Sunday, December 31, 2006

NEW YEARS EVE

As 2007 is about to begin, I know most people are thinking of their resolutions...I have not started them yet. I hope to have them out by week end, or maybe not.

The only thing I'm thinking about today is if the champagne is chilled. It is!

I am taking out a nice bottle of Dom; since it's just Muffy and I at home tonight. Totally amateur night out there!! That made me think back to the days of Cold Duck and other cheap sparkling wines of my youth. What are you going to on this night; AND what will you drink???

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Great Christmas

Wow, do the little ones love Christmas! The kids are still playing with their toys under the tree...It brings back happy memories of my own childhood, sitting around in my pj's with the siblings all Christmas day...then the suit up and off to visit aunts, uncles and cousins (it was ok because we could use their new toys too).
With this warm and rain spell the typical Christmas break ski trip is off. (I know a few people "rock skiing" in VT &NH, fun in March; not fun in December).

Off to make a plan B to keep kids occupied...

Sunday, December 24, 2006

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wow is it really this warm out? I, like most people, love the idea of a white Christmas. However, it looks like this year in the NorthEast we will be having a spring Christmas!!


I am done with my shopping, actually Muffy does most of it, and off to enjoy the almost 60 degree weather. Unlike a lot of people I've bumped into this season I am still enjoying the 24/7 Christmas songs...

MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope everyone enjoys their time with the family!!!

Friday, December 15, 2006

VV 12 Days of Christmas
















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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

A few shopping discounts

I got these forwarded to me; so I can not guarantee they all work. However, if you are shopping at these sites maybe it may help you save some $$$...

site discount code exp
www.childrensplace.com 15% off entire purchase H2AB6 12/11

www.crayola.com 20% off order happyholiday 12/15

www.designershoes.com 20% off AMT121 12/13

disneyshopping.go.com free shipping over $75 SC3FS 12/7

www.eddiebauer.com 20% off $75 EBEM4B 1/7/07

www.theparagon.com 15% off p6ah15 1/1/07

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Free Shipping at BB (on orders over $200)



* Free shipping offer is valid through December 21, 2006 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Free shipping is valid for standard ground shipping within the 48 contiguous United States for catalog and internet orders. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only. Not valid on previous purchases. Void in states where prohibited by law. No cash value except where prohibited, then the cash value is 1/100 cent.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Bowl Games

It looks like the people behind the computers did not want a Mich/Ohio rematch...Mich's points fell over the past two weeks and they did not even play!

Below is a list of the 2006-07 Bowl Schedule. This season there will be an extra BCS Bowl with the top two teams in the BCS rankings meeting in the BCS National Title in Glendale, Arizona on Jan. 8.
Date
Bowl
Location
TV
Time
Matchup
Jan. 8
BCS Title
Glendale, Ariz.
FOX
8 p.m.
Ohio State vs. Florida
Jan. 7
GMAC
Mobile, Ala.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Southern Miss vs. Ohio
Jan. 6
International
Toronto
ESPN
Noon
W. Michigan vs. Cincinnati
Jan. 3
Sugar
New Orleans, La.
FOX
8 p.m.
LSU vs. Notre Dame
Jan. 2
Orange
Miami, Fla.
FOX
8 p.m.
Wake Forest vs. Louisville
Jan. 1
Fiesta
Glendale, Ariz.
FOX
8 p.m.
Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Jan. 1
Rose
Pasadena, Calif.
ABC
5 p.m.
Southern Cal. vs. Michigan
Jan. 1
Capital One
Orlando, Fla.
ABC
1 p.m.
Arkansas vs. Wisconsin
Jan. 1
Gator
Jacksonville, Fla.
CBS
1 p.m.
Georgia Tech vs. W. Virginia
Jan. 1
Cotton
Dallas, Tex.
FOX
11:30 a.m.
Nebraska vs. Auburn
Jan. 1
Outback
Tampa, Fla.
ESPN
11 a.m.
Penn State vs. Tennessee
Dec. 31
MPC Computers
Boise, Idaho
ESPN
7:30 p.m.
Nevada vs. Miami (Fla.)
Dec. 30
Chick-fil-A
Atlanta, Ga.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Virginia Tech vs. Georgia
Dec. 30
Alamo
San Antonio, Tex.
ESPN
4:30 p.m.
Texas vs. Iowa
Dec. 30
Meineke Car Care
Charlotte, N.C.
ESPN2
1 p.m.
Boston College vs. Navy
Dec. 29
Champs Sports
Orlando, Fla.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Purdue vs. Maryland
Dec. 29
Insight
Phoenix, Ariz.
NFL Net.
7:30 p.m.
Minnesota vs. Texas Tech
Dec. 29
Liberty
Memphis, Tenn.
ESPN
4:30 p.m.
Houston vs. South Carolina
Dec. 29
Sun
El Paso, Tex.
CBS
2 p.m.
Missouri vs. Oregon State
Dec. 29
Music City
Nashville, Tenn.
ESPN
1 p.m.
Kentucky vs. Clemson
Dec. 28
Holiday
San Diego, Calif.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Texas A&M vs. California
Dec. 28
Texas
Houston, Tex.
NFL Net.
8 p.m.
Rutgers vs. Kansas State
Dec. 28
Independence
Shreveport, La.
ESPN
4:30 p.m.
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama
Dec. 27
Emerald
San Fran, Calif.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Florida State vs. UCLA
Dec. 26
Motor City
Detroit, Mich.
ESPN
7:30 p.m.
C. Michigan vs. Middle Tenn.
Dec. 24
Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
ESPN
8 p.m.
Arizona State vs. Hawaii
Dec. 23
Armed Forces
Fort Worth, Tex.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Utah vs. Tulsa
Dec. 23
New Mexico
Alburquerque, NM
ESPN
4:30 p.m.
New Mexico vs. San Jose St.
Dec. 23
PapaJohns.com
Birmingham, Ala.
ESPN2
1 p.m.
East Carolina vs. South Florida
Dec. 22
New Orleans
New Orleans, La.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Troy vs. Rice
Dec. 21
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nev.
ESPN
8 p.m.
Oregon vs. BYU
Dec. 19
Poinsettia
San Diego, Calf.
ESPN2
8 p.m.
TCU vs. Northern Illinois
Note: All times are Eastern.



.

Sunday, December 03, 2006


Bruin up a BCS storm :

So what are the geniuses at the BCS computer room going to do now? With Pete Carroll's USC losing last night it is going to make the bowl selections loads of fun; and I'm sure a lot of people are ggoing to be pissed and will never be happy with the controversy. Is a play-off the answer for the NCAA Football? I'm not sure; but is a computer the picking the top teams the answer?

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving





I know many people are traveling right now for the Thanksgiving holiday; have a safe trip. Also, I hope we all take tomorrow to give thanks to God for all of our blessings and to enjoy family and friends.

Also, remember 3 NFL games tomorrow!

I know it's going to be a great day; Muffy is already making pies!!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Let's go to the mall


OK; so as I've said before I watch this tv show "how I met your mother" . It was on last night and they had a plot that one of the characters had an ugly secret from their past...It turns out that one of them was a teen idol in Canada in the early 90's. She had one hit and had to travel to every Canadian mall to sing the song...Funny video


Watch it and it will bring you right back to the 80's (not sure if that's good or bad; you decide)

Monday, November 20, 2006

BREAKING NEWS

Fox has cancelled the publication of the OJ "tell all" book and the TV interview to push the book... here is the link to the story.

Maybe the is hope for this country after all!!

Vineyard Vines Fleece


A few new pullovers and regular fleece at one of our favorite retailers Vineyard Vines .

I figured we can wait on the Northface winter jackets for a while and wear our fleece at least until mid December. Although the weather report up north is making me dream of snow...

I had to actually bring the hoses in for the winter...boo

Sunday, November 19, 2006

It's a Sunday and I blog

Wow. Somehow I got to the computer and started writing...I was entertaining a few visitors yesterday and last night then we headed out to dinner; my first thought "where is my warm weather?" It was mid 60's for the past few weeks then yesterday it felt like fall had taken over and the winter frost is coming soon. I love the winter; but I was getting spoiled by the nice weather (even getting away with shorts on occasion). Now as Thanksgiving approaches I need to start thinking about salt for the stairs and shovels...

Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback on switching to the newer version on blogger. I am still 50/50. I love technology and am usually never afraid to upgrade, try new things etc. So I do not know why I am so unable to move onto this new software...what's next afraid to use my blackberry?

Off to enjoy the crisp Sunday morning and hopefully cocktails by noon!!! Get outside and enjoy it too...

Thursday, November 16, 2006

For every season, turn, turn....

OK, so I've been pretty busy and REALLY bad keeping up posts in the last few weeks. However, I thought to myself I'm not that bad. Then I looked back on my last few posts; only on a Thursday (some may think I'm in some sort of prison that only allows access to computers on Thursdays) what's up with that? I really have no idea; I don't think I'm really that much more busy than anyone else or myself at most points in my life. OH WELL...anywho I was signing on this am and this BLOGGER BETA pop ups came in front of me. I have no idea what the beta is. Does anyone? I know a few of my favorite blogs now have some sort of sign on to get to it; I have to admit I have no idea what sign on and password they are looking for! Sorry LillyandLemon I have not been able to read you in a while.

So I'm soliciting help: Can anyone out there tell me if and WHY I should "upgrade" to this beta? Being conservative I hate change!

Thanks for the help; and I will really try to post on a day other than a Thursday (if I can bribe the guards :) )

Shopping

New savings on Vineyard Vines (I may be late with this one, of course I have been late with many thing recently).

Bonus Bucks: register an online account at www.vineyardvines.com before Thanksgiving and receive $20 towards your purchase of $100 or more...use the code: bonusbucks during checkout.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Crazy Life

Will someone please tell me when this crazy life is going to slow down? I feel like I do not even have 10 minutes a day to myself; and when I try to find some "downtime" with a book or stupid TV show the phone rings again! The best was the four days before the election; our house got hit with more "roto-dialer" calls than I thought possible (the best was a pol on a roto-dialer saying he wanted to outlaw roto-dialing!)

I have been remiss in upkeeping the blog (I shall try to be better) I'm sure I can talk for hours on the election, etc...however I'll save that rant for a day or two I think everyone else out there is coving it enough..

Well, my blackberry is buzzing I'll be back soon....

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Happy Halloween

Wow, what a fun night with the two little ones. I made sure I was home to join the on their trick or treating. As most guys it is sometime impossible to get out of the office to come home in time to see the ghosts and goblins running around the town. Last night was actually my first time that I went out with the kids. Sometimes I would get home in time sometimes to give out the candy; however I never got out till yesterday. It is a great time to see your kids jumping up and down, seeing all their friends etc. We should all try to do these little things with our kids (I know I don't do enough) because these silly little things are the biggest things to the kids lives at this point.

Happy November 1st!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Ode to Argyle


Ian Poulter's Open campaign continues, but white plus-fours matched with Argyle socks can't stop him slipping to one over

I was putting on my argyle socks this morning realizing how much I missed them. Most of the summer we wear no socks with either flip flops or docksiders; now with the cold weather ontop of us it's time to think of socks. Nothing is better than looking down and seeing that great pattern on our calf. I looked in my sock draw today and saw way over a dozen pairs, and I know I have some hidden away in "winter" clothes boxes as well. I think today is a great day for everyone to walk back to their bedrooms and grab a colourful pair of argyles that have been sitting there patiently all summer and talk them for a walk.

Monday, October 23, 2006

CNBC

I'm sitting here will CNBC on in the background. Does anyone actually watch this channel? I know it's always on at most brokerage firms/trading desks and bars around Wall Street. But they play the same stories over and over and over again all in the same day. One good thing about the channel is they have not fallen to Wall Street's business casual dress code yet. This channel may be the only part of the financial world that does not wear polo shirts to work.

I miss all those suits; it gave the wife and kids something to buy dads for father's dad.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Church and Gambling


So I sitting at the breakfast table this morning finishing my morning papers and I start to think about NFL football. Of course just like every other red blooded American I enjoy the once in while wager on sports (did you see that great Clemson game on ESPN last night) and I've found myself in a couple fantasy football leagues. I actually do ok even though I don't spend days or weeks preparing with mock drafts etc like some in the leagues. So, I'm looking at the actual spreads of today's games and putting in my best guess on the few games (of course wagering is illegal and I would not want to do that, right ;) ) .

Now I've got my game plan together when my Muffy wife tells me to start getting ready for church. Have I forgotten that Sunday is God's day and a day for rest and family? Maybe I should not be thinking about wagering on a Sunday? Somehow I don't think my looking at the lines in the paper or having a friendly wager will bring down western civilization. Maybe that's a better question for the priest?

Anyway, getting dressed to head to Mass and then watch a game on TV(hopefully win a few $)...if this good weather continues today I believe a good cigar and walk with the family will help fill God's plan for the day...

Friday, October 20, 2006

New Blog

I love to hear about new blogs. Like our blog pal Mrs P. Moving over to a new blog "CHIC" or EMG moving to her new blog "THE EMG". Then I've seen recently the "MUDDY DOG" and Mr. Sean from "THE W.A.S.P." and Muffy at "LATTER DAY LILLY" . The reason I bring this up is because Dave from "PREPPOLITICS" just let me know about him starting up a blog and that this blog helped him in doing that. Well to Dave and all the other "Daves" out there welcome and as I told Dave "JUST HAVE FUN"

your fellow blogger aka "TOD" aka " Preppy Guy" aka .....insert real name here....

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Dress for success


So, as I wrote about recently I have been traveling and unable/or too tired to blog anything out. Also after dinner and drinks and after dinner drinks I don't think too many people would want to read my mixed up thoughts...Including me the next day!

I was taking a plane the other day and it made me remember something my pop said a long time ago "always wear at least a blazer on a plane; you will be treated the way you expect." So I do. Even if I'm stuck in the middle seat in economy class I'm either wearing my suit or blazer to the plane (of course we remove the jacket while we sit; otherwise it gets wrinkled, etc).

The other day While I was getting my boarding pass checked I looked around and started to actually think about what people wear on planes (I know we could talk about how bad people dress all the time, today let's just focus on planes/airports). I saw too many sweat pants/shirts, is there a gym on the plane that nobody told me about? What about those Fanny packs? Here is a hint people THEY NEVER LOOK GOOD! I'm not trying to just bitch about other people, I spied a bunch of guys in jeans and tee shirts or some other type of shirt; honestly it looked fine. Just because I was wearing a suit I do not expect everyone to wear one. However, please look in the mirror BEFORE you leave the house.

I know the response that everyone is going to say; "I want to be comfortable for the long flight". I agree, bring a good book or take a quick nap but you are still in public you should not be wearing slippers in the airport (yes I did see it last week). My flight kind of looked like it was filled with extras from one who flew over the coo koo's nest. I truly believe most American must be colour blind too.. Orange, red and purple (nice outfit).

A quick THANK YOU

I was away this weekend, and that is when the visitors of this blog topped 20,000!!! WOW. I want to thank those who contribute and those who just like to stop by. I hope that you find this blog fun and a nice distraction from the real world!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Road Hog


So, I've been driving a lot recently (see previous post) and I started a mental note of my list of the worst drivers. Now I'm not going to start talking about men vs women; too many people say women are always putting makeup on and mess up driving. To tell you the truth I know quite a lot of men that I would never get in a car with; no guys you can't drive 90 while talking on one cellphone, emailing on your blackberry and drinking coffee...

Anyway I have a list in my head of the worst drivers, by states. I thought I would share them with you readers out there. Now I know some will be pissed off, some will agree and most will not give a &^$) . I also have not seen all the drivers in all the state, so I'm sure there are some other crazes out there (please share).
My list in order of the worst drivers:
1) New Jersey
2) Rhode Island (per capita it would be the worst)
3) Massachusetts
4) Florida
5) New York
6) California
7) Alabama
8) Washington DC (yes I know it's not a state, however they drive so bad they made the list)
9)Pennsylvania
10) Oklahoma

Also, all the provinces of Canada (every time I see a Canuck on the road I do my best to get away)

MIA Blog

Sorry I've been MIA on my blogs recently. Life has been crazy and I have been traveling for both business and pleasure. I've got a few things I want to get off my chest; however I need some coffee and breakfast first...

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Great Poll

If you have a minute, click over to EMG's blog and take her poll.

Crazy week


So I was all set to meet a few buds for a nice big (read lots of steak and wine) dinner in the city. Well with the awful news of the small plane crash into a building in NYC stopped that. First of all, what a shock, I feel badly for the Lidle family and the family of the flight instructor. Secondly all those people who are homeless because of the accident. However, when people in and around NYC see a plane crash into a building, the nightmares of Sept. 11th come rushing back in.
Long story short, I had Italian in a very nice place with two of the guys I was set to meet, it's funny how one thing can change things...

Sunday, October 08, 2006

All TV'd out


As I've said before I love sports. I will play golf or tennis, or a pick-up basketball game anytime. I have been watching the baseball playoffs like a made man (yes I'm mad know that the Yankees are out). So I figured today is a great day to spend ALL day outside. I went for a long walk this morning and now I'm checking emails, etc before going out again. My muffy wife told me that a couple we know is in town for the day so we'll hook up with them after lunch and hit the parks. I was thinking about drinking a nice bottle of wine too. I guess my boozing tenancy keep showing through.

The Yankees loss made me think about how some people, some I know well too, take their sports teams WAY too serious. As I've said I love sports; I have spent many a Sundays sitting watching every down of any football game. Or playoff of almost any sport is hypnotic. I really enjoy watching people try to win the championship...Competition is good and it drives us all even if we are watching it. Anyway, as I was saying i know there are people who lost sleep last night and will not go out today because the Yankees lost. They will carry their crap attitude to work tomorrow and yell at someone because of nothing. A police buddy of mine told me he hates to work the Superbowl shift (more domestic violence than usual). It's OK to root for your team; heck if you are not upset when they lose you are not a fan...but it's only a game. fight with your dog and kick your wife over something real not because A-Rod struck out or someone fumbled the game winning opportunity. Life sucks enough, grab a beer and go for a walk today...

Saturday, October 07, 2006

What now brown cow

So it does not good for the Yankees to make it past the Tigers. I'm not giving up hope, but the bar that I was at watching the game got too quiet I think more fans have lost hope of stopping Detroit's MO. I'm sure the exec's over at Fox Network are a little worried too. If they can get the Yankees into the post season their ratings just keep getting bigger. And if they can have the Yankees in the World Series even better!!

Luckily it's still nice out on this Columbus Weekend so I'm heading out with the kids for a nice fall hike and then maybe some soccer or bike rides. Isn't it so nice when you can still head out and enjoy the weekends. Trust me it will be below freezing and frozen rain falling on our heads in a matter of weeks...get out and enjoy it.

Of course get your ass back to watch the Yankees at 4pm...Maybe I'll just start drinking in the yard instead of trying to hide the trails...haha

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Baseball Playoffs


So after yesterday's depressing post I thought I would mention that the baseball playoffs started yesterday. The real good news (besides the Yankees victory) is that now I can shut off FoxNews and all the crazy news. I know that "bad news sells"; it just seems too much lately. And do they have to talk about the same story for 10 hours in a row?
But now I can shut that negativity off (at least for a few weeks) and watch some good baseball.

Quick poll: who do you what to win?

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

WHAT THE.....?

I'm watching the news last night when the story of that crazy school killing comes on. What the F%$K ? The story is so bizarre that I almost can't take it. This wingnut has a 20 year old grudge so he takes a school full of girls hostage and starts shooting them...Come on, so when you were 12 years old some girls busted your balls or made fun of you or would not go to the stupid dance with you, etc. you now want to kill other people? If we all took our rejections from our youth this way the world would end in 5 minutes...

I'm in no way encouraging suicide, but I can never understand these sickos who kill people just to turn the gun on themselves...If life sucks that bad kill yourself and leave everyone else out of it.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Steak or Chicken

Yes, Steak or Chicken is the age old joke about wedding dinners. So, being a regular guy I love steak. But not all steak is equal. How many times have you gone out to get a good dinner only to have a fatty piece of meat. I would not buy a piece of meat like that to cook on the bbq, why do so called "Nice" restaurants buy and serve that crap? I will not mention the place that did this, but it is not the only place. I have been to expensive restaurants that feel like they are just filling space and don't give a damm how the food tastes or how people will NOT ever come back.

How many times do we need to be hit over the head before we stop going to these places?

Sunday, October 01, 2006

It's must be a crazy life when you get a chance to clean up emails and check in on your blog is 7am on a Sunday...I was all excited this morning when I went out to the driveway for the morning paper and it was really HOT. I thought we might be able to have a real nice day outside. I need the unwind day. BUT then the rain! Of course if it's the weekend it must rain.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Good Quote

I was buying cigars in NYC last week and saw this quote:

"A man's shoes will tell you if he has money, his clothes, if he has style. But if you want to know if he's a sport, see if he's wearing a good cigar." Nat Sherman, 1938

Exclusive Savings End Sunday at Brooks Brothers

LAST CHANCE FOR EXCLUSIVE 25% SAVINGS
FRIENDS & FAMILY OFFER ENDS SUNDAY Enjoy a special 25% savings* on all of your purchases.Now through Sunday, October 1, 2006.This special shopping offer is available at all retail & factory stores,by phone, and online. Enter code friend20 at checkout, or mentionfriend20 on catalog orders. For purchases in stores, print thisemail and present to cashier.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Ryder Cup


So I've been watching the Ryder Cup the last few days and it is a quite a disappointment for team USA. The Euros are really playing like a team vs the group of individuals of the USA. It reminded me of some news recently about crazy football dads who demand their kids get more time, etc. God forbid anyone understands that there is a team and sometimes putting Jr. On the bench may help the whole team (either for that victory or to help others progress for the future). We all would love to have a Tiger Woods type protege as one of our children. The true is only a few can make it to the NBA/NFL/MLB, etc. We should encourage competitive spirit in our kids, however do not get carried away. Just because your little girl is great at soccer in the 1st grade, chances are she will not love it as much in the next few years and not make the Olympic team.

I'm no "everyone should win" guy. I think that is actually WORSE than pushing your kids too much. Humans love to win, win at work, win at weekend golf; win at the weekly poker game. And that all comes from healthy competition as a child. Don't lose that! BUT don't try to live your fantasies through your kids. Not every kid wants to spend 40 hours a week practicing a sport at the age of six.

Friday, September 22, 2006

For M.M.

I was too late for her preppy pup contest, but I thought I'd add our little guy!!

Official Last Day of Summer

I was driving this morning and the radio announcer stated that today is the last day of summer, of course it was 58 degrees this am so it was not a big surprise. I guess we may finally have to let go of the summer.... :(

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Love the Flask



So as we were talking about the barn coat, the subject moved to drinking; real surprise for me! I love my flask (or should I say FLASKS). I have quite a few. From a very nice small one that can fit into you jeans pocket, it is hand made from England with leather outside of it, to a large monogramed flask (see picture above). To me the flask is a classic part of any man's accessories. And a perfect gift for husbands who enjoy having a little nip while walking through the woods or watching that college football game. My first flask use was during ski trips. After a morning of crazy skiing we would start to "enjoy" the day by warming up with a hit of the flask! Nothing is better than that.

The only question is what to put into the flask? I usually go for scotch or cognac. But in my opinion anything goes. So, dust off that old flask and fill it up with your favourite spirit and enjoy the fall weather...and if you don't have one drop the hint to the special lady in your life; she can even have the gift engraved.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

The Essence of Autumn


I just got the Brooks Brothers email

"Prepare for the turn of the season with the perfect layering pieces. Start with a crisp non-iron cotton dress shirt, add soft touch of one of our versatilesweaters in cashmere or lambswool,and finish with the distinctive style ofour outerwear collection."

Although we all love our shorts, I'm ready for some nice sweaters and a barncoat (barncoats are great they have many pockets to hide your booze).

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Busy and sick

So I headed to the Buffett concert on Thursday (I already had a cold) and then the Party and after party really wrecked my Friday. Of course I rallied and had a good day, however Saturday was a bust. Here I am Sunday morning couching my butt off and trying to choke down some coffee...Normally I would pass on going out if I felt a big cold coming on; but if anyone has ever gone to a Jimmy Buffett concert you know you try never to miss one if you can; luckily none of my children were born when I had tickets...

So, it looks like a football watching day. Time to stoke up the NFL Ticket and lay on the couch. It's kind of a waste, the weather looks great outside; maybe I can catch part of the 1pm games and take the dog for a walk...Don't get me wrong; on a good fall day I love to gather a few buds with too many beers and some hot wings and watch our favorite teams...just now it's still too much like summer and I would like to get the last bit of "good" outside weather...

Friday, September 15, 2006

Fins to the left...


Went to the Buffett concert last night...great show and finding it tough to work today...

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Cigars


As the fall air is upon us it's time to start thinking of those long walks with a good cigar. I personally love a good cigar; heck I even get a few Cubans once in a while (although not a many as I wish). I have a few H. Upmann's left in my humidor and they are just ok. A tough draw and too mild. I have enjoyed a few Partagas last month and even my last Cohiba (Sligo VI), boy do I wish I could get more of them. I know some people are grossed out by cigar smoke, however it is a nice relaxation for me to take a long walk with a good smoke. Sometimes it is the only escape I can find.

I remember a few years ago with the big cigar "boom" it seemed everyone was smoking. That was good to get people to try different cigars because their favorites usually were sold out. Today, it is a bit back to "normal" and one can find a lot of variety at the local cigar store (if you are luck enough to have a cigar store near you). So, if you are the golf course or just walking around town or sitting on your back deck, take a nice cigar and relax and enjoy it. Having a nice cigar makes you slow down in this fast paced world and actually enjoy the moment, surely we all deserve a little down time from the rat race...

Monday, September 11, 2006

NEVER FORGET


September 11th. This is the day we need to take some time and remember all those brave souls that where murdered for just going to work. No matter who you are this affected you and you are lieing to yourself if you think this attack did not. On September 11 please remember all those wives who's husbands never came home. Husbands still waiting for their wives to walk in the front door. All those moms and dads and brothers and sisters who will never get another day with their sons or daughters or brothers or sisters. And especially remember all those children who lost their dads and moms. Those children will never have a chance to look up to that parent for advise, never pass another football around, never have all those memories.

Please take some time today and remember those we lost. If you think we don't need to think about this any more take a moment and look at a list of the names or this list .

God Bless the victims. God Bless America. Never Forget!

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Get a Sense of Humour !

OK, I was not even going to bring this up; figured I'd just ignore some of the rude comments here and else where and just continue on my fun little blog. But I'm pissed off this am for some reason, maybe because I burnt my mouth on my Dunkin's coffee or maybe because one of my kids will not stop yelling today (you know those days!). So I just sat down and figured I'd start writing...that is what you do in a stupid blog(told you I am crabby). LIGHTEN up; it's a blog not national policy. I write this stupid little blog because I thought it was fun. And that's how I write. I write about stupid things that mean something sometimes like the war on terror or politics; then I write about things not as important like how I like to pop my collar and enjoy sailing. I truly enjoy most comments, and it's kind of nice to have people visit the site and share their feelings. Even if you disagree, who cares...we are having fun...this not out job, or our life, it's a fun thing to do from time to time. I actual enjoy dumping my stupid ideas out there in cyberspace...BUT IT IS FOR FUN...I enjoy, when I have a few minutes jumping around and reading other blogs. From Preppy stuff to politics to hard news; my goal in writing a blog (I now have diarerra of the keyboard) is just to download from my brain to the computer. So, sorry if i mis-spell or f-up my grammar. This is not my thesis or a business plan. Many time I just find a subject and ramble on, and on, and on (like now!) If I offend you because I'm too preppy or not preppy enough or too old fashion or too whatever; sorry but who really cares. I enjoy all those blogs out there and some of them make me wonder why i read them (i read because IT"S FUN and entertaining).

Sorry if you are offended because I am boorish at times. Like to drink all the time. Love to smoke cigars and drive fast. I dress preppy a lot. I watch sports, I even gamble (oh, my scary huh?). Don't worry, I let the priest win a few holes once and a while, that might help. I'm conservative, and think people should have some certain civility. I am not a snob, but I have a good sense of humor (and yes, sometimes I bust peoples balls.) and if you wear pajama bottoms with a 10 year old Red Sox sweatshirt to the supermarket you should expect people to bust on you.

If you want to read this blog, great I really like people to read it. I'm thankful, truly thankful that you took a few minutes out of your day to stop by. And if you leave comments, wow even better. Maybe something little old me wrote about made you think about something. Even if you disagree, no problem. Just don't be an ass. who needs someone calling you a fag, dick, loser, repulsive, etc. Did they ever take a debate class? I'm up to talk about anything; hell we can spend a week talking about Red Sox vs Yankees or old Coke vs New Coke. (a little 80's flashback for you). just have some stupid class.

Again; Please keep coming to check out my stupid rants and raves. Just bring your sense of humour.

Sharapova in the finals...good news for guys!


Read the tennis analysis on sportsline . Or just look at the picture!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Check Please

So you are with a group of old college friends, or maybe high school, or even just a group of guys from around your neighborhood. Someone sets up a dinner out. It turns into just one laugh after another. A few appetizers, good food (hopefully a steak), and even some wine may be added to the few cocktails everyone has been enjoying.

Then the check, there are different personalities and it shows when a check arrives at the table. I've even experimented by just sitting back when the check came and wait for someone else to figure out what we all should pay. It fails most of the time and it seems there are one or two people at every gathering who are given the check (not to cover on your own, unless you are with family, your event, etc) to made the determination of the split. I know it's not a math thing, some of the people I will be with are computer programmers, even teachers, so I know they could figure out the cut (I would not even look down on a guy who took out his cell phone to do the calculations for a big group). Just people seem to want someone else to "be in charge", maybe?

But, I digress, the reason I think is that every group wants someone powerful enough to shut down the inevitable "But I only had the Salad" guy! We all know what I'm talking about. I like many people find ourselves in a new group from time to time; either a new job, new town, who knows and we bump into the "my share is..." guy. I and most of friends have weeded them out of gatherings a long time ago, so it's the new situations that are tough. Why is it that in every group there are people who just feel cheap? I'm not saying that if two guys hit a pub and one guy gets a huge dinner and drinks and the other just a pint or two they should split evenly the bill. If you have a "friend" who does that you need to find a new drinking pal. But when you go out to dinner with a group of guys you should expect to pay an equal portion or the bill. If you eat/drink light one time, you might eat/drink heavy the next. It should all equal out! The only caveat is the guy who always orders the $200 truffles on his pasta when everyone else is just eating $50 steaks. This guy too needs to be culled from the herd.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Crocs on CNBC tonight


I know a lot of people just love the Crocs; and you can't argue with the success of the company. You know they have made it when I saw knockoff Crocs at a store last week...I'm sure there are many imitators out there now.

The company trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol CROX, came as an ipo on Feb. 7th 2006 at $21.00 per share. It went as high as $37 and is trading today around $26.85. They seem to have had a nice run. It is a stock that a lot of people have been shorting(betting the price will go lower).

Anyway, I just saw an ad for the show "on the money" on CNBC( at 7pm and replayed at 11pm ) and they are doing a focus piece on Crocs and the success of the company. I think I heard that they may be expanding into clothing, etc to diversify.

So, if you like Crocs or want to learn more about the company you may want to catch the show.
(fyi: no, I don't have a long or short position in CROX; I just know a lot of people have talked about them in the past.)

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Welcome to the Fall !!!!


Ok, I know there is a lot of people out there in preppy land very upset that the summer is over; however the changing seasons just mean more challenges to live the preppy life!

I was surfing this am and saw a few people out there talking about the summer end and the packing away of clothes. I too was thinking of this. So, here are a few things that are being put at the end of the closet (unless we have a Summer in January party again!). First the Nantucket Reds are being washed and stored away. With them go the madras, and the flip flops. I know some people wear flip flops later in the year but it's time to call it quits. Labour Day is the end of the Summer and with it the tradition says time to put away the white shoes. (I do not have any white shoes, but the white/light pants/shorts etc should be stored for Memorial Day. One thing that hit the garbage this morning was the sailor rope bracelet.

Now, people think that wearing white after Labour Day is ok now. Maybe it is, but I'm a classic guy and I think some rules should not be broken. As for drinks, I still have a little Tanqueray left as well as a few limes so the G&T's will still be flowing (although in the privacy of my own home, not at the pubs). I'll also call it an end to the Cape Codders and the Margaritas. SAD DAY!! However, now we can officially relaunch Martini Time : Boy do we love a good Martini!

So what are you saying goodbye to as the seasons change???

Monday, September 04, 2006

Hippie vs. Preppy

So, getting back to our couple day jaunt to Cape Cod. The family decided to sneak away to Cape Cod for two or three days to enjoy the only forecasted nice weather and a last break before school starts next Tuesday. We pack the puppy away to his favorite dog camp and we head to Cape Cod. Well I think that maybe living were we do has melted my mind into thinking everyone is preppy or at least "normal"...Boy am I wrong...

First stop, an aquarium in upstate CT that the kids loved in the past. It was just a few hours to break up the trip and it's fun to see whales/sharks etc. Well we saw a whole lot of Disney tee shirts, bad fitting shorts and slurring speech (and that was the adults!). I can't blame a kid for wearing a grubby tee shirt if that is what mom and dad wear. There should be a rule: No adult should ever wear a tee shirt with cartoon characters on it (I actually believe no adult should ever wear a tee shirt outside of the gym or chores, etc). Who puts on a Huge black Eor tee shirt with matching black strech pants and looks in the mirror in the morning saying "I look good today, let's go to the all you can eat salad bar"? And why does everyone have to mumble? Doesn't anyone pronounce their words anymore...Annunciate please America...

Then there was the day trip to MV. I know it was only for the afternoon, but OMG Vineyard Haven is like a Hippie/white trash haven. My Muffy wife suggested that all the normal people are in Edgartown; this makes sense since Vineyard Haven is a dry town (for those of you outside New England, yes the Puritan influence is still alive in parts of MA.). We, since we were there only for the day, did not venture out of Vineyard Haven. I was taking my wife's idea about the preppies hiding in the other side of the island, but the ferry! No preppies on the ferry! Actually when we returned to Woods Hole, a hippie couple were looking at my cute kids commenting, then they noticed the Muffy with her whale skirt and popped collar, they visible were disgusted. They even huffed and puffed (of course the Muffy just turned to them and laughed!!)

So I know I'm rambling, however what happened to the Vineyard? Did we just go on a bad day, or as Muffy suggested the "Clinton influence": once President Clinton started going there all the tree huggers (an actual bumper sticker we saw) followed. Instead of Vineyard Vine flipflops we saw Teva and birkenstocks.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Something to laugh at in the morning...

I saw this this morning on Pink cupcakes's blog. I thought it was too funny not to copy....

Two Cows
Socialism: You have 2 cows and you give one to your neighbour.
Communism: You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and gives you some milk.
Fascism: You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and sells you some milk.
Naziism: You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and shoots you.
Bureaucratism: You have 2 cows; the Government takes both, shoots one, milks the other and throws the milk away.
Traditional Capitalism: You have 2 cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.
American Corporation: You have 2 cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow dropped dead.
French Corporation: You have 2 cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.
Japanese Corporation: You have 2 cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called Cowkimon and market them Worldwide.
German Corporation: You have 2 cows. You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.
British Corporation: You have 2 cows. Both are mad.
Italian Corporation: You have 2 cows, but you don't know where they are. You break for lunch.
Russian Corporation: You have 2 cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
Swiss Corporation: You have 5000 cows. None of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.
Chinese Corporation: You have 2 cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.
Iraqi Corporation: Everyone thinks you have lots of cows. You tell them that you have none. No one believes you and they bomb your ass. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of a Democracy.......
Irish Corporation; you have two cows. You ask for an EU subsidy for your failed breeding programme.
Milton Keynes Council; you have two cows and no concrete leads on who stole the others.
Dublin Aviary; you have two black cows and a broken perch
Counter Culture: 'Wow, dig it, like there's these 2 cows, man, grazing in the hemp field. You gotta have some of this milk!'
Surrealism: You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons. Fatalist: You have 2 doomed cows...
Hong Kong Capitalism: You have 2 cows. You sell 3 of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all 4 cows back, with a tax deduction for keeping 5 cows. The milk rights of 6 cows are transferred via a Panamanian intermediary to a Cayman Islands company secretly owned by the majority shareholder, who sells the rights to all 7 cows' milk back to the listed company and proceeds from the sale are deferred. The annual report says that the company owns 8 cows, with an option on one more. Meanwhile, you kill the 2 cows because the feng shui is bad.
New Zealand Corporation: You have 2 cows. That one on the left is kinda cute
Indian Corporation: You have 2 cows. You worship them.
Australian Corporation: You have 2 cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go down the pub to celebrate

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Cool Kicks in the back of the car

So it's raining outside, kids are playing, wife is shopping and the football on tv is boring right now...on to a couple funny trip stories.

So we are driving home yesterday afternoon when I come up to a VW going kind of slow, I am stuck behind him for a few minutes. I see two sets of sneakers on the back ledge of the car. First I think the people must be moving and there was no room for their shoes...No, the car was pretty empty..so the only reason his shoes were in the back window was the show them off...Yup, in the back window he had two sets of new sneakers , err sorry "kicks", neatly placed so everyone who drove by saw how awesome it must have been?!?! It reminds you of all the old men with their WWII caps in the back window, or worse all those stuffed animal!!!..

I'll tell you if you are ever bored just take a trip on I95 and look at the other cars!

A few more funny thoughts involve MV. When did preppies become an endangered special on the MV ferry? It looked more like the love boat to Woodstock....more on that in awhile...

We got the only two days of sunshine!

My Muffy wife, kids and myself snuck away to Cape Cod for two days. It seems we got the only two days of sun in the last week (or this weekend). I wake up this am to rain again. It's no wonder we all drink so much! Well I'm off to Dunkin's to grab a coffee then the paper; I have a few funny stories from the trip hopefully I can write them down later.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Manners for Kids


KSK asked "My son is 12, my daughter is 11. I want to give both of them "etiquette" books for their birthdays this year. I put etiquette in quotes because if I hand them the Post book they will NOT read it (to put it mildly).So, any suggestions as to books written to the KID, not the parent, that is helpful for both manners but also, more importantly at this age, what to do in social situations. (Remember adolescence? YUCK!!!)Lisagh's post about the etiquette book her dad gave her made me think of this...."

So I walked into our little library and saw a few ideas. If they will not read the Post book for kids (it's real good) try "Manners " by Kate Spade (yes, of handbag fame). Tell your daughter the bags are cool, read the book. It's an easy read and funny too.

Another idea is "Special Words: Notes for when you don't know what to say" by Joyce Landorf Heatherly. Maybe you can get your son and daughter to start to think outside the regular street talk and carry on a conversation when it's tough to talk.

I'm sure there are more (hit Amazon.com)...anyone else have some favorites for kids?

Monday, August 28, 2006

Defending Preppies


A friend forwarded a blog to me, kitty something (I already forgot the name). All about fashion, not one of my favorite topics but I read the post on popped collars. (there is the link) And I felt that I had to stand up for regular preppy guys everywhere. Listen, I don't know if you pop your collar or wear whales on your pants, but If you are a preppy you do not look down on people who do. Being a preppy guy is a feeling, a relaxed "style" (because it's not 'style') and a fun loving attitude. We have a sense of humor, actually one of the best; right Muffy. (...And she stepped on the ball..)

And it may be a shock to some, there are MANY preppy people and I have never met ONE who I would describe as a "fool" or "stupid"....

Ok, off my soap box now...

UGH!!! Where is the school bus???


8 days and counting! I really woke up this morning thinking it was Labour Day and school started tomorrow...When I realized my mistake, ouch! I think the whole day is ruined. I love my kids, however I can't take it anymore. So, now I need to find some activities to keep the kids active for the next week. My Muffy wife and I are right now looking online for some quick overnight trips. First thought is of course Cape Cod. We already did the city and museum trips last week, so now maybe a day or two on the Cape and Islands...

Am I alone? Is it as my wife says 'I'm just a guy and not meant to spend this much time with the kids' (THAT IS TRUE!!!)?

10,000 hits

Wow, 10,000 hits in just two months. That's crazy. Thanks for all the visits!!!

I have started to look at ski stuff. It's never too early to think about winter activites!!!

I know I'm jumping right over fall, my wife's favorite season!

Saturday, August 26, 2006

a preppy (er, I mean pretty) funny blog

I was surfing the web this morning, with the weather bad I thought I could catch up on some news. So an hour into it I look at a few of our fav. blogs. One of them, I can't remember the one, directed me to May December (a blog by a women named Melissa Morris). It's pretty good, I really like the pictures of Nantucket. So, enjoy.

As for the day, the Muffy wife and kids will be back in a few minutes and I think we should head out to lunch. Maybe grab the puppy after that for a wet walk around town or the park.

Friday, August 25, 2006

No golf

Raining outside, so no golf...on to the bar!!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Sailing Blog


So for a while I've been receiving a daily email update from Sailing Scuttlebutt. If you like to be kept abreast of the goings on, I recommend you check out their pages. There are a lot of info on races, upcoming events, etc.

I know the main sailing season is coming to an end, but I thought I'd share this blog with you.

More museums

Yes, we spent another day in the city at a museum. I think I'm cultured out!! I'm in need of a beer.
I think my Muffy wife is trying to get all the things we haven't done for summer into the next week and a half....

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Etiquette is a big hit

Wow, I've seemed to hit a nerve with the hat etiquette post from yesterday...Some other pet peeves; elevator etiquette! I was in the city with Muffy and the kids the other day to visit a museum. Now, the crazies there could fill an entire blog. We are waiting for the elevator to arrive; it comes to our floor and a guy jumps in from of us (and another young woman) and starts "trying' to get into the elevator. HE DIDN'T EVEN WAIT TO LET THE OTHER PEOPLE OUT!

Now a couple quick rules for the elevator (and subway to a point) when the doors open let the people who are on get off first! How else can others fit? Second, when getting on and off the rule is women (and children) first, then the men. Now i know there are exceptions; a man with his kids; the car is so full the people in the front need to get out first; Men are with their wives and kids both "trying" to hold on to them. However, given the few times the elevator is crazy there are dozens of times it is not...Please people some decorum.

As I've said before I'm not Emily post wantabe, or a prude. I was brought up in an average middle class home were my parents expected some manners. That is all I'm trying to pass on to my kids.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

A little hat etiquette


I was in the land of the great unwashed a weekago (a casino). If you wanted to do a study on the sad site of America, go to a casino. Boy do I miss the casinos in Europe, it's nice to see people dressed up and I don't mean their best NY Jets jacket! Anyway, at the casino I met up with my friends for a good dinner. The restaurant is one of the best they have (a steak place, actually pretty good food too) however, there in the middle of the dining room was a few guys wearing their baseball hats. Now I guess in this day and age that that is not a shock anymore, more people would not even notice it, that of course is sad. Now, I did see a bunch on men wearing baseball hats that morning at the breakfast restaurant, I think people thought it was ok because you could order off the menu OR buffet (eww, a buffet) but what makes ANYONE think it's ok to wear a hat at the dinner table of a nice restaurants (were did these people grow up)? Unless outside at a picnic or at a ball game one should remove their hat while dining. Proper table manners were some of the first thing we were taught as toddlers; how did so many people forget?

A quick reference I found was on Ask Andy about clothes (that is were I got the picture about and a few of the quotes below, although the "rules" are generic)

Men, TAKE that hat off! Hats are removed when inside, except for places that are akin to public streets, like lobbies, corridors, and crowded elevators (non-residential). In a public building (where there are no apartments) the elevator is considered a public area.
You may choose to remove your hat in a public elevator, but in the presence of a lady your hat must be removed. A gentleman takes off his hat and holds it in his hand when a lady enters the elevator in any building that can be classified as a dwelling such as an apartment house or hotel.
He puts it on again in the corridor.
A public corridor is like the street, but an elevator in a hotel or apartment house has the character of a room in a house and there a gentleman does not keep his hat on in the presence of ladies.
Hats are removed for the National Anthem, passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications, and photographs.
Removed hats are held in hand in such a way that only the outside and never the lining is visible.

Maybe this makes me a prude; trust me I'm not, but I think wearing your baseball cap at dinner is an insult to the people you are eating with and all those around you. Sitting down for a social meal is one of the main pillars of civilization, a major thing that separates us from animals, we need to remember that.

Monday, August 21, 2006

New shirts from Salmon Cove



A few months ago Muffy returned from her favourite preppy store holding two new shirts, one for her and one for me. A new clothes company was having a trunk show and of course Muffy just walked by with just a nice hello and smile, however she said she actually liked the look of the shirts. She walked back to their table and started talking to the two co-founders (I'm sure the fact that they looked like models didn't hurt their cause). The guys explained their brand and their designs. They are fun loving guys who are following their hearts and making fun clothes (I do miss the pictures on the web page of everyone at keg parties!) Check out their web page at Salmon Cove.

The shirts are great, although they look better on Muffy than me, and I really like the different colour inner collar.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

What to buy at VV?


Our pal preppy kiki asked what I was looking to buy at Vineyard Vines this fall...See previous post about the VV fall clothing email...I just love VV; I'm wearing one of their polo shirts right now (the cut is great and casual) as well as a d-ring belt with Nantucket signs all over it! When I look at VV stuff I always start with the ties; I don't get to wear ties as often as yesteryear but I still have way too many VV ties. I figure when I need to wear a tie it should at least be fun ones!

As I was looking at the site I also saw some great looking oxford type shirts. I do not own any yet so that may be my first experiment with their fall lineup. If you have not had a chance to get the VV boxers; buy a few then you can have some fun designs there too. One other thing that I may need to try is the whale sweaters (pictured with this post).

Vineyard Vines is a new staple in the preppy guys wardrobe and should be for all preps (men, women AND children).

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Vineyard Vines Fall Preview


I just got this in the email in basket:






Check it out at Vineyard Vines.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Tea Partay hits the Wall Street Journal

The Tea Partay video story hit the Wall Street Journal this morning...

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Home Bar Essentials


A previous post lead to a conversation about what a home bar needs. I have always tried to keep the top liquors on hand in case a guest needs something to lighten their mood. Hell, I really keep it stocked for myself!

So I was surfing the net and came across an artile from the WashingtonPost; The Bar Essentials; by Emily Hiel. A well crafted article that is a good start for any home bar... The opening quote is great:
" In old movies, dashing leading men always seemed to sidle up to tables topped with crystal decanters. After a few sweeps of tuxedo-clad arms and a rattle of a cocktail shaker, they produced perfect, frothy concoctions. "

What a good visual. So I decided to look at my liquor cabinet and take an inventory (I was very surprised because I am low on a lot of stuff). Of course I have gin: Bombay Safire, Beefeaters and Tanqueray. Vodka; Stoli regular and a few flavoured. Scotch : Glenmorangie and Glenlivit. Cognac: Remy Martin XO. I saw some Paddy's whisky as well as Canadian Club( note, very low on whiskey). I also have some Port wine: just one bottle, a vintage I bought at auction. I'm not sure why I'm saving it. A couple bottles of wine (I need to expand on that collection). And a bottle of champagne: Perrier Jouet.

What I have on hand is a good start, however I need to get a little more organized so any guest will feel at home when they come for a visit.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Terrorism

I want to start off by saying what a great job the British and American intelligence services did in foiling the plot to destroy the planes flying from the UK to the US. This is a real victory for the forces of freedom and I think a major defeat for those crazy terrorist. I know the preppy posts usually talk about sailing of the best way to mix your favorite cocktail. However, we are also educated people who must talk about the issues of the day.

I think the day we let our guard down we are domed. I was there on September 11th, 2001 when the planes smashed into the twin towers. I had glass and ash fall on my head. I saw too many things I have never told people who were not there that day. I went to funerals for good men with empty coffins because their bodies were never found. I know there are many people who feel it's been five years and we should forget about the attacks on 9-11-01. This would be a mistake, as we learned yesterday our enemy hates us because we are free; because women have rights; because we vote for our leaders; because we have freedom of religion...because we are not them...

I now feel safer than ever to fly; although it will be a major problem with lines and limits on what you can bring on a flight.

When do you dump your docksiders?


I don't know why I had this thought today, maybe to get my mind off the news of the day (more on that later). So I thought I'd write something light and ask when should I retire my docksiders?

My current pair has been a very important part of my wardrobe for a few years now. Admittedly they are beat up and showing their age. However, I don't have any holes in them (do you remember in college taping them up to save your favorite pair? So do I stay with the old friend or start looking for a new pair? I even looked at Sperry's web page this morning.

My feeling is that the summer is starting to come to the end, Muffy is all worked up about sending the kids back to school, so the current pair will make the fall. But you do not want to be that dork with bright new shoes on Memorial Day next year. The only solution maybe buying a new pair in the fall and beating them up a bit around the house for the winter months. Even wear them once or twice in the snow!!

Yes, I know very silly and trivial but that's what I'm thinking about this am....

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Giving preppies a bad name

I was reading the NY Post this am and saw the headline about "preppie pair pulls bank heist". You should see the pictures that were with the article. The two looked the hobos not preppies...The NY POST is giving all preps a bad name!!! Read the the article and the clothing described; do you think they are preps???



UPPER EASTSIDE BONNIE & CLYDE
PREPPIE PAIR PULLS BANK HEIST



UPPER EAST SIDE BONNIE & CLYDE
By MARK BULLIET, ERIKA MARTINEZ and LUKAS I. ALPERT
August 10, 2006 -- Cops are searching for the Bonnie and Clyde of the hipster set.
A male-and-female pair of stylish bank robbers - clad in cargo shorts and flip-flops - ripped off nearly $2,500 from an Upper East Side bank on Monday and are on the lam, cops and bank officials said yesterday.
The man - described as 20 to 25 years old, 5-foot-9 and weighing about 160 - walked up to a teller window at the Independence branch at 225 E. 86th St. and handed over a note saying he had a gun and demanded cash, officials said.
"He feigned a weapon as though he had a weapon under his shirt," said bank spokesman Mike Armstrong. "It was a few moments. It's not the neighborhood you would expect a bank robbery in."
So far this year, there have been 137 robberies reported in the 19th Precinct where the Independence branch is located, according to police statistics, down 11 percent from the same time period last year.
The branch's seven teller windows do not have floor-to-ceiling enclosures separating bank employees from the customers, only glass coming to chest level. The bank is equipped with several surveillance cameras.
Meanwhile, the woman - described as in her 20s, 5-foot-4 and weighing approximately 135 - stood outside, smoking a cigarette and acting as a lookout, cops said.
After the teller handed over $2,470, the pair walked away together, cops said.
No one was hurt.
Cops said the man was dressed in green cargo shorts, a gray T-shirt and a green hat. He was wearing silver metal-framed sunglasses and carried a black messenger bag over his shoulder.
The woman had brown hair with red highlights, and was wearing a gray T-shirt with an overleaf design on the front. She also wore stylish black stretch pants and rubber flip-flops and was carrying a small white purse, cops said.
Neighborhood workers said the incident left them cold.
"It scares me," said Iesha Womack, 28, who works in a cellphone store across the street. "It's frightening to know something like that happened so close to us."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
mark.bulliet@nypost.com
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Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Going Back To Bed!!!

OK, so we spend the last three days cleaning our house from top to bottom; it has not shined like this in a long time. It makes me wonder what are cleaning people were doing when they would come once a week. Anyway, we walk downstairs this morning and our dog has pooped on the oriental rug in the living room(yes the one that just came back from the cleaners last week).

So, Muffy has to clean that mess up, I run out to Dunkin's for coffee and muffins and when I return Muffy tells me to head back out to buy club soda. And, there is a bird in the oven vent! Luckily when I turn on the vent the tweedy flies out to freedom (better than putting on the stove!)

So, we have a couple members of Muffy's family coming down for a day visit (stress), plus all this crap today....I JUST WANT TO GO BACK TO BED!!!

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Golf and Gambling


I just got the official agenda, the guys are heading to a nearby casino for a weekend of golf and gambling. It may come as a surprise, however those two activities are two of my favorite 10 things to do (and I know I'll be drinking, so there's a third off the list). I'm looking forward to winning some stupid bets on the course, and then making my donation to the Indian education fund.

My game of chance is craps. I, like many people enjoy blackjack and even poker; but nothing can beat the action of the craps table. For those of you who don't know craps take a look at the basics of craps web page. It's an easy read and you can get the basics easy. The only way to really learn is to grab a few hundred dollars and hit the table. Try to get a table that has some people yelling, smoking cigars, waving for drinks...people there are having fun and making money. A quiet craps table is DEATH...stay away.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Finally a break

Yes!!!
The heat wave has broken! This morning we are all outside eating breakfast on the terrace; it's so nice I'm still out here typing on the computer. A fun filled day ahead, I hope. Lots of outside time, and the preppy pup needs a lot of attention/ball playing. The big event of the day is dinner over a friend's house tonight.

What to bring? Muffy is of course making something homemade, cupcakes I think. We shall also grab a bottle of wine (something light and fun). The number one thing for me to bring though is a couple cigars. The guys will walk around after dinner with either a nice cold beer, or even better a glass of port and smoke a couple nice cigars. Luckily I have a couple Romeo Y Julieta's left in the humidor. (note to self, time to reach out to cigar contact for restocking)...

Heading back into the house for more java...have a great day!!!

Friday, August 04, 2006

Happy Friday


This may have been the fastest week in recent memory. I'm trying to get back to "work" and keep busy, but this weather is sapping my energy. Good news it looks like it may be only in the high 80's today...Finally I can walk around the town and parks...I think our dog is actually depressed because he has been unable to really get out. (everytime we let him out, 1 min. later he is back at the door looking to come in)

So the plan is to "play hooky" from the search stuff and head out with Muffy and the kids; hopefully bring the prep pup too...

ps. I was reading an article that said crime in NYC is down 12% during this heatwave. I guess criminals are not as stupid as we think.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Tea Partay Video


I just saw this video on Confessions of a Preppy Princess . Thank You Preppyprincess!!

List of Top Preppy Towns

Some great feedback from people on what we consider preppy towns. Here is the compiled list:

PREPPYGUY'S TOP PREPPY TOWNS
  • New Canaan, CT
  • Darien, CT
  • Hingham, MA
  • Nantucket, MA
  • Bedford Hills, NY
  • Summit, NJ
  • Wellesley, MA
  • Greenwich, CT
  • Rowayton, CT (part of Norwalk, CT)
  • Chevy Chase, MD
  • Annapolis, MD
  • Dover, MA
  • Newport, RI
  • Cohasset, MA
  • Osterville, MA
  • Chatham, MA
  • Lincoln, MA
  • Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA
  • Bar Harbor, ME
  • Katonah, NY
  • Rye, NY
  • Hilton Head, SC
Some Other's From Your Comments (this one in random order) :
  • Seattle, WA
  • Middleburg, VA
  • Leesburg, VA
  • Hamptons, NY
  • Kennebunkport, ME
  • Martha's Vineyard
  • Harbor Springs, MI
  • South Hampton, NY
  • Charleviox,MI
  • Grand Traverse, MI
  • Weston, MA
  • Duxbury, MA
  • Middleburg, VA

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Golf?

A friend of mine called today about sneaking out and playing golf. Normally a great idea, and since I don't get out enough I ALMOST jumped at it. However, I acted just like my blog entry of a few days ago I started talking about the weather. Maybe I am becoming a wimp, or something worse but I can't see any enjoyment in doing anything outside in 100+ degrees.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Preppy Towns

So I was surfing around and came upon Lilly and Lemons Blog. Kiki was talking about how stupid hot it has been and her desire to move to the northeast. So, of course I had a though about helping her and every other preppy out there....What about a list of the Preppiest Towns in the Northeast; or even in the whole country!

I actually have been thinking about this for a couple days, but Kiki's posting made me decide to solicit some outside ideas too....SO, please send a comment on what YOU consider a preppy town. I'll compile a list of the "viewers" choices and of the preppy guy's official list ...

Preppy Nantucket

Well boys and girls the good news is that Nantucket is still a preppy haven. Nowhere on earth can you see everyone wearing their Nantucket Reds and no-one calling them silly pink pants. There is still the flows of pink and green walking down Main Street; and flip flops everywhere(yes, quite a few crocs too).

This got me to think of some of Preppy Guy's favorite Nantucket stops:
Dining:
Best Eggs benedict: Arno's
Best Local's breakfast place: Downyflake donuts
Best Pizza/Lunch place: Foood for Here & There
Best Happy Hour Drinking Place: The Gazebo
Best Place to drink a frozen cocktail: Ropewalk
Best Dinner: Arno's
Best Chinese: Harbor Wok
Best Place to get fresh produce: Bartlett's Farm
Best Pub: Rose & Crown
Best Casual dining: The Tavern
Best Restaurant to avoid: Schooners
Best Seafood: SeaGrille

Beaches:
Best Surf: Cisco Beach
Best overall beach: Dionis
Best quiet place: Wauwinet
Best to see people who live in your home tome: Siasconset
Best to watch boats: Brant Point

Areas to stay:
Best area to Stay: Anywhere you can; except near the airport and dump

Shops: (I'm not the power shopper; however Nantucket makes it easy to spend way too much:
Best Shop: Murray's Toggery Shop (A must visit for any preppy: home of the Nantucket Reds)
Best pet Accessories: Cold Noses
Best Postcards/Nicknacks, etc. : The Hub
Best fudge: Aunt Leah's Fudge (Some penny candy too)
Best Ice Cream: Nantucket Pharmacy
Best Kids Toys : Pinwheels
Best Newer store: vineyard Vines (lot's of Nantucket only clothes)
Best store to avoid : Black Dog (saw this "store" on our last day. Overpriced and SO small...go to the vineyard and enjoy the original.

I'm sure I'll think of more as the days go on. It's such a great island and you will really enjoy everything.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Yes, I know it's hot

So, I get back to America from the fantastic trip to Nantucket (more on that in a few) and all everyone can talk about is how hot it is. I just got off the phone with my old man who had to call to make sure we knew it was going to be over 95 everyday this week. Yes, it sucks and it will ruin everyone's week but can't we just obsess about something else?

That may be too much to ask, since the next thing on people's list are probably Brad Pitt and what's her name...

WOW, 10 days on the island and I sound like one of those old salty crabs...

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Back on the mainland



I' m happy to report that Nantucket is still standing after the family ran amok all over the island! I am way too tired to string more than a few sentences together. One question though : why does everyone else get to sleep on the ferry and drive back home(of course I drove straight back last night/getting home around 2am) ?

I hope to drink a lot of coffee today (and a few g&t's later)....

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Off to Nantucket


The family and I are heading for some much needed R&R. I may not even bring my laptop, crazy huh? In any case I'm sure our small cottage does not have wifi so there will be no updates for a week or so. I may even get to read a book, if the kids don't kill me first. I hope everyone enjoys themselves and I hope to have a couple preppy ideas when I get back...By the way if you're in Nantucket, say hi. I'll be the preppy looking guy wearing the bright colored polo shirt w/the popped collar...

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Too many dark and stormies

Yes, it seems I started vacation a little early tonight... I had an important business meeting tonight (yes at a bar, in my business they all happen there) and we had too many dark and stormies...and a few shots too...wow the 5 am alarm is going to suck, off to the city for another 8am meeting; I hope I can hold my own...then the bad part of the day; a long drive to a wake for a good friend's dad...The old man was a great guy and everyone will miss him. So I'm driving 3 hours up and back for the wake on thurs. "Muffy" is quite miffed at me since we still need to pack, etc for vacation...I told her , some things are WAY too important than forgetting the toothpaste on holiday...off to bed for 6 (hopefully) good hours of sleep....."Tod"

Packing HELL


Here is a surprise, the preppy guy is heading for vacation in...Nantucket. What a shock! Cape Cod and Islands are probably THE preppy place to summer. Anyway, I'm trying to pack today and the two children are driving me CRAZY!!! Maybe I should send them to a different island (just kidding)....Saw this picture on the web, it gave me a few ideas.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Adding some links to other blogs

There are some other really cool preppy and sports blogs out there...I'm just starting to find them too...I just added 2 (it took quite a while to figure that out) and I want to add others. If you know of any that you want to share, please pass them on...

Flip Flop Flap



So it seems it's on every preppy guys (and girls) list of favorite footwear, and flip flops exemplify what laidback really is...I have to admit I am a new convert to the Flip Flop.
I've always enjoyed my docksiders and even barefoot at the beach, however the only guys that I saw wearing anything like a flip flop was either the "air Jesus" sandal's or some gross Nike shoe. My wife always wore Eliza B's and she loved them; one day she noticed the Vineyard Vines flip flops for men and thought she try to convert me.
It worked! Although they are still a little funny sometimes (they make it hard to shift while driving too), I cannot feel stressed out when you slip on a pair...Even Muffy has converted. She swears they are more comfortable than her Eliza B.'s...I'm sure a shock to a few Muffies out there.

Monday, July 17, 2006

TV Show

Ok, a quick suggestion...CBS show "How I met your Mother" is pretty funny...

Some great suggestions

I just got back home after a couple of meetings (more on that whole issue soon). By the way the outside temp. hit 99 in the car today...It is way too hot to enjoy wearing a suit, which of course I had to do. Much happier now wearing khaki shorts and a old polo oxford with my flip flops.

I was happy to see all of the suggestions on the "must haves" posting. All of the ideas are right up the preppy guy's alley. I think the number one thing for every preppy guy to remember is the preppy dress has most to do with what I like to call "classic comfort". It is not a fad and not some crazy outfit (although I'm sure we all had a few of them in college) and casual does not mean sloppy. Nothing is worse than seeing someone in a sloppy outfit in public...Have some pride.

On a totally different point (or maybe back to the weather) can ANYONE please explain why my (non-preppy) neighbour is mowing her lawn today. It's almost 100 outside and she is wearing jeans and a crappy tee shirt (I think it is one that she got free from buying two cases of Pepsi)

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Preppy Guy's Must Haves (part I)

Preppy Guy's Must Haves (part I): Saying part one because I know we will need to add to it in the future...

Preppy Guy's Must Haves: (in no particular order)
*Blue Blazer (either gold buttons or plain)
*Docksiders from Sperry
*Tod's driving shoe (no relation)
*Argyle sweater
*Engraved Leather Dop Kit
*Cuff links (The choices are endless); Kelly suggested monogram's (VERY good idea)
*Nantucket Reds
*A bespoken suit (every man needs a blue and grey)
*What goes with the suit? that's right pocket squares! (Just never match it with the tie, if you are not sure go with old fashion white)
*A Tuxedo (you may not need it everyday, but wouldn't be fun too)
*A Jeep (Preppies of all ages love the rugged Jeep)
*a few good ties, I personally love vineyard Vines
*A bunch of colourful polo shirts (must have pinks and greens and blues) and don't be afraid to wear more than one at at time
*Classic Oxford shirts
*Fun belts (whales, lobsters, sailboats, etc)
*Golf accessories (an endless supply of gift ideas)
* monogram's Bar glasses
*Flip flops (vineyard vines makes the best; even my wife Muffy loves them)

What do you think? I know there are many many other ideas I just wanted to get something out to get the ball rolling....Tod

A must have list!!!


A contributor, a newly married preppy girl, was looking for gift ideas for her preppy husband. So the idea of a must have list has been born (somehow I don't think this is the first time this has been done). I'd like to solicit as many ideas as possible then we'll post the most preppy items that today's man really needs...