Wimbledon, 2011

As a casual observer of tennis I am always glad when Wimbledon rolls around. Perhaps it is the strict adherence to all-whites against that emerald backdrop. Perhaps it is the occasional show of good cheer and good sportsmanship that is also known as fellowship. Perhaps the stiff upper lip in the face of certain hardship, perhaps the rainy weather. Certainly the recollection of a Pimm's Cup well-hoisted. And certain too that Ralph Lauren and Rolex have hitched their corporate images to a wagon far more storied than their own.

Still, it is a wonderful time of year, here in the middle of the heartland in the "middle" of my life, reminiscing about a younger day, engaged in sporting endeavors across the pond. Jackets still required. Grunting, not so much.

Shades of Summer

When stumped for a post this afternoon, my older daughter suggested I do a little something on sunglasses. It seemed like a good idea at the time, so here goes:

Though I seldom wear them except when driving, I'm full of opinions.

This is one of my favorite styles currently. For lack of a better term we'll call them "Fuzzy Zoeller's". I have bought expensive sunglasses like this from Maui Jim and inexpensive ones like this at Walgreen's. I usually feel better about myself when I'm wearing less expensive sunglasses.

Then you have the JFK look. Almost Wayfarers, but with a narrower stem. In tortoise shell, not black. Very elegant, very classic.

A great shot for Father's Day.

Another style I like is the RayBan Aviator. Looks good on almost anyone's face. It may make you look a little haughty, but what else are you wearing 'em for?

Happy Father's Day. Comments always welcome.

Original Topsiders

Some of my favorite sneakers, from back in the day, available here:

Shoes, Glorious Shoes

Here is a link to a most interesting collection of shoes that would even make Will over at ASW blush.

Comments always welcome. Way to go, Bruins.

Fare Thee Well, Meredith Vieira

It is long since past due: Meredith Vieira has served her last day on the Today Show. This fifty-seven year-old product of New England, graduate of the Lincoln School and Tufts, has served her country and her cause well. As I do some research on her background, I am reminded of the cool of West 57th Street and certainly her work on The View. I am not really a viewer of the Today Show these days (I prefer Morning Joe). However, it is hard to argue with class. And this is something that MV has in abundance and it seems to come naturally from within.

Playful, with Matt Lauer, her first day on the Today Show.

Who says that the gentle passage of time
can't be thoroughly charming?

Meredith shares a moment with Abe Vigoda

And  production staffers

Fare thee well.

Bruins Open It Up in Boston, 8-1

The Bruins game tonight was as good as any I've seen in a long while, and I've been watching them for some time now. In fact I had to explain to my daughter that there was a time when the players did not wear helmets. I even remember when the goalies didn't wear masks. The first professional game I attended was stopped for 20 minutes, while Eddie Johnston the Bruins netminder had a deep gash in his forehead stitched back together. (There was no back-up goaltender on the bench.) And you wonder why they drank, or had the shakes like Gump Worsley.

Tonight's game and certainly the entire series has been about goaltending. Tim Thomas, my hat goes off to you. Job well done!!

Thomas stretching prior to opening face-off.

Shoving one of the twins . . .

on his ass!

He shoots, he scores! Bobby Orr wins it in overtime. May, 1970.
13,909 screaming fans go wild! Bedlam erupts.

Separated at Birth?

Garrison Keillor vs. Rainn Wilson. You be the judge.

Garrison Keillor is someone I love for his voice, both literal and figurative. There is no one I would rather listen to on a long car ride. He can be enormously entertaining, his voice so soothing. Puts me in the zone every time. Rainn Wilson, not so much. I mean what a screwball. And yet his character, Dwight Shrute, the man you love to hate, is so necessary and vital for The Office. You be the judge. Comments always welcome.