If you're like me, you've got a home bar. One that you're proud of. And it's got all the usual tools: a cocktail shaker, bottle and wine openers, a strainer, maybe one of those twisty handled spoons, if you've gone all out.

And it works for you. But if you want to add to your bar, and really up the Impressive Factor, then you need to add some essentials that not only perform much needed tasks, but look cool while doing it.

Since I'm always looking for the newest and hottest in bar gear for my home bar, I turned to the only person to ask for these things, Miss Charming. Besides the fact that she's a master mixologist with 10 books under her bar apron, can whip up the meanest cocktail you've ever tipped past your lips, and works with one of the best-stocked bar supplies sites, BarProducts.com, she's also ridiculously hot. (That's her pic up top.) So any excuse to call her.

Here is her list of the Top 10 Essentials for Every Guy's Home Bar. The stuff that would have her impressed when her date offered to fix her a drink after an expensive dinner out. All are available in Miss Charming's "Master Mixology" section of BarProducts.com, and most are inexpensive enough to fit everyone's budget. (Some almost embarrassingly inexpensive.) Proving you don't have to spend a lot to impress. Whether or not she's had too much to drink...

1. Cap-On®
You know those speed pourers bartenders use to measure out a perfect 3-count pour? Very useful, and very convenient. But at the bar, they go through a few bottles a night. At home, you're not. (Hopefully.) So you're going to want to keep the cap on the bottle. Which is where Cap-On comes in.

The world's first inverted pour spout, simply push a Cap-On® into the bottle, and you can pour a 3-count just like the pros. Much better than glug-glugging. Over pouring. And spilling all over the place during parties. The real beauty is that since it sits flush with the top of the bottle, you can keep the Cap-On® in the bottle, then screw the cap back on. And at only 69 cents a dozen... or just under 6 cents each... you can put one in every bottle, then just toss them out when the bottle's kicked.

2. V-Rod™
This double ended bottle opener (and bartender life saver), performs double duty. One end opens capped bottles and the other pops off stubborn pour spouts from liquor bottles. (Plus you can recycle the Cap-On® by popping it out with the V-Rod™.) You can also customize a V-Rod™ with any design of your choice at www.logobarproducts.com $7.99.

3. Ice Ball Mold
The hand crafted ice ball craze started in Japan. (And I've posted on how hot it is.) Now you can buy an Ice Ball Mold and keep your own collection in the freezer. Besides looking great in a glass, a large ice ball in your cocktails means less water dilution. And that means better drinks. $4.95.

4. Absinthe Fountain & Set Up
Ever since Absinthe became legal again in the US in '07 with the help of Lucid, this mysterious liquor and its ware has fascinated many. There are many ways to enjoy this once illegal elixir, but the best is ...There's more

What's more authentic than toasting St. Patrick's Day with some good Irish whiskey, and sitting down to a dinner of corned beef and cabbage? How about toasting St. Patrick's Day with a cocktail of good Irish whiskey mixed with with corned beef and cabbage...

Richard Blais, a top chef known for his Molecular Gastronomy, is turning up the heat, and mixing in the meat, this St. Patrick’s Day with his unique corned beef and cabbage cocktail: The "Corned Beef Collins." He's taken Ireland’s best... Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, savory corned beef drippings, and a splash of cabbage water, and combined them to make one of the most unusual cocktails you've ever had. And one that's surprisingly drinakble. (Depending on how much straight whiskey you've had first...)

And, because no smart Irishman should drink on an empty stomach, Chef Blais has prepared a gourmet meal using his own brand of molecular gastronomy: Corned beef cooked in Michael Collins Whiskey, brown sugar and mustard with cabbage and oak smoked potato cannelloni. A recipe sure to make St. Patty proud!

The Corned Beef and Cabbage Cocktail: The "Corned Beef Collins"
1 1/2 oz Michael Collins blended whiskey
2 oz Fresh sour mix
2 oz Club soda
1 eye droplet of Corned beef extract (corned beef drippings from pan)
1 splash Cabbage water
Corned beef spices and cabbage oak, aroma

Shake whiskey, corned beef extract and sour mix with ice.
Pour into Collins glass and top with ...There's more

It can't be said enough: Bacon is the perfect food. (You know, health-nut rantings aside.) It can be enjoyed all by itself for breakfast, atop a sandwich enhancing the stuff beneath, or even as part of a gourmet dinner, wrapped around scallops or a juicy filet. It's even at home crumbled in a salad (Take that health nuts...)

But as most chefs know, bacon can be used in so many more interesting and delicious ways. Fortunately for us, 18 of them have slipped some of their favorite recipes into the new Bacon Freak Cook Book.

It's packed with the best ways to exploit the joys of bacon for every meal, including appetizers and desserts. (Bacon for dessert? Yes please.) And since you can grab a paperback copy for under $8, or download the PDF version instantly for just under $3... this is one cook book that needs to be in every guy's kitchen. (Order here.)

And to prove it, here is one of the recipes you'll find in the book. It's from chef Rick Bayless, a bacon freak in his own right, and host of the TV show Mexico - One Plate at a Time. Rick offers up his Avocado Mango Salad recipe, which prominently features his favorite ingredient. According to Rick, "Whenever I'm stuck on what to do in a particular recipe, I always think. WWBD?” Amen, Rick.

Avocado Mango Salad
Serves 4

4 slices bacon
1/2 cup hulled, untoasted pumpkinseeds
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup vegetable or ...There's more

You know that AXE Hair Action Challenge I've been talking about all month? Well it's coming to an end. And so are these product tie-in giveaways. So get in on it.

I've already given away the Flip Cam to David T of Las Vegas (which he's probably already lost at the tables...), and Adam P of Kansas City, MO scored the Matt Stafford signed football.

This week I'm giving away two of those Mad Men / AXE Hair Classic Look Kits that I ran a couple of months ago. They went over big, so I figured why not give you guys a chance to grab one again.

In case you missed the original contest post, the kits are designed to give you that classic Mad Men/Rat Pack look. They include:
- AXE AXE Itch Relief 2 in 1 Cooling Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner (even if you don't have the flakes, you'll dig the menthol buzz)
- AXE Smooth & Sophisticated Look Shine Pomade for getting that wet look
- A shoe shine kit to give your dogs a mirror finish
- A box of mints to keep you "this close" fresh when chatting up the skirts
- A skinny, black Brooks Brothers tie to make any day at the office a Mad Men day (afternoon cocktails not included.)
- The entire Season One of Mad Men on DVD
And it all comes in an oversized, highly-polished wood cigar box.

As before, all you need to do to score one of these not-available-anywhere kits, is enter your email addy here. And on Friday March 18, I'll pick two of you at random to add to my own personal Rat Pack.

How many times have you been out on a date with your girlfriend, wife, one-night-stand-to-be, or left hand... at a fancy, overpriced, guaranteed to over-promise and under-deliver steakhouse, when you find yourself staring down at the flickering light of the candle on the table thinking to yourself, “If only there was some way I could finally combine my love of bacon, mood lighting and candle-eating...”?

First off, you probably have some weird disorder that would pretty much rule out that your dinner companion was any of the first three mentioned above, and second, you’re just the target demographic that David Burke’s Primehouse in Chicago is looking for with its Bacon Fat Candles.

The concept of using animal fat in candles is certainly not groundbreaking. I’m pretty sure the ancient Egyptians cornered that market sometime back when dirt was a novelty. But the idea to create an animal fat candle that doubles as a condiment just might be... and we have Chef Rick Gresh to thank for it. The plan seems to be to have the little 2-inch flaming fat candles in all of their pyro-porcinic beauty gracing the tables of the restaurant, and when the food comes out the diners can simply pour their candles over whatever butter-fried bounty lies before them. Finally, someone has ...There's more

AMP Energy, the drink with the kick to power you through a tough day, has just released their new AMP Energy Juice. Same kick, only it comes in a 100% juice formula. So you get the mid-day or late night club, push, with the added bonus of Orange and Berry nutrition.

I'm thinking it works as the perfect coffee alternative to get your butt moving in the morning. As they say in their ads: "Consider this your wake up call."

So, because AMP and I want you to give this new buzz juice a shot, I am giving away a couple of bottles for you to put to the test... PLUS an AMP branded iTouch and ski hat with built in earphones, to keep your ears stay warm while you crank your tunes and move to the AMP induced energy burst.

All you need to do, is enter your email addy here. And on Thursday March 18, I'll select one of you at random to get 100% juiced.
www.ampenergy.com

[This is a guest post from D Salmons over at TestFreaks. If you are looking for other car gadgets reviews, such as GPS devices, give them a try]

If there are two things that we guys really like, it's cars and gadgets. And when you combine the two and give us gadgets for our cars, well, that's Heaven on four wheels.

With that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at some of our favorite car gadgets.

PLX Kiwi Car Computer

If you've bought gas in the past three years, then you know how expensive the stuff is getting. But have you given much thought to how much you can save by only altering your own driving habits? Well, the savings can add up quickly, and all you need is a good coach to show you how to do it. Enter the PLX Kiwi.

The Kiwi plugs into your vehicle's power socket, and gives you a colorful instant scorecard on how you're driving. The device will take into account your acceleration, braking, and overall vehicle operation, to give you a score. With a little practice and interaction with the PLX you will soon be a smooth (car) operator.

Car Microwave

What's better than to be able to cook on the road? The WaveBox Microwave Oven will plug into a 12v car outlet and fire up your burritos without you even slowing down. The 660 watt oven has a 6x10 inch internal cooking area, allowing you to fix a variety of fine foods while traveling.

And of course, cooking on the go is great, but only if you have someone else in the car with you. It should go without saying, you really shouldn't cook and drive. So save it for your next tailgating stop, and you will be dining before your buddies even get the charcoals lit.

Car Fridge

If you've got the microwave, you're gonna need something to keep your burritos cold until it's time to eat. The Mini Fridge from Think Geek is perfect, with its ...There's more

The DVD for Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, the sequel to one of my personal favorite movies of all time, dropped yesterday. So to celebrate the return of the MacManus brothers, who come back to Boston to clear their names and seek revenge on the guys who framed them for murder (while gun play ensues...), I'm giving away a prize pack.

One of you lucky readers is going to take home the Boondock Saints II DVD, the official movie poster, and... my favorite part of the pack... a Boondock Saints beanie. (Could I have thrown in "VERITAS" and "AEQUITAS" hand tattoos? Sure. But my lawyer had a nervous breakdown.)

To enter to win the pack, all you need to do is enter your email addy here. And on Wednesday March 17th (St. Patty's Day. Fitting.), I'll pick the winner at random. Making sure the contest is Aequitas.

Most of us - fortunately or unfortunately - can walk into almost any fast food place and order without looking at the menu. We've got them memorized, and have our favorite "usual" at each place.

But some places have a few secret menu items (with a couple, like In-N-Out Burger, that post their entire "secret" menu on their website), that can be ordered... IF you know what to ask for.

To get you "in the know" the next time you swing by the drive-thru on a late night quest for Fourth Meal, here are some of those secrets revealed by our friends at Couponsherpa.com, for 24 popular fast food pushers.

A word of warning: As you can probably imagine, the creations listed here are, for the most part, even more fattening and unhealthy than the regular menu items. So order with caution.

And, as with anything posted on the InterWebs, there is some debate as to the accuracy of the list, and actual availability of said items... but as CouponSherpa says: "Not all may participate in the hidden menu. However, if you try to order something and the server looks at you with a blank look, don't give up. Describe the dish and usually they'll make it for you anyway." (Personally, I have a tough enough time trying to get my local fast food slinger to get my normal order right... so if they look at me weird, I'm going with the usual.)

I would usually say something here like: "If you want to impress a date with your knowledge of these secrets..." but if you're taking a date to one of these places, there ain't much chance of you impressing her... BUT, if you're looking for something other than the usual (and my favorite is the McGangBang), here is a selection of some items that'll shake up your fast food cravings:
[For the complete listings, click here]

McDONALDS
Biscuits and Gravy - This one may only be available in the South – but it’s the classic combination of gravy smothering hot biscuits.
McKinley Mac – A big Mac with quarter pounder patties.
Grilled Cheese - A bun grilled with American cheese inside.
All American - This is a normal sized hamburger with only pickles and ketchup.
Big McChicken - This is a huge sandwich in which the chicken patties replace the bun.
Fries with Big Mac Sauce - Fries smothered in the secret and special big Mac Sauce.
Chicken and Waffles - This is a McGriddle sandwich with chicken in the middle.
McGangBang - This is a double cheeseburger with a chicken patty in between the two beef patties.
Land, Sea, and Air Burger - The Land, Sea, and Air burger, has a beef patty, chicken patty, and fillet-o-fish patty all piled high onto a bun.
Monster Mac - A big Mac composed of 8 meat patties.
2 Cheese Burger Meal Mac - Two cheese burgers, fries and a drink.


ARBY'S
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich - This spin on the cordon bleu is a chicken breast with a piece of ham on top of it with melted Swiss cheese.
Wet Fries - Hot fries smothered in cheese sauce.
French Dip – This is a classic Arby’s menu item that is off most menu’s but can still be ordered.


BURGER KING
Mustard Whopper - This is a normal Whopper with one difference, mustard is spread onto the sandwich instead of mayo.
Veggie Whopper - A great alternative for vegetarians who love the flavor of Burger King, the beef is substituted for with a veggie patty.
BLT - A bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich that comes in either a small or medium size.
Ham and Cheese - A classic sandwich option that you can have served either hot or cold.
Frings - An order of frings will split your French fry order with onion rings.
Suicide Burger - This is a large burger including four meat patties, four slices of cheese, bacon and special sauce.
Rodeo Burger - A burger assembled with onion rings and bbq sauce on it.
BK Club - This sandwich is the Original chicken sandwich with bacon, tomato, and cheese.


CHIPOTLE
Chipolte will make you any combination of ingredients they have available to them. Listed below are some of the favorites.
Nachos - Made with tortilla chips, your choice of salsa and meat, beans, and topped with a layer of cheese.
Quesadilla - These come in two sizes, the children’s size which is made with two soft taco shells layered with your choice of fillings, or the full size which is ...There's more

[Bobby Rio is a regular contributor to BG in the area of social dynamics and dating, and you can check out Make Small Talk Sexy, his secrets for escalating boring conversations into fun, engaging, sexual conversations.]
 
Talking to a beautiful woman is, as we all know, one of the hardest things to do. It takes so much energy just to get the nerve to walk up to the woman in the first place that you kind of forget that you actually need something to talk to her about, leaving you a mess of awkward silence before she finally picks up her stakes and moves on to the next guy.

But, if you follow the following easy-to-use tips, you’ll never have to worry about these moments of awkwardness ever again.

Tip 1: Convert "Safe" Topics
When a guy is nervous, he tends to stay on “safe” topics for a large percentage of time, knowing in his mind that he has to, in order to keep the woman from feeling uncomfortable. However, certain women tend to crave being made uncomfortable, and having a man take control... for example, when they no longer have the control over the conversation. It’s the same reason why women like “bad boys” and "alpha males." They take control, rather than being led like a puppy. As a result, turning "safe" topics that you're talking about into "unsafe" ones, triggers this feeling of attraction.

For example, if the conversation gets into how one of you has a dog and one of you has a cat, tell her that “you’ve heard of studies where cat and dog owners can never get into a lasting relationship because of their two opposing personalities... However, the study also showed that this actually made them the best pair to become lovers...”

You just turned a boring topic about pets into one about sex. Go from there.

Tip 2: Remember Your Cold Reads
If you’ve gotten this far in life, you know ...There's more