Sunday, January 31, 2010

Quote of the Day Sunday, January 31st: Get Your Week Started Right

The following quote couldnt be any better for the personal experience that I had today. While sitting in my local coffee shop getting some work done I happened to strike up conversation with a gentleman sitting next to me. Long story short, this gentleman happened to be the director of sales and marketing for a hotel in Midtown and after exchanging information I had earned a great new contact in the industry. You never know when an opportunity is going to present itself. So, like many of my other posts suggest...be prepared. This upcoming week put your self out there more so than usual and open your self up so opportunities can present themselves to you. Have a great week.


"One secret of success in life is for a man to be
ready for his opportunity when it comes."
-Benjamin Disraeli

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Saturday Style Tip: "Put A Sock In It"


Another week is just about fully in the books and being that it is Saturday means that we have yet another "Saturday Style Tip". Finding your own personal style is pretty easy to do. It takes a little bit of exploration and experimentation but at the end of the day, its about you and who knows you better than...well, you. You have to do what feels right for you. These tips are simple suggestions of how to add small items to your closet to upgrade your look. This Saturday's tip is simple, socks. The first thing I want to mention is that unless you are wearing shorts, or its the summer and you are wearing a light colored cotton suit with loafers ditch the shorty ankle socks. It always looks a little strange when you sit down and your jeans, or slacks, ride up a bit and your left with your ankles and lower leg showing with your shoes or sneakers. So, that part is simple enough. Now, to elevate your overall look get some socks with color or an argyle pattern on them. If you are wearing business casual or even a suit then this is a great accompaniment but its even better if you get that extra splash of color when your out at the bars, or dinner or anything outside of work. Think about wearing dark denim and a shirt and maybe a scarf and your socks match the color of your scarf. Its the simple, small detail in pairing your look that way that says you know what your doing and you care. Plus its subtle enough that your not going way out of your way to be overly trendy and make some bold statement. Its quiet confidence. Don't go over the top with the colors. Look at the colors that you wear often and get some socks that fall in that color range. Blues, blacks, browns, reds, and them throw some argyle in there. (Photo by Paola Kudacki from GQ)

Friday, January 29, 2010

"Sew" you might not have expected this from the Modern Gentleman...

Hows it going out there on this amazing Friday afternoon? Todays post might, at first glance, seem like a strange topic for someone who calls himself the Modern Gentleman but I promise you it is extremely relevant. I have a couple of vintage blazers that I get a whole lot of use out of. So much use that the top button that I am always doing and un-doing slowly but surely comes loose and eventually, falls off. There is nothing more frustrating than going to your closet grabbing your jacket putting it on and realizing that you cant fasten the button because its non-existent. What Iam getting at is that it is an extremely useful tool to know how to sew a button back on to a jacket. Until I learned for myself, if I pulled a blazer out and the button wasnt there then it would go back in my closet until I could get my girlfriend or her mom to hook it up--I dont like having to wait on other people to get things done. You might say that it is un-gentlemanly to know how to sew or to purchase the required tools to sew a button. You know what I say to that? It more un-gentlemanly to go out looking dumg because your clothes are missing buttons. Needless to say, in my opinion its important so Iam hooking you up this Friday afternoon with a quick guide to sewing a button back on. Enjoy, I guaruntee that your goinig to be glad you know how to do this after you read the quick guide.



1. Materials: The button of course, a needle and some thread. The color of the thread should match the fabric on your jacket.

2. Your going to need to get about a 1/2 yard of thread. Thread the needle and then move the needle so it is about smack in the middle of the thread and tie two small knots at the end of the thread connecting the two strands.

3. Put the button on top of the material where you intend to sew it.

4. Push the needle up through the bottom of the fabric through one of the holes in the button until the knot and the end of your thread catches the bottom side of the fabric.

5. Push the needle down through the other button hole through the top of the fabric.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 about three our four times

7. End with the needle on the back side of the fabric (the side without the button on it) and doulbe knot the rest of the thread to hold it in place.

There ya go, now you can take care of yourself and make sure you never walk out of the house looking like a fool missing buttons.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Four Bottles is Three Bottles to Many.....

Early today I was reading some of the typical men's magazines and websites and I started to see a similar trend between all of the publications I came across. I was specifically looking for some information regarding cologne and what I found was typical and a little bit aggrevating. Most of the reviews and suggestions that I read were highly unrealistic. What I mean is that many of the articles suggested that every guy needs to have at least three or four different bottles of cologne. Not three or four bottles of the same so that when you run out you have a fresh bottle waiting for you, but three or four completely different scents all for different parts of your life. Look, I am all for having variety and for being prepared in any situation you might find yourself in. If you have read any of my previous posts than you would know that Iam constantly making suggestions. However, this four bottles of cologne nonsense is one piece of advice that I just cant get on board with. I think, at most, two different scents would be appropriate. A conservative, musk/wood blend with hints of citrus or fruit for the office and something a little sweeter and more bold for going out. Thats fine---but personally, I stick to just one. I like to have a "signature" scent. Something that those close to me know I wear, and I wear it in small amounts. I understand that maybe the guys with the highest concern for fashion and current trends might have four bottles of different cologne in their bathroom but that is not what most carry. Could you imagine traveling like that? A guy should never have more toilitries than the woman in his life and rolling with four or five bottles of cologne probably puts you pretty close to what shes packing. Something I have stressed over and over again in this sites early history is to be timeless and to not waiver with the trends. Pick a great scent and stick with it. Wear it correctly and switch it up....after your bored of it or find something better. Dont switch it up as you move from the office, to the gym, to the restaurant, to the bar.....its doing to much!

Still Looking for your signature scent? Heres some suggestions:
1.Kenneth Cole Vintage Black:


2.Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L'Homme


3.Tom Ford Grey Vetiver

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tie Colors are like a Gentlemans mood ring: What will Obamas say tonight?

Another Wednesday and another week is half gone, I hope yours has been well up to this point. Unless you have been living under a rock then you are well aware that tonight brings us the long awaited, highly publicized State of The Union address from President Barack Obama. While representatives from the left and from the right are analyzing what the talking points will be and what they will mean, the Modern Gentleman is taking a slightly different approach. The colors we choose to wear represent our overall moods and our current positions on certain subject matter (even if it is subconsciously). Specifically, tie colors have always been a representation of how we feel or where we feel we rank in a certain social situation. So what color will President Obama be wearing tonight and what will that say about what he is truly thinking and feeling? Here's a list of tie colors and what they mean...tune in to the State of the Union tonight to see if his color choice represents his message...or if its a sign that hes not expressing how he truly feels.

1. Red: This is a power color and it symbolizes strength, wealth, leadership, passion and, in many instances, is a color of luck. Experts on the matter say that if you need to "lead your team to a hard victory" and instill confidence, than this is a good color. Could be a good choice for the President.


2. Blue: Blue is a calming color and seeks to express peace and neutrality. A hostel situation would be the perfect arena to sport the blue tie. Again, a valuable option for President Obama


3. Yellow: This color is a little difficult to break down and analyze. GQ ran a story awhile back that said that yellow was the new power tie. However, some feel that yellow represents energy and vibrancy. A strong personality is needed to pull this color off effectively and I doubt you will see this color on Obama tonight. Not because hes not strong but because the situation doesn't call for it.


4. Green: In business this represents money.....well at least growth and prosperity. My call is that this is another color we wont see on Obama tonight.

5. Brown: This color represents the average, everyday man. It says that your practical and down to earth and slightly reserved. There's no way you will see this color tonight.


There are definitely more colors that we could analyze here but these are the most common and the most probable. My official prediction is Red, although he may sport the blue to represent the color of his political party.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Upgrade Your Gear: Take Care of Your Shoes, Your Wallet Will Love You



If your anything like I am then you know that shoes make or break your attire for a day. Ever see a guy walking down the street in a suit wearing New Balance sneakers? That combo goes together as well as Orange juice in your cereal, its just wrong. My Father once told me that shoes were the only thing that could make a thousand dollar suit look like a fifty dollar suit so make sure you get 'em right. Pretty good advice in my opinion. So, if you want to make sure your always on your shoe game its important to know how to care for them. Before I started actively caring for my dress shoes and even some of my sneakers I would burn through them like crazy. Hells worn down, laces frayed, discoloration, the whole bit. You don't want your shoes to look like they came from the Salvation Army (unless the thrift store thing is your bag and in that case, this doesn't apply to you). Here are some quick tips to help you take care of your shoes so your suit (or whatever you are wearing) doesn't depreciate in appearance....plus, the better you take care of your shoes, the longer they last, and you can keep some extra cash in your pocket. Nothing wrong with that right?

1. Wait 24 hours in between wear: Yes, don't wear the same pair of shoes on back to back days. At least don't make a regular habit of it anyways. Think about it. We don't "wash" shoes like we wash our other items of clothing. Can you imagine what a shirt would look like if you just wore it every day all day? The fabric would soak up your natural oils and dirt and pick up any grime that you encountered outside. Well, like I said you don't wash your shoes and they encounter alot of way-worse items on the ground then the rest of your clothes. So give em a break.You have to let the sweat and oil they absorb dry out or else they will age quickly.

2. Shoe Tree: You may have seen one of these in your Dad's closet or even grandfathers closet...well so what? They know what they are doing then. When you put your shoes back in the closet throw a shoe tree in to help them retain their shape while they recoup from heavy wear. This will eliminate any unnecessary indentations that wont come out, unsightly creases, ect...Also, use one of these if you have to pack your shoes in a suit case. You don't want them to get crushed.

3. Shoe Horn: This item is geared exclusively to your nice dress shoes that may be a little bit more firm around the ankle. You don't want to crush the backs of your shoes so get a shoe horn to allow your heel to slide easily into the shoe. Again, keeping the form nice.

4. General Fabric Care: The following is a guideline for how to clean and care for your different types of shoes. This particular list comes from Kiwi and you will find it is pretty much the same as any other guide line. Kiwi has been around since 1906 and many trust their products. (click on kiwi to get directed to their site).

Leather
1.Dirt and other debris can easily embed into leather. Therefore, your leather shoes or boots need to be cleaned before you start polishing. KIWI Shoe Brushes and Wipes can easily be used to remove excess dirt and debris.
2.To polish your shoes effectively, always remove the shoelaces from your shoe before you start polishing your shoes. This is the best way to get to clean the tongue of the shoe and avoid staining the laces.
3.For best results using shoe polishes or creams, first apply the shoe polish or cream evenly to leather shoes and boots with a brush or soft cloth. Once the polish has properly dried, simply buff to a brilliant shine using a natural bristle brush. Note that it is important to use a separate brush and cloth for applying and buffing different colored shoes.
4.If you prefer a more convenient alternative there are instant shine liquids. Simply remove excess dirt and then apply the liquid evenly to your shoes. The formulation restores color and dries to an instant shine - without the need to buff.
5.Use KIWI Protector products to help waterproof your shoes thoroughly to protect them from common stains caused by water, mud, dust, snow or salt.
6.Store leather shoes using a shoe tree, this will help retain the shape of the leather. If you can’t use a shoe tree (e.g. for strappy shoes), stuff the toe cap with newspaper or tissue. Never store or dry leather shoes near direct heat.

Suede & Nubuck
1.Your suede shoes deserve special attention. Make sure they are cleaned and waterproofed regularly.
2.If your suede shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper while they dry to keep their shape.
3.Always allow them to dry naturally and never put them near direct heat.
4.Suede and nubuck shoes will look their best when brushed. You can use KIWI Suede and Nubuck brushes and cleaning blocks for this purpose.

Sport shoes
1.To extend the life of active or outdoor shoes (golf shoes, football or hiking boots), make sure you polish and waterproof them regularly.
2.Before polishing, first knock off the loose mud and allow your boots to dry naturally.
3.Use KIWI Fresh Force® shoe freshener with its unique up-side down, dual spray applicator, to control shoe and sneaker odor and to enjoy all day freshness and confidence

These are just a few quick tips to help you care for your shoes better and I hope you find them helpful. If you have any additional tips or hints on this topic leave a comment, it can benefit all who read.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dont Get Stranded by a Tech-Dependence


This weekend was alot of fun and pretty busy, Iam hoping yours was the same. Actually, at one point, I was having a little to much fun at a great bar in the Highlands called Noche. The drinks were great, the company was great, (music was just ok) and everything was cool until SPLASH, phone ruined in the bathroom. Ill keep it short and spare you the details but I will just say that texting and zipping up after a few beers and a few Jamesons can be a little tough. (Hey it was a friends birthday we were living it up-dont judge me haha). Needless to say, the phone is ruined and I have been technologically stranded but I plan to make the most of it. Alot of the short articles I write are tips, advice, and my ideas of what a gentleman needs to have. Well, in the pursuit of finding some good out of my current situation I have realilzed the importance of a good contact book. Others may call it an address book, black book or anything like that. Anyways, you never know when your phone is going to cease to exist but that doesnt mean that your life can cease to exist. You need important contact information whether for business or pleasure and a gentleman (or any adult) shouldnt make excuses-they should be prepared. Losing my phone has made me realize that not relying on technology and having a good old fashioned leather boud adress book in top shelf of my desk is priceless. All of your contacts right there in hard copy form so when disaster strikes you can move on with your daily life-Plus, I hate getting those facebook groups about once a day for "I lost my phone, I need numbers!". My advice: every gentleman should have a back up plan, go out and get a quality adress book and slowly copy your contacts from your blackberry to your book over the course of a week. Sometimes you just cant beat paper,pen and a dry drawer..far far away from the bar (ha).

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Saturday Stlye Note: A new but regular addition to the MG Blog


(Photograph above by Tommy Ton, featured on GQ's style section)
(Photograph above by Tommy Ton featured on GQ's style section)

I think Men have a responsibility to not be trendy. There is a large differnece between being stylish and being trendy. I feel that (this is strickly my opinion) a gentleman is someone who always looks good, put together, but most importantly, timeless. There are few pieces of mens-wear that have withstood the tests of time and there is a reason for that. You cant go wrong when you wear them. Heres a quick list of some of those items:
*tie
*blazer
*wing tip shoes
*tailored dress shirt
*cuff links
*plain white v-neck t-shirt
ect...
Iam not saying that different variations of these items dont go in and out of style but its not the item itself. Its the fabric, the color, the fit and so on and so forth. Anyways, in my opion a man can achieve true style by utilizing timeless items in subtle ways. For instance, if your worried that the items that Iam talking about are to stuffy or formal then play with them in unique ways. A tailored dress shirt with the top couple of buttons undon, dark denim with the cuffs rolled slightly (sloppily), and an un-structured slim fit blazer with a pocket square reads as both stylish and timeless. Or lose the blazer roll your sleeves up slightly but add a slim tie. If you want to go more casual than that its just as easy but do it in a timeless subtle way. Slim fit trousers (not jeans) with a white, slightly v-neck t-shirt (made with a heavier fabric than your typical undershirt) and a pair of plain ankle high Jack Purcell sneakers (or a casual dress shoe)does the trick. The idea is to have a good fit and something that is mature and made of quality materials. You can look great with only a little effort.
I plan on regularly posting items that I have purchased that fall into this category to keep you updated on some of the great finds I have come across and how to pair them accordingly. Look up a picture of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and tell me there isnt a "timeless" or "impossible" cool about them.

Friday, January 22, 2010

For Every Action There is a Reaction: Great New Spots to Dine In Atlanta

Recently I have been thinking alot about the cause and effect factor that helps to stimulate and create a demand for new business and the exciting new products and services that result. For the purposes of this piece, Iam referring specifically to the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, hotels, etc...). Many people reject large Corporations and prefer to do business with only local producers and service organizations. That is all well and good but we cannot forget what large Corporations or Franchisors do for the communities that we live in. The presence of calculated, formulated operations that provide a repetitive dining, drinking or lodging experience are what allow independent, "Mom and Pop" organizations to thrive. The more we are inundated with chain operations and their, somewhat, mundane experiences we are presented with fresh innovative ideas. The increased production of these large operations spurr a desire out of us to find unique, one of a kind experiences that we can enjoy and make our own. There are two great examples of this in Atlanta right now that I think people will truly enjoy.

1. Dinner Party Atlanta
Brought to you by the same guys who operate Top Flr (a great spot to enjoy some interesting cuisine and cocktails located off Ponce on Myrtle St.) Dinner Party allows its patrons to experience unique one of a kind cuisine. You can expect a fantastic five course menu created by an Executive Chef that blends French and Vietnamese flavors. The most interesting part about this dinning experience? Its completely exclusive. They don't operate out of your typical brick and mortar establishment. The locations change for every dinner and some of these locations have included airplane hangars, empty office buildings, barns and locations for the future will include the Federal Reserve building off of Peachtree Street (tentatively). The only way to experience this supper club is to get on their waiting list on the website (click on Dinner Party Atlanta at the top of this section). The dinning experience is fantastic because the locations are constantly changing, a sommelier is present at every event and you can meet people you would have never met otherwise. A great example of the entrepreneurship that stems out of a response to the mundane corporately owned experience.

2. Lunacy Black Market
A creation of Chef Paul Luna, Lunacy Black Market offers affordable food in a unique space full of antiques and local art (that is actually available for purchase). The space looks like an average family room of an "artsy" speak-easy type of house but the eating experience is fresh and exciting. As Thrilllist reported this week the menu has items such as "Asian-style pork w/ ginger soy sesame sauce; chicken w/ spinach, tomato & goat cheese; braised beef w/ roasted peppers and Ricotta". This is just another great way to break of the normal, boring dining experience and get into something new. Plus it doesn't hurt to support your local entrepreneurs and idea starters.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

"40oz's to Freedom" at the Independent in Midtown


While I dont always enjoy the refined flavor of a Miller High Life (haha) when I saw this classy offering at the bar last night I had to partake. Something about being served a 40oz with a nice chilled class was to good to pass up so I indulged myself. The only thing that would have elevated this experience? If they would have brought the 40oz in a champagne bucket filled with ice and set it up next to my seat at the bar. You can find this at The Independent in the Midtown Promenade shopping center near the midtown arts cinema. Not so gentlemanly I know, but alot of fun. Quick review of the bar itself, great place to go on an off night if you just want to get out. Its a strange scene (Nintendo 64 area complete with couches) but it does have some nice pool tables, darts, and a fairly attentive staff. Definitly not going to be the best time you have ever had but it is a nice filler for your middle of the week blues. Oh and by the way, the 40oz was six bucks so the break down is about $2 bucks for every twelve ounces just as an FYI.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Worst Valentines Day Idea Ever


It is just as important to stay tuned into all things un-gentlemanly as it is to stay abreast on all the great things that there are out there to experience. This is one of those stories that is completely UN-gentlemanly and I cant believe it even exists.

Do you have Valentines day plans yet? Well don’t worry if you don’t because White Castle (kind of like Krystal’s for all you true southerners out there) has got you covered. Yes the fast food establishment serving up undersized frozen patties on rolls offers a candle lit dinner complete with flowers and table side service. I am guessing the table side service consists of, “another squeeze of your ketchup packet ma’am”? This "candle lit dinner" takes place inside of the fast food establishment so you can enjoy the fine atmosphere that White Castle has to offer. Apparently, this event books up so they require you to call ahead and make reservations…HA! I wonder if they will serve Boone's Farm or Franzia boxed wines with dinner? That would make for a great pairing.......RIDICULOUS

I don’t think I have to go into detail on this one of why it is the most un-gentlemanly things I have heard of in a long time. You know I guess theres the saying, “to each his own” but I cant let this one slide and accept that this is an acceptable thing to be a part of. I mean, come on. I think that for one day a year you can elevate your situation a little bit and go without fast food for one night

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Listen, Learn and Laugh-In Person, With A Real Person

Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to a few experienced and high powered people. Included are the former Director of 3 of the largest hotels in downtown Atlanta, the former President of a large multinational firm and a marketing director. What did all three meetings have in common? It made me realize that actually meeting people face to face and just listening to their experiences is one of the most beneficial and entertaining things you can do. The people that I met had story on top of story, both funny and serious. Too often though we are victims of technology (funny because this piece of technology I am writing though is allowing me to voice this opinion) and it has made us bad listeners. We just don't have the patience for it. If we are actually meeting someone face to face most of the time the person on the other end of the table is to busy calculating what they want to say next that they miss what you are trying to say. People are the most valuable tools we have and we should appreciate them more. Not only that, but just spend some time listening to people. Its intriguing, and educational. Meeting someone and connecting with them is like plugging your laptop into the Internet....you are instantly tapped into their stories, their contacts, their experiences, and their advice. Why wouldn't you want to have as many of those connections as possible? I say we need to take the time to meet more people, and listen to what they have to say and what they have to offer. You never know how they could help you, how you could help them, or what you might learn in general. I was laughing my ass off at some of the stuff I was hearing....and if that's all that I got out of it (which it wasn't-there was much more) then so be it, I am ok with a new friend and a laugh

Monday, January 18, 2010

An Afternoon Salvaged Thanks to Chet Baker and Miles Davis


Well needless to say that since today is a National Holiday (Happy MLK day everyone) last night resulted in a spontaneous Sunday night party which, is my favorite kind of gathering. Anyways, a little to much Jameson on the rocks and about four hours of sleep made getting started on my day today a little tougher than usual. Even though I didnt have anything to directly report to today there still was some catching up to do to get ready for the rest of this shortened week. The one thing that got me going and kept me going? Miles Davis and Chet Baker. Iam not saying that jazz music is appropriate for every setting but there are plenty of opportunities to really get into the music. While sitting at my desk and working from home I put on some Baker and Davis and it really elevated the experience. It took what would have been a pretty mundane task and made it relaxing and enjoyable. Something about the tone and the pace of the music made sitting at a desk responding to emails and reading about CRM (customer relationship management) enjoyable. If your not familiar with jazz or with the artists that I mentioned above then I suggest experiencing it ASAP. Next time your sitting at home working, or cleaning or just relaxing go to pandora and create a Chet Baker station and just let it play. For twenty something-year olds like myself I feel that jazz may be an unexplored genre of music and underappreciated. The lack of words lets you do some thinking on your own and also to personalize the listening experience. Its uplifting to so when your a little tired and hung over its the perfect remedy to get through your daily tasks....plus its not bad for back round music at a party when you decide to get back on the horse and pour yourself another drink.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Quote of the Day: Start Your Week Right

Just a quick quote for the day to get your mind in the right direction to start the week...a good quote always gets me thinking and can be pretty inspirational. Give it some thought.

"We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves. If what we are now has been the result of our own past actions, it certainly follows that whatever we wish to be in future can be produced by our present actions; so we have to know how to act."

Swami Vivekananda

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Eat Great At Home: The Underrated Meal


Unless you are a huge culinary fan and enjoy cooking at home ( which many people are due to the popularity of shows like Top Chef and avid viewers of the cooking channel) making meals for yourself can seem like a huge undertaking. What should you buy? Where should you buy it from? Do you have the time to cook and clean up the kitchen after a long day at work? All these questions tend to lead people to settling for a quick fast food meal or spending tons of money eating out. Well, I have a great solution for those who get intimidated by the simple task of cooking a meal for themselves. Enter the Flat Iron Steak. This cut of meat is often overlooked by those that feel the Filet is the only way to go and that eating a steak is only for special occasions. The Flat Iron steak is more similar to a Ribeye in nature. Meaning it has a higher fat content and while, not being as tender, provides more flavor (in my opinion). Anyways, the Flat Iron doesn’t look like your typical steak and you don’t eat it in the typical way either. You slice it against the grain so you have flavorful strips of steak to enjoy. Furthermore, you don’t need a grill to cook it up. I live in the city and don’t have the luxury of a grill but this steak does great in the oven. Broil it at a temperature of 500 degrees for about six minutes on each side for a nice medium rare. I recommend medium rare because this steak is not as tender as other cuts. Also, one Flat Iron can easily serve two people however if its just you then save what you don’t eat and throw the strips on a sandwich for lunch the next day. If you are going to be enjoying this underrated cut of meat for dinner, than I recommend pairing it with a few red potatoes and some mushrooms, both of which are extremely easy to prepare. Not only is this meal easy to prepare but it is also cost effective. Your local grocer probably offers the Flat Iron for between seven and twelve bucks and mushrooms and potatoes together will cost you, at most, six bucks. One last note, no seasoning is necessary on this meat. Salt, pepper and cook is all you have to do. Eat great at home, don’t be intimidated. Washing it down with an ice cold beer never hurt anyone either…..

Quick Buy List for Your Convenience:

Flat Iron Steak
Red Potatoes
Mushrooms
Salt/Pepper
Butter (for cooking the shrooms).
Beer (optional, but not really…)

Friday, January 15, 2010

"Dont Mistake My Pocket-Square As Weakness"


Just a quick thought today. Earlier, I was walking in downtown Atlanta wearing a simple black blazer, white shirt, and a pocket square. I noticed that people were staring at it as if they had never seen one before, or just had no clue what a piece of fabric was doing in my jacket pocket.Now, I feel that this story may be unique to Atlanta. If I were walking down a street in New York sporting a pocked square that would be average. I would actually probably blend in. However, Atlanta is a little bit different than that. What this quick story ultimately got me thinking about was the fact that so many guys think that dressing well means that they are soft. Or that only women should care about how they dress. Whats really funny is that the same guys who feel this way are the same guys who will wear Christian Audigier and Ed Hardy. Yea, because sparkly lions on your shirt is way more masculine than a slim tie/shirt and a nice pair of jeans. Oh and speaking of jeans, yours have rhinestones on them.....very manly of you. All I am saying is that guys need to stop being afraid of looking nice. Its a respect thing, for yourself and others. Who knows it might even help your game out this weekend.....unless you plan on "fist pumping" in the club all weekend..

Thursday, January 14, 2010

GQ's 25 Sexiest Women of All Time: They Dont Make em Like They Used To

Gq is constantly coming up with lists. 10 best ties for the spring, 20 must see movies of the season, and other things like that. Heres a list that you cant help but check out. The 25 Sexiest Women of All Time. If you scroll through the 25 pictures on their slide show (which isnt asking much seeing as the scenery is pretty nice) you notice that most of the women are from the 60's and 70's. Hence, "they dont make em like they used to". Most of the women on this list ooze sexiness because most of them (not all as you will see by some of the topless shots) leave enough to the imagination to drive you crazy. My favorite from this list? Raquel Welch from the 1969 film, "100 Rifles". Check this list out, you will enjoy

http://www.gq.com/women/photos/25-sexiest-women-in-film-slideshow

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Remakes Are For The Lazy

Its officially hump day and I hope everyone out there is having a great week. Mine has been filled with meetings, and plenty of cocktail outings so needless to say, I am having a great week. What I have for you below is from a contributing writer to the Modern Gentleman cause. Mike Wiley specializes in film reviews and critiques and does some script writing of his own with partner Derek King. These guys are great and you can expect big things from them. Anyways, Mike wrote a great article which I am showcasing below. Enjoy, I think he's pretty much right on.

This morning was pretty much like any other morning. I was out a little late the night before, I had a little too much to drink, the morning is really the early afternoon, and I am on Rotten Tomatoes checking out what new movies are coming out and whether or not I want to go see them. After stumbling through a few suspiciously but ultimately falsely titled articles, I came across the trailer for Hollywood's newest 70's classic big budget remake: The A-Team. Complete with "The Hangover's" Bradley Cooper, "District 9's" Sharlto Copley, the resurgent Liam Neeson, and Rampage Jackson of UFC fame rounding it out as Baracus, a role that sent a similar wrestler, Mr. T, to international stardom.

The trailer was pretty much as expected; a lot of really tightly shot action footage of extremely fit dudes and sleek cars and neato technology on top of some kind of needle thin plot loosely based on the television series. After it was over, though, I sat there thinking to myself: What are they going for here? And when I ask that question I don't mean what's going to happen to the character's through out the story, I mean what is the over all mood the audience is going to leave with, because there are a lot of directions one can take a 70's big budget remake. It can be tongue in cheek, where the audience and director are both sort of in on the fact that this is just a remake and shoots for a nostalgic type of melodrama and comedy, or it can take itself as serious as malaria and try to reboot an action franchise for the next generation of movie goers. Or it can fall any where in between, which is what brought me to my ultimate revelation. I don't really like any type of remake. I can't name ONE remake that has made me feel like my life was better for having watched it. I have never learned anything from a remake. I have never had a good conversation about a remake, atleast not a good conversation indicative of a good movie. I don't like them. They never seem to make much money at the box office so it seems like I am not alone in that sentiment. What I can't really figure out is why producers continue to greenlight this crap.

Now if you really wanted to get nitpicky, you could technically label Transformers and Batman as remakes, two of the most popular and successful movies ever, but one was guaranteed to sell, and the other one never really wasn't cool or went out of style. Transformers gave you that brilliant eye candy that can only be achieved through state of the art, computer animated robots. The kind of brilliance that gives every male from 6 to 36 a boner despite having one of the most atrociously written scripts on the planet. The kind of brilliance that guarantee's 300 million plus domestically at the box office. Transformers could have sold that many tickets even if it was helmed by apes, and that is not a shot at Michael Bay. Not really.

Batman is and always will be awesome. Period.

Now with those out of the way, what are we left with? Charlie's Angels? Charlie's Angel's Full Throttle? All those movies did was help McG ruin what could have been a fantastic Terminator reboot. But DAMNIT, there's that word again: reboot. Remake, Reboot, Retarded. For me it always comes back to the same problem. None of these movies know where they are going. None of them have an identity. They are a hollow shell of something that was rich, but could only be rich once. Something that was only rich the first time around, and nothing else could ever replicate that single experience. I imagine the writers and producers all sitting around, confusedly tossing ideas back and forth to one another and still arguing over the same problems and plot points. Should this be comedic? Should this exist in the same universe? Should we make Starsky and Hutch secretly love each other that way but never realize that love because their love of justice supercedes it? Overall, no conclusion they come to is going to make it live up to expectations. Movie goers are going to see the previews for months, building up plenty of nostalgia which hopefully bleeds over from the original generation's fan's to their kid's. The movie will open to a moderately to extremely successful first weekend, then everyone will realize it's not what they expected or a steaming pile of crap, and it will fade into the infinite darkness that is forgotten cinema.

But maybe Producers know this about remakes of already popular work. in fact, I'm fairly certain they do. They know that no matter how much time and effort they put into making this movie good, they will atleast make a little bit of money off of the movie with a sleek ad campaign at Taco Bell. Ultimately they could make a trailer's worth of decent footage, fill in the rest with home movies of the cast and crews baby showers and holiday vacay's, and it would technically still turn a moderate profit. Think about the last remake you saw and I think you will agree with me. In fact, here is a list of recent remakes that come to mind that were built up for months but ultimately let me down: The Omen, Dr. Dolittle, Flubber, The Avengers, The Brady Bunch, Mr. Magoo, George of the Jungle, Thunderbirds, Hold on let me catch my breath... Bewitched, The Producers, G.I.Joe, Cheaper by the Dozen, Charlie's Angels 1 and 2, and the list goes on. Hollywood is even churning out a remake of the 1980's Patrick Swayze cult classic "Red Dawn", which if anyone thinks about for half a second will realize that story is no longer culturally relevant and if Communist's did parachute in and invade the heartland of America, images of our missiles flying up their asses would be all over Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter before all of the soldiers had even jumped off the plane.

Now this means one of two things: Either the producers and writers are going to write the same story only this time it will come off as a steaming pile, or they try and write a different story, using the franchise name as a way to sell tickets, and it still comes off as a steaming pile. It is lose lose for the movie goers and just down right selfish of producers. Is there really a lack of decent original material so drastic we had to turn to "Red Dawn"? Really? I just don't believe it. I refuse to believe it, and with the recent success of Avatar (a completely original work), you shouldn't believe it either. Remakes are for the lazy, and the blame falls on both sides. I think as a lover of the cinema I will no longer see remakes of anything from now on. If everyone takes this mentality and starts asking for more from directors and writers and producers, then they will have no choice but to deliver. Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over, hoping to get different results. If that is the case, then I don't see how you can define continuing to produce remakes as anything other than that: Insanity. I invite you to take this pledge with me, and hopefully we can stop the nonsense, stop the insanity, and create a much more productive, enjoyable, and memorable movie experience.

Sincerely Yours,

Michael Wiley

Monday, January 11, 2010

What You Should Be Drinking Right Now: The Old Fashioned


During this time of year drinks can start to seem a bit monotonous. Its mid January so your typical heavy winter drinks are starting to grow old on you but its to soon for lighter summer cocktails. Furthermore, I have always said to drink what you like and not be afraid of what people think but I do draw a line at some point. A man should pretty much always avoid over the top, fruity, sugary cocktails but thats getting away from the point of this post. The suggestion I have for you today stradles the line between the Winter and Summer cocktail. So here it is what you should be drinking right now

*******The Old Fashioned

This cocktail is simple and refreshing but the fact that it is made with bouron gives it that extra body and warmth you are still looking for this time of year. Now I do have to say, like many recipes, there are multiple versions of this drink and you can customize to taste. I like, and advocate, the simple straight forward ingredients below. However, some do use a cube of sugar, or some bitters. This is my interpretation that I would like to pass on to you to enjoy tonight, tommorow, or whenever your next drinking occasion occurs.

Bourbon
Club Soda
A lemon wedge

Thats all you need to have a great cocktail. Plus, the flavor is not over powewring by any means which goes to say that you can have a couple of these and not get over powered by pointless "mixers"

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Power Of The Local Pub


The quote that follows this post below is a great one and is perfect for what I wanted to talk about today. I think every man needs to have his go to pub or his neighborhood bar. A local bar to a man is what a psychiatrist is to a patient or what a salon is to a woman. Its where you feel comfortable. Its where you can go by yourself and enjoy a drink and good conversation. Its where you can go when you are stressed out and feel your trouble melt away...even if they only leave you for the duration of your cocktail. I recently went to my favorite neighborhood bar and there was such a warmth there and friendly atmosphere I just felt like I was at my second home. Now, I dont frequent this bar everyday but its always there for me when I need to get out and get away. Its amazing what a good drink, a good bar tender and a good atmosphere can do to lift up your spirits for an evening. I really do belive that every man should have his favorite local bar and support it. Its such a great benefit when you have found your local spot and it doesnt have a mandatory monthly fee or membership dues or anything like that. Its just there for you whenever you need it. A true Modern Gentleman always has his favorite hide away. Its like the old quote, "Behind every great man is an even greater woman". I would like to ammend that quote and say "behind every great man is an even greater woman and behind both of them is a fantastic pub".

Quote Of The Day: January 10th, 2010

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.

Samuel Johnson
1709-1784, British Author

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Everyday Items Every Man Should Have

The other day I joined a good friend for lunch to catch up on what has been going on in each others lives. All together the lunch was pretty standard and it was an enjoyable break from the normal day to day grind. However, as we were closing out our lunch and walking to the door my friend stopped to sneeze and pulled out a handkerchief. I immediately took notice of the simple piece of fabric and said, "How long have you been carrying that around?" His answer was simple and straight to the point, "I always have". The reason I bring this up is because it is such a small accessory but yet it was so strange to see someone in their mid to late twenties using one. It got me thinking though about the things that used to be standard for every man to carry. Back when it was customary for every gentleman to carry a handkerchief it was simply second nature to have one. In the same way that we would never walk out of our houses without our blackberry's or ipods there were certain things that a man never left home without. The kicker is that they always had a purpose and I was amazed at how effortlessly my friend (a product of the eighties) kept one and used one. A man should always have what he needs to conduct himself in the right way and he should never have such items as simply for show. For instance, my grandfather always has carried a very small pocket knife in his front trouser pocket. Its so second nature to him that I am sure he forgets its there but it never fails, whenever I have been around him there has been a need to use it and he pulls it out effortlessly and puts it back away as if everyone carries such equipment. My point is that so many of us younger guys have forgotten the "code" of what it takes to make sure you are always put together. Here's a quick list of the things that I think every man should be carrying on him.

1. Handkerchief. No one wants your germs and no one wants to see your nose running. Use one and don't display it. Keep it subtle.
2. Quality pen. Simple enough. You need to sign a document, write a phone number down, make a quick note to yourself. Its a simple item that can make a pretty bold statement about you and your taste.
3. Small pill box. A man should never be "whiny". Keep a small pill box on you or in your briefcase or messenger bag. Have a headache? Don't complain about it, do something. Keep some Advil in there and maybe some heartburn meds. Especially if your headed straight to work or any other plans straight from a long night out.
4. Quality watch. Not every situation allows you to pull out your phone to check the time. Its a great fashion statement and its useful. Your standing on the corner and a beautiful woman asks you for the time....don't fumble in your pockets for your phone. Effortlessly pull your sleeve back and give a quick response. Plus, you never know who you might impress with your choice of watch. These things can make a difference.
5. A sleek wallet and always keep some cash on hand. To many times I have made the mistake of not having cash for a valet or to split a check with a friend. A simple leather wallet of high quality will do the trick and a twenty on hand at all times is a good standard to follow.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Fantastic French Press.....I have been converted




Iam not afraid to admit that I can be a coffee snob. Yes, I have refused coffee from friends and family because it tastes like bitter water. Yes, I have visited a starbucks three times in one day. So what? I feel like if you are really maximizing your time then coffee is a must. What I mean is that when I am out until three or four in the morning and then I have to get up at eight thrity or nine I need a little something to get me going. After you do that enough times you start to have a prefference for coffee and my prefference happened to be for the strong, bold, bitter taste that starbucks coffee has. To speed this up for you, I am at a point where I pretty much always have a cup of coffee in hand and I gotta tell ya, that gets expensive. Even straight black coffee is $2.50 and the hasle of leaving early to get to your meeting or where ever you may be headed to to make sure you hit a starbucks is annoying. Enter the French Press. I was sckeptical, and I though that this simple device was going to end up in the same place my standard coffee machine did...in the trash. Up to this point, nothing has been able to match the strengh of flavor that you get from the actual coffee shop. However, now I stand corrected and I would recommend the French Press to anyone who is similar to me. First of all, its easy...second of all its cost effective...lastly, it eliminates the hasle of planning around a trip to the coffee shop. You can still buy from your favorite store but you can buy a bag of their beans instead of a cup. The press retains oils from the beans (unlike your coffee mate standard machine) and gives the coffee more body and more flavor. If your like me you wont be convicned until you try it. So do it....by the way, a recent study showed that heavy drinkers who woke up the next morning and religiously had a few cups of coffee were far less likely to have liver damage. Things are looking up! The press that I own is made by BODUM and their prices range from $20 to $100. Check their site out and make the switch.....www.bodum.com

A Tip of the Hat to Texas and to Garrett Gilbert


As you may or may not know, this blog comes to you right out of Midtown, Atlanta. With Atlanta being a major city in the South that means it is impossible to not get caught up in college football hype. Personally, I am an NFL fan (Steelers all the way...a true fan not a bandwagon fan). Either way, I knew that I would find my self at a party for the BCS National Championship game and I would have to choose sides seeing as how I dont have a loyalty to Alabama or Texas. Due to the fact that I have more friends and family ties to Alabama I went with them. Needless to say (if you watched the game) picking Alabama was the right way to go. However, I just wanted to give a "tip of the hat" to Texas's second string true freshman quarterback. The last game this guy probably played was in high school and here he finds him self running into the game on the second drive and it is up to him to win the Nation Championship game. Talk about pressure! Garrett Gilbert (Texas second string QB) started out a little shaky but by the second half he was confidently completing passes and at one point got the game to within three points (21-24). Now, Gilbert was unable to finish what he was thrown into and Texas did eventually lose but lets give Gilbert some credit. The guy stepped up to the plate when his number was called. I am not sure if we will be seeing a lot from Gilbert in the future but he handled himself how this blog believes a Gentleman would. Step up, do your job, dont complain and give it all you got.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Quotes of the Day: Thursday, Jan. 07.


What a great way to kick off this blog, and a great way to get this regular feature going; with a quote from Frank Sinatra. Probably the original bad ass......and one of the coolest gentleman to ever do his thing.

"I feel sorry for people who dont drink. When they wake up in the morning, thats as good as they're going to feel all day". - Frank Sinatra

"I am not one of those complicated mixed up cats. I am not looking for the secret to life...I just go on from day to day, taking what comes".- Frank Sinatra

Away We Go! I just broke a bottle of Champagne on my laptop.....


Have you ever met someone who has that impossibly cool way about them? Its a subtle confidence that is contagious. Its walking into a room and capturing it in a completely unpretentious way. Its not being to good for some and only associating with a select few who share your interests. Its about being a conversationalist and being able to get along with anyone, no matter how different you may be from each other. Its looking good without looking like you tried.Its being worldly and having a wealth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. That is what embodies the Modern Gentleman and that is what this site represents.Please note, I am not claiming to have all these qualities. This is going to be a journey to become that Modern Gentleman and also a learning while doing experience for me. Hopefully this will be an entertaining,enjoyable,and informational experience for you. The end goal? Finding a sense of whats good in a confident yet subtle way...in every area of life. So welcome and I hope you enjoy whats to come.