But how exactly do you turn a team around in a sport as competitive, secretive, cutthroat, and exorbitantly expensive as F1? “One, you have to have a plan — which is a bit of a journey. You have to be aggressive
“They’re both extremely fast,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says of his drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. “I think we’ve got one of the strongest driver lineups on the grid.”
with your decision making, but patient,” he explains. “You have to get the right structure first and foremost, then then populate it with the right people.” Brown notes that major rule changes coming in 2021 should even the playing field for many of the mid-tier teams, offering them an opportunity to close the gap with the Big Three currently dominating the sport. “It’s going to be in that 2021 to 2023 window that we would like to think we’ll take the next step in becoming more competitive, and fighting for podiums and fighting for wins,” he predicts. “And once you’re fighting for wins, you’re shortly thereafter fighting for championships.” Our prediction? Starting chilling the champagne.
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AUTO FOCUS
THE LONG ROAD Behind the wheel of McLaren’s pulse-quickening 600LT BY N I CO L AS STE C H E R
West of the Sunset Strip’s swanky sushi bars, Italian boutiques and beer-stained nightclubs in Hollywood, the Boulevard transforms into an automotive Candy Land — one rife with sharp corners, hip-swaying S-turns and dizzying dips. Lined with video game palm trees, it’s the kind of place that begs for misbehaviour even if you’re driving a rented Corolla. But behind the wheel of a McLaren — especially when it’s the latest offspring in the company’s legendary Longtail family — you might as well be licking your lips with a forked tongue. You’ll be gunning the British performance marque’s spectacular twin-turbo V8 to make it howl, and burping lightning quick downshifts just to hear the 600LT bark and protest angrily at having to slow down. But the most delightfully aggressive aspect of this latest Longtail, its 592 hp powerplant, is not the most revelatory. That would be the 600LT’s agility and road feel: the steering is so communicative if feels like you’re tracing your fingertips on top of Sunset’s pocked asphalt. And in Track Mode it’s as if the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres are so sensitive they could
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read braille. There’s so much chatter from the steering wheel, in fact, you’ll swear there’s no secret Sunset can hide from the 600LT. Which translates into an almost prescient agility: twitch the wheel and the Longtail is already there, slicing the road like a scalpel incision. It’s dangerous in a way; at times my passenger, pale and white-knuckled, was too stressed to even peep a word of dissent, yet I was convinced the 600LT wasn’t even flirting with its limits. Its grip is so sure-footed you have to be on a closed circuit to even begin testing the mid-engined supercar’s limits. Which makes sense, really. In the world of McLaren, the normally disparate worlds of "street car" and “race car" are never far apart. Ever since their Formula One-inspired F1, often called the greatest road car ever made, the difference between what McLaren sells at showrooms and what it locks up in a paddock has never been all that considerable. But that distinction is even more blurred when it comes to the Longtail family. The 600LT is the fourth McLaren to bear the Longtail moniker, and like its great-grandfather, it too focuses on aerodynamics, weight and downforce. Dual top-exit exhaust ports check all three goals. McLaren engineers will tell you it’s to fit a new diffuser that shaves almost 30 pounds from the 570S, and along with a new rear wing helps add another 220 pounds of downforce. But we know it’s really there for the drama. ■
WOMAN OF THE WORLD
Meet the stunning and free-spirited American model, and recent MAXIM New Zealand cover girl, wowing the world...
P H OTO G R A P H E D BY R O C K Y B AT C H E L O R I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O
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WOMAN OF THE WORLD
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Being our Woman of the World this month, where in the planet would you like to take a vacation? I would love to visit the Maldives — next on my list! Have you ever been to Australia? Not yet, but I’m hoping to visit soon! Besides “G’day, mate”, kangaroos and koalas, what else do you know about Australia? Spiders! You forgot spiders! You recently appeared on the cover of MAXIM New Zealand — how was that? So exciting I love seeing the final project. It’s so much fun!
ive us a little more background about yourself, Mattie. I’m a southern girl from a small county in Florida. I was raised in the waters doing a lot of fishing, travelling, and exploring the world. Most of my life has inspired me to go above and beyond with everything that I do. I have always been a free spirit, I set a positive vibe to everyone and everywhere I go. What would people be most surprised to know about you? There is actually a lot to be surprised about when it comes to me. Every day there is something new that I am trying to do. I surprise myself all the time. You travel around the world for your job, what’s been the most exciting country or city you’ve visited and why? I got into modelling because my mother and great grandmother did it and I always admired their beauty. I’ve been in the industry for three years now and the most exciting place I’ve had the pleasure to visit was Mozambique, South Africa. I love nature and the beauty of their nature is stunning.
When do you feel sexy? When I’m behind the camera — it just brings out a different side of me. What is your best asset? My hair because it’s a woman’s crown. Maybe my smile, too, because it’s contagious. I’m always smiling and laughing, so I'l have you laughing all of the time. What have you learnt about men over the years? There is no magic age where men suddenly become perfect. How does a man win his way to your heart? A man can win his way to my heart with manners and by being a gentleman. And chicken nuggets, of course. Would you ever date one of your social media followers? It could always be a possibility. What’s the weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media? Somebody once asked me to give them public wedgies. Where would you like to be in five years? I want to be an inspiration to our upcoming generation because they are our future and the future is so bright. Yes, I have other major goals and dreams that I’m striving to achieve, but what I really want is for others to love themselves. Loving yourself is the best thing you could ever do. Don’t compare yourself to anyone because you are a thousand times enough. What’s next for you? Any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us? Stay tuned and follow me on Instagram for my next journey!
“WHEN I’M BEHIND THE CAMERA — IT JUST BRINGS OUT A DIFFERENT SIDE OF ME.” MAXI M.COM.AU
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“MOST OF MY LIFE HAS INSPIRED ME TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH EVERYTHING THAT I DO.”
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WOMAN OF THE WORLD
“A MAN CAN WIN HIS WAY TO MY HEART WITH MANNERS AND BY BEING A GENTLEMAN... AND CHICKEN NUGGETS, OF COURSE.” Status Update FULL NAME: Mattie Spears BORN: September 16, 1997 HOMETOWN: Wakulla County, Florida, U.S.A. FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “Soulful, explorer, ambitious, motivated and confident.” HIDDEN TALENT: “I can probably out-fish you.” FAVOURITE DRINK: “Beer, please!” HANGOVER CURE: “Crack open a cold beer.” PHOBIA: “I’m deathly afraid of cockroaches.” BEDTIME ATTIRE: “Big T-shirt’s are my go-to.” LIFE MOTTO: “Always wake up and strive to be a better person than you were yesterday.” INSTAGRAM: @themattiespears SNAPCHAT: mattie.spears
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HAIR & MAKE-UP SI M MY CAR R STYLI NG B E LI N DA R O E LO FS LI NG E R I E MARY HOLLAN D LI NG E R I E VIDEOGRAPHY ALEX SCAPE NS LO C AT I O N W H I T E P E A R L R E S O R T S , MOZAM BIQUE
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TA RU AV T O E FL O C U S
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BRIGHT LIGHTS,
BIG CITY The original F1 night race in Marina Bay is a truly amazing experience and STEWART BELL explains how to get the best bang for your buck in MAXIM’s Insiders’ Guide to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix…
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t may sound cliché, but you can’t help but be blown away by the power of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Marina Bay is absolutely pumping; the F1 cars look stunning flat-out at night under lights, the live performances are huge, and all against the futuristic backdrop of one the world’s great cities. The first time I went I was astonished at the sheer scale of it all, how it was like motorsport’s version of Disneyland — themed bars and eateries, constant action on-track, an electrifying atmosphere, cool lanterns dotted throughout the park. The whole thing was almost made to be on Instagram. And you will want to put everything on Instagram, if only to make everyone jealous. This year sees the event’s 12th edition and the annual festival is still running hot with the ticket price worth it for the entertainment line-up alone — which is headlined this year by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gwen Stefani, Swedish House Mafia, Muse, Fatboy Slim, Hans Zimmer, and Toots and the Maytals. And that’s really what it’s all about in Singapore, being far more than just racing, and one of the reasons why more than 250,000 people attend every year for the great atmosphere, trackside parties and the hottest music acts on stage. Oh, and seeing the unbelievable spectacle of F1 superstars racing wheel-towheel under lights. All you need to do is book it — here’s the lowdown: MAXI M.COM.AU
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T R AV E L
RAPID RICCIARDO QUICK TRAVEL TALK WITH TEAM RENAULT’S AUSSIE F1 DRIVER DANIEL RICCIARDO...
CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS? “PHONE, LAPTOP, SNACKS.” FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? “AFL (WEST COAST EAGLES), UFC AND SUPERCROSS.” FAVOURITE FILMS? “FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AND DUMB AND DUMBER.” FAVOURITE PUMP-UP PRE-RACE TUNE? “‘REINVENTING YOUR EXIT’ BY UNDEROATH.”
in addition to comfort, is its location relative to an MRT station. That ensures you’re never far away from anywhere, and makes getting to and from the event a breeze!
THE EVENT
The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix event runs for three days (September 20-22, 2019), though the action kicks-off daily from late afternoon — with things really heating up in the early evening when the lights go on, perfectly showing-off the true beauty of art in motion, sparks flying from the F1 cars as they thread the barriers.
GETTING THERE
Eight airlines fly direct from Australia to Changi airport, but Singapore Airlines flies multiple times daily from most capital cities. Once you’re in Singapore, you can either grab a taxi (around SG$20 into the city) or take the city-state’s world-famous MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train system. Get the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited train/bus use, the three-day option is SG$20.
ACCOMMODATION
You can book hotel packages at the official event website by clicking on ‘Tickets’ and then ‘Beyond the Track’. What you’re looking for,
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TICKETS
Go to the event website (https://tickets.singaporegp.sg/en/tickets/listing/all/). There you’ll be able to get a feel for the different ticket options, before you click through to make your purchase. It’s easy, and nicely laid out. You can also grab tickets from the event’s Authorised Ticketing Partners here in Australia, which are easily found online (https://singaporegp.sg/en/ tickets/authorised-ticketing-partners/international).
BEST SEATS
It really depends on your budget, but anything you choose will give you a great view of the action — with single day-walkabout and grandstand tickets starting from SG$98 (approx. AUD$100). The Turn 1 grandstand (from SG$1288) gives you a mega view for the start, while the Padang grandstand (from SG$488) is a perfect spot for music fans wanting the best of both worlds.
LUXURY OPTION #1:
FORMULA 1 PADDOCK CLUB
The Formula 1 Paddock Club is the ultimate experience at the heart of the sport, the inner sanctum where teams and drivers host their SVIP guests. In Singapore, it’s done in serious style with a series of celebrity chefs’ restaurants set around The Garden — which takes on an exotic new theme every year. The renowned British celebrity chef Heston Blumental will make his event debut with one Michelin-starred gastro-pub The Hinds Head. The English institution will sit next to Australian icon Rockpool by Neil Perry, returning for 2019. The colossal names continue with NOBU, and COMO Cuisine in partnership
with Culina (incorporating signature restaurants from the COMO Dempsey family in their showcase such as Candlenut, Singapore’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh, and COMO’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok, Nahm). There’s also Stockton Bar by Maximal Concepts from Hong Kong, which is ranked number eight across Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and Tarte, led by pastry chef Cheryl Koh of two Michelin-starred Les Amis Restaurant. All that comes with Insta-fame care of daily F1 pit lane walks, even a spa for pampering.
LUXURY OPTION #2: TWENTY3 If you want an opulent taste of the future of sport hospitality, head to Twenty3 — the event's massive 3000sqm facility (located at the fast final turn) — which is bigger, better and bolder this year with three award-winning restaurants, a Japanese izakaya, a whisky speakeasy, and even a two-storey nightclub! Twenty3’s dining has been turbocharged by superstar chefs like Massimiliano Mascia from San Domenico (two Michelin stars) in Imola, Italy; Takagi Kazuo of Takagi (two Michelin stars) in Ashiya, Japan, as well as Tiago Bonito from Largo do Paço (one Michelin star) in Amarante, Portugal. Then head over to the two-storey Apex Lounge, a nightclub on the pit straight with feature bar, dance floor and incredible kinetic light installation imported from Germany. Look up as you’re partying for the mesmerising movement and colours created by the 300 light spheres hanging overhead. You can also indulge in one-of-akind sweet treats by award-winning Pâtissier Philip Khoury from Harrod’s Knightsbridge, London and pastry chefs Eddie Stewart and Min Chai of N2 Brunch Club as they work in tandem exclusively for Twenty3 to create a
LUXURY OPTION #3: SKY
selection of unique concoctions that marry food and art. There are zero dull moments at Twenty3, with Taiko drummers, DJ sets, fire dancers, roving performers and electrifying pyrotechnics lined up within the alfresco space throughout the race weekend.
Want to watch the racing? You can enjoy it right at your table via the full-length windows at all of the restaurants, head outdoors to any of the viewing galleries, or onto the rooftop of the Apex Lounge — where the party continues.
SUITES
For another VIP view of the action, the Sky Suites offer a luxurious mix of airconditioned trackside suite, and private viewing balcony. The suites have been completely revamped and now feature higher ceilings, new viewing balconies and brand new furnishing and layout. They also provide a fantastic view of Turns 1-3, which is one of the most exciting places to be at the start of the race — with 2017’s multimillion US dollar startline crash voted by fans as the season’s most dramatic moment. One that saw both of the Ferraris out at a first corner for the first time in F1 history! MAXI M.COM.AU
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THE CIRCUIT
Singapore may be a compact place, but the Marina Bay Street Circuit Park is vast. The best way to become oriented is to take a look at the map (https://singaporegp.sg/en/event-info/circuit-parkmap), with the precinct cut into a number of zones — and your ticket providing access to one or all of these. Zone 1 includes the area behind the main pit straight, F1 Village and The Wharf Stage. Zone 2 has both the support race paddocks to explore. Zone 3 has a range of merchandise and the Bay Grandstand, with Zone 4 the one you want for all the headline concerts at the main Padang Stage. On-track, the action never stops with Formula 1 supported by Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific, both super-competitive series with top drivers looking to make their mark in front of the Grand Prix teams who’ve flown in from Europe for the week. For F1, it’s all about the various sessions. On Friday, there’s two practice sessions (where the drivers basically get comfortable in their cars, and make adjustments to go quicker), before a final practice session on Saturday (final chance to do last- minute changes), before qualifying in the afternoon, while Sunday is race day (61 laps or 120 minutes, whichever comes first), starting from 8.10pm local time — or if you’re watching on Fox Sports, 10.10pm AEST. Along with loads of race-themed activities, the Circuit Park features nine stages, with 46 local and international acts performing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in 2018 alone for more than 100 hours of entertainment.
THE GRID
There’s plenty to look forward to in 2019, with F1’s top teams Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing all in with a chance of winning. The mid-field is also a brutal fight, with seven squads fighting tooth-and-nail, including McLaren, Renault, Alfa Romeo Racing, Toro Rosso, Racing Point, Haas, and Williams. In terms of outright success at Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit, it’s equal at the top, with five-time F1 World Champion Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and four-time F1 World Champion, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel on four wins each. F1 World Champions Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso also have one. To make sense of the F1 action on-track, look at one of the many timing screens located all around the track. Saturday’s final practice times are generally a good indicator of who will be on it come qualifying.
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As for the race, the most exciting time is the start — when drivers are jockeying for position to get ahead of where they qualified for a shot at the win or podium places.
DINING
Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, but where do you start? Ask Aussie superchef Neil Perry, who is bringing Rockpool to Singapore’s opulent Formula 1 Paddock Club again this year — alongside the Hind’s Head by Heston Blumenthal. “Tai Wah pork noodles at Upper Cross road for the noodles and the pork and the black vinegar and the chili,” he says. “You can have it with soup, or soup on the side – dry-style. And that’s really worth seeking out. And Kok Sen at 30 Keong Saik Road, and that’s pretty classic fried chicken and claypot fish with spring onions, black pepper beef, frogs legs, that sort of stuff. And it’s really local food. And that’s really worth dropping into.”
NIGHTLIFE
There are lots of different spots to explore in Singapore for fantastic nightlife. Clark Quay is buzzing with tourists throughout Grand Prix week and is perfect for dinner and drinks. Orchard Road might be a shopping hub by day, but it has lots of bars and nightclubs when the lights go on. Kick-on for more fun at Club Street and Ann Siang Hill in Chinatown, where you will find some of the city-state’s best food and bars. One for post-race weekend, head down to Sentosa Island for some stunning beach bars that are so authentic you’ll think you’ve stumbled into the South Pacific. ■ THE FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2019 WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 20-22, WITH MORE INFORMATION AT SINGAPOREGP.SG. TO BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY PACKAGE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CORPORATE SALES TEAM AT +65 6731 5900 OR EMAIL HOSPITALITY@SINGAPOREGP.SG
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R E L AT I O N S H I P S
First Date
WINNING
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MAXIM’s resident wellness expert, lifestyle coach and bestselling author ANDI LEW gives us her top five best ideas for first-daters…
O
K, so you’ve secured a first date with the girl you’ve been wanting to spend time with. You’ve moved from text or phone to IRL (in real life) and you’re about to find out if she really is like her picture or video calls you’ve both been sharing. It’s exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time because it’s quite possible that your first date may also be sizing you up and that the happy hour golden lighting you’ve both been using after work or your dark selfies are no longer enough. Let’s get one thing straight though — your energy speaks before you do. This is wonderful news because it means that your girl won’t be making her judgement on whether you’re going for a second date or not, based on your external beauty only. For those working solely on their external aesthetics; it’s time to lift your Dating Game. Here’s the truth — women ultimately don’t care if you have a six-pack all year round or George Clooney hair and a deep, sexy Morgan Freeman-like voice. They’re actually interested in how you make them feel. So, it’s time to get your energy right. How you feel about yourself says a lot about you. Know your strengths and decide to feel happy about them! Never let your ego take over. If you do, you’re coming from a place of fear. Just sit back in your self worth space and be quietly confident with what you have to offer someone. The right woman for you will love it. Now, your job is to really listen to her and get to know her likes and what makes her smile so that you can make her feel good. This will make any woman fall. The French have a saying that when translated means; “make a woman laugh and you have one foot in the bed”. I’m sure it’s sexier when they say it, but laughter is hugely attractive. It means she feels comfortable to let her guard down with you. Now that you’re committed to listening and you’re having fun, your choice of first dates are going to be easy. She’s going to help you choose by giving you clues as to what she likes, but a woman may sometimes also prefer you to choose.
BAR THE WAY Some don’t like to drink alcohol on a first date as they say it clouds their judgement and vision, but for others it’s an obvious first date choice. Having a cheeky wine, beer or colourful cocktail or two can certainly help to ease first date nerves. My tip — choose a place that’s on the way home from work for you both and on a Thursday or Friday night. This way you can make it a low key interaction without expectations. It’s important to know that you both may not like each other’s vibes from the get go and meeting up on a “by the way” bar helps to keep you guys less invested. You’ll have only one or two and need to get up for work or gym the next day! If you’re all “in like Flynn” then this first date will leave you both hanging for more.
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NATURE KNOWS The most telling way to get to know someone is to get them amongst some nature. When we have really switched off and disconnected from technology and work, is when we start to talk about what matters most. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both into healthy living, suggest a nature walk by the beach, bay, park or botanical gardens. Guys, you are really good at talking if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not facing one-on-one right in front of your new partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. If you both are doing an activity and looking ahead or at your surroundings then chances are youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be more relaxed. The bonus of this first date is that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re saving money and getting fit.
SMOOTH AS A SMOOTHIE 3\_TRa P\SSRR AUR PNSSRV[R dVYY ObVYQ your adrenals up even more. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already going to naturally both be a little nervous. The last thing you want to do is heighten your nerves with more stimulants. Research a day date smoothie bar or cafe that has a great vibe and cafe culture. Suggest a middle of the day, right before lunch time: smoothie hang! If the date is going well, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be able to extend this into a lunch date and spend more time together right then and there. And the bonus is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; every girl becomes a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cutie with a smoothieâ&#x20AC;? when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drinking with a straw. Again, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a low key, quick catch up to see if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chemistry and if so, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to really surprise her by suggesting she might like to choose a bite off the lunch menu, if she has time to stick around.
DINNER WINNER The only way youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll guarantee a winning dinner date is if you choose a place that has a share type atmosphere. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re everywhere now with share plates and share tables. Grazing menus and tapas bars are best. If there are people all around you, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel less pressure as a not yet â&#x20AC;&#x153;coupleâ&#x20AC;? and rather just two people sharing food and conversation.
GO FOR GOLD What are you really good at? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re exceptional at a skill, you might want to suggest a date that involves showing f\b V[ f\b_ YVTUa 3\_ ReNZ]YR \[R \S Zf favourite first dates was when I met with a photographer who picked me up for sunset photography. If you have something you want to showcase and share and you think sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keen for it, by all means show some creativity and thoughtfulness.
Whatever you choose, just remember your goal is to get a second date, not a kiss! Be a gentleman and enjoy the journey and build up. A kiss at the end of the night will be in order if you feel that she has already given you the signs for it: %" Dfc`cb[YX YmY WcbhUWh &" @chg cZ `Ui[\hYf '" GcaY hciW\]b[ cZ h\Y Ufa Y`Vck g\ci`XYf cf h\][\" (" 5 aYbh]cb cZ U gYWcbX XUhY If the kiss doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all good. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why a first date is called a first date. Enjoy the journey! â&#x2013;
ABOUT ANDI As a certified wellness and dating expert, lifestyle coach and bestselling author, Andi Lew appears on several TV shows, both in Australia and in the United States of America, helping one and all with her handy relationship and professional advice. Stay connected with Andi via her Instagram @andi.lew
#INSTALOVERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL DATING, DM DISASTERS AND LOVE STORIES by Andi Lew is out now, rrp$27.99, available at andilew.com and book stores across Australia
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MODEL PROFILE
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Sensual
NYLA
After years of fitness and dance competitions, this artistic accountant and fit Canadian model is ready for more travelling and adventure. Meet NYLA FULLER...
W elcome to MAXIM, Nyla. Tell us a bit about this photo shoot. We started in the studio shooting glamour and lingerie, and then headed out to what I love shooting best — natural light, beaches, blue skies and sun! Around Huntington Beach, we found classic Mustangs, a luxurious mansion and of course the gorgeous beach and waves. We wanted to capture an upbeat California summer vibe while showcasing both fashion and fitness. Are there any other funny anecdotes you can share about the day? We heard rumours that some
P H OTO G R A P H E D BY L U I S R O D R I G U E Z
residents weren’t very open to photography on the beach and they called the cops on previous models. One of my looks was a body chain with bikini bottoms, and it was just too cute not to shoot. I was covered up as best as possible and we were far out on the beach but the crew was still a little hyper alert! Ultimately, we got the shots without drama. Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far. I grew up in a small town in Western Canada, arguably one of the coldest places in the world during winter. Summers as a teenager were spent driving dusty country back roads in search of bonfire bush parties. I aspired to move someplace warm and design fashion. I entered business school with the intent of building a business foundation to support my artistic endeavours. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I went to graduate school in
the U.S. and lived in Australia for four months where I actually dabbled in swimwear photo shoots. Since moving back to Canada, my life has been a mix of business opportunities and photo shoots, and that comes with fun travel adventures.
music, stage, styling and self-expression it offers.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you? Aside from travelling and modelling, I am very artistic and love to paint and draw. I also work as a chartered professional accountant (CPA) and for some this immediately conjures up stereotypical images of me wearing glasses in a desk or board room — yes I do that too!
What is your best asset? Eyes and smile, because I believe that they say a lot about a person. My parents even named me after my blue eyes. Although most people think Nyla refers to New York/ Los Angeles, my parents derived my name from the Blue Nile River.
How long have you been modelling and what would you do if you weren’t in the modelling business? My modelling journey started after years of fitness and dance competitions. I keep saying one of these days I will get back into dance. I love the
When do you feel you are at your sexiest? When I’m on top of my game — hair and make-up done, dressed up and headed out for a fun night on the town.
What have you learned about men over the years? Pizza is appropriate in all situations. Happy and celebrating? Order pizza. Chilling at home on Friday night? Eat pizza. Need a fix after a bad day? Bring pizza. What do you look for in a man? Humour, honesty and openMAXI M.COM.AU
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MODEL PROFILE
Status Update FULL NAME: Nyla Fuller HOMETOWN: Calgary, Canada BORN: December 31 FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Playful, creative, ambitious, focused, determined.” INSTAGRAM: @nyla.fitness
“I TRULY BELIEVE LIFE IS ABOUT GROWTH AND HAVING FUN IN THE PROCESS AS IT UNFOLDS.”
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spider. This may sound silly because as a Canadian I grew up looking out for huge wild bears, wolves and cougars, but I find spiders scary. Who is your girl crush? Kindly Myers — she has a great smile and a heart of gold. I also admire fitness model Whitney Johns, her physique is amazing and she has a bubbly and fun personality. What’s the weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media? It’s not freaky or weird, but a few people have named their babies after me, which is actually kind of flattering! What is your motto in life? Be yourself, because everyone else is taken. What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us? More photo shoot and travel adventures to come! I am also working with some amazing brands that create great products and support important social and health causes.
mindedness. Being able to laugh and have a great conversation is important to me, too. Bonus points for an athletic build, flashy smile and expert parallel parking skills. What’s one thing men should always remember about women? Women are intuitive — even when I can’t logically explain my gut feelings, they usually turn out to be accurate. And
I am not just talking about diagnosing pizza cravings! Describe your ideal date. Sushi, wine and great conversation on a patio with nice outdoor surroundings, followed by a car ride with the windows down and music up. Wow, you know exactly what you want. What can we get you at the bar? Chocolate martini, please.
Got a hangover cure? Cold shower and coffee — a couple of good espresso shots will do the trick. What would you say is your best hidden talent? I can easily memorise numbers. Do you have any phobias? Spiders! Fortunately, for all of the time that I spent in Australia, I haven’t seen a huge
Finally, where would you like to be in five years? Sitting on a patio with a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by amazing people, toasting to all the hurdles we overcame and things we accomplished in five years. We talk about fun memories created, mistakes made, lessons learned, risks taken. We smile about how through uncertainty, we created and shared some beautiful things, connections, pictures, and positive social and community impacts. In retrospect, we’re thankful everything played out exactly as it did. I truly believe life is about growth and having fun in the process as it unfolds. ■
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MODEL PROFILE
“MY LIFE HAS BEEN A MIX OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND PHOTO SHOOTS.”
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MUSIC
KEEP CALM As Melbourne four-piece band CITY CALM DOWN embark on yet another must-see national tour, lead singer Jack Bourke takes us through their hotly anticipated third album, Television, track-by-track… “Television”‘
This was written the same day I watched Sidney Lumet’s satire Network. I’d written the verses and the choruses in the afternoon and found Network on later that night. I was startled by the coincidental similarity of the themes in the song and the movie, and decided to adopt one of Howard Beale’s monologues for the song intro. The song isn’t as overtly cynical as the movie, but they both share a sense of distrust in ‘the media’ (as in, the fourth estate) and question the value of mass consumption 8 8
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of media. My favourite line is, “ Walter White still lights up the screen, shining on as the man of your dreams”. It’s absurd and gets to the heart of the song — Walter White is a horrendous character who can teach you a lot about yourself. Alternatively, you can binge watch Breaking Bad without digging into those issues.
“Visions of Graceland’
I started writing this one while watching the movie Drive on mute. I thought it would be fun to try writing something to fit
in with the soundtrack, a goal that wasn’t exactly realised. The lyrics started taking shape around the time Tony Abbott and his mates started trying to roll Malcolm Turnbull. I had the line, “I’m a lonely kid at home in this wasteland ”, which felt apposite to the scorched Earth political strategy being employed by Abbott and co against Turnbull. The rest of the lyrics fell into place around that line.
“Mother”
I grew up in a household of five boys. My mum took on
the primary caring duties for the five of us. We weren’t easy kids to look after: babysitters usually only lasted a couple of visits. I guess this song is a way of saying thanks to my mum (and dad) for putting up with the five of us. It also ties in with “Visions Of Graceland” in the sense that the petty behaviour of children is remarkably similar to the petty behaviour of certain members of our political class.
“Stuck (On The Eastern)”
This one went through a bunch of revisions before we settled
THE TELEVISION TOUR
Catch City Calm Down, with special guests… October 11: Manning Bar, Sydney NSW; 12: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA; 18: The Triffid, Brisbane Qld; 19: Rosemount, Perth WA; 26: Croxton, Melbourne Vic
stages of mixing, and starting to feel like we weren’t going to make it, when Burke [Reid, producer] came down with a brutal bout of the flu. We all felt very bad for poor old Burke, but it did allow us an extra couple of days to finish it off.
“Weatherman”
THE CALM DOWN (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Jack Bourke, Lee Armstrong, Jeremy Sonnenberg and Sam Mullaly
on the final version. In fact, the only part that remains from the initial idea is the distorted harmonic hook at the start. The chorus was written in the studio after we decided to can the idea we went in with. I was hunting around for chords for a chorus, and Jeremy Sonnenberg (bass) started humming a melody over the top. After three to four hours of no progress, there was a light-bulb moment. We worked the melody and chords up from there and I wrote the lyrics on the spot — which rarely happens.
“Lucy Bradley”
I woke up one morning with the lead instrumental melody in my head. I wandered downstairs humming it and recorded it my
phone — on the recording you can hear my wife Jess laughing at me and me telling her to shut up (politely, of course). I was able to pull most of the song together later that day and we finished it off in preproduction a few days later. It was a relief it came together so quickly, given some of the others took so long.
“Flight’
“Flight” taps into themes I’ve explored on previous records — social media consumption and developing an opinion in a closed circuit — but perhaps it’s a bit more scathing in its view. The middle of this song was an absolute killer to execute. We were still working on it while we were in the final
Probably the most difficult song to make. At every turn it avoided becoming a proper song. We had the lead guitar and chorus melody from very early on in the writing process, and kept making incremental adjustments during preproduction... it took about four hours to get the pre-chorus right. Then, when we got into the studio, it still wasn’t working. Burke and Lee (Armstrong, drums) eventually came up with the snare-free/ tom-drum-only drumbeat, and things started to take shape. It wasn’t until the last hour of the last day in the studio, under intense pressure from Burke, that Will (Fletcher, guitar) threw away his inhibitions and unleashed his weird and warbley guitar part that gave the song its identity.
“A Seat In The Trees”
When I was little I used to climb trees. Looking back, I’m amazed neither of my parents would bat an eyelid at seeing their five-year-old climbing fivefoot-10 metres off the ground. My dad would just tell me that if I was going to go up I had to know how to get back down, because he wasn’t going to climb up and help me! I don’t really have very fond memories of that period of my childhood, because I had a pretty bad time at early primary school. I think climbing trees was a way for me escape the loneliness I experienced at school — by choosing loneliness in the trees I didn’t feel oppressed by it.
“New Year's Eve”
This was the first song written for the record. Like ‘Stuck’ and ‘Weatherman’, it went through revision after revision. The thing I like most about this song is that the rhythm never lets you feel at ease, and this ties in with the lyrics, which draw on an episode of solipsism I experienced when I was about 10-years-old. I found this awfully confronting at the time and didn’t know how to explain the experience to anyone. My folks thought I had a lost the plot — which, I daresay I had.
“Cut The Wires”
In the final stages of recording the album we drafted in the wonderful Phoebe Cockburn of Two People to help out with backing vocals. I still believe the song is better with her singing the lead part. Anyway, she asked me what the song was about, and I’m typically terrible at explaining because I don’t think layers of meaning are easily reduced into a sentence or two. I told her the song was about challenging someone in a way that can only be done when you share a deep sense of mutual trust. In this sense, it’s a song about my relationship with my wife, Jess, and my gratitude to her for always challenging me and pushing me further. ■
City Calm Down’s album TELEVISON is out now MAXI M.COM.AU
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SEX
The
GAP WHAT’S THEDEAL? The orgasm gap was born when a U.S. study revealed that 95% of heterosexual men climaxed during sex in comparison to only 65% of women. Whilst I applaud any research into the “big O” and human sexuality, I do think this coined phrase has some major issues. So what is the problem with the orgasm gap? Here’s my take on it... BY
SEX IS ABOUT THE JOURNEY NOT THE DESTINATION The problem with the supposed “orgasm gap’ is it assumes that climaxing is the purpose of sexual pleasure, when it’s clearly not. Approaching sex with the ambition of getting your rocks off is a selfish way to enter f—kery — sex doesn’t have to end because one partner orgasms. Placing limitations on sexual intimacy is simultaneously damaging and reductive. If one or both partners don’t pass the finishing line, you
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VA N E S S A D E L A R G I E
haven’t failed. Sex is not a race or a competition, yet the orgasm gap tries to make it so. NO ORGASM? NO PROBLEM! The orgasm gap assumes that sex without an orgasm is somehow inferior. Marathon sex sessions full of sweat and passion would suggest otherwise. I mean, you spend two hours of your time humping and pumping, yet apparently it’s a flop? I don’t think so. Whilst orgasms are a bonus of sex, they certainly don’t make up the whole.
MAKING PEOPLE FEEL CRAPPY ABOUT THEIR SEX LIFE IS A DOUBLE NEGATIVE The orgasm gap essentially makes people feel shit about themselves. It shames men for having the audacity to cum and shames women who are unable to do so. Are feelings of self-loathing and regret good for anyone’s sex life? The answer is no. Stop disseminating this type of rubbish!
WE CAN FIX YOUR PROBLEM… NOT! On top of all of this, the orgasm gap is used by advertisers to sell products to “fix” sexual issues. Companies prey on the insecurities of females and the sexual shaming of males. They convince them to purchase goods they don’t actually need. Never forget that slogans like “the orgasm gap” are great for making a buck and turning a profit. MISANDRIST MELODIES The orgasm gap is a term you’ll hear bandied around by feminists and misandrists as another way to beat men down — any excuse to dig their heels in! Do we really need a gender war in the bedroom? How on earth will that achieve any evolved outcome? Conflict between the sexes should stay out of the bedroom — permanently.
BIOLOGICAL INCLINATION Although men don’t ejaculate every time they orgasm or orgasm every time they ejaculate, it’s pretty obvious that the orgasm gap is biologically inclined. It makes sense that men orgasm more than women — to spread their seed and further the species.
Who is anyone to argue with billions of years of evolution? Not me. LGBTI ERASURE Not all sex is hetero. The study that the orgasm gap was birthed from included research into other sexualities as well, yet their
experiences have been erased. It’s all about how many orgasms women have in comparison to men. Erasure much? TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN SEXUAL PLEASURE Do not expect another human being to be responsible for your
climax. The orgasm gap is a blame game in a race to the bottom of the barrel. Take responsibility for your own sexual pleasure and stop passing the buck.
Look, the “orgasm gap” is a meaningless turn of phrase that incites blaming, shaming and guilt-tripping. If you want to enjoy a better sex life, do some research or have an open and honest discussion with your partner/s. Just don’t feel pressured into being an orgasmdonor — you aren’t running a charity or a shop. Their sexual pleasure is their responsibility. ■
Vanessa de Largie is an Australian actress, sex columnist and freelance journalist based in London
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24 HOU RS TO LI V E
TITUSO’REILY H\Y 5igg]Y kf]hYf VfcUXWUghYf WcaYX]Ub UbX gdcfhg gUh]f]gh W\Uhg UVcih \]g `Ugh XUm cb 9Ufh\¼ I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O
What can audiences expect from your upcoming stand up shows? A night that honours the true heroes of Australia — those of us that just want to sit on the couch all day and watch sport. Sport is not going to watch itself.
Have you ever felt like you’ve died onstage during a stand-up gig? I did a gig at a lunch for a footy club and I was on last. The lunch went long, everyone got drunk and then people had to go. By the time I got up to speak there were three people left in the audience. One was passed out, another on their phone and the last guy got up as I started to have a smoke outside. Speaking of death, how do you want to leave this world? I would like to go out doing some heroic deed that saved a lot of lives, but it’s probably going to be liver disease.
Do you have any deathbed confessions? Every time someone said, “Are you listening to me?” I wasn’t. What’s your last meal? Whisky. It makes every moment better. Are you going to Heaven or Hell? According to Israel Folau I’m going to Hell on numerous counts. And given all the fornicators and drunkards that are going to be there, I’m looking forward to it. What do you say to the Devil when you get there? “Do you have Foxtel?” What quality advice, that you’ve been given in the past, will you take to the grave with you? Don’t have faith in yourself, have faith in how bad other people are. During your time on Earth, what was the greatest moment in sport? Bernard Tomic retiring from
a match, citing the heat, when it was 24 degrees.
What’s your greatest achievement during your time on Earth? I once threw a bit of paper across the office and landed it in the bin with the whole office watching. Name one thing you’re glad you’ll never have to do again. School. I got nothing out of it except my heaps good grasp of English. What are your friends saying over your casket? “Thank god that’s over.” What or who would you like to be reincarnated as? An Australian Senator. No other job pays so well but delivers so little. What’s written on your tombstone? “This Tombstone intentionally left blank.” Got any last words? Sorry to have bothered you. ■
“DON’T HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF, HAVE FAITH IN HOW BAD OTHER PEOPLE ARE.”
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Titus O’Reily is touring nationally — for info go to frontiercomedy.com. His new book Please, Gamble Irresponsibly: The Rise, Fall And Rise Of Sport Gambling In Australia is due for release on November 5 and available for pre-order now
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