A night to remember? Maybe not.

The most enjoyable responsibility of a groom’s best man is to ensure that the stag night or weekend, is one to be recounted for years to come; perhaps even made into folk songs. No stag ‘do’ is complete without capers and pranks. The sole purpose of these often juvenile stunts is to embarrass the groom for the amusement of the rest of the group as you celebrate them leaving bachelorhood.

Here is a collection of tame and not so tame ideas. Key to success is that the entire group (except the groom) pitch into a kitty to pay for the night AND that everyone takes an active part in stitching up the groom.

1. ‘Get into position’. Buy a bag of toy soldiers, each member of the group is given a soldier and on exit of each establishment they have to mimic the stance of their soldier. Funny as the evening progresses.
2. Kidnap the groom by surprise in public – or pay someone they don’t know to do it. The police frown on this one though so be careful.
3. Dress up. Make the groom dress up, for the whole night. Homemade or bought costumes ensure no costly dry cleaning bills at the end of the night, here’s some ideas: Chick, wrestler, Borat style mankini.
4. ‘Fake a break’ after the groom passes out put one of their limbs in plaster. When they wake the next day make up a befitting story to explain the break.
5. Dude that looks like a lady. Female strippers are passé, so get them a male stripper. Be ready to run when they discover the gender after they have got ‘excited’.
6. Organise a ‘Stag Quest‘. Prepare a list of items they have to obtain and tasks to perform. E.g. talk a girl into removing her bra, they have to get spanked by a copper, get a tattoo.
7. “Your vessel sir” Chain a tankard to the stag’s wrist for the whole night from which they have to drink.
8. Homemade fake beard. Make a beard from the groups hair (use your imagination) and paste it on the groom, (don’t tell him the source until after though). Disgusting, but still has laughter factor.
9. Mars bar trick. Wait until the groom is asleep, unwrap a mars bar and stick it between his arse cheeks in his undies. Next morning, is that melted chocolate or not?
10. Naked homing groom. Whilst still out strip the groom of all personal possessions, including clothes and let them navigate their way back. Don’t do this if it’s a freezing cold night, hyperthermia isn’t funny.

And remember it’s not amusing if there are permanent mental or physical scars so plan responsibly-ish.

3D Movie Experience

With all the 3D movies coming out these days it does make us think about some of the great movies that could have been done (and maybe still can be done) in 3D.   Whilst this list might be slightly bias to our own tastes it could be the start of something big….maybe the movie producers will listen to The Quick Ten and start re-producing some of the below movies.  Or maybe they will stick to what they know best, making bucket loads of cash.

However if the producers of Street Dance 3D are listening, please, please, please never ever make this shit again.  It’s bad enough in 2D let alone some angry teenager “battling” in 3D.  I mean come on people!

1. The Matrix – the first and original one only please.
2. Alien – I remember weeing my pants slightly to this when watching it in 1990 via VCR  11 years after it’s release so I’m sure in 3D I might actually shit my pants.
3. Top Gun – Goose dying in 3D, bad but Maverick taking down some Mig’s, good.
4. Die Hard – this is where our bias comes in but I mean you would have to be crazy not to want to see Bruce Willis bleeding and shooting in 3D?
5. Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back – The best one of them all and no Hayden Christensen in site to ruin a franchise with lines such as; “Hold me, like you did by the lake on Naboo.”
6. Saving Private Ryan – It would be a brutal watch but a memorable one.
7. Gladiator – We know Russel Crowe is a bit of a knob but Gladiator in 3D? Where is the popcorn and beer please.
8. Ghost Busters – Not crossing the beams would take on a whole new experience.
9. District 9 – This standout movie of 2009 would be amazing in 3D.
10. The Bourne Ultimatum – Bit of a wild card we know but for the raw fight scenes alone this would be brilliant .

Take piggy to the beach.

You are starting to get itchy feet again but are a little strapped for cash right now. So you need a country to visit that is not going to cost you the world to visit but you can still scratch that itch and have a blast. Well this is the Top Ten List for the Cheapest Countries to visit from around the world.
Don’t worry the Quick Ten crew are not going to send you down shit creek without a paddle but you may want to remember to take some things for the flight and heed our tips for a long haul flights!  Other than that sit back and enjoy of budget driven choices. 

1. India – As long as you pack enough immodium to sink a battleship then there are an abundance of amazing sites to see right across this country and a meal will only set you back less than $1 US.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet India

2. Cambodia – Its the new Vietnam which apparently is was the new Thailand and Thailand is amazingly beautiful and cheap which means Cambodia comes in at number 2.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Cambodia

3. Argentina – Land of beautiful people, cheap food and crazy currency drops.  Argentina has everything a traveler on a budget wants ; great food, beautiful and diverse scenery, great weather, brilliant nightlife and all at a great price.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Argentina

4. Mexico – So much ancient history to view in this country and picture perfect beaches to explore.  The food is brilliant, accommodation cheap and this is where Fiesta really comes into meaning.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Mexico

5. Romania – Don’t knock till you have tried it.  This place has so many hidden secrets and the nightlife (and women) in Bucharest is second to none.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Romania

6. Hungary – this is edged out by Romania purely on the fact that it is a little more off the beaten track than Hungary.  However this heavy hitter from the old eastern block provides cheap (and direct) airfares from Europe and a wide variety of tourist attractions.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Hungary

7. Turkey – this place caters for all types of budget travelers.  You can eat and drink the night away at one of the many fine seafood restaurants and clubs along the Bosphrus for a steal.  Or head on down to Antalya to soak up the sun in any number of the well priced villas.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Turkey

8. Morocco –  This is a very unique place to go and see on a budget.  Its got a lot of crazy wrapped up with a lot of adventure.  The Souks are where you will grab a bargain and also find great places for lunch or dinner.  Accommodation here is a steal also but don’t expect the Radisson unless you are willing to pay.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Morocco

9. Croatia – probably a little more expensive that it needs to be but still Croatia offers a lot of bang for you buck and the boat cruises that leave from either Dubrovnik or Split are absolutely amazing.  You can generally get these as all inclusive packages which saves you a lot of money.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet Croatia

10. South Africa – sure there is a pretty good chance you will get robbed but hey it’s a must see country and your money will go very far at this destination with some accommodation coming in at little more than $3 US. To keep your budget adventure on the tracks check out some safari options at the Kruger National Park.

BUY NOW – Lonely Planet South Africa

Stress can Kill!

Coming into the new year and out of the holiday season, most people will no doubt begin to slowly slide back into their stress filled lives.  For those of you who don’t get stress then you are a lucky minority, however for others it’s an everyday occurrence.  So we thought we had better compile a helpful Top Ten list of way’s you can remedy your stress levels and bring your blood temperature back to normal.

1. Exercise – Get the endorphins pumping through your blood stream and release that stress by throwing tin, running, bag work, what ever your preference.  Along with a great stress release it also has all the other added benefits.
2. Breathing Exercises – Yep, it’s a simple case of taking a step back and getting some deep, controlled breaths which helps oxygenate the blood and reinvigorate the brain.  For more info check out these breathing exercises.
3. Meditation –  As cliched as this may sound, mediation (if done correctly and you have the patience) can provide a huge release from stress.  The focus on nothingness joined with focused breathing is a recipe for enlightenment.
4. Sex – What better way to get rid of your daily stress levels by par-taking in some horizontal dancing.  Whilst this might not be the right answer for the single people out there it certainly gets the blood pumping so to speak.
5. Music - Get your iPod, find your version of soothing music, find a comfy place to sit, close your eyes and loose yourself in the music.   It’s a form of escapism that puts more focus on your imagination rather than your stressful issues.
6. Massage –  Stress is as much mental as it is physical.  So take some time (and a bit of cash) and treat your muscles to a relaxation massage.  It’s a proven way to reduce the harmful hormones (cortisol, GH and norepinephrine) produced when under stress.
7. Diet - Making sure you have all the right nutrients in your body to counter the effects of stress is exceedingly important.  If your diet is not right and you have an energy crash at a stressful time it can emphasize the symptoms.
8. Sleep –  One of the best pieces of advice that I now live by is “take a night to sleep on it”.  If you are in a stressful situation where you are at risk of acting emotively then take the time.  Go home have a nice dinner and get some well deserved sleep.  Along with the sleep deprivation you may have already been suffering it gives you a chance to revitalise and prepare yourself properly for the the next day.
9. Humor – Laughing is one of the easiest ways to get rid of stress. It’s another outlet that will let you stop and see that perhaps the world is not going to implode tomorrow.
10. Hobbies –  Have some other activities in your life that do not relate to the stressful part of your life in any way shape or form.  This will allow your brain to re-focus on something else and give it a chance to re-charge.

30 Rock

2009 has been a great year for comedy with some really unique series coming to the forefront. Some classics have managed to stay in the top ten purely based on their brilliance and down right willingness to abuse anyone and everyone.
You can rest assure that the recommendations below caused a bit of a stir in the office and it took us a while to come up with the final ten that we were happy to put our names to.
So here where go!

1. 30 Rock – Still going strong in it’s fourth season 30 Rock has really shown some true class this year in continuing to  draw out more comedic genius from its classic characters such as Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy.  Buy Now- Season 1 to 3!
2. East Bound and Down –  One of the more controversial ones in the list but for us East Bound and Down provided some much needed perspective in the TV comedy scene this year.  It’s not trying to be clever it’s just trying to be funny and in our eyes it has succeeded along with its great cast. Buy Now – Complete Season 1!
3. Important Things with Demetri Martin – The dead pan skills of Demetri Martin were are breath of fresh air from a a seemingly dying trend of  sketch comedy.  Clever, funny and no need to make every second word “fuck”….although we quite liked this about East Bound and Down hahaha Ho hum. Buy Now – Season 1!
4. Family Guy – We just don’t get sick of this show and the characters. Well thats not entirely true I have been close to throwing a few things at the TV when I’m hung over and Peter or Stewie go into one of their infamous scenes that carry on  forever.   But anyway a solid comedy after 8 seasons, that will be around for many years to come. Buy Now – Vol. 7!
5. Flight of The Concords – Not as good as the first series but it was never going to be.  However Flight of the Concords is still worthy of the number 5 spot due to the fact that the kiwi boys kept on delivering quirky comedy through its absurd story lines. Buy Now – Complete Season 1!
6. The Office – When we heard that The Office was going to be imported into the US from the UK we were very skeptical but it really has proven itself.  It now exists in its own right. Buy Now – Season Five!
7. Entourage –  A great take on the mostly vacuous world of movies in LA.  Entourage has been going strong since 2004 and does not show any signs of slowing down. Buy Now – Complete Seasons 1-5!
8. Weeds – Nancy’s soccer mum character gone a bit wrong, well a lot wrong  has still been pulling in the viewers in 2009.  Another unique plot in this Top Ten list but sometimes too unique for some viewers who were a little unsettled with the Esteban and Nancy scene. Buy Now – Season Five!
9. Two and a Half Men – The hedonistic lifestyle of jingle maker Charlie seems to still have the right formula.  Although the cliché sexual innuendo’s  fly thick and fast on this show its still adding enough new material to stay in the Top Ten. Buy Now – Complete Seasons 1-6
10. Californication – David Duchovny continues to spear head this mid-life crisis comedy series set in LA.  His care free and oblivious manor is what sets this witty and clever series apart.  Mulder who? Buy Now – Season 1

Best Film of 2009

Welcome to the very first post for this special little category of “The Quick Ten Recommends”. We aim to bring you the best of the best or worst of the worst depending on the type of recommendation.
So to kick things off we thought we would start with the  Top Blockbuster Movies of 2009 as voted and recommended by the team at The Quick Ten. The recommendations were based on a bit of knowledge, a bit of ‘cool’ value, a small bit of public opinion and a bit of…well just movies that made you come feeling like it was money well spent!
So lets get into it!!

1. Inglorious Bastards – Speaking with fellow bloggers this film is a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. But here at The Quick Ten we loved it. Brad your a Legend! Buy Now
2. District 9 – Simply brilliant. This was by far the most original movie we had seen this year! Sharlto Copley had a truly remarkable performance. Buy Now
3. The Hang Over – I don’t know about any one else but we all laughed out loud at this movie. The unfolding of the night before was brilliantly encapsulated by the cast. Buy Now
4. Watchmen – Rorschach was one of the coolest characters we had seen all year. This movie did not disappoint. Buy Now
5. Zombieland – I saw people walk out during the opening seen hahahaha. I mean surely you knew what you were getting yourself in for? A great dark comedy! Buy Now
6. Terminator Salvation – Phew this one saved the Terminator franchise! If this movie had not been made then it would have been a sad note to end on. Buy Now
7. Up - A movie not really for the kids it seemed. But this tear jerker was fantastic. Buy Now
8. Moon – Sam Rockwell puts on a unique performance in this brilliant movie. Buy Now
9. Taken – Some of the best action sequences from a man over 50. Worst running by a grown woman had to go to Maggie Grace, what are you 5? Buy Now
10. The Hurt Locker – A good movie from left field here! About as left field though as Ralph Finnes and Guy Pierce’s roles in the movie. Buy Now