What I've learned from my travels (Philosophy)

-In Amsterdam
Things aren't always as they seem.  Sometimes you've got to peel back the onion to reveal what really lies beneath. Illustration: The city attracts commerce because sex and drugs sell.  Merchants with late hours, selling 'stoner snacks' are able to capitalize on the vices of the tourista flocks.

-In London
Those with the least, share the most.  Illustration: As is the case with most other developed major cities throughout the world, the poor parts of town were the most diverse.

-In Tokyo
God is real.  The power of the Almighty must never be ignored. Illustration: As tsunami waves demolished town ships to the north, 40 story buildings swayed and rocked in Tokyo.  Aftershocks will forever remind me of the reality of everyday struggle.

-In Negril 
Paradise comes at a price. Illustration: Those who can afford to visit or relocate here are the very ones who support the lives of the natives.  We are either going to live within our means [natives]or we will have to work hard to earn enough to experience the lifestyle.  The harder we work, the longer the hours.  Long hours lead to isolation from family and friends. To get to paradise they'll sacrifice their time. [non-natives]

Tips from my father

My father is a very wise man. He gave me many important life tips, I'll share some of my favorites.

Don't get involved with women who live in your neighborhood. That includes people in your dorm, apartment complex, trailer park or residential neighborhood.

Save money, cut your own hair.

Read and study your Bible.

Write down your thoughts, keep a journal, write poetry or write a story--- just write!

You make things happen by moving forward. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Always keep a pen in your pocket.

Before you get married; make sure she's the right person, it's the right time and you're marrying for the right reasons.

Millenium Falcon "She's the fastest ship in the fleet!"

So I was tooling around in Target and I saw something that I had to have! As a kid, I remember celebrating Christmas with friends whose parents had more money than mine. I think it was 1982. My friend got one, I wanted it so bad.
I damn near bought it.....for my sons.....and me.
You can buy it HERE

A gentleman never has a bad day

It should be noted that a gentleman is a man capable of capitalizing on choices and options. Men generally have the ability to keep themselves out of trouble, provided they listen to their inner gentleman voice.

1. Always speak in a tone that commands attention while also creating intrigue. It makes people want to listen to you.

2. Dress as if you are proud of your personal style and appearance. Confidence is expressed by the risks that you take in your clothing choices.

3. Always maintain eye contact with people when you speak to them. Especially with women. Women pay a great deal of attention to the eyes. Its easier to persuade someone to do what you want when you maintain solid eye contact.

4. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Stand by your words as well as your actions.

5. Avoid seeking approval from people who know less than you about given matters. Its easier to seek forgiveness.

6. Smile often. But no toothy grinning! A simple smirk is often quite effective in maintaining a sense of control.

7. Keep a decent shine on your shoes. In addition to eyes, women always look at a man's shoes.

8. Keep up your grooming habits. Keep the hairs in your nose, ears and eyebrows trimmed. Don't forget the finger and toenails.

9. Read newspapers of cities outside of your immediate city of residence. If you live in Florida, read the NY Times. If you live in NY, read the LA Times.

10. Try to limit your TV viewing to less than 2-3 hours a day. Instead find ways to exercise your mind. Crossword puzzles, writing out a list of goals, fix something that's broken--- continue to stretch your brain.

11. Diversify your food tastes. Sample different cuisines.

12. Start a conversation with someone that you don't know. You may be able to bring a smile to someone's face who could be far worse off than you.

13. If you own them, find a better use for your trendy T-shirts; Ed Hardy, Affliction and Christian Audigier. They may be better suited as doggie pads or cleaning rags.

Majoring in the minor

I just read an interesting article regarding the fact that by 2042, America will look more ethnically and racially diverse. Minorities will no longer be brown people, whites will become the new minority. Is this a bad thing? Culture is good. Some of America's most boring cities also have the least culture. Think about it.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the article.

Bespoke

If you are ever in Orlando for reasons other than DisneyWorld and need some bespoke shirts, Sadler's is your spot. The owner David Sadler, a true gentleman from UK will take great care of you. They use fabric from some of the world's best mills. Check them out Here
Tell them I sent you...

Wanna get healthy?

READ THIS BOOK!

No such thing as a cheap date.

Let's face it the economy sucks. We are forced to pay a higher cost for things that we use on a regular basis. So how does a man keep the lady, or for some of my friends; ladies happy when you're living on a tight budget? Here are some places that you can go to entertain your GF without looking like el cheapo.

Panera Bread - If you live near a mid-size city, you probably have one of these spots close-by. If you haven't yet done so you should check it out. You Pick Two® is a deal that gives you the option of ordering two of three options, 1/2 sandwich a bowl of soup or a salad. Unless your GF is greedy---most aren't, you may be able to split this up; i.e sandwich for you, soup or salad for her. Add two large drinks and you're eating for two for less than $10. Healthier and heartier than you local McDonald's! Free wireless internet too.

Take her to the park! Most ladies love donning those chic expensive sunglasses, the park is a perfect place to take your lady when the weather is nice. You will be able to show her your attentive side because you will have no choice but to listen to her.

Whole Foods Market - If you're fortunate enough to live near one, check it out. They have great health food options and have tables where you can sit and eat.

Go ethnic - Whether it's Indian, Caribbean, Chinese or South American, it is not the traditional American dining experience; which will surely show your girl that you have some culture. It's also usually a hell of a lot cheaper and more interesting that Applebee's or TGI Friday's.

Swank hotels

Park Hyatt, Washington D.C.
My new favorite hotel. I will never stay in a Comfort Inn again.
www.parkwashington.hyatt.com



Marriott Grand Flora, Rome Italy
A very nice hotel that is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/romdt-rome-marriott-grand-hotel-flora/


Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort, Orlando Florida
Pool has a nice mini grotto
http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp


Wyndham Casa Marina Resort, Key West Florida
Awesome sunsets
http://www.casamarinaresort.com/


Hotel Sheraton, Marrakech Morocco
You will feel like Aladdin.
www.sheraton.com



Hilton Golf and Casino Resort, Ponce Puerto Rico
http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/ponce/
Wow!


Hyatt Regency, La Jolla California
http://lajolla.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Great place to spend your life savings.


Waldorf=Astoria, New York
http://waldorfastoria.hilton.com/en/wa/hotels/information.jhtml
In all honesty I was not that impressed, but it is on Park Ave.

Good eats, good treats

I've been doing a lot of traveling as of late and I thought I'd share some places that you may want to try if you are ever in search of some damn good food, which is usually something that tends to make me smile.

Washington D.C. - Ben's Chili Bowl
Try a local favorite chili half-smoke; and don't forget the pink lemonade. Be prepared to laugh because the staff will have you rollin! Cowboy fans beware, you won't be well received here.

Oxford, Mississippi - Old Venice Pizza Company
Order the Boudreaux sandwich, it will make you want to kiss the waitress.

Brooklyn, New York - Junior's Restaurant
You may remember that Diddy made wannabe rappers 'Da Band' walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn for cheesecake. Yes...it's that good! Get the chicken wings too.

Clarksdale, Mississippi - Ground Zero
Best fried catfish in the south.

Memphis, Tennessee - Rendezvous Ribs and Restaurant
A rack will do you right, please don't ask for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Covington, Virginia - Cucci Pizzeria (pronounced coochie)
Don't dwell on the name; order a meatball sub.

Orlando, Florida - Samba Room
Everything on the menu is good. The eye candy makes it taste even better.

Shreveport, Louisiana - Podnuh's Bar-BQ
Can't go wrong with texas toast and messy bbq.

Hoboken, New Jersey - Cafe Michelina
Any dish with vodka sauce will make you smile.

Scottsdale, Arizona - Giligin's Sand Bar & Shrimp Hut
Chicken tenders basket goes well with the midget entertainment

Tallahassee, Florida - Guthrie's
Chicken tenders go well with drunk FSU co-eds

Albuquerque, New Mexico - KnockOuts
Great bar, go easy on the Jameson

Sleep is good

I recently began using a CPAP machine for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It has been working and I'm beginning to return to my former self. Here's a bit of insight into my past. I was an athlete as a teen in high school, I played basketball all through high school and was on the track team as well. My weight generally hovered around 150-160 pounds while in high school. In 1998 I joined the Air Force and gained a few more pounds and eventually leveled out at 200 pounds by 2003. In May of 2003, while playing a pickup game of basketball I blew out my achilles tendon. From 2003-2008 I gained roughly 55 pounds, reaching a high weight of 255 pounds. I began CPAP therapy on March 17th, 2008 and have seen amazing results after only 5 nights. For starters I'm averaging roughly 5 1/2 hours of deep quality sleep. I have a bit more energy to get through the day and my physical appearance in beginning to change.