Favorites
What has it got in its pocketses?
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 | Favorites | 8 Comments
You might think that a discussion on what Rob has got in his pockets would be dull and far from blog-worthy but you’d be wrong. On many occasions I’ve filled an entire date’s worth of conversation with the sole subject being the contents of my pockets. Even the great JRR Tolkien filled some 1000+ pages answering that very question. And then for all those people who were too busy to read it they made an abbreviated (read: 11-hour) movie adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s answer to that question starring Elijah Wood.
I know what you’re thinking… “But why you?” “How were the dates?” “Why am I reading this?” “Where’s Elijah Wood?” This entry is a continuation of my Favorites series where I share with the masses a choice product, word, (no, not that kind of choice word), or maybe if I am feeling really generous, a person. With that said may I present…
The money clip. I’m a minimalist. I think things should be kept as simple as possible. There was a time when I carried around a standard George-Costanza-esque wallet full of random papers, cards, even breath mints. That was all fine and good until you went to do something silly like, oh I don’t know, sit down. As fun as it is parking your caboose on a big lump, I decided there had to be a less lopsided solution. I found it in the money clip. The one I have is called the “smart clip”. The curvy clip is to hold cash while it has room for six cards on the opposite side. I wasn’t satisfied with the clip as it was though. Like any good man I took it upon myself to make the clip even better. I hammered out the curvy metal piece straight and flush with the back, thus halving the width from near 1/2 inch to less than 1/4 of an inch, yet still allowing you the option to slip cash or receipts there as needed.
Its awesome. The part that holds the credit cards is slightly tapered which means it doesn’t require all six cards in order for the rest to stay. Even one card will stick in there just fine. The only downside is sometimes its too small, and I won’t realize if its slipped out of my pocket. Still its great; one of the most satisfying buys I ever made. It helps you minimalize by making you choose the most important cards to carry. Of course, there you go again… thinking out loud, “What ARE the most important cards to carry? Oh, tell us Robert…”
If I must. Here’s what I carry in my money clip (aren’t I a giver?):
The Drivers License – recognized in all 49 states (I stopped recognizing Wisconsin AGES ago… we should gift them to Canada)
American Express Costco (Cotsco) card with bonus picture – Thats right, a picture of ME! On a credit card! A delightful combination, I know. I’ve always felt my face deserved to be on currency.
Credit Card – Not as cool as the one with my picture, but one of those with an insanely good cash-back program.
Library Card – Like that one famous guy with that one famous quote, I believe that which changes us are who we’ve met and the books we’ve read… thus I carry my Library Card… also, its got a cool picture of a cartoon frog reading, get this, a book! Unexpected, I know.
Restaurant Gift Card – Good for a free meal and for carding my way into places in *cough* emergency situations.
Insurance Card – mostly a remnant of my mole-removal days.
There you have it: my coveted second endorsement. Sure, this one was free, smart clip, but the next one is ‘a gonna cost ya… especially when it comes time to make the Elijah Wood movie adaptation.
Timeless Fashion
Saturday, January 31st, 2009 | Favorites | 10 Comments
I’m an old man at heart. Between my affinity for family history, an early-to-bed/early-to-rise attitude, and my regular aches and pains, I’m probably better suited for an old folks home than the student housing I now live in. Of all my old-timer characteristics, however, there is just one that stands out and really defines me: Cardigans.
I love cardigans. They’re warm, look sharp, and are, well, simply and utterly fabulous. Sadly, though, they are underappreciated by my generation. I guess thats what you get when your poster child is Mr. Rogers. Without question the best way to convert to the cardigan cause is to go out and buy one but perhaps for now a history lesson on fashion’s crowning jewel will suffice:
History of the Cardigan (unabridged)
377,537,322 – 320,679,982 BC (approximate) – Mount Cardigan, 43°38′58” N 71°54′51” W, is formed thanks to the Acadian orogeny. It was one rockin’ party…
1855 – Lieutenant General James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, returns from the Crimean War. The cardigan, supposedly worn by him on his campaign (and receiving its name after him), became fashionable following his glorious return from battle.
1856 – Lord Cardigan is defamed after the true story of his participation in the Crimean War is told. He still looks fabulous.
1968 – Mr. Rogers first asks America “Won’t you be my neighbor?” He asked Canadians the same question in 1963 but they decided the answer was “No” after giving him three seasons. They must have heard that rumor about him wearing cardigans to cover tattoos running up his arms.
1992 – A Swedish pop group is started who call themselves “The Cardigans”. Among their finer hits are “I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to be Nicer” and “Your New Cuckoo”. Their undisputed hits propell them into international stardom.
2007 – Rob joins the world of Cardigans. The world rejoices.
