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Penny Loafers

Penny loafers, yo. Loafers have been a mainstay since the 1930's, when Esquire magazine featured photos of Norwegian farmers wearing them.

Penny loafers, with their distinctive straps, were invented by GH Bass & Co, who called them Weejuns. Norwegians... Weejuns... get it? They became part of the prep look during the 50's and 60's. During that time, some people actually stuck pennies in the straps. Thus, the term penny loafer was born.

Well, nowadays the Bass Weejuns are of miserable quality. Instead, I'd recommend getting a pair from Alden. Good prices, available in cordovan, and made in the USA, yo.

The Diners' Club

While discussing the virtues of various credit card companies with my friends, it turned out that one of them had a Mastercard. Who uses Mastercard anymore? For that matter, who uses Diners' Club?

Well suprise mofos. Diners' Club should not be forgotten because it was the world's first credit card. So, if you still use a Diner's Club card, now part of the Mastercard network, hold your head up high. You've got one of America's most important innovations in your wallet.

Why so S.A.D.

When Persephone goes to Hades, it means winter. When winter means no sun, I become SAD, as in seasonal affective disorder. I used to live in Seattle and got very sad. Now, I live in southern California and have pool parties. Come visit!

I took these photos with a Polaroid SLR 680, which I talked about in an earlier post. Click on the pictures for a big version.

Why Isn't Everything Made of... Cork

Yeahhhh. Cork. The renewable, fire-resistant, impermeable substance that few people ever stop to think about. Well I did.

















Most people think cork is only good for wine stoppers. Well, cork is the best material for it. Its sponginess allows it expand to fill a bottle neck perfectly. It has the lowest environmental footprint of any stopper material. And they allow just the right amount of oxygen to pass to help the aging process.
















Cork is often used to wrap bicycle handlebars. It does not absorb sweat or rain. It is soft and comfortable. It is good for the environment, like bicycles. While these are all franco-centric examples, there are many applications for Americans.















Cork's ability to resist water and fire could've made it the Planeteers' greatest enemy. Instead, it helps America build rockets. Cork panels are used to insulate the rockets against heat. Good job, NASA.











Portugal is our greatest competitor for cork superiority. Portugal has already used cork to make a building! What will be next???

Tick Talk: Seiko

Seiko is one of my favorite watch makers. While they do not have the history and beauty of someone like Patek Phillipe, Seiko watches have many admirable qualities.

• Well priced; from about a hundred USD to a few thousand at the highest end
• Reliable; the accuracy and durability of their movements have been well documented
• Easy to find; this takes much of the chore out of servicing your watch
• Handsome; only my own personal opinion
  
• Many types of watches; divers, dress, mechanical, quartz

Seiko vs Rolex
I often compare Seiko to how Rolex used to be. Rolex watches were not always as expensive as they are now. In the last couple decades, they have significantly increased their prices in real dollars. In the past, they were not overly-expensive, very durable, generally undecorated, and sporty. This made them the perfect sports watch. Rolex's used to be used in Navy SEAL training. However, now the cost of Rolex watches requires most people to treat them as decorative jewelry. I do not want to make it sound as if Rolex's are not good watches, they are excellent watches. However, I think they have become too expensive. In contrast, is the extremely affordable Seiko Monster.

Seiko Monster Dive Watch (SKX779K)
















The Seiko Monster is a modern classic. It has an extremely durable movement, excellent finishing on the case, and an beautiful bracelet. Seen in person, it is difficult to believe the Monster only costs about $150. At the heart of this beast is the automatic 7s26 caliber movement.
















It is rugged, durable, and accurate. It is not adorned with hand-engravings or precious metals, but it does its job extremely well. The bracelet also gets quite a bit of praise. Many have said that it is the nicest steel bracelet they have ever seen, regardless of price. All of these attributes make the Monster one of my favorite sporting watches.

Seiko Spirit (SCVS013)


















This Seiko spirit is an example of how nice Seiko dress watches can be. Automatic movement, sapphire crystal, cordovan strap; all for a few hundred dollars. The blue hands are also a nice touch.

So.. these are just two examples of the great values Seiko offers. You can get some bomb ass watches with the sweet sweet sweeping hands of a mechanical watch for just a few hundred. But, if you're thinking, "What is this peasant-people Seiko shit? I already have a Rollie." Then I am jealous and can only suggest that you get a bottle of champagne and do the Rolex Sweep, cuz that's what I would do.

Why Isn't Everything Made of... Kangaroo Leather

Now before discussing Kangaroo leather, let us establish something; Kangaroos are not very nice. In fact, they are quite mean. They punch people and cause car accidents. Observe:




















Now then. Kangaroo leather is so dank because of its strength. It is much more resistant to tearing and abrasion than calf. It is also much more supple and comfortable because it breaks in faster than calf. These properties have led it to be used in sports applications, such as motorcycle suits.
















The thinness and abrasion resistance makes it suitable for protecting riders as they fall at speeds they shouldn't be going at anyways. Everything should be so safe as kangaroo leather. Roo leather is also used to make the most iconic football boot of all time, the Adidas Copa Mundial.





















I can't really explain why football boots need to be made of Kangaroo leather, but people can't really explain why these boots are the best ever, either. So, I have no choice, but to assume the Kangaroo leather has something to do with it. People comment on the Copa Mundial's comfort and suppleness as parts of its greatness. These attributes are definitely due to the use of Kangaroo leather.

Kangaroo is also starting to be used to non-sporting applications. RM Williams makes some of the world's best Chelsea boots. They make them in Kangaroo leather, too. Many reviews note the comfort, toughness, and beauty of the Kangaroo model.




















Well now, can you say Kangaroo leather is not dank? I thought not. I'll bet for at least 3 minutes you'll be thinking, "Why isn't everything made of Kangaroo leather?".