new things, old things

i just received an email announcing that the new fred perry line for autumn 2008 is up and running. [warning: flash-based web site; use in peril of terminal annoyance].

my first hit is that this is much more satisfying in the traditional sense than the spring or summer lines were - i found those to be fey at best, with ill-advised color choices and strange outlines, looking like nothing so much as a peter max outtake.

i particularly crave the current version of the knit polo, which seems to be a nod to the classic munsingwear penguin [but clearly with better fabric and, thereby, a better shape] but there is a lot of good to be found. [all completely out of my price range of course, but i am allowed to drool with my face pressed against the candy store window.]

in other news, i had an interesting conversation with a couple who had divergent scooter experiences. she had gone to college in san diego, and had purchased a classic lambretta from one of the scenesters there [over which we shared one of those conspiratorial conversational moments]; he went on to sing the praises of his honda. what can you do? he said he wanted something that could rev up hills quickly, and that he needed to go faster than 50 MPH.

she and i enjoyed a fond discussion of sandpapering spark plugs, unclogging fuel lines, constantly having the cowl off on the roadside etc.

i figure you can go for convenience and you can go for style, but not always both.

caffeine

education in the retail specialty coffee industry notwithstanding, i have only just been reminded that tea does, in fact, contain more caffeine than coffee.