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THE MUSIC ISSUE! FEATURING TRACE ADKINS, PHIL VAN TEE, BRIAN VANDER ARK, MARSHALL CHAPMAN, SUSAN PHELAN, AND MORE!
F LYING THE TALL-FRIENDLY SKIES DON’T BOARD WITHOUT READING THIS REPORT! HOLIDAY FASHIONS GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM AND HER!
SHOPPING ABROAD: PARIS PRODUCT REVIEWS TOP CULTURE HOROSCOPES TEEN TALK ... AND MORE!
$4.95 U.S. $5.95 Canada/Mexico
DISPLAY THROUGH JANUARY 14
www.tallmagazine.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS volume 1 number 5
TALL TALES 28
26 “Paging a Mr. Stand, a Mr. Mike Stand. Is there a Mike Stand here?”
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SPECIAL REPORT: ARE WE FLYING THE TALL-FRIENDLY SKIES? Before you board that plane taking you back home or to distant lands, read what we have to say about what airline companies are doing — and who’s doing what — for tall travelers. Kathy Witt
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26
MUSICAL GIANTS
28
TRACE ADKINS
From 7’1” Shaquille O’Neal (he is a rap artist, you know) to 5’9” Tex-Mex singer Lorena Herrera, we’ve compiled a list of some outstanding — pun very much intended —musicians and singers. The TALL staff
In this exclusive interview, we find that the 6’6” country music singer isn’t shy about his politics, his down-home roots, the millions of records he’s sold, or the stardom he’s worked hard to achieve — the man has had a NASCAR event named after him after all. Melissa Lee
november–december 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS SHORT STORIES 30
30 MARSHALL CHAPMAN
She’s been described as “the tall, blond love child of early Elvis and Lauren Bacall.” That says something, you know? C. Kirk
32 PHIL VAN TEE
At 6’8”, Phil is the tallest teller of tall tales around. Everard G. Strong
34 SUSAN PHELAN
What could drive a woman to a life of rock and roll? What about professional wrestling? Susan’s been there, done that. TALL magazine
36 BRIAN VANDER ARK
The 6’5” lead singer of the Verve Pipe — and solo artist — will let you download his songs, but won’t let you drive his car. TALL magazine
SMALL TALK 6 8 10 18 19 20 22 24 25 38 43 44 48 50 51 53 54
VIEW UP HERE TALK BACK TOP CULTURE
38
TEEN TALK BLOGGING 101 SLEEPING YOUR STRESS AWAY TALL THINGS CONSIDERED WATCH YOUR BACK: WINTER PAINS SHAPE UP: INTERVAL TRAINING HOLIDAY FASHIONS TIPS FOR BUYING A PERFECT SUIT SHOPPING ABROAD: PARIS ACCOUTREMENTS HOROSCOPES TALL MALL ADVERTISING DIRECTORY SIZE MATTERS www.tallmagazine.com
5 TALL
photograph by kelly huber
m a g a z i n e
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Life may be short, but we’re not.
THE VIEW UP HERE six feet, nine inches above ground
here are two reasons I’m especially proud of this issue of TALL magazine. (And yes, I realize I’ve said I’ve been proud of every issue we’ve printed so far.) But this one’s different, for two reasons. As happens with starting any project or raising a child, there’s a natural urge to be deeply involved with every minute aspect of the ongoing development. Sometimes, however, we have to back off and let nature take its course. So it is also with TALL magazine. For those of you who have been reading TALL since its February 2004 inception (or going back before that, to our 2003 prototype), you may have noticed that the magazine has evolved from one issue to the next, sometimes quite perceptibly. With this issue, I think TALL’s evolution has culminated, at least for the time being. Sure we’ll keep tweaking and finetuning as we go, but it’s time for TALL to grow on its own for a while, and for me to watch and see where it takes us. Taking a look at our past issues and chewing on the survey responses you so graciously sent us, we made some hard decisions (at least for me), and left some features out while expanding the size and scope of others. I’m not going to tell you which ones, but let me know if your favorite column has gone missing, or your least-favorite column is still in. That’s the first source of my pride. The second is the topic of this issue’s main feature (beginning on page 26): music. I am a huge fan of the power and magic inherent to music in all its diverse harmonies, rhythms, and beats. Though I don’t have a favorite artist or group per se,
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I have gone through a Doors phase, an Elvis era, a Dean Martin season, and a heavy metal decade (I can admit this now). Now, my CD and MP3 player hold a wide variety of songs and artists, from Aaron Copeland to Moby to ZZ Top. Music is the great equalizer. Every culture, every tribe on this Earth has a form of melodic communication, of syncopated expression. Music has the power to still a crying baby, quiet the raging beast, thaw a frozen heart (and mend a broken one), instill hope, elicit joy, and incite passion. We hope with this month’s feature to pay homage to the taller musicians and singers that have made it their life’s choice to provide us with these songs and melodies. CLOSING THOUGHTS. As you sit here reading this, your days and thoughts will probably be filling with holiday plans and year-end events. If you’re looking for some great gift ideas for that tall person on your list (or want to drop hints for yourself), check out what our supporters and advertisers have to offer. Chances are they have something for everyone on your list, including you. Well, the days are getting shorter and so I will not take up anymore of your time. Well, maybe just enough to wish every single one of you a peaceful holiday season and a hopeful new year. See you in 2005!
Everard Strong (6’9”) editor@tallmagazine.com
november–december 2004
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Everard G. Strong
editor@tallmagazine.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Christina Strong
cstrong@tallmagazine.com
ADVERTISING SALES General
sales@tallmagazine.com
EDITORIAL fashion editor Betty Johnson
fashion@tallmagazine.com
teen correspondent Kathryn Kelly
teentalk@tallmagazine.com
contributing editor Dr. Torsten Stein
drstein@tallmagazine.com
contributors Kathy Witt, Mike Werling, Melissa Lee, Dr. Paul Kennedy, Kelly Huber, C. Kirk, and an unusual gang of people who claim to be interns. Want to be an intern? editor@tallmagazine.com
STORY SUBMISSIONS TALL magazine welcomes and encourages story ideas from its readers... this means you! Send queries or completed manuscripts to editor@tallmagazine.com or the address below. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and contact information. All materials submitted without a stamped envelope will be considered property of TALL magazine.
SUBSCRIPTIONS TALL magazine is printed and distributed six times a year. Individual copies are $4.95 (U.S.). Subscriptions are $24.95, and can be ordered by sending payment (checks or money orders) to: TALL magazine #474 360 Grand Ave. Oakland, CA 94606 You can subscribe via credit card or electronic transfer through our web site, www.tallmagazine.com. Monetary and food donations are encouraged and accepted. For Canadian addresses, add $10 U.S. European rate is $69.95 (in U.S. funds).
LEGAL BLAH BLAH All material contained herein is protected by federal copyright law and cannot be duplicated or distributed, in whole or in part, without express permission of the publisher. So don’t.
DISTRIBUTION TALL magazine is distributed by subscription and newsstand through IPD, Media Solutions, Kent Distribution, Small Changes and others. Interested in distributing TALL magazine? Contact us at editor@tallmagazine.com. Copyright 2004 Big E Productions. www.bigeproductions.com Number 1, Volume 5 November–December 2004 TALL magazine 360 Grand Ave. #474 Oakland, CA 94610 The TALL logo is a registered trademark of TALL magazine/Big E Productions, Inc., 2004.
TALL MAGAZINE and HOTEL MONACO present the
“STRETCH YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR WALLET” contest TALL magazine wants two lucky winners and their guests to experience Hotel Monaco’s tall suites first-hand. That could be you! Send in your entry form today and have your bags ready, because you could be one of two lucky winners who will receive
one of two FREE
2-NIGHT GETAWAY Hotel Monaco packages! To enter, simply fill out entry form (or include information on a 3 x 5 card) and mail to: TALL magazine Hotel Monaco Giveaway 360 Grand Ave. #474 Oakland CA 94610 LEGAL NAME: _______________________________________________ M/F: ____________ HEIGHT: _________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH*: _________________
INDULGE YOUR SENSES
PHONE: (____) _____________________ E-MAIL: _______________________________
CHICAGO
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION: ______________________________
DENVER
YOUR FAVORITE HOTEL: _____________________________________________________
NEW ORLEANS
Deadline for entries is December 12, 2004.
Two winners will be randomly selected December 15, 2004. Certificates good for one year from date of issue. *NOTICE: (Winner has one year to redeem prize. Winner is responsible for any and all transportation to and from the selected Hotel Monaco. Hotel Monaco requests 30 days advance notice before redemption of prize.) Winners must be 18 years of age or older. Must have valid I.D. Employees of TALL magazine, Hotel Monaco, or the Kimpton Group are ineligible for entry. Good luck! Winners agree to use their name and likeness for future promotional consideration by either TALL magazine and/or Hotel Monaco and The Kimpton Group. Two winners will be randomly selected on December 15.
SALT LAKE CITY SEATTLE SAN FRANCISCO WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR RESERVATIONS 1-877-966-6226 WWW.HOTELMONACO.COM
TALK BACK for it, because I love being tall. - Marcia Henry
Marcia, thank you for the letter and for your interest in contributing to TALL magazine. We welcome — and encourage — story ideas from our readers. If you have an idea for a feature, product review, advice, or more, send a query note to us via post, or to editor@tallmagazine.com. We can’t promise we’ll include every idea, but we will consider every submission.
To the TALL staff, After 51 years of being different from the rest, I now can stand tall with the rest of your readers. What a great magazine! It’s geared to me, me, me for a change; the clothes, the articles, the works. Keep up the good work! - Vicki H.
Thank you for that great letter Vicki! You’re right, TALL magazine is written for, about, and by you (and all the men, women, and teens that make up the tall community). Dear TALL, Being a woman is not easy; being a tall woman makes it a bit harder. Being a 6’3” woman makes things pretty much hard in every aspect. But I am happy and proud of my height. I am also eager to share my experiences growing up in a country (Brazil) that is not ready for tall people. I would also like to write about the little things that shorter people take for granted, the beauty of being tall, and the pros and cons. I just thought that would be nice to share things that I have lived just because I am tall. And I know there is much more to live, and I am all
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Editor, I recently saw two of the latest issues of TALL Magazine, and I loved it: Great articles (Penn and Teller are my heroes), and very informative. I just subscribed online; I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and if I knew about your magazine earlier I would have subscribed sooner. I know you have only just begun and it must be difficult to get the word out. I just want you to know I feel there is a niche in America that could easily make you a stable success. From one business owner to another, hang in there! I don’t know anything about running a magazine so I have no advise from that front. What I do know is that if
you can survive the initial expenses, stresses, headaches, and all the other obstacles, your determination and sacrifices will be rewarded. - Anonymous, via e-mail
I don’t know what business you’re in, but we think you should seriously think about becoming an inspirational speaker; you certainly motivated my staff to work. Trust me, this is not an easy thing to do. I’m not going to get too sappy here, but I did a random Google search today and found my Holy Grail with TALL magazine. I live in Massachusetts and although I randomly see people tall like me, there is no one that I have ever been able to relate to. My birthday is around the corner and I asked my future ex-wife (my fiancée) if she would get me a subscription to your magazine as my gift, and she did! – Jeff K.
Jeff, by all means, get sappy. In our book, any fiancée who gets her new husband a subscription to TALL magazine has the makings of a great wife. Send letters, suggestions, photos, and donations to editor@tallmagazine.com.
YOUR INPUT HERE: Want to be a contributor to TALL magazine? We are looking for your input on the following topics: 1. AUTO REVIEWS
Whether you’ve purchased or recently test-drove a new-model car, or just wanted to share suggestions on older-model cars, we are looking for the following information: 1. Car brand, model, and year. 2. On a scale of 1 to 5, rate its: legroom: headroom: overall rating: driver’s height: inseam: sex: (m/f) weight: overall brief comments:
november–december 2004
2. WINTER SPORTS
Do you ski (downhill or cross-country) or snowboard? If so, where do you go? Do they accommodate taller guests? Did you purchase your own equipment? If so, where? Advice or tips for others on equipment, clothing, or other considerations? What about ice-skating or snowmobiling? Any models or makers you would recommend? Please send your input to editor@tallmagazine.com. Thanks!
TOP CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT charlize, j’adore ovie actress Cherize Theron will be the new face for Christian Dior’s classic perfume J’adore. The 5’10” actress, who will grace the silver screen this holiday season in two movies — Life and Death of Peter Sellers and Head in the Clouds — was chosen for her looks and attitude. Launched in 1999, J’Adore has constantly placed in the top five best-selling perfumes in the United States. Charlize will face stiff opposition in the perfume-representative arena, joining 5’11” Nicole Kidman, who signed a mega deal with Chanel No 5. In other Charlize news, the 28-year old Theron recently suffered a serious injury while performing a stunt on the set of yet another upcoming movie. Aeon Flux, based on the animated adventures of the title character, is set for a 2005 release. Charlize suffered neck injuries and the filming had to be put on hold for several weeks while the star recovered.
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“Go ahead,” said Shaq. “Ask me how many hours there are in a day.”
SPORTS shaq-size your workout asketball superstar Shaquille O’neal has teamed up with 24 Hour Fitness and will introduce several “Shaq-sized” fitness centers to the Miami area, with a goal of further expansion to the rest of the country. The 7’1/2” center for the Miami Heat has personally been involved in developing fitness centers that go above and beyond the ordinary. According to a spokesperson, the fitness centers will include full service fitness facilities with numerous amenities including basketball courts, swimming pools, and cutting edge aerobic routines. There was no word from 24 Hour Fitness as to whether the equipment itself would accommodate taller people, which — let’s face it — is what we really want to know.
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the wizards grow taller he same team that recruited 7’7” Gheorghe Muresan (1993) and 7’6” Menute Bol (1985) have skimmed the treetops once again, recruiting 7’3” Peter John Ramos. The Puerto Rican native, who was born in 1985, was spotted in a Brooklyn Big &
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Tall store when he was 14 years old and measuring 6’5”. (Isn’t this a dream we all have?) Ramos was offered a contract before anyone even knew if the kid could play (isn’t this another dream we all have?), and sent to Caguas, a Puerto Rican Superior Basketball League, to hone his skills. The Wizards chose Ramos as their 32nd pick, acknowledging that the 265pound 19-year-old needed some in-game experience, but showed great promise.
run on, runyon hiladelphia TV station CN8 has signed the Eagles’ 6’7” lineman John Runyon to host his own “Runyon Report.” The weekly segment will be a feisty and humorous segment featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, commentary about the season, and colorful player gossip. “We’re going to have fun with ‘The Runyan Report’ by taking the camera to places and people the fans don’t typically get to see,” said Runyan. “My goal is to give viewers a taste of Eagles reality-TV, with an inside look at the temperament, anecdotes, and camaraderie the team players reveal on and off the field.”
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november–december 2004
superman flies no more t wasn’t kryptonite that brought Superman down. Christopher Reeve, best known for his movie roles as the handsome red-caped super hero, passed away on October 10 of heart failure. He was 52 years old. The 6’4” actor started out acting at a young age, making his Broadway debut opposite Katherine Hepburn in the 1977 play, A Matter of Gravity. Appearing in other movies, it was his role as the Man of Steel that catapulted him into the limelight. Afraid of being stereotyped, Reeve backed off from major movie parts after the last Superman film, concentrating on stage acting and smaller supporting roles. Paralyzed from the neck down after a 1995 equestrian accident, Reeve turned his attention to raising national awareness for spinal chord research, and was prominent in the encourage-
I
IT’S A TALL WORLD AFTER ALL ment of the Stem Cell Research bill. Christopher Reeve is survived by his wife, three children, and parents. You can continue his legacy by donating to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. The Web site is ChristopherReeve.com.
What crazy will look like in 2005.
LEISURE how high can you fly? or the New Jersey-based Six Flags Great Adventure, the answer is 456 feet into the air. That’s the highest ascent for Kingda Ka, their newest roller coaster. If all goes as planned, the coaster — presently under construction — will rocket riders 456’ into the air at a 90-degree angle (accelerating from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds), and pausing slightly in mid-air before lurching back down to earth, circling around a 270-degree spiral, and zooming over a 129’ hill before gliding to a gentle stop. The park will be handing out free underwear to all surviving riders (we assume). The ride is scheduled to open in time for their 2005 season.
F sandy rides again andy Allen, who at 7’7” has the honor of being the world’s tallest woman, recently had her van stolen. Being wheelchair-bound, the vehicle was a necessity to the woman’s life. Raising funds for a new vehicle, she was promised a substantial donation by an anonymous donor, only to have the donation fall through at the last minute. Staring at a bleak future, Sandy was in desperate straits It was at this time that the community of Shelbyville, Indiana, rallied to their most famous neighbor and offered their support. The local Indianapolis Rehabilitation Hospital dug deep and helped provide enough funds for Sandy to purchase her van, much to Sandy’s disbelief and gratitude.
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11 reasons you need to join TALL magazine’s 2005 Altitude Adjustment Getaway cruise: 1. You will always be able to find your group. 2. You can feel short when standing below the rock-climbing wall. www.tallmagazine.com
3. Have a pick-up game of hoops with someone your own size. (Who knows, she may even beat you!) 4. You can actually dance with someone cheek to cheek. 5. Talk to someone eye-to-eye. 6. Have a tall cool one, with a tall cool one. 7. Have everybody sit in the front row at the show and piss everyone off. 8. Our motto: “Mix and mingle with other tall singles.” 9. Take a gamble with some new friends (at the onboard casino). 10. Sunbathe with some statuesque beauties. 11. Two words: “Midnight buffet.” TALL magazine is offering its first annual Attitude Adjustment Getaway. The ship will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida on May 8, 2005 and take you to Hispaniola, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico before returning back to the mainland on May 15. Don’t miss this boat! Rates start at only $892.15 per person (includes taxes and fees). Look on Tallmagazine.com for more information or contact Marybeth Bluhm at greatcruises@cfl.rr.com.
11 TALL
ON THE ROAD
TALL 12
november-december 2004
TALL-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
for many
tall men
and women,
FLYING is no
JOKE a special report by Kathy Witt
www.tallmagazine.com
13 TALL
ON THE ROAD
Pitch.
Any tall flyer worth his or her height should become very well acquainted with this term. In airline parlance, pitch is the distance between a row of seats as measured from the same position on two seats, one behind the other. Pitch has nothing to do with seat width or legroom, but it does have everything to do with a passenger’s level of comfort on a flight. For tall flyers, every inch of pitch is crucial.
PITCH
“When American Airlines put more space in coach, it made a big difference for tall flyers,” says Gina Stouffer, vice president at Florida-based Lou Hammond and Associates. Stouffer’s job requires frequent travel, and she has flown just about every airline, though she does favor one over the others. Because of the extra room to be found on many American Airlines’ planes, Stouffer always considers this airline when making her travel arrangements. Standard pitch in American Airline’s coach seating is 31 to 32 inches. Northwest Airlines offers a seat pitch of 30 to 32 inches on domestic flights and 31 to 32 inches on international flights. By contrast, American Airlines features 33 to 34 inches of pitch on certain seating sections of its aircrafts. The increased pitch was reintroduced — due to consumer demand — in February of 2000.
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“While there is still seating with less room where price is more important than legroom, all seating has been enhanced as part of our restructuring,” explains Carlo Bertolini, an American Airlines spokesperson. “We still have the extra room on more than three quarters of our fleet — 80 percent of our daily departures,” he said. Flyers in American’s first and business class sections enjoy much more pitch: 89 and 60 inches respectively. Those who can’t afford those options should ask if their American Airlines flight features the “more room in coach” seating. For tall flyers like Stouffer — who stands a full 6’ — that additional two to three inches of pitch means she will feel much more rested and relaxed when she deplanes at her destination. “I can really tell a difference with airlines offering more room in coach, especially if I’m not in an exit row,” she says. Regardless of airline, Stouffer has certain strategies she employs to ensure her comfort when flying. She always books an aisle seat so she can stretch her legs out into the empty space if she needs to; she tucks a pillow behind her back on longer flights to prevent lower back pain; and she always asks for a seat in the emergency exit row upon her arrival at the airport. Says Stouffer: “If I can’t get a seat in the emergency exit row, I still have an aisle seat.” For incidents of what she describes as “passenger in your lap,” that torturous scenario for tall flyers wherein the passenger in front reclines his or her seat, an aisle seat can be critical to comfort. “I can turn and point my legs to the aisle,” she says, laughing. “I just have to be careful I don’t get hit by the cart.” “Flight attendants do try and help,” notes Bertolini. “If the flight isn’t full, they’ll usually help you move to another seat so you don’t have the issue of someone reclining in front of you.”
november-december 2004
Darren Goodwin, director of customer marketing for Maybelline Cosmetics, flies at least five times a month. Because he flies out of Hoboken, New Jersey, the 6’8” Goodwin usually books his ticket on Continental Airlines, where the seat pitch is a frugal 31 inches. “I try to get the emergency exit row or an aisle seat where no one is in the middle,” he explains. Goodwin has had solid success with the airline’s ticket counter agents who always try and get the most comfortable seating arrangement for him. There are some things, though, that are simply out of their capable hands: airplanes with monitors that drop down the center so that tall flyers have to hunch over on the way to their seats; Lilliputian-size lavatories; and narrow seats. “If you fly a lot, upgrade to business or first class when you can,” he advises. “In coach, try and get the emergency exit row or bulkhead, the only places you get room. If possible, book a row where the seats are empty so if the passenger in front of you reclines into your seat, you can move too and stretch out to the side.” “If you’re not in first class, that is the best you can hope for,” seconds Mike Vos, who stands 6’7”. Vos flies at least once a month on Delta Air Lines or its interline partners, most of the times on a pleasure trip. While usually seated in first class, Vos has found his elongated frame in a 32-inch pitched coach seat often enough that he has developed his own comfort strategies. “It helps if you’re a savvy traveler in any situation. I keep an inflatable neck pillow in my carry-on. Getting up and walking around helps. And there are exercises you can do like neck rolls and toe flexing.” He isn’t quite as enthusiastic as Stouffer and Goodwin about the emergency exit row seats. “Yes, you gain leg room, but the seats have dividers in them so you
find yourself aboard the first annual
YOU SHOULD BE HERE
altitude adjustment getaway May 8 – 15, 2005
7-NIGHT Western Caribbean Cruise Aboard the fourstar Mariner of the SeasSM
from only
Reason #6 to reserve your cabin today:
Enjoy a tall cool one, with a tall cool one.
$892.15 per person!
(Pricing includes all port taxes and government fees. Conditions apply.)
Ship highlights include: ice-skating rink, royal promenade (open 24 hours), 3 pools, casino, fitness center, day spa, basketball courts, youth facilities and much more! The Mariner of the SeasSM ship represents the highest space-per-guest ratio in the cruise market.
REGISTRATION: Contact Marybeth Bluhm at Cruise Planners PHONE: (866) 289-3603 • (407) 365-7737 FAX: (407) 650-2623 E-MAIL: greatcruises@cfl.rr.com Online forms also available at www.tallmagazine.com
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 1. $250 per person payment due by January 4, 2005 2. Final payment required by February 25, 2005 RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
DETAILS AND CONDITIONS: • TRIP DETAILS: 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida to Labadee® Hispaniola, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Georgetown Grand Cayman, and Cozumel Mexico. • PRICING LEVELS (all prices include applicable port fees and taxes) a. $892.15 per person — Promenade stateroom b. $1052.15 — Oceanview stateroom c. $1282.15 — Superior oceanview stateroom with balcony d. Other categories available upon request. Contact Marybeth for more details. e. Triples and quads available on a limited basis. Reserve early for best availability. • BED CHOICES: Choice of two twins or one queen bed. Beds measure 78.5” long. • AIRFARE: Airfare is not included. Please contact Marybeth Bluhm at Cruise Planners for flight pricing from your city. (866) 289-3603 or (407) 365-7737. • LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only on select sailings. Certain restrictions apply. All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. All itineraries and prices are current at time of printing and subject to change without notice. Ships registered in Norway and the Bahamas. Neither TALL magazine nor Cruise Planners will be held liable for cruise cancellations.
ON THE ROAD
Every tall traveler’s dream. don’t gain any lateral mobility. If you can find an empty seat beside you in another row and take up a seat and a half — sharing it with the other person two seats away — that really is the best scenario.” One airline that actively courts both extremes of the height spectrum is Midwest Airlines. “We’ve gone to considerable lengths to accommodate both tall and short customers,” says spokesperson Carol Skornicka. “When we were working with Boeing on our new fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, we worked extensively with the German seat manufacturer Rocaro to develop a seat for real people, not the ‘average’ traveler, of which there probably are none!” According to Skornicka, Midwest’s occupational health staff helped design ergonomically superior seats that were tested by the airline’s customers. The seats, featuring 33 to 34 inches of pitch, are designed for the taller traveler, and footrests were added to accommodate the shorter traveler. Headrests can be raised to a comfortable height for each individual traveler. In exit rows, the pitch extends to 37 inches. “In addition, all of our seats are spaced front to back to provide a comfortable distance that tall travelers really appreciate.”
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The airline offers two categories of service. Midwest’s traditional “Signature Service,” offered to major business destinations, features wide leather seats, two on each side. Its “Saver Service,” launched last summer, is designed more for the value-conscious traveler headed primarily to leisure destinations. The seating configuration in this category is three-by-two, which means the seats are narrower. Notes Skornicka: “We have however maintained the 33 to 34 inch pitch.” Their focus on seating for “real people” seems to be paying off: Midwest Airline’s seats have been described as some of the most comfortable coach class seat in the industry. Midwest keeps good company with Southwest Airlines. Its all-coach configuration features seat pitch of 33 inches and seat width of 18 inches, armrest to armrest. Additionally, according to 6’2” Ed Stewart, senior director of public relations for Midwest and a frequent flyer himself, “Once you get the emergency exit row seat, you get a whole other row of room. “With my height, those seats are comfortable. When it comes to an allcoach configuration, I don’t think anyone has more room than Southwest Airlines.” “Every inch of pitch makes a surprisingly significant difference when it
november-december 2004
comes to leg room comfort,” notes Skornicka of Midwest Airlines. Nowhere is that truer than at United Airlines, where increased pitch has indeed made flying the friendly skies even more so for tall passengers. In July, United Airlines added a full seven inches to its fleets' business and economy-plus sections, giving passengers 20 percent more personal space. According to United spokesperson Andrea Arroyo, seats in the economy section have the standard pitch of 31 inches, but those in the relatively new economy-plus section have pitch well over the industry standard at 34 to 36 inches. This service is offered on all United airplanes. The long and short of having a positive flying experience that is as comfortable as possible is simple: Know your pitch. Your knees will thank you—not to mention your legs, feet, neck and back. For more information about seat pitch and a comparison of airline seat pitch, visit Skytrax, a site with lots of pitch data. Their Web site is AirlinEquality.com Our January/February issue of TALL magazine will feature “14 Tips for Tall Air Travelers.” Stay tuned. Questions? Comments? Send them to editor@tallmagazine.com
TALL-FRIENDLY TRAVEL TALL TRAVELING ESSENTIALS Whatever your destination, and however you fared with your inflight seating, there are two essentials every tall traveler should not be without.
LUGASSIST LUGGAGE EXTENDER $14.95 www.lugassist.com This nifty gadget should be in every tall person’s stocking on your holiday shopping list. Extending your reach by up to 10�, the LugAssist puts an end to nipped heels and tweaked shoulder muscles.
THE KNEE DEFENDER $14.95 www.kneedefender.com They may not look like much, but those two chunks of plastic are causing a stir in the airline industry. When properly positioned onto the drop tray in front of you, the Knee Defender will actually prevent that seat from reclining. Some airlines are considering banning these devices, so be careful.
TEEN TALK COOL SCHOOL SHOPPING TIPS t was back to school (again), and those of us with above average height faced the challenge of finding the perfect fit and style of shirts that didn’t show our wrists and pants that actually covered our ankles. According to an article in a St. Petersburg, Florida, newspaper, Jayne Adams, mother of two tall teen daughters, had what she called a “large problem” with the Hernando County School Board’s dress code; the dress code didn’t apply to tall girls — and she found it impossible to find shorts for her daughters that met the district’s new standard of being no shorter than five inches above the knee. Parents drew up a petition and asked the school board to revise its policy to be more fair to tall girls. One parent said that it was “insane” to have girls wearing pants during the sweltering Florida summer and that the rule “just didn’t fit.” The school board vice chairwoman recognized the concerns being raised, and agreed that the board would listen to concerns and consider changing the code. What does this mean for us tall teens? Whether you are faced with a dress code that doesn’t “fit,” or simply looking for clothes at the mall, shopping for stylish clothes is a challenge at best! For tall girls 5’9” and over (I’m 6’), you would think finding fashionable clothing would be easy. After all, the catwalks are filled with tall models. But, most fashion runway clothing is specifically made for the models, who really only represent about two to three percent of the entire United States population. Unfortunately, retailers cater to their average-sized customers. Companies make their products for the majority of people who do the buying, and the demand for longer sizes isn’t that big (yet).
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We would like to welcome Kathryn Kelly to TALL magazine. She is 15 going on 18, stands 6’, and likes to dance — pointe, ballet, tap, and jazz — and play softball and basketball. She also attends her local junior high school. In other words, the Arkansas native (yes, we have heard those jokes before) is a full-time teenager, albeit an astute one. We have nominated Kathryn to be our TALL Teen Ambassador. We’re not quite sure what perks come with that title, but Kathryn has agreed to share her view of the world with us. Consider this a printed version of Kathryn’s blog. Send your questions and comments to Kathryn at teentalk@tallmagazine.com
SHOPPING RESOURCES: The Buckle: Buckle.com TALL magazine: Tallmagazine.com Casual Male: Casualmale.com Long Elegant Legs: Longelegantlegs.com J. Crew: JCrew.com Alloy: Alloy.com J.C. Penney: JCPenney.com
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Fortunately, we are teens of the Internet generation, and more tall awareness gives us more choices. My mom and I began to search online about two years ago, and found that there are many virtual stores as well as “real” stores that have Web sites. I made my bi-annual trip to The Buckle (TheBuckle.com) store a few days before school started. They carry the hottest brands – Lucky, Roxy, Silver, Billabong, and their own BKE — for guys and girls. We found the latest styles in jeans, tops, outerwear, shoes, boots, and accessories. This year I actually had to have two pair of jeans altered because they were toooooo long! LOL! But, no problem, they offer free alterations and great customer service. A 6’1”, 15-year-old girl contacted us at TALL and informed us that she shops at Delia’s (Delias.com) and at Alloy (Alloy.com). Alloy offers up to 38” inseams in some of their pants. She also shops at Express for jeans. The brother of a 6’8” guy told me he gets most of his jeans and pants through Eddie Bauer (EddieBauer.com). J. Crew (JCrew.com) also carries tall shirts and sweaters. He bought his brother a tall J. Crew sweater for Christmas and his brother said it was the first sweater he has ever had where the sleeves were long enough! Other tall guys said they had luck finding items at J.C. Penny (JCPenney.com), and Casual Male Big & Tall (CasualMale.com). Don’t forget to visit the advertisers in TALL magazine for retailers that cater to tall. My favorite dress jeans are a black denim from Long Elegant Legs (LongElegantLegs.com). All the companies that advertise in TALL are busy adding new things everyday, especially more trendy items. Remember, if we ask for it and buy it, they will provide it, so support these companies! Remember, wherever you are, I’m Kathryn at teentalk@tallmagazine.com.
BLOGGING 101 Write your diary online. Share it with strangers. Repeat. emocratic candidate for President Howard Dean’s race for the nomination has ended, but he may still have secured a place in history as the first presidential candidate to rely heavily on blogs. A blog, or online diary, according to Laurie Brown, a faculty member of the Art Institute of California — San Francisco, can be defined as “an online diary that relates personal facts and stories, political opinions, or anything else that the writer wants to convey.” Dean’s use of blogs allowed him to communicate with voters, speak on issues, and solicit donations. Many believe Dean’s decision to use blogs helped him reach young and disenfranchised voters and secure an early lead in the race. Since the Web began in the first half of the 1990s, many individuals began their own personal Web pages, often including links they found of interest. Eventually people started calling the ones that were updated often with new commentary “weblogs,” and later “blogs.” Like Dean's blogs, online diaries can be similar to a daily newscast, but take a smaller, more intimate approach. For example, during the initial battles in the war in Iraq, an
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Iraqi student kept a blog about his emotions and experiences during the first days of “shock and awe.” According to Anthony Moy, instructor at the Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, “The blog allowed many people around the world to experience the other side of the international conflict from a less adulterated and personal level.” Not all blogs are serious in nature. Some of the most popular blogs can be funny and compelling reflections of their writer’s personal hobbies or obsessions: For example, a blog by and about a fanatical knitter (Wendyknits.net). Blogs can also morph into books. Julie Powell, a secretary from Staten Island, cooked her way through all 524 recipes from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and is turning her online diary (blogs.salon.com/0001399) into a book. What do you need to get started blogging? A computer and an Internet connection, for starters. There are several Web sites devoted to the art of blogging; Blogger.com is a good place to begin. So start blogging, and let the world share your thoughts. Content courtesy in part from ARA content.
REACH SUCCESS YOUR WAY! We are looking for sales people to help grow TALL magazine. Join our team and realize your personal and financial goals. TALL magazine offers high commission, flexible hours (you set your own!), an account base, and the opportunity for you to grow along with us. Send resume and cover letter to sales@tallmagazine.com www.tallmagazine.com
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SLEEP STRESS AWAY Follow these 10 steps to dream your stress away. ccording to the Better Sleep Council’s (BSC) third annual stress and sleep survey, women identify getting a good night’s sleep as their top priority for personal wellness. To help achieve this goal, the Better Sleep Council has developed ten tips to help consumers start each day with a good night’s sleep. 1. Give yourself permission to go to bed. As hard as it may be to put away your to-do list, make sleep a priority. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. 2. Unwind early in the evening; try to deal with worries and distractions several hours before bedtime. 3. Develop a sleep ritual: Doing the same things each night before bed signals your body to settle down for the night. 4. Keep your biological clock in check by going to bed around the same time each night and waking up close to the same time each morning — even on weekends. 5. Create a restful place to sleep. Sleep in a cool, dark room that is free from noises that may disturb your sleep. 6. Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation. It’s difficult to sleep on a bed that’s too small, too soft, too hard, or too old. (Tall Paul’s Tall Mall has some
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extra-long mattresses. www.tallpaulstallmall.com) 7. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help relieve daily tension and stress — but don’t exercise too close to bedtime or you may have trouble falling asleep. 8. Consuming stimulants, such as caffeine, in the evening can make it more difficult to fall asleep. 9. Don’t smoke. Smokers take longer to fall asleep and wake up more often during the night. 10. Reduce alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep. Contents courtesy in part ARA content.
november–december 2004
TALL THINGS CONSIDERED SHIZZLE DELUXE LOWRIDER CUSTOM CRUISER BEACH BIKE $499 he frame on this beauty of a bike measures a lengthy 7’5”, making this if not the perfect bike for us taller folks, then at least putting it in the top echelon. The Shizzle Deluxe features 26” whitewalls on custom 68spoke black alloy rims, classic metal fenders on both front and back wheels, a super long custom chain line, and a sweeping metal chain guard. Other features include ultra-wide custom chrome handlebars with motorcycle-style hand grips, chrome springer forks for a “rocker” front end, and a super-spring comfort seat with chrome rim. Ladies, you must check out the Shizzle Diva Deluxe!
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Shizzlebikes.com
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OMEGA ENERGY DRINK $1.99 (16 OZ.)
BUDWEISER BTOE $1.99 (16 OZ.)
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ow many variations are there on an energy drink? From the constant barrage of samples we get here at the TALL offices, we would say limitless. So it was that we were surprised when we sampled a Fuze Omega Energy drink. No chalky feelings in our mouth, no aftertaste, and a decent flavor are making this a much sought after beverage around here. Packed with Taurine, Carnitine, Ginseng, and other wonderful ingredients (though no high-fructose corn syrup), this is great for giving you that extra oomph.
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Omegabev.com
Budweiser.com
aking a page out of CocaCola’s history book, Budweiser has introduced BtoE, a beer infused with ginseng, guarana, and caffeine. But that’s not all troopers: according to a press release, “Well balanced with select hops and aromas of blackberry, raspberry and cherry, BtoE will offer a lightly sweet and tart taste.” Though we do risk life and limb on a regular basis here at the TALL magazine product review lab, we have our limits. And when Budweiser starts tampering with its formula, that’s a line we’re not willing to cross.
november–december 2004
TALL-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS PIER 1 SPECIAL FINDS, MANGO COLLECTION: ARMCHAIR $385 OTTOMAN $124 ustic yet modern, Pier 1’s Special Finds collection adds a new dimension to your house without subtracting too much from your wallet. With its plush cushions, the Mango armchair pictured here offers a comfortable seat for most tall folks, and the ottoman invites you to take your shoes off and stretch your long legs. Go ahead, you deserve it.
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Pier1.com
INTERNATIONAL CXT-4 EXTREME PICK-UP TRUCK our neighbor thinks he’s so cool driving that new Humvee H2, doesn’t he? Show him what real men drive by pulling up in the CXT-4, the world’s biggest production pick-up truck. What do you get out of it beyond the sheer power of it all? Standard features include an 8’ pick-up bed, 4x4 on command all-wheel drive train, air brakes, all pushed by a DT466 I-6 diesel 220 HP engine delivering 540 lb/ft of torque. The 5-passenger, 4-door crew cab is decked out with individual leather front seats, a rear view camera, a 10.5” drop-down DVD screen and player, custom Alpine XM radio and CD player, heated mirrors, keyless entry, fog lights, air horn (Oh yeah!), tilting steering wheel, and a remote for the tilting pick-up bed. The CXT measures a drivewayfilling 258” long, 108” tall, and 96” wide. (We recommend you buy this vehicle only if you own your own oil-producing country.)
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InternationalDelivers.com
www.tallmagazine.com
23 TALL
WATCH YOUR BACK WALKING TALLER
Q
: My husband, who used to be
a professional athlete, has been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. He doesn’t exercise much anymore, but he’s been raking leaves and I know that when winter comes, he’s going to want to shovel the snow. Are there any tips you can give him on how to watch his back? He won’t listen to me, but hopefully he’ll pay attention to you.
: Winter and fall are the times when people hurt their back the most. One of the first things to do before starting with any physical activity is to check with your doctor, especially if it has been a while since you have done something strenuous. Also (your husband didn’t put me up to this), here is another idea: Why don’t you join your husband and help him with the yard work? It does have many advantages: • Approximately 40 million Americans are in danger of having low bone mass (Osteopenia) or Osteoporosis. Exposure to sunlight increases your body’s vitamin D production, helping your bones absorb calcium. • Yard work (or any exercise) can protect or at least slow the onset of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can even boost the immune system, helping stave off all those nasty winter colds. • Yard work is also proven to burn as many calories as most aerobic activities. You increases your energy and, according to one study, improve your self esteem and reduces stress. Don’t overdo it, however. When doing yard work, it’s very easy to use your back when you should be using your muscles. If you put too much pressure on the spine, the discs between the vertebrae of the spine are stressed by compression and shearing. This hurts. The discs do pretty well with compression forces, but the shearing is what tears through the fibers of the
A Dr. Stein stands 7’2”. If anyone should relate to the physical problems that arise from being tall, the good doctor would be the one. Reach him at drstein@tallmagazine.com
SNOW SHOVELING TIP: Use your body weight — and not your back — to push the shovel into the snow.
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disc. So as everyone has been taught, bending with your knees and not at the waist is the best way of lifting. But, bending at the waist and then twisting will eventually cause problems. (It might be a good idea to wear a weight lifting belt when doing some serious digging in the yard, as this helps keep the lower back straight.) Before your husband (or any of you readers) go out into the cold, here are some tips on how to take care of your back, so it can take care of you. 1. Warm up by walking for five to 10 minutes. Suck in your stomach muscles while you pace, this will help strengthen your middle region. 2. Do some light stretching (but no twisting). Place your hands on the small of your back and gently bend backwards; lift your arms up over your head and reach high. This will warm up your shoulders. 3. Pushing a lawn mower (instead of riding one) is great exercise, working your leg, arm, and shoulder muscles. However, avoid reaching too far in front of you when you push. (I realize when you’re tall, many mowers seem to be just too short, so watch yourself.) 4. Raking is a great exercise, working the core arm and shoulder muscles. Suck in your gut and switch arms when working to build up your abs. 5. When shoveling and digging, use your body weight — and not your back — to push the spade in the ground or snow. Keep your knees slightly bent and make use of the whole length of the handle, which most of the time will be too short for us anyway. 6. Stop and take breaks often, especially if you feel your back starting to strain. Walk around for a couple of minutes, and then repeat the stretching from step 2. 7. After you’re finished, and before you enjoy your hot chocolate, do some more stretches. Watching your back, I’m Dr. Torsten Stein, B.S., D.C.
SHAPE UP INTERVAL TRAINING
Q
: I’m 39 years old and want, by
running and bicycling, to lose a 15-pound spare tire that has accumulated around my waist. My running friends mentioned I should try what they call “interval training.” According to them, I would jog at a steady pace for five to 10 minutes, and then sprint real fast for about a minute or two, before slowing back down for a couple of minutes and then repeating the whole process. Is this safe? I haven’t tried it yet as I have this image of my heart exploding from the extra exertion.
: It’s unclear from your question where you are in terms of your cardiovascular fitness. If you are just starting out, especially if you have been sedentary for a while, I would recommend that you begin by building a solid aerobic base. Start by running at a pace that is comfortable, yet challenging. Progressively increase the amount of time that you run by five or 10 minutes per week until you can sustain a running workout of about 20 to 30 minutes. Some individuals may need to start out by walking (briskly) for a week or two before increasing to a running pace. If you are already comfortable with running, keep in mind that as a taller and, possibly, comparatively heavier individual (you didn’t list your current body weight), running may be a more skeletally stressful activity for you than for the average person. Each running stride brings three to five times the weight of your body (depending on pace and terrain) onto your hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Taller individuals need to keep this in mind since their leverage systems are differen; this mild to moderate implosion factor can be of greater consequence in the long term. Be reasonable in your progress and build that aerobic base first before engaging in interval training. Your
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heart and bones will thank you for giving them time to adapt to the greater workload. Interval training is a great way to add variety to your training while also challenging slightly different energy systems in the body. At its most basic, interval training is a system of steady pace running interspersed with sprint training. This type of training is also helpful for sports or recreational activities that require running patterns that are not constant, like basketball. Interval sprinting also helps keep a running workout from getting stale. Once you’ve established a sufficient aerobic training base, begin an interval routine by adding a short sprint (at a reasonable, but not maximum speed) every few minutes. These sprint intervals can be as little as 10 or 15 seconds to a few minutes, depending on your goals, the speed of the interval, and your perceived exertion. These intervals not only add variety to your workout, they offer an excellent way of improving your endurance and cardiovascular fitness. If you want to loose that spare tire, cardiovascular training is not the only route you should be taking. Reducing your caloric intake by just 200 calories per day (a soda and a cookie) will result in a 20-pound fat loss in one year — and that’s without any exercise. Adding a strength training program will help you gain calorie-burning lean body mass — muscle. Adding a little lean body mass, even though your “scale weight” might increase, will result in a leaner and more fit body (see my book, Be Fit, Stay Fit for more details of this important concept). The fact that you are out there doing something physical on a regular basis is a good way to reduce your body fat and become more fit. With a reasonable concession to your diet, and a little strength training, you will have covered all the bases and established a balanced approach to a healthier and more fit lifestyle. www.tallmagazine.com
Dr. Paul Kennedy is the author of Be Fit, Stay Fit (Blue River Press, 2002) and the host of Be Fit, Stay Fit America, a nationally-syndicated television show. Visit him at BeFitStayFit.com.
RUNNER’S UP: As a taller individual, running may be a more skeletally stressful activity for you than for the “average” person.
25 TALL
“Testing Testing 1 ... 2 ... Hello? Is this thing on?”
usicians and singers are a breed apart. Whether they play the banjo or sing arias, it takes a special quality to go up in front of a group of strangers and pluck (or belt) your heart out.
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Being a tall musician or singer adds another dimension to your on-stage presence as well. For starters, you actually have an onstage presence. Would Krist Novoselic, Nirvana’s legendary 6’7” bassist, have been as imposing and memorable on stage if he measured a mere 5’10”? Would the Eroica Trio, a group of three classical musicians be as graceful if they were all 5’3” instead of ... well, you’ll have to read down the list to see how tall the three ladies are and to see the other tall musicians we’ve rounded up for this feature.
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Our list and accompanying stories are varied, reflecting the genres of jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, classical, and others. This list is far from complete, and for a reason. We hope this story will spark discussions and debates about other heightened members of the musical stage. Is there a parallel between one’s talent and one’s height? Being biased as it were, we would like to say that yes, there is, and leave it at that. Read on and draw your own conclusions. We tried to be as accurate as possible with the information in the list, gathering data from record companies, Web sites, and the individuals themselves. There are a lot of talented tall people out there. We believe it’s time they got their due. This is a list that we will always be building on, so send us your contributions. Throw in your favorite CD (or MP3 file, 45, cassette, reel to reel, LP, or 78), turn the volume to where you like it, fix a drink, grab your favorite pillow, settle down on the couch, and, in the words of Bob Seger (who isn’t that tall but his song title fits nicely here), “Turn the page.”
november–december 2004
celebrating our
musical
GIANTS
TALL MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL MUSIC ISSUE by Everard G. Strong with assistance from Dan Harbord (FamousHeights.com), Joerg Estelmann (TallWomen.org), and many other members of the tall community.
www.tallmagazine.com
27 TALL
ouisiana native Trace Adkins — real name Tracy Darrell Adkins — exploded onto the country music scene with 1996’s platinum-selling Dreamin’ Out Loud. Since then, the 6’6” singer has released five more albums — four of which went either gold or platinum — and 10 singles that have made it into the Country Top Ten charts. In 1997 Trace won the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Vocalist award, and in 2003 the singer was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Before becoming a star, he spent time working on oil rigs at sea, construction jobs, and surviving numerous band break-ups. Unwilling to give up on his dream of making it as a singer, Trace moved to Nashville in 1992, signing with Capital Records three years later. Since then he’s been the voice of KFC, had a NASCAR Busch Series named after him (the Trace Adkins Chrome 300), and become a staple of political talk shows. In the past year he’s had three albums certified gold, appeared at the Republican National Convention, voiced a character on the animated TV series King of the Hill, and began work on a new album. In a phone conversation between tour dates, Trace took some time to talk to TALL magazine about his upcoming projects, a new daughter, Christmas wishes, and his thoughts on this country’s current politics.
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TALL MAGAZINE: “One Hot Mama,” from your album Comin’ On Strong, is a song about a guy who thinks his woman is sexy no matter she’s doing. Do you think that’s the way women should be looked at? TRACE ADKINS: You know that old trite saying that beauty is in
the eye of the beholder? Love transcends all the physical stuff. When you love somebody, you look at them and you see that beauty that you fell in love with. I think that was the message of this song. When the song came out, the response to it was 100% positive. Then when the video came out, it seemed as if then some of the feminist ladies took offense to the video. They just didn’t think it was done the right way. They thought it made women just objects and all that kind of stuff. But that’s not how we meant it to be. Everyone has their own opinion about that. TM: Speaking of politics, you’re a conservative. You’ve appeared on numerous political talk shows, and performed at a Republican National Convention reception. Who influenced your political views? TA: Nobody really. My parents never really steered me in any politi-
cal direction; politics wasn’t a main topic of conversation. Watching them and the way they conducted themselves, the life they led, there was no question that they were conservative people; they were Democrats. I’ll never forget when I turned 18; I was going to go register to vote and I asked my daddy, “What are you registered as?” I didn’t even know what political party they belonged to. I asked my dad and he says, “I’m a Democrat.” I said, “But you’re not a Democrat.” And he said, “Yeah, I am.” I said, “Tell me why you’re a Democrat.” And he said, “Because my daddy was a Democrat, and his daddy was a Democrat, and his daddy was a Democrat.” I come from that old-school deep-South
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thing. I think my daddy was from that generation that was lagging behind a little in swapping their party affiliation. When the Democratic Party changed, he was one of the last holdouts. I think Jimmy Carter was the last Democrat my daddy ever voted for. I was the first Adkins in our family to register Republican. TM: Would you ever consider getting into politics? TA: I probably would at some point. That very first “Hi, how are
you doing?” press conference is going to be painful. I had a discussion with Alan Simpson, former Senator from Wyoming, who asked me if I had any political aspirations. I told him I’d love to but I have skeletons that would preclude me. He said “Son, just do what I did. My very first press conference lasted three hours because I told them every bad thing I had ever done, and none of it ever came up again.” TM: What do you want for Christmas? TA: What do I want for Christmas? Ah, I think I’ll just do my nor-
mal Christmas thing this year and have a surgery and hope for a speedy recovery. I’ve got a spur in one of my feet, a bone spur, that’s killing me. I can’t stop and get it fixed, ya know? It seems like for the holidays every year I have to go in for some maintenance surgery. TM: From your list of injuries — a cut off nose and pinky finger, various broken bones — you’ve lived an interesting life. TA: Well the hard living is catching up. I try to stay in decent
shape; I work out a good bit. I blew both my elbows out last year and had to have tendons reattached on both of them. That was my Christmas last year. This year I guess it’ll be my foot. TM: When is your second daughter due? TA: Santa’s bringing me a baby! She’s due the second week of
December. I’ll just lay up with my foot wrapped up and hold the baby for a few weeks. TM: Were you ever shy about your height? TA: Oh no. I’ve always looked at it as a blessing. There are a few
little hardships that go along with it; we don’t need to go down that whole laundry list. I can change a light bulb without a ladder! TM: What was it like working on the show King of the Hill? TA: Those guys should not be getting paid for doing what they’re
doing; they have way to much fun. You’re laughing the whole time and you’re doing anything you want to do as far as with the voice you give the character. I’ve enjoyed it and those guys have just been awesome to work with. I hope I get to do a few more. TALL Visit Trace Adkins online at TraceAdkins.com. About the author: Melissa Lee is a published writer and entertainment journalist who splits her time between Los Angeles and Tennessee. She also happens to be 6’1” tall.
november–december 2004
Trace Adkins is Rough, Ready, and Offering No Apologies by Melissa Lee
www.tallmagazine.com
29 TALL
Marshall Chapman: Little Miss Rock n’ Roller
The 6’ singer, songwriter, and now author, has always had a story to tell. ashville resident Marshall Chapman has had music in her blood since the day when, as a little girl, she was brought along to see Elvis Presley in concert. Since then, Marshall has played guitar in many a band, appeared on many a stage, and written many a song. These songs have been sung by Jimmy Buffet, Wynonna, Joe Cocker, Emmylou Harris, and John Hiatt, and others. With the recent release of her book Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller, she has also become an author. Autobiographical, the book centers her life story around 12 of her most favorite songs. TALL magazine caught up with her briefly in between book promotions.
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TALL MAGAZINE: In your book you mention playing Tackle Scrabble. What, exactly, are the rules to the game? MARSHALL CHAPMAN: The dictionary must be placed about 20
feet from the board. If someone challenges you, if you can tackle them before they can get to the dictionary, your word stays as played. TM: Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, or Susan Sarandon: Whom would best play Marshall Chapman when your book becomes a big-screen movie? MC: Geena Davis, definitely. She’s just so tall. Plus she looks like a
Southerner. Don’t ask me why, but Sigourney Weaver looks like she has never been south of the Mason-Dixon line. TM: Which verse from one of your songs is nearest and dearest to your heart? MC: On New Years Day, 1980, I wrote a song about my guitar:
“And like a fine spirit that mellows with time This guitar’s a full-bodied Burgundy wine that never runs dry She pours out the songs while I play along And I hope to heaven my soul goes to her when I die.” I was coming off a dry spell; I had begun to think I might never write again. Maybe that’s why those lines are near and dear. TM: Read any good books lately? MC: The tallest author I have read in the last year would be former
senator (and NBA All-star) Bill Bradley. My favorite of his is Life on the Run, about his years on the road, playing college ball for Princeton, then on with the NY Knicks. TM: Does the world need another Elvis? MC: The world today wouldn’t even notice another Elvis.
Find out more about Marshall Chapman online at TallGirl.com.
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THE A-LIST Musicians and singers that stand heads and shoulders above the crowd. GROOVE ARMADA’S 6’8” ANDY CATO (LEFT)
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL HEIGHT: 7’1” CLAIM TO FAME: Rap singer (and basketball star).
ANGUS ANDREWS HEIGHT: 6’9” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for band Liars.
4-WAY HEIGHT: 7’ CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer of punk band Suicide King.
ANDY CATO HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Half of techno band Groove Armada.
MITCHELL OLSON HEIGHT: 7’ CLAIM TO FAME: Aspiring singer and songwriter. He was on the TV series “Survivor”.
MAYNARD KEENAN HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for punk band Tool.
THOMAS AGERGAARD HEIGHT: 6’11” CLAIM TO FAME: Danish saxophone player. TOM BEARD HEIGHT: 6’11” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for shock band Feo Y Loco.
NEIL SPRAGG HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Drummer for band Mocca. EVIE G. S. HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Frontman for Little Evie and His Big Boys.
www.tallmagazine.com
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Phil Van Tee’s
Bumper Stickers for Coffins: Lose weight now, ask me how I’d rather be breathing My other box is bronze If you can read this, you’re a gopher Honk if you love formaldehyde If you lived in here, you’d be home by now I may be slow, but you’re carrying me My kid is an honor roll orphan Gravediggers do it deeper If this box is rockin’ ... open it up, I’m not dead yet! Dead guys stay stiff longer hil Van Tee, a graduate of Ringling Brothers Clown College, knows how to entertain a crowd. An accomplished banjo player (he even made his own out of a coffee tin) and storyteller, the 6’8” Phil has performed all over the country and the world. He is at his best when in front of an audience, and regales the crowd with stories — and songs — about his strange grandfather, his three wives, his misadventures with pets, and bizarre road adventures. He claims to be a three-time winner of the Las Vegas Liars Festival (but who can believe him), and has branched out into acting, appearing on Comedy Central, The Man Show, Nickelodeon, Mad T.V., and others and has one several awards. Find out more about this versatile performer online at PhilVanTee.com.
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november–december 2004
JIM ROOT HEIGHT: 6’6” CLAIM TO FAME: Guitarist for band Slipknot. PETER STEELE HEIGHT: 6’6” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for metal band Type O Negative. JIMMY CHANDLER HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Drummer for band The Makers. ERIC ERLANDSON HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Guitar player for band Hole.
6’7” RAY BENSON
DISCOPEDRO HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Techno artist. TOMMY TUNE HEIGHT: 6’8” CLAIM TO FAME: Legendary Broadway dancer and singer. LONG JOHN BALDRY HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Legendary blues singer.
MIKE EDWARDS HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for band Jesus Jones. MONTELL JORDAN HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: R&B singer. KRIST NOVOSELIC HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Bassist for alternative rock band Nirvana, and book author.
RAY BENSON HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer of Western Swing band Asleep at the Wheel.
JOEY RAMONE HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Ex-lead singer for The Ramones. (R.I.P.)
“TALL” PAUL BOBAL HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Musician and songwriter.
PHIL VAN TEE HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Banjo player, singer, and storyteller.
LES CLAYPOOL HEIGHT: 6’7” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for band Primus.
TRACE ADKINS HEIGHT: 6’6” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer.
MIC FLEETWOOD HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Founder of band Fleetwood Mac. MONTE HALE HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Singing cowboy, actor.
CLAIM TO FAME: Once homeless Chicago musician who signed to a major label. C-MURDER HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Rap singer. BOOTSY COLLINS HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Funk guitar superstar. SNOOP DOGG HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Rap artist and movie star. DAVID HASSELHOFF HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer (at least in Germany), and actor. ALAN JACKSON HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer.
PAUL KOVAK HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Banjo and guitar player for Hillbilly Idol. GEDDY LEE HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for Canadian band Rush. CHRIS OLLEY HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for band Six by Seven. BRIAN VANDERARK HEIGHT: 6’5” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer of band Verve Pipe, solo artist. WESLEY WILLIS HEIGHT: 6’5”
www.tallmagazine.com
6’4” SNOOP DOGG
STEPHEN KING HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Author, member of writer’s band Rock Bottom Remainders. RIC OCASEK HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for The Cars, solo artist.
33 TALL
FRANK PUGLIESE HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for band Sons of Hercules.
Wrestling or Rock n’ Roll
Either way, Rexway’s 6’2” Susan Phelan will kick your butt.
JAMES “MUNKY” SHAFFER HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Guitar player for heavy metal band Korn. ROGER WATERS HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Solo artist, formerly of Pink Floyd. BARRY WHITE HEIGHT: 6’4” CLAIM TO FAME: Soul singer.
efore entering the dangerous world of rock and roll as the bass player for rock band Rexway, Susan Phelan enjoyed a career as a professional female wrestler. From pile driving to string thumping, the transition has suited Susan well, trading in a life of mats and knee pads for that of loud amps and smoky beer halls. Rexway’s music is as agressive as Susan’s headlock, a loud and dirty brew of southern fried rock and beer-swillin’ charisma. The music grabs you by the ears and slams you against the table until you smile. What would drive a good woman like Susan to this choice in life? TALL had to find out.
B
TALL MAGAZINE: Do you have fond memories of your wrestling days? SUSAN PHELAN: Oh yes, but most of the stories
shouldn’t be repeated here. When I joined, I was 20 years old, out on my own for the first time and kind of a wild child. We (the wrestlers) lived in Miami Beach, made mad cash, traveled in tour busses and were treated like “late night” TV stars.
TALL 34
TM: What attracted you to the bunch of hooligans known as Rexway? SP: Without a doubt, their music and their ener-
gy. I knew in the first 30 seconds of their CD that I wanted to be a part of this band. Plus, they needed someone to make them look good. TM: What lured you into the lurid world of rock and roll? SP: My family. My dad was a bass player and
6’3” Ted Nugent
MARK BRYAN HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Guitar player for Hootie & the Blowfish.
owned a music store, Mom played piano and some drums. I was born to rock. Since I remember, I’ve always been surrounded by musicians and always encouraged to play.
PAUL HENDERSON HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Composer, comedian, singer, and actor.
TM: You’re 6’2”. Have you always been comfortable with your height? At what age did you reach that height? SP: I had a major growth spurt in early high
BRET MICHAELS HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for band Poison and actor.
school. I was not happy about it. Kids are ruthless with lots of teasing. But then I started playing basketball and kicked their ass. Visit Rexway.com for more information.
november–december 2004
TED NUGENT HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer, songwriter, and the Nuge.
Raise them right, with TALL wear Each item bares the motto: “My daddy’s taller than your daddy” Great Holiday gift ideas! Find these and other great TALL wear items at www.tallmagazine.com 6’3” Corey Parks
JOHNNY CASH HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer and songwriter. JULIE DANSBY HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer, stage actress, and puppeteer.
RAYMOND HERRERA HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Drummer for Fear Factory. JAMES HETFIELD HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for band Metallica. INDRA HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for band Numbers. TOMMY LEE HEIGHT: 6’2”
www.tallmagazine.com
ed ito r@ ta que Se llm ry n ag le d y az tte ou r r in e. s to co m
JOHN TESH HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and piano player, and ex-host of Entertainment Tonight TV show.
JOE ELLIOT HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer for Def Leppard.
m Wri ag te az fo in r e:
MIKE RUTHERFORD HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Bassist for Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics.
JONATHAN DAVIS HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Lead singer for heavy metal band Korn.
TA LL
COREY PARKS HEIGHT: 6’3” CLAIM TO FAME: Fire-breathing bass player for The Hunns, and ex-Nashville Pussy.
35 TALL
Brian Vander Ark You can download his music, but you can’t drive his car — because he doesn’t have one. s the 6’5” frontman to the Michigan-based band the Verve Pipe, Brian Vander Ark led the band into the national spotlight with the chart-topping song, “The Freshman.” With the band on hiatus, Brian has kept the music flowing, playing solo venues, reunion concerts, and releasing a new CD, Resurrection. He has also delved into acting, appearing in the major motion picture Rock Star, along with Mark Whalberg and Jennifer Aniston. He spared a couple of minutes to talk with TALL magazine.
A
TALL MAGAZINE: As a musician who gets royalty payments, what are your thoughts on Kazaa, Gnutella, and the whole idea of trading files online? Where does The Verve Pipe, the song “The Freshman,” and your current solo material fit into the above statement? BRIAN VANDER ARK: I believe that you should
it doesn’t make sense to me. When you’re struggling to make it, you can’t afford new clothes. But when you have made it and can afford them, they give them to you. That was almost always the case — we’d do a photo shoot, and keep the clothes we wore. I lived that way for all of those years; I don’t remember buying anything.
download music that is generated by the popular machines. Prices of records have skyrocketed over the years, thanks to the greed of major record labels. However, buy the records released independently, they need the support. I could care less if someone downloaded anything by the Verve Pipe at this point. It would actually be more beneficial to us if they did. Our records are sitting on the shelves with a $14.99 price tag, not being heard. If the music of our last album gets passed around, it would create a buzz, thus getting people to come to the live shows, thus generating more income. As far as the solo record is concerned: I personally paid for the recording, and have intentionally kept the price tag low (a reasonable $10). If someone can’t afford it, I would give it away. It’s all about getting the songs out there and off of the shelves. (By the way, I made most of the money off of “The Freshmen” through publishing — from radio play and so on.)
TM: What kind of car do you drive? BVA: I don’t have a car. I have an RV that we
use on the road. I’m like Warren Schmidt (in the movie About Schmidt with Jack Nicholson). If I need to run an errand, you can see me driving to the post office in the RV. TM: How did you get involved in the movie Rock Star? BVA: I heard about the movie through EMI pub-
lishing. They asked me to write a song similar to the vibe of “The Freshmen” for an upcoming movie. I did, and told them I also did some acting. With the demo in hand, I got an audition. The casting agent brought me in to meet the director and I gave him the CD. By the time I got back to my hotel, he had called and said how much he liked the song. I didn't hear anything for weeks, and then I got a new script in the mail, with the lyrics from “Colorful” printed in it. I couldn’t believe it. I called my manager and said, “Maybe we should look into this?”
TM: Though you’ve been on stage in jeans and a T-shirt, you’ve also worn some pretty cool threads too. Did you get any kind of endorsement deal as far as modeling clothes? BVA: Those flashy pants days are over. That
TM: How did your height work in Rock Star? BVA: My height worked well in the role; it
said, I can tell you that this business of celebrity,
Visit BVAmusic.com for more information on Brian.
TALL 36
CLAIM TO FAME: Drummer for Motley Crue and solo artist. KID ROCK HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Rap artist, actor. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Formerly of N’Sync and now solo artist. LUTHER VANDROSS HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Soul singer. ROB ZOMBIE HEIGHT: 6’2” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and horror movie director. SUSAN PHELAN HEIGHT: 6’1” CLAIM TO FAME: Bass player for Rexway. Former wrestler for POWW. MARSHALL CHAPMAN HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and songwriter. MACY GRAY HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: R&B singer. SARAH INGRAHAM HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Vocalist GRACE JONES HEIGHT: 6’ Claim to Fame: Vocalist LOBELIA HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Songwriter and musician.
called for a big, dumb bass player.
november–december 2004
JESSY MOSS HEIGHT: 6’
CLAIM TO FAME: Australian female rap artist. BRIGITTE NIELSEN HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Danish actress and singer. BETH ORTON HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and songwriter. LARA ST. JOHN HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Canadian violinist. CAROL WELSMAN HEIGHT: 6’ CLAIM TO FAME: Pianist and jazz singer. ERIKA NICKRENZ HEIGHT: 5’11” CLAIM TO FAME: Celloist for classical ensemble Eroica Trio. GALE REVILLA HEIGHT: 5’11” CLAIM TO FAME: American Indian singer and songwriter. ALICCIA BERG HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and songwriter for band Slumber.
SUSI HYLDGAARD HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Danish jazz singer. QUEEN LATIFAH HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Rap star and actress. MANDY MOORE HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer. ADELA PENA HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Violinist for classical ensemble Eroica Trio. CARLY SIMON HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer and songwriter. LORI SINGER HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Actress, singer, and celloist. JOSS STONE HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: English jazz singer. SUZY BOGGUSS HEIGHT: 5’9” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer.
CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Singer, actress, and author.
MARIAH CAREY HEIGHT: 5’9” CLAIM TO FAME: Pop singer.
TERRI CLARK HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer.
SARA EVANS HEIGHT: 5’9” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer.
FAITH HILL HEIGHT: 5’10” CLAIM TO FAME: Country music singer and actress.
LORENA HERRERA HEIGHT: 5’9” CLAIM TO FAME: Tex-Mex pop singer, actress. TALL
www.tallmagazine.com
37 TALL
FOR HER: Black georgette skirt $45.00 White button-down shirt $46.00 Both available from Long Elegant Legs LongElegantLegs.com
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november窶電ecember 2004
HIGH FASHION
TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY ... Because you finally have clothes that fit!
Y
ou have every reason to look forward to this year’s holiday season.
Whether you’re on the receiving end (the best place to be), or the giving end (it is better to give than receive), you won’t be caught short when it comes to fashion finds. If you have a tall person on your Secret Santa list, or want to indulge yourself (go ahead, you worked hard all year), we’ve put together some ideas that will make everyone’s Holiday a very happy one!
FOR HIM: Brown George Foreman Microsuede Sportshirt. In sizes up to 5XT $45.00 Cotton woven stripe shirt $38.00 Black Drill denim jeans $48.00 Casual Male Big & Tall CasualMale.com
www.tallmagazine.com
39 TALL
HOLIDAY FASHION FINDS
FOR HER: Pink satin shirt $55.00 Black low rise cotton velveteen pants $59.95 Tall Girl Shop TallGirlShop.com
FOR HER: Black halter top with back pearl bead detail $35.00 Black nylon skirt with netting overlay and sequin detail $85.00 Tall Girl Shop TallGirlShop.com
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november窶電ecember 2004
HIGH FASHION
FOR HIM: Mondo Di Marco Vertical Print Shirt Sizes up to 4XT $79.50 Rochester Clothing RochesterClothing.com
www.tallmagazine.com
41 TALL
HOLIDAY FASHION FINDS STORE SPOTLIGHT this issue: JUNGLE BABIES OWNER: Jessica Rothe STORE MOTTO: “High quality clothes that actually fit!” LOCATION: Online only at Jungle-Babies.com. FOUNDED: October 2003 OWNER’S HEIGHT: 5’9” (But my son is growing taller every day!) ORIGIN OF STORE NAME: I wanted something that sounded fun, and it allowed me to incorporate animals of various shapes and sizes into my products and marketing. MOTIVATION FOR STORE: I started Jungle Babies to address what I saw as a glaring need: my son, Nathan, is in the 90th percentile for height, but he was around the 40th percentile for weight (he was very tall and skinny for his age). I was surprised to find out just how many other people were having tall babies and experiencing similar frustrations when trying to find clothes. LENGTH BETWEEN IDEA OF STORE AND REALITY: Seven months to go from my initial idea to having a working Web site with clothes to sell. YOUR TALLEST CUSTOMER:There is a three-year-old boy who is about 40” tall. His younger sister may end up being even taller. WHY YOU’RE DIFFERENT THAN THE REST: Jungle Babies is the only store offering clothing that fits infants and toddlers who are long in the torso and/or in their legs. YOUR FAVORITE ITEM THAT YOU CARRY: My favorite items this season are boys’ overalls, but the girls’ PJs are also adorable. FAMOUS CUSTOMERS: None yet. ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS YOU MOST PRIDE YOURSELF ON: All of our clothes are of the highest quality, are a good fit, and are made the in the United States. WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Nathan, the man behind Jungle Babies’ success, modeling a pair of his brushed cotton pull-on pants. $20.00
FOR HER: Charcoal gray cape sweater $48.00 Design Elevations DesignElevations.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jungle Babies Jungle-Babies.com (214) 538-9799
Store Spotlight lets our readers learn more about advertisers that provide goods and services catered to their tall needs. If you would like more information on how your store or service can be featured in this section, e-mail us at sales@tallmagazine.com
TALL 42
november–december 2004
HIGH FASHION
MEN: HOW TO LOOK GOOD IN BLACK AND WHITE by Rob Daniels ith all the holiday parties and galas you need to attend this year, consider buying a tuxedo instead of of renting one. It doesn’t cost as much as you think, and you can rest easy knowing you never have to stay awake at night wondering if the inseams and your coat sleeves will be long enough. Wanting all of our readers to look their best, following are a few tips on measuring and buying your tuxedo and accessories. TUXEDOS: Black tuxedos are classic, will never go out of style, and should be your only choice in color. Three-button coats are the standard, although two-button and one-button tuxedos are still being seen at formal functions. Double-breasted tuxedos are a rarity, and for a reason. They only look good if they’re buttoned-up, and only while you’re standing up; two strikes against any party being fun. A plain notch lapel is the norm, although a one-button shawl collar tuxedo looks very elegant. High peak lapels are out. GETTING MEASURED: A tuxedo is not just a purchase, it’s an investment you can wear again and again. Make it worth your money and have a professional measure and alter your tuxedo. Many coats and pants can be bought as separates, so don’t settle for something that needs excessive alterations. Fit, comfort, and durability are the most important things to look for. YOUR SHIRT: To find out your neck size, measure around the neck, and then go up to the next largest 1/2”. For your sleeve length, measure from the center of the back, at the base of the neck, down to the top of the shoulder, and then down to the top of the hand. Always round up to the next longest 1” measurement. A “combination” sleeve length is the longer of the two sizes: a 35/36 sleeve is cut to a 36” sleeve. Your shirt can be any color, as long as its white. And only white. TIES: With a a point collar shirt, you can wear a bow tie or a regular four-in-hand tie (preferably a solid satin). With a wing collar shirt, a bow tie works best. A cummerbund is optional with a bow tie, but never with a regular tie. Bow tie and cummerbund sets are acceptable; solid black satin is the dressiest, but silver and black combos work too.
W
FOR HIM: Pierre Cardin Tuxedo AfterHours Formal Wear AfterHours.com
THE FINAL AND MOST IMPORTANT ACCESSORY: MADE-TO-MEASURE SHOES
A
s you take the plunge and purchase your first tuxedo, consider taking the next crucial step — made-to-measure footwear — and complete your formal attire. Instead of searching through the limited selection of mass-manufactured store brands, treat yourself to shoes made exactly to the dimensions of your feet. Utilizing centuries-old traditions, Suzanne George completely hand crafts her made-to-measure footwear for men and women in the true spirit of personalized service. Entirely custom designed and constructed to one's individual specifications, she combines materials of the finest quality with her training in biomechanics and orthopedic shoemaking to harmoniously integrate the essence of her trade with the unique style and fitting requirements of each client. To finalize your ensemble with optimum comfort and distinctive character, please contact Suzanne George at 415.775.1775.
Rob Daniels is the executive director of BATBAA, the Big and Tall Buyers Association of America. For more information, visit Batbaa.com or e-mail him at BATBAA@aol.com. www.tallmagazine.com
paid advertisement
43 TALL
FASHION SPECIAL REPORT: SHOPPING ABROAD PARIS: THE WORLD’S FASHION CAPITAL by Lee Ann Cornelius aris is called the world’s fashion capital for a reason: well-dressed Parisians stroll down boulevards lined with luxury stores, giving the city a “chic”ness that outdoes any other European capital. It is this certain “je ne sais pas quoi,” along with excellent food, beautiful landmarks, and romantic cobblestone streets, that make Paris the number one European tourist destination. Whether there to admire the Louvre’s architecture or simply to sip coffee in a typical Parisian café, most tourists try to squeeze time in to splurge on some of the city’s irresistible fashion temptations. France is home to Europe’s thirdshortest population, just two centimeters taller on average than first- and second-place winners Spain and Portugal. The typical Frenchman measures somewhere between 5’8” and 5’9”, his feminine counterpart coming in considerably shorter at just under 5’5”. For people seeking taller sizes in the land of the small and sleek, this shopping extravaganza is considerably less glamorous. However luxurious, sizes in the fanciest stores that line the famous Champs-Elysées often fall short of the tall tourists’ needs. Fortunately, if you are long-limbed and find yourself in the City of Lights, a few merchants around town have caught on to the slow but steady upward growth of the French, and they’re more than ready to help foreign visitors get a taste of “heightened” French fashion. TALL Magazine recently checked out a few of these stores, picking two that will justify any Parisian getaway. We can give you the inside scoop, but you’re on your own for airline tickets. When looking for tall shops in town, be sure to head straight to the Bastille neighborhood. In this bustling and popular “quartier”, two tall-friendly stores have sprung up within a few
P
TALL 44
blocks of each other: one for women, the other for men. Angelys, the women’s store, is tucked away in a corner on the quaint rue Saint Sabin. (If you ride the Metro, find the Chemin Vert stop). Soft pink lighting along the storefront window helps this great shop be easily recognizable. Inside, Kalyne and Isabelle are waiting and eager to give you a hand at finding pants that fit or shoes that don’t pinch your toes. Young, friendly, and English-speaking, this duo set up their store in 2001 in response to a growing demand for clothes to fit both themselves (at 5’11” and 6’3” respectively) and their tall peers. Since then, Angelys has become known all over France, and the store has seen tall visitors from Europe, Canada, and the United States come through its doors. Although small, the store carries quite a selection. Waist sizes go up to an American 20, with lengths available for women anywhere between 5’10” and 6’6”. Shoes reach a European size 46, which is a hard-to-find 14 in standard American sizes. With this range, it’s no wonder that Angelys is an official sponsor of the French national women’s basketball team. The store has a thorough web site (Angelys.fr), but the co-owners stress that more items are available in the store than online. Be sure to check out the variety of casual and fancy pants, tops, dresses, and suits. While the store has a definite “hip” feel to it, it also carries great basic staples like the ever-essential black dress. Around the corner from Angelys, on the boulevard Beaumarchais (Metro stop: Bastille), is De Long en Large, a well-stocked store of casual men’s clothing and shoes. The clothing selection ranges from sports jerseys to informal buttondown tops, with a large choice of
november–december 2004
jeans, khakis, and corduroys as well. Véronique, the owner, has searched far and wide to provide a healthy collection of Adidas, Nike, and Timberland shoes (amongst others) that go all the way up to a men’s 52, or about an 18 in American sizes. While Véronique recognizes that there are several other stores in Paris for tall men to find suits, she says De Long en Large is the only men’s sportswear store with specialty sizes in the city. De Long en Large, now in its thirteenth year, was such a success that Véronique started her own clothing line, DLEL, sold through the store. The brand has jeans, sweaters, jackets, and more, with sizes for men past the 7’ mark. Véronique and her team speak English and are frequented by international clients, so don’t hesitate to stop in. Before you go, you can check out their comprehensive Web site at Delongenlarge.com. There’s even a size comparison chart for international users posted online. If you decide to make Paris your next getaway, keep these stores in mind for your own taste of French fashion à sa hauteur. This common French expression literally translates as “at its highest,” but it is commonly used to mean “at its best.” Clearly, the French consider height to be a great thing. Angelys 66, rue Saint Sabin 75011 Paris (33)1.43.38.48.47 Angelys.com De Long en Large 30, bd Beaumarchais 75011 Paris (33).1.49.29.97.90 DeLongenLange.com
Lee Ann Cornelius is TALL magazine’s foreign shopping correspondent. We’re not sure what that means exactly, but it sounds exciting. She constantly scours foreign shores for the best tall-friendly shopping sites, and reports back to us.
HIGH FASHION
FOR HER: Nelli ribbon tie suit $156.00 Tall Couture TallCouture.com
FOR HER: Hooded track set $89.00 Long Elegant Legs LongElegantLegs.com
www.tallmagazine.com
45 TALL
FASHION SPECIAL REPORT: SHOPPING ABROAD
FOR HIM: Smooth velour sweat set $160.00 Big Daddy BigDaddy.com
FOR HIM:
FOR HIM:
Harlem Renaissance Cage Sports Jersey $160.00 Black Fives BlackFives.com
Independent Pleasure Club Fieldhouse coat $300.00 Black Fives BlackFives.com
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HIGH FASHION
FOR HIM: Geoffrey Beene solid sateen dress shirt $45.00 Casual Male CasualMale.com
FOR HIM: George Foreman Comfort Blazer $150 Harobor Bay Oxford Shirts $26–$30 Geoffrey Beene Silk Ties $30–$35 Polo Jeans $55–$69.50 All available at Casual Male CasualMale.com
www.tallmagazine.com
FOR HIM: Cashmere sweaters Assorted colors Rochester Clothing RochesterClothing.com
47 TALL
ACCOUTREMENTS FOR HIM: Bond No 9 Wall Street Perfume. A cool, zesty, and spicy fragrance celebrating the financial heart of New York. 3.4 oz $190.00 1.5 oz $110.00 Available at Saks Fifth Avenue Saks.com
FOR HER: Handcarved jade and faceted Iolite earrings and matching pendant. Sterling silver $76 Simpatico Fashions SimpaticoFashions.com
FOR THEM: Oversized products — great gag gifts! GreatBigStuff.com
FOR HIM: Optimal Cleanser 5.0 oz $25.00 Optimal Toner 5.0 oz $28.00 Optimal Shave 5.0 oz $23.00 Donell Skincare DonellSkin.com
TALL 48
november–december 2004
TALL ETC.
WHERE TO FIND IT
Fashion for Tall Women www.talletc.com RESOURCES PAGE 22 SHIZZLE BIKES; ShizzleBikes.com 877-744-9953 OMEGA ENERGY DRINK; OmegaBev.com BUDWEISER; Budweiser.com PIER 1 IMPORTS; Pier1.com 800-245-4595 BUDWEISER; Budweiser.com INTERNATIONAL; InternationalDelivers.com 800-448-7825 PAGE 38 LONG ELEGANT LEGS; LongElegantLegs.com 800-344-2225 PAGE 39 CASUAL MALE BIG & TALL; CasualMale.com 800-767-0319 PAGE 40 TALL GIRL SHOP; TallGirlShop.com 800-767-0319 PAGE 41 ROCHESTER CLOTHING; RochesterClothing.com 800-282-8200 PAGE 42 DESIGN ELEVATIONS; DesignElevations.com 888-920-9595
PAGE 46 BIG DADDY; BigDaddy.com 484-462-2001 BLACK FIVES; BlackFives.com 203-532-4610 PAGE 47 CASUAL MALE BIG & TALL; CasualMale.com 800-767-0319 ROCHESTER CLOTHING; RochesterClothing.com 800-282-8200 PAGE 48 BOND NO. 9 FRAGRANCES; Saks.com 877-551-7257 DONELL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS; DonellSkin.com SIMPATICO FASHIONS; SimpaticoFashions.com 973-442-9700 GREAT BIG STUFF; GreatBigStuff.com 800-773-8832 To have your fashions, accessories, or products featured in TALL magazine, send electronic high-resolution photos (300 DPI) and descriptions and pricing for each item on CD — including where to find them — to us at: TALL magazine ATTN: Fashions 360 Grand Ave., #474 Oakland CA 94610 Do not send large files via e-mail unless you notify us first.
PAGE 43 AFTERHOURS; AfterHours.com 800-594-8897 PAGE 45 TALL COUTURE; TallCouture.com 877-790-8255 TALL GIRL SHOP; TallGirlShop.com 800-767-0319 LONG ELEGANT LEGS; LongElegantLegs.com 800-344-2225
We also accept actual samples. Please send those to above address as well. Return postage paid by addressee. We cannot guarantee of any items or samples. We do support our advertisers.
www.tallmagazine.com
Eight stores across the nation for women lucky enough to be tall. Tall Etc. features a wide selection of career and casual clothing for all ages. New items arrive every month that reflect the current fashion trends of the season, so visit often or shop on-line. CALIFORNIA: Pasadena 468 E. Colorado Blvd. 877.606.6566 San Jose 3375 Steven’s Creek Blvd 877.235.9125 Walnut Creek 1500 S. Main Street 800.243.8825
TEXAS Dallas 5000 Belt Line Road 877.206.0863 Houston 5878 Westheimer 877.465.8236
GEORGIA Atlanta 2480 Briarcliff Road 866.738.6919
COLORADO Denver 201 University Blvd. 877.797.8901
ILLINOIS Oak Lawn 5207 ½ W. 95th Street 866.478.2442
49 TALL
HOROSCOPES LIBRA (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23): You know exactly what you’re getting everybody on your holiday shopping list, and they’re all great gift ideas. The only problem (which repeats itself every year) is you haven’t bought any of them yet. Ideal gift for you: a personal shopper
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22): This year you will finally receive that financial windfall you deserve. Unfortunately, bank theft carries a minimum of 10 years in the slammer. You will emerge from this experience a new person. Ideal gift for you: cartons of cigarettes, soap-on-a-rope
SAGGITARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21): Having a birthday so close to the holidays sucks, we know. Just remember, it’s better to give than receive. Yeah, right. Once again, you get stiffed by receiving gifts only once. Ideal gift for you: Whatever you want, you deserve it!
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20): Like the Saggs, your birthday gets lost between Christmas and New Years’ Eve celebrations. This year, the spotlight will be only on you. Just don’t flub your lines, Ghost of Christmas Present. Ideal gift for you: Acting for Dummies AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19): This holiday season, it’s time for you to put your family first. Turn off the TV and focus on their needs. It was your idea to invite them over for Thanksgiving, after all. Ideal gift for you: A set of carving knives (for the turkey)
PISCES (Feb. 20 – March 20): Buying each of your friends and family members a color TV last year was very nice of you. Asking for the gifts back when your dot-com IPO didn’t go through, not so cool. Ideal gift for you: A trip to Jamaica (after you sell off the TVs)
ARIES (March 21 – April 20): Your intentions were good, and your daughter is the happiest you’ve ever seen her. But a townhouse is no place for a pony. Time to donate it to the local petting zoo and buy her a new bike instead. Ideal gift for you: Parent of the Year Award (for effort)
TAURUS (April 21 – May 21): You’re the kind of person who stocks up on Christmas gifts throughout the year, and by now, you’ve got everything giftwrapped and are sipping martinis by the fire. We’re very jealous of you. Ideal gift for you: A gift certificate for a day spa
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21): You get so excited about the holidays! The minute the Thanksgiving Turkey has been Zip-locked away you’re stringing up the
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Christmas lights and putting It’s a Wonderful Life in the VCR. Ideal gift for you: A DVD player. Get with the times!
CANCER (June 22 – July 23): This year, you’ve promised yourself not to get caught up in all the holiday hype. However, seeing as that once again you’re reprising your role as the local mall’s Santa, your promise falls flat. Ideal gift for you: A signed copy of Are You Grumpy Santa? (available from Amazon.com)
LEO (July 24 – Aug. 22): Though you’ve memorized every line from A Christmas Story, no one is impressed. And going up to every flagpole you see and saying, “Do you triple dog dare me?” is getting old too. Ideal gift for you: Party of One, a Loner’s Manifesto VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sept. 21): Calmly explain to the Mayor that you thought he was on the invite list, you don’t know why he didn’t get a card for your annual gala, and you are very sorry but, you know, there’s always next year. Ideal gift for you: Your own postage machine
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51 TALL
SIZE MATTERS Continued from page 54 find them if you can. Dawn has spent entire fruitless days looking for 38/36 cargo pants. She comes home exhausted and empty-handed; to her, however, that is the proverbial cup-ishalf-full argument. A better excuse to look through catalogs, every catalog ever printed and a few that I think are made up, has never been created than an unsuccessful day shopping. If you want to buy clothes for your tall loved one, take the path of least resistance: say you forgot. If that won’t do, go to a retailer that specializes in outfitting the long-torsoed and long-limbed; it will diminish the probability of returning items. Get lucky enough to find an entire outfit for a really tall person at a chain store, and I’ll bend over to make the onelegged man’s job a lot easier.
THIS YEAR,
T IF OF G T IFT EC G ! RF E A INE PE IV Z E , G GA TH E) A E C M IV N L G R O TAL O (F
to shop for a tall significant other should too, before purchasing something entirely useless to the receiver. Don’t be the person who ends up buying a crossword puzzle book for George W. Bush. Easier to buy without a fitting session, but no more convenient to find at times, are pants. Pants manufacturers — with some exceptions — have figured out that a 38” waist should be about, approximately, in the neighborhood of, close to, oh, 38”. Said same manufacturers have also got the whole inseam thing down to a science: a 36” inseam measures as close to 36” as sighting it in allows. So, we know there exists a pair of pants that fits. Locating said pair of pants that fits becomes the problem. Pants in my size are the Where’s Waldo of the apparel world; they’re out there — but try and
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51 Back cover 15 19 51 52 29 Inside back cover 51 51 17 20
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Inside front cover 51 9 21 51 3 37 43 37 31 49 32
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53 TALL
SIZE MATTERS by Mike Werling
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A SHIRT THAT FITS,A SHIRT THAT FITS.” urry, only XX number of shopping days remain until Christmas (insert appropriate number of days until December 25 instead of the XX). And, until retailers and greeting card makers manage to turn the holiday into a semiannual event, it’s your only chance this year to spend way too much money on gifts for those you love and on presents for those you exchange with for reasons you can’t remember. With everyone in a frenzy to give just the right gift — like lobbyists at a Congressional happy hour — you don’t want to wait so long that the only items left to buy are fruitcakes, juicers, Hot Biker Grandma calendars, signed copies of Pam Anderson’s book, and cheap subscriptions to ThreeLegged Asthmatic Cat Monthly. Shopping, like voting in Florida, is an inexact science. While Santa Claus — jolly fat man that he is — tends to get things right every time (he’s a better listener than most men), normal humans often get things wrong. So when normal humans have to buy clothes for supernormal humans like this magazine’s readers, Christmas morning can be an imperfect fit. We tall people find it difficult enough to shop for ourselves, not (to paraphrase Steven Wright) because we aren’t our own size, but because we aren’t everyone else’s size. We’re more akin to Sasquatch and Yeti than to Dolce and Gabbana. Our kind exists in the murky realm outside conventional sizing charts, beyond the borders of everyday shirt
H
Mike Werling writes and lives in the shadows of Colorado’s tallest mountains. You can e-mail him your comments at sizematterz@msn.com.
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November-December 2004
patterns, in a world where XXX doesn’t belong in a seedy, dirty-old-manfilled theater with an attached novelty shop ...umm ...not that I would know about that first hand (or any hand). What I do know first hand is that at the popular, fashionable chains the choices for tall men (and women) — especially those of us 6’6” and taller — are as limited as a one-legged man’s chances of winning an ass-kicking contest. Drawn by some misguided belief that their big-and-tall offerings will have (pardon the pun) grown, I occasionally venture into the mall stores. Alas; sometimes, when I see an XXL shirt that won’t fit anyone close to my dimensions, I wonder if the size refers to the actual tag it is printed on. If you are shopping for your tall loved one, save yourself a trip to the mall and head to the nearest true bigand-tall shop. My girlfriend, bless her shop-aholic heart, didn’t understand any of this when we started dating. I had to explain to her that to a man who is more tall than big, two or three extra Xs without a T after them usually mean nothing. An XXL long-sleeved shirt is as useless to guys with a 39/40 sleeve length as a baseball bat is to Michael Jordan, as sentimentality is to Dirty Harry, as steak knives are to vegetarians, and as smoke signals are to the e-mail generation. Dawn (that’s my girlfriend) got the picture quickly. All of you who have Continued on page 53