Man Cave Movie List Giveaway

I am working hard to compile a list of high quality (OK, that’s debatable) guy flicks to watch in the man cave. I have been helped, in my early quest, by key users via Twitter.
High mention goes to: @deepfoo (prolific dude); @alcara1 (quality first); @TMTanalyst (soundtrack lover); @JamesZannetti (can’t wait [...]

The Mighty King of Sparta

There are days when I feel as though I’m in my own little Greek city-state, defending against encroaching ideas, not of my own choosing.

By its nature, there are many partners involved in this project, most of all my wife, Claire. Given the circumstances, she has been awesome.  I’ve been talking about steaks, grills, TVs and all sorts of manly things for weeks. She has indulged me with patience. I wonder what she wants?

But even great partnerships have disagreements.

Designing Men?

“I say he improvised… He adapted. He Overcame.”

– Clint Eastwood as Gunny Hightower in the Movie “Heartbreak Ridge”

Building a man cave takes a lot of sweat, especially when it has to be done in such a short period of time; three days is the window.

Before the crew even sets a stud, the designers have to come and evaluate the space.  What I am learning so far is that it’s all about trade-offs and surprises.

I met with the series designer, Lyani Powers.  She recently flew solo on the NFL Network/DIY Network Man Cave special, a football themed fan cave (what else). Lyani is assisted by Marissa Sauer and Lindsey Lustrino. I’m surprised that we need a designer, let alone three women. I thought this would be like the little crystal Superman used to build the “Fortress of Solitude:” Just chuck it in the basement and presto, instant man cave.  Not to be.

I answered a lot of questions on likes and dislikes – pretty easy. I like wood, leather, stone, wine, beer, and electronics. Apparently so does every other guy in the world.

All the while I’m trying to keep focus and point out areas of the basement that have potential. I showed her the cutout for the fireplace, hinting how cool it would be to have one down in the Man Cave. She nods and smiles. I do a silent mental fist pump.

As if the mighty Oz was talking, Lyani tells me:  “I see wood everywhere and tin ceilings might be cool.”  Suppressing my joy is tough. Hey, I gotta stay cool. She continues, “Media area here, a lounge by the fireplace, the bar over here and as you walk in, a grand entry way. And maybe we’ll put something in the back area.”

Any thoughts on what else I should make hints for? Here’s an article, with pictures, from Women’s Day (of all places) on Ten Magnificent Man Caves.

I tweeted Tony Siragusa the other day to ask him what he was going to build me. His response:

@robpas scented candles…

Meanwhile, leave links to great man caves you’ve seen in the comments area, or send me a picture at robert.passarella@dowjones.com

Wow, I’m Getting a Man Cave

I’m getting a man cave.

Cue Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka chewing on a chocolate teacup singing “Pure Imagination.”

Man Caves is a show on the DIY Network hosted by former Ravens Defensive Lineman Tony “Goose” Siragusa and carpenter Jason Cameron.

This dynamic duo comes to a lucky dude’s home and tricks out a private space for the man of the house within 3 days. “So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.”

If you’re a woman, this is like Oprah’s favorite things for men.

If you’re a guy, you know exactly what this is; visions of kegerators, high-tech electronics, giant flat screen TVs, poker tables, bars and wine rooms should be dancing in your head by now.

So how did this happen? A few months ago my wife, Claire, and I were thinking of finally finishing our basement.   As we started to compile ideas and a budget, about $30,000, we realized we were looking at sheet rock, a drop ceiling and carpeting. Not exactly something to write home about.

Enter everyone’s favorite answer box, Google. Claire popped in the terms “great basements” and the search engine spit out numerous results, including the site for the Man Caves show.  A few facts about being a candidate on the show:

1. You have to live in New Jersey. Check
2. You need to have a budget in mind for the project. Check
3. You need to work on a project during the show with co-host Jason Cameron. Semi-check (Hey, it’s the Do It Yourself Network)
4. Part of building the cave is a surprise to the recipient. Yay for me.
5. You need an idea or theme that the man cave is built around.  Umm …

I submitted a theme based on Wall Street and Old New York. Man Caves came back with the idea of building a basement steakhouse. What would you build? My wife is worried they are going to give me a dry aging room or a Montague Steakhouse broiler.

I ain’t worried. Stay tuned as we follow this to completion.