This is what I call a great pair of shoes!

Venn diagrams or set diagrams are diagrams that show all possible logical relations between a finite collection of sets (aggregation of things). Venn diagrams were conceived around 1880 by John Venn. They are used to teach elementary set theory, as well as illustrate simple set relationships in probability, logic, statistics, linguistics and computer science (see logical connectives).

The framework of Venn Diagrams apply to your personal social circles as well. This is one area where Google+ (Google’s new Social Network) got it right and Facebook got it wrong. Facebook allowed you to make everyone a “Friend,” incorrectly assuming that you wanted to share everything with everyone. Google+, on the other hand, allowed you to put different friends in different “circles.” Using the concept of Google Circles, Google+ created a competitive edge by providing a social network that more closely mimics real life. The friend circles in Google+ is literally a living Venn Diagram that you can control and change as you wish— just like you do in real life.

Kanye West was interviewed by Matt Lauer of the 'Today Show' on his reaction to former President George W. Bush claiming West's comments following Hurricane Katrina were disgusting.... I say West was taking command and control of his interview and trying to prevent from being potrayed in an unfavorable light. I think more artists/entertainers should do the same. Check it out below...Thoughts?

Judge Swagwire is writing today to point out several factors to consider when choosing a good wife. Statisticians use a technique called "Multivariate Analysis" to determine whether or not one or more individual factors are noteworthy. In Judge Swagwire's world, this process can theoretically be applied to almost anything, including how a man goes about choosing a wife. Although I have not collected the numerical data, my life lessons show several significant factors that one may use in choosing a wife. If this was an actual multivariate analysis, our output variable would be "whether or not your marriage will be successful"-- that is, one where you live a happy life and grow old together, with no regrets and thousands of sacred and heart-warming memories. Now for the significant "input" variables... or important factors.

Judge Swagwire believes that the following factors should be closely scrutinized when choosing a wife. As a note, no single variable is dispositive or has a greater weight than the other. It is the totality of these factors that you should strongly consider when deciding if a woman is just "fun to date" or ready to be upgraded to Wifey status:

"Avoid genteelisms, officialese, and commercialese"
By: Bryan A. Garner

 ATTENTION ALL JAY-Z FANS:


Jay has written one of the freshest books of 2010! Decoded is a book of some of his best rhymes, with his own line-by-line personal commentary. I like to think of hip-hop as an art that is veiled in allegory-- that is, stories within stories-- within stories-- within stories. A full description of the symbolism, allegory, and stories behind his rhymes is what Jay gives us in Decoded. Please see his own description below and also an excerpt of the book. Note that the excerpt is from my ALL TIME FAVORITE JAY-Z SONG---> "American Dreamin"

Jay-Z on Decoded:
When you're famous and say you're writing a book, people assume that it's an autobiography--I was born here, raised there, suffered this, loved that, lost it all, got it back, the end.

This is the first in a series of articles that I will write called The 4 YARDS Series "4YS." In this series, I will draw comparisons between the game of football and the game of life. Although my days as a football player were short lived, I learned lessons on the field that I still use in my everyday life. In fact, I like to tell people that my life's philosophy is largely based on the game of football. The title "4 yards" represents a critical amount of yardage in football. Theoretically, if the offense was to get 4 yards on every down, they would be guaranteed to eventually score a touchdown. Thus, from a strategy standpoint, a coach would prefer to get four guaranteed yards on every down, instead of starting out by throwing a hail-merry on 1st down. In the game of life, we oftentimes will go after our personal and professional goals by throwing a hail-merry, instead of breaking down a long-term goal into a series of short-term "4 yard" goals. For example, if a person's long term goal is to become a medical doctor, this goal must be broken down into a series of short-term goals, such as earning a good undergraduate GPA, taking the MCAT, getting accepted into medical school, and so on. However, we often get blinded by the idea of scoring the touchdown, and forget about picking up the necessary series of 4 yards along the way. We, in essence, often attempt to obtain huge goals too fast, and don't take the time to meet the series of 4-yard goals needed to achieve the eventual touchdown. This 4 yards concept is the origin of title of this series.

With that said, my first 4YS article is based upon a little known, but vitally-important concept in the game of football. Few football fans understand the concept and importance of watching game film.

From Library Journal
Touted as a "handbook on the most subtle and effective form of power" and "an indispensable primer on how to take what you want from whomever you want," this book is more than a little creepy. Following on the heels of his 48 Laws of Power, this book continues Greene's gross exploration of social power, this time in the realm of sexual politics.

The Vintage Briefcase: "

Judge Swagwire recommends adding 2-5 stylish but conservative Knit Ties (also called Skinny Knit Ties) to your wardrobe. Its an excellent piece to wear for business casual occasions like casual Friday, Weddings, dinner parties, and other events when you want to stick out. This tie will definitely separate you from the pack.

With these ties making a swift comeback, it will become harder to pick one out. The knit tie should be simple and conservative-- nothing too busy and distracting. If you want to dress it up and be bit more daring, you can add a matching handkerchief to it (see the pics below).

Stores that carry nice Knit Ties include: Brooks Brothers; Polo; J. Crew; and Nordstrom's.

Check out the pics below for ideas on wearing the knit tie...

Carrera has been producing high-performance, sports, and everyday sunglasses since 1956. They mainly target the European market. Carrera is owned by Safilo Group, which also owns Smith, a high-performance sunglass brand targeted at the US.  Carrera was first introduced in 1956 with ski goggles and glasses. They continued to expand over the years and now offer glasses and goggles for a wide range of extreme sports. The name itself is taken from an extreme sport – the Carrera Panamericana, an auto race that used to cross the entire country of Mexico.  The Safilo Group was established in 1934 as an eyewear manufacturer dedicated to producing high-quality sunglasses and eyeglasses. Today, their sports lines are popular with skiers, snowboarders, bicyclists, mountain climbers, motorcross racers, and other athletes.

From Esquire....Check it Out!
75 Things You Don't Know About Women

Posted using ShareThis

From Esquire. Check it Out!

SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

From Publishers Weekly

Economist Levitt and journalist Dubner capitalize on their megaselling Freakonomics with another effort to make the dismal science go gonzo. Freaky topics include the oldest profession (hookers charge less nowadays because the sexual revolution has produced so much free competition), money-hungry monkeys (yep, that involves prostitution, too) and the dunderheadedness of Al Gore.

A few weeks ago, we did a post warning that SWAGGER IS LOST WHEN YOU TAKE A RAPID REFUND TAX LOAN.

As a follow-up, Judge Swagwire has scanned the internet and has chosen the below list as the Top Things to Do With YOUR Tax Refund.

With the new year comes tax season, and places offering same-day refunds in the form of loans may be tempting. However, consumer groups are warning that rapid refunds may be unnecessary and the quick money could be costly.

Desmond Morris wrote "The Naked Ape" in the late 1960's, and it is a classic which established the field of evolutionary anthropology. His ideas were revolutionary at the time, and he clearly says so. If there is a fault in the book, it is that he covers too much ground too quickly. I think his purpose at the time, however, was simply to condition the reader to thinking of people as an animal that has been subject to the forces of biological evolution on the Savannah for 98 percent of our evolution. Our species only formed farming communities 10,000 years ago. Much of Morris's conjecture has been turned into solid research in more recent years. For example, studies have found that males are sexually attracted to females having a waist/hips ratio of 0.7. This is universal among contemporary societies including primitive societies. When shown diagrams of women having different waist/hips ratios, male members of the primitive societies chose the 0.7 ratio and specifically indicated child bearing ability being linked to it. Females universally are attracted to males having a waist/hip ratio of 0.85.

"A startling view of man, stripped of the facade we try so hard to hide behind."  In view of man's awesome creativity and resourcefulness, we may be inclined to regard him as descended from the angels, yet, in his brilliant study, Desmond Morris reminds us that man is relative to the apes--is in fact, the greatest primate of all.  With knowledge gleaned from primate ethnology, zoologist Morris examines sex, child-rearing, exploratory habits, fighting, feeding, and much more to establish our surprising bonds to the animal kingdom and add substance to the discussion that has provoked controversy and debate the world over. Natural History Magazine praised The Naked Ape as "stimulating . . . thought-provoking . . . [Morris] has introduced some novel and challenging ideas and speculations." "He minces no words," said Harper's.  "He lets off nothing in our basic relation to the animal kingdom to which we belong. . . He is always specific, startling, but logical."

So much is to be said about a man based solely upon the quality of his shoe. I think many of us get the message of buying a good quality shoe. But, few of us realize the long-term value that we should get by doing so. There is more to a $300 pair of shoes than how they look. A nice pair of shoes should last you 5-10 years and save you hundreds of dollars in the long run (verses purchasing a pair of nice looking $65 shoes).

You will only realize this value with proper care and maintenance. Below are before and after pictures of my favorite pair of Johnston Murphy shoes (already 4 years old and purchased for $295). Every 6 months, they look like they should be trash can bound, but with about 35 minutes of work, I bring them back to life.

For those new to Swagwire, a "Scripted Moment" is one that you have prepared for in advance. You have pregamed it in your head several times, and when that moment comes, you say something or do something just right and it comes off so naturally that it seems like you have done it a million times.
 
Today's topic is attending an event. The source of much anxiety and awkwardness, it is no secret that we can feel like we are at home when we are at the club, but when it comes to attending a "professional" or formal event, we can freeze up. Thus, Judge Swagwire presents 5 scripted moments for attending a professional or formal event.

Wearing a suit is all about proper fit, as the widest part of the arm should line up with the shoulder, the sleeves should hit 4 inches above the tip of the thumb, and the jacket length should hit 2 inches above the curve of the buttocks.

In this New York Times best-selling book, The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy, Dr. Thomas J. Stanley uses over two decades worth of surveys, personal interviews with millionaires, and data to reveal the secrets for building wealth in America.

In The Millionaire Next Door, Dr. Stanley shattered the contemporary held beliefs about America's rich - and how they got that way. It is seldom inheritance or advanced degrees or even intelligence that builds fortunes in this country. Wealth in America is more often the result of hard work, diligent savings, and living below your means. The Millionaire Next Door reveals the common denominators that show up again and again among those who have accumulated wealth.

Over 2 million copies of The Millionaire Next Door have been sold. And the book appeared on The New York Times best seller list for over three years. Based on interviews with Dr. Stanley, numerous articles about The Millionaire Next Door appeared in such publications as Fortune, Forbes, Money, U.S. News and World Report, The Limbaugh Letter, The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and People Magazine. Dr. Stanley also profiled the typical millionaire next door while he was a featured guest on ABC's 20/20, The Today Show, and The Opray Winfrey Show.

Below are two straightforward videos on how to tie a bow tie. Practice Practice Practice....

Interesting post from Esquire on the suits we all should have in our wardrobes. Click below!

Lets get this out in the open...Question: Why "5" tips Swagwire? Answer: Well in honor of Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens of course and Judge Swagwire's line number when he pledged the greatest fraternity in the world....I DIGRESS....

Situation: We know you have stepped your game up and you are looking to take your lady on a Weekend getaway just to change the scenery and add a little fuel to your relationship's fire. You have been dropping hints. She is excited. To her, you are already "Boyfriend/Husband of The Year." STOP THE APPLAUSE. This is not enough. When she travels with you, it must be unforgettable. It must certainly be something no other guy has ever done (not even her dad). She must be swept off her feet. You must travel in style, with class, and unparalleled sophistication. You must take the initiative to plan every detail. All she should have to do is show up and blush. To Swagwire, this is more than just "flossing" or putting up a front. This sends a message. If you are not married yet, it sends a message of the security you can provide and gives her a glimpse into what life with you would be like. If you are married, it reaffirms the fact that she made the right choice. With that said, here are 5 tips that will separate the hard tacos from the soft tacos when traveling....

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

From time to time, Swagwire plans to post articles based on one or more of Greene's 48 Laws.

Below are a few of Swagwire's favorite Laws of Power:

• Law 2 Never put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn how to use Enemies
• Law 4 Always Say Less than Necessary
• Law 5 So Much Depends on Reputation. Guard it with your Life
• Law 6 Court Attention at all Cost
• Law 9 Win through your Actions, Never through Argument
• Law 10 Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky
• Law 15 Crush your Enemy Totally
• Law 16 Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
• Law 17 Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability
• Law 18 Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself. Isolation is Dangerous
• Law 19 Know Who You're Dealing with. Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
• Law 25 Re-Create Yourself
• Law 30 Make your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
• Law 31 Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards you Deal
• Law 32 Play to People's Fantasies
• Law 34 Be Royal in your Own Fashion: Act like a King to be treated like one
• Law 35 Master the Art of Timing
• Law 43 Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others
• Law 44 Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect
• Law 46 Never appear Perfect

Lets put this issue to rest. Fellas, don't be caught dead in skinny jeans. This is what is called a fad. This trend will fade, and you will see a picture of yourself 5 years from now and wonder why someone allowed you out the house like that. 


This is the type of thing where if you weren't the first to do it, then you missed the boat. People judge guys who wear skinny jeans (I know I do). There is no way you can convince me you are a leader because you are clearly trying to be like someone you saw on television. Judge Swagwire recommends that you lead the pack...


Swagwire Alternative: Go to Nordstrom and get a pair of nice jeans (preferably Lucky). Before leaving the store, try those jeans on and ask the tailor to give you a good fit. This is the difference between jeans that fit well and skinny jeans. Although this may be costly, this will be an investment and you will save money in the long run by purchasing some good quality jeans (instead of buying 5 pair of cheap ones over the year). The second step is maintaining them. Send them to the cleaners often. Get them washed and pressed (without a crease). The older these jeans get, the better they will look...

I appreciate and deeply respect Allen Iverson for his honesty and openness during his press conference.

See the re-signing press conference below.

A good number of us have created and continue to create images of ourselves which do not reflect who we truly are at the core. Some of us know why this is so, and some of us do not.

We should really give thought to who and what we wish to become, and the power that we contain inside of ourselves to make the right choices.

Let's utilize Allen Iverson, then and now, as a teachable moment with the communities we serve.
--- Mark Barnes (AlphaEast Listserve)

In a short amount of time, this BLOG will need no introduction. I present what will become the flyest and most informative BLOG for males desiring to be the quintessential gentleman.

When Tiger Woods wife is teeing off on him; When Steve McNair is murdered by his mistress; When a Governor Sanford is flying to Argentina to do his dirty work; somewhere we men have lost the code. The code of being gentlemen. The code of carrying ourselves like men. The code of taking care of business. Good'ole fashioned home training.

I therefore present Swagwire.com, where myself and a network of image consultants, financial planners, life skills coaches will attempt to reintroduce our men to the code.

At Swagwire.com, you will find tips on various subjects relevant to men. We like to say that Swagwire is a Gentleman's Playbook for all aspects of "the game" including: Style; Professionalism; Financial Wellness; Scholarship; Family Wellness; and Entrepreneurship.

You have been introduced. Stand bye.

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Swagwire is a BLOG founded by Dondi West, a rising social media expert and consultant, under CyberPhunk Media, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company.

The concept for Swagwire was envisioned by West while he was participating as a sponsor/mentor in a Baltimore City-based Male Rights of Passage program. Realizing that the essential elements of being a gentleman are becoming extinct, along with the commonality of devastating news related to celebrity male figures, West started Swagwire as a "one stop shop" for men of all ages, races, creeds, and color.

According to West:
"At Swagwire.com, you will find tips on various subjects relevant to men. We like to say that Swagwire is a Gentleman's Playbook for all aspects of 'the game' including: Style; Professionalism; Financial Wellness; Scholarship; Family Wellness; and Entrepreneurship."

For more information about Swagwire, Dondi can be reached at dondi@swagwire.com.