Whit Stillman's "The Last Days of Disco" on DVD

I found out tonight that Whit Stillman's third movie, The Last Days of Disco, is finally being rereleased on DVD. If you are familiar with this movie then you already know that it has been out of print for some time, resulting in huge mark-ups ($100+ per DVD) on Amazon.com and Ebay for versions that will play on US DVD players. It appears that it will be released by The Criterion Collection and is available for pre-order on Amazon right now. You'll have to be patient, though, since the release date isn't until August 25th of this year. Having read the book last year (which is basically a novelized version of the movie script) but having never seen the movie, I am quite excited about this. Awesome.

A Year Down South

This past Thursday was the first year anniversary (or birthday?) for this blog. I wanted to thank all of my readers, both those who read it (or check it) on a consistent basis, as well as those who happen to stumble upon it by other ways. I appreciate those of you who have stuck with me in spite of the terrible job I do updating it on a regular basis. Also, thanks to everyone who contributes with comments. I really enjoy reading them, and think that they help to make the stuff that I writer better. Anyways, thanks again.

In the News: Iran Elections

Iran on Fire

I saw this link on a friend's Facebook page, and found it pretty fascinating. Be sure to go watch some of the videos of protestors that are on the page; they are pretty incredible and hopefully will spell an end for Iran's regime at some point.


Photos from this site.

Regimental NATO straps on the cheap

Inspired by a post on a time to get, I Googled "nato regimental straps" and was rewarded gnomonwatches.com where they are offering NATO straps in regimental patterns, in both 18 and 20 mm, for $14 a piece. This is a steal when you considering that J. Press sells them for $30 ($21.75 when on sale) and RLT Watches sells them for significantly more when you factor in shipping and pounds to dollars conversion rate. This is really a great deal; I can't wait to pick some up myself.

Brooks Brothers luggage follow-up

Based on a comment by Lottie on my recent post about Brooks Brother's new Hartmann luggage line, I did check out Brooks' Spazzolato line. Indeed, Lottie was correct that that is some great looking luggage; better even than the Globe-Trotter line, and with prices starting at $2,500, the price certainly fits the part.




Thanks again to Lottie for pointing this out.

**Note: Please note that I have never even considering purchasing luggage anywhere approaching four digits in price. Maybe one day...

Brooks Brothers doesn't get it

I got an email from Brooks Brothers this morning telling about their new luggage collection done in conjunction with Hartmann. They seemed pretty proud about how "timeless" it was. Here is one of their pieces:



Now compare with J. Crew's luggage done in conjunction with Globe-Trotter:



I think it is pretty clear which is more timeless. Now, the one from J. Crew does cost about three times as much as the Brooks one, but Brooks have never seemed to shy away from having some items, particularly luggage, with over the top prices. I don't know why they did this time around. Come on Brooks, let's try a little harder.

"Funny the Way" that Dave Matthews could make a song this terrible

Listening to the radio lately, Dave Matthews Band's new song "Funny the Way It Is" has been on pretty heavy rotation. This is the first single off of their upcoming record Big Whiskey & the Groogrux King. Frankly, it is terrible. There is practically no rhyming, the lyrics seem kind of "preachy," and the music itself is just weird. This song is pretty much worse than the entire Everyday album. I thought that Dave's solo album Some Devil was really good, and even thought that Stand Up wasn't too bad. To me, this definitely represents a step in the wrong direction. I thought about linking a video of this song from Youtube, but decided that I don't want it on my blog.

A change of scenery

Photo by brendanlim

After graduating from grad school in Clemson on Friday, I am now back living with my parents in metro Atlanta while I look for a job. I would like to say that this explains the lack of recent posts, but it is only partially true. I will try to do better here in the near future.

While I had originally been dreading the idea of moving back, I am looking forward to spending time here and reconnecting with old friends. There is lots to do around town in the summer, so it should be nice. While I enjoyed my time in Clemson, I am certainly glad to be out of there.

P.S.- If you know of anyone in commercial real estate in Atlanta who you could put me in touch with, that would be awesome.

New Music

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Thanks to receiving Itunes gift cards for graduation from my parents and college roommate, I have been like a kid in a candy store on Itunes. Here are four albums that I have recently picked up:


American Hearts by A.A. Bondy


Sara Watkins' new self-titled album


Songs We Sing by Matt Costa


M. Ward's latest, Hold Time

I still have $35 worth of Itunes credit left at this point. It's going to be tough, but I'm going to do my best to save it.

63rd Running of the Block House Steeplechase

Two Saturdays ago I rode up to Tryon, NC with some friends to attend the 63rd annual Block House Steeplechase. While perhaps a little more casual that the Iroquois Steeplechase, and not nearly as fratty as the Carolina Cup, the Block House was a lot of fun. We had fantastic weather and I'd love to go again next year. It is also fairly affordable compared to the other two. Here are some photographic highlights (since that's obviously what you're here for):


A view of the finish line from our tailgate spot


Another view from the tailgate spot


Some of the hounds that were paraded around before the races started


Part of our motley crew


A shot of Ralph's sweet pants


Charles, probably doing something badass


Two of at least a half-dozen Mercedes station wagons that I saw