Démarche Publishing Group

SAMPLE CHAPTER - "Dating" (1st Date)

2007-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

"First date"

First dates are always trouble. There's really no getting around the fact that two new people coming together for the sole purpose of getting to know one another is a delicate situation, potentially rife with awkwardness. But the first step towards a better first date is recognizing this challenge.
It does no one any good to panic, to apply layer after layer of ill-advised cologne, to brush and re-brush your teeth until you're bleeding at the gums. Instead think about the fact that the other person is probably just as nervous as you are – and that no matter what, there will be the occasional awkward moment.
Dating is what it is - two strangers trying to decide if they ever want to see each other ever again. Once you've made your peace with this fact, and found some comfort in the unknown, you've made some excellent progress.

Of course, once you've stopped panicking, the next step is to think about your approach. There's a spectrum of casual versus formal behavior that's at play here, and it can work for you or against you. How did you ask her out? Did you ask her to "go out" or to "hang out"? Where are you taking her? And are you picking her up or are you meeting there?

THE CASUAL APPROACH: You ask her to "hang out" and to "meet up" at a local bar.
Pros: You're not risking much. If the date sucks, you can pretend you just wanted to hang out as buds. You're pals. You can punch each other on the arm and go your separate ways or make plans to hang out with other friends later.

Cons: At the beginning of the night, you may both arrive wondering what the other person intended. And who's supposed to pay for everything?

MORE FORMAL: You ask her to go on a date with you. You pick her up and take her to a nice restaurant. Maybe you bring flowers. (Just ask at any florist for a good "first date" bouquet.)
Pros: Everyone involved in the moment knows the score. You're there to decide whether you want to start something - a fling, a long-term relationship or something in between.
Cons: The pressure-cooker atmosphere may derail the whole night and make you both too nervous to show your true selves. Nothing makes for a worse evening than two hours of awkward conversation and the endless scraping of your fork against your plate.

Each situation brings its own demands. Think about your options and choose what feels right to you. If you're naturally laid-back and would feel incredibly out of place in a fancy restaurant, pick your favorite local bar - if she hates local bars, then you're not meant to be. Or if you're more into making a stylish first impression, go someplace where you can show her your smooth side.

SAMPLE CHAPTER - "Dating" (2nd Date)

2007-04-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Second date"

If you've made it past your first date, you should be relieved. The most uncertain phase is over and the detective work begins for real. Think about the first date went. Was there a lot of warm flirting, or lusty glances and arm-touching? Or did she spend a lot of time avoiding eye contact, adjusting the napkin in her lap or studying paintings on the far wall of the restaurant.
Did you find lots in common to talk about? Or were you struggling to fill the silence and praying your waiter would come over and make small talk about the bread? Did she leave you with the impression that she wanted to see you again, or were you pretty sure she'd rather get her wisdom teeth pulled than see you again?

If you think the date went well enough that you have a chance at a second date, wait a full 48 hours and then call her. If you call her immediately, she might take it as a sign that you're desperate, over-eager and probably unwanted by the rest of humanity. (And you may be.)

Instead, you've got Things to Do. That's right. Your social calendar is FULL and you have to wait a couple of days before you even have time to pick up your phone. But when you do call, let it out - make sure she knows what a great time you had.

Use this second-date phone call to continue your detective work. Does she sound happy to hear from you? Does she sound completely apathetic or does she start going on and on about what a great time she had, too? If you get her voicemail, leave her a message but don't ask her out in the actual message. That would leave her with a lot of time to perfectly craft a response, which will make your phone call less useful for investigative purposes.

If she's willing to go out with you again, now's the time to really get to know each other as human beings and not awkward first-date robots. Pick an activity where you can be yourself. Now is the time to mix it up.

If you went out on the town last time, try a night of sitting around eating huge slices of pizza and people-watching under the stars. Or if you slummed it at the local bar, take her to a place where she won't get beer sloshed on her this time.

Show her that you're a well-rounded individual with lots of interests and she, if she's lucky, might just become one of those interests.

SAMPLE CHAPTER - "Romance versus Sex"

2007-04-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Romance versus Sex"

Some people say you shouldn't be too forward with women; that one or both of you should be "playing hard to get." In reality, it's a delicate balance. If you're playing too hard to get, she might think you're just not interested. If you're complimenting her right and left, she might think you're faking it.

The key is to strike the right tone – throw in a compliment every now and then, but don't make it so obvious that you're falling all over yourself. If you think she's attractive, smart, funny, etc., feel free to tell her. Just don't use every other sentence to mention that you love her eyes, her thighs, etc.

Romance and sex must co-exist – each builds to complement the other. In fact, in a perfect world, you should be so romantically interested in your partner that you both move seamlessly towards nights of more and more intimacy until sex seems like the most natural thing in the world.

Unfortunately, we don't always live in a perfect world, and sex can make matters more complicated than they otherwise would be.

We've all heard of the "walk of shame"? That's the journey a guy makes the morning after a one-night stand, wearing what he wore last night, hair all messed up and scraggly, as he goes from his ladyfriend's apartment back to his own. It usually happens right after a conversation that's full of awkwardness and people grabbing at their clothing.

This situation can be avoided entirely if both people involved wait until they genuinely want to have sex with each other instead of just caving in to make-out urges after tons of drinking. Beer goggles are not a myth. People do look more attractive when you're drunk.

So instead of getting sloshed on dates one and two, go slow enough that you're sure you like each other as humans. Build the romance first to make sure there are no regrets the next day.

Of course it is essential to practice safe sex. There is no worse transgression of good behavior than communicating a sexually transmitted disease.

SAMPLE CHAPTER - "Elegance Under Pressure"

2007-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

"Elegance Under Pressure"

In order to consider our next subject, we offer two separate definitions of the word "elegant." Here is the common understanding of the term:
Elegant: demonstrating style and sophistication in appearance and behavior.

We're going to merge this idea with the mathematical definition:
Elegant: combining simplicity, authority and superior design.

"Elegance" in science or math refers to a concept so powerful and elementary that it almost defies description – the concept may have even been overlooked due to its simplicity. In our world of social interaction, we strive for this fundamental quality of behavior – manners so ingrained that they become seamless, superior and simple.
If this is the case, then our goal must be not just to embrace excellent manners as our mission but also to apply those manners in every situation and circumstance. In short, excellent manners do us no good if we throw them away under stress.
In order to define our behavior during difficult situations, let's examine some situations of stress.

Book Expo 2007!

2007-02-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Count "Bereolaesque" In! We finalized our exhibit today for Book Expo 2007! See ya in NY!
www.bookexpoamerica.com

Bereola The Bachelor Has Been Beheaded!

2007-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

This is without a doubt the final draft for the cover. Quite bereolaesque isn't it? We decided to go the headless route to convey the message that anyone can be bereolaesque, just insert yourself why don't cha!

Preliminary Proposed Covers

2007-01-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Want to help in our final decision? Email us which cover gives more aesthetic pleasure, TOP COVER or BOTTOM COVER. Please direct emails to info@demarchegroup.com

Thanks guys.

The Met Miami is Quite "Bereolaesque"

2006-12-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

So of course it makes sense for a parnership of some sort. Well we're currently putting together a proposal to supply all 447 luxury condominiums that include lofts, tower suites and penthouses with a copy of "Bereolaesque" The Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate. Yep thats right, we're looking forward to furnishing each and every unit NOT with furniture but with it's very own copy of "Bereolaesque"

I'm sure some would prefer a 200' Flat Screen Plasma TV but we're pretty sure most will find the copy of "Bereolaesque" to be quite an accent to the luxurious pad! "Metropolitan Miami" Projects first residential tower and a modern interpretation of classic architecture and design. Integral to Met 1 are 447 luxury condominiums that include lofts, tower suites, and penthouses. The curved, L-shaped building features magnificent, unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the City of Miami and its replete with all the conveniences of home and then some, like fabulous restaurants, hip retail venues and glamorous amenities.

Metropolitan Miami will completely transform downtown into a vibrant, diverse mix of residential, retail, cultural and commercial activity unlike anything miami has ever known. Metropolitan Miami will blend Manhattan's 24-hour lifestyle with Miami's signature tropical setting. The urban location speaks to those who desire a lifestyle that unites architecture, commerce, culture, nature and family.

"Bereolaesque" Martini Box Set for the holidays?

2006-12-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

Well yes and no. We closed a deal today for our very own casual chic "Bereolaesque" Box Martini Set. Unfortunately they don't go into production untill January so this very bereolaesque must have for every gentleman won't be available untill next holiday season. Look at it this way next year you will have two very unique christmas gift ideas "Bereolaesque" The Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate and it's sexy sidekick the "Bereolaesque" Box Martini Set!

The "Bereolaesque" Letter-Writing Experience

2006-12-02T15:59:00.001-08:00

The "Bereolaesque" Letter-Writing Experience will officially launch next week.

The way it will work:

You write Bereola a letter and he'll write you back! This will be an old-school gentlmanly experience in personal correspondence.

Letters should be standard in size (no boxes, please)

Other than that, there really aren't any rules.

You can write to Bereola and tell him about absolutely anything whether gentlman & etiquette related or not.

your job.
your life.
your sex life.
your dog.
your parents.
your refrigerator.
what you should or should not do at the dinner table.
when you should pick up the tab.
how to discretely pick up the tab.
how to pick a good bottle of wine.
how to keep a casual relationship casual.
or all of the above.

And he will respond personally, with a letter of his own.

Slight Chill in LA, Geisha House

2006-11-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

Well made it to LAX safely and made it on to The Mondrian in east hollywood. I took a shower and somehow found my way to blog! My host who also happens to be the gentleman I'm meeting w/ tomorrow is quite hospitable and punctual. He's waiting downstairs so I have to make it quick guys. We're heading to Geisha House for dinner, never been but I just looked them up and they seem pretty chic and supposedly right down the street. Anyway I'm jet-lagged will update you guys later. It's almost 10:30 in LA right now.

Geisha House, East Hollywood Ca.

California Livin, Ok Just Visiting

2006-11-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

This is officially my 1st blog in a cab! We have a 6:10 flight to cali this evening for a potentially fruitful meeting tomorrow with a much, much, gigantic'er (yes i make up words from time to time) publishing firm. We are like DJ Jazzy Jeff putting out Jill Scott's 1st album and they are like Clive Davis putting out Alicia Keys, Usher, Jamie Fox and who knows who else.

It's really last minute but they seem really interested since they are indeed fly'n us out and housing us in the ultra posh Mondrian Hotel. I did a little research (notice the trend) and "Bereolaesque" doesn't really seem to fit their catalog but then again neither did "Hip Hop" on MTV untill "YO MTV RAPS" or POP Music on BET untill Justin Timberlake. Optimism is a highly favorable trait I would say. Wish us luck!

Never heard of the Mondrian till now so I did a little research and low and behold it's an Ian Schrager Hotel! I love this guy, if you don't know he's the genius behind "The Shore Club" "Delano" "St Martins Lane" "Sanderson" "Hudson" "Royalton" & "Morgans"
Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood
That just made me think of this sushi restaurant Bond St. @ The TownHouse Hotel next to The Shore Club absolutely delicious! Bond St on Miami Beach

"Bereolaesque" Black Family Channel Interview

2006-11-28T09:19:00.001-08:00

Tony Rose Executive Producer of "Literary Living" on the Black Family Channel got back with us today, they offered us the opportunity to fly to New York for an interview on his new show "Literary Living"

We indeed expect many televeision networks, radio and even print mediums to literarlly salivate over "Bereolaesque" but definitely didn't expect for any to this soon. We haven't even finished the book! We won't even have a tangible copy to bring with us to the tapping! But of course no worries we will still make sure the feature is tasteful, entertaining as well as informative.

We will have the date, time and shooting schedule scheduled for early next year soon, definitely check back for updates!

BLACK FAMILY CHANNEL LAUNCHES LITERARY LIVING
A NEW SERIES FEATURING AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK
PUBLISHING PERSONALITIES

Oct. 20, 2006 - National - Tony Rose, Publisher and CEO of Amber Communications Group,
Inc. (ACGI) the nation..s largest African American publisher of self-help books and celebrity bios,
and Rosette M. Union, President, of Cine Seven Entertainment recently announced the launch
of Literary Living on Black Family Channel.

Literary Living hosted by best-selling author Heather Covington, airs every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.
(EST). The show targets an exclusive audience, the African American book buying market. The
half-hour program will take viewers on a journey through the offices and streets of New York City;
will introduce some of today..s greatest publishers, authors, writers and poets including: Haki
Madhabuti; W. Paul Coates; George C. Fraser; Wade and Cheryl Hudson; Kassahun Checole;
Terrie Williams; Barbara Reynolds; Jewel Parker Rhodes; Melvin Van Pebbles; Ruby Dee; Wendy
Williams; and Hill Harper. The series give viewers a complete African American literary experience
to include exclusive newsworthy events and interviews. Check your local cable guide for channel
listings and encore presentations.

Literary Living has joined a spectrum of other popular programs currently airing during Black
Family Channel..s weekly prime-time block: Robert Townsend..s Partners in Crime: The Next
Generation hosted by comedian Corey ..Zoo.. Miller; Playhouse 22, a drama series and Spoken a
show featuring new spoken word artists hosted by author and poet Jessica Care Moore.

Tony Rose, Creator and Executive Producer of Literary Living is recognized as the nation..s
first African-American book publisher to successfully publish commercial/pop/self-help book titles to
the African-American consumer. Rose stated, ..We want to give a national platform to African
American publishers and authors who have, for years, worked hard to bring us the best information
and the best stories - both fiction and non-fiction. By partnering with the Black Family Channel,
along with our great cast and crew, we will be able to introduce many of our country..s book
publishing professionals into every African American household within the scope of the network..s
programming reach...

About Black Family Channel
Black Family Channel is America..s only minority owned and operated cable network committed to
providing responsible programming for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and
empower communities with family programming that is original, real, authentic and relevant. BFC is
currently viewed in over 16 million households; including all of the top 25 African-American TV
markets and 49 of the top 50 DMA TV markets. For more information about Black Family Channel
visit www.blackfamilychannel.com.

bereola.com is on the way...

2006-11-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

we decided today to go w/ atlanta based Marc Parry Creative for the design & layout of bereola.com which will be the official website for "Bereolaesque" The Gentleman & Etiquette book for the Urban Sophisticate.

cover finalized...

2006-11-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

after a very tedious selection process thru hundreds of photos we finally decided on which photo to go w/ for the cover

Photo by: The Artistic Collective

bereola's photo shoot for the book cover, print & media...

2006-11-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

after switching photographers twice & 4 reschedulings later (is that a word?) we finally completed the photo shoot for the book cover. there were over 300 shots taken so of course we can't post them all but here are a few of our favs. we were definitely frustrated by the photo shoot being delayed by 2weeks but everything ended up working out perfectly in the end.

Photography by: The Artistic Collective

photographer snook in a photo of bereola taking a nap, of course only a suave gentleman like bereola can take a a nap in the middle of a photo shoot w/ a glass of wine in his hand and wake up w/ the glass of wine in the exact same spot! no spillage! smooth...

1st project...

2006-08-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

well our 1st project is officially on deck and I must say that I'm even excited about it and that doesn't come easily. it's appropriately titled "Bereolaesque" and slated for release next summer. it's a gentleman & etiquette book for the urban sophisticate, inspired and co-wrote by "Bereola The Bachelor" Enitan Bereola II.

plan on adding updates via our blog throughout the entire publishing process...