Sure Southern California has Disneyland for the kids, but where can we find a playground for adults? Look no farther than San Diego's beautiful new upscale boutique hotel, The Ivy. Located in San Diego's downtown Gaslamp Quarter, The Ivy boasts 159 upscale guestrooms with an additional 14 deluxe suites and 3 specialty suites. Inside the rooms, The Ivy provides a 42" flat screen TV, plush bedding, high-tech functionality, and a spacious work environment.

But let's get back to what sets The Ivy apart from other hotels. This recent inductee into Conde Nast Traveler's list of the year's top new hotels features a nightlife scene all its own. Every guest at Ivy receives exclusive VIP passes to Envy, a multilevel club that you may have read about in In Style or US Weekly.

Another night-time option at the Ivy Hotel is the sultry rooftop lounge, Eden Bar. Eden's the largest rooftop bar in San Diego, and also features a magnificent pool and sundeck. You can also find amazing food at the Ivy. If you're looking for the best in gourmet food, be sure to enjoy the cuisine the Quarter Kitchen. As if that's not enough the Gaslamp Quarter is home to some of the finest shops, restaurants and clubs in Southern California.

To book a room at The Ivy Hotel simply head over to their website. Prices typically run about $349 per night for a standard room to thousands of dollars for one of their exquisite specialty suites.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: hotels, Scott Bernstein

We're big fans of wristwatches that combine sleek design with outstanding function, and the new Urwerk 202 fills the bill better than most time pieces we've seen. Let's start out with the fact that the UR-202 is the world's first compressed air powered wristwatch. Instead of a traditional rotating vane, the 202 uses miniature twin turbines to control the rate of automatic winding. Plus, the level of air compression generated by the turbines can actually be controlled using a 3-position selector switch. Now that's pretty cool.

As much as we like the way the UR-202 winds itself, we're more intrigued with the design of the watch. If you check out this video, you'll see that the UR-202 features a distinctive time display. The hour is shown using a series of rotating circles, which points down towards a display that marks the minutes.

Urwerk offers a number of different designs for the UR-202 including red gold, white gold, black PE-CVD Platinum and TiAlN. As of now no pricing information is available, but we'd expect these to cost a pretty penny.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Scott Bernstein, Watches

If you're one of those people who can eat bacon with everything, we've came across a product that may save you from a heart attack. You've just gotta sprinkle J&D's Bacon Salt on top of your next meal. This unique product comes in three flavors: peppered, original and hickory. Now you never have to get burned by bacon grease again.

While Bacon Salt may sound like a horrible idea, we actually tried it out and it tastes pretty good. We sprinkled a healthy portion on top of our swiss cheese omelette with great success. You obviously don't get the texture of bacon, but that kinda gets lost in an omelette anyways. The next day we poured a little on our steak and potatoes which added a little luster to the meal. Plus just think of all the grams of fat we saved.

Bacon Salt's a relatively new product, so people are coming up with new uses everyday. Check out the official bacon salt blog for the latest and greatest recipes. The bacon-salted fries and tuna melt look particularly tasty. You can order Bacon Salt direct from J&D or you can find it at your local specialty market.

The PimpWiz.com Bottom Line: Bacon Salt offers enjoyable bacon flavor without the guilt


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Food, Scott Bernstein

If you're looking to make a special impression on a client, family member or date; we've got just the dining experience for you. Check out Dinner in the Sky, who can host your meal at a table suspended at a height of over 150 feet by a team of professionals. That's right, a meal for you and up to 21 of your closest friends will be served in midair at the location of your choice. With Dinner in the Sky you can turn an ordinary meal into a unique adventure.

Setting up a meal with Dinner in the Sky is an easy process. First, you need to find a venue that has a flat surface of at least 1640 square feet for the crane (we'd recommend a golf course.) Next, you'll have to select the guests for your adventure. Dinner in the Sky accommodates up to 22 people, but you can have the platform come up and down to let as many people off and on as you'd like.

Finally, you set the menu either with Dinner in the Sky's handpicked caterer or your own caterer. Once you've taken care of those steps, and paid about $11,500 (not including food), you're ready to go. Now keep in mind that the minimum rental for the Dinner in the Sky experience is eight hours. As we mentioned you can add or remove people as often as you want, so be sure to plan your meal accordingly.

The magnificent views you can check out while being suspended at 165 feet is the best part of Dinner in the Sky. To help expand your view all of the seats attached to the dinner table swivel 180 degrees. In the past Dinner in the Sky events have been held in Las Vegas, Dubai, Brussels as well as many cities around the globe. Now's your chance to be the first guy to bring one of Forbes Magazine's Top 10 Most Unusual Restaurants to your neck of the woods. For more information be sure to check out Dinner in the Sky's website.



A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Food, Scott Bernstein

Holland has never been a country known for being a hot bed of musical talent, but Dutch dance trio Kraak and Smaak could be the best export from the Netherlands since cheese. Kraak and Smaak mix jazz, funk, and hip hop with new wave and break beat to create their own unique style of music. Lately the band has won fans on both sides of the globe with their smash hit Squeeze Me.

The three members of Kraak and Smaak met through a series of chance meetings in 2003. The team of Mark Kneppers, Oscar De Jong and Wim Plug quickly gelled, and started winning over audiences wherever they played. In 2005 they won the Best Newcomer in Holland award, and continue to garner praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Perez Hilton. Whereas most Dutch dance music relies on trace music, Kraak and Smaak offer a more funky, danceable blend of tracks.

Recently Kraak and Smaak have started mixing live shows in with their DJ sets. In fact the trio has been booked for a live set at this year's Glastonbury Festival as well as Barcelona's famed Festival Cruilla de Culture. The Kraak and Smaak crew also focuses on making remixes for the likes of Jamiroquai, Richard Dorfmeister, 4Hero, Bitter:Sweet, Mark Rae and Soul of Man amongst others. In turn, K&S got the same treatment from Sharam Jey and Henrik Schwarz .

For a taste of Kraak and Smaak's groovy tunes check out their MySpace page. The guys plan to spend the summer on the European festival circuit, but hopefully they'll return to the States in the fall. If you'd like to find out more about R&S here's an interview with the trio by DJ Ron Slomowicz.


The PimpWiz.com Bottom Line: Kraak and Smaak's music breaks boundaries to deliver the goods. Pop in Squeeze Me next time you want to see the ladies get down.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Kraak and Smaak, Music, Scott Bernstein

Do you have that one hoodie in your collection, which keeps you warm on the coldest of nights? Well, does it also protect you from bullets? If not, and if you happen to get shot at often, just add the Defender Hoodie to your wardrobe.

Bladerunner, the company that brought us the knife-proof t-shirt, has upped the ante with the creation of the world's first bulletproof hoodie. The Defender Hoodie features 2mm of Type IIA bulletproofing, enough to stop a 9mm full-metal-jacket round at a velocity of 1,090 feet-per-second.

Gun control groups in England, where Bladerunner is based, are already up in arms about the hoodie. Raymond Stevenson, a spokesman for Don’t Trigger, an international anti-gun campaign based in Brixton, London, told the Times Online: “It’s not helping kids to provide them with bullet-proof armoury. These companies are just encouraging the escalation of the urban warfare.
“It’ll give people the false impression that they’re protected and will encourage more aggressive behaviour.”

Once released, the Defender Hoodie will set you back about $600. Bladerunner expects the bullet-resistant garment to hit stores "very soon." Just remember: the hoodie's hood isn't bulletproof. So until a bulletproof trucker hat comes out, you're still vulnerable to a head shot.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: fashion, Scott Bernstein

If you've ever spent anytime on the Jersey shore during the summer, odds are you're familiar with the term guido. Guido started out as a slang expression for all Italian-Americans, but over the past few years the meaning of the word has come to define a certain look and style rather than just a person of Italian ancestry. While the Guido culture originated on Long Island, it has since spread throughout the entire Northeast.

Identifying a Guido isn't that hard to do if you know what you're looking for. For instance if you see someone sporting a Brooklyn Fade, odds are he's a Guido. A Brooklyn Fade involves shaving back the hairline and spiking the rest ala Sonic the Hedgehog. Popular clothing trends for Guidos these days include muscle T's, popped collars and unbuttoned dress shirts. And let's not forget the massive gold chains and fake tans that are ubiquitous within Guido culture.



Being a Guido isn't just about looks, it's also about attitude. The tough guy macho mentality is crucial, which is why you're likely to find packs of Guidos at your local World Gym posing in the mirror. Also Guidos like to party, and have little to no patience for anyone that gets in their way. Especially after they've put away 20 Red Bulls and Vodkas on a typical Saturday night in Nassau County.




There are a few other surefire ways to identify a Guido. Most of these guys get a thrill out of showing off their fake tans and steroid-supplied muscles, so you'll see plenty of Guidos strutting around without a shirt on. Another way is to look at the girls who accompany someone you suspect of being a Guido. Just look for fake boobs, butt implants, gum chewers and most importantly a nasal accent that makes you want to punch kittens. For more tips about identifying guidos check out Guest of a Guest's Everything You Need To Know about The Guido post.


A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: guidos, Scott Bernstein

Over the past few years we've been looking for a quick and easy way to share playlists without much success. Some of the methods we've found either required a tedious sign-up process or were so complicated to use that it just wasn't worth the hassle. After reading a post on Down By Hipster about Muxtape, we've finally found a simple mixtape service that is easy to use.

Muxtape was made for one thing, and one thing only: creating and sharing mixtape like MP3 playlists with your friends. Simply take about 30 seconds to sign up for the site, and then you can start uploading away to your Muxtape page. Once you've finished preparing your playlist just send the address of your Muxtape page (yourname.muxtape.com) to anyone you want.

Once Muxtape starts catching on with the masses, we wouldn't be surprised if every indie band also gets in on the act. We especially like that you don't need to sign up for the service to hear someone's Muxtape. You only need an account if you'd like to make your own Muxtape. So head over to Muxtape and create a "mixtape" for the girl of your dreams just like you did in high school.

The PimpWiz.com Bottom Line: The mixtape lives on at Muxtape.com


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Music, Scott Bernstein

There have been many blogs written about NYC nightlife over the past few years, but two stand out from the rest of the pack. Good Night Mr. Lewis and Down By The Hipster both offer great posts about taking advantage of the City That Never Sleeps.

Nightlife legend Steve Lewis teamed up with Joonbug Productions to start Good Night Mr. Lewis a little more than a month ago. The goal of the site is to tell readers what's going on behind the scenes, what's new, cool and now, and why some clubs continue to please. So far GNML has posted interviews with creative directors from the city's top clubs, Steve's insights on current events and a profile of the most powerful doorman in the universe.

By reading Steve's interviews and features you can learn a lot about the industry, and what goes on behind the closed doors of the hottest clubs in town. Lewis knows what he's talking about thanks to stints as the Director of such iconic clubs as Limelight, Tunnel and Plaid. We expect big things from Good Night Mr. Lewis over the next few months, as they seem to be just getting started.

Down By The Hipster has been around for over a year, which is nearly a lifetime in the blogosphere. The site contains more a snarky view on the industry, and tackles a wide variety of topics that might be important to those who partake in the city's nightlife. One day you'll find a post about the price of pizza going up in the city, while the next day you might find a couple of posts about new clubs opening up downtown. DBTH also discusses music and current events from a club-goers point of view.

A third site that you need to keep your eyes on is Guest of a Guest. Three editors and a large staff of writers keep Guest of a Guest full of fresh NYC social news, culture and interest stories reported straight from the Big Apple.

Things change quickly around these parts, so it helps to keep informed. If you want to stay ahead of the game, you need to add all three of these sites to your daily reading list.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Nightlife, NYC, Scott Bernstein

One of the best commercials that aired during the Super Bowl was a preview for Angelina Jolie's latest action flick entitled Wanted. You may remember the clip for the awesome special effects sequence where Angelina changes the path of a bullet by just looking at it. Wanted marks a return to the action genre for Jolie, where she has already had major successes with both Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Starring in the film with Angelina will be the talented James McAvoy and legendary actor Morgan Freeman. Wanted tells the story of a young man (McAvoy) who discovers that his long lost father works as an assassin for an organization. After his father was murdered Jolie plays an assassin who trains McAvoy to take on the people who murdered his dad. You can expect plenty of lip locking between McAvoy and Jolie throughout the film.

We also hope to see plenty of skin from the foxy Angelina, who is said to be pregnant with yet another of Brad Pitt's spawns. Wanted is based on a comic book of the same name written by Mark Miller. The movie is due to hit theaters on June 28, when we expect this flick to be one of the summer's major blockbusters.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER FOR WANTED



The PimpWiz.com Bottom Line: Angelina Jolie returns to the action genre with Wanted

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein


RANDOM ADD MOMENT:
Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Labels: Angelina, Movies, Scott Bernstein

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If you saw American Gangster you probably left with the same question we did. Who was that gorgeous woman that played Denzel's moll. Well we've got the answer: the role of Eva was played by sexy newcomer Lymari Nadal. Lymari stole the show with her beauty, and we've named the Puerto Rican bombshell our Minx of the Month for March.

Lymari got her start playing Gina on the latest edition of Battlestar Galactica, before being cast as Denzel Washington's paramour in American Gangster. She steals the show in that movie with her voluptuous curves and breathy voice. Nadal enters the movie as Miss Puerto Rico, which we can't imagine was too much of a stretch for her. Towards the end of the movie she shows that's she not all good looks, by displaying her acting chops.

The beautiful Nadal was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1978, and moved to LA in 2001. Before heading for the mainland she finished her masters degree in chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico. She also took acting classes to hone her skills. Lymari married actor Edward James Olmos in 2002.

Earlier this year she was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award with the rest of the American Gangster cast. The future looks bright for our Minx of the Month, as she ponders what role to take on next. We just hope she returns to the screen soon, so we can get another look at her gorgeous body. Lymari's got style, grace, talent and most of all drop dead good looks making her our March Minx of the Month.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Minx of the Month, Scott Bernstein

For many years Playboy Enterprises was flush with cash, and always posted profits. Those days seem like a distant memory for the company, which posted a net loss of $1.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Two major factors that have contributed to Playboy's poor performance are all of the free porn on the internet and the decline of print ad dollars available in general. Stockholders felt the pain, as the stock plunged to a year low on Wednesday.

You can be assured Hugh Hefner isn't taking this news lying down. He may be wearing a smoking jacket, but he isn't lying down. Hef assured stockholders that Playboy is starting to capitalize on all sorts of interesting income streams. The company plans to invest in technology, and has already started the process of getting in bed with the most prominent cellular carriers in Europe.

Regardless of Playboy's efforts to gain new business, they aren't giving up on the print magazine. The company's management seems to understand the magazine's role as an ambassador for the brand. Everyone wants to party at the Playboy Mansion with the girls they see in the magazine, not the ones from the website. The next few years should prove extremely challenging for Hef, but we expect he'll weather the storm. You don't get to stick around for 55 years, unless you are able to adapt to the competitive landscape.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Playboy, Scott Bernstein

There aren't many products that live up to their name, so we've gotta give Coast Spas credit for their new Extreme Spa. In our free time we love hot tubbing, listening to music and watching movies. The Extreme Spa allows us to combine the three activities thanks to the product's built-in 17" LCD display, Sony Stereo System and 45/80 jets. What more can you ask for, besides a happy ending of course?

The Extreme Spa retails for $16,000, but you actually get plenty for your money. We like to throw parties, so the fact that the spa holds eight people is a plus. You also get a DVD player, Bose controls for the stereo and the essential towel-warmer. This unit features plenty of lights - both on the surface and underwater - for late-night activities.

Besides all the luxuries, the Extreme Spa also looks beautiful. You can choose your own shell color and cabinet finish. We'd highly recommend the stainless steel kick plate option to put this hot tub over the top. You can find out more about the Extreme Spa, including where to buy the unit, from Coast Spa's website. Save a spot in the hot tub for us!

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Hot Tub, Scott Bernstein

Have you ever wondered what the story was with the seal on the back of the $1 bill? It turns out the seal isn't a secret signal for the Freemasons, and isn't even a satanic symbol regardless of what you may have read. Historians from the U.S. Government have finally revealed the true meanings behind the seal. A new State Department exhibit answers any questions you may have.

The Continental Congress first commissioned the seal in 1776, and over the years many powerful symbols have been integrated into the design. The unfinished pyramid on the back symbolizes a work in progress. Arrows on the seal symbolize war, while the olive branch speaks towards peace. Masons share some of those symbols, but they have never been exclusively the domain of the order.

Another misunderstood element of the seal is the phrase "Novus Ordo Seculorum" below the Roman numerals for 1776. The words translate as "A New Order of the Ages" that began with independence. They don't imply that the US will be the lynch pin of a sinister "New World Order." Finally, the references to 13 don't point to evil; they just refer to the original 13 colonies. For more fact and fiction on the seal check out the AP's article on the 225th birthday of the storied symbol.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: history, Scott Bernstein

Do you have that one special bottle in your wine collection that you're saving for just the right occasion? Now you give that bottle the treatment it deserves by storing it in the new Angelshare single bottle wine cellar. The Angelshare keeps your favorite vintage at the perfect temperature and humidity level. We particularly like the sleek design of the cellar, which is sure to stand out in any room.

Once you put your bottle in the Angelshare you don't have to worry about the condition of the wine. The Angelshare has both heating and cooling elements that ensures the wine stays at just the right temperature. You can select from three different temperature pre-sets, allowing you to pick the one that best suits the character of your wine. Humidity is kept at 65% or more to prevent shrinkage of the cork.

Unlike other small cellars the Angelshare isn't noisy thanks to the super-silent exhaust fan. This mechanism delivers a cooling effect without the use of freon, so you don't have to worry about harming the environment. Just keep in mind that this device isn't intended for use with Champagne. You can purchase the Angelshare single bottle wine cellar for $396.55 at Compact Impact.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Scott Bernstein, Wine

If we could pick the King of Hollywood, Sam Nazarian's name would certainly be on our short list. Just this week Business Week magazine profiled the Emperor of Cool. At 32 years of age the LA native owns four night clubs, two highly successful sushi restaurants and a movie production company. The scary part is that Sam seems to just be getting started building his empire.

Nazarian has now set his sights on the hotel industry. He aims to open boutique hotels in LA and Miami Beach early next year. Also on the drawing board are plans to rework the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Yet Sam Nazarian will probably always be known as the guy who started celebrity hangouts Hyde and Privilege.

Instead of treating his nightclubs as a short term investment, Nazarian focused on building them as long term brands. Sam owns each club outright, and remodels and renovates them every once in a while to keep them fresh. Nazarian also bought some of the biggest promoters in town in order to keep their clients coming back to his clubs. The lodging industry offers Sam a completely different challenge. We look forward to seeing if he can achieve the same level of success with his hotels.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Sam Nazarian, Scott Bernstein

Have you ever dreamed about not paying your taxes, and getting away with it? We sure have; which is why we've been watching Wesley Snipes' tax evasion trial intently. As you may recall Snipes didn't pay taxes from 1999-2004 claiming that Americans have no obligation to pay taxes and the IRS cannot legally collect them. On Friday in Ocala, Florida a jury found Snipes not guilty of the most serious charges while convicting him of the three less serious offenses.

The man who played Willie Mays Hayes got off with a slap on the wrist, and will probably not see any jail time. It wasn't all good news for Snipes, as he will still have to make amends to the IRS for the money he owes including heavy penalties. Still, we can't help but think that any non-celebrity millionaire who didn't pay his taxes would serve hard time in a federal penitentiary. It pays to be a beloved movie star.

After Snipes forked over millions of dollars to the government during the early '90s, he got involved with the controversial tax denier movement. A couple of prominent figures in that movement, Eddie Ray Kahn and Douglas P. Rosile, convinced Snipes that no law makes anyone liable for taxes and that the government tricks people into paying. If only it was that easy Wesley. Those figures, who were Snipes co-defendants, were found guilty of more serious crimes. Both face ten years in the slammer.

Let's hope Wesley Snipes puts his tax problems behind him, and focuses on making a good movie for the first time since Blade: Trinity.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Scott Bernstein

Friday night on South Beach offers so many different choices for entertainment, that sometimes it's hard to figure out exactly what a guy should do. One of our favorite options is the weekly Friday night party upstairs at Club Nikki on One Ocean Drive. We tend to look for places that attracts great crowds, features good music and has a good reputation and vibe; lately Club Nikki has been fitting the bill nicely.



Each week DJ JP Rigaud & DJ Erasmo keep everyone happy by spinning a wide range of music at Club Nikki. The venue, which is located inside of the Nikki Beach facility, is newly remodeled with a crowd full of jet setters and gorgeous women from all sides of the globe. The guys behind Club Nikki are also responsible for Nikki Style Magazine, so they obviously know how the high rollers like to be treated.

If you want to be down you can just shoot an email to thelist@perpetualvibe.com with the number of people in your party to bypass the long lines and cover charge. Just make sure you roll up to the door proper. Proper = at least an even ratio of girls to guys and dress like you mean it. Keep it sexy and there will be no problems. Tell them PimpWiz sent you.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Nightlife, Scott Bernstein, south beach

Do you remember those cheesy Members Only jackets that every greaseball and his brother used to wear in the '80s? We're sad to say that the brand has been revived by former fashion and celebrity magazine editor Kelli Delaney. And not only did she bring back the brand, she adapted it for women. Why in the world would any woman want to wear a jacket from an extremely tired menswear trend? You're guess is as good as ours.

Delaney added a number of overblown modern touches to what used to be the coolest jacket a guy could own in the '80s. She debuted her collection the other night at the Henri Bendel store on Fifth Avenue. The jackets keep some of the same feel as the vintage model, but for instance instead of the familiar black nylon job the new collection features a pastel-hued nylon bomber jacket. The spring collection also includes tailored leather jackets, feminine leather vests and a an assortment of sexy, mini, knit dresses. Ugh.

Don't think this ends with the women's collection. Delaney is now setting her sights on the guys. Members Only debuts their mens collection sometime this fall. You can also expect to see the "When you put it on something happens" tag line we remember from so many old commercials used in all of the marketing materials for the new collections.

For now you can check out the women's collection exclusively at Henri Bendel. The jackets retail for $950, while the dresses come in a tad under $400. Or you can try to find one of the old jackets on EBay for $10. Either way the Members Only craze is one fad that was much better off dead and buried. We will leave it for Kayne and his biters to rock this throw back from the 80's

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: fashion, Scott Bernstein

After you've climbed the corporate ladder, the most difficult aspect of being a high-level executive is managing your time wisely. While the explosion of the internet has allowed CEOs access to a wealth of important information, many executives waste tons of valuable time finding exactly what they are looking for. Luckily CEOExpress offers a service that can help separate the info you actually need from the vast amounts of filler on the web.

The easy-to-navigate front page of CEOExpress is filled with useful links that you can personalize and share with whomever you choose. Instead of having to waste time plotting and preparing a home page simply sign up with CEOExpress, and let them do the work for you. Not only does the service keep you updated on the news of the day; they also integrate weather, stock quotes and customizable search boxes on your page.

For only $29 a year CEOExpress offers a subscription service that allows you to benefit from an additional cadre of useful features. Upon joining CEOExpress Select you'll have access to personal links, virus-free email, an RSS news application and much more. You can even take advantage of a free two week trial of CEOExpress Select to see for yourself how valuable the service can be. As for all of that time that you'll save, just keep on reading Pimp Wiz for plenty of ideas to keep yourself busy.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: business, Scott Bernstein

When you think about Sweden, Hip Hop isn't one of the first things that comes to mind. Adam Tensta aims to change that with the release of two extremely infectious singles that are both getting tons of plays on both MySpace and YouTube. Tensta may be Swedish, but he raps in English making his music accessible to fans in both Europe and the States.

Adam arrived on the scene by dropping the groove-laden They Wanna Know, a tune that helps explain what the Swedish MC is all about. From the heavy beat to Tensta's Kanye-esque delivery to the song's flashy video it's no surprise that They Wanna Know is getting spun at clubs worldwide.

My Cool, Tensta's latest single, picks up where They Wanna Know left off, with a killer beat that is equal parts Beck and The Neptunes. You just gotta love the electro-vibe of this incredible track. We also like that Adam focuses his polished raps on the positives in the world.

The artist born into the world as Adam Momodou Eriksson Taal, borrowed his stage name from the name of the Stockholm suburb where he grew up. Look for his new album, It's A Tensta Thing, to hit stores soon. Trust us, it won't be long before this Swedish export makes his mark in this country. Check out more of Adam Tensta's songs over at his MySpace.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: hip-hop, Scott Bernstein

One of the most disgusting sites to ever grace the internet is the newly unveiled Japanese Bug Fights, yet I just can't look away. You can get your Michael Vick on by watching multiple videos of insects fighting to the death. Sure it's sick and barbaric, but don't tell me you never stepped on a bug.

There are three simple rules to Japanese Bug Fighting. First you can only have two bugs to a fight. Also, Bug Fights go on until one of the participants dies. Finally, there are no outside weapons allowed in Bug Fights. We couldn't find the rule about not talking about Bug Fight Club, so we'll continue with the post.

Japanese Bug Fights features a number of different types of insects including a mantis and a wolf spider. Some of the fights on the site are incredibly vicious, especially the 30th round bout between a scorpion and a beetle. Only the Japanese could come up with something so disturbingly entertaining. We're hoping for a multi-bug Battle Royal surfaces next.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: fights, Scott Bernstein

Our interest was piqued by Bootstrapper's recent list featuring 25 of the Most Expensive Gifts Known to Man. Laura Milligan points out a wide range of expensive treats including a white diamond pacifier and diamond studded lipstick. We chose the ten gifts that we'd most like to own. Let's check it out...

Nothing would make us happier than never dealing with a commercial airliner again:

Bombardier Global Express XRS Executive Jet: $48 million: If you’re constantly booking last-minute plane trips to exotic locations, this may be the gift for you. Back in February, TeamSugar posted Jim Trippon’s annual list of the Most Expensive Valentine’s Day Gifts in the World. The Bombardier Executive Jet topped the list at $48 million, so that you and your honey can fly off into the sunset to celebrate in style.

The kid in us would just love to own the most expensive toy soldier on the market:

First G.I. Joe: $200,000: G.I. Joes were meant to be tossed around and buried in the dirt by rough and tough little boys, but the buyer of this action figure will probably want to keep it locked up in a glass case. Setting a world record for the most expensive toy soldier, the buyer purchased the G.I. Joe in 2003 directly from the creator for $200,000.

Why not treat our children to some of the luxuries we enjoy?:

Ferrari Go-Cart: $50,000: If your kids are too young for a real Ferrari, ease them into the luxury auto market with a $50,000 Ferrari go-cart, also from FAO Schwartz. Your children will be the toughest, coolest kids on the block and will put all those Barbie-mobiles to shame.

Any wine lover would enjoy making quick work of this vintage:

Most Expensive Champagne: $17,625: What would a holiday or birthday celebration be without a little bubbly? If you’re feeling extra generous the next time you’re invited to a party, why not try to get your hands on this bottle, which was sold in 2005 at an auction for over $17,000.

Our need for speed would be fulfilled by this bad boy:

Bugatti Veyron: $1.7 million: In 2006, Neiman Marcus included this super charged car in its annual Christmas Book for the price of $1.7 million. According to Wikipedia, the Bugatti Veyron “is the most expensive and fastest accelerating street-legal production car in the world.” In other words, it’s just perfect for the speed-obsessed millionaire on your list.

We'd really enjoy flying off to the tropical locale of our choice at a moment's notice:

Boeing Business Jet: $35.2 million: In 2002, About.com reported that the Boeing Business Jet was “the most expensive item ever offered” up for sale in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. With its swank interior and unbeatable reputation, it’s no surprise that the big boys’ toy was a tantalizing item even in its unfinished form.

Ever since we heard Ringo Starr sing, we've always wanted a submarine of our own:

Triton 1000: $1.44 million: Perhaps the most bizarre gift featured in the 2007 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is the Triton 1000 submarine, just in case your holiday plans include plunging into the ocean for research, top-secret military missions or, you know, sightseeing.

If Montana is good enough for Ted Turner, it's good enough for us:

10 Acres in Paradise Valley: $2.3 million: Many people agree that land is the most precious possession, especially as humans continue to overpopulate even the most remote areas. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway for your family, try bidding on “10 acres of secluded land among the mountains of Paradise Valley in Montana, up for grabs for $2.3 million” and included in the 2007 Christmas Book.

Sometimes we just want to escape from it all:

Ronde Island: $100 million: Don’t bother mixing with the common riff-raff during holiday resort season; instead, purchase your own island as a gift for your family so that you can enjoy a unique vacation in private luxury. The website Gifts.Infoniac.com advertises the Ronde Island in Grenada in the Caribbean, which, for $100 million, could be yours to enjoy.

And finally, we've always had big eyes:

World’s Most Expensive Diamond: $7.98 million: If you’re planning to pop the big question during the holidays, why not do it with the world’s most expensive diamond? In November 2007, the Moussaieff Jewellers of London purchased the blue diamond for nearly $8 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. How could anyone turn down that kind of a proposal?

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernsten

Labels: Gifts, Scott Bernstein

Traveling from New York City to London has never been easier thanks to a new perk from all-premium-class Eos Airlines. If you buy an unrestricted ticket between JFK and London's Stansted airport on Eos, they will cover the cost of helicopter transfers to/from the Wall Street or East 34th Street heliports in Manhattan. US Helicopter provides the eight minute ride for Eos customers.

Simply check-in at the heliport and board one of US Helicopter's Sikorsky choppers after a brief screening by a TSA agent. An Eos agent will meet you at the airport, and escort you either to the lounge or directly to your flight. You don't even have to handle any of your bags, as they will be checked straight through to London. Eos offers 44 flights a week between JFK and Stansted.

Another new service worth noting recently opened up at JFK. Itseasy.com, a company that specializes in expediting US passports and foreign visas, opened a 24/7 service center for travelers. Let's say you aren't allowed to board a flight because your passport doesn't have enough pages. Just head to the Hotel Desk on the ground floor of Terminal 4, and look for Itseasy.com's emergency help desk.

Other uses for Itseasy's new service desk include same day passport processing (in most cases), a Concierge service and the ability to secure visas for future travel. This is the first desk of its kind at an American airport. Who says New Yorkers aren't ahead of the curve?

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: Scott Bernstein, Travel

If you've got $75 million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, we've got just the place for you. The 30,000 square foot Portabello Estate in California's Orange County is currently on the block. Forbes named the Portabello one of the ten most expensive houses in the world. While we'd usually say any place selling for $75 million can't possibly be worth the price tag, this architectural masterpiece may be the exception to the rule.

The first thing you notice when looking at the Portabello Estate are all of the gorgeous views found around the residence. Each of the eight bedrooms and ten and a half bathrooms were laid out to give them the most expansive views of the Pacific Ocean possible. The mansion graces three full lots in the heart of Newport Beach, with easy access to both town and the serene beach.

Another feature of the house that stands out are all the sensuous curves that make up the nautilus shell-like design of the estate. At the center of Portabello is a sun-washed grotto featuring multiple pools including a swim-up bar and a poolside lounge. All of the bedrooms surround the grotto giving the mansion the feel of a five-star beach front resort. There is even a barbecue area for entertaining guests outdoors.

There are also plenty of luxurious amenities found indoors that really push the Portabello Estate over the top. The house features an entertainment level complete with an Art Deco Theater, bowling alley and automotive museum. There is also a full exercise facility and cafe located on premises. With these features. and all the others that we can't possibly list, the new owner may never leave home.

For more information on the Portabello Estate check out Portabello.com.

A PimpWiz Exclusive by Scott Bernstein

Labels: California, Real Estate, Scott Bernstein

For many years rich guys have had no problem attracting beautiful young women, but recently the tide is starting to turn. Sugar Cougars are out on the prowl, and you just might be their target. The fourth wave of feminism, where women who have the means and the needs to attract young men, continues to grow exponentially.

If you think your a bad ass under 35 looking for the cougar of your dreams, we've got quite the opportunity to tell you about. Pocket Change is throwing a speed dating event for sugar mamas and boy toys. Simply fill out this application, and send along five pictures for celebrity Matchmaker Janis Spindel to judge. The criteria for the cougars is a little more intense. They must be older than 35, and need to qualify based on 1 of the following 4 financial criterion.

• Salary: $500K or more
• Liquid Assets: $4MM+
• Entrus