Best products from r/everymanshouldknow

I don't know if this is like LPT's where the real LPT is in the comments, but here's my take on the very basics of men's fashion, as taught to me over a decade by my long-suffering wife, who's sense of style is impeccable.

• You want contrast. If you have a light skin tone, you want dark colors (black, navy blue, dark green, burgundy) light colors/pastels won't look good on you. Generally, the darker the skin tone, the more range of color you can look good in.
  
  
• On that same theme, you want contrast between your pieces. If it's a shirt and pants, they should not be the same or a similar color unless they are part of a suit made of the same material. If you're wearing black pants, you need a lighter shirt. If you're wearing khaki pants, you want a dark shirt. Jeans depend on the shade of the jeans.
  
  
• In a suit, you're usually going for complementary contrast between the tie, shirt and suit. A dark blue suit, lighter blue shirt and bold tie work. If you're going with a bold shirt color, like purple, then you want a more subdued tie. If the suit is an unusual color, then keep the rest of the suit low-key so you don't distract from the suit. One article of the ensemble is the star of the show. The rest are backup singers.
  
  
• If you're an adult, stop wearing T-shirts unless they are nice, designer cut items made of quality textured fabric. The generic cotton Hanes Beefy Tee with your favorite band name shouldn't be worn in public unless you're wearing it to the concert. If it's got your favorite Marvel character on it, you can wear it to a movie starring that character. Or when you're working in the yard. T-shirts look lazy.
  
  
• Don't wear flip flops. Ralphie May tells you everything you need to know about why. (I disagree with using the phrase 'half-a-homo' but the clip is funny.) Otherwise, shoes are such an individual preference that I can't comment, except to tell you to stop wearing women's plastic shoes.
  
  
• Undershirts make every shirt look classier, they keep you from creating sweat marks that are visible from the outside, and they keep your shirt cleaner. They also help keep you from announcing your chest hair and/or nipple situation when you walk into a room.
  
  
• Get a belt and use it. Use a brown belt with brown shoes, a black belt with black shoes. If your shoes are not brown or black, you can take your pick based on what else you're wearing. I recommend a black belt with blue oxfords. People will say nice things about that combo. If you're tucking in your shirt, a belt is required.
  
  
• Shorts: The only time you can wear basketball shorts is when you are actively playing basketball. If you do not have a basketball in your hand right now and you're wearing basketball shorts, that's bad. Wearing shorts at all is a regional, cultural thing. If you're in Southwest Florida you can wear non-cargo khaki shorts and loafers without socks to the marina. That's probably not true in Hampshire or New Hampshire.
  
  
• The Fit: Do not buy a size because you wish you were that size. Do not buy a size because you're going to lose weight and it'll fit better once you do. Buy the size that fits today. In pants, waistbands should fit comfortably at your waist, not be folded over themselves, and you should have full freedom of movement to pick a pen up off the floor and place it on a high shelf over your head without having to adjust your pants at any point. Shirts should fit so that they hang neatly and tuck in neatly without bunching up or looking like you're wearing a sack. Even if you're not wearing the shirt tucked in, it should be able to tuck in neatly. Pay attention to where the seams at the shoulders and armpit sit when you put the shirt on. When picking shirts, they should not pull tight across your abdomen when you sit down and if the buttons look like they are under any strain or pulled when you sit or bend, you need a bigger shirt.
  
  
• Your whole look is less about specific choices than it is about execution. Clean and Styled wins 10 times out of 10. There's a world of difference between a long, bedraggled beard and a clean, groomed, full beard. Long hair on a man can make him look like a Viking (Nordic or Minnesota) or a homeless panhandler. The difference is if it's clean and styled or not. Clean and styled is crucial for any look. Even if you're going for an I-don't-care grunge look, it will look better if you're actually clean, smelling good and show evidence that you've made an effort. If you don't know: Shower at least daily. Shave daily or every other day. Take care of your skin. If you don't, nobody will ever want to touch it.
  
  
• This does not have to be expensive! Here's a cheap polo shirt that is ridiculously durable and looks decent. And here's a cheap button-up shirt that is extremely versatile. Both are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. If you need a T-shirt, try this. I've never ordered one of these myself. It looks to have a nice non-cotton construction.

My son is 5 months. The best reading will depend on who you are, your life experiences, and what you are looking for. This is merely a list of books I've read between shortly before his birth and now and have given me a lot to think about as a man, a father, and a husband.

• The 5 languages of Love
  
• No More Mr. Nice Guy
  
• The Myth of Male Power
  
• Siddartha
  
• Living Nonviolent Communication
  
• Nonviolent Communication
  
• Punished By Rewards
  
• Unconditional Parenting (in progress)
  
  Also regularly reviewing information from CDC on Developmental Milestones. Great advice on what to watch out for and when, including what to childproof how and when.
  
  I wasn't going to write a summary, but now that I look at the list, It deserves some context. So, one sentence quick blurb per book in order, my take away thought from the book.
  
  
• What makes you feel like you are expressing your love may be different than what makes your partner feel loved -- know the difference and let it be an ongoing conversation.
  
  
• Be honest with people about your feelings good and bad with everyone you care about -- they are equally a part of who you are and you are cheating yourself and others when you don't.
  
  
• Be mindful of how you invest your time and energy. Money / career is great, but it CANNOT substitute for being present in the life of your family.
  
  
• Your child is not a continuation of your legacy or life lessons. They will not be born having learned from your mistakes. Knowledge (what you have to share) is no substitute for wisdom (what can only be gained from personal experience).
  
  
• Our culture does not emphasize need / feelings based communication.
  
  
• Empathy is something to be studied and practiced if we are to have or communicate good emotional well-being.
  
  
• Training kids into approval-seeking behavior is highly overrated and has perverse consequences.
  
  
• Nearly every parent may love their kids unconditionally, but is that what kids are really learning through your behavior?
  
  Anyway, not trying to claim these are the best books for everyone, but I am very grateful for the insights I gained from reading them. Happy to share more if you have any questions about them. Hope you find a selection that inspires you and that you never stop seeking more great books to read. Best luck and congratulations on your journey. :)
  
  

I've shaved my mashers and bang/taint/funhole for years and years, so let me contribute.

So let's assume you've never blessed yourself with a shorn scrotum: There are two methods you can use to rid yourself of hair. I'll go over both, since I've done both extensively.

---

>Shaving:

USE A NEW RAZOR FOR THIS. Old razors deteriorate and the blades get bent/dulled. You don't want dull blades tugging at hairs and nicking you up down there.

1. Trim up. Get a body-hair trimmer like a Norelco Bodygroom or just a regular hair-trimmer and take care most of the bush. Go with the shortest guard it'll allow-- Not using a guard is a good way to get a few nicks, not something you want down in your dangly bits. You want to get yourself short enough where a razor won't get caught and cut you up in masses of hair.
   
   
2. Get in the shower, and get that bitch nice and hot. You don't want to try shaving dry, hell no. Wash your hair, brush your teeth, do all of your regular shower things to give your pubes a bit to get wet and soften up. This'll make it so much easier, trust me.
   
   
3. Start shaving WITH the grain. Make a few passes. Don't press down on the razor, just let it do its job. You won't get it all in one go, and that's fine.
   
   
4. Go across the grain. If your hair looks like this: |||||, shave in this ---> direction, or this <--- direction. The best would be doing a pass of each.
   
   
5. Go against the grain. Now, at this point, if you feel smooth enough, feel free to stop. Going against the grain may cause irritation and ingrown hairs, so know your body and know how your hair responds. The biggest lesson is DO NOT PRESS DOWN ON THE RAZOR. You will only irritate your skin and nick yourself. Be patient and take your damn time.
   
   
6. Finish the job. If you shave your dick, you must also shave your balls, otherwise you might as well just not even do it. It may be scary the first time taking a razor to your jumblies, but it's simple and quite safe, if you're careful (For the record, I've never nicked myself shaving down below, yet I can butcher my face when I'm not careful). Just take the sack in one hand and GENTLY pull it to stretch the skin, and run the razor lightly over it, front and back, starting the stroke from the underside of your dick and dragging down towards your feet. Don't bother too much with grain direction here, it won't matter that much.
   
   
7. The Gooch/Ass/Asshole: You should also run over these areas with a hair trimmer/bodygroom before you go at it with a razor. The secret here is the same as the rest of your sensitive bits: Go slow, don't press down with the razor, and relax. The taint is tricky, but you can navigate it by feel pretty well. The ass/asshole is simple, except for the hole. If you're shaving your ass, you aren't gonna leave the hole hairy, so when you shave it, shave starting from the pucker and stroke AWAY. Do not shave ACROSS the sphincter, else you're just asking for a rough ride. Remember: DO NOT PUSH DOWN ON THE RAZOR.
   
   For your balls, you might want to make a run over them later when you're dry. Helps get those stray hairs.
   
   >Post-Shave Care:
   
   Once you get out, pat-dry the areas you've shaved. If you get razor burn, get some Vitamin E cream or moisturizer and spread a little down there. This will help the skin heal, and probably cool things off. I like to pat a little Gold Bond down there, because if I'm going to be fancy enough to shave my balls, I'm going to powder them like an English Nobleman.
   
   Itching: This is normal if this is your first time shaving/it's been a while since you've shaved. You shouldn't itch as bad or even at all the second time around, so just tough it out.
   
   Farts: You'd better be ready, because you can no longer sneak these fuckers. The bare skin will amplify your ass air to trumpet-like levels. Be prepared to use your flesh-valve a lot more efficiently after this.
   
   Sweat: You might feel like your ass/gooch is a lot sweatier than usual. It's not, you just lack friction from your now-missing hair down there. Invest in some boxer-briefs if it bothers you. You get used to this as well.
   
   ---
   >Depilatory Creams
   
   Alright, so now that we've covered shaving, let's discuss using chemical hair removers. I wouldn't use Nair on your private parts, you will burn yourself. You have to find something for sensitive skin (Which I'm sure Nair has now). I am a fan of Magic Shave. It's a powder you mix with water, then slather all over your crotch, wait a while, then rub off gently with a washcloth. You can get if off Amazon, or find it at most any drugstore in the shaving/hair removal aisle. Takes the hair right off and leaves you SMOOTH AS FUCK. It's messier and takes a little more time, but it's worth it in the end.
   
   They do sell it as a pre-mixed cream, but ever time I've used it it's been very lackluster, even after leaving it on for several minutes past the recommended time.
   
   
8. Test it somewhere like your inner thigh. Mix a small bit, put it on for the prescribed amount of time (7 or so minutes, in my case), and wash it off. Wait a day to see if there are any adverse effects. Skipping this step is not recommended, seeing as a small allergic reaction on your thigh is a lot easier to handle than one all over your fucking dick.
   
   
9. Mix. I use a mason jar, put in equal parts of the power and water, and shake it up. The I use something like a rubber spatula to scoop it out and slather it from dick (Try to limit getting any on the glans. It won't kill you, but you don't generally want depilatory cream on sensitive membranes like that) to asshole. The more you use, the better. Be sure to place a towel under you/do this in the tub to catch any that might drip.
   
   
10. Wait. Set a timer and just stand around a bit. Brush your teeth. Floss. I don't care, just wait out the 5-7 minutes.
    
    
11. Hop in the shower. Lukewarm water is the best for this stuff, I'd avoid going really hot though. Grab a washcloth and slowly rub the stuff off in a circular motion while under the stream. You might have to give some hairs a gentle tug to get them out, but it shouldn't take you any real effort. You may miss spots, and that's okay, you can get them next time. You should probably have a set washcloth just for this, because Magic Shave does have a tendency to stain.
    
    
12. Pat dry. If you left it on a little too long, it might feel somewhat like razor burn. Use some Vitamin E/Moisturizing cream on it and dial the time back a little next time.
    
    
    
    All in all, I much prefer using Magic Shave to rid myself of hair, because it leaves me MUCH smoother and isn't as expensive as wearing razor cartridges out. Enjoy shaving, and know that your girlfriend/boyfriend will REALLY appreciate it.
    
    EDIT: Thank you for the gold, kind soul! May your balls be eternally smooth and velvety.

/r/wicked_edge has lots of great advice. I'll boil a lot of it down for you though..

1. Stop using the 17-bladed nuclear-powered vibrating cartridge monsters with extra lubricating strip and kung-fu grip. Similarly, no electric shavers. They're really electric hair-ripper-outers. Not kidding. Kick it old school, like your grandfather. Look at a double-edge safety razor, or if you're really looking to go all-in, consider a straight razor.
   
   
2. Think about your shaving cream. Does it come out of a can using aerosol? Maybe rethink that too then. Plenty of options out there that don't involve chemical-laden aerosol-propelled goo. You can even really turn the clock back with a cup/bowl/mug and brush setup to whip up a nice lather. I'm a fan of Taylor of Old Bond Street. But, I've also used DR Harris products, and they're quite nice as well. One of the side benefits of my former job was all the trips to London, so I could just stop into the ToBS shop on Jermyn Street. Sadly, those days are past, so I rely on the kindness of co-workers that still go over. :) It's easy enough to get their products in the US, it just costs a bit more.
   
   
3. If you go the DE route, get a sample pack of different blades. Different blades work differently on different guys. For me, Derby blades are death. For others, they're amazing. For me, I work well with Astra, or can manage Feathers if I'm really careful (they're super sharp). My best blade though, has been a Personna medical prep blade.
   
   
4. Shave in passes. Do a with-the-grain pass, followed by an across-the-grain pass. If you're really not there yet, you can add an against-the-grain pass, but that's a pretty advanced move. Remember - you're doing multiple passes. You don't need to remove every bit of hair the first pass. You don't press the razor into your face (as you're probably used to!). This razor has heft, and a blade that's really sharp. You're accustomed to a lightweight razor that has blades that are as dull as a hunk of cardboard compared to your garden variety DE blade.
   
   
5. Use a quality aftershave. Try to avoid ones that contain alcohol, as it dries out the skin. I love the Nivea sensitive skin stuff. I can get it for way cheaper than that link shows at Walgreens, Target or Wegmans though.
   
   Many folks will try to sell you on the economics here, and how much money you'll save by shaving this way. While possible, it's not necessarily so. One can go bonkers and spend hundreds on the best gear if they wish. BUT, you don't have to.
   
   For me, I use a $30 brush from whippeddog.com with a $5 mug from Target. My cream (ToBS Jermyn St) runs about $15 a tub, which lasts me probably 6-9 months. My daily shaver is a $30 Edwin Jagger, and my blades run about $30 for a 100-pack. I get 2-3 shaves from each blade.
   
   If you run the numbers, you'll likely come out ahead by going to DE, get better shaves, and have better skin as well. It sure was cheaper for me. I used to go through a cartridge a week. So, that's 4 carts a month. I was spending $30-ish every other month on 8-packs of cartridges, or about $3.75 per week. Nowadays, that's 2 blades a week, at ~$0.30/blade, that's $0.60/week in blades. That's a massive savings alone.
   
   You can do the ROI analysis for yourself. Take into account what you'd spend on shaving supplies, and calculate at which points the cost lines cross (ie break-even).

The brand that I recommend has been Under Armor BoxerJock 9". They are incredibly light, breathe well, comfortable, and will work well for multiple days of wear at a time.

To add to what neoshade stated in regards to blisters, generously powder your boots. Depending on what my goal is for hiking/ruck marching, I vary between the Nike SFB or the Rockies SV2. Your feet are incredibly important and a few bad blisters will really mess you up. If you can deal with the heat, I would strongly advise wearing 2 pairs of socks while you are hiking. Obviously, you still need to change your socks, and your boots will be tighter, but it's totally worth it.

Also, boot companies make boots, insole companies make insoles. Spending a few extra dollars on some quality insoles may save you a lot of pain down the road. I rucked and ran with poor support and developed plantar fasciitis. It's no fun and it will always be an issue for me. I spent quite a bit of money on my orthotics and while it doesn't help my feet breath that well, it definitely helps with support.

Putting Iodine in your water doesn't exactly have the best taste. You should try it out before you go out on this journey. Get used to it. I've seen people gag on it which only leads to further dehydration. I have heard people recommend the LifeStraw. I haven't tried it yet, but some of you may appreciate it.

To save on space and weight I don't even use a sleeping bag. I got a water resistant blanket and got a zipper sewn onto it. Then, I use a water resistant poncho and wrap myself in it so I'm relatively water protected on all sides.

Get a safety razor and a box of 100 blades for like $30 will last you a few years if you shave like twice a week. A straight razor is too expensive IMO, they are like 200 dollars and you have to strop them. Get something like this with a blade sampler pack. I think Feather is the best blade but people have many different opinions on blades. A sampler pack will help you choose what you like the best. As always, check out /r/wicked_edge as well.

I got your list right here:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - great story about finding your way in life, destiny, etc. One of my personal favorites and a real life changer for me personally (read it when I was 14, very impressionable)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominigue Bauby - memoirs of a magazine editor who has a stroke and goes from being a hot shot playboy to being paralyzed. He loses all motor function and the whole book is written by him blinking out the letters. Despite it all he has a razor wit and such a positive outlook it really makes you think about your own life and what is important to appreciate.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig - kind of an interesting book that gives you a historical breakdown of philosophy all through a somewhat biographical story about a motorcycle trip with his son. Has some really insightful views on what is quality and what is the point of education. Highly recommend for anyone just starting college.

Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman by Richard P Feynman - Autobiography/memoir of one of the greatest minds to ever live. From learning how to pick locks while working on the manhattan project, experimenting with acid, and learning the bongos. Dr. Feynman has such a passion for life, science, and learning it's contagious. Seriously, just see how excited he gets about rubberbands.

Get one of these
I have tried shaving with different face razors and I always get the itchy five o'clock shadow. I did have better luck with the newest gilette 5 blade razor, but the Norelco Body groomer is magic. No itch when it grows back and you can trim or shave. It also works on chest and back hair.

Whether you need to shave or not is personal preference. I am 44 and when I was 20, nobody did it. However it seems like for kids today it is a requirement to be at least neatly manicured. Since my recent divorce I have been manscaping because the ladies do seem to appreciate it. I find a nice trim on the bushes is good. The shaft I keep bare, and while I have completely shaved the balls as well I find that keeping the hair short is better for sweat management. I do it in the shower and use liberal amounts of soap. The Norelco Groomer is waterproof.

Most of the time I'm living in a flat so what I do it use a quick detailer (US link / UK link) and microfibre (US link / UK link) to keep things clean between proper washes. In fact I keep a bottle of quick detailer and a one of glass cleaner in the car at all times (I wrap a microfibre cloth around the spray head and put the combo in the driver/passenger door pocket).

Basically if you can catch any big, obvious dirt e.g. bird crap, early then it makes things easy.

If you manage to get some time, putting on a good coat of really hard wearing wax (US link / UK link) or sealant (US link / UK link) will be really helpful. It should last a year and make cleaning with quick detailer much easier.


As for the headlights, the yellow colour comes from the plastic oxidising. You need to scrub away that layer and then protect it. Toothpaste works quite well but there are dedicated products like (US link / UK link). Afterwards I'd apply some 303 Aerospace protectant (US link / UK link) which is also great for the interior plastic.

There's something on Amazon called an Elephant Ear. $30 seems a little much for a plastic bottle and some tubing, but it's got to be cheaper than a doctor. I've used mine three times in three years and each time, out plopped an impressive, firm wad of ear gunk along with a little "pop!", followed by deliciously crisp hearing. It's awesome.

At this point, I look forward to impacted wax just to get the satisfaction of cleaning it out.

You forgot foot proximity and direction. The closer feet are between two people conversing show a great deal of comfort between the two. The direction that the feet are facing are also good indicators of if that person is interested in you or the conversation. For instance, if you are telling them about how awesome the duck billed platypus is and their feet are toward the door while their upper body is facing you that is a good indicator this person wants to leave. Leg crossing can be a sign of discomfort and is often associated with shielding. Shielding is when someone feels discomfort or nervous and essentially builds a barrier between them and the source of discomfort. Crossed arms, crossed legs, maybe putting a purse or drink between the source and themselves. If in mid conversation you mention your impressive video game collection and the girl in question, who has been leaning close to you all night, starts to lean back in her chair, crosses her legs and arms, and places her hand on her neck she might not be too impressed. Neck touching can also be a good indicator of nervousness and discomfort. Women often touch their suprasternal notch when nervous, it can be very casual maybe with the index and middle finger while their arms are crossed. Neck touching is a soothing gesture, it can lower heart rate and blood pressure.

The big thing about all of this is finding a baseline of body language actions people do. None of this is written in stone, some people might just touch their neck or cross their legs. If in a bar a girl might not feel comfortable with the crowd but are interested with you.

If you want a reference for all of this I got it from Joe Navarro and Marvin Karlin's "What Every Body is Saying". Joe Navarro worked for the FBI as an interrogator. Navarro was called "The Human Lie Detector. It wont directly teach you how to pick up girls, however it will teach you how to tell of someone doesn't feel comfy around you or with what you are saying. Another good thing to study is Paul Ekman's website on micro gestures in the face. It costs about $70 to subscribe, but you learn a lot.

Sources:
What Every Body is Saying on Amazon
Paul Ekman's website

As little as possible. The more crap you have, the more it weighs you down.
That said, every home needs some necessities to get by. For me those generally involve cooking, sleeping, and repairs. I just finished watching Parks & Rec and am in a bit of a Ron Swanson mood.

For the kitchen (all recommended by America's Test Kitchen):

Victorinox 8" Chef's Knife

Victorinox Paring knife

CDN Instant Read Thermometer

Lodge 12" skillet - cheap and will last you forever

Crockpot, 6qt - the one kitchen appliance I'd cheat with. Easy delicious meals. Toss in a cheap cut of meat (chuck roast, etc), salt, pepper, garlic, onions, carrots, whatever. Let it sit for 6-8 hours. Dinner for 3 meals.

Tools:

I'd probably just pick up a cheap set of craftsman stuff (screwdrivers, hammer, sockets, pliers). Splurge on the ratchet and any power tools you need:

Bahco 3/8" ratchet - same as snapon F80 at 1/2 the price

Other misc. tools that are quite handy:

Magnetic stud finder - in a new place you're going to be hanging pictures, installing shelving, and mounting curtain rods. These are dirt cheap and super convenient.

Multimeter - Flukes will last you for life. If you need to do any electrical work, these are great. If you don't want to splurge up front just borrow them or buy a cheap $15 one at home depot.

Bedroom:

Get comfortable pillows and nice sheets. Don't get all caught up in the 1000 thread count crap, it's a hoax. Just get at least 400tc or so, and preferably egyptian or pima cotton. My favorite sheets are actually a super cheapo brand that are 60% cotton 40% polyester. I prefer them because they feel more "smooth and cool" rather than "soft and warm".

Obviously get real furniture: dresser, bed with headboard, etc.

Electronics

I won't go into too much detail here, but consider cutting the cord (/r/cordcutters).

A cheap Roku3 + netflix + an OTA antenna can go a long way.

If you have a lot of pictures/media/etc, don't forget about backups. I'd look into an inexpensive NAS, or at least a USB harddrive. They are dirt cheap and worth the insurance.

Insurance

Lastly, don't forget renters or homeowners insurance. If you are renting, you can get rather good coverage for quite cheap. I just paid around $50 for 12 months of coverage on my apartment ($15k coverage, $1k deductible). I shopped around at 5 different places and Amica came out the cheapest by FAR.

Other than that, you don't need much. Buy less crap. Don't buy some $50 automatic electronic wine opener when a $1 wine key will do the job. Same for a can opener.

The 48 Laws of Power because everyone will, at some point, be involved in power-centered relationships, would it be personal or professional.

I work in a high-conflict-prone environment and this is the single most useful peace of literature that I own.

It's very easy to read, it's based on historical anecdotes (that always come in handy when you need to tell a story), and it's self-critical.

gold bond is great and useful for everyday use

bella (http://amzn.com/B000VLH8W6) if i'm meeting my lady and want to give them a little better smell

It's hard for me to not mention 4 important items that every man should have in their shaving kit:

merkur 180 long handled razor

feather blades, the sharpest you can buy

For sensitive skin and a close shave, this combo is hard to beat. Bonus items if you really want to shave well:

proraso, numbs the pain

boar bristle brush, really makes the lather

Wet shaving FTW!

They make special tenderizers for that purpose, things like this, I've got one and it's awesome.

I've spent half my life in enterprise and although all these comments have some validity, the truth is, it's important to know when to take shit and from whom. I didn't play the politics game at first and paid dearly. Long story short, when you enter your next job, it is entirely important to be needed and forget liked. That may or may not happen. And for the love of all things, read this:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Laws-Power-Robert-Greene/dp/0140280197

It changed my career path.

Anyone interested in a community on this should check out /r/bodyweightfitness

There are also some good books with similar progressions and ideas like You Are Your Own Gym or Overcoming Gravity

I use this trimmer that vacuums most of the hairs.
Pretty happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U8ESI4/ref=oh_details_o06_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey there buddy, I think this is an excellent question. I've researched it myself and found that THIS is supposedly a very good source of information. It's on my nightstand although I haven't read it yet.

You can get a super cheap water filter straw that was originally designed for 3rd world countries.

I highly recommend it over the expensive alternatives

Chef's knife. 8" is most common, I think. 7" and 6" work as well, might be better to have a smaller one if you're new. For an affordable, quality option the Victorinox is highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-8-Inch-Fibrox-Straight/dp/B008M5U1C2

Yeah. I read Surely You'er Mr. Feyman a long time ago.

Dude was brilliant. He was a devoted husband to his wife who was dieing of cancer during the Manhattan project. He valued her opinions so much and wanted to keep her in the loop of what he was actually doing that they developed a special code for their letters so he could tell her about the less critical aspects of the project and get around the censors.

I remember after my divorce from a marriage of 10 years, I was bombing big time with women. A friend of my gave me similar advice to Feynman's and it worked. When I read the book a few years later I was like "Damn that's where Rick got his advice". In the end it doesn't mean you ain't a nice guy, you are just learning to give what is really wanted and not fall into the White Knight, Chivalry trap.

For those who are interested in reading a little bit more on the subject of body language, I read the book What Everybody is Saying a few years ago and found it fairly interesting.

https://smile.amazon.com/Elephant-Washer-Bottle-Doctor-Easy/dp/B005M2B5P0/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484767066&sr=8-4&keywords=earwax+remover+tool

This thing is amazing. Watch some youtube videos of a doctor using it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJV0COtSPdo&list=PU6uLAeupunADT4mhv_c_epQ

Something like this, http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-180-Handled-Safety/dp/B000NL0T1G/ buy whichever one you can find that's the cheapest and you like the most

48 laws of power
By Robert Greene

I wouldn't be where I am today with out it. It teaches you how to deal with power and how it works. It's also an amazingly interesting read. I read it twice a a few years ago and I still flip through it once in a while. It's on sale now at Amazon I believe I bought it for 25$ back then.

>untrained novice

>plateau after some relatively short period of time

I'm not sure what you mean by a relatively short period of time, but many bodyweight exercises can take years to progress fully in.

Example exercises, from the book Overcoming Gravity.

The Way of the Superior Man - Don't ask questions, read it and you will understand.

Further reading for nice guys/white knights (much less accusatory and condescending than this article): http://www.amazon.co.uk/No-More-Mr-Nice-Guy-ebook/dp/B004C438CW/

I swear by this stuff. Get it, use it, thank me later.

Extending off of this article, this is when a steak tenderizer can really come in handy as well.

EMSK: Men don't trim their beards.

In all seriousness, these work well: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-QT4070-Stubble-Mustache/dp/B003U8ESI4

Really feel that 48 Laws of Power should be on here.

That cooking spray on your door seals is going to ruin the car as well.

Use a proper rubber treatment instead like this stuff: http://www.amazon.com/303-Products-30350-Aerospace-Protectant/dp/B000XBCURW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419967946&sr=8-2&keywords=303+aerospace+cleaner

I recommend a Life Straw. Easier to carry than a large supply of water, and you don't have to worry about freshness. Also, if there is an apocalypse and the power grid fails, we have 10 days until all the nuclear power plants in the U.S. become unstable and kill us. So don't really worry about it.

Get one of these bad boys - Elephant Ear Washer Bottle