A DB Suit and Granddaddy's Cufflinks. . .

Here's a so-so shot of today's attire and accessories combination. Just out of sight is the dismounted hunter in a red coat and black riding helmet, holding the reins of his rearing mount.

The final day of classes for yours truly today, so why not glam it up a bit with a wool flannel double-breasted suit, a shirt with French cuffs, and a pair of my late maternal grandfather's cufflinks? I added an Italian silk necktie, a pair of oxblood captoe oxfords, navy Merino wool socks, a white linen pocket handkerchief, and a pair of navy silk braces with red and silver paisleys hidden beneath the coat. One of my students complimented me with, "You always look so dapper!"

However, it was the numerous handshakes at the end of classes today and accompanying thank-yous from my students for the semester just concluded, plus an anonymous little bag of pre-Christmas candy treats with a candy cane, carefully wrapped with a bow and left quietly on my briefcase for the semester just ended that made me feel like a giant today. I count myself very lucky indeed for the reminder that I have truly found my vocation. Not everyone can say that. Teaching undergraduates is not without its particular set of challenges, but I wouldn't want to do anything else.

Best of all, we move into our house Monday next!

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017.

This post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry. Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . .
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Unless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work attire any time you head into the office or meet with clie…

Introductions, Thank-yous, and Excuse Mes. . .

When you meet someone new for the first time, establish eye contact, shake hands firmly, and exchange correct verbal salutations.
A somewhat shorter post today. I'm simply worn out after yesterday's marathon writing, proofreading, and editing sessions. Almost 11am here, and so time for the first scotch and water of the day I think. . . Joking, joking! Only joking. We wait until at least Noon on Sundays here at Stollen Central before the process of knocking 'em back starts in earnest. In the meantime, let's briefly talk about introductions, thank-yous, and excuse mes, three areas of social interaction and exchange that too many average guys (and people in general) get wrong in the 21st century.

Where introductions are concerned, the correct thing to say when you meet someone for the first time, and hopefully shake his or her hand firmly is, "How do you do?" Please, please, please do not use the ubiquitous "Nice to meet you" or the even more drea…

Dressing for the January Cold. . .

Said 'polo coat,' found via Ebay and acquired for pennies on the dollar.

Dressing for the cold in a professional sense can sometimes be a challenge in our age of so called athleisure technical gear that looks like it might be more at home on the ski slopes, or tobogganing at the local park than in a quasi-white collar setting. Sure, there are still companies that produce classic men's overcoats of one kind or another, but too often these items are obscenely expensive when purchased new at full retail price. While I no longer shop thrift and charity establishments, let's be reasonable.

Luckily, there are other options though, for instance Ebay, where I stumbled onto this vintage Polo University Club double-breasted 'polo coat' (in a wool and camel hair blend) at the end of November 2018. I've been on the lookout for one of these for several years, and given the ridiculously low asking price, I made an offer, which the seller accepted. Yes! Call it a late …

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