The Right Hair Maintenance for Men

Having the perfect hairstyle isn’t easy to achieve for most men and usually, most guys strut with the wrong kind of crowning glory. The thing is it’s one thing to have a great hairstyle and another to maintain it the right way. Maintaining your hairstyle also need a proper hair-care routine and if you still don’t know, it involves more than putting on shampoo and combing it once a day.

Shampoo and Conditioner

There’s nothing wrong with shampooing everyday just as long as you use the proper product. That means using a shampoo that moisturizes if your scalp if it’s dry and if the product makes your scalp itch then it must contain substances that you might be allergic to. However, if there’s one thing that every man should have for their hair, that has to be the conditioner. A conditioner helps the scalp becomes healthy and in case you still don’t know, having a healthy scalp also means a healthy hair. Always remember that even if you don’t shampoo everyday, it’s ok just as long as you don’t forget to put on a conditioner.

Gels and Wax

Gels are obviously the in-thing of the 90’s and they produce hair that is usually stiff. The problem though is that they suffocate the scalp preventing it to breathe. Because of this, your hair becomes weaker because of that your scalp becomes abused. On the other hand, hair wax might not make your hair as stiff as gel does and although it is meant to hold your hair, its oily substance can still suffocate and affect your scalp. The thing is constant conditioning will eventually make your hair more manageable and not to mention healthier. I still don’t see any reason why men would put anything on their hair because no woman wants to run her fingers on someone’s scalp with all its substances that shouldn’t be there in the first place.

Haircut

There was time that short and slick-backed hair was the in-thing and there was also this generation that thought that long hair is attractive. These days, it’s all about fitting your style and the structure of your face to the kind of hair that you have. When it comes to trimming, it’s generally prescribed that you get a haircut every 4-6 weeks because after that, it’s going to be very difficult for you to maintain your hair.

Barber or Hair Salon

Back in the day of our fathers, there was only one place to go to when it comes to having a haircut and that’s the barber. These days, men going to the hair salon would no longer receive any furrowed brows. The rise of the fashion-conscious male or the metrosexual has given rise to the kind of men who knows what they want when it comes to their hair. I personally recommend the hair salon if you want more uniqueness and creativity with your hairstyle. However, if you’re a bit too conservative, going to the barber shop is pretty cool as well.

Car Comparison: Audi A8 vs. Lexus LS 460 L

Two great car manufacturers are featured in today’s post and these are the Audi and the Lexus. Both manufacturers had been in the industry for quite some time and without a doubt, they have produced one of the best luxury sedans that we’ve seen. Speaking of luxury sedans, this post will deal with two from the said manufacturers and these are the Audi A8 and the Lexus LS 460 L. Both cars are obviously high-end and for sure it’s going to be difficult choosing which one is better than the other.

The A8 brings the greatness of German automotive industry which has been well-documented ever since people started driving cars. The thing with the Audi A8 is that it has the technology that its other Audi cousins have and it’s even better. It’s an impressive car to drive even with the sheer size that it has. On the other hand, the Lexus LS 460 L just proves that the Japanese can definitely build luxury cars and they can definitely compete against its European and American brands. Which one will reign supreme? Read on and find out.

Audi A8 L 4.2

Price: 73000 USD

The Audi A8 surprised many of its competitors with its massive 4.2 liter DOHC engine and not only that, even if it’s 4400 lbs, it can move from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The A8’s MPG rating isn’t bad either because you can easily get 25 miles out of one gallon when you drive it on a highway. The exterior of the A8 isn’t that fancy although I was compelled to praise the smooth lines and solid overall design. Just like most German cars, the A8 might not be too fancy but you know that you’re getting a lot of substance from it.

Most German interiors are rather too bland and tasteless although the A8 is entirely different. The A8 has leather seats while having lots of contrast and functionality at the same time. Additionally, the A8 has enough room for several people and why not? The car is massive and without a doubt, it’s just another testament at how great Germans are in car making. When it comes to the sound system, the Audi A8 boasts of a Bose 12-speaker audio system that features noise-canceling technology. Aside from the above-average sound system, the A8 also includes a dual-climate system as well. The even better thing about the A8 is that it provides excellent comfort inside while torching the road at the same time. Overall, the A8 is a solid choice when it comes to sedans and for sure you’ll get your money’s worth from this one.

Lexus LS 460 L

Price: 71000 USD

I was surprised with the abrupt and great changes that this Lexus showed me when I first saw it. The car has an even bigger engine than its Audi counterpart and it’s strong enough to move from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The LS outscores the A8 as well in the MPG rating department as well so it’s a big plus if you’re looking for fuel-efficiency. Basically, at only 71000 USD the LS has a 4.6 liter DOHC V8 engine while being able to reach a maximum of 130 mph. So far the LS has already outscored its German rival but when it comes to the exterior, this car falls short of my expectations. However, I would still give credit to the elegant and classy design that this Japanese import has over much of the sedans out there.

The interior of the car is definitely impeccable and without a doubt, there was so much technology and expertise put on the creation of this model. However, the legroom is a little smaller than that of the A8 so it’ll take some adjustment if you’re looking for a more spacious cabin. The sound system is above-average too although I was mildly surprised with the DVD player, cool box for beverages, and the HVAC controls. However, the car still struggles on bumpy roads and difficult terrain and that’s where the A8 is really good at.

Overall, it was a head-to-head competition that was decided down the last criterion. I still think that when it comes to craftsmanship and drivability, the A8 is still better than the one from the Land of the Rising Sun. It may be a few thousand bucks more expensive but the bottom line is it’s still the better choice.

Life’s Little Big Moments

Life’s tough and as you grow older it becomes even tougher and if you put on a little bit of bad luck, then you’re in for a rough ride. The thing is you don’t have to be a professional athlete or a politician to feel the blaze of glory because even “mundane” daily occurrences can make anyone feel like their on top of the world. Here are some reasons why winning is not the exclusive domain of Olympians.

Winning a game against a kid

Remember the time when your dad or uncle has that slight grin painted on their faces everytime they beat you when you’re young? Little kids seem ripe for the picking when you play against them but their sheer enthusiasm and determination just reminds you of what winning is all about in its raw and primordial form.

Finding money

Seeing a crumpled bill in the middle of the street is arguably one of life’s most underrated glories. Finding money just because you’re at the right place at the right time brings an adrenaline rush because there’s always the possibility that someone else can find it ahead of you.

Eliminating a Small Animal

Men are meant to hunt and kill prey instead of staring at the computer for several hours each day. It’s in our genes to feel euphoric everytime a successful hunt is accomplished. However, even if we no longer bring down a wholly mammoth like our ancestors did on a daily basis, just killing a small rodent that has bothered you for several weeks is enough to stir the blood of the hunter inside of us.

Being Right

Everyone seems to have an opinion these days that’s why being proven that you’re right can boost anyone’s ego in a jiffy. The feeling is even better once you’ve proven that you’re right against the other guy who always seems to get everybody’s nod all the time.

A quick and witty comeback

Nothing feels better than formulating a smart and razor-sharp comeback against a smart-ass who always seems to be ahead of you. Even if does not happen all the time, you can’t blame yourself for basking in its glory.

Finding a seat in a crowded train

Using a train during rush hour is one of the most annoying ways of starting your day and what’s even worse is that you still have to jostle against other passengers before finding out that all seats had been taken already. However, you’ll get lucky sometimes and you’ll be surprised that one seat is up for grabs just ready for the taking.

Winning a bet

Whatever it is, winning a bet against friends makes men growl and scream like shooting a desperation three-point shot in an NBA Finals game. The amount is irrelevant because there’s something really satisfying whenever you take some cash from your buddies.

Fixing Something

Men are the de facto “repairmen” in their households and fixing something without even the slightest idea of how to do it is certainly gratifying. Even if you’re far from being an electrician, being able to fix a broken television or even your own car is surely rewarding.

Being on Time

Being on time is getting more and more difficult to do these days but just being early enough to be not late certainly deserves a pat in the back. Whatever you’ll be doing like meeting your girlfriend, buying tickets for a movie, or buying the things that you need before the shop closes, there’s always the sense of accomplishment by being there just before the door closes.

It’s always been said that the second placer is the first loser but you don’t have to win a gold medal in the Olympics to appreciate the triumphs that go your way no matter how small or big they might be.

Car Comparison: Saturn Vue vs. the Hyundai Santa Fe

Everybody loves an SUV although the recent rise in gas prices has prevented much of the motoring public to afford this automobile class. However, there’s always a way as far as the Saturn Vue and Hyundai Santa Fe are concerned because both models are actually smaller-sized SUVs that happen to be cheaper than their bigger cousins. Both models have been fined-tuned with their respective manufacturers’ technology but then again, as what I have mentioned in the past; there can only be one model that is fit for everyone’s garage.

The Saturn Vue XR

Price: 26000 USD

The Saturn Vue XR has a 3.6 liter V6 engine that is capable of unleashing more or less 245 horsepower at given period. Also, this model can run from 0-60 mph in only about 7.5 seconds and that’s not pretty bad considering that it weighs as much as 4300 lbs. On the other hand, the Saturn Vue’s braking and steering mechanisms are quite questionable although I would still say that the two factors are still acceptable by industry standards. When it comes to the exterior design of this car, the engineers put more effort on creating a more European look on this model than in the past. The overall look of this car makes it fresher and appealing especially to those who want it simple yet stylish.

You’ll get a new feel of the Saturn Vue XR when you get inside of it especially with how much improvement it has had after putting loads of leather inside of it. However, the design is not everything to the Vue XR because there is extra space for some people and cargo. The whole model is ideal both for city driving and your off-road plans whenever you think of going somewhere else. If you’re a music lover and you’re looking for something to satisfy your music needs while driving the Saturn Vue XR, then you’ll be a bit disappointed because the car can only offer you a six-speaker package. Overall, the Vue XR comes in a decent price considering the competitive features that it offers. The fact is that this model is no longer a second-tier SUV because it can already compete with the best SUV models out there.

Hyundai Santa Fe SE

Price: 26000 USD

The Santa Fe from Hyundai has a smaller yet more efficient engine than its Saturn counterpart and its acceleration is pegged around 7.3 seconds from 0-60 mph. The car is also a decent road buster as it can manage to generate as much as 242 horsepower, which is a little smaller compared to the Saturn Vue. However, the Santa Fe is not very good when it comes to steering and braking, which it happens to share with the Saturn Vue.

The exterior of the Santa Fe is quite impressive and admittedly I can no longer recognize it from the version that it was in the past because the improvement that was done on its skin was simply marvelous.

However, the Saturn Vue scored better against the Santa Fe when it comes to the cargo space allowed because the latter has almost no space available for added payload. The good thing though is that the materials used were A-class and there is enough sound-proofing done to make anyone very comfortable while inside. The multimedia artillery of the Santa Fe comes with the standard six-speaker system and the one good thing about it is its DVD entertainment accouterment. Basically, the Santa Fe has the same price as the Saturn Vue although the latter performs better in unpredictable terrain while offering more space.

Overall, this post’s vote goes to the Saturn Vue XR although only by the slimmest of margins. Although the Hyundai model improved by leaps and bounds, it still wasn’t enough to dislodge the Saturn Vue from occupying the lofty position at the top.

Car Comparison: VW Jetta GLI vs. the Honda Civic SI Sedan

Two sedan automobiles are part of my car vs. car comparison for today and these are the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the Honda Civic SI Sedan. The former is a cheap yet European-looking sedan that has been around since 1980. The latter on the other hand is arguably one of the most common sedan vehicles that came out of the Honda assembly line. The Honda Civic has been around since 1973 and numerous fine-tunings have been done on this model ever since it was launched. Both cars are pretty cheap and they also fit as the family car that everybody loves. At the end of the day, there can only be one compact sports sedan that should be placed in your garage.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Price: 24000 USD

The Jetta GLI has a decent 2.0 liter DOHC turbocharged inline 4 engine that’s good to generate 200 horsepower and cruise to 128 miles at maximum. The car is great during long trips and you’re assured of a comfortable ride no matter what. Also, the Jetta GLI assures you of 32 miles per gallon and that’s fantastic if you want to save gas while still being able to go around. When it comes to the interior, the Jetta GLI is just like every Volkswagen car with its exceptional attention-to-detail and the all-around European feel and look.

The interior of the Jetta GLI is as fascinating as its exterior with how much comfort it provides to the passengers and drivers. Aside from that, the car has enough space that’s quite admirable for the class where it belongs. If you’re a sound lover, the Jetta GLI packs a punch with its 10-speaker/six-disc sound system. That does not end there of course, because the car also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added style and excellent cruise-control functions. Basically, the Jetta GLI is a great bargain for all the things that it offers and without a doubt, VW did a pretty good job on this one.

Honda Civic SI Sedan

Price: 22000 USD

The SI Sedan is a faster automobile when it comes to acceleration although it’s weaker compared to its VW counterpart. The SI Sedan is also pretty easy to handle especially during long trips. If there’s one thing that really stands out about this car is, its consistency and its fuel economy that mirrors that of the Jetta GLI. When it comes to the exterior design, the Honda Civic has always been a classic act and its latest reincarnation is not an exception. The enhancements that were done on the SI Sedan were minimal but it’s good enough to be appreciated by just about everybody.

Meanwhile, the interior design of this car is a bit disappointing with the sheer amount of plastic that makes up the cabin. The dashboard is pretty slick and there’s enough space for several people to fit nicely inside this street fighter. The sound system of the SI Sedan offers a seven-speaker 350 watt configuration that comes with a CD player. The fact is the SI Sedan offers so much for its price and there were very little flaws that I saw in this car that would seriously affect my decision to purchase it.

Overall if you are the prospective buyer, I favor the Honda model to some extent but I found the VW one a lot more appealing because of its style and not to mention price. The car is cheap and it adds style to those guys who want to look experimental without getting too loose.

11 People you Need

It’s not easy looking for a friend who will stick to you during the good and bad times. The thing is most friends become real trouble especially after finding out that they are not who they really are. You don’t have to be liked by everyone, although to complete your social circle, you need specific types of people you can consider friends who’ll make life more meaningful to you. Read on and find out

1.The Beer Buddy

He’s the beer and sometimes wine connoisseur and he knows where to find the perfect bar all the time. When it’s time to chug down liters of alcohol, your beer buddy is definitely the person who you should look for. Aside from that, beer buddy will pay your bill when you’ve lost your wallet and he’s even willing to bring you home when you’re too intoxicated.

2.The Teacher

Unlike the beer buddy, the teacher has a firm head on his shoulders. He’s usually older and he has been very successful in what he is doing. The good thing about the teacher is that he has loads of advice to tell you because he has simply been there and done that. The teacher is like a savant that can give you valuable lessons in life.

3.The Fan

This guy shouldn’t have been a loser but he is now because he has chosen you as his idol. He is usually younger than you and not all men can have a “Fan’ who boasts whatever you’ve done to just about everyone.

4.The Single Dude

He’s not gay but he has decided to choose freedom over commitment by not letting himself be attached to any girl. He’s always available whenever you call him and since he’s single, he’s also the guy you’ll call when you just need one more person to do something.

5.Connections Guy

If you need someone to sort out something and you happen to not have the right connections, this guy can certainly help. From a plumber to a top-notch official, the Connections guy has mastered the art of networking to have connections with almost everyone.

6.The Affluent Dude

Think about Richie Rich in adulthood and the affluent dude certainly embodies every aspect of this famous fictional character. The Affluent Dude is unbelievably rich and the great thing is that he doesn’t have any problems when it comes to sharing his wealth. He’s almost perfect but since he’s so damn rich, having a regular life for him is always a chore.

7.The Gym Rat

No matter how difficult it is for you to follow your workout schedule, the gym rat is always present to motivate and make things easier for you. He’s very disciplined, and he follows the diet that he has to eat to the letter in order to maintain his muscled abs. You need the gym rat because he’s just into what he does and if you want to learn motivation and discipline, this is the guy who you should turn to.

8.The Right Hand Man

The Right Hand Man is definitely the glue that makes things work by being selfless and very helpful. He’s there to tell you what to do and aside from that, he makes sure that you do things right when you need him.

9. Your Dog

Your dog easily relieves your stress when you get back from work and he’s always enthusiastic just by seeing you. Your dog is extremely loyal and he’s always ready for whatever you plan to do. All of your friends and even relatives might have left you but you’ll soon find that your dog is waiting back home and ready to be cuddled.

The thing is, you can’t choose your family but you can definitely pick the people who will surround. Don’t go for quantity because at the end of the day, it’s the quality that always matters.

Car Comparison: Range Rover Sport HSE vs. the Mercedes GL450

Very few people would ever count out models that would come from both Mercedes and Land Rover assemblies. Although the former definitely packs more pop compared to the latter in terms of vehicles sold annually, the latter is not far behind anyway. Meanwhile, if you’re someone who loves going outdoors and getting the feel of the untamed terrain you probably need two models from both manufacturers like the Ranger Rover Sport HSE (Land Rover) and the Mercedes GL450 (Mercedes). Just like every similar entry, there’s always one big question that has to be answered. Which is the better performer overall? Read on and find out.

Range Rover Sport HSE

Price: 59000 USD

The Range Rover is essentially an SUV that packs everything in its 5500 pound frame. Featuring a massive 4.4 liter V8 engine, the Range Rover can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 7.5 seconds. Those jaw-dropping numbers are possible because of the technology that it borrowed from both Jaguar and the Aston Martin. Additionally, the Range Rover is good enough to compete with some pickup trucks out there when it comes to payload capacity since it can handle as much as 7000 lbs. of weight. The car is decent when it comes to paved roads but it wasn’t necessarily built for that kind of terrain because when you go out for some adventure-driving, you can easily call on its Active Roll Mitigation, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response (ARMDSCHDCTR) to make things easier for you.

When it comes to its exterior, the Range Rover has an urban and comfortable design that is pleasantly welcoming. Basically, the Range Rover does not have any pretenses and its design is simple without going overboard. The interior on the other hand offers a classy oak or cherry-trimmed cockpit that gives a very comfortable feeling to whoever is inside. The Range Rover only has two rows but the good thing is that there is enough space for several people to fit inside.

The sound system of this car is simply a treat to the audiophile and that’s because of its 14-speaker Harman/Kardon speaker system. Also, the Range Rover offers the DVD navigation for those who aren’t very good in directions. The downside of this model is that it’s a bit too expensive for the things that it offers however if you’re talking about the Aston Martin and Jaguar technology that it has incorporated, perhaps the price is justified.

Mercedes-Benz GL 450

Price: 56000 USD

The GL 450 has an acceleration that is pegged at 7.2 seconds from 0-60 mph and that’s obviously better than its Land Rover counterpart. The model is also equipped with an Airmatic suspension that is responsible for regulating the ride height that is crucial on bumpy and unpredictable road conditions. When it comes to the engine, this vehicle has a bigger fuel capacity than the Land Rover because it boasts of a 4.6 liter V8 engine. Meanwhile, the exterior design of the GL450 is great in every sense of the word and the fact is its design makes the automobile smaller than it actually is.

On a different note, the GL450’s interior features leather covering although I was a bit disappointed with the interior space that is available inside. However, if you have claustrophobia it’s never a good idea to spend more than five hours in the second row because of the space or lack thereof that is available or again, lack thereof. I personally thought that the GL450 is too expensive for the things that it offers. Yes it’s faster than the Range Rover but it fails when it comes to interior space, fuel mileage, and payload capacity. With that being said, my vote goes to the Range Rover for the overall better performance.

10 Places that will give you a Culture Shock Part 2

Here’s the continuation of my post about the places that would most likely give you a culture shock.

5.Amsterdam, Netherlands

For most people, Amsterdam is certainly a place that can rival the usual European destinations such as Berlin, Paris, Rome, and even London. It’s a place where the architecture is simply fabulous and where scientific thinking flourished, but if you look closer, Amsterdam is not really the fairy-tale place that you think it is. Amsterdam coffee shops openly sell marijuana while people can smoke it without anyone making a fuss. If you think Japan’s sex scene is unabashed, wait until you see how freely people watch porn here and when I say porn in Amsterdam, it’s not always about human porn. For some, Amsterdam is a total paradise where they can be freed of the shackles of their own culture.

4.Havana, Cuba

Cuba is to Fidel Castro as Ho Chi Minh is to Vietnam and aside from that, I actually want to think of Cuba as a little island just off the coast of the US that’s just way to different than it’s bigger neighbor. The thing with Havana is it’s a less restricted version of Pyongyang, which I think is not weird but just plain and simple hell on Earth. However, despite of the political tensions that it had with US, Havana is a safe place to explore probably because of the sheer number of police forces scattered all over the city. And if you’re looking for wonderful architectural feats, Havana has a lot to offer to the visiting traveler.

3.Cape Town, South Africa

Before anything else, South Africa is definitely the richest country in the toughest continent to live in and that speaks a lot about the people who live there. However, its capital Cape Town has some weird facts that everyone should deal with head-on. Cape Town is a progressive place no doubt, but just like any other great city, when you go to its far-flung areas you should always make sure that you are accompanied by a local to prevent suspicion from the residents.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

There’s no doubt that a place with smiling people everywhere is something that every traveler wants to visit. Make no mistake about it because Bangkok has a great tourism program that has been pouring money to the country for years and without a doubt, it’s a great tropical destination overall. However, tourism certainly has one glaring drawback and that’s young girls who are usually under the age of consent getting into prostitution. The thing with Thailand is that there is no stigma for women working in the sex industry. Call it culture or whatever, but Thai people would give credit to someone who can feed the family regardless of how the money was earned. The thing is, Bangkok is a great place but something still slips through the cracks sometimes.

1.Marrakech, Morocco

When I ask some of my closest friends about which place they would want to visit next, they always say it’s Marrakech and I am not surprised. The place is a smorgasbord of European and Islamic culture that blend together very well. Basically, Marrakech is a sensory overload of sights and sounds and certainly, there’s no way that you’re going to get bored with this place. However, just like every crowded city, Marrakech is also home to some of the most vicious gangs and robbers present and not to mention the smartest. Be sure to be accompanied by someone when you walk on this place’s streets especially at night.

So there you go the complete top 10 list of what I think are the weirdest yet very interesting places in the world. Every culture is different and if you think that the world has shrunk considerably think again.

Top 10 Places that will give you a Culture Shock Part 1

The world has gotten smaller as many pundits put it but then again, not everything in it has turned into an English-speaking dominion with a McDonald’s outlet everywhere. The fact is, there’s so much more diversity in the world than what your television shows you. These culture-shocks countries will expose you to something that you’ve never experienced before and some weird amalgamations that you never thought were possible.

10.Moscow, Russia

Younger people know Russia as the remnant of the feared USSR and without a doubt it threatened the world with Communism back in the 60’s until it fell down in the late 80’s. Moscow for instance has one of the most awe-inspiring architectural achievements and not to mention it is rich with culture and history just like Paris or even London. However, Russia is still struggling right after the fall of the Iron Curtain and because of that there’s a staggering amount of ironies present such as corruption and poverty that can be usually found in third-world countries. You should however watch out for beautiful women who would approach you because chances are, they are prostitutes who need some cash.

9.Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Arguably the richest country in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh is covered in mosques and modern buildings right in the middle of the desert’s sweltering heat. Don’t be fooled by what your eyes tell you because this country only follows the strict Islamic Sharia law. The shock that you’ll get here is that there is very little freedom accorded to its citizens and sadly, women here are treated like second-class inhabitants, so if you’re for gender-equality, Saudi Arabia is the last place that you would go to. If you’re looking for a great way to spend your night away however, you can forget about it because there aren’t any bars present here. In short, people here have so much money but the sad part is that there’s very little to do at all.

8.Delhi, India

If you want to know what chaos and overpopulation mean, this is the place that can teach you those words the hard way. Delhi is overpopulated because in every turn there are people everywhere. Additionally traffic discipline is totally non-existent with automobiles moving just about anywhere they want to. If you plan to go to Delhi, be sure to bring additional some cash because living here is nowhere from being cheap. Lastly if you’re a woman, dress in a conservative manner if you don’t want to receive inappropriate remarks from the locals.

7.Beijing, China

Arguably one of the oldest cities from the world’s oldest civilization, Beijing is an enormous place where the old and new meet. However, no matter how much people romanticize Beijing there are some things that won’t escape the traveler. The place is so polluted that it is uncommon to see people wearing face masks wherever they go. Additionally, if you think your place is crowded wait until you see the constant throng of people that never seem to abate.

6.Cairo, Egypt

The Egypt of today is sadly not even the shadow of what it once was in the ancient times. It’s a city of immense contrasts with people chanting holy Islamic songs while Western music is playing loudly across the other street. Cairo is also an overcrowded place and it is also the religious center of the country. The rules here are extreme that men and women are not allowed to touch each other in public. If that’s not enough, you should be wary of what you’re going to eat because it is not uncommon for travelers to suffer gastrointestinal problems when they visit this place.

I’ll be finishing this entry next time but the whole point of this post is that there’s diversity everywhere and all it takes is an open-mind if you’re really the traveler and adventurer that you claim to be.

Car Comparison: The Chevy Silverado and the Ford F350 King Ranch

When you talk about toys for big boys, you’re not only talking about supercars. More often than not, trucks are part of the scheme of things because they’re big, powerful, and these days, stylish. Two automakers are believed to be at the top of the pyramid when it comes to trucks have two models that can make you think twice and these are Chevrolet and Ford. Chevrolet has the iconic Silverado that has received various fine-tunings over the years while a lot of praises as well. On the other hand, Ford has always been known to produce one of the most successful series in the automotive industry and that happens to be the F Series in which the Ford F350 belongs.

If you’re looking for a power truck that can withstand massive payloads, which one will you choose? Here’s my take on the matter.

Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ Crew Cab

Price: 39000 USD

The Silverado is a hulking presence on the road that can unleash as much as 353 horsepower from its 6.0 liter OHV turbogasoline V8 engine. The great thing about the Silverado is its ability to handle payload that is pegged around 15000 pounds. If you’re a truck lover, carrying massive amounts of weight is the barometer for how good a truck is. However, the MPG rating is rather low and that’s understandable considering how big this truck is and how much it can do with all that weight it can carry. On a different note, the exterior design of the Silverado isn’t that bad and I really think that Chevrolet has done a wonderful job putting the necessary stuff here.

The interior of the Silverado is highly-improved and apart from that, the controls are enlarged so that you’ll have an easier time handling it. Driving the Silverado becomes less of a chore especially with its sleek sound system package. It features a six-disc sound system and Bose speakers that music lovers wouldn’t have a hard time dealing with. When it comes to the Silverado’s price, it’s not necessarily cheap although the price is worth it considering how much you’ll get from this. Lastly, driving the
Silverado will be tough on narrow roads although out in the open, the truck is bullish and just plain and simple raw.

Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Crew Cab

Price: 38000 USD

The F350 is a truck that has so much history on its side considering it came from the prestigious and renowned Ford F Series that has been launching high-quality trucks for decades. The F350 Crew Cab has a 5.4 liter SOHC gasoline V8 engine that can generate as much as 300 horsepower and that is slightly lower than what its Chevrolet counterpart can do. However, when it comes to the payload capacity, this latest version of the F350 is nowhere near its Chevy rival because it can only muster a mere 11000 pounds of carrying power.

The exterior design of this F350 reincarnation is between bad and good and I must admit that there’s a glaring similarity between the Dodge truck of the 90’s. The bad thing is that there was very little change in this version from the version before it and if you’re looking for some massive transformation, Ford isn’t likely to give that to you. The interior styling on the other hand is better than its Chevy counterpart with all the leather and space that it affords. In fact, the F350 looks like the Hummer H2 when you talk about the interior cabin. The sound system is a little bit of a disappointment because it only has four speakers although the Audiophile system redeems it. The good thing is that it has a DVD system for the rear passengers so that no one’s going to get bored once you sit behind.

Overall, the Chevy Silverado and the Ford F350 offered things that any truck fan would love. However, the Ford F350 is better handled on rough terrain and that’s especially crucial if you’re pulling heavy cargo. However, the Silverado can pull more and has more power compared to its Ford counterpart and having said that, I would call it a draw between both trucks.