"How to Be a Man" book review

"Being a man really means being everything a man can be," writes Glenn O'Brien in "How to Be a Man: A Guide to Style and Behavior For the Modern Gentleman."
"Under the right circumstances and with the right effort, a man can be far more than just a man; he can be a gentleman, a sportsman, an inventor, an artist, a philosopher, a bard, a magician, or a hero."
O'Brien, whom Calvin Klein calls "the Socrates of popular culture," covers almost every aspect of a man's life, including fashion, social behavior, religion, eating and drinking. The book also offers an appendix with random tips for living.
This lifestyle guide from Rizzoli International Publications, illustrated by Jean-Philippe Delhomme, is written with humor and wit. It contains tips that men may find useful and both men and women will find entertaining.
The 302-page hardcover features short history lessons, descriptive clothing details and advice on how to deal with different life situations based on O'Brien's own experiences. He writes about music, fashion and art for GQ magazine as "The Style Guy" and has worked at Rolling Stone and Interview magazines and as a stand-up comedian and advertising creative director.
He gives his opinion on everything from drinking to smoking to exercise.
"If you can walk there, do it, not only for the exercise but because that's how a man gets ideas. The rhythm of walking, combined with the concept of moving from point to point, is the perfect context for ideation."
The chapter "How to Smoke," begins with the Frank Sinatra quote, "You die your way and I'll die mine."
O'Brien delves into religion and politics, two subjects which should usually be avoided in conversation because "you can't win." His tips on how to act when taking out a lady and how to age well are both practical and over the top.
His descriptive, colorful writing makes simple, seemingly obvious tips take on a new life and seem fresh. Little bits of wisdom and insight make this a book not only for those interested in fashion or style, but for any man who wants to learn, laugh and just enjoy an engaging read.
Where he ultimately shines is in his style chapters. "A man must wear a suit. He must not be a suit," he writes.
He enthusiastically endorses looking your best at all times. While his style advice is geared to men -- with details on socks, hats, scarves, suits and shirts -- he makes you think a little bit deeper about why you wear what you wear or do what you do.
"Fashion is based on the idea of forced progress," he writes. "But unlike science, fashion's progress is not real. We don't dress differently today than we did yesterday because we know more or have learned anything at all. It's novelty for its own sake."
O' Brien is a positive man who is unlike any other, and he encourages individuality in everyone, if only in how they appear.
"Conformity has given us nothing but war, boredom, misery, and bad television," he writes. "We must dress as only we can. ...Together we'll change the world, one stitch at a time."

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/407174_GQ-s--Socrates--dispenses-some-sage-lifestyle-advice.html#ixzz1PpE56web

While brides-to-be might not be rushing out to add long lace sleeves to their dresses, England's recent royal wedding will continue to influence the Big Day for years to come.
Wedding trends ebb and flow, but this spring and summer season will take many definitive ideas from the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
"The designers really tried to anticipate what Catherine [Middleton] would wear and designed for that in mind," said Shari Kendall, owner of In White bridal boutique on Harrisburg Pike.
"Because of that, this season's gowns have a very classic air about them. Lace and tulle continue their return to popularity among both designers and brides, just as clean lines and more subtle embellishment make a comeback."
Catherine — now Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge — wore a lace V-neck gown that could inspire a welcome change in current strapless styles.
"Catherine's gown will strengthen the trend toward lace and reinforce the ball-gown trend that began last season," Kendall said.
Taking cues from the royal gown while keeping the dress modern will be key.
"I don't think that brides will suddenly decide to start wearing long sleeves, but there are a number of lace jacket options that provide that classic look and still allow them to remove the sleeves for the reception," Kendall said.
Patti Lamantia, owner of The Wedding Shoppe in Wayne, sells gowns by Monique Lhuillier that showcase the season's lace, beading and embroidery details. She's hoping the abundance of headware on display at the royal wedding will return the chapeau to a place of prominence.
"I wish the hats and hair fascinators would become more popular, but I'm not so sure of that," she said.
Next to the attire, the most opulent aspect of a wedding often is the cake.
"The two focal points of every wedding ever are the bride and the cake," said cake designer Martine Cajas, who owns House of Clarendon on West Walnut Street. "It's all about the bride coming down the aisle, and then everyone runs to look at the cake.."
Kim Forrest, an associate editor for Brides.com, writes in the spring/summer issue of Brides Philadelphia: "Sometimes a wedding cake is more than just something to slice and eat — it's a work of art that deserves some praise and recognition for being exceptionally unusual, modern, or simply plain old pretty."
White cakes with intricate designs are currently the mode and likely will remain so, reinforced by Middleton's choice of an eight-tier cake with hundreds of sugar-paste flowers.
Cakes don't have to be entirely one flavor anymore. Today a bride may choose a chocolate bottom, vanilla middle and strawberry top for her cake tiers.
"It's really all about personalizing," Cajas said. "And the bride and groom may like different cake flavors."
A new creation Cajas has been working on lately is the groom cake.
"Prince William was the first monarch to have one," Cajas said. "Grooms now want their own cake."
These cakes originated in the American South, Cajas said, and they usually are made in chocolate or red velvet.
Cakes could also be eliminated entirely.
Dessert bars featuring pies, brownies and cupcakes are a new way to present dessert, as are candy bars, which can include candies in the bridal party colors.
"Weddings are now all about competition," Cajas said. "Everyone wants their day to be better. It really started taking off about five years ago. They may invite [fewer] people now and have smaller cakes, but the wedding industry will never stop. People still want the best."

Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/389522#ixzz1MR9m5Kbr

Chef Chad Corradino spotlight

Chef Chad Corradino knows that when it comes to the food industry, nothing beats dedication and hard work.
"You have to pay your dues," he said.
"Anyone who thinks they can just wake up and be who they want without putting in their time is wrong."
Born and reared in Lancaster, Corradino has learned the art of being a chef both near and far.
After graduating from culinary school in New York, he worked in many restaurants including as sous chef at Belvedere Inn. He then spent five years working in Washington, D.C.
Recently named executive chef at Fenz, Corradino is excited about being home again and taking advantage of all the area has to offer.
"I love using our local ingredients," Corradino said. "After all, this is farm country."
He makes dishes in his own signature style, but incorporates seasonal products to keep the menu fresh and current. Corradino even uses vegetables he grows in his home garden for the restaurant menu.
"I use local produce from market as much as possible. Our desserts are all made locally and we slightly change up the menu for each new season."
Being a chef is never boring. "There are always better styles of making something or different types of food to learn about," Corradino said. "I love it. I could never have a desk job!"
Age: 37.
Family: Wife Kara and daughters Mia, 5, and Kylie, 2.
Education: Culinary Institute of America, bachelor's degree in culinary arts.
Favorite foods: Local ethnic and Asian food.
I enjoy: Hosting barbecues with my friends. We also have a crabfest and make about two bushels of crabs.

Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking, gardening, reading books to my girls.

Magazines I read: Saveur, Food and Wine.

Someday I would like to visit: Italy, to see where my family is from.

A big influence in my life: My grandfather had a garden and would always use fresh produce right from the ground. He was also a game hunter. He got me to like different foods and styles.

Business advice: Never work with family, and take in as much as possible.

Hardest part of being a chef: The hours away from my family.

In this industry: Simple is best. If you have fresh, beautiful ingredients then you don't have to mess with much.

Something Fenz will always keep on the menu: Pickle fries.

The ultimate dinner party would include: Auguste Escoffier, Anthony Bourdain, Justin Wilson, Ferran Adria, Paul Bocuse, Thomas Keller, Masaharu Morimoto, Julia Child ... the list is endless.
What I would make: That's easy: fried chicken. I never met a chef who didn't like fried chicken.
I believe: You always have to stay current. In this industry, and in life, you never stop learning.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/386250_Chad-Corradino-is-a-chef-for-all-seasons.html#ixzz1MR8WtUNF

British fashion in America

There may be an entire ocean between England and the United States, but when it comes to fashion, British style tends to influence American fashion every season regardless of distance or cultural zeitgeist.
With the upcoming wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, more eyes than ever are focused on what the future princess will wear, what her wedding dress will look like and the degree to which she will sway fashion. Already the outfits Kate wears to public events are knocked off and sold out within days at British retailers.
British style has long inspired American designs. The most recognizable fashion era informed by events across the pond was the 1960s.
Mod style reigned on the streets of London through the mid-'60s, and soon girls everywhere were copying the look with little shift A-line dresses, colorful tights, knee-high boots and bright prints.
Today, one of the big spring trends is floral prints, reminiscent of an English garden, with tiny buds of many varieties. Designers such as Rodarte and Dolce & Gabbana are showing bouquets in bright colors and exotic prints.
Combining these elements of traditional British design with modern trends that sell the world over are famous English designers such as Stella McCartney and Luella Bartley, who have designed affordable lines for mass retailer Target.
English designer Matthew Williamson just unveiled a new collection for Impulse at Macy's that features his fresh take on jet-set glamour made wearable for girls on the street.
"We are seeing a revival of British fashion," said Elizabeth Wellington, fashion columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, during a telephone interview. "British style has influenced American styles in that trendy-grungy look."
Wellington cited the popularity of British clothes retailer Topshop, an English version of H&M, gaining attention in America.
"It's the chic look of a downtown girl that can easily take her daywear into evening," Wellington said.
This downtown girl is always the muse of Burberry, an English fashion house that produces variations on the trench coat every season, while never straying too far from its classic British version of the wardrobe staple.
For fall, Burberry presented a stud-encrusted leather biker trench, a look more punk than pretty.
The March issue of Vogue profiled Christopher Bailey, Burberry's chief creative director since 2009. He is credited for helping transform Burberry into one of the most digitally savvy fashion brands in the industry. Burberry has been called "the most widely followed fashion brand on Facebook." With more than 5 million fans, it remains a social media giant and worldwide leader in the industry.
The leader of modern British couture was the late Alexander McQueen, whose death a year ago is still mourned by both fashion insiders and those who marveled at the skill and artistry of McQueen's designs.
McQueen took inspiration from his working-class roots, and remains a fashion giant for combining elements in his designs that were both traditional and groundbreaking.
"British fashion is both classic and eccentric," said Elizabeth Hine, owner of Hinesite Vintage on Walnut Street in Lancaster.
"McQueen was known for his eccentricity. Look at punk rock — that has always been a part of American style."
Hine was born in England and calls herself a "complete Anglophile."
Her shop is celebrating the royal wedding by having a party Friday, April 29. Hine said anyone who wears a "hat or tiara deemed appropriate for a royal wedding" will receive 20 percent off a purchase.
Whether leading the way on Facebook or in the streets, British influence permeates American fashion today on all levels.
The new focus on a modern fairy tale wedding will only increase the attention paid to England's role in the fashion world.
"It will be very interesting to see how Kate influences fashion," Wellington said.
"She has a sophisticated look, but is also young. Being a royal will dictate her style, but you can tell she wants to remain classy and fashionable. What will she do next? I guess we will wait and see."
Hine said the classic style of Middleton will inspire woman to dress in a more sophisticated way.
"She will have a huge influence on women worldwide. Even in our modern times, everybody wants to be a princess."

Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/379517#ixzz1KY8SKHz1

Shari Kendall spotlight

Shari Kendall has always loved bridal gowns. When she was a girl, she dressed up little porcelain dolls and performed pretend weddings.
Today, her daughter plays with the same dolls, and Kendall is the owner of In White bridal boutique on Harrisburg Avenue.
“I was always interested in doing something with bridal gowns,” Kendall said. Her mother’s side of the family worked in the garment industry, so Kendall grew up learning about fit and fabric.
Taking her love of gowns and turning it into a marketable local business is a dream come true.
“It’s a completely fun job,” Kendall said. “This is such an exciting time for a woman. I love being able to help them turn their visions into reality.”
Having lived in many different cities, Kendall enjoys the small-city feel of Lancaster and everything it offers.
She is grateful that she was able to fill a niche for local brides.
“I love the city, I love the people,” she said. “I wanted to bring something to Lancaster that wasn’t here.”
Age: 34.
Education: B.A. from Brandeis University, J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.
Family: Husband Mark and daughter Jaydin, 4.
Best part of my job: Getting to meet so many different, wonderful people and helping them find the perfect gown. It is awesome to see the happiness on a woman’s face when she realizes that she has found the gown that she wants to get married in.

In Lancaster, I like to: Walk around the city and window-shop. Like many cities, ours is growing and evolving constantly. We have such eclectic shops and restaurants; it is always a blast to see what new offerings each shop is highlighting and what new places are opening.
Favorite local restaurant: Tie between the Belvedere Inn and Fenz.
Magazine I enjoy: Brides (of course!).
Favorite book: Oh my, do I have to pick one? I love to read and have favorites in every genre.
Website I visit most often: People.com.
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, watching movies and traveling (although this hobby has been a bit repressed since opening the shop).
For fun with my husband and daughter: We go for walks and play board games.
Board game of choice: Trivial Pursuit.
Favorite place in the world: It would have to be either Paris or Edinburgh.
If I could meet my teenage self, I would tell her: Be whatever you want. ... You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.
Snack of choice: That’s easy — popcorn.
Favorite movie: “Across the Universe.”
Most recent purchase: Shoes for my daughter.
Something that most people don’t know about me: I once dyed my hair purple.
Something the world needs more of: Compassion.
If I could go anywhere in the world: I haven’t been to Australia yet.
When I was little I wanted to be: A ballerina or a model (preferably both).
Biggest influence on wedding trends: Like history, fashion trends are cyclical. Wedding trends are influenced by the designers who are often influenced by historical figures, so right now we are seeing many designs that hearken back to the early- to mid-20th century.
Best thing about wedding dresses: I love the fabrics. Most of us don’t wear fine silks, lace, or even fine synthetic fabric on a daily basis. We usually walk around in cottons, denim and sturdy synthetics.
My favorite item of clothing: My fuzzy socks.
I believe: If we all focused more on our strengths and less on our weaknesses we would be much happier.
Valentine’s Day plans: Since the shop will be closed that day, Mark and I are planning on going to a few local wineries and for lunch. Later we will all cook together — and since I’m a bit corny — it will be something that incorporates red, probably meatballs and spaghetti with chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.
Best advice I’ve received: “Always date your spouse.”

Lydia Troncale spotlight

Lydia Troncale is living an adventure, one filled with both passion and dedication.

A former New Holland resident who graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School, she now lives in Russia and works for Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy as development director. The organization runs 12 social-service programs across Moscow, including two soup kitchens and several initiatives to help the large African and Afghani refugee communities.

Troncale’s primary job is to raise funds and expand MPC’s social programs. Her first connection to Russia was through mission trips as a teenager, working in orphanages in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

On her first trip, in 1998, she met a 4-year-old girl in an orphanage whom Troncale’s parents later adopted. Since then, Troncale has maintained a strong connection to Russia through a study-abroad program and more than a dozen visits. She plans to stay overseas and continue working for social justice.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Troncale said.
Age: 24.
Family: Parents Joseph and Lisa; sisters Maria, Anna, Masha and Anya; and younger brother Joseph.
Education: Graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in social work; Master of Arts in international development from Eastern University.

My day: Every day is different. I work with many different people on lots of tasks. I take the metro to the city and try to work at our soup kitchens, as the interaction with our clients makes my work extremely worthwhile. I also study Russian 15 hours a week at a language institute. My newest project is starting a “Meals on Wheels” program, which I hope to begin this spring.

Why I do what I do: I have a passion for people and social justice. As a Christian, I believe in living a life that emulates Jesus’ commands to help the poor.
Professional challenges: You have to find healthy ways to cope with the deep sadness of what you see every day on the job. The refugees are men, women and children of all ages. They are the lowest members of society, with few possessions and not much hope for the future.
Biggest cultural difference between Lancaster and Moscow: While Moscow is becoming much more westernized, the biggest social difference is that no one in Russia smiles! I miss happy faces.

Favorite thing about Russia: The architecture is magnificent because everything is so old. I also love the strong traditions in Russia. For example, you just know going into a Russian home that you will take your shoes off, put slippers on, and be invited to sit and have tea.

Favorite Russian food: Blini are little pancakes like crepes that are filled with cheese or jam. They are a common Russian street food.
If I could have dinner with anyone (living or dead): Anna Politkovskaya, the late Russian journalist.
Favorite book: “City of Thieves” by David Benioff. I also enjoyed “Sammy’s Hill” by Kristin Gore, which I read on the metro, riding to work.

For fun in Russia: I enjoy going to the theater and ballet and relaxing in coffee shops with friends. My roommate and I throw a weekly wine-and-cheese party and we play Nintendo Wii with several of our friends.

Who/what inspires me in life: People pioneering modern-day human-rights issues, like Gary Haugen, who started the International Justice Mission.
Future goals: I would like to go back to graduate school and become more educated on the topic of refugees and forced migration issues. I would like to become fluent in Russian and continue to stay oversees.

Words that describe me: Passionate, advocate and adventuresome.

Quote to live by: “If adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad,” —Jane Austen.

Alice Eby spotlight

Alice Eby believes in hard work. So much, in fact, that she often forgets to eat.

Born in Taiwan, she has been in the area since 1982, when she married her late husband, John Eby, and moved to America.

“Working hard means you feel proud of yourself,” the Gap resident said.

When she first came to America, she helped her husband, a Lancaster County native, salt hides. Today Alice still works 18-hour days, but she’s branched into other ventures.

Alice owns two businesses in Intercourse: Eby’s House and Nancy’s Corner, where she sells quilts, pillows, wall hangings and other novelty items for tourists.

She said the road of life can have bumps, but they are what helps someone grow up. With age comes experience, she said. “If you do something you like, life will not be a bumpy road.”

What are some of the biggest cultural differences between America and Taiwan? I enjoy the four seasons. Over there it is only humid. Here it is also nice and quiet. In the city, I had no lawn to mow.

Family: My mother is in California. I have one brother and two sisters in America as well.

What was your life like when you first came to America? Johnny and I worked hard. We would work all day and forget to eat. We were hungry but happy.

The biggest challenges in a new country were: The hardest part was the language. I learned English in middle school but slang here is very hard to understand!

How do you know what tourists will want to buy? I know what the trends are and try to have options for both Americans and foreigners. People come from all over the U.S. and as far as Germany and Australia to buy quilts.

Here, people like flowers. Europeans like solid colors. Right now the big colors are browns and golds, colors popular in the ’70s.

My business advice: You have to try several things before you know what you’ll want to do. If you have a goal, you’ll make it. Johnny said you either float or you sink. I wanted to float.

The difficult part of running business today is: It is sometimes hard to find dependable help. You must always trust people, but they must prove themselves.

America today is different, in that: People used to save their pennies. People used to patch their clothes. Look around today: no patches.

My advice for today’s young people: It’s nothing fancy. You have to save, not use credit cards, and work hard. Learn everything you can and the money will come. Don’t forget that money isn’t everything. The question is: Are you happy?

The recession will pass: If everybody works together and works harder, our country will be like before. We must look up and look at the brighter side.

Planning on retiring? No, I like working! I enjoy it very much. I feel proud when I look at what I have created, and at my business. I like to keep learning.

Any hobbies? No. I work and eat. Work first. Eat second. I very much enjoy my life. Life isn’t about dressing up and being fancy. It’s about working hard.

A final piece of advice: In the end, you have to help yourself. You can have everything you want, but you have to like what you do.