Picking The Right Suit For You

In his comprehensive guide to selecting tasteful men’s apparel, Dressing The Man: Mastering The Art Of Permanent Fashion, style-maker Alan Flusser discusses three traditional types of suits: the American, the English and the Continental or European. While Flusser notes that these categories of men's suits have now blended into one another and are not as distinct as they were in the ‘80s, we think these terms are still useful for creating a mental representation when picking the right suit for your body. We reinterpret these three traditional suits to show you how each type in its modern incarnation is suited to different body types. Here, find out which suit will fit you best and pick up valuable tips for dressing your body to its best advantage. American suit In picking the right suit for your body, remember: An American-style suit is best for larger bodies, and indeed was first created to accommodate the larger frames of many Americans compared to their European counterparts.

Two of the hallmarks of this classic suit that continue to make it appropriate for today's larger men are the three-button, single-breasted blazer and the plain-front trousers. A three-button blazer, like a two-button blazer, will never go out of style; however, the three-button blazer, particularly when the top button is left undone, has the advantage of elongating the body of a heavy-set man, thereby making him appear taller and thinner. If you’re dying to wear a double-breasted blazer and you’re packing a few extra pounds, don’t despair; the extra layer of fabric will smooth out additional lumps and bumps. Also, as long as the lapels meet below the waist, the V-effect created by a double-breasted jacket will make you seem taller. In addition, larger men should look for jackets with side venting or double venting to conceal their wider posteriors while sitting or moving. When it comes to your bottom half, picking the right suit for your body entails choosing a suit with plain-front trousers. This will slim your belly and pelvic region if you’re a little on the chunky side, whereas pleated pants will draw unwanted attention to this area of your body. In fact, pleated trousers should be avoided by all body types. British suit When picking the right suit for your body, keep in mind that English suits are most flattering on average and athletic body types. As a result of their design (which bears resemblance to a military uniform, due in part to the hacking-style jacket with it’s long shape, slightly nipped waist and flared skirt), British suits tend to confer an authoritative appearance on their wearer.

Like a uniform, the shape of the suit also follows the line of the body quite closely and puts emphasis on the chest. Other features of English-style suits include soft shoulders and slightly shorter jacket sleeves. If you have an average or athletic build, especially if you are particularly tall, a British suit will really complement your physique. For tall men, the jacket’s longer length will keep a sense of proportion to your body; the extra pockets will create more horizontal lines on your body and balance you out a bit more. Men with very V-shaped, athletic bodies will benefit from a single-breasted, two-button blazer in which the lapels sit higher up on the chest in order to reduce emphasis on the width of the shoulders. The nipped-in waist of the British suit, as well as its tapered sleeves, are also good for athletic bodies as these features emphasize other areas of your body and take attention off your top half. Continental suit According to Flusser, the predominant traditional aspects of European -- particularly Italian -- suits have been a close cut, severe shoulders, a shorter length, and small, high armholes. Also, these suits are usually single-breasted with two buttons, have slim-cut trousers with a lower rise and a ventless back to slim the figure further. Nowadays, many features of the European suit have been preserved in mass-made suits.

 When picking the right suit for your body, remember: Men on the bulkier side must avoid European-style suits entirely. To wear a European suit, one requirement is a slim, more stereotypically European physique. Worn properly, these suits are quite sexy; but worn improperly and you can come off looking like a small boy. If you have a very slim build, stay away from skin-tight suits to make sure you carry off the style with flair. Instead, pick a suit that skims the body, and thereby adds a bit of bulk, otherwise you’ll end up looking like a rail. Men with average builds can invest in slightly more fitted suits, however, proceed with caution. flattering fits Even though you may not have to wear a suit on a regular basis, when it comes time to dress up, take suit shopping seriously. After all, what’s the point of suiting up if you’re going to look like a monkey? Hopefully we’ve inspired you to be more mindful of your body and its strengths and weaknesses when picking the right suit, and you now have a better idea of the general suit shape that will help you look your best.

 Read more: http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_300/392b_fashion_advice.html#ixzz1uK3vgcdM

NBC apologizes for cutting 'one nation under God' from Pledge of Allegiance during US Open telecast

BY RICHARD HUFF

DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "one nation under God" -- except when it's part of NBC's coverage of the U.S. Open Championship.

Someone in the editing room, trimmed two references to the line during an opening piece that aired Sunday on patriotism. It showed children in a classroom reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

NBC Sports immediately came under fire when folks on Twitter began slamming the network for the ungodly trim.

Shortly after the piece aired, NBC Sports host Dan Hicks apologized for the cut.

"We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation's capital for the third time," Hicks said. "Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we'd like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.

No shock, that wasn't enough.

Religion is a hot-button issue and any reference is likely to generate blowback. And in today's arena where anyone can take to Twitter or Facebook to vent their anger, everyone has a voice.

Sunday and into Monday they were using them, big time.

"Why does mainstream America not trust media? Simple, you can't get Pledge Allegiance right, why trust you to tell us anything else? #NBC," Pastor Michael Catt posted on Twitter.

"If NBC can omit "under God" from the Pledge, I can omit them from my TV lineup. I like God far more (than) The Office! #NBC," wrote Clark Goble.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a number of posters found enjoyment in watching the backlash.

"Stupid #NBC should have stuck to their guns," wrote heatherewf on Twitter. "Under God has no place in a pledge to a country based on religious tolerance."

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-06-20/news/29704394_1_pledge-allegiance-twitter-nbc-sports

Man shot in chest in East Oakland home early Monday

By Kristin J. Bender, Oakland Tribune

Posted:   05/07/2012 05:57:42 PM PDT

Updated:   05/07/2012 06:10:19 PM PDT

OAKLAND -- A man was shot in the chest in a home in East Oakland early Monday morning, and two suspects remain at large, police said.

His name and age were not available, and it was not immediately known if the shooting was in his own home, said Sgt. Chris Bolton.

The shooting occurred at 12:30 a.m. Monday in the 9500 block of Holly Street and may have been tied to a street robbery minutes earlier, police said.

The man is alive, but his condition was unknown late Monday, Bolton said.

Investigators are trying to determine if the home shooting is linked to street robbery about 15 minutes earlier at 75th Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard.

Anyone with information should call Oakland police major crimes unit at 510- 238-3821.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20569216/man-shot-chest-home-early-monday

Why Do Men Have Nipples

Why have male nipples not dissapeared?

From Jerry Kennard, former About.com Guide  Updated March 22, 2010


There seems to be a logical explanation about why women have nipples - for babies. But why do men's bodies retain what appears to be redundant body parts? The Darwinian natural selection process would seem to dictate that male nipples really should not be there. So what's the deal? Why do men have nipples?

The answer is that as embryos men and women have similar tissues and body parts. If anything the embryo follows a 'female template'. That is why nipples are present in both sexes. It is the effect of the genes, the Y chromosome and the hormone testosterone that brings about the changes and masculinises the embryo. Testosterone promotes the growth of the penis and testicles. Because nipples are there before this process begins the nipples stay!

Nipples and breast tissue have no function as such except for perhaps protecting the heart and lungs from injury.

Male Breasts Can Produce Milk and Get Breast Cancer
A certain level of the female hormone estrogen is present in all men. If, as a result of disease or a condition affecting hormones, breast tissue in men can grow (gynecomastia- abnormal enlargement of breasts,) and men can produce milk.

Gynacomastia is more commonly seen in adolescence, a period in development when hormones fluctuate a lot. It is also seen in some men with liver disease and sometimes in alcoholics.

Men can get breast cancer as well as women.

http://menshealth.about.com/od/conditions/a/Nipples_Men.htm

6 Surprising Heart Disease Warning Signs

Dana Blinder Monday, January 30, 2012

High blood pressure, stress, and diabetes are all familiar warning signs that someone’s at risk for cardiovascular disease. But there are other red flags that most of us are not aware of, such as hair loss, or problems in the bedroom. By paying attention to risk factors, and using them as cues to make healthy changes in your life, there’s a lot that can be done to prevent cardiovascular damage early on, says Rene Alvarez, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute. Here are six unusual signs of heart disease—and what you can do to protect yourself.

 1. Sexual dysfunction
 Heart disease may be the last thing on your mind when you’re cuddling close to your significant other, but trouble performing may be a concern for heart health as well as sexual health. Dr. Alvarez says that although sexual dysfunction in men and women is different, the issue linking it to heart disease is the same: When blood vessels don’t work well, sexual problems can occur. “If you have dysfunction in one circulatory area you have it in others,” he says. Do this. Treat both issues. With good medical therapy and healthy lifestyle changes, both sexual dysfunction and heart disease can be avoided. Dr. Alvarez recommends regular exercise, and talking with your physician about daily aspirin use and your vascular health, to resolve both problems.

 2. Male pattern baldness
 Loss of hair is more than an issue of appearance—it may mean loss of circulation, according to a correlation between top rear head balding and cardiovascular disease described in a recent t issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Dr. Alvarez says lack of circulation to the hair follicles may be related to heart circulation, although other factors may play a role in the connection. “Some patients who have male pattern baldness may smoke, have hypertension, or a genetic predisposition relating to heart disease,” he notes. Do this. Watch and be aware. Knowing your family history—both of baldness and heart disease—can help you asses your own risk. If either runs in the family, it’s extra reason to take steps to prevent hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and to avoid or quit smoking.

 3. Snoring and sleep apnea
 Sawing logs may cause your heart to struggle. A study from Emory University in Atlanta found that the obstructed airways in people who have sleep apnea or snore were linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Disturbed sleep may be a predisposition of high blood pressure and diabetes, both contributing to heart disease, says Dr. Alvarez. Do this. Prevent future problems now. The good news is that this warning sign gives you lots of time to take action. “Sleep-disordered breathing typically occurs decades before it’s diagnosed, and decades before signs of cardiovascular disease events,” says Dr. Alvarez. If you have these nighttime symptoms, take a sleep test and get advice from a specialist to improve your quality of sleep and quality of life, he suggests.

 4. Migraines
 Headaches may lead to heartaches as well. Women who experience migraines with visual or sensory disturbance at least once a month are twice as likely to develop heart disease, says a study published in June by the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Alvarez says circulation irregularities that cause the severe headaches may contribute to heart problems. “If you find a vascular abnormality in one territory of the body, you’re likely to find it in another,” he says. Do this. Mind the warning sign. Talk with your physician about what a migraine may mean for your heart. Circulatory problems anywhere in the body should stimulate doctors to look for other areas of the body affected as well, Dr. Alvarez says.

 5. Eating and drinking plastic
 Toss your plastic water bottles into a recycling bin. According to a University of Cincinnati study, the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) found in hard plastic food and beverage containers can produce an estrogenlike molecule that mimics estrogen’s effects, creating a heightened risk for heart disease in women. Dr. Alvarez says BPA “could create too much estrogen or block the effects of its benefits.” Do this. Replace # 7 plastic food containers and water bottles—that’s the type likely to contain BPA—with stainless steel, glass, or ceramic ones. If you’re not ready to banish other types of plastic containers, be sure you never heat them up, since this can cause other chemicals to leach into their contents.

 6. Marital stress
 Frequent arguments in your relationship may increase a woman’s odds of an actual broken heart. A University of Utah study found women suffering from marital stress were at risk for additional symptoms of heart disease. Differences in hormones and how the sexes handle stress may explain why men were not similarly affected. “Women’s hearts are very different than men’s hearts in terms of circulation and receptors they have for certain hormones,” says Dr. Alvarez. Do this. Take a deep breath. Stress can result in high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and depression. Dr. Alvarez suggests people with difficulties controlling stress should seek help with coping. “We all have stress and how we respond is very different, but there are methods to deal with your perception of stress and limit it,” he says. Try stress-reduction tactics like regular exercise, yoga, and mindfulness mediation. For relationship-related stress, discuss the option of marital counseling with your partner.

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/heart/photos/6-surprising-heart-disease-warning-signs