Hephzibah saves the day

My fellow readers, I would like to share a short story of how a children charity organization turned a tragedy into a triumph.

This story begins as do many stories , with 2 young people who care about one another and one day decide to start a family. Sam and Kim are a happily married couple who give birth to a healthy, beautiful baby boy names Jacob. Jacob was a bright young boy and showed much potential as he grew up and started attending preschool and onwards. His parents were good people who worked very hard to provide for Jacob. Sam, the father drove a truck to support is family and Kim waited tables. Jacob was growing up to be a fine young boy who excelled at everything he set forth to do.

Unfortunately Jacobs bright future was going to take a major detour. Sam was involved in a very fatal accident while driving in snowy conditions through Colorado and did not survive the crash. Jacobs mother was over come by devastation and fell victim to severe depression and prescription addiction. Jacobs mother Kim, still tried to hold down a job to support Jacob and be there for him as a mommy and daddy. Jacob was 8 at the time and was a bit confused at to what had just happened to his life. As a year passes, Jacobs mother grew worse and worse. She became victim to a classic scenario of Alcohol and prescription drugs. Jacob was not getting the attention he needed and turned to others for that need. Jacob began petty theft in order to satisfy his need for food and attention. Hanging with young children who roamed the streets and had no parental controls. Soon after his mother passed to to severe overdose of drugs and Alcohol. Jacob became dark and disturbed by this. Not understanding what happened to him, he blamed society for his problems.

Jacob was only 10 years old but seemed to be caught up in a world not fit for a young adolescent like him. Jacob had no surviving relatives and was taken into foster care by the State of IL. The state with even its good intentions can find it difficult to give individualized attention to every orphan that it take in. After roaming from home to home for about a year, Jacob was taken into the Generous Hands of Hephzibah Children Association. Hephzibah is a children welfare agency to help provide children loving and safe home environment when there families have crumbled due to circumstances that leave the child helpless. Jacob was not one to trust anybody, his life crumbled right before his eyes even before he became a teenager. Jacob develped violent tendencies and had problems in dealing with the outside world.

Hephzibah understands the trauma that these children go through. Hephzibah’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive, stable, and structured environment and the intensive therapy that these children need to begin the healing process. Hephzibah understands it takes time to win the trust of these children, and it is only then that the children can begin to start their new life, promising life that they deserve.

As time passes, Jacob began to befriend some of the children. Soon he could be seen running and laughing with them as they played hie and seek. Jacob also had a trusted adult he could console with, an adult who genuinely cared for his well being. Jacob had outlets to express his frustration and was given proper child counseling to help with understand what happened to his family. Jacob was feed nutritious meals and also enjoyed junk food from time to time just like any other normal child  his age. He soon found a passion in reading and riding bicycles. He soon was enrolled in the local public school. With the 2 years he was there Jacob began to show signs of improvement. Jacob saw that he was not alone and felt consoled being around children who were victims of a stolen childhood like him. Hephzibah gave him a home in which Jacob could grow at his own pace. He had his ups and downs just like any other kid, but Jacob once again had innocence in his eyes. Hephzibah goal is to provide long term stability for their children instead of a revolving door effect.

As the children grow older, Hephzibah provides them with a permanent home through a foster family. Hephzibah works with families through its journey program to help equip parents with the tools and support needed to help taken in a foster child. Jacob was introduced to a foster family, and he began to interact with them at his own pace. Jacob will soon be entering High school. He has grown to liking his soon to be foster family. Hephzibah works with the family long term trough counseling, mentors group events so that the new bond of child and family grows organically and when problem arise that they get handled in everyone's best interest. Jacob is looking forward to starting high school. he plans on nestling and playing soccer.

 Jacob goes to the Hephzibah home every Sunday and spends times with kids just like him when he came into Hephzibah. Jacob has learned that he is truly lucky to have a second chance and uses that motivation to jeep himself focused. Jacob wants to be a elementary teacher because he know first hand how tough things can be for kids that age. Hephzibah is truly  a place where tragedy becomes triumph. Every child has the right to a safe and loving upbringing, because with out that you would not be here to day either.

Please Visit on how you can donate and volunteer.

 http://www.hephzibahhome.org/site/c.atJSL7NPJrL8H/b.6374637/k.957D/Group_Homes_Foster_Care_Family_Services_Day_Care__Hephzibah_Childrens_Association.htm

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A Gentleman's Career

Having a huge ego, craving attention and being an overall narcissist doesn’t sound like a trio of compliments but studies show that these qualities can make you a great leader, found the study.

A group of professors from IMD business school, Penn State, and Erlangen-Nuremberg University found that the above mentioned qualities tend to lead to innovation and aggressive decision-making.

The professors doing the research examined how 78 CEOs and 33 major American pharmaceutical companies did in the biotech boom from 1980 to 2008. They accounted for narcissism by measuring how often the CEOs’ photos were found in annual reports, how frequently they were mentioned in press releases and their overall compensation compared to the person second in command.
Then the professors evaluated how fast and intensely the CEO's had adapted to the rise of biotechnology.
The result showed that narcissistic bosses are better leaders than the average humble guy. That’s because they tend to see a shot a glory where others might see excessive risk, and that aggression to make a move is where the narcissists are more rewarding to their companies. But being a great leader is not enough these days. We need a super arsenal of skills to rise among the pact.

We all want to be great at something? Usain Bolt didn’t end up making cocky gestures at the finish line because he was pretty good at lots of sports, Stephen Hawking hasn’t inspired legions of astrophysicists by working on his haikus and David Copperfield isn’t famous for being a great all-rounder.

So, logically, in the professional world, it makes sense to get really, really good at what you do. Right?
Wrong. Those in the know (business leaders, recruitment professionals, career coaches) are pushing a new buzzword: cross-train.

Cross-training has been around in the world of athletics for some time, but the phrase can generally be used to express how the combination of two activities produces an improvement  an interaction effect substantially greater than either one can produce on its own. We’re talking complementary activities here, like law and accounting, not law and sculpture. Think about how diet and exercise, when combined, are substantially more effective for weight loss than either diet or exercise alone (or diet and Sudoku combined).

Please visit for more detail
http://encarta.degreesandtraining.com/articles.jsp?article=featured_career_cross_training

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Age like a classic gentleman

Some men seem to defy the laws of  nature and cheat the hands of time. As everyone else goes belly up with sagging skin and receding hair lines, some guys seem to improve with age like a fine wine. But these men aren't cyborgs or drinking from a secret fountain of youth. Sure, science plays a role in continuing to look great as time passes, but fighting with the sands of time is also an art. Ageless men are worth more than a passing glance because a quick breakdown of their grooming habits may just teach you a thing or two about how to become an ageless man.

1. Routine exercise
Staying in shape is the key to maintaining health and beauty over the long term. Regular exercise of 45 minutes 3-4 times a week not only keeps the weight off, it can also help prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and bone loss. But working out is about more than that - it’s psychological too. Exercise helps relieve stress and promotes mental clarity by releasing increased levels of serotonin to the brain. We accumulate a lot of stress during the day and all week long. Exercise is one of the few outlets that can help us release all that build up

2. Embrace your thinning hair
 About 50% of men experience some hair loss by the age of 35-40. But that doesn't mean that your looks  and perceived manhood are going down the drain. Contrary to popular belief, longer locks are a bright spotlight on bald spots and make hair appear thinner. Don't give up so easily by attempting a trump like comb over or a baseball cap. In this game, there is no admitting defeat. Splashing on hair-growth serum, popping a pill and cropping your coif into something more flattering are the ways to win. Remember to fade in the side more often to help give your hair a fuller look and to avoid a Krusty the Clown sort of look.

3. Respect your skin
Great hair and dapper duds aren't enough to hide problem skin. That’s why treating your face with the respect it deserves is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your overall appearance. And that means designing a routine to meet the basic needs of your skin. While a fraction of guys will never experience a breakout or the redness of razor burn, the majority of men have to deal with at least occasional blemishes. A daily face wash, a twice a week exfoliating scrub and an everyday moisturizer with SPF should form the foundation of your regimen to keep dryness and irritation from shaving at bay. Then, use an under-eye cream for kicking out dark circles and fighting fine lines as well as a lip balm to keep the tenderest skin on your face smooth and supple for the ladies.


Please visit http://mensfashion.about.com/od/groomingbody/a/10WaysLookYoung.htm

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Time is of the esscence.

We live in a constant world were we are not judged by who we are, but rather by what we have. A world where premium brands triumph over premium moral values. A woman's marriage is based upon the carrot that enshrines her finger and a man has no value of his time or others if he does not sport a time piece hailing from the Swiss country side.

I must admit that we are all guilty of these biases, but the true genius understands the reality of our world and embraces it in a way fitting to his aspirations and values.

The truth is simple, it takes money to make money, to be taken seriously, whether in the world of business, politics or academia, we must display outward signs of quality and respect. Investing in certain quality luxury goods not only help lift the perception of others around us, they force us to live up to those expectations as well. We must understand that there is a difference between wasting money on unnecessary luxuries and investing in quality luxuries that enhance our image and help accelerate us into positions fitted for the finer gentleman. A few simple investments will not only elevate our lives, but will also give us the drive to live up to those standards.

1. Shoes, my father told me that 2 well made quality shoes are better than 6 cheap pairs. Not only will the 2 pairs outlive the 6 cheap ones, people will acknowledge that you are a man of character and commitment deeply rooted in value, just like your shoes.

2. Automobile, that being said I don't expect everyone to have the ability to purchase a Porsche or Aston Martin, but I do expect a man to have a car that displays his vision for the future. A well equipped Japanese or German import such as the Infinite or BMW will do the trick.

3. Suit, no matter what the brand or price tag, a suit that is fitted for your body type and with the appropriate fabric is necessary. If you are dressed in a suit that looks clumsy and unkempt, you will be treated as if you are clumsy and unkempt.
 
4. Watch, men do not wear jewelery and for that reason a man's watch is all his accessories wrapped up into one. A man's watch alone says more about him than any other accessory he owns.Your watch gives others a humble glimpse into your soul.

 Everyday of our lives is a first interview, and to make sure we make a smashing impression with all the new faces we meet daily, we must not only bring are "A" GAME, but also look the part.

Please visit www.askmen.com for more details

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Three Piece Suits are the new standard

Fashion trends have long come and gone, from the days of monocles to the modern day Air force Ones, nothing is as timeless or classic as the Three-Piece Suit. The three piece suit clouds itself in a aura of swag and style. Actors like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever gave us a taste of how untamed the three piece can be, while polished executives and attorneys beam with sophistication as they don the triple threat attire.

Yet a I believe the allure also lies in the practicality of the outfit. The vest which is the distinctive garment helps us create that polished look all day without worrying about our shirt erupting out of our trousers from every direction. Those of us who desire a lean athletic fit from our shirts can attest to the dilemma in the quest for the modern athletic fit shirt.

Now one must not confuse the three piece as a clever way to cover ones belly or "preggo" style figure, the vest is meant to add a certain flair of confidence and depth to the suit. Using the vest to "cover up" the belly will only bring more attention to it as we’ve all seen plenty of films were big southern lawyers in three-piece suits making overblown speeches to the jury while rubbing their vest-encased stomachs as a symbol of their masculinity.

Now the key to the vest is that it must be fitted but have a relaxed and functional feel. If breathing and sitting down feel like hindrance, then you need to take out the sides to contour the natural angle of your wing span. Too loose and you look like the minimum wage server at the Old country Buffet.

The Beauty of the three piece is that it has form, function and fashion all wrapped up in one bullet. Removing the coat still gives one the appearance of being well kept , but the vest can also be paired with  premium denim so that you may party wee into the morning hours

The three piece suit is ultimate trifecta in a gentleman's wardrobe arsenal, favored by men from all generations and professions, except for attorneys who prefer lawsuits over any other kind of suit*.

*The opinions expressed here are solely my own and

please visit
http://www.styleforum.net/t/56079/when-is-3-piece-suit-appropriate

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Image is as Image does

I know the routine, a deep gaze into the mirror with a squared jaw grin, chest sticking out while you spend 10 minutes creating that oh so perfect "just crawled out of bed" hair-do. When a man sees himself in the mirror he sees a reflection of who he thinks he is, not who he actually is.

We all know that our image is what others perceive us to be rather than who we perceive ourselves to be. Do not mistake this for confidence for confidence is being deeply rooted in your psychological identity which manifests into your very existence. Image is creating the persona of who you are regardless of your career, ambitions, or social status. Through out history we have seen examples of men who have created the blueprint for Image. Men who are politicians, entrepreneurs, athletes and your everyday gentleman. 

1.Be ambitious, nothing can seem more unappealing than someone who has no drive. Whether you have the face of George Clooney with the finances of Richard Branson, a man who desires to go no where will be a man that will end up no where (important)

2. Know where you stand, be a man of tradition. Understand the elements of what define you and stay true ti them. Whether it is the style of your dress to economics issues that concern you. Be a man who will not be swayed by the winds of conformity. Be the last tree in the forest that refuses to be cut down.

3. Embrace yourself and be youthful. Exhibiting vitality is not about covering up your age but is all about bringing fresh new energy into everything you do. The way I see it, if your 35 years of age. You have the ability to be 35X times better than those junior yo you.

4. Invest in yourself. Consider yourself to be the most expensive piece of real estate that exists. I'm sure you take your Audi in for scheduled maintenance on a regular basis. So make sure that you are maintaining your self mind, body and spirit. Because before you even walk up to shake someones hands, they have already deiced whether they like you or not.

Please visit www.askmen.com for more tips on image management 

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To tie or not to tie?

"The necktie is one of the most important and most versatile accessories a man can wear. Whether dressing up or down there is a tie for every occasion"

 Let's face it: Ties can be terrifying. Indeed, for most guys, wearing a tie is about as cool as your 3rd grade teacher who sported patterns consisting of smiley faces and rainbows. Could the fear of ties have something  to do with the fact that most everyone has limited skills when it comes to dealing with ties?Even if you went to a private school growing up and wore a uniform/tie every day of your adolescent    life, you still probably only know how to tie one kind of knot or used a clip on,  And as for everybody  else, well, your dad probably showed you once and then left you to figure it out yourself


A reality of life is that ties are part of being a grownup, and if you're like many people, it's better late than never when it comes to learning how to tie a tie properly, because it's almost impossible to get through life without ever wearing one. Fortunately, tying knots are a relatively simple process once it's practiced. To save you from ruining an otherwise perfectly put-together ensemble, I guide you through four classic ways to knot a tie as well as the occasions for which each type of knot is acceptable. Who knows? By the time you're finished reading this post you may even feel confident enough to wear a tie just for the hell of it.



1. Windsor.  This type of knot is all-purpose, and is appropriate for business meetings, interviews and anywhere else you need to look respectable.


2.Half Windsor. This knot is the one to go for when you want the conservative look of a Windsor minus the effort.

3.Four-in-hand.  This is the go to knot and use it when you need to look good in a hurry or when you want to be fashionable and wear a tie with more more modern look.

4. Bow tie. This tie is the X-factor and can be used outside of formal occasions to enhance sophistication to any outfit.

please visit http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/mens-ties for more information

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Shave like a Gentleman

For Centuries man has been searching for a way to effectively clean his mug, from sharpened stone to modern day Iridium derived razors. Shaving is a right of passage that is ussually passed down from father to son or painfully mastered through adolescent trial and error. The undeniable truth is that whether your a street bum or the Price of Bahrain, we all dsire the "perfect shave."

Having been blessed/cursed with more testosterone then a Stud ranch, I have gone to great lenghts to discover the pure art of Shaving (not the P&G brand). No matter how lucky one is in the looks department, if you have a sloppy shave or bad skin, then I hope you at least drive a nice car.

A gentleman should approach his shave like any other glorified ritual. Ask yourself,

Do you rush to wash/wax you prized 911 Turbo ?
Race in and out of your barber shop before getting the correct fade/cut?
or Satisfy the needs of your women completely before laying to slumber?

I didn't think so, one must approach his shave with the same execution and consideration.

http://www.theartofshaving.com/

I will discuss the exact execution of a timeless shave next


Step 1.
Wash your face with hot water
Before stepping out of a hot shower, be sure to soak your face in the hot water for a moment or two to help open your pores and soften your beard. Pat your face softly but keep the skin damp. This keeps your stubble soft until you can apply the shaving gel that will maintain that softness

Step 2.
Apply a pre-shave oil followed by a generous amount of shave cream. The shave oil has natural extracts that keep the razor gliding smoothly across your delicate skin. Let the shave cream absorb into your bears for at least 2 minutes (crucial) to help raise the hair follicle and to keep your beard soft.

3. Execute the shave with a clean blade. A typical razor should last 2-4 shaves depending on your beard type.        
Maintain short strokes in the direction of the grain, then re apply cream and finish of against the grain.

4. Wash your face with cold water to help close pores and to cool the skin. Follow with a alcohol free balm to ensure hydration and calm irritation.

5. Enjoy life!

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The Humble gentleman

Success, passion, determination all sound like words that describe the modern accomplished gentleman. But where did it all begin? All men must admit that along their journey of success, someone somewhere cut them a break or a second chance. By either some "miracle" or by someones generosity.

Some men may say that "I did it all on my own and I don't owe anybody anything !!" I tell those men that we has human beings are obligated to consider those less then us. We have all been at the disposal of other!! Disagree?

Our mothers were not obligated to care for you while you were nurtured in her womb and delivered as a healthy baby ready to take on the world? She could have been a selfless women more interested in her independence, figure or career!!

Like wise there are vulnerable children all over this earth that are in Mother Natures "womb" and need a selfless person to make sure they are brought up with at least the basic human necessities. (children in Haiti need a second chance at life) (see website below)

Whether you believe in Allah, Jesus, Buddha or mother nature, the reality is that pain and misfortune do not discriminate anyone. As quoted by the famous rapper Lupe Fiasco "The devil hates everyone the same."

A lesson that I was once though by my mentor was that people may forget me one day, but they will never forget how i made them feel. The universe is a perfect example of how cooperation is meant to work in harmony. Take for example all the "Independent" aspects of our universe, the sun, moon, oceans etc. They all rely on one another to fulfill each others place in the universe. As grand as the moons and suns are, they are but humble and dependent creations of one another.

I ask the accomplished gentleman to consider his place in the universe before he considers himself independent of the world around him

Please visit www.ecoledechoix.org (The School Of Choice)

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Smell Like a Successful Gentleman (Even if you're not)

Scent is the single most powerful sense that we possess. Scent creates a powerful nostalgic force that stays with us, even if we do not realize it.

A man can smell the scent of perfume from his first love and be taken back to the exact moment in time even 40 years later.

We associate a lot of emotion with scent, we may not remember the details of a certain moment in time, but the scent has been encoded deep into our sub conscious.

When a gentleman applies fragrance, he is doing more than just "smelling good," he is creating an aura of success and feeling around him. He is entering a world of sophistication and adventure.

The crisp waves of the ocean as he leaves the room

The subtle feeling of warmth as he gazes into the horizon

and the deep notes of desire that transform him into a force of nature that can only be described as a wild beast!

http://www.creedboutique.com/creed-perfume-for-men/116-creed-aventus-871854009347.html

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Dunhill Swag

We associate with those things that help us succeed or propel us to success. We prefer brands that give us quality and style. From what we wear, drive, eat and enjoy leisurely ; we create a web of brands that give us the complete solution. Everything we do is a life style choice, not just a decision.

"A true gentleman does not expect success but prepares for it".

The X factor or Swag factor is a dimension of a mans character that is developed through excellence which then mutates into his DNA.

The Surgeon General Warns that Smoking leads to cancer, but what we are not told is that smoking Dunhill's increase swag factor by 125%.

Alfred Dunhill has set the standard for excellence in the Men's Lifestyle Arena

Begin your journey @ www.dunhill.com

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The Well Dressed Gentleman

Through the ages, style and sophistication have been a driving force for people around the world. Different cultures and societies have had their own version as to what is considered stylish. Looking at fashion today, one can see that their are many ways one can express their "swag." Among everything, Classic attire is one that never goes out of style.

The days of three piece suits and pocket squares have seem to make a comeback with not only celebrities but also with the youth. Terms like business casual have come along way from khakis and golf shirts to fitted blazers and multi-functional button downs with contrast collars and cuffs with contrast print. (see Image)


Today's well dressed gentleman is not only considered with dressing well, but with carrying himself up to the standard he portrays. Chivalry and confidence go hand in hand with pressed shirts and polished shoes. A few staple pieces in a gentleman wardrobe will take his 9-5 look well into the evening nightlife.

To get a few ideas please visit http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/473_6-ways-to-wear-a-blazer.html

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