I love this album cover

I love the cover of Hem's album No Word From Tom. It's just such a great image (be sure to click on the image to see a much larger version). It's great because it really seems to make you want to ask questions like "Is that a photo or a painting?"; "Who is that girl?" (though it does look a bit like Sally Ellyson, the band's lead singer); "What is she doing on the bed?"; "What is her mood?" I don't know, I just think it's great and would love to get a large size version to hang on the wall.

Oh, and while I still haven't gotten around to buying the album, I'm sure the music is great too.

SUV Showdown: Land Rover comes out on top

(I misplaced the image credit for this; if this is yours, let me know)

With 35 votes or 59% of the total votes cast, the Land Rover Defender has been crowned King of (Off-)Road, with the Land Cruiser following up in second. While I'm not really surprised that this was the winner, I did find the overwhelming margin to be pretty interesting. The Defender is an excellent truck with a great off-road reputation, and badass looks to match. The Anglo-factor is also another great selling point, and what could be better than pretending to drive around your Scottish country estate while sitting in traffic on the interstate? Also, the ability to get rear seats that face to the middle (see below), it pretty awesome.



However, I will state that in spite of its awesomeness, the Defender did not get my vote. No, my choice (along with 9 other people with equally impeccable taste) went to the Mercedes G-Class.

Image from here

Yes, it is true that this truck has become a popular choice among rap stars and soccer moms with way too much money to blow (both of who seem to be pretty prevalent in Buckhead), I think that it has several things going for it. First, it is a pretty unique vehicle. While the Defender isn't exactly a common site on the road, I think that the Mercedes might have it beat out slightly. Second, it has military origins as (according to Wikipedia), it was originally a proposal for a light military truck and is used by a number of armed forces (as documented on the Wikipedia page). Military roots are never a bad thing for an SUV (though maybe some shouldn't really be driven by the general public **cough** Hummer **cough**). Third, its off-roading abilities are pretty bona fide since it sports three locking differentials. Now, to be honest, I'm not completely sure how those work, but I do know that off-roaders are big fans, and the ability to get them on a stock vehicle is a pretty big deal.

Getting back to the style aspect, as one reader did point out, they may seem a bit too refined, especially if purchased brand new right off the showroom floor. However, I think if one was to buy one that was about 15-20 years old that has had some of the shine taken off of it with wear and tear, it could look a bit more understated and masculine.

Anyways, thanks to everyone who voted and left comments.

Honorable Mention: ICON


I don't think that this competition would have been complete without at least mentioning the ICON. While I didn't include it in the original vote because it is technically a Land Cruiser, the ICON is essentially an old Land Cruiser built from the ground up with brand new technology and parts right here in the US. Limited to just 24 units per year, they're a *little* pricey, tipping the scales around $100,000 (and up, depending on specifics), but they are available in three models (above) and in two body styles ("Old School" and "New School;" I'll leave it up to you to decide which is better). Anyways, make sure to check them out and add to your "If we ever come out of this recession..." list.

In the News: "Crocs Shoe Company Stumbles During Recession"

"Once-Trendy Crocs Could Be On Their Last Legs"

About time, really. It's a shame to hear about 2,000 people losing their jobs, but I don't think a company that "swung from a profit of $168.2 million in fiscal year 2007 to a loss of $185.1 million last year" is what you would call "financially stable" company that a person might expect to find good, long-term employment. Go, Crocs; join leisure suits in a melted pile of plastic irrelevance.

Poll: SUV Showdown

There are some pretty terrible SUVs out there, but then there are some pretty badass ones. In my opinion, these three are on the top of the heap. Rugged, versatile, boxy, expensive and with terrible gas mileage, these are what you use to run over Priuses.

Since I'm suspecting that few readers here have driven all three of these vehicles, this will be a vote based largely on appearance, or which one you would want to have for a trek through the African wilderness. It should be noted, though, that all three of these have pretty impressive pedigrees, and pretty notorious maintenance issues to match. I've included both 2-door and 4-door/long versions of each to keep it a more level playing field.

Cast your vote in the poll on the right side of the screen and decide which one is King of the Mountain.

Competitor #1- The Mercedes-Benz G-Class



Photo found here

Competitor #2- The Toyota Land Cruiser

Photo found here


Photo found here

Competitor #3- The Land Rover Defender

Photo found here


Photo found here

A "Bruno" review at R&R

I am a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen's Da Ali G Show, but must say I was disappointed with the Borat movie that came out a few years ago. Liking his Bruno character more than Borat, I was pretty excited about the new movie. However, my friend and fellow blogger Christopher Robinson was able to get an advanced viewing and the initial reports are not good. While it has an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes at this point, I think I'm going to stick with Chris' opinion and just wait for the DVD. Go read his review at R&R Review now.

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...