HE'S SO ORIGINALHE'S SO ORIGINAL
HE`S SO ORIGINALHE`S SO ORIGINAL
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He`s So Original
By skirtSteph, Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 0 comments

 The Whynatte guys just landed in the streets Savannah.

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He`s So Original
By Skirt.com, Monday, February 1, 2010, 0 comments
Rob Jones knows who’s hiring.

Rob has truly reinvented his career. As an archaeologist, his early career was spent digging up artifacts—and now, as president of SavannahJobs.com, he digs up jobs instead. Although it may seem like his two professions are opposites, he draws many similarities between the two. “I feel that I’m good at trouble-shooting problems, and I relate that back to archaeology,” he says. “With technology, things are changing all the time. There’s always something new to learn.” In fact, Rob’s life is a study in constant adaption all around; as the father of four children (an eight-year-old and five-year-old triplets), balancing his career with his home life keeps him busy. “Having triplets five years ago; that’s really changed my life, our lives, changed our priorities,” he says. “It’s great. It was very hard when they were little, just the logistics. But now, they’re so much fun.”

What’s your favorite thing about wearing a skirt? “When I first met my wife, we went to a Halloween party together and dressed as each other. So it reminds me of when I first met my wife. I dressed in one of her skirts for that party.”

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He`s So Original
By Aleigh, Friday, January 1, 2010, 1 comments
Buck Drummond is living the life.

Buck left L.A. for Savannah almost two years ago, and so far it hasn’t disappointed. He’s a veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital three days a week, and on his “off” days, he spends his time on his other career—the arts. Buck is an abstract artist, musician, and actor, and says living in Savannah has allowed him to find a way to dabble in all of the things he loves.

“I was drawn (to Savannah) by the reputation of SCAD, but also finding out that the whole town is sort of filled with creative people,” he says. “A lot of the things that I didn’t like about L.A. are corrected by moving to Savannah. I know my neighbors. I live very close to everything I do. I absolutely adored living in L.A., but it was time for something different.”

What’s your favorite thing about wearing a skirt? “I’m not sure. I think you girls have it over us guys in terms of clothing freedom.”

And your favorite thing about reading skirt!? “I don’t want this to sound negative, but I was surprised to find it so much more than a women’s magazine. I was really impressed with the way it was laid out. I like the large format; I like the kind of anything-goes subject matter and topics. I found it quite inspiring.”

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He`s So Original
By Aleigh, Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1 comments
Charlie Snyder shakes it.

When Charlie isn’t putting together educational and outreach programs as program coordinator for the Georgia Historical Society, you can find him around town offering intricate henna tattoos, taking photographs—or practicing his belly dancing moves. Charlie studies tribal fusion belly dance, a modern form of belly dancing, and loves that it gives him a chance to explore another culture through folk dance. “

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He`s So Original
By Aleigh, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 0 comments
Chandler Echols is an iceman.

Chandler, executive chef at the Savannah Golf Club, has been creating art from giant blocks of ice—weighing in at a whopping 300 pounds each and measuring more than three feet tall—for sixteen years. It’s a battle pitting Chandler against time; he has to work fast so that his medium doesn’t melt, but he has to be precise with his chainsaw and chisel in order to create the complicated 3-D sculptures.

They aren’t always your every day fish or swan, though—Chandler has been known to replicate pictures of family dogs or even, in one instance, a motorcycle. “It’s something that takes a whole lot of practice,” he says. “I get a lot of satisfaction when someone calls me back and says, ‘Wow!’”

What do you like best about wearing a skirt? “Two-for-one drinks on ladies’ night.”

What about reading skirt!? “Reading skirt! really gives my girlfriend and I great information on what’s going on in Savannah. I think it’s really honest on a women’s perspective.”
 

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He`s So Original
By Aleigh, Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 1 comments
Mitchell Hall makes it work.

Jean Paul Gauthier, Marc Jacobs…and now Mitchell joins the ranks of male fashion designers who are proud to don a skirt.

We’re all watching him match sartorial skills against a cast of contestants on the current season of Lifetime’s Project Runway, but Savannah’s fashionistas have known about his sophisticated sense of style for ages. As BleuBelle Boutique’s creative director for the past five years, the former SCAD student has helped dress Lowcountry women for every kind of event, from debutante balls to backyard barbecues.

“For everyday, I tend towards neutrals and classics paired with something funky—like your grandmother’s pearls with denim,” he says. He counts Valentino’s strong lines as a main source of inspiration, as well as the women in his life. “I remember as a kid hearing my mother’s high heels click on the floor—that always sounded so elegant, yet powerful.”

What do you like best about wearing a skirt? "It makes me understand the women I’m dressing so much more."

What about reading skirt!? "I love that it embraces real women and encourages a healthy lifestyle."

 

 

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He`s So Original
By Aleigh, Monday, August 31, 2009, 2 comments
Dr. Paul Bradley wants you to get moving.

A year and a half ago, the Savannah-born, Emory-educated internist was referred a charming, 500-lb. patient who swore that if someone could just feed her right, she could lose weight. That patient was Ruby Gettinger, and Dr. Bradley’s medical advice has been spotlit on the Style Network’s hit reality show Ruby along with nutritional takeout meals from OurLife Fitness (formerly Hourglass), the company he helped found.

“Ruby’s a brave lady who’s motivating people tremendously,” he says. He became one of the state’s first obesity specialists in the 80s after realizing he could treat weight-related diseases like diabetes with diet and exercise more effectively than with medication alone, and says education is the key to improving Georgia’s status as third in the nation for childhood obesity. “It’s about baby steps. Every lost pound makes you healthier—it doesn’t matter if you have two hundred to go.”

What do you like best about wearing a skirt? "I’m enjoying the attention, but I’m not sure this pattern goes with my tie."

What do you like best about reading skirt!? "It features real people, and that inspires other real people accomplish their goals."

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Friday, July 31, 2009, 0 comments
J’Miah Nabawi tells tales from all over.

Peppering everything he does with percussion and song, this award-winning storyteller borrows from West African, French, Japanese, Spanish, Hindu legends for his interactive performances.

 

“My goal is to model our differences without judgment, without boundaries,” says the former Berklee College of Music jazz student. “We inevitably come to the conclusion that we are all human beings.”

 

He was named an NEA Master Artist by the Georgia Council for the Arts in 2007, and his characteristic exuberance is a mainstay at schools around the country as well as our own Live Oak Public Libraries and Savannah Children’s Book Festival.

 

The creator of World-Beats and Books likes to remind his audiences that unlike t.v. and video games, his art form is free and requires no batteries:

 

“What happens if the power goes out? We must remember our ability to entertain ourselves through stories.”

 

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
Rev. Micheal Elliot helps provide shelter from the storm.

It began in 1936 with one small building where homeless people could find a clean place to sleep, but since Micheal’s arrival in 1987, Union Mission has grown into a social services umbrella that covers 13 buildings around Chatham County - including its own hospitals, an organic garden and its jewel culinary training program/popular lunch spot, Starfish Café.

This CEO prefers the term “non-profit management organization” over “charity” and is known for his radical practice of running Union Mission like a business.

“To end homelessness, you’re going have to buy your way out. We get people employable to the extent that they’re able.”

Though his clientele is mostly unskilled and often mentally ill, the emphasis is placed on “making everyone’s days productive. Everyone, no matter how broken, has worth.”

Weekends, the good reverend is does his best to be just another Tybee beach bum.

 

Favorite part of wearing skirt? I like embodying the wisdom that clothes don’t make a person; meaning you can’t judge someone by what they’re wearing. But I look good, don’t I?

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 0 comments
Zia Sachedina bedazzles bodies responsibly.

With a deep respect for the native people who create them, the Broughton Street jewelry designer crisscrosses the planet from Brazil to the Yucatán Peninsula to his childhood homes in Kenya and Kansas, gathering unusual pieces and sustainable materials for his chic corner shop.

 

“My work is always influenced by the cultures I visit; I tend to combine them in fairly unexpected ways, like Tibetan prayer beads with Native American turquoise.”

 

The SCAD grad and former model finds it “ultimately fulfilling” to bring new ideas to Savannah and champions lariats as the hot new trend: “They’re so versatile – it can be a necklace, a belt and a bracelet.”

 

Also a PETA activist, Zia remains passionate that exotic, cruelty-free style should be available to all. “Jewelry is an accessory that changes with the seasons, and it should be affordable to switch it up.”

 

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, March 26, 2009, 0 comments
Robert Espinoza runs for the cure.

The owner of Fleet Feet Sports helps organize Savannah’s many foot races from the Bridge Run to the Tybee Marathon, but the city’s first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure holds special meaning.

“I lost my mom to breast cancer four years ago. While most races are about competition, this one is about remembrance.”

It’s also about survival: 75% of the funds raised at this month’s 5K will stay local for early detection and education programs. “It’s my passion to help out charities and keep people moving at the same time.”

Rain or shine, you can find Robert sprinting through the squares, exercising his “fitlosophy”: “Do something that gets your heart rate up once a day without getting mad,” adding that “an active town is a prosperous town.”

Run with Robert and the staff of skirt! Saturday, April 18: savannahraceforthecure.org.

What you like best about wearing a skirt? Running is easier – lots more leg room. Now when I’m selling these, I can speak from experience!

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, February 23, 2009, 0 comments
Roger Moss believes the world can sing in perfect harmony.

With a voice like warm honey and a disposition to match, the artistic director of the Savannah Children’s Choir provides musical education opportunities to second-through-eighth graders, regardless of economic background.

“Our motto is to unite children through the power of song, and we’re committed to representing the cultural diversity of our city.”

The Chattanooga, TN native challenges his young minstrels with classical pieces in different languages, resulting in more than sweet sounds.

“There is much confidence built by mastering a difficult piece,” he says. “And singing is one of the few activities that involves both sides of the brain.”

Gliding between genres with ease, he’s served as a soloist in the much-missed Savannah Symphony, has recently released a CD of soul-infused jazz standards with the Roger Moss Quintet and is roundly lauded for his funky gospel version of Johnny Mercer’s “Accentuate the Positive.”

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, January 26, 2009, 0 comments
Scott Hodges keeps the past alive and kicking.

When this living historian walks into a classroom, eyes unglaze and slouchers straighten up. Wouldn’t you, if faced with General James Oglethorpe himself?

“By the time students see me they’ve already learned a bit about Georgia history, but being in character makes it relevant, not just dry facts in a book.”

More than just “a crackpot in costume,” the William & Mary graduate has been hooked on history since his first whiff of gunpowder as a Civil War re-enactor and got his professional start at Colonial Williamsburg.

“I own more historical clothing than anything else – maybe one good suit, two pairs of blue jeans.” Though he dabbles in other eras, he remains fascinated with the period of time when America was in its infancy.

“That the people could govern themselves as a democracy – it was, and still is, a revolutionary idea.”


Best thing about wearing a skirt? For General Oglethorpe, it was an act of diplomacy when he met with the Darien Highlanders. But I now understand why the Scots abandoned their kilts after meeting the Georgia mosquitoes.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, December 22, 2008, 0 comments
Christopher Schell ties together art and science.

Explaining the laws of physics to eight-graders might drive some to distraction, but this 13-year veteran of the classroom keeps kids curious about the world around them.

“The scientific method parallels the creative process,” says the Ellis Montessori science teacher, who moonlights as an abstract impressionist “highly inspired by the da-daists and Joseph Campbell.”

His mixed-media piece of discarded computer motherboards and other recycled materials showed in last year’s “Reincarnated” show at Gallery S.P.A.C.E., and this semester the committed environmentalist demonstrated the properties of plant cellulose to his students by making paper from scratch.

“With me, the art always has to come out somewhere.”

The TybeeIsland resident also sewed his wife’s wedding dress – and created his tie skirt especially for this interview. “My mom taught me to use a needle and thread when I was five, and I’ve been making things ever since.”

 

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, December 22, 2008, 0 comments
Christopher Schell ties together art and science.

Explaining the laws of physics to eight-graders might drive some to distraction, but this 13-year veteran of the classroom keeps kids curious about the world around them.

“The scientific method parallels the creative process,” says the Ellis Montessori science teacher, who moonlights as an abstract impressionist “highly inspired by the da-daists and Joseph Campbell.”

His mixed-media piece of discarded computer motherboards and other recycled materials showed in last year’s “Reincarnated” show at Gallery S.P.A.C.E., and this semester the committed environmentalist demonstrated the properties of plant cellulose to his students by making paper from scratch.

“With me, the art always has to come out somewhere.”

The TybeeIsland resident also sewed his wife’s wedding dress – and created his tie skirt especially for this interview. “My mom taught me to use a needle and thread when I was five, and I’ve been making things ever since.”

 

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 0 comments
Staff Sergeant Ryan Frappier gives from the “corps”.

The Toys for Tots coordinator hung up his starched dress blues and posed as the fat man in red to remind us that everyone can play Santa this season.

“Just drop off a new, unwrapped gift – it’s easy, and you’ll ensure that in these uncertain times, local kids in need have something under the tree.”

The radio operator had his first taste of philanthropy during two tours in Iraq, where his platoon distributed soccer balls and pencils to schoolchildren. “Something clicked for me when we brought smiles to faces in hostile territory – we can make a big difference when we give just a little.”

He says becoming a dad helped him realize the humanity in everyone and credits the Marine Corps for giving him the “kick in the butt to succeed in life.”

For drop-off locations, go to toysfortots.org.

What’s your favorite part of wearing a skirt? I don’t have a favorite part, but I guess if it amuses you, it’s worth it.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, October 27, 2008, 0 comments
Chef Alphonse “Lee” Lucier has no fear.

As a guest chef on Dinner: Impossible, Chef Lee faced down the challenge of preparing a meal for an unknown number of guests in a limited amount of time – an experience that helped him with his recent lightning-flash turnaround of the restaurant space at the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island.

“We didn’t invent the wheel, we just put new rims on,” says the former Floridian, whose architect wife took the photos for the walls as well as for the cookbook that’s flown out of local stores.

Serving up classically-influenced New Southern cuisine like Carolina chicken and sweet tea couscous, “Eat!” has been packed since day one with locals and Northern visitors – some of whom are surprised to learn that grits are the same thing as polenta.

After he’s done in the kitchen, the father of three likes to surf FollyBeach to blow off steam.

What does he like best about wearing a skirt?It’s funny, but it’s comfy. This orange lamé number is my wife’s favorite.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, September 25, 2008, 0 comments
Loren Laney prettifies all who cross his path.

He can do wonders with shears and honey-blond highlights, but what does a stylist do for someone without any hair?

That’s the challenge for former NYC ballet dancer and Elle fashion editor every time he hosts Heal In Style, a program he began at Memorial Health in 2004 to help cancer survivors rediscover their inner – and outer – beauty.

“People think it’s only skin deep, but a big part of healing is how you feel about what’s reflected in the mirror.”

Participants in the November 15 event receive Loren’s glamorous attentions (including lessons in scarf-tying and wig care if necessary) as well as facials, massages, mani/pedis and make-up provided by his team from 40 Volume and other local salons.

Asked why he sports an angel wing on only one shoulder, he replies drolly, “I’ll get the other one when I’m dead.”

Best thing about reading skirt!? The profiles of strong, Southern women who accomplish great things without compromising their femininity.

Best thing about wearing a skirt? The boys don’t sweat so much.


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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Monday, August 25, 2008, 0 comments
Dr. Emerson “Grouper Man” Brown reels in dinner.

The Savannah optometrist earned his moniker with his uncanny ability to hook the big-mouthed ocean dwellers, which he confesses he’s happy to catch and clean but depends on someone else to cook.

“The power of this fish hits like a freight train! It takes a different technique, and I love the challenge of it.”

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Friday, July 25, 2008, 0 comments
Daron “Farmer D” Joffe toils in the soil.

Armed with two green thumbs and boundless enthusiasm, the 31 year-old native South African sows the notion of nutritious food for all, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

“Organic food is for everyone – and everyone can grow it,” assures the former VP of Georgia Organics, who’s currently overseeing the resuscitation of the historic Trustees’ Garden and has partnered with Union Mission to help low-income families cultivate their own sustainable plots.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 0 comments
Burton Sauls | Southern Son

I'm a feminist because...

I grew up with my grandmothers, exceptional role models who took care of business.

Because even though equality should be a non-issue by now, there are still people who need to be educated.

Because my father, a true gentleman, taught me that ‘Southern male feminist’ shouldn’t be an oxymoron.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 0 comments
Dominic Moraco | Mr. Hospitality

 

I’m a feminist because...

my mother raised me that way.

Because my wife is the most intellectually-sound person I know.

We live in a women’s world where us men have two choices: Let our egos get the best of us and impede progress, or stand with the women and be a part of progress.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 0 comments
Devin Martineau | Seventh Grader

I’m a feminist because…

I was born in Haiti, and I’ve been raised by my mom, grandma and aunts.

I didn’t even know that there are men who don’t think women should do what they want, but now that I do, it really bothers me.

We’re all human and we should be treated the same.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 0 comments
Dr. Alan W. “Grog” Grogano | Renaissance Man

 

I’m a feminist because…

I’ve been married to a professional dentist for 45 years and raised four children, and I understand the challenge of working mothers.

There simply isn’t any difference in capabilities, but women seem to have more tasks to accomplish.

When you have equality between men and women, the species just behaves better.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 0 comments
Charles DaCosta | Animation Professor

I'm a feminist because …

Having emerged from the comfort of my mother's womb and benefited from the safety of her milk, wisdom and kindness, I am a better person. By her example, I’m equipped to impact the world through simple gestures and ordinary actions. Being a mommy's boy is cool!

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Thursday, June 26, 2008, 2 comments
J.C. “Chip” Grayson takes the sting out.

Although the former semi-pro football player and boxer promises he can still take a hit just fine, the mere thought of an encounter with a jellyfish brings him to his knees.

“It’s like 20-30 bee stings at once! I would think about it every time I went in the water,” shivers the Savannah born-and-bred CEO of Coastal Solutions, Inc.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 1 comments
J.C. “Chip” Grayson takes the sting out.

Although the former semi-pro football player and boxer promises he can still take a hit just fine, the mere thought of an encounter with a jellyfish brings him to his knees.

“It’s like 20-30 bee stings at once! I would think about it every time I went in the water,” shivers the Savannah born-and-bred CEO of Coastal Solutions, Inc.

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Tuesday, April 8, 2008, 1 comments
Vinson Miner aims for authenticity.

It’s true that hunting is more hobby than necessity these days, but this Savannah-based craftsman believes that there’s something genuine about bringing it back to basics.

“It’s a challenge to hunt with a bow instead of a gun – you only get one shot.”

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Friday, March 7, 2008, 0 comments
Conrad Hartz hangs out with dummies.

His passion for ventriloquism started back with The Howdy Doody Show and continues to inspire this modern day Geppetto as he handcrafts puppets and marionettes the old-fashioned way. “I use only a mallet, chisel and knife and spend about a hundred hours on each one.”

The Ridgeland native performs on weekends and spends the work week as the head of reception at USCB, but in 1970 he admits to dropping out of college to join Ringling Bros. circus. “I was a sad clown – but the audience was always on my side.”

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He`s So Original
By jessicaleigh, Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 0 comments
Eric “Erok” Culberson could become a legend.

One would think two decades of playing bars six nights a week would wear on a man, but it doesn’t appear to have aged this Savannah musician one bit. “I can’t really call it work,” he drawls. “I’d say the driving is the hardest part.”

He tours regularly, and if you’re any kind of night owl at all, you’ve grooved with him ‘til the wee hours (though the band makes plenty of daytime rounds at festivals, fundraisers and the occasional fishing show on ESPN.)

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Featured Artist Pep Montserrat