Too many jean cuts

The plethora of options available in U.S. retail stores can sometimes be a pain in the neck. Take buying jeans, for example …

Two of the four pairs of jeans in my closet we’re in sad shape – material in the thigh area almost nonexistent and ripped in one, and a hole and a blown out pocket in the other. (If you think these jeans are just getting in … like … you know … good condition, you’re more than welcome to go dumpster diving at my place.)

I went to Kohl’s in search of some new jeans. I had way too many options to choose from – original, regular, slim, loose, comfort, straight, relaxed, boot cut, and last but not least, the ever popular “low.”

I tried on over a half dozen pairs in my size before finding a cut that matched my shape – Levi’s Comfort Fit 560 ™ Jeans.

No, I didn’t try on a “low” model.
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Originally posted Nov. 19, 2005.

Less is Best – The UnAmerican Dream

Nobody needs a 6,000 or 4,000 square foot house or a 2,000 square foot house. What you need is a little thing just big enough to have your body with a roof over it.
- Jeff Paul, extremely successful direct marketing expert

I believe most Americans are caught up in a perpetual race to see who can accumulate the biggest pile of stuff. “Bigger is better” seems to be the unofficial national motto.

Well, I’ve decided not to play this game. “Less is best’ is my motto.

Here’s my dream lifestyle: Beyond the standard necessities of life, I’d be happy living in a trailer and driving a beater. Better yet, I’d replace the car for a good pair of running shoes and a bike.

Why would anyone desire such an unAmerican lifestyle?

(more...)
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NOTE: This is the first of a series of posts from the BB archives.

Quick BB update

More good stuff is coming soon, including oldies but goodies from the archives.

I've been busy with a side project. Plus, I'm still looking for a new voice to replace the one that was screaming during my political blogging days.

Thanks for checking in, and please come back.

BB’s NASCAR experience

I had an eye-opening experience over the weekend while driving south on Interstate 81 from Hazleton to Harrisburg. Now I know why there are frequent accidents and occasional fatalities on this stretch of highway.

Below are a few of the escapades that I witnessed:

- Most drivers seemed to be cruising at 75 to 85 mph even though the posted speed limit is 65 mph. I was passed like crazy with my cruise control set at 70 mph.

- One woman blew by me while talking on a handheld cell phone.

- A few car drivers passed 18-wheelers using the right-hand lane, a well-documented way to get smushed by a trucker.

- Tailgating galore at high speeds, especially by truckers who refused to hit the breaks while barreling downhill.

The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News ran an op-ed piece on Sunday by a motorist who has had similar experiences on Pennsylvania highways.

Speeding and aggressive driving kill. Please slow down.

BB boiling over

It's hotter than Clancy's nuts at BB HQ

As some of you know, I'm a proud member of the Fan Club, a small contingent of Americans who do not have air conditioning in their homes. My home has an window air conditioner in my daughter's second-floor bedroom, but that isn't enough to get me kicked out the club.

Why the ban on AC? Mainly because I don't want to be boxed inside my house during the warm-weather months. Being cooped up during the winter is enough for me. I'm making a go of it during the heat wave with ceiling and window fans. The office was a toasty 94.3 degrees Fahrenheit at the time the picture was taken.

As far as the heat wave, it seems to be a sure sign of Gore-bal warming. Don't you think so?

Finally, if you want to learn more about Clancy's nuts and Gore-bal warming, check out Cotolo Chronicles, a blog written by Frank Cotolo of Grantville, Pa. The long-time head writer for Wolfman Jack does a live, two-hour Internet broadcast every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST. If you miss the show, you can download it as a podcast.