Especially Not This

20 months!

2011-07-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

That is how long it has been since my last entry. And you thought I had abandoned my post here at Especially Not This!

Not the case my friend. Not the case at all. The truth is that I have been waiting, searching, for anything on this wasteland of internet worth discussing. You've seen it all already. The over-the-top, the mundane, the celebrity gone bad, the sub-average Joe turned hero, the cute cat, the ugly cat, the funny cat. It goes on and on and on.

But I have finally found it. Something worth celebrating. Something worth dusting the cobwebs off of my typing finger for. And now that I have found it! I am awash with new energy. Revitalized and reinvigorated to shed my thick, cynical skin and devote my life to winning a trip for my family to Park City, Utah!

Just think of it. Walking the historic mining town streets with my five year old son. Showing him the spots where miners with names like Lucky Cletus and Stumpy Leg Suzanne traded their hard won gold nuggets for lift tickets. Taking him tubing on the same tubing course that Bobby "Michelin Man" Tenenbaum won the gold medal in the short course tubing event in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Drinking prohibition era micro-brews with "Hillfolk" as the Park Citians are ofter referred.

It is truly a dream come true. I hope I win.

http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/snowmamas/author/krista/snowmamas-and-evo-winter-vacation

The Competition!

2009-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

What an amazing ride it must be to sail around on one of these huge boats.

62 years

2009-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Peace.

In case you missed it

2009-11-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

Which is entirely possible because it does almost 60 mph.

The Oracle boat is supposed to race in this little thing called The America's Cup. This all takes place at an, as of yet, undisclosed body of water in February of 2010. Already having suffered a set back when their boat de-masted somewhere off of the Californian coast, the Oracle team is patching things up and resuming training. Keep checking here for word on their progress and a look at the competing boat.

Nuts and Bolts

2009-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Every real biker knows that you don't take your ride to the HD dealership to get your work done. You find a local wrench that builds custom bikes and you try to get into his circle of influence. These craftsmen are hard to find and should be coveted! If you need a hook up I can put you in touch with this local bike builder. He has a secluded location and can help you find that unique sled you have been wanting to push!

Totally hijacked! Thanks Y_H_B_T_I

2009-11-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

I totally pulled these from one of my daily reads; You_have_broken_the_internet but for all of the right reasons. First, these pants are great. I would love to have some. Second, the above mentioned blog deserves your attention. Go check it out. And lastly, as the poster states; you should support local handmade goods. But keep in mind that everything is local to something and someone, so maybe support handmade goods and if they happen to be local then good-on-ya.

Nope, the other Levi-Strauss.

2009-11-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

Claude Levi Strauss Nov. 28 1908-Oct. 31 2009

I am not an intellectual. Sure, I would love to be one....but I am not. However, I don't have any problem standing on the shoulders of giants and in the world of anthropology and ethnology, this guy is a giant. Anyone who has the mental fortitude to go toe-to-toe with Jean-Paul Sarte over the nature of human freedom is packing some quality gray-matter.

Claude Levi-Strauss died on Oct 31, 2009 just before his 101st birthday. He was an author, anthropologist, ethnologist, philosopher, professor, and amazing thinker who transformed the way we look at human nature.

You should brush up on the details here. Then, like me, order this book.

Only 4 months to America's Cup 2010

2009-11-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

I can't say that I have ever really watched, or even taken much interest in, the America's Cup races. Outside of the antics of Dennis Conner it never really held much appeal. But I will say that if photos, like the one above, don't get your heart racing and raise your level of interest in seeing how these big boats fly (57 mph) then you my friend are a dud.

You can see more of this amazing boat here.

And if you need a refresher course about who Dennis Conner is and why he is controversial you can watch this.

You will never believe this.

2009-11-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well you might. Actually, you probably will. I'm a fairly reliable source. This awesome bag is only $75.00. It's big too. 30"w x 14.5"d x 20 "h. Of course it is sporting all of the essential equipment for it to achieve awesome status like, solid brass hardware, 2-way YKK zips with big dust flap cover. And what self respecting bag would be without 10.10 oz waxed canvas? However, if you don't, or choose not to, believe me........see for yourself here!

My wife would look great in this!

2009-11-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

Would yours? Another great find on the Sundance site. Not everything I found there was a stand-out but they do have some unique items. I did notice that they have taken a cue from the growing group of men's lifestyle bloggers (Acontinouslean, Inventory, you_have-broken_the_internet, et al.) and heavily feature the American workwear theme. I noticed some Red Wing boots mixed in with some Timberlands that they are marketing as TBC (Timberland Boot Company). Someone correct me if that is different from the Timberland featured a few posts back. Meanwhile, I will investigate further, on your behalf.

double breasted comfort

2009-11-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

This has all of the elements of how a cool guy should dress for cool weather. The obligatory scarf, quality leather gloves, Stanley flask, aviators, and a double breasted lambswool sweater! I love the detailing. Check the neck closure. You can get it here, but that wouldn't nearly as much fun as getting it here.

What will you wear this winter?

If you don't....do

2009-10-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is my inspiration. I have no idea where Cerre gets her inspiration but she does a nice job of passing it on. I'm thankful for the hours I have spent soaking in her imagery and poetry.

This recent post gave us Alabama.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Timberland Utility Jacket

2009-10-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

I remember when the only thing Timberland made was the heavy lugged, blonde soled, chestnut brown shoe that every cool kid had to have (circa 1986). But this was one of several jackets that I saw that have serious potential. Of course you can assume it is made abroad, so it doesn't receive the same esteem as its American Built brethren might, but I would need to confirm that before committing to my review.

In the spirit of the World Series

2009-10-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be appropriate to eat some bundt cake. And the best place to find bundt cake in Chattanooga you ask? Well at Chattz Coffee of course.

Courtney Weaver is the esteemed baker who crafts these delectable desserts. I highly recommend you get to Chattz and eat some before it is gone.

What's up with the pop-up?

2009-10-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

These guys are up to something. Now, I know that we are a little out of the loop here in fly-over country but I think I understand the concept. A group of people with impeccable taste get together to collaboratively sell their gear in a temporary location. I wonder if there are franchise opportunities available.

Versitally Tough

2009-10-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

Bring it on cold. Let see what you got. I'm packin' some heavily woven sheep fibers here! Oh, you may freeze my shinny buttons but deep down I am warm and comfortable. On top of that I can be tough anywhere. On a mountain? Sure. In a museum? No problem.

Again, this is a iconic US brand showing how it should be done....in Japan. Although I struggle with Lee's heritage they have really hit the mark here.

Lumber Jaques

2009-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

BOLD. Yes, I know. But you can pull it off. If this isn't tough I don't know what is. Unfortunately it is only available in Japan. It is an odd situation.

The Japanese love American workwear and the iconic American brands have done an amazing job of giving them the best available. But we can't get it here......in America. Some US brands have done some good stuff {Band of Outsiders, Engineered Garments, RRL} but they are not very accessible to the everyman. Someday I will change that.

Post apocolyptic wearability

2009-10-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Continuing along the same tough lines. I think these pants are designed to bequeath to your offspring (preferably male). But guaranteed to match the toughness of your Barker Black loafers. Purchase them here.

Since we are on the subject

2009-10-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

I think it is the Skull and Crown logo that draws me to these the most. Yes, they are beautiful chestnut loafers and I particularly like the bas-relief crown in the top strap but it is definitely the skull and crown logo that sends these over the top for me. How could you not feel like a bad mo-fo walking around with that under you r heal? Provided, of course, you are sporting the rest of the look. Watch for more posts to finish the look.

Check them out here.

Hijacked from Mister Crew (thanks!)

2009-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

This John Lobb shoe is cut from one piece of leather in a spiral, then fashioned into a wearable piece of art. Incredible. Brought to my attention by the fine folks at Mister Crew. Apparently it is not a new technique but it was certainly put to good use here.

Notice how the leather begins (or ends) just to the right of the laces, then twice wraps elegantly around the body of the shoe. I usually save my fawning for more utilitarian footwear but these are just perfect.

I never even looked for the price. But I would wager..........>$400.00

Useless? TBD.

2009-10-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Some people are creative. Some people have too much time on their hands. Some are both. This is a fully operational steam powered mini tank. I think it is missing artillery but I'm sure it could be retro-fit with some small arms firepower. I want one. You can find them here.

British invasion

2009-10-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

This bronze British beauty feels right at home in the drizzle. Not a
good day to travel topless though.

Now I know, and so do you.

2009-10-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

I had my reservations about the new coffee shop in Chattanooga called Joe Friday's. I mean, what is the real appeal of an Alaskan themed coffee shop? Then I saw it. Hidden in plain sight right by the register. A Sarah Palin calendar. (not pictured) That is when I looked around and started to notice that this was not your typical coffee shop. There were no hippsters, no piercings, no tattoos. In their place were the right wing equivalents; puckered faces, bad fitting suits, and lapel pins. Fox news on the TV, hunting magazines and bible on the rack and I-shit-you-not, the owner looks like Sarah Palin herself. I left with a bad taste in my mouth and it wasn't from the coffee. Sorry Joe.

The mobile blogger test post

2009-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is a test of the mobile blogger broadcasting system. This is only a test.

I should not have any excuse for lack of posts because, if this works, I should be able to post directly from my phone at any time. Exciting isn't it?! Because I know that all of my followers have been frustrated with the time-lag between posts. Now I can regale you with interesting facts and touching stories from the road.

Enjoy!

South October

2009-10-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

It has been, what seems to me, unseasonably cold down here in the South. I remember packing my belongings to move to the South from the high deserts of the West where I was subjected to real winters. I gave all of my winter jackets, one of which was a sweet wool Filson, to my father because I was erroneously under the impression that the South was warm.

Now here we are, barely out of the summer months, and there is frost on the walking bridge. Time for a trip to Florida!

For best results, kick when down.

2009-09-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Life has a funny way of keeping you humble doesn't it. Just when you think you are looking good or doing well, something comes along to remind you that, in the blink of an eye, you can be shuffled right back to the bottom of the deck. Like when you are selling a house and the day before closing.....it floods. Rain Rain go away, can't take no more fuckin' rain today.

2009-09-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

The rain! It just isn't cooperating with me. I would really enjoy a nice long weekend ride but I keep getting stymied by the tempestuous weather!

But with the promise of house-guests things are looking up.

Ride the trolley through the tunnel......

2009-09-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

While I didn't have time to ride the mountain bike today I did have time to squeeze in some quality time with my wife. We shared our time with a beer and conversation of adventure. If we can stay on track we may have BIG plans for the next year.

2009-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

The weekend is laid out before me with not a whole lot of room for mountain biking. Most of it will be spent arranging for our upcoming construction project. Gotta go choose some carpet. Time to hit the road.

2009-09-09T05:38:00.001-07:00

The Steven 47 is a center console cruiser. It sleeps 6 comfortably. This one is in Tortola. I dream of the day when I can sail one of these around the Caribbean, checking out all of the atolls and leeward island and such. Avast Ye Mateys!

Wave if you see me

2009-09-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

I stole this image from 2or3things. She has an amazing blog and everyone should look at it. That is if architecture, design and fashion are your things. Anyway, I find it fascinating.

2009-09-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

Folding under pressure

2009-09-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

The demand for new content has been overwhelming and I thank my vast audience for their patience. I promise to diligently report from the field, all of the goings on that might be of interest. I look forward to our digital conversation.

Milwaukee, is cold.

2009-02-16T13:47:00.001-08:00

Downtown Milwaukee on a very cold night. I could barely keep my hands out of my pocket long enough to snap this shot of this spooky old building. I'm pretty sure it housed a law firm. A haunted and scary law firm no doubt.

For my one loyal viewer

2009-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

A thought on work.

Would you rather have, as an employee, a fluorescent bulb or a firecracker?

While one may burn with less brightness it will burn for a long time. The other may be bright and impressive but will expire in a flash.

I prefer the fluorescent bulb. Every time.

2009-01-31T05:37:00.000-08:00

My respect for the tugboat was solidified on my trip down the Mississippi, where they can be seen pushing huge parades of barges. I think 40 barges at once was the largest grouping that I saw. They are amazingly graceful for their brutish appearance, and there is something aesthetically pleasing to their chunky design. The one featured here is less like the ones on the Mississippi. First of all it is much smaller and this photo was taken on the ICW near Venice, FL.

Sorta makes you want a can of spinach doesn't it?

Cutler Mailing System

2009-01-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

So few things are made with this kind of flare and panache these days. Too bad.

Welcome

2009-01-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

I should have named this blog "all things worth doing or owning or reading or seeing or hearing" but I like the sound of "especially not this". It's like the opposite of what I want to post on this blog.