Late Night Technophilia

Here's my current screen shot. This is the 'cleaned up' version:

-BJW

It's The Little Things...

Accessories. When a man hears this word, he automatically assumes (more often than not), that it is more of a concern for the female persuasion. Unfortunately, it is that kind of one-sided thinking that has brought us androgynous attempts such as the 'Fanny Pack' and 'Chaco' sandals.

Here are a few, more 'manly' accessories that have caught my eye over the past few weeks:

Collar Stiffeners by James & Longbourne



Watch by Simon Carter of London



The Blackberry Storm by RIM for Verizon Wireless



Moleskine notebook



Business Card Holder by Acme Studio



Dino Bone Dog Tag Necklace by David Yurman

Thoughts?

-BJW

New Music Review: Beyonce - 'Single Ladies'

This is one of those rare occasions when I deviate from the status quo and take the road less traveled. The focus is not necessarily on the song or lyrics of this track, but more so on the visuals.

A friend sent me an audio sample from Beyonce's new album, 'I Am...', and at first I was quite reluctant to say anything about them, let alone donate the space on my blog for it.

Beyonce's video for 'Single Ladies'.

But then, I came across the music video for 'Single Ladies' and for a moment I was stunned. There was something about the choreography that I could not quite put my finger on. Then, after the 7th or 8th viewing, it hit me! She borrowed much of her steps from an old performance on the Ed Sullivan Show back in the mid-70s.

A trio headed by Gwen Verdon performed a dance number called, "Mexican Breakfast", that has been manipulated to follow the song, 'Walk It Out' by DJ Unk.

The original Gwen Verdon performance from the Ed Sullivan Show.

Granted, it was a formidable attempt by Beyonce to reaffirm herself as a mainstream, pop queen but it was her videos, not her voice, that took the cake this go-around.

-BJW

DubiousCraves: Coppa Salami

Yes, this is rather weird at first glance but bare with me. Coming from a mainly Italian/Sicilian upbringing, I have had the liberty of tasting a fair amount of what the Mediterranean has had to offer; but amidst all the amazing frutti de mare that have helped to hone this palette, I have always had an affinity for the turf and not so much the surf.

With that said, I must mention one of my most beloved cuts of meat, Coppa Panchetta, or 'Coppa' for short. This cured ham is cut from one of the most sought after parts of the pig, the spare ribs. It's a very sweet-smelling and strong-tasting salami that I have been having so much trouble finding here in Charleston.

Fortunately, I was recently tipped off by one of my foodie friends that Mr. Sean Brock, of Food Network and McCrady's fame, just so happens to create his own selection of cured meats, including Coppa! I just might have to make the trek to his farm in the near future. Trust me, it is definitely worth it...

-BJW

The Essentials: The Recession Wardrobe

As much flack as I have gotten in the past about my opulent clothing/accessory choices, I feel that in light of our country's current financial situation, perhaps a more spendthrift-friendly 'Essentials' is more in order. So, without further adieu:

1. TopMan Indigo Straight Leg Jeans, $70, topman.com

I am firm in the fact that every self-respecting man needs a good pair of dark-washed jeans in their closet. Not only can you pair them with a nice driving shoe or moccasin, but they are dressy enough to match with a dark blazer and leather dress shoes as well.

2. US Navy Type Pea Coat, $69, peacoats.com

Granted, it may not get cold enough for a full-on, military-inspired pea coat, but that's all the more reason to perhaps take a trip to a more frigid climate. If all else fails, you can wear this indoors, because you will lose your heat at least once this season. In the end, I recommend pairing this with a broken in Oxford and a skinny tie to get the desired effect; this way, the modern look of the tie will offset the imposing silhouette of the coat.

Oh and remember: Never by a coat like this a size or two too large, you don't want to give off the appearance of an actual sailor. It should fit snug on the shoulders and give you room throughout the arms.

3. Argyle V-Neck Sweater, $49.50, gap.com

A lightweight sweater is essential to any male wardrobe as the go-to 'top', so to speak, if myour not in the mood to throw on a heavy-duty jacket or coat. Try put it over an unbuttoned, point-collar shirt for a very unkempt, rakish look.

4. Desert Boots, $80, eastlandshoe.com

Seeing that I am about to graduate from college, there seemingly needs to be a point where one have to throw out those bulky, square-toed shoes that get dusted off for anything that may remotely resemble a 'special occasion' (i.e. weddings, funerals, job interviews, etc.).

Instead, i would opt for a pair of these understated boots that can be worn from the office to the dinner table without scrutiny. I would still suggest picking up a pair of leather dress shoes (cap toe or otherwise), for the intermittent interview...

5. Rugby Stripe Scarf, $26, urbanoutfitters.com

I've noticed lately that men are really getting elaborate with their scarf selections, which is odd, considering the fact that it's still about 80+ degrees during the day here in Charleston.

Bottom line: Your scarf should be one of the more understated accessories in your repertoire as not to run the risk of clashing with any of the other colors in your outfit. I know that crazy, multi-colored Tartan scarf looks bad ass now, but once you find out that you can't wear it with anything without looking like a douche, then it just looks bad. Keep your colors to about one or two per scarf; you'll thank me later.

-BJW

Tech Review: Amex Digital Blu-Ray Burner/Player

In the wake of Steve Jobs' lackluster 'announcement' of a new-and-improved MacBook/MacBook Pro release, people have been left wondering, 'Where's the Beef?'

Not only did Apple fail to introduce anything really compelling to an audience that was practically on the edge of its seats waiting for the 'next big thing', the upgrades that were revealed lacked any real staying power, I mean, removing the track button? Really?

Amex Digital Blu-ray burner and player, $289, amexdigital.com

But fear not, for the good folks over at Amex Digital have unveiled an external Blu-ray burner (and player), for USB-ready Macs, including, iMac and MacBook Air, and with a rather light price tag of only $289, it just might force Apple to start burning the midnight oil.

-BJW

In Other News: Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Goes National

Anyone who has been around me in the past few months knows that I have been a HUGE supporter of Firefly's Sweet Tea Vodka and after I found out that they sold the brand to a Kentucky-based distillery for over 16 million dollars, I was unsure as to the future of such a specialized 'elixir'

I mean, in all honesty, sweet tea is a very Southern thing, you know? Very few people in the world, let alone this country, can really grasp the gravity of the situation.

Firefly Distillery. Wadmalaw Island, SC.

Luckily, I got word from TheDigitel.com that said distillery has decided to mass-produce the product and will definitely go nation-wide on January 1st. So, for all of those who thought that Sweet Tea vodka was just a fleeting memory, it's time to wash out those glasses.

-BJW

DubiousEndorses: Pandora Radio

So what if I'm just a tad bit late to jump on the online radio bandwagon, in essence, Pandora Radio is pretty much the only radio client you will ever need.

More so, because they have recently added the most updated version (Pandora 1.2) to the Apple Apps Store, so anyone with an iPhone or iPod Touch will have the opportunity to listen to Rilo Kiley, Prince or Talking Heads all day, everyday ad nauseum.

Either way, I highly recommend adding this site to your bookmarks and letting the tunes flow forever and always.

-BJW

New Music Review: Common feat. Pharrell - "Universal Mind Control"

First off, I am a very big fan of the music video legend, Hype Williams. The same individual who directed memorable videos for Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot and Noreaga has come back with a very futuristic and robotic video for a very futuristic and robotic song (which is the main attraction here).

It is safe to say that Common has definitely fallen under the influence of the N.E.R.D machine. Not saying that this is a bad thing at all, it's almost kind of refreshing to see Common Sense take a shift from the overly sensitive, bleeding-heart rap that everyone has grown accustomed to.

Common - Universal Mind Control music video. Courtesy of Hype Williams.

In the end, I am very excited to see what Common has in store for us...

-BJW

DubiousSighting: The Suite Sole Opening Party

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening party for 'Suite Sole' the newest addition to the Charleston fashion scene.

Owned and run by Gustavo and Andrea Serrano, 'Sole' has all the makings of an uptown boutique with the heart and soul (for lack of a better term), of a downtown, neighborhood sneaker shop.

These are my absolute favorite: Nike Vandal Hi, $150.*

With brands like Nike, Creative Recreation, Adidas and Alife, 'Suite Sole' shows no signs of becoming a one-hit wonder.

Good luck, you guys...

-BJW

*Andrea and Gustavo: If you could, I'm an 11.5. Hit me up as soon as you get that new shipment, feel me?