A ‘King’ Without A Country: The Ballad of LeBron James.

As the light of Saturday morning found its way through my window blinds and ultra-thick drapes, and intruded my bedroom, I wildly grabbed for the remote control—still half-blinded by eyes burning from a restless sleep. As I landed on ESPN, I watched the highlights of the Miami Heat’s road game versus the up-and-down Utah Jazz. The Jazz bested the Heat by one point, in what was a great game that included a spirited comeback by the Heat with LeBron James leading the way (if this sentence remotely reminds you of Akeem's tale of gripping victory in “Coming to America,” you’re not alone).

The game ended as LeBron—with the final seconds ticking down—passed the ball to a wide-open teammate, after drawing two Jazz defenders who were determined not to let him take an easy shot at the basket. It was a good pass to an open teammate capable of hitting the shot, but he missed and the Heat lost, snapping a winning streak that spanned almost three weeks. After the highlight reel, I listened to ESPN analyst Jon Barry bemoan the fact that LeBron James should not have passed the ball, as he single-handedly brought the Heat to within striking distance in the first place. Even with the double team, he should have “forced the Jazz defense to stop him,” Barry said. The overall sentiment was that, at a time when LeBron James is facing criticism for his inability to be a clutch player in big moments (including the recent All-Star Game, last year’s NBA Finals and his last two playoff appearances as a Cleveland Cavalier), he should have taken his opportunity to be the “man” by finishing the game with the ball in his hands.

Now, I’ve been critical of ‘King James’ for the past couple of years, especially since deciding to forgo coming to my beloved New York Knicks and slinking down to Miami to be willingly demoted from superhero to sidekick. However, since his move to Miami, my criticism has evolved more from a personal issue (getting Carmelo helped a lot) to a more objective perspective. And my objective perspective is this: maybe, he just does not have it in him. Or, more importantly, he just doesn’t want to be the “man.”

When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense…to me, at least. Why else would you leave a team you resurrected from the bowels of the NBA rankings and into the global spotlight to join with two other all-star players, one of which had already reached the pinnacle of professional basketball by capturing the first-ever NBA championship for the Heat? The answer is: LeBron wants to win championships, but he does not want the weight of all those dreams to rest solely on his shoulders. He likes making teammates better, and he likes winning, but the fire that burns in other greats just does not burn in him…at least, not right now. I say this looking at the other greats of the game and how they compare to LeBron. Let’s take the obvious first example of Michael Jordan, who LeBron admits he idolizes— wearing the number 23 jersey in high school and during his days as a Cleveland Cav, then opting to wear the number 6 jersey on South Beach, representing the six titles Jordan won as a member of the Bulls.

LeBron may have idolized Mike, but he did not truly learn from Mike. So far, LeBronze as made the mistake that most young NBA players make: they don’t look deep enough. Michael Jordan, as the third player taken in the 1984 NBA draft, took his talents to Madison Street and a much maligned Chicago Bulls franchise. Michael had extraordinary physical gifts that made him a challenge at both ends of the court, but his overall NBA game was far from polished. Over the next few years, while single-handedly resurrecting that franchise, he suffered as much disappointment as he did triumphs with late-game heroics. He craved for better players to surround him. But, above all else, he worked tirelessly to become the dominant force that we Knicks fans know and despise (and I say that as a compliment). 


Jordan worked on his game by expanding his range as a jump shooter, getting better at free throws and, eventually, developing a low-post game that was virtually unstoppable from the shooting guard position. The drive to be great, to be unstoppable, consumed him and pushed him. That drive made him into such a dominant and polished player that, when he had just enough talent to support him, Jordan propelled the Bulls to six championship seasons in eight years. As much as Michael may have criticized his team and franchise, either in public or in private, or exhibited some selfishness on the court, he continued to push himself to become great. He wanted to be the “man” by beating whoever held that title at the time. Many will say that Michael had Scottie Pippen. When you look at the Bulls' championship teams, however, it had two superstars and a bunch of players who were journeymen or respectable substitutions…oh, and Dennis Rodman. This recipe is not unlike many of the championship teams of the past decade or so, or the way many of the top teams in the league are constructed now. They all bought into the team concept and performed their jobs well. Michael made big shots, but also made big passes to guys who hit big shots. Jordan would have never received the criticism that LeBron did last night. This is because Michael Jordan had already embraced greatness and conquered it. So everything he did in the aftermath of him become "greatness" only contributed to his lore.

In this example, there is a fearlessness that I don’t believe is present in James. Even the greats of the game who did not win a championship competed for a decade as the leaders of their respective teams in pursuit of a “ring.” Karl Malone, Gary Payton (both signing with the Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers) and Charles Barkley (signing with the Phi Slama Jama reunion in Houston) did not trade leadership for a championship run until after they had already spent years leading their own teams into the hopelessness that was the Jordan Era. For much of their careers there was a fearlessness and a drive to be great and drive others to be great. To put it all on their shoulders, win or lose. This is a quality of greatness, and James is just a great player. There is a difference.

A more modern example of greatness vs. great would be Kobe Bryant. He too idolized Jordan. Like other great leapers coming out of high school and college, Kobe entered the NBA with some hype, the unearned swagger of Michael Jordan, and even a shaved head. Many criticized Kobe for sounding and looking like Mike, in terms of media interviews, the tongue waving and how he chewed his bubble gum. (Incidentally, I’ve come to think that tongue waving is a shared trait among "greatness." Dirk Nowitzki does it, too!) While Kobe idolized Mike to what seems to be stalker-like proportions, Kobe understood what many others—including guys who came into the NBA with nicknames like “Baby Jordan” and “The Chosen One”—did not: you have to look deeper. Kobe’s drive is what propelled him to become the “Black Mamba” we know today, after spending a season-and-a-half as a backup player and shooting air balls in playoff games. He continued to work on his game until he became virtually unstoppable. When he became Kobe, the Lakers won three straight titles. 

Say what you will about the circumstances surrounding Shaq’s departure from Los Angeles, what was clear was that Kobe had a burning desire to be great and to lead his team to more great moments. He was perhaps willing to play with Shaq, but deferring to him on a regular basis meant suppressing his own greatness. If he had, we may have not seen the greatness from Kobe that we have in the years since Shaq’s departure for South Beach. Kobe was willing to take that risk, so that he could become greater than he was, and the Lakers could be his team. Win or lose, he worked. The Lakers won two more titles with Kobe as the lead dog…and he passed Shaq on the all-time NBA scoring list in the process. It could have been a bit self-serving and short sided on Kobe’s part at the time, but he embraced the challenge, win or lose. That is greatness. That is what LeBron did not have in his previous seasons. He did not tirelessly work on his game to improve his outside shooting, improve his free throw percentage and develop a low-post offensive game. He did not work to make himself truly unstoppable. So, when it came down to NBA playoff basketball, he was stopped.

Many are praising LeBron James for his spectacular 2012 season. But, what's so ironic about this season is that it's similar to his many seasons in Cleveland, two of which earned him an MVP trophy. So, an enigma has emerged. Why move to Miami and join forces with two all-stars, only to deliver the same sort of output and expend the same sort of energy to win games? Perhaps the escape from Cleveland was fueled by something other than basketball. But, until such a reason is truly uncovered, we can only look but so deep. Perhaps he just wanted the comfort of being able to pass the 'hot potato' in big moments. But, when you're greatness, the ball is not a 'hot potato' at all. The strange thing is, after last season, LeBron seems to have gotten the message. He's attempting to play in the low-post more and has improved his shooting (although the shooting percentage is surely inflated by all of those alley-oop dunks), all while continuing the level of unselfish play that makes him great. However, the question I have is: could you not have done the same in Cleveland? Say what you will about their talent level at the time, LeBron led them to some of the best seasons in NBA history.  So, why could he not criticize his team and franchise while also working tirelessly to become more like Mike? 


To me, the answer is the fire just does not burn in him the way it burned in Kobe, Michael, Magic, Bird, Barkely, Dream, Ewing and all the rest. And the sad thing is, if he wins a championship as a member of Miami's Big Three, we may never witness the true extent of his greatness. Is it unfair to criticize him for passing last night? Yes. Is it unfair to criticize him for much of what he has done during his still young career? Perhaps...with The Decision being the true exception. But, that's what greatness is, win or lose.

…But I Still Believe.

These days, turning on the tube and following our current political climate makes me feel like I’ve become an emotional cutter.  I don’t mean to be insensitive to those who have battled or dealt with cases of cutting and/or suicide, but I just don’t know how else to describe it.

As we continue to try and climb out of the detritus left behind by the economic downturn of 2008, the one thing that I can no longer stomach is the obvious evidence of an epidemic that is emerging within our government: “politicking.” Impasse. Gridlock. Stalemate. Call me crazy, but these words seem cancerous to the very idea of democracy. If you look up a garden-variety definition of politics, it may convey something similar to “activities associated with the governance of a particular country or area.” To me, the irrefutable evidence of what we’re supposed to be—and what we’ve failed to live up to—reside in words like “activities” and “governance.” These words speak to action, or the process of reaching a resolution—regardless of how smooth or arduous the terrain. However, when we look at examples of good “politicking,” it’s funny how these examples go hand-in-hand with examples of bad governance, or ineffective politics. Politicking is the most threatening of practices in this country, and it will only serve to cripple the people to whom our politicians are responsible.

When so many American families can do nothing more than stand idly by as their futures are enveloped by a sand storm of uncertainly, those who continue to argue for less taxes on the wealthiest Americans— and against more strict oversight over the financial services industry—seem to be more concerned about political posturing than repairing the damage. It’s akin to a builder who wants to plaster the cracks in the walls and repaint, when the obvious problem is the foundation is faulty. And this just makes me angry. It’s not so much the political posturing that bothers me. It's the manner in which politicking is executed that speaks to a notion that Americans are stupid. Let’s face it, some of us can be. But most are just shadowing boxing with the endless political rhetoric until something strikes a chord. Unfortunately, that siren’s song can be dangerous because, if we are not grounded by common sense and a willingness for the “foundation” to be truly fixed, we will ultimately be guided into troubled waters and smashed against a rocks. 

Here’s what I mean...

Members of the financial services industry unleash their lobbyists and dump considerable money toward campaign contributions to thwart regulations that will mean less operational “freedom.” Deregulation has been tried—with the purpose of spurring consistency in the market and staving off or reducing periods of recession—but has failed all of us. And the reason it failed is because our government ignored the human element of it all. The human element determines if we as a country can truly place our trust and future in the hands of a few—politicians, bank CEO's, etc. The human element can be presented in the form of honesty, integrity and the desire to be the "best in the business" by doing the best for customers. At the other end of the spectrum are the human elements of greed and opportunism. Sadly, it’s this end of the spectrum that flourishes amidst deregulation (no one’s looking), bailout money and lower taxes. It’s like that kid whose mom says, “I’m giving you one cookie, but don’t eat anymore until after dinner. It will ruin your appetite,” but forgets to put the cookie back on the higher shelf. The chocolate-chip-stained kid takes another, thinking that mom will not notice. Soon, one extra cookie becomes an extra six or seven, until it’s obvious that more cookies were eaten. What can mom (government) do about this? Well, she can just remember to put the cookie on a higher shelf to start (regulations). Also,  mom can check the cookie jar from time to time (oversight). Or, mom can just wait until the kid pukes all over the green bean casserole at the dinner table (economic collapse). I don’t know about you, but I’d rather just put the cookies back on the shelf.

The problem is that we’re still not taking the measures necessary to meet the moment and win. Some call it the political process. Huh? In this case, it's nothing more than politicking. Terms such as socialism and “class warfare” are examples of politicking. Make it sound threatening, dirty, un-American to even think of such things. Here’s the thing, the proverbial wild card that is the human element are governed by regulations all the time, as civilization has learned long ago that encouraging folks to do what is just, in some cases, has to be more strictly defined and supported by the law of the land. Our First Amendment right to free speech is also counterbalanced by laws that determine penalties when a person’s practice of free speech/expression defames or injures someone else. Law, in its purest form, is not made to hinder growth—it’s there to protect it. Law is that “higher shelf.” But, when money is involved, it’s amazing what can sound dirty as opposed to simple and right.

Don't get me wrong, politics in its purest form is not a disease. It’s certainly not some sort of evil enterprise bent on crushing pockets of citizens while shielding others. But, I guess the sword itself would not as fearsome as the wielding swordsman. The only true remedy is enlightenment. Following the recent Presidential State of the Union Address, CNN political analyst David Gergen mentioned that, upon speaking with some affluent Americans, many would not be opposed to higher taxes—so long as the money is being used in the right way. Don’t we all want the same knowledge regarding our tax dollars? That’s hardly a tough request. So, if the administration is “down,” and many of the wealthy are also “down” (thank you, Warren Buffett), then where does the problem lie? In a word: politicking. Is there a disagreement on what is the "right way?" Improving a failing education system, making healthcare affordable for all and developing programs that support new a emerging industries in the U.S., and marrying those industries with an enthusiastic workforce. Sounds good to me. These are the initiatives that tax dollars should be funding. Just like better roads and bridges, we all benefit in the end. And, lest we forget, we get some of that shit back each year! Please tell me if I'm missing something.

Politicking means speaking to small business owners and middle-income families and proclaiming with teary eyes that “we’re fighting for you,” when the reality is they could give two shits. If they did, the process on The Hill would be much smoother than it is now. Having been in a position to help run small businesses, I take offense to the Alderman Davis-way in which politicking politicians say, “You’re stupid. Sit back and let us handle this for you.”

Anyone running a small business (or any business, for that matter) knows that, when tough economic times hit, you have to do two things: 1. Stop the hemorrhaging. 2. Fix the wound.

Stop the hemorrhaging: First, make decisions regarding what the company can no longer afford to do: find ways to save the company money, which are tough choices like reducing compensation and benefits, downsizing and finding cheaper ways to keep operations going.

Fix the wound: Simply, find ways to continue to make money. This may mean expanding or altering the current business model to find new avenues to increase revenue.

The reality is that you don’t have to be a small business owner/leader to connect these dots. Millions of American families are facing the same decisions every day:

Stop the hemorrhaging: First, make decisions regarding what the family can no longer afford: cut back on, or cut out “luxuries” and find ways to address needs of the family in less expensive ways.

Fix the wound: Simply, get a  job. If you are currently employed, find a new job that pays more.

Sadly, the level of stalemate that exists regarding the important issues—and their remedies— proves that politicking politicians have no true connection with the middleclass in America. If they did, they would also realize that the solution of increasing taxes on the wealthy would go a long way toward solving the problem:

Stop the hemorrhaging: First, make decisions regarding what the country can no longer afford. That may mean spending cuts, which has happened already. But it should also mean eliminating tax breaks that do not necessarily lead to stimulating our economy. Without a true programmatic approach for stimulating the economy (like tax breaks and other incentives received by companies as a result of increased investments in the U.S. that boost the economy), companies will continue to look at tax breaks as found money...and spend it that way.

Fix the wound: Simply, increased taxes means more money pumped into the economy faster than anything else can achieve right now.

If you stop the hemorrhaging without fixing the wound, death is still a possibility. Yes, on the surface, I agree that this country can no longer afford low tax rates for the wealthy. We have an unemployment rate that’s like a daily punch in the gut whenever you repeat it. We’re recovering from nearly a decade spent at war. We have an overall economy that is still struggling to rebound even after the Wall Street slap-around and rescuing the auto industry. American companies have to re-invest in America.

 Do I hate wealthy people? Hell no. I admire what they’ve accomplished—given the human elements from which they draw inspiration— and, whenever possible, take the lessons I’ve learned from them and apply it to my life. But, in laymen’s terms, shit does not add up.

Now, I get the math of it.  Fourteen percent of $30 million is a hell of a lot more than fifteen percent of  $65,000. However, when you look at the disparity, in terms of overall disposable income, it’s hard to feel too bad about raising taxes on wealthy Americans at a time when the country needs recovery dough. Even with a twenty-nine percent tax rate, a person making $1 million a year could achieve in a few years what middle-income Americans would need a working lifetime to achieve:

·      Buy a home…and pay it off

·      Buy a car, or two…and pay them off

·      Establish a good nest egg for retirement

·      Set aside money for college tuition(s) without resorting to student loans

The principle issue is that, through the use of credit, these achievements become far more costly to middle-income Americans because of mounting interest paid on loans. Add to this the challenge of addressing everyday needs such as running a home, paying for kids to go to better schools and the unforeseen, it’s a wonder middle-income Americans made it as far as they did before 2008. 

Many will argue that, without tax reform, increasing taxes on the wealthy may not mean much revenue to the government. It's a small portion of the whole, after all. I don't know about that, but struggling families and small businesses tend to live by the motto that "every little bit helps." Politicking politicians should take heed. The economic debacle was nearly two decades in the making, slowly draining dough from America. If you pump some money back in at a steady rate, real progress can be made in a quarter of the time.  I agree that the Leona Helmsley's and Wesley Snipes's of the world also need to be figuratively flogged, as well as any who are finding ways to "get by" the white beard of Uncle Sam. Again, we have to fix the wound any and every way we can. If we sit around and do nothing more, death is still a possibility.

Politicking politicians should stop talking to the rest of us like we're stupid, and show us that they're smarter than we think they are. Swap out impasse and gridlock for action and resolution—no matter how smooth or arduous the task—and help this country to avoid crashing onto the rocks. Remember, our taxes are also paying their salaries. 

Can we avoid the siren's song? Can Obama and members of Congress become our Odysseus of this economic Odyssey? God, I hope so. More than hope, I still believe that the voices of many will triumph over the songs of a few. I have to believe it because once belief is gone, the voices will become irrelevant. And death will not only be possible, it will be inevitable.

Dressing Down My Fellow Men About Style.

There are many men out there who make a valiant effort to elevate the bar when it comes to men’s style…and the general perception of our lack of it. Despite these best efforts—either from genius designers, celebs or everyday men about town—there are still many walking among us who are just fine with keeping that bar at the bargain basement level.

To quote the angry old man from The Network, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

Admittedly, this may be considered not the most thoughtful of blog entries because its focus is the superficiality of style. This entry, however, is not only about dressing stylishly. It also covers what men need to do to develop a personal sense of style, as well as hold fast to some simple rules that will help our brethren look a little less ridiculous, if not entirely stylish. And style does speak to a deeper sense of self, I think. Either way, like my blog title suggests, if you leave the gun (the harsh rhetoric) and take the cannoli (the wisdom), you will get something out of this.

Though I generally keep to my own business, I can’t help but notice others when they’re roaming the streets along side me on the daily basis—people, especially men, who seem to fall a bit short when it comes to combining style and substance. It seems that they’re either confused, trying too hard to amass a designer’s entire catalogue, or altogether indifferent about their appearance. And men have committed some of these faux paws for so long, they now have become commonplace—which really pisses me off. More to the point, there are some errors of style that are committed simply because they are not aware of the common sense that exists within style.

Here’s a perfect example: Whenever possible, my wife and I like to sneak in a dinner-and-a-movie date. Of course, this sort of event does not mean what it used to in the area of entertainment and fine dining, but it does give some an opportunity to step out in something other than sneakers and t-shirts. Apparently, there are scores of women who feel the same way. The next time you go to a movie theater, look at a few couples and compare their chosen attires for the evening. I’m certain you’ll notice a lady who has donned her favorite pair of dressy jeans, a nice blouse and a good pair of pumps. The guy on whose arm she is draped, on the other hand, is likely to be dressed in his worst pair of jeans, a pair of sneakers that look like they spend more time in the garage than in the house, and a tasteless (and probably stained) graphic tee. If he swaps the tee for a casual button-front shirt, he takes his ensemble up a notch (and there was no place he could go but up). In terms of ethnicity and age, some may have their opinions on who may be the most likely of culprits, but I have seen men of all ages and races exercise the same errors in judgment.

Now I’m not a shallow dude, but I’ve always known that no one is interested in uncovering a gift if it’s wrapped in trash. Well, that may be a bit harsh, but you get the idea. I’m a firm believer that vanity managed in small, harmless doses can be a good thing. It’s why we bathe with scented soaps, comb our hair, brush our teeth until the breath is pepperminty fresh and roll on some “deo” each morning. When it comes to hygiene, we care about our presentation to the rest of the world—at least, most of us. To me, taking care in what you wear is no different. Plus, I actually think that— like reading a book in public—style of dress is indeed another social tool that folks use to communicate who they are. Now, one can try to argue the point that having no interest in superficiality can imply that the person isn’t shallow, or encumbered by such social trappings. Yawn! In many cases, laziness is the reason. And I happen to think that a person who cares about the details can be just as deep, and appear far more interesting on the surface to boot.

I’ll put on the chopping block now that all who read this blog may not agree with some of the “rules” I’ve outlined. Indeed, a couple of points are more of a personal feeling rather than a widely established convention brought down from on high by the couture gods. Whether you agree or disagree, it should make for an interesting confab. Ladies, if you are secretly harboring a style scofflaw, this blog entry may help you to steer him in the right direction...and help you keep your head up the next time you and your beau head to the movies. So, in honor of Fashion Week in NYC, here we go:

1. Avoid looking like something out of Frankenstein’s closet. Style comes from the inside out. You have to be comfortable in your own skin before you think about what sort of wardrobe you want to build. It’s okay to get some ideas from a fashion mag, from some celebrity on the red carpet or from a really decked out mannequin in a store window. Current great works of art are often inspired by great works of the past. Personal styling is no different. However, when you go to translate that image to fit your style, you must consider your reality (size and shape, colors, cuts, etc.) There is usually a version of what you saw out there that will provide the right fit for you. Don’t buy the first thing you see if it doesn’t hold up when you rock it. Shop a bit harder. Look to different stores, both the high-end and the obscure, and take to the Web. Usually, with a little work, you might find the right piece at a price you can swallow. Don’t be afraid to really shop, as opposed to just buying up stuff. Don’t rule out having something made by a professional tailor at a boutique clothier. Sure, it may cost a bit more, but the fit will be worth it.

Also, be a bit more critical, even of the top names in the game. Some stuff is just not for everyone. If you are a big, burly dude who requires a XXL or better to feel really comfortable, don’t buy the Ralph Lauren polo shirt with the two-foot polo player logo on the front. Opt for a kinder, gentler option, please. Loud stuff on a big body becomes louder, no exceptions.

2. Price tags are no longer an excuse. A universal truth is that good men’s clothing can be expensive. Even when on sale, the sale price can still be a bit shocking. We rarely experience the degree of great deals that our female counterparts do, but they’re out there. So, if you start with a high-end idea, try to match it with a dogged, price-conscious approach to making it happen. Going to the mall and hitting the top shops are a good start, but you may meet prices that would stamp out your gusto. There is hope, men. You just have to be willing to look for it a bit harder. Don’t just stop at the mall. Look for every possible outlet, like clothing outlet centers, men’s fashion warehouses and stores that offer access to the same brands, but not the high department store prices (TJ MAXX, Marshalls, and Daffy’s come to mind). Need a great pair of shoes? Give DSW Shoes a try. Here’s a hint: It’s all about location. Usually, the stores located in affluent areas will have a greater selection of high-end fair.

I will say that, at times, the high-price of quality may not be easily avoided. It’s okay to splurge on some things. Usually, high-end men’s clothing is worth the investment because the quality construction will hold up over time.

3. Suits and track sneakers? It’s gotta stop! Don’t wear sneakers with a suit unless you’re making a specific fashion statement. If you’re rocking a nice two-piece with a dusty pair of New Balance sneakers, you’re saying loud and clear that you skimp on your footwear. Men, I know we tend to abandon this rule in favor of a more comfortable commute, but it looks ridiculous. There are great, durable shoes out there that will complete your look and won’t leave your dogs barking, if you have to sprint for that evening train home. Example: Cole Haan is one of my favorite designers, as they make some spiffy leather shoes for men. Some of which include Nike Air technology in the sole, which adds considerable comfort to match the cool factor. It’s an investment, but they are durable shoes that look good the longer you wear them…with a polish here and there, of course.

4. Unless you’re running late for first period, lose the backpack, man. Professional men wearing sneaks and backpacks with suits (or even slacks) just really make me angry. Either they look like a geek-gone-wild, or an overdressed high school kid. Either buy a lighter laptop, or invest in the type of messenger bag or briefcase that can handle the bulk. Hint: if you’re no longer concerned with transporting cheap shoes while you brave the commute in dusty New Balance sneakers (see Rule# 2), you may find that you don’t need a large backpack to accommodate your stuff.

5. Don’t fear pleats. Pleats are not the problem, cheap pleats are.I wear flat-front slacks a lot. Love ‘em. When it comes to picking a nice pair of slacks or a suit, however, I don’t fear pleats at all. Aside from the fact that I like a classic look (and, in a pinch, being able to actually use my pants pockets), I’ve learned that fearing the crotch-area bulk of which pleated pants are often guilty can be quelled with a sharper eye for quality fair. Some of the more brilliantly meticulous designers have managed to include pleats without parachuting the crotch. If you always opt for cheap pants (not inexpensive, there is a difference), you will always worry about form. If you start to become a bit more meticulous yourself, you can find some great pleated slacks and suits that will produce a classic look and a proper fit. Don’t get me wrong, a flat-front suit can be cool too, as they are usually purchased as suit separates and can be used in the same way. They do add versatility to your wardrobe. Next time, though, give pleated suits a second look with that more vigilant eye and see your options expand.

6. Sloppy is not a style. It’s an adjective. Sloppy casual clothes. Sloppy business suit. Sloppy guy. You get the idea. Regardless of your style, or range of styles, you should always buy clothes that fit. Clothes that are too big or too small do not accomplish what you set out to accomplish when you purchased them. If you buy clothes to accommodate some recent weight gain, know that you may be able to alter the size down when you get things back under control. All you need is a good tailor (and I highly suggest you establish a nice rapport with one the next chance you get). And don’t wear clothes that constrict you to the point that your eyes are popping out of your head. This mistake can send multiple mixed messages, including that you think the rest of us are either blind or stupid. If it no longer fits, you must ditch. Or, at the very least, stick those items in the back of the closet until you’ve made it back to the gym.

7. Invest in dress shirts. You might find that you need not invest in a dozen suits if your shirts and accessories provide varied looks. A sense of style, or that developing vigilant eye, becomes critical when you are shopping for shirts. In many cases, you will not have the suits with you when you stumble onto some shirts you like. So the work may come before you hit the stores. Pick up some men’s style mags and thumb through them on the train, or whenever you can steal a quiet moment (wink, wink!). I happen to thumb through Esquire, but go to what grabs you first. (I’m sure you’ll land on Esquire eventually.) In addition to general style rules, you will see some great examples of pairing suits with shirts, ties and other accessories. In most cases, the price tags in the mags may be too steep for you to copy the page. However, if you remember rule# 1, your goal is not to copy anyone. Your goal is to be inspired to expand your own style portfolio.

8. Accessorizing: it’s not just for women anymore: Accessorizing can be hard, especially if you are not meticulous about your wardrobe. Now is the time to start exercising that part of your brain. Belts. Ties. Pocket squares. Wallets. They all matter, and they all play a part in helping you pull off a great look. A great tie can make a bold statement. However, if you choose to go tieless, a nice pocket square tucked in the breast pocket can be just as bold. Cheap belts wear fast, and you’ll spend more money replacing belts than you would have spent on a well-made belt. Having belts of different colors (to match shoes) and sizes (jeans and chinos vs. dress pants) is not a luxury—it is a necessity. A high-end wallet should last many years, but you still may need more than one. A bulky wallet for everyday use may prove a bit cumbersome when you choose to rock flat-front plants, or have to switch to a suit or garment that provides little in terms of hidden pockets. A small wallet can help you to be comfortable while keeping your essentials concealed and accessible.

9. Flip-flops!! Okay, this rule is more of a rant on a personal issue I have with flip-fops as part of everyday attire. Of course, I know there are stylish flip-fops out there, but anyone who knows me knows my general feeling on flip-flops:

Yuk!

It all started years ago when women hustling through the morning streets of New York would wear flip-flops in the summer, instead of their commuter shoes. Initially, it did not seem like a bad thing. But, factor in sweaty feet and the general grime that accumulates when sashaying through densely populated, polluted urban environments, and you have a funky situation that even Bootsy Collins would not want to be a part of! I would actually see the grime on the feet of female colleagues and other women as they made their way into the elevator. Being that close to them, I felt dirty.

But, that’s not my biggest issue. My biggest issue came when men started wearing them as part of an ensemble. I could not put my finger on it but, a couple of weeks ago, it hit me. I was scouring for some summer shirts and undergarments at a local Marshalls store, when I heard the polite pitter-patter of flip-flop rubber hitting foot heel. As the sound graduated behind me I turned around, fully expecting to see a female approaching. Instead, it was a dude standing at about 6’ 3”. Then I realized that, to me, the sound of flip-flops hitting feet, somehow, is a distinctive feminine sound—like the sound of a portable hair dryer, or a slow-jam ringtone.

This could be a residual effect from my Summer Flop of Horrors in NYC, but I digress. When a man wears flip-flops, it throws off my equilibrium and sense of awareness about my environment. Plus, there is just something about sticking that plastic bar between my toes that I can’t seem to get past. Now, I will admit that flip-flops are growing on me, in terms of their style possibilities. But, I only consider them in environments that include words like cruise, yacht, catamaran, beach, or poolside. Still, if you have crossed over to the dark side, I’d advise getting a bit more serious about it…and opt out of the pairs of complimentary pedicure flip-flops. Consider sturdier stuff, like flip-flops that provide stronger straps (leather, or hefty canvas) and some traction, support and elevation underneath. And since I’ve expressed that, after ten years, I can somewhat see the light, do me a solid and think about some less floppy alternatives, like lightweight sneakers and canvas shoes. Some of your favorite sneaker manufacturers will bless you each season with some styles suitable for the hot summers days. And funky manufacturers (like Crocs. Thanks, Dev!) will furnish an array of sturdy rubber and canvas footwear that can get you from the pool to the airport and through security in a blink.

10. What lies beneath we need not see. This is a faux paw, straight up. If you are wearing a light-colored shirt (whether it be cotton, linen or poly-blend), never, ever wear a white undershirt or tank top underneath. The white tee shows through the shirt, draws the eye to the mistake and away from the rest of the ensemble. Oh, and that goes double for light-colored pants! This seems like common sense, but you would be surprised at how often this rule is broken. I find that this faux paw is most obvious on men with darker skin but, from what I’ve observed, it’s pretty universal. To my Caucasian bothers, I’m sorry that I don’t have a clear recommend here. If someone out there knows how to handle this specifically for quite-light-skinned folks, please post it. For folks in my complexion range, I know that wearing dark underwear (black or dark gray) solves this pretty easily. There are times when this rule can be ignored or seem like less of an issue, like when you’re wearing a light-textured summer shirt and are purposely exposing your undershirt in a stylish way. In my opinion, this is the only time to burn this rule.

11. Young men: you have some work to do. We all like to stay on what’s current, or “hot”—even those of us who are very, very north of twenty-one. However, even at that age, I had a couple of pairs of slacks, a suit or two, and some shoes that would help me get properly attired for a specific event or situation. In the past couple of years, I’ve been to a number of weddings and (sadly) funerals, and there are always a handful of young men who think that rocking black Timberland boots, dark jeans and a polo shirt is appropriate for these environments. Not a good look, my dudes! You can make some pretty inexpensive investments to expand your wardrobe a bit. In some cases, you can invest in multiple articles of clothing that would run up a tab close to one crisp pair of Timbs—especially if you follow some of the suggestions above. Don’t get me wrong, I love Timbs and sneakers, but every occasion they do not fit. Start making small, purposeful investments in some key items and, before you know it, you will have a wardrobe that would make you (and your lady) proud.

Shop ‘Til You Drop! The Future of Civilized Society May Depend On It.

A few days ago, I was driving to the mall—looking to squander some money— when I noticed a huge sign draped over the Borders Bookstore: “Going Out of Business Sale.” Immediately, I thought of scores of book-hoarding hermits sitting at home ordering books online, and figured the digital age has iced another retailer.

Then I thought: “Oh, maybe I can get a Harry Potter novel for Mackenzie’s collection on the cheap, and that Italian For Dummies book I’d been meaning to pick up.” So I pulled off the road and into the strip mall, where the dying chain welcomed the flock of deal-thirsty soccer moms that beat me to the more convenient parking spaces. Of course, “going out of business” didn’t mean “desperate enough to offer a nice breakdown on a Harry Potter hardcover book,” but that was to be expected. (Guess I’ll take a look online to see what I can find.)

As I walked through the aisles in search of something else to buy, a couple of key thoughts made their way into the old noodle:

In a climate in which many feel the growing use of online retailers and the rise of tablets and digital books apps are crushing the book publishing industry as we know it, people nearly crashed their cars looking for a nearby parking space, in order to see just how desperate Borders was to unload their inventory. Is it the thrill of the discount, or is there still a bastion of loyalists who cling to the traditional practice of reading? Are there people who, more than just the value of reading, wish to instill in their children the joy of the practice? I’d like to think so, but the practical side says the motivation was a combination of both value and cost. The value of the practice is one of the reasons why I’m driven to build a collection of Harry Potter novels for my little Mackenzie. I want them all in hardcover form, so that she can keep them for herself, any future siblings and, someday, her children. I’d rather the novels be pristine, so that the experience of turning each page is new and uninterrupted with stupid school-boy expletives, doodles of penises and other childish art, and old dog-ear creases that scream ‘someone else had this book first.’

I’d want her to read the stories before watching the movies, so that she can discover the true gift of imagination at an age when she can most appreciate it. There is a bit of magic with reading a book as an adult. It takes you back to the very first book you were able to read on your own. The pictures that form in your mind with each line made reading feel more like a private performance than an exercise—and welcomed you to spend more time reading than thinking about the fact that you could have been doing something else. And that’s what I don’t want my daughter to miss. My wife and I are set on getting the entire Harry Potter series even before our daughter becomes an independent reader. When it all finally clicks fore her, I want to see the joy in her face as she turns the pages and discovers a new part of the story. For some reason, I just don’t think a shiny new iPad (or whatever the new device will be) will give her the same feeling.

No mistake, I’m an Apple-head, for sure. Two Mac laptops, a Mac desktop, iPod and two iPhones are scattered throughout my house—with the iPad 2 soon to follow. Rest assured, I’d use the iPad to download digital books, as well. Let’s face it, when you’re traveling for business or vacation, and are dreading those long flights, a tablet can be extremely useful. Load up on a few books, some digital copies of your favorite flicks and a great music playlist, and you’ve got private, sure-to-please entertainment for the entire trip. But, there is still something about pulling of the shelf that expression of an author’s creativity and dedication, and turning those pages. When you think about it, you probably feel as I do about books without realizing it. I’ll bet that, when you read a book, you handle it with care…even though a book can probably handle more abuse than your $800 tablet.

The second thought revolved around the notion that we just may be losing one of our great tools for innocuous social engagement. Nerds everywhere will have to find another way to strike up an interesting conversation with the hotty in the next seat.

When you think about it, a book is just as valuable an identification tool as a crisp suit and briefcase, a diamond ring, or an offbeat hairdo. Sitting (or standing, if you’re in NYC) on your commuter rail waiting for your stop, you can’t help but scan your surroundings. You notice the blockers (those with headphones in their ears), the sleepers, the fellow scanners and, most of all, the readers. At first, you’re more drawn to the readers’ facial expressions. Is it a good book? Are they bored, or dissatisfied? Then you notice how fast they may be reading, which may say something else about their intellect, attention span or imagination (I tend to think the most imaginative and engrossed take longer to read). If you’re close enough, and have some cojones, you’ll get a glimpse of the book’s title, which would open even wider a window of opportunity to spark a polite conversation. Trying to scan a person’s iPad will surely lead to an altercation before it would a conversation that could lead to first names, the sharing of a bit of background and a few rounds of mild mixed drinks at an upcoming happy hour.

Better still, it used to be a considerable turn-on for me to be invited to a woman’s house and see a bookshelf full of books—and a variety of them. I already knew she was sexy, which was why I was in the inner sanctum to begin with. However, I wanted to be sure that the little tingle I felt during happy-hour toss backs was her piquing my intellect. Even if I turned out to be not as well read as she, I could fake it with the old “No, I haven’t read that one.” However, if I was familiar with the author, I could toss back a title or two—thus, preserving her opinion of me.

Even if the goal isn’t to hook up, books are a great way to connect with people on a platonic level, I’ve never felt threatened by the line “So, what book are you reading?” I don’t think many women have, either. Great conversation used to be what stimulated society. You had a chance to learn and be educated simultaneously. We’ve lost this art, or hide it under our iPod or iPad screens, or headphones. At this rate, our children won’t know how to engage each other in a way that would lead to fulfilling social experiences, if not new friendships. Or, the process would be reduced to blunt, overly public displays like standing in the middle of a train and asking:

“If you’re interested in suspense novels, consignment shopping and traveling through eastern Europe, please raise your hand and I’ll come sit by you. Oh, and if you are a women who enjoys these things, and is not repulsed by the possibility of us hooking up, keep your hand raised and I’ll come sit by you first.”

Overall, I feel books have become more than a source of entertainment, or enlightenment. They hold within them opportunities to learn something new, meeting someone new and communicate who we are as individuals. Yes, tablets are considerably lighter and easier to carry around. I would be too, if you stripped away sixty-six percent of what made me special and stuffed me in a bag.

Something to think about…off to another Borders to see what I can snatch up.

On A Scale of One to Ten...05.18.08

As I mentioned in the last blog entry, Sunday is a day of leisure for myself and the missus. Not that the entire vacation isn't a getaway. But, if you'd completed as many kilometers on foot as we have, you wouldn't be surprised if your heart, brain and body weren't all on the same page. We've logged some mileage on our quest to conquor Italy, both in the air and on the ground. But, as I mentioned before, it's probably the best way to see it.

As we walk the streets, we see the hordes of people packed on open air tour buses, whizzing by all the sites. It's like being in a Major League Ballpark when Barry Bonds was chasing Hammering Hank's Home Run record- all of the bulbs are flashing in one big wave as people try to catch snaps of the key attractions, so that they would not have to travel back on foot the next day. I tell you, if there were any birds in the area, they're blind now.

As promised, this blog will highlight some of the small details that have been as key to our experience as the huge examples of the vastness of the Roman Empire spread all over town. Below are some observations, quick recounts of some of the people we've had the chance to talk to and the "favorite places and things to do" in Roma! Enjoy.

I'll ask the Keisha's opinion on these later, and we have yet to get to Trastevere (the second half of our stay in Italy) and Florence (which we plan to trek to on Tuesday), but:

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Foutain):it's a few short blocks away from our hotel, and is one of the major attractions in Rome. Every day the piazza is packed with tourists, and people trying to sell touristy stuff. It's alwaya a buzz. The first day or two, you are one of the many. But, after a few days walking around and drinking in the culture, you feel like you belong and, therefore, it should be there just for you to enjoy. Some of the shops and places to eat are great as well. Each morning, Keisha and I hit a spot near the Fountain for some breakfast, then park it by the Trevi Fountain. We might even hit a nearby cafe for a cup of tea or cappuccino. Amazing. When we post the pics, you'll see why.

"Fromaggi. Pane.": Cheese. Bread. That's all the sign reads atop the entrance of this boutique shop down the street from Trevi. We go there to get our morning rations. Freshly baked bread, healthy Italian cheeses, assorted meaty goodness and, of course, all of the specialy provisions you'd find at a Di Bruno Brothers shop at home. Of course, Keisha loves it. But, we have a luggage weight limit and no fridge in the hotel, so we'll be bringing back only memories.

Gelato Supreme: There is a "home made" gelato place up one of the side streets that lead away from the Pantheon(for those of you who do not know, gelato is an Italian ice cream, but with a greater addictive quality). Saturday night, Keisha and I hit the streets to find it again. We got turned around a couple of time, saw a couple of new treasures, nearly sprained our ankles and stumbled on it again. They charge a reasonable price, the portions are huge, and the taste is just...wow! A colleague of mine mentioned that a gelato place in Florence is the best in Italy. Tuesday will be judgement day.

Via del Corso: It,s one of the major arteries in Rome. Walk along Via Del Corso long enough, and you'll find a shortcut to neary every major attraction on this side of the Fiume Tevere (Tevere River). Not to mention the fact that it's one of the (if not the) major shopping districts in Rome. Stores are packed with wears from every major international and local designer. There is a shopping mall (for Americans who need to work their way up to Via del Corso's energy and pace), but the bulk of the great finds are located on the ground. Tons of people fill Via del Corso to shop, chill and catwalk. It's like South Street with a purpose, Downtown Brooklyn packed with everyone from the other four boroughs. It's so obscene, that traffic cannot make it down the street, and a sea of shoppers cover every square inch of street. Truly amazing the latitude that pedestrians have here, whether it's on Via del Corso, or anywhere else.

Petit Ristorante: Another great find near Fontana De Trevi. We ate lunch there on our first day here, and was back at the counter by Friday. We even tried to go for dinner last night, but they were closed. Sadly many shops are closed on Sunday, and will not reopen until Monday afternoon. So, we may not be able to sample their cuisine again until our next trip to Italy. Authentic Italian Food (and vino!) at a great price. Win. Win.

On this subject, there is a rule that rings true: "Eat where the locals eat, not where tourists eat." Hard to believe you can have a bad experience with food in Rome, but we did. That's because we broke the rule. On our jaunt back from the Colosseo, we decided to stop at a little restaurant lining one of the side streets. Red and white checkered tablecloths, a guitarist playing in the small piazza (he belonged to the other restaurant, but he was close enough to entertain us) and not Italians dining there! Tourists filled every table- probably suckered in like we were. But, a great gelato from our trusty nook helped to put it all behind us.



Roma Is Lovin' It!: On our way to our tour bus (tour of Vatican City on Friday), the driver started pointing out some of the sites, like the Public Square and some statues. Then, he pointed to "a typical restaurant in Italy." To our surprise, it was a McDonald's restaurant, which was jam packed with customers. We laughed at first. But, when he mentioned that there were 27 Mickey D's around Rome, we all felt kind of sad. Now, our ad agency has McDonald's as a client, so I was down to try it at least once, just to see how different it was from the States' version. Keisha would not have it. I still might sneak in a small french fries, just to see if the formula made it across the pond. But, all I can say for now is that they are much cleaner establishments and, more often than not, provide plenty of space for eating- including outdoor bistro tables. Funny!

There is a price for resting your bones: If you go into a restaurant here that offers the option of sitting at a bar, or standing, you better choose the former. That is, unless you're rolling in it. Sit down, and the food will cost more. This did not happen at Petit, because it's sitting room only, and is kind of short on space anyway. But, for the rest of them (at least the ones we encountered), you should make sure you know what you're paying for when the waiter asks "table for two?"

Here versus There: Not that we do not hear about the differences all the time. But, out of the mouth of Johnny, the stories are pretty funny. Johnny works here in the Hotel Julia. He spent a years in the US, and was almost arrested for drinking a glass on wine with his sandwich outside of a Food Lion in Jersey (public drinking is like breathing here). We was also startled by the flock of police that rallied to him on I-95, when his car started to smoke due to an oil leak (he didn't know that this is standard procedure, and not an act of racial profiling). He also talked about a "masterpiece of God" he met at a club in North Carolina who, as it turned out, swung more ways than an pendulum. But, aside from his exploits, Johnny has been great at pointing us in the right direction, whether we're searching for an attraction, or the nearest hardware store to find a universal adaptor to plug in my made-for-American electronic devices into Italian outlets.

If I do get to blog before the flight home on Thursday, I will likely post something on Wednesday, after our trip to Florence. Stay tuned.


Ciao!

Walk Back In Time...05.15 - 05.17.08

You better have the right shoes, when deciding to take on Rome by foot. Luckily, the missus and I had some advance warning. So, aside from the tour bus to the Vatican Museum, we've walked to every tourist attaction, and was able to take in Rome as it should be...slowly and with tremenduos gratitude.

Prior to the last posting (05.16.08), Keisha and I had arranged for a tour of the Vatican Museum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Vatican City is it's own, independent country in Italy. It has it's own leadership (The Pope, obviously), police force, population (which is counted separately form the population of Rome) and its own currency. There is a great wall that envelopes the city, so you have to go inside to get a glimpse of the treasures and history that the city offers. Going through the museum, you pass corridor after corridor of wall to ceiling artistry. Celings alone would be covered in these vignettes of worship and recounts of religious history. The walls that are not works of art themselves serve as a backdrop for tapestries, sculptures and pantings that border on being intimidating. Every square inch is a canvas, and the display of detail alone is enough to take time away...and separate you from the tour guide (Keisha and I had to play catch-up a few times, once we could not hear her through the headphones). The entire museum is huge. So huge, in fact, that Keisha spotted a couple seated on the bench in a corner taking a siesta. Keisha thought it was funny. I was just jealous.

Now, as far as the Sistine Chapel goes: simply astonishing, the level of detail, artisitc integrity and, if you talked to our tour guide, incredible gumption and creative licence employed by Michelangelo during the production of the Sistine Chapel, which is one giant art piece that envelopes you more than you can possibly take it in. Like within many halls in the Vatican Museum, we were not allowed to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel, and we had to be extra quiet, as it is still a place of worship that must be respected at all times.

After our tour of the Museum, Keisha and I broke from the group and headed to St. Peter's Bisilica. As far as the size of this place goes, this house of worship and honor is no smaller than the Colosseum (which we visited today 05.17.08). Detailed sculpures depicting Jesus Christ, Disciples and Priests line the columns, walls, ceilings and vestbules. Dome ceilings also create alcoves for artistic renderings, which are accented by beams of sunlight peering through the opening at the apex of each dome. Thank goodnes for the power zom lens! Keisha tried to take a couple of photos of me enjoying our visit there, but she just could not get the night vision setting right (it's kind of dark in the Bisilica, so night portrain settings might work better in some cases). She's no Gordon Parks!! LOL! Well, neither am I. We worked damn hard to get the shots we did get. So we'll be proud to show them as soon as we get back to the states.

Today (Saturday) was devoted to the Colosseo! We walked from our hotel, up Via del Corso, past the Monument of Vottorio Emanuele II (another amazing example of architecture and art smack in the middle of everything), and down the Via dei Fori Imperiale to the Colosseum, which is first visible many blocks away by the monument of Vittorio. I got really nervous, because the battery power on the digital camera was getting low (probably from all of the do-over pictures that Keisha was taking). But, it lasted through our tour (which is worth the price, because you legally jump lines that are estimated at a 90 minute wait or more). This 10th Wonder of the World is indeed that. Aside from learning bits of history on the Colosseum (like the fact that the Colosseum is a more modern name for it, as far as the Roman timeline goes), the ability to just sit, take photo after photo and imagine the place buzzing at the height of the Roman Empire is enough to make my trip. I could go home right now and be satisfied, partly because there is no way that we could see all that Rome has to offer in a week. Our Colosseum tour guide said that "even if you stayed in Rome for two months, it would not be enough. You need a year." Judging by how my feet feel, after just getting back, I beleive her.

After the Colosseo, Keisha and I jetted ahead of the group to the Palantino, which houses the "Casa di Augusto," The Roman Forum and ruins that would take your breath away. Of course, I was praying to the tourism Gods that the camera doesn't go dark, because I did not want to be the only tourist in modern Roman tourism history who didn't have pictures of this place from every possible vantage point. Luckily, I was able to keep myself out of the history books.

Well, tomorrow is Sunday, so the missus and I plan on taking Rome at a more relaxed pace. So, if I blog tomorrow, the bulk of it will be about our casual jaunts through town, some funny stories and some spots and "things to do" that have already become our "favorites."

Ciao!

A Living, Breathing Museum...05.15.08

Buon giorno! Grettings, all.

First off, forgive any spelling errors. I am typing my entries on the hotel computer, which is an old PC with some task buttons in Italian. Plus, Keisha would wring my neck if I spent too much time in front of this thing. But, promises must be kept...

Well, as you can probably tell, we made it to Italy. Sorry for the delay in notifying you. We had to walk around a bit, with eyes glazed over, just to try to get on the same page with Rome and the time zone. But, as we prepare for our afternoon tour of Vatican City, we wanted to be sure to drop a line or two. First and foremost, the US Air flight was horrible, but we arrived directly, with no problems with the Immigration police on either side of the Atlantic. Oh, and US Air double and triple checked Keisha's paperwork before boarding. We arrived in Italy yesterday morning, and made the trek to Rome. One word of advice: If you are traveling with a suitcase (or two), it is best to spend the dough and take a cab to your hotel, or take the hotel up on the offer to provide shuttle service. We traveled by train all the way, with standing room only on both the express train from the airport, as well as on the underground from the Roma Termini to our section of the city (which felt like it was on the Manhattan bound E train during rush hour).

But, when we finally got here, we were relieved and ready to tackle Rome. To keep ourselves from taking a nap, and contributing to jet lag, we hit the bricks and visited the Trevi Fountain (which is just a few blocks from our hotel), The Patheon, the Piazza di Novona and the Piazza di Spraga (sp?), also known as the Spanish Steps. We walked off every glass of wine, every gelato and every morsel of goodness we consumed since we arrived, but it is all worth it. Your eyes get as much exercise as your legs. One thing's for sure- Rome is a living, breathing museum. On your way to the landmarks that attrack a horde of tourists, you bump into countless pieces of art. From the architecture, to sacred grounds and churches, to courtyards that seem to have withstood the test of mankind, Rome is a preseved piece of human history. The level of crativity and, is some cases, faith that must have inspired the works here is inspiring. Words will not do this place justice, so we are taking a bunch of photos.

This morning, we collected ourselves and walked back to a little gourmet shop we discovered on our was to the Trevi Fountain, and had a morning sandwich of home made bread, ham and fresh cheese. We ate our breakfast by the Trevi Fountain, then dashed off for a real italian cappaucino. The tour transport will be here in a couple of hours to take us to Vatican City, so I will sign off now. It's lunch time.

Ciao!