Levi Strauss: Hang’em Dry

Ran across an article in the New York Times that I thought was quite interesting. American classic denim company Levi Strauss has launched a “green” initiative partnering with Goodwill. New care tags will be sewn in challenging consumers to line dry the brand’s jeans and donate them to the aforementioned second-hand giant when they are ready to be expunged from their wardrobe.

Leading to idea was an internal life-cycle assessment on the iconic 501s from cotton fields to closets that uncovered some astounding figures:

• Each pair of 501s is responsible for 32 kilograms of carbon dioxide over its lifetime – the equivalent of 78 miles driven by the average automobile in the United States
• 3,000 liters of water – enough for 53 seven-minute showers, or 575 toilet flushes – were used over the product’s life cycle. (That included the amount of water needed to grow the cotton and keep the clothes clean)
• About 400 megajoules of energy were consumed over the life of the jeans, enough to power a personal computer for 556 hours

Pretty impressive “who’d a thunk it” moment, as many of us are concerned about our water and energy consumption, but probably don’t even consider the processes prior to the garments ever gracing our Adonis-like stems (um…ok).  Hopefully, the campaign doesn’t bring a headache for homeowners still trying to fight this ongoing battle.

So think next time you are six beers in and juggling a bowl of hot chili over your lap, other than the obvious risks, you can help save the whales.

Read the entire article here.

Friday F&B

So for this Friday’s Food & Beverage, we are doing away with the food. Since it is 20 degrees cooler than average, raining and miserable here in the Mid-Atlantic, it is the perfect time to concentrate on beverage. And as we know, we here at B&S do like us some beer, this time of year it’s Pumpkin. Before I go any further, it is not a chic beer nor to be equivocated with a pumpkin lattes with “just a bit of whip cream.”  In fact early American colonists used to drink pumpkin beer, including our first president, who apparently made a pretty kick-ass pumpkin porter. However, this was mostly due to the scarcity of hops and pumpkin made for an effective fermentable.

Was fortunate enough to attend a friend’s chili cookout in historic Middleburg, VA last weekend and we drank pumpkin beer, a perfect compliment to it and all things fall. Some favorites include Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale, Post Road and Saranac.

“I’ve learned there are three things you don’t discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin.”

– Linus

Endorse This…

Came across this interesting article from the October issue of GOLF Magazine, literally illustrating how much PGA Tour player (and winner this year) Ryan Moore is losing monetarily by being his own man, instead of  a walking billboard. It’s unheard of on the Tour to not have an endorsement deal of some sort, especially when Mr. Woods will make $100 million over five years just for sporting the Swoosh.  For younger pros, if they don’t make cuts they don’t get paid, so its good to have guaranteed  income.  I admire Ryan for wanting to play a mixed set of clubs and wear what he wants, just hope he keeps winning or else we may see a giant Cialis logo on his fashionable, military style lid.

That said, now we all have the opportunity for endorsement. That’s right, thanks to a new company called Udorse we can sell out and get cash by tagging our clothing manufacturers in our social media pics. Check out the MSNBC article here. One of these days, if I’m lucky, it will be Blazer & Shades & Jordache.

Friday F&B

After a brief hiatus to stand up in a best friend’s wedding, am back to hitting the blog. Even updated the banner, nothing says autumn weekends like wearing a good pair of jeans…..while drinking and making fire. So, like we try to do with everything here at B&S, let’s take the burger up a notch. Friends are over for the game, beers are flowing,don’t just toss mushed up ground meat on the grill. Rather, garner compliments by just taking a few simple, but tasty extra steps.

This wonderfully put together recipe from over at Pinch My Salt offers an easy way to dress up the blah burger with some serious flavor. Like we encourage everyone to do, tweak to your liking, serve on your favorite bun or roll. Promise it won’t leave your guests feeling, ahem, bleu.

Bleu Cheese Burgers

Note: While prepping the filling and cooking the burgers, I highly recommend rough chopping some onion and caramelizing for a great topping. Better yet, get your hog out and throw some bacon on those bad boys too.

2 oz. cream cheese
2 oz. crumbled bleu cheese
1/8 t. onion powder
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef (I use 85% lean)
salt and pepper
Coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

1. In a small bowl, mash together cream cheese and blue cheese then stir in the onion powder and parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
2. Divide ground beef into 8 equal pieces. I first divide it into four pieces then divide each piece again. Form the pieces into balls then sprinkle the balls lightly with salt and pepper, rolling them around a bit to make sure all sides are covered. Flatten each ball to form thin patties of equal size. I find it easiest to form the patties on a sheet of waxed paper.
3. To fill burgers, place a tablespoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each of four patties. Spread the filling out evenly to within half an inch of the edge of each patty. Place the remaining patties on top to form four filled burgers. Gently press the edges of each burger together to form a seal.
4. Sprinkle burgers liberally with coarsely ground black pepper (optional).
5. Prepare your grill and cook burgers until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees (USDA recommendation) or until desired degree of doneness. Let rest for ten minutes.

Find the full, well-photographed recipe here.

Tough Times: Closet Budget

The September issue of Esquire had a small, albeit thought-provoking graphic on how men should “budget” their wardrobe for the year. I found it to be a great idea, in these times everyone wants to look good but most of us have a budget. I sit down and go over my household numbers for the month, why should my closet be any different? After all, it does affect my bottom line.

Think about it, budgeting and planning for clothes even for one season makes sense. A perfectly balanced attire puts you in the black because you resist impulse clothing purchases. Like affording your mortgage, because you resisted the foxy brunette who only drinks Veuve Clicquot and dines exclusively at places beginning with “Chez.”

It also makes sense to seek out value when you shop, rather than chasing fads or trends seek out classic, well-made staples. That also keeps the cost down over time. So, grab your laser pointers…er yeah…and check it out:

Friday F&B

So it’s officially Fall (which means I need to change my seersucker banner) and that means crisp weather and football. So moving forward, the Friday Food & Beverage will concentrate on things to make for tailgates, at home on the grill, wine parties, stream-side picnics, etc. Again, these are just recipes, drinks, food items, etc. that I’ve come across, or am dying to try. That said, today is “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

You all may be familiar with the 1967 hit song, but now musician John Ellison has turned his attention to food with an awesome spice blend. I found this in my local Wegman’s and it is literally great on all meat and fish. It is a very unique taste that blends remarkably with many flavors. If you don’t have it at your store, you can get it here. I recently threw it on some pork ribs and here is how it went down:

• 1 tablespoon Some Kind of Wonderful
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Combine and apply rub, let sit on ribs for a few hours, cook low and slow at 250 degrees for three hours. By the 4pm game you have some good eats.

Don’t forget about the beverage! Since it’s basically Kansas City rub, I like something fall-ish and hoppy to offset the sweetness. Think Sam Octoberfest or Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale. 

Emulate: Kennedy Style

The closest thing to royalty this country has, the Kennedy’s have long remained a fascination among Americans. A mantra of public service echoes through the family’s generations instilled by Joe Sr. They have long since captivated us as a mix of do-gooders with rock star status. Living in front of the entire country, we watched as they accomplished life’s ultimate highs along with unthinkable tragedies. Regardless of your political affiliation, you couldn’t help but root for them, true patriots committed to bettering this country.

That said, they were also some of the snappiest dressers around. Pulled these shots from various archives and media after Ted’s passing and notice the timeless looks you still see today. Keep in mind next time you are suit shopping. Nothing boxy, clean, classic cuts with slim repp ties (No, not 80′s thin), tweed jackets, man, it doesn’t get any sharper than this! Try here for some looks. Also, next season, your trunks should look like Ted’s.  Good place to start: J. Crew. In fact, it’s a good place to start for any wardrobe, check out some of the fall items while you visit the site.

Manolith has also assembled  Teddy quotes, even sharper than his wardrobe!

Back in Penguin Form…

So I’m back, after a few personal disruptions this summer, but it’s time to get back down to business.

That said, many of you probably attended or participated in a wedding (fall weddings, polyester actually feels nice) this season. Recently, again I found myself getting measured up for formal wear.  So, I decided it’s time for everyone to get your measurements and file them. Apologies to those of you who have not had the privilege  (groomsmen-ly or Best Man speaking), perhaps you need to disregard the convivial females in the all-to-short jean skirts and meet yourself a “man-friend.”

(Editor’s note, lots of Jameson and promises that you’ll still hang out once he’s married helps up your speed dial placement)

That said, every man should own his measurements. Twenty years down the road you should hopefully need your own tux, for at least (If you haven’t taken a Browning to him yet) giving a daughter away or attending black-tie functions. That said, check out for a good reference, have it done once and you know them for formal occasions — saving yourself a trip to Men’s Wearhouse — but also for buying the occasional suit, dress shirt or blazer. Unless you subscribe to the All-Chipotle-Diet, then just keep measuring as you go. Godspeed.

This way, at 35, you don’t look like the intern who just woke up, sniffed a pair of khakis and showed up for an unpaid day at the office. BTW – slim, black, closely tailored fits never go out of style. Take a note from Ralph above.

A side note, listen to Glen Miller’s “Tuxedo Junction” once you get fitted, chances are if you are already familiar with it, then it will be…pardon the pun…fitting.

Friday F&B

Everyone’s preoccupation with the weekend usually clouds any Friday productivity including my own. Therefore, I’ve decided a regular feature of  interesting food and beverage recipes would be a short, yet interesting way to round out each week and help you impress your friends.

Thanks to Suburban Gourmet, this is the best steak marinade I have ever tasted. Used it for kabobs a couple weeks ago and it was delicious. Like he mentions, I highly recommend letting the meat sit in it for at least 24 hours. So go home and get busy for your weekend grilling!

1. Rub steaks with black pepper and seasoned steak salt.

2. Marinade Ingredients

½ Cup Olive Oil
1 ½ Cup Red Wine
¾ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 Large Head Garlic, Minced
1 Large Onion, Chopped
1 ½ Tbls Thyme
1 ½ Tablespoon Oregano
2 Tbls Rosemary
1 ½ Tbls Basil
1 ½ Tsp Lowry Salt
1 ½ Tsp Black Pepper
1 ½ Tsp Garlic Powder

3. Combine everything in a mixing bowl and pour over meat in large freezer bag or container. Let sit. Grill. Enjoy.

Check Out This Band

As an accessories whore, I love all things watches. Now there are many other sites out there reviewing the latest Tag or Rolex, but here at BS we stick to what we can actually afford. Most of us own a “mere mortal’s” watch, but we can certainly add some sophistication and panache just by swapping out the band. 

The NATO G10 is  based upon the standard strap issued by the British Ministry of Defense.  British troops nicknamed it the G10 because of the form used to requisition it from inventory and it has a NSN or NATO Stock Number which identifies it. Put the two together and voila, a cool, durable and eye-catching upgrade to your timepiece. I put the second from left on my Lacoste face and have had numerous positive comments.

A Trip Down South did a good post on them and J. Crew and Orvis incorporate the bands (or something similar) into their field watches. You can find them on eBay, or on sites such as http://gnomonwatches.com/NATOStrap.htm. But be sure to measure first to select the right band size.