We at G@H have put together a list of the very best Black Friday deals of 2018. Four of the five items are ones that we actually purchased on this or a prior Black Friday. The fifth is one for which we wish we’d waited until Black Friday because we would’ve saved big.
We re-examined our hygiene regime. We concluded that we’d gravitated towards cheapness and were sacrificing quality. So, we decided to take self-care more seriously.
Photo by Mary Beth Russell / epagaFOTO This blog is but a lark. We try to be lighthearted and fun. For us, this serves as—and we hope that it provides—a pleasant distraction from the strains and tribulations of life. To that end, we rarely go personal and never post anything melancholy. But, on Saturday, April 8, 2017, we lost someone beloved. Only 34 years old, Brandon Russell was a phenomenal human who poured his soul into everything he did. We wrote these words to say at his memorial service, though different ones came out. My name is Russell Shankland. Brandon was my friend. He was steadfast. He was effervescent. He was kind. He was suborn. He was funny. He was empathetic. He was curious. Brandon would insist that I mention his handsomeness. Brandon was a self-described, “very handsome man.” When...
Guess what? Odds don’t favor you winning the Powerball jackpot. According to the USA Today, your odds are 1 in 292.2 million, but we at G@H are still buying tickets. If we win, the naysayers get nothing. On Saturday afternoon, we were in a lonesome bar in Washington D.C. watching our Chiefs trounce the Texans for their first playoff win since 1994. The particularly chatty bartender shared his unsolicited advice that only a fool would buy a Powerball ticket. His rationale: you almost certainly will lose. source: Bitmoji In our humble opinion, that represents an awfully obtuse viewpoint. If we spend two dollars on a Powerball ticket, yes, we will not likely win the jackpot. We will then be out that money. But we waste cash all the time. Case in point, we bought those beers at the D.C. bar...
Master of None is warm and heartfelt. Its central character approaches the world with zeal and optimism but also anxiety and hesitation. As he transitions into a thirty-something, he is exploring what he wants from life while navigating the unsure waters of relationships, family and career.
Wow! We just binge watched, The Man in the High Castle. It’s fantastic. It might be the best show on television. But, guess what? You won’t find it on any channel—broadcast or cable.
Rhiannon Giddens has caught fire. She appeared in the all-star tribute concert: Another Day/Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davis. It featured the Avett Brothers, Marcus Mumford and Jack White.
You might look at these Royals and mistake them for Goliath—the playground bullies, the clear frontrunners, the 1990s Yankees. No, no. The Royals aren’t Darth Vader. They aren’t even Donald Trump.
Marcus Mumford is a genuine rockstar. He goes hard. Really hard. Perhaps too hard. He bellows at the top of his lungs. He surfs the crowd. And, the band plays and plays—damn near every song.
Like the entire world, we enjoyed Mumford & Sons’ first two albums. Marcus Mumford’s work on Showtime’s Another Day, Another time: Celebrating The Music of Inside Llewyn Davis made us committed fans. And, the New Basement Tapes? Please and thank you. With great anticipation, we awaited the band’s third album, Wilder Mind. But then, the band started releasing singles. They lacked something—primarily, the folk. The band apparently sought a fresh, more electric sound. But fresh isn’t the most apt descriptor. “Believe” sounded like Cold Play, which is bad. “The Wolf” sounded like Foo Fighters, which is better than Cold Play but not Mumford & Sons. Wilder Mind was released in early May. We’ve listened and listened; it has grown on us. Unsurprisingly, the early releases—those intended to be chart-toppers—rank among our least favorite. But the album’s got gems in “Just...
Mother’s Day arrives on Sunday. You ready? If not, get yourself straight, son! Without your mother, you’d be nothing—literally non-existent. She birthed you. She raised you. She fed you. She clothed you. She loved you despite all of those times that you were, frankly, unlovable. Know how rocking our mother is? She grew those gorgeous peonies pictured above. She’s got mad skills. Parenting skills, obviously. Gardening skills, more obviously. You should thank your mother everyday. But, of course, you don’t. You instead honor her once a year on Mother’s Day. You’d better make it count; here’s how: 1. Treat your mother to brunch Nothing says gratitude like bacon and poached eggs. And a fluffy Belgium waffle. 2. Write her a thank you note Express your feelings. Prove you’re not an emotion-less robot. 3. Bake her something A pie would be...
Where we find ourselves today, the rain is pouring. The old man? First, we’re not old. Second, we aren’t snoring. An afternoon nap would be pleasant. Alas, this article beckons; it won’t write itself. Rain gets a bad rap, though. Remember what they say about April showers? Spring ranks as our favorite season. What’s not to like? Chirping birds. Sprouting plants. Baseball. No more snow. Winter locks us inside. Inside sucks. Okay, it’s fine in moderation. You should sleep there most nights. Otherwise, go outside and plant something or mow something or grill something. Here are some products that make our favorite season even better. Check out the Gentleman’s Spring Guide 2015.
In honor of Saturday Night Live's 40th anniversary, we'd like to share our 12 Favorite SNL Sketches. Let us know if you agree or disagree or think we've overlooked other comic gold. 12. Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party 11. The Festrunk Brothers 10. The Lawrence Welk Show 9. Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer 8. NPRs Delicious Dish Schweddy Balls 7. Gap Girls 6. D**k in a Box 5. Chippendales 4. King Tut 3. Celebrity Jeopardy: Stewart, Reynolds and Connery 2. Palin / Hillary Open 1. More Cowbell
As everyone prepares to greet 2015, we at G@H honor the year that was in music. We met some emerging talent. We reacquainted with some old friends. In no particular order, here are our favorite 40 songs of 2014:
We at G@H have caught Kansas City Royals fever. And, we’re not alone. Everyone loves the Royals. A recent ESPN SportsNation poll showed that 69% of people are rooting for Kansas City against San Francisco in the World Series. Only two states registered more fans backing the Giants: California (where San Fran is) and Nevada (where no one is). According to the Washington Post, the Royals are “America’s team.” And, that’s nice, but it understates things. Royals’ fever is global. Just ask SungWoo Lee. What makes the Kansas City Royals so endearing? We at G@H have some thoughts. 1. The Royals’ right fielder, Nori Aoki, cannot run in a straight line. Seriously. He can’t. But, Nori still gets to the ball—most of time. 2. In support of its team, Kansas City turns everything—foundations, bridges, buildings—blue. The Plaza Fountain in #BeRoyalKC...
It’s Independence Day. Don’t waste it reading silly blog posts. Instead, celebrate by rocking out to G@H’s five favorite patriotic songs. U-S-A! 5. Back in the U.S.A. by Chuck Berry 4. On the 4th of July by James Taylor > 3. Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springstein > 2. America the Beautiful by Ray Charles > 1. America by Neil Diamond >
We recently visited the dentist. He was impressed. Actually, he didn’t say anything. We never saw him. Why? We didn’t need to because our mouth was so damn sparkling. “I can tell you’re working hard in there,” praised the dental hygienist as she polished up our pearly whites. We appreciate the acclaim, but it’s misplaced. Our effort has been slight. It’s our toothbrush that does the heavy lifting. The New Year brings countless resolutions. Many focus on health. That often means shedding pounds and getting fit. We at G@H think holistically, and living right involves our mouths too. That’s why we upgraded to the Oral-B SmartSeries 5000, which not consequentially is why the dental hygienist now holds us in such esteem. A traditional toothbrush has nostalgic appeal. We enjoy the feel. We like the control. We appreciate that it requires...
Video games. Lots of 80's references. A DeLorean. Do we have your attention yet? Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is required reading for any gentleman. The book takes place in 2044. Surprise, surprise. Humans have pretty well ruined the planet—financial collapse, massive recession, environmental disaster, resource scarcity, et cetera. Yeah, this might seem a standard semi-apocalyptic future formula, but trust us: it works and isn’t cliché. In a world so bleak, so hopeless, people seek sanctuary in OASIS, a massive online simulation. It’s like World of Warcraft on steroids. In OASIS, people do nearly everything they’d do in “real life.” People live, work, shop, own things and even attend school via OASIS’ virtual reality. When OASIS’s creator dies, though, the real game begins. He instructs in his will that whoever finds the three keys he’s inserted into OASIS gets...
5. Drink Your Way from Sea to Shining Sea We understand your dilemma. You want to see the United States but cannot swing a three-week road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Portland, Oregon. Here’s our solution. Drink it. Plot your course, then sample a craft beer from every state on the route. Not in one sitting, mind you. Throughout the year. 4. Dress More Dapperly Few employers require business formal dress. Regardless, wear a tie—not always but sometimes. The right tie does a gentleman good. Ties get attention. They start conversation. They command respect. And, you can integrate them into your wardrobe without reinventing it. Add an outer layer, such as a sport coat, V-neck sweater or cardigan, because without it you risk looking like the teenager who stocks shelves at your local grocer. Outfitted right, though, 2014 might...
As everyone prepares to greet 2014, we at G@H honor the year that was in music. We met some emerging talent. We reacquainted with some old friends. In no particular order, here are our favorite 25 songs of 2013: (Disclaimer: Had we compiled this list in July, we surely would have included "Royals" by Lorde. But, well, all of us have heard that song enough.)
5. Elf Will Ferrell is hilarious. Wearing yellow tights and a pointy hat makes him even funnier. So, Elf began with an unfair advantage over other Christmas films. And, it delivered on its promise, spinning a heartwarming yearn about an orphan, who was raised by elves, venturing out in search of his human family. We can all relate. 4. Gremlins The 1980’s and 1990's produced some fantastic horror/comedy combinations. We at G@H love the Leprechaun movies, especially Leprechaun 4: In Space. Where they lack holiday flair, though, Gremlins brings the jolly. Why is Gremlins a Christmas movie? The gremlins go caroling. They throw a holiday bash at Dorry’s Tavern. Oh, and, they maul Santa Claus. 3. Muppet Christmas Carol Christmas isn’t complete without a rendition of Charles Dickens' classic. Muppet Christmas Carol ranks as our favorite. We dig the Muppets....
In the holiday hubbub, you may have missed Saturday’s premiere football matchup. Jacksonville State played at Eastern Washington in the FCS Championship Semifinal. Eastern Washington prevailed, and next week Towson will travel to Roos Field in Cheney, Wash. If you tune in, don't adjust your television: this field is that ugly.
Need something exceptional for the gentleman in your life? We at G@H subscribe to the Spice Girls’ approach. We'll tell you what we want—what we really, really want. Trust us; these recommendations will not disappoint. If he hates them, well, that’s his own damn problem. Actually, it’s your problem too because he’s your problem. To the curb he should go.
An opportunistic hobo steals a fresh pie off a windowsill, then what? Devouring the pastry using his bare hands would defile something virtuous. It would infringe Buthe Hobo code of ethics. Instead, he whips out a superb gadget. It looks like a pocket knife but expands and deconstructs into a separate spoon, knife and fork. You may not spend your days riding the rails and your nights eating beans from the can. But, you live a hectic, on-the-go life. And, plastic silverware, well, it’s for the birds. You, sir, need this Kissing Crane Hobo Tool.
We at G@H are admirers of Eastern Europe. Our Gentleman-in-Chief served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the region. We appreciate the beauty of Baroque architecture. We enjoy the homemade wine and plum brandy. We respect the mustaches. We love the schnitzel. No, I mean we really love schnitzel. It’s like a chicken fried steak but more sophisticated, more refined. More, well, European. Unless you have a Hungarian grandmother, you likely struggle to find good schnitzel in America. Here’s a recipe. Attempt at your own peril, though. We tried frying one up and burnt the hell out of our hand. It made for a rotten train ride. Luckily, Yankee Candle lets us experience the comforting aroma of schnitzel without the risk of bodily harm. It is perfect. Okay, almost perfect. We’d substitute the noodles for pommes frites with...
As the pulsating jets of your showerhead melt life’s tension from your shoulders, have you ever thought, “Gee, if only my gums could partake in the revelry”? Nope? Neither have we. Maybe, though, the fault lies with us and our meager imagination, not in the idea itself. We at G@H champion the WaterPik. In reviewing it, we praised it as a jacuzzi for your mouth. So, the brand’s newest offering intrigues us. The ShowerPik connects to your shower wall pipe, rendering unnecessary filling and refilling of a reservoir. It runs on battery. And, unlike its landlocked brother, it frees your countertop of clutter. We at G@H have not used this product and cannot speak to its quality or effectiveness
Your refined looks and debonair wit did not materialize from nothing. Your athletic prowess and poise under pressure came from somewhere. You are a gentleman among boys, and half of those gentlemanly genes are paternal. Beyond biology, your father helped shape you. He taught you how to catch fish. He trained you on the charcoal grill. He showed you how to slide into second base with your spikes up. From him, you learned when and where it is socially appropriate to pee outside. This Sunday is Father’s Day. Your annual “dad tax” is due. Because we at G@H understand the intricacies of interfamily gift giving, allow us to suggest some items befitting pater familias. 1. A Pressure Washer According to television, all fathers reside in suburbia and toil away caring for their lawns. If you have this type of father,...
Every gentleman needs an athletic outlet to combat the pressure of looming work deadlines, romantic relationships and visits from out-of-town family. (Understandably, your parents want to crash at your place: it is the epicenter of style and sophistication in your city.) Are you tense? Go to the gym. Or, hit the pavement. Whatever you do, find a release for your pent up aggression. We at G@H care. We want your workouts to be satisfying. Some people contend that queuing up the proper playlist is essential. Others swear by precise diets or exotic supplements. We believe in finding the right shoe. And, we wholeheartedly recommend the Saucony Kinvara 3 for all of your running needs. The Kinvara is a lightweight, comfortable, durable shoe. It weighs only 7.7 ounces. The shoe’s upper is constructed of seamless mesh and Saucony’s proprietary FlexFilm, which...
Snow falling in late March angers the people of the internet. They slander winter. They threaten Punxsutawney Phil. They bemoan a potentially ruined Easter. Relax. We at G@H recognize that you crave warmth. We do too. We yearn to open the windows and fire up the grill. Rather than give me the death penalty, let's hunt down @alroker and give that guy a spanking. — Punxsutawney Phil (@GroundhogPhil) March 22, 2013 Nevertheless, you must embrace opportunity wherever it arises, and a spring snow day presents splendid potential. If it were warm, outside duty would call. You would need to sow grass seed, till your garden or lay mulch. You would need to clean your garage or bag yard waste. Instead, you simply cannot. The weather has trapped you indoors where there is food, drink and the NCAA tournament. You have...
Over 60 countries observe International Men’s Day on November 19. The United States does not. Instead, the world’s lone superpower celebrates March Madness, specifically the tournament’s opening weekend. In those enchanted four days, the 64 best college teams play roughly 120 hours of ultimate stakes basketball. The tournament unfolds like a modern-day epic. It has heroes and villains, triumph and tragedy. Warriors battle on the hardwood for the honor of their institutions. Underdogs vanquish Goliaths. Champions conquer all. At the end of the fourth day, 16 teams have endured. Yes, the tournament continues for another two weeks. But, this first weekend ranks as the greatest four days in sport. Who needs Men’s Day? America has the Great Basketball Jubilee. It is a festival for us, the gentlemen, but also for women, children, cats, dogs, and parakeets. Forget Republicans and Democrats,...
Punxsutawney Phil recently predicted an early spring, proving definitively that groundhogs make lousy meteorologists. March has arrived. Much of the nation is still coated in snow with no thaw in sight. Lucky, we at G@H have discovered the perfect remedy for cabin fever: fresh cut grass scented soap. It supplies all of the sensory satisfaction of yard work without having to pickup sticks. Other variations include baseball glove, bacon and chewing tobacco. We at G@H have not used this product and cannot speak to its quality or effectiveness
6. Deion Sanders as Leon Sandcastle 5. Bob Uecker for Miller Lite 4. Payton Manning - Priceless 3. Bo Knows Everything 2. Jordan vs. Bird: First One to Miss 1. Terry Tate - Office Linebacker So, that is my list. Surely, I missed some, so make yourself heard.
Does water make everything better? Slides, yes. Balloons, yes. Basements, no. Beds, not in this decade. How about flossing? Whoa, what? Yeah, you heard us correctly: flossing. We at G@H floss regularly (humble brag) and hope that you do too. We would not describe flossing as fun. Like trimming nose hair, we floss to avoid ruin and promote pleasant relations with romantic interests. Imagine, though, a better world – one where you enjoyed flossing. Enter the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (Click here). We considered analogizing it to a power washer for your teeth, but that description does the Waterpik injustice. This product packs serious horsepower, up to 90 psi, yet it more resembles an in-mouth Jacuzzi. It cleans your teeth, massages your gums and leaves your entire mouth with a fresh sensation. The unit comes with seven attachments, ranging from...
