Instant coffee

Ok. So many of you guys on the fly love coffee. But where's the time to grab a good cup of Joe sometimes? I'll tell you something - I've tried almost every brand in the world and I've got three favorites you just can't go wrong with. The first, believe it, is the Folgers coffee bag. Dip it in hot water for 1.5 minutes and taste the rich aromatic, flavor. It's really good coffee - http://www.folgers.com/. Then there's Bru from India -- coffee with chicory - -that's just amazing - rich in taste and full on flavor. The Patel Cash & Carry in Iselin or North Brunswick carries this. Finally, there's Davidoff's Rich Aroma instant coffee. I think this make is really outstanding. I haven't seen it in the USA, but most duty free stores in Europe carry it. Try one or all three of them. Then send me a thank you note.

A travel checklist

For those of you who are meticulous when you travel, I've included a checklist of things to take on your next trip. You can print this out and adapt as necessary, so you don't forget anything.

Travel Check List (N.B. 3oz or less if you want to check it in and Ziploc is key)

Soap face wash (Clinique has the best one for men)
Toothbrush (Try Elydian - don't take a motorized one)
Toothpaste (Fresh Umbrian clay or Marvis)
Mint flossers (Get the disposable toothpick variety - they're great!)
Mouthwash (Listerine)
Pre-shave oil (Art of Shaving or Truefitt & Hill)
Shaving Cream (Geo Trumper)
Razor (Invest in this)
Mach 3 blades (Don't buy in Edison or at ethnic stores -- you'll get a better price but many are made in the Philippines and don't seem to work as well)
Kiehl’s Hydrating lotion (Awesome -- never put alcohol on your face)
Astringent (Anthony's or Clinique - find out your scruffing lotion strength and then buy the women's bottle -- same price, same stuff, but bigger bottle)
Cotton balls (for taking away grease)
Q-Tips (Love these- but be gentle)
Hair/nose trimmer (Ok guys - you don't want to look like the Geico caveman)
Hairbrush (Use Kiehl's or Mason Pearson)
Medicines – if prescription, pack a few extra
First aid kid (include Band-Aids, Imodium, Tylenol)
Passport – if necessary
Pen with enough ink (ball pen or gel tip - if you use real ink, you're screwed on flights)
Business cards (take these to network and to hand to colleagues)
Computer cords for cell, computer, blackberry, I-pod (if you forget these, know that any hotel front desk usually has a huge box with extra cords - a number of people leave these behind)
Cell/I-pod/computer
Shure 530 pth headphones (the best sound that 500 bucks will buy you)
Charged I-Pod (c'mon - the world's a dull place - don't you want music?)
Underwear (Can't tell you how many guys forget to pack this on trips)

Deodorant/antiperspirant (Gillette makes the best)

Lip Balm (Jack black is amazing)

Pajamas (many guys forget to pack these too)
Socks (bring extra)
Belt (brown or black, depending on what you plan to wear)
Cufflinks (if cuffed shirts)
Ties
Collar stays
Nailclippers
Powder (Try Dr. Hauschka)
Aftershave (ask for free samples in high end stores and use these when you travel)
Shirts (always take one extra)
Trousers (pack one extra)
Suits (pack one extra)
Tide/Shout wipes (for ketchup & mustard)
Small pack of paper tissue
Lotion for dry skin (I can't tell you, especially in winter, how dry skin can itch)
Call Amex or other credit card co, if you are traveling internationally

Alum block (for cuts and scrapes)

Shades

Remember that if you forget some essentials, most hotels can give you a t/brush and t/paste and even shaving cream - but be prepared to cut your face in several places with those disposable razors. Also, be sure to carry a few extra ziplock bags - they come in handy for liquids.

This may seem like a lot, but I've got it down to a science. I never have to ever think when I pack for travel.

On hair transplants and presidential candidates

Ok. So I got to share something very personal. My dad hasn't stopped his diatribes about my hair (or lack of) and why I need to have a transplant to look my best. I've fought my dad on this time and again, but much to my chagrin, he brings pamphlets from the Bosley clinic and tells me to get the procedure done. I'm slowly caving...

Now, recently, dad sent me an article on dem VP candidate Joe Biden and how he had a hair transpant years ago and dad added in his email attaching the article - -"see how good he looks." Ok. So more pressure...I'd like those of you who read my blog to weigh in on this in the comments section. Should I have a hair transplant?

Now, on the subject of fashion, I've looked at Obama and Biden's styles. Ok - -so they looked very patriotic the other day with the red and blue ties. But here's a little advice for Sen. Obama. Don't wear black. I've learned that when complexion is darker, 365 shades of blue and 365 shades of grey are the way to go. When Sen. Obama wears a black suit, he doesn't look his best -- and I notice he favors the black suit over other colors. As for Joe R. B. I think he's ok - -I like his Hermes and Ferragamo ties and his JRB cufflinks are to die for. Joe Biden also looks good in blue.

The nicest pens

I know many of you guys like your bic pens and your paper mates. Oh vey. But if you like fine writing instruments (also known as pens), have I got the goods for you. You can check out a selection of fine pens at http://www.joon.com/. I love certain lines like Omas http://www.omas.com/ and Montegrappa http://www.montegrappa.com/. Stay away from Mont Blanc folks - unless you go for their top of the line pens. I've also been quite disappointed with Cartier's pens http://www.cartier.com/. They are expensive, but seem to malfunction a lot. I also think Waterman makes superb pens http://www.waterman.com/. And, you can't go wrong with your basic Parker http://www.parkerpen.com/. They still make a dope instrument.

If you fly a lot, don't buy a fountain pen to travel. The pen is guaranteed to leak inflight and cause damage to your clothes and belongings. I know this company called Airline International http://airlineintl.com/. They sell awesome pens, lighters, luggage, you name it. They also have a great engraving program. If you're a busy executive, you deserve a good pen. Check out these links.

How Crisco became Frisco

Ok. So I'm an immigrant. And no, I don't live in Queens. But I was horrified the other day, when a friend of mine told me to change my screen name from Crisco Funk to something else.

I asked her why and she told me that Crisco was a sobriquet for a bunch of things that were associated with alternative lifestyles. Bah humbug I thought. These silly Americans don't know what cool is. Besides, I don't judge people or their lifestyles.

Well...much to my horror, Kaitlin referred me to www.urbandictionary.com. I typed in the word Crisco and vomited. So now I am Frisco Funk. And I'm sorry to all you bay area folks out there, but I can't keep Crisco funk. Be well fashionistas.

Loro Piana

I love classic things. Classic music. Classic cars. Classic fabrics. And the house of Loro Piana www.loropiana.com is just the most classic stuff you will ever buy. Their scarves are incredible - so are their roadster sweaters made with baby goat cashmere, their overcoats that have the famous Loro Piana storm system technology, and their hats. I've seen other manufacturers use Loro piana's lining in their clothing.

I've been to many of their stores, but my favorite is just off Michigan Ave in Chicago. I once told the manager of that store that I liked his stuff, but it was a little boring. He proceeded to go into his inventory and pull some of the most cutting edge fashions that money can buy. Loro Piana is an incredible mill - and if you buy something from them, I guarantee you that your children will inherit and enjoy it, long after you are fertilizing daffodils.

One more thing. If you do go to Loro Piana in Chicago, do also drop by George Greene on Oak Street as well as some other fine retailers at http://www.oakstreetchicago.com/directory.html. I'm doing my bit for Chi-Town.

Brunello Cucinelli

I love sweaters -- beautiful, colorful, cashmere sweaters. But there are sweaters and sweaters and I love Brunello Cucinelli http://www.brunellocucinelli.it/. They have the most vibrant colors and their cashmere is outstanding. The only problem with Bruno is that it doesn't fit well, if you're out of shape. That's why, I've decided to get on a rigorous exercise routine. I want to wear a Brunello sweater and look good in it. Brunello also makes some great outerwear - -you know, side vents, ticket pockets, rich fabrics, gloves, jackets, hats. Check out their outerwear and invest in a piece when you're feeling flush. I guarantee you that your sweater won't pill even after years of rigorous use.

Shady stuff

Many of my friends believe that sunglasses should never be expensive. That's because it's an accessory that constantly gets stolen or misplaced. So, much to my chagrin, they buy shades off the streets from vendors. Ok. So that's what they like to do and that's fine. But for you fashionphiles who want to invest in a good pair of shades, let me tell you that I've done my research and you just can't go wrong with Oliver Peoples http://www.oliverpeoples.com/. My English friend Tim introduced me to the brand and I've been loyal ever since. Others swear by the Ray Ban line - http://www.rayban.com/ - I think they are great shades for the price. Yeah - I know it only costs a few bucks to make these glasses and the mark up is ridiculous, but why not make a statement? Some of the celebrities who I think look really cool in shades include Ray Charles, Bono, and George Michael. I think the Prada line is interesting, but rather sporty. I wouldn't wear their shades with a suit -- maybe with a pair of blue jeans (I own a pair of jeans). I also know that Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana are making shades and so are the beautifully handcrafted ones from Louis Vuitton. But I'm loyal to my Peoples!

One more thing. Check out www.italiaindependent.com. They make the funkiest shades AND you can have your name engraved in the frame. Always knew those Italians were on the cutting edge of just about everything.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Zegna is a fabulous brand, but I've been a little dejected with their outsourcing shirt program. I've recently noticed that their shirts are being made in Turkey rather than Italy. And although they make the most beautiful things, I'm not convinced that their shirts are the same Italian quality. What I do love about Zegna is their new shoe line. It appears that Salvatore Ferragamo is making their shoes now, but their private (couture) label is just outstanding - http://www.zegna.com/couture?lang=en. From the style of the shoes to the quality of the leather and sole, Zegna seems to be turning eyes. Zegna also makes the best cashmere turtleneck sweaters and coats. Go to www.zegna.com and check them out.

Boyds Philadelphia - Joel Jaffe

There's a few remaining men's fashion houses in the United States. One of them is Boyd's in Philadelphia on 1818 Chestnut Street http://www.boydsphila.com/. What's funky about Boyd's is that it apparently was a funeral home back in the day and the mouldings on the chandeliers that hang from the ceilings are made from button molds. Wow.

Boyd's has some terrrific coupon program that enables you to spend more and save more! They carry a brilliant line of Etro, Canali, Trussini, Brioni, Zegna -- in shirts, ties, suits, trousers. But the one department at Boyd's that is truly outstanding is the men's shoe department. I say this not only because they carry a gorgeous line, but because Joel Jaffe works there.

Joel knows shoes like Einstein knew relativity. He can spend hours salivating about the attributes of a good shoe versus what he calls "junk." I've learned from Joel about the split toe, the shoe shank, the Goodyear welted soles, the last of a shoe, the tongue of a shoe. I don't make this shit up. It really is some pretty cool terminology.

Joel can fit you in a very comfortable pair of shoes as he tells you about the show business, his love of pens, his vintage Patek Philippe, his views on various manufacturers. He's also a mensch!

If you're in Philly, drop by Boyd's and go see Joel. You'll learn a lot about life, a lot about shoes, and a lot about why he's a genius.