Formula 1 Backgrounder: Spa Francorchamps

The most technically advanced motor racing series in the world returns to action after its 4 week summer layoff for Round 11 at one of the classics of the calendar, Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa dates back to the inception of F1 in 1950, although for several years in the 1970s and 80s the race was held primarily at the Zolder track, infamous for the death of Gilles Villeneuve during qualifying in 1982. But Spa has its own deadly history to be sure. Originally an open road circuit, Spa used to encompass a blistering 14k tour through several Ardennes villages and was considered, along with the original Nürbergring, the ultimate test of a driver’s skill, not only because of the high speeds but also the unpredictable weather. But as cars became faster and faster and particularly prior to the advent of downforce, the risk factor for such a long country road course with houses, ditches, telephone poles and trees only yards from the edge of the road became extremely perilous and fatalities and serious shunts piled up.

New and Old Spa Circuits Overlaid

New and Old Spa Circuits Overlaid

Eventually in 1983, after many years of disuse by F1, the Spa track was shortened to the 7k circuit we see today. Although most of the real life hazards have been removed, the circuit is still one of the fastest and is considered a supreme test of driver skill, as it always has been, particularly the narrow uphill charge out of Eau Rouge. When you see overtaking there, you know that a driver has nerves of steel because the consequence for failure can still be quite severe. Simply have a look at this terrible crash by a very fortunate Ricardo Zonta in 1999 to see what happens when things go awry at Spa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWFZWpbjO44

You can see the practice times for the first two Friday sessions at Spa at FormulaOne.com.

 

 

What we’re listening to today – Nevertheless by The Brian Jonestown Massacre

There are artists and there are artist’s artists, those who are always one step ahead and showing the rest how it’s done. The Brian Jonestown Massacre are in the latter category. Infamous before they were famous, the BJM have long gone unrecognized as what they really are…one of the best bands of the last 20 years. “Nevertheless” is an example of the BJM at their finest. Equally catchy and expansive, this one never gets old.

You can find it on the 2001 album “Bravery, Repetition, and Noise“, which also features an excellent cover of The Cryan’ Shames song, “The Sailing Ship”.

As a bonus, this fan generated video features footage of a canoodling Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, from the 1973 film Don Juan (or If Don Juan Were A Woman). How can you go wrong?

A big MFL welcome to our new contributor Punto Verde

We’re very glad to announce the addition of a new contributor to Man’s Fine Life, a gent who goes by the handle Punto Verde. Like tomvox1, he’s yet another Brooklyn hepcat (they’re downright ubiquitous these days… like herpes, only more charming) and PV is also an artist, music lover and all around bon vivant. We’re looking forward to his take on fashion, tunes, vintage contraptions and whatever else catches his fancy. The more the merrier and it’s always good to have another well-rounded gentleman aboard. So let’s raise a stein to Punto Verde!

What we’re listening to today–All the Way From Memphis by Mott the Hoople

Here’s a little bon Mott to spice up the afternoon, straight from live video back in the 70s:

Sometimes you just gotta go glam, man. So put on that velvet blazer and pick up your six-string razor.

And BTW, I wonder who taught who how to sing like that: did Bowie teach Mott or did Mott teach Bowie? Hmmm… the eternal riddles of Rock ‘n Roll.

Download the classic studio version at iTunes or Amazon.

High Blood Pressure: Still a silent killer

You may be working out five times a week and running triathlons on the side but every time you go for your physical, your BP is stubbornly high. Nothing crazy just 140/90, what they call “high normal” or “borderline high.” You argue with your doctor that because you are such a fine physical specimen there’s no need to worry about a number and you’ll try to get it down by reducing sodium intake and drinking more water. But, assuming you’re not testing it at home, another year goes by and the next checkup your numbers haven’t budged: still borderline high.

For a lot of guys in their 30s this may sound familiar, as this is when mild but persitent hypertension can start to kick in. But now’s the time to get your number down and if it takes a little medication, so be it. Because even if you feel terrific, your mild hypertension is damaging the inner workings of your body and putting you at long term risk of heart disease, stroke, eye problems and, yup, impotence. Continue reading →

What we’re drinking this summer–Grüner Veltliner (and plenty of it)

Summer may be winding down but there are still plenty of BBQs, camping trips and picnics to be had. So if you’re getting a bit tired of beer (I know, for some it might be heresy to even suggest that) but are having a hard time finding a wine to pair with the unique flavors of cookouts and cold potato salad, we’ve got the grape for you. It’s a white primarily Austrian varietal called Grüner Veltliner and its tart-sweet green apple notes make it ideal for sticky sweet barbecue, jerk chicken, grilled pork and even hot dogs.

Austrian Grüner from Paul Direder

Austrian Grüner from Paul Direder

Less sweet and leaner that most Rieslings or Gewürztraminers (which I’m also a big fan of during the warm months) and with a distinctly new-wine nose, the green-gold Grüner should be served nice & cold and can be sipped on its own as an aparatif or served throughout the evening from a smoked fish starter to the cherry pie for dessert. Not only that but most are inexpensive at under $15 and they usually come in liter bottles for a little extra bang for the buck. In short, it’s a perfect summer wine and we like it so much we’re probably going to keep drinking it in the Fall…and then on vacation somewhere warm…and next Spring…

We get the very tasty Paul D. in Brooklyn at the outstanding South Williamsburg wine shop, D.O.C. But ask your local wine store if they stock it or another Grüner. If they don’t, they really should–you can’t beat it with a stick!

What we’re listening to today– Kathy’s Song by Simon & Garfunkel

Not the happiest song, I know, but it’s pouring down rain here, summer is winding down and there is melancholy in the air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q60YKfPKdjQ

A lyric like this sums it up, I reckon:

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I.

A lotta laughs it’s not but sometimes you gotta go with the day and not fight the vibe. We all need somebody sometimes to pick up our slack. We all need a “Kathy” in our lives to get through some days. This one’s for my “Kathy.”

Download it at iTunes or Amazon, natch. 

What we’re listening to today–No Rollin’ Blues by Jimmy Witherspoon

Ain’t nothin’ on a Sunday like some Blues. And ain’t a lot of blues as good as that sung by Kansas City shouter Jimmy Witherspoon. This 1959 version of his evergreen “No Rollin’ Blues” shows all of his trademarks to a T: suave and powerful delivery, sexual innuendos galore, fun loving call-and-response rapport with his sidemen and uprorious reactions by his obviously appreciative audience.

Blessed with an epically long career, he began as a big band singer with Jay McShann in the late 1940s and was still at the peak of his powers (despite a battle with throat cancer) on 1988s Rockin’ LA. In between, the ‘Spoon was responsible for minting all-time standards like and “T’ Ain’t Nobody’s Business”, “Better Love Next Time (Pts. 1 & 2)” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman”. In short, Jimmy Witherspoon was a colossus of post-WWII popular music and a Blues singing legend. Let’s toast him with some sweet corn whiskey!

You can download the sweet singing ‘Spoon on iTunes and Amazon.

Gorgeous Lady of the Week- Olivia Wilde

Not only does 29-year-old actress Olivia Wilde possess the sexiest cat eyes in Hollywood and a killer smile, but the native New Yorker is damn funny as well. Just check out The Incredible Burt Wonderstone to watch Olivia easily holding her own with the likes of Steve Carell & Steve Buscemi.

Olivia-Wilde-Bikini

While this accomplished actress really broke through with big budget high concept wannabe blockbusters like Tron: Legacy and Cowboys & Aliens, one can easily see her moving towards more substantial work. This lovely lady has the complete package: brains, beauty and a winning personality. If she keeps working hard at her craft and doesn’t coast on her looks alone, we foresee her as one of the best in the game one day soon.

Unfortunately for us other fellows, Ms. Wilde is currently engaged to funny man Jason Sedeikis. Which proves that sometimes you can get pretty far with the ladies if you can make them laugh. Now where do I sign up for that improv class at UCB again?

Olivia-Wilde-2

Olivia’s Wikipedia page is here and her IMDb profile is here.