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What Better Gift for a Tim Tebow Fan than a Signed Tim Tebow Jersey?

ECJ — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:22:19 +0000

Click here to get an authentic signed Tim Tebow Denver Broncos Jersey from Sports Memorabilia

Whether you enjoy the way Tim Tebow plays football, appreciate his clean-cut image, or even admire his devotion to his faith, one thing is for sure: if you’re a Tim Tebow fan, there could be nothing more fun to get than a signed Tim Tebow Denver Broncos jersey. And if you’re shopping for a Tim Tebow fan, what better gift to give him or her?

A signed Tim Tebow jersey might be the hottest sports memorabilia item in the world right now. And you can get a Denver Broncos Tim Tebow jersey autographed by Tim from Sports Memorabilia by clicking here.

If you want a jersey signed by Tim Tebow, don’t wait, because these mementos of the Tim Tebow saga are going fast. As you might imagine.

Tim Tebow and the Broncos versus the Patriots tomorrow

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are slated to play the New England Patriots tomorrow in a game that has implications not only for the upcoming NFL playoffs, but for the ever-expanding scope of “Tebowmania.” (And if you want to attend, there are still tickets for this game available from TicketNetwork.)

Since taking over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos, Tebow has played a big part in engineering a 7-1 record, which has enabled the Broncos to climb atop the AFC West standings. This winning record has included miraculous comeback wins against the Chargers and Bears, due in no small part to Tebow’s uncanny knack for raising his performance in the fourth quarter.

It must be added, though, that it’s been far from a Tebow-only show. The team has come together in a big way, and stand-out performers such as kicker Matt Prater and pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are also driving the winning momentum. But many of Tebow’s teammates credit his will to win and ability to lead for helping keep the Broncos’ confidence high — an attitude that leads to resilience and a will to work together even as the team falls behind (which they’ve done a lot). The Broncos are almost making a Russian-roulette-style habit of fourth-quarter comebacks.

Even if the Broncos lose to New England, they are very likely to make the playoffs, since they face only Kansas City and Buffalo in the remaining two games of the season. How will Tim Tebow add to his legend when the Broncos appear in the playoffs for the first time since 2005?

It remains to be seen, obviously, and it should be entertaining. But first there’s a significant game tomorrow that may be the most anticipated game of this NFL season — and all because Tebow’s fame has become a world-wide phenomenon. People like a winner. They like unusual characters. They like athletes who defy the odds to win. And for those reasons and more, they like Tim Tebow. (All except certain former NFL quarterbacks who just can’t seem to stop criticizing his play — and, you know, they might think about easing up on him; he’s getting better every week).

If you want a signed Tim Tebow Jersey for yourself, or to give as a gift, no time like the present…

You can get an authentic signed jersey with Tim Tebow’s autograph now and become a driver aboard the Tim Tebow bandwagon — or you can lose out on the opportunity because these pieces of sports lore are going fast. Get the jersey and either keep it to enjoy one of your favorite players, hope that it appreciates as an investment as Tebow’s career unfolds, or give it as an amazing gift to a Tim Tebow fan.

This hand-signed, blue custom Denver Broncos number 15 Tim Tebow jersey is available right now from Sports Memorabilia — a trusted online purveyor of sports memorabilia and collectibles for 10 years, with a track record of reliable customer service in supplying the merchandise that rabid sports fans crave. Click here to see Sports Memorabilia’s 100% guarantee of authenticity that applies to every piece of sports memorabilia they sell — a guarantee that means you can be confident that the signed Tim Tebow jersey you’re getting is authentic.

In other words, it’s guaranteed to carry the signature of the “Mile High Messiah” himself.

So, enjoy either getting or giving the Tim Tebow autographed Denver Broncos jersey this holiday season.

PS: If you want a piece of sports memorabilia from earlier in Tim Tebow’s career, you can also get a signed jersey from his Heisman-winning days as a player at the University of Florida — a college career than saw him lead the Gators to two national championships.

Also, Super Bowl XLVI deal at Sports Memorabilia…

Right now you can get $4.99 flat rate shipping on all Super Bowl XLVI orders over $50 at Sports Memorabilia (shop now; offer ends soon).

In addition, get 10% off orders over $75 at SportsMemorabilia.com by using code AFFX10 (ends March 31). Get the Tim Tebow jersey or any other piece of sports memorabilia you want and get it for less! Enter code AFFX10 at checkout.

Take Advantage of the 72-Hour Sale at Moosejaw to Get the Outdoor Gear You Want

ECJ — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:25:22 +0000

Click to get The North Face Surge Backpack on sale during the Moosejaw 72-hour sale -- and get free 2-Day shipping using code TWODAY.

Moosejaw is currently having an excellent sale on many categories of outdoor, adventure, camping, hiking, ski, snowboard, travel, and sports equipment for men (and women). This sale is only happening for 72 hours. Plus, during the sale, you’ll get free 2-Day shipping on all purchases (not just sale items). It’s a good time to shop for that outdoor gear you’ve been waiting for!

(Funny, it’s just about a week until Christmas. Do you think Moosejaw noticed? Do you think Moosejaw thinks men are shopping this weekend?)

=> Click here to shop the Moosejaw 72-hour sale now. And get FREE 2-Day shipping on any order when you use code TWODAY at checkout <=

Maybe you’ve been waiting to get a Hyllus Jacket from Arc’teryx — Moosejaw has certain sizes and colors on sale. Or a men’s Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket.

Or a Surge Backpack from The North Face (click here to see it, or on the photo above) — customers tend to rave about this pack.

Or a Yakima Raptor Bike Mount.

Or Smith sunglasses.

This is a BIG sale (that’s why there’s an end to it). Moosejaw is offering a lot of the best stuff for good prices for 72 hours and you should shop now to take advantage of it. Stock up on the things you’ll need for winter — and don’t forget spring and summer, which, you know, come after winter. For example, how about Bridgedale Men’s Bamboo Hiker Socks?

Take a look at the extensive customer reviews for many products on the Moosejaw site to help hone your gear selections. And even if the 72-hour sale is over, click here to see current promotions at Moosejaw — they’re always offering something.

Here’s a good one during the current sale: Sorel Men’s Caribou Boots. These are some of the better winter boots you can wear. (They have the Sorel Women’s Caribou Boot on sale, too, because, you know, women like to keep their feet warm and dry in the winter, too. If you’re interested in more about winter boots, you can click here to see my post reviewing some of the best winter boots of all time.)

Even if you don’t find an item on sale, you can still get FREE 2-Day shipping on any purchase using code TWODAY.

Free 2-Day shipping itself is a good deal because when you order online you often don’t have to pay sales tax and, when you don’t have to pay for shipping either, it’s like getting the product for a discount anyway. Better than shopping at the mall, man.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this sale, because colors and available sizes are going fast. Moosejaw knows what they’re doing. I wouldn’t recommend them otherwise.

How to Get Half Off On Perry Ellis Men’s Clothing

ECJ — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:48:30 +0000

Getting half off at Perry Ellis online right now is pretty simple. All you have to do is use the code “PESAVE50″ and you’ll get 50% off on anything and everything on their site. Perry Ellis is one of the most popular and innovative men’s clothing brands, known for their stylish, well-made clothes — menswear that will fit your active lifestyle and creative expression. And through December 19, they are offering everything on their site at half off using the coupon code above.

Just click the link below to shop and start saving…

=> Click here to shop at PerryEllis.com and get 50% off everything when you use code PESAVE50 at checkout <=

Click to get this Plaid Scarf from Perry Ellis at 50% off

At left is an example of just one desirable item of clothing that you can find at Perry Ellis now — a Plaid Scarf in warm tones of black and brown. This scarf normally goes for $35, but if you shop today and apply code PESAVE50, you’ll get it for $17.49.

And that goes for EVERYTHING on their site! Apply the code in the shopping cart when you check out and your entire purchase will be discounted 50 percent.

Perry Ellis Men’s Shirts

Perry Ellis is, of course, known for quintessentially-American men’s shirts, both dress shirts and casual shirts. You can get half off now on well-designed shirts for the office — 100% cotton, flatteringly-tailored shirts in solids, plaids, and stripes. Most are priced at $50 – $60, so you’ll be getting them today (through December 15) for $25 – $30. This is a good chance to stock up!

Much More Than Shirts — Suits, Jeans, Shoes, Etc. — A Complete Men’s Clothing Store Online

Of course, Perry Ellis carries a complete line of all types of men’s clothes, so you can shop for coats and sweaters, fashionable blazers, ties, jeans, dress pants, underwear, shoes, slippers, socks, belts, cufflinks, sunglasses, wallets, watches, suits, resort wear, and more. (Check the video below to see examples of what’s new for 2011 from Perry Ellis.)

Like I said: it’s like your favorite men’s clothing store suddenly announced a store-wide half-off sale.

Women’s Clothes, Too (Rafaella)

But what’s more, Perry Ellis does not just sell men’s clothes and accessories on their site. They also offer something for women: bikinis! Now, you may debate the merits of buying a bikini in winter — unless you’re traveling to Mexico or Hawaii for the holidays, in which case it’s important — but I don’t think a guy would ever argue with the wisdom of a woman having plenty of bikinis. So, be assured, those are half-off, too!

And if you’ve got a gal pal (or you are a gal) who wants to shop for additional women’s clothes at good prices, go to the site of Perry Ellis’s sister company, Rafaella Sportswear, where you can get everything at 40% off for a limited time with code RFL40. Tell your fashionista buddies about this sale.

Or, if that 40% site-wide deal at Rafaella has expired, you can get 30% off 2 items (use code SAVE30); 40% off 3 items (code SAVE40); or 50% off 4+ items (code SAVE50) at Rafaella Sportswear.

Anyway, back to men…

Shop between now and December 15, use code PESAVE50, and save on well-made men’s attire and tons of accessories from Perry Ellis. If you don’t need anything personally, are you done with Christmas shopping?

I figure you would regret it if you didn’t take advantage of this sale — after all, you have to wear clothes at some point, right?

Perry Ellis on Vimeo.

Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes Are Like SUVs for Your Feet

ECJ — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:49:49 +0000

Click here to get top-rated Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes from Big Sky Country

The best trail running shoes are a combination of toughness, support, water-resistance, versatility, comfort, breathability, and traction. When it comes to all these criteria, the waterproof Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes from Vasque are superior.

These are shoes for serious trail runners. And when I say serious, I mean someone who runs trails consistently in all seasons (especially winter) and wants to have a good experience every time, rain or shine (especially rain… and snow… and mud).

If you’re running primarily in good weather on roads and groomed paths in your city park, you don’t need the Mindbender GTX. But if you’re running the Western States 100 — or you want to run it — then the Vasque Mindbender GTX shoes are some of the best friends your feet can have. Likewise for winter trail running.

=>Click here to see and purchase the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoe at Big Sky Country<=

When I say that the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes are like sport utility vehicles for your feet, I mean that, like a sport utility vehicle, they are built to handle a wide variety of conditions and demands. By itself, running is challenging for the body — it stresses the feet, legs, joints, and the whole cardiovascular system. Running on trails adds the further challenge of dealing with rocks, roots, gravel, mud, slush, rain, thorny plants, ice, cold, wind, snow, heat, and even asphalt. In other words, trail running shoes must be built to adapt to it all, protect your feet, cushion your stride, help you keep your footing, and do it all over and over again. (It wouldn’t do to have a trail running shoe that was good for a couple hundred miles and then fell apart.)

Vasque knows how to make the best trail running shoes.

Click here to find Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes on sale right now for a good price at Backcountry.com. Don’t wait to take advantage of this sale because inventory is going fast.

When it comes to shoes and boots, we all learn from experience that there are brands of footwear that we can count on to perform reliably. For me, I’d say the two shoe brands I’ve found I can trust the most are Merrell and Vasque. No product — shoe or boot — that I have bought from these two companies has ever disappointed me. In fact, they’ve exceeded expectations.

So I am confident in recommending the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes to you and figure that you’re 95 percent likely to be pleased with them. But don’t just take my word for it. Here are other reviews of this shoe…

Right now, click here to take advantage of Vasque Footwear (including Mindbender shoes) on sale at LeftLane Sports for up to 55% off (ends 1/23/12).

Reviews of the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoe

Click to get the Vasque Mindbender GTX at Moosejaw -- they have a good selection of sizes

The testers at Outside magazine winnowed all the trail running shoes on the market down to 4 models that they recommend for winter running. The Vasque Mindbender GTX is one of their top-rated shoes. Their thumbnail description of the shoe is: “A waterproof beast for technical trails.” (And by “technical,” they mean steep, gnarly, and rough.)

They said that the sturdy toe bumper and armored upper of the Mindbender GTX “brushed off softball-sized rocks.” They praised the Gore-Tex liner’s water-proofness and said that the lugged sole gripped better than expected on both gravel and mud. The only two caveats they offered were not to expect this shoe to perform like a fast trainer when running on easier surfaces, such as roads (and I will second that evaluation); it’s built to take punishment and protect your feet, so naturally it’s a bit heftier than your everyday training flat. And narrow-footed testers tended to find the fit a bit “sloshy,” so if you have narrow feet, you may have to tighten them a lot, or consider another model. (If you have narrow feet, take a look at the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 Trail Running Shoe, another top choice by Outside. Read the customer reviews at Zappos at the preceding text link.)

Outside also noted that the Mindbender GTX is “tough enough for long mountain hauls and hefty enough to double as your light-hiking shoe.” They are especially good for winter running.

Krissy Moehl, a professional ultrarunner who was chosen by Ultrarunning Magazine as the 3rd-ranked female Ultrarunner of the Year in 2009, has worn the Mindbender to race both the Western States 100 (where she placed 2nd) and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (where she set the women’s course record).

Of the Vasque Mindbender, Krissy wrote:

“I love to be a tester for new products, and and love when everything works from the first time you slip them on. I knew when I ran a 15 mile road/trail run in these blue [Mindbender] beauties right out of the box that they would be my shoe for Western [States]. Start to finish in the crazy heat and through the river I never touched the laces till well after the finish. Eight weeks later, in a brand new pair, I toed the line for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and thankfully didn’t have to worry about my feet for the next 25 hours. Give them a try.”

The Vasque Mindbender GTX was also selected by the editors of Outside China magazine as their 2011 “Gear of the Year.”

The reviewers at Liberty Sports magazine stated: “Rarely are shoe manufacturers able to find the right balance of stiffness and protection, but Vasque has done it with the Mindbender GTX.”

Several reviewers of the Mindbender GTX noted that the shoe feels and performs like a lighter shoe when out on the trail.

Here’s a video review of the Vasque Mindbender GTX by Kevin Fonger of ActiveGearReview.com:

Spec’s and Design of the Vasque Mindbender GTX

Vasque builds the shoe on the “Perpetuum” last, which helps flat-footed runners due to its straight shape — the foot lies naturally in the footbed, thus minimizing pressure points and rubbing. The outsole, based on Vasque’s Blur model, combines a cushioned, supportive upper with lugs on the sole made of a slip-resistant compound for secure traction on rocky terrain and uneven surfaces. The Mindbender GTX has a broad toebox, which allows toes to spread as needed during forefoot impact and long periods of running. The shoe has an Extended Comfort Gore-Tex liner which provides waterproof, breathable protection for your feet. It keeps feet dry while allowing perspiration to escape.

My Evaluation of Vasque Trail Running Shoes

I have used an earlier incarnation of this Vasque trail-running shoe and been amazed by its durability and comfort. I have had the shoes for 4 years and use them to run on Colorado’s punishing mountain trails. I also use the shoe as a fall and winter running shoe in general. Many times I’ve gone out for a run in the snow or rain. The shoes have kept my feet warm and dry in all conditions, even when the rest of me ended up soaked and bedraggled. I have run with these shoes at 3 below zero and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and they handled both temperatures comfortably. I also use them to run on icy streets and sidewalks in the winter and have found them to be stable, with good traction (though you always have to watch your step on ice). (For trail running shoes with excellent grip on slippery surfaces, check the previously-mentioned La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0.)

In addition (and as Outside noted), I frequently use these shoes for day hiking and just everyday wear — working in the yard, running errands, etc. For the amount of use I have given them, the sole and uppers are still in excellent condition, with just the lugs of the sole wearing down at the heel — and this is after 4 years of hard use.

If you’re shopping for excellent trail-running shoes that can also double as light hiking and everyday shoes, you should seriously consider the Vasque Mindbender GTX. You will more than get your money’s worth. They really are SUVs for your feet.

Find Them at the Following Retailers…

You can find Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes at the following trustworthy retailers of outdoor gear online: Big Sky Country, Backcountry.com (on sale right now), Moosejaw, Paragon Sports (on sale), and DepartmentOfGoods (also for a good sale price, as this is written).

Distinguish Yourself with a Herringbone Coat

ECJ — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:52:05 +0000

An overcoat is a staple of any man’s wardrobe. In business situations or more formal social occasions, you don’t want to make do with your puffy down parka. So which topcoat will you select? Men’s overcoats are traditionally made of wool or wool-blends and there are many well-tailored examples. However, if you want to stand out from the crowd, go with a herringbone wool coat.

Click to see more views and purchase the distinctive Marc Jacobs Avalon Herringbone Coat from SSENSE

Herringbone has been a distinctive design pattern for thousands of years. Herringbone designs in masonry, wood flooring, and tile date back to Roman times. There’s something out-of-the-ordinary and visually-arresting about that repeating chevron pattern, which echoes the back-swept pattern of bones in the skeleton of the herring (hence the name).

In men’s clothing, the herringbone design has been used for hundreds of years. It is difficult to sew the herringbone pattern so that it lines up evenly across the garment. For that reason, only the most skilled craftsmen and tailors have consistently used herringbone cloth (which fits in the category of twill) to make clothing.

To this day, a herringbone weave sets men’s clothing apart from other patterns. It is overwhelmingly employed in men’s clothes that are meant to signify style, high quality, and authority — that is, it is used mostly for suits and overcoats. (You will almost never find underwear or T-shirts, for example, with a true herringbone weave.)

Marc Jacobs Avalon Herringbone Coat from SSENSE

This winter, when you want to stand out from the crowd while making your way to work, or meeting your significant other (or someone you might want to be your significant other) for drinks, attending a gala or concert, or just walking your dog in the park on a chilly day while exuding an air of definite self-expression (because, bottom line, you never know who’s watching), a herringbone coat will fit the bill. Plus it will keep you warm.

You will want to wear the most well-tailored herringbone coat you can find. For that, I recommend the Marc Jacobs Avalon Herringbone Coat from Ssense (pictured above). Its coloring distinguishes it from run-of-the-mill herringbone coats — it is an intriguing combination of black, brown, and beige herringbone interspersed with orange and yellow flecks. The cloth is 70% wool, with a judicious addition of nylon and acrylic for strength, shape, warmth, and durability. It’s fully lined and made in the USA.

Earlier this year, the clothing editors at Details magazine called out herringbone as a design to employ to set yourself apart when looking for a suitable topcoat. For a herringbone overcoat, they recommended looking for one with high armholes, well-constructed shoulders (i.e., not overly boxy or shapeless), and sleeves that reveal a bit of cuff. The Avalon Herringbone Coat by Marc Jacobs meets these criteria. In addition, it is double-breasted, which makes it even more uncommon, and it comes with a belt for when you want to wrap yourself against the wind. Bottom line, it is a high-quality, uniquely-styled warm coat. Click the link or photo above to get it.

Another Herringbone Coat to Consider: the Bomber Duffle Herringbone Jacket from Paul Fredrick

Click for the Paul Fredrick Bomber Duffle Herringbone Jacket

In certain situations you don’t necessarily want to go with overly serious attire but still want to wear a more individualistic, well-styled coat — and the conditions may not call for quite as warm a coat as a full-length herringbone topcoat. In that case, go with the flattering Bomber Duffle Herringbone Jacket from Paul Fredrick (that’s it to the left).

A distinctly masculine design, it is also luxurious in execution (100% wool, fully lined), and quite stylish, with a blend of elements from the bomber jacket, the duffle coat, and the herringbone weave. Yet it is eminently practical. In slightly less formal situations, it will set you apart without “trying” too hard. Plus it will keep you warm. And the price is surprisingly reasonable.

Check the glowing customer reviews for this jacket on the Paul Fredrick site. You can get discounts and free shipping on certain purchases, too.

A Practical Herringbone Topcoat that Will Serve You for Years: Michael Kors Herringbone Long Peacoat

The Michael Kors Herringbone Long Peacoat from Zappos Couture

Last year I wrote about the practical and personal reasons every guy would want to own a peacoat. Well, the Herringbone Long Peacoat by Michael Kors is a practical blend of peacoat utility and herringbone style. Double-breasted, 70% wool, fully lined. Deep hand-warmer pockets. Covers everything that needs to be covered when you want to keep warm (and in that regard it’s a little looser in fit — and therefore easier to layer — than the Marc Jacobs Avalon Herringbone Coat). It’s long, masculine, and flowing in profile.

It’s available from Zappos Couture, so you know it’s top-quality, and you know that you’ll either be totally satisfied or you can send it back. Which also goes for Paul Fredrick and Ssense.

But of course you’ll be satisfied with your herringbone coat. You will wear it when the occasion calls for it or just whenever the hell you feel like it and, either way, it will be appropriate. Because it’s your expression.

How to Decorate for the Holidays With Manly Christmas Decorations

ECJ — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:27:53 +0000

Most Christmas decorations are intended for children. Candy canes, nutcracker Christmas tree ornaments, inflatable snowmen… These spark the imagination of kids, but what about more manly decorations? Can you express your masculine side with some DIY Christmas decorations that celebrate the holiday spirit in ways that reflect your grown-up self?

Yes — and here you can find out how to decorate for Christmas in a more duded-up way. Kids getting excited about jingle bells and elves is fine, but you’re a man now. Maybe you’re living on your own for the first time in a house or apartment. Or maybe you have a wife and kids but would like to decorate your man cave in a way that evokes some caveman Yuletide spirit.

Most men seem to think they’re somewhat apart from the holiday atmosphere; most men don’t think about decorating for Christmas, how to decorate a Christmas tree, etc. But where’s the fun in that? Why leave it to the kids?

Click for a Scotch Pine Christmas Tree from Cabela's

Express your masculine side with a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations that celebrate the season your way. It’s a time to enjoy, after all. Just because guys light their farts on fire and snort beer out their noses when they laugh doesn’t automatically mean they don’t want to decorate for Christmas. When you do your own Christmas thing, at the very least you’ll impress your friends. You might even help free their inner bad elf.

As far as how to decorate a Christmas tree, one way to start is with a Christmas Tree from Cabela’s. They have several different kinds (bet you didn’t know you could buy Christmas trees on the Internet). And a tree skirt from Bass Pro Shops that features wild game. (And you can personalize it with up to 10 letters — choose your holiday message carefully.)

Guys are just as susceptible to the Christmas spirit as anyone (see Darren McGavin in A Christmas Story). But they don’t necessarily want to hang plush heart ornaments on the fir tree they chopped down in the woods with their Fiskars axe, or place votive candles on the mantelpiece surrounded by porcelain angels holding a banner.

But hey, you got the spirit: you like the idea of Kris Kringle traversing the world with his bag of Krispy Kremes for all the good boys and girls (including you — because aren’t you good, mostly?). You enjoy the taste of spiked eggnog and the idea of a Christmas Star that was probably a supernova that occurred around 4 BC. You think snow is sorta cool. And you like those oil-drum-sized cans of flavored popcorn.

So, how do you decorate for the holidays, guy? Without going all Marth-Stew? Yet still managing to express your DIY Christmas decorating creativity? Below are festive suggestions for decking your halls with a tree, ornaments, lights, mood-enhancers, food, and more…

Christmas Tree Decorating Solutions

Click to get the C-3PO Holiday Ornament from Entertainment Earth

Nothing wrong with having a conifer in your living room that you killed yourself or bought at a tree lot from a grizzled guy wearing a stained beanie (or got from Cabela’s above). But with regard to decorating a Christmas tree, what kind of ornaments should you hang on it?

Star Wars ornaments. At right, you can see a C-3PO holiday ornament that’s also a snowglobe. Shake it and it’ll remind you of school closure days on Hoth. You can get the Star Wars C-3PO Ornament from Entertainment Earth. And click here to get a Chewbacca Snowglobe Christmas Ornament to match.

And that’s not all Entertainment Earth offers for decorating a Christmas Tree with masculine style. You can’t get any more manly than John Wayne, so check out a pair of John Wayne Western Christmas Tree Ornaments — two 4.5-inch tall, beautifully-detailed resin ornaments of John Wayne in all his gun-totin’ glory. Try those on for size.

Betty Boop Biker Ornament

Or how about Betty Boop on a motorcycle? In her regular guise, Betty Boop is known for her saucy sexiness. But a biker Boop in an abbreviated elf outfit is definitely a girl you would not take home to your mom. Celebrate that cheeky spirit and deck your halls at the same time. (Any ornament that depicts a scantily-clad female who is not an angel is in your Christmas-decorating ballpark.)

But Christmas tree decorating ideas don’t have to be limited to science fiction, gun-slingin’, and sex. There’s also guy-centric tech, hardware, and food — subjects that bold, smart, hungry men have pursued for centuries.

Recycled Motherboard Ornaments from ThinkGeek

In that vein, check out what ThinkGeek, that bastion of products celebrating intellectual prowess, has for Christmas: Recycled Motherboard Christmas Tree Ornaments. These are cleverly-carved ornaments made out of printed circuit boards. Who says electronics can’t be green? Evergreen, that is, so hang this set of 3 electrical-engineer-approved ornaments on your pine. They come in a handsome gift box, just in case you want to get several sets to enlighten your more traditional-decoration type buddies.

Another Appropriate Guy Technology: Airplanes

Tin Airplane Ornament

Besides computers, motorcycles, and women, guys also like airplanes. And so to continue your virile Christmas decorating theme, you’ll want flying machines represented on your holiday tree. Here’s the perfect aviation element: a tin airplane ornament from Alexander Taron, maker of traditional tin toys. You can find this airplane ornament at Wayfair, and Wayfair also offers an Alexander Taron tin car ornament — also appropriate to hang from your branches. They’re both retro and hip.

Nothing Says “Holiday Spirit” Like Bacon

Sparkling Bacon Christmas Ornament from ThinkGeek

Even more than high-tech gadgets, food is an appropriate idea for decorating a Christmas tree. But what kind of food? There’s one clear choice: bacon. Of course you’ve got to include bacon on your list of Christmas tree decorating ideas. Nothing says “Have a manly Christmas” more than hanging a rasher of cured pork slices from the branches of your holiday conifer.

But actual bacon is messy to string and will spoil in a few days (trust me). Not to worry, ThinkGeek has you covered there, too, with their Sparkling Bacon Ornament. Get several. Don’t eat them, though, they’re made of space-age plastic. Who needs candy canes? You’ve got bacon!

There’s more to this idea of DIY Christmas decorations, though, than just buying pre-made ornaments that are already purposed for the Yuletide season. No, you also want to venture outside the box a bit when it comes to exploring holiday decor ideas in an XY-chromosome sorta way.

DIY Ornaments

For example, Christmas ornaments imitate icicles hanging from evergreen trees in the wild (or growing in rows on Christmas tree farms in northern Vermont), and they also copy the brightness of candles that used to be placed on trees in the days of yore before OSHA and Underwriters Laboratories took all the uncertainty out of life. In other words, ornaments need to be bright and shiny. So, what else besides glass ornaments is bright and shiny but also masculine enough to adorn your tree? Hex nuts.

But not just any hex nuts. Marine-grade hex nuts. The kind you use on sailboats. Why? Because it’s cool. And, after Christmas, you can use them on your boat, or wherever. West Marine is a good place to get bulk hex nuts. Half-inch diameter nuts would be a good size. Click here to go to West Marine and order a bulk pack of hex nuts — a pack of 50, ½-inch diameter nuts in gleaming 18-8 stainless steel goes for about $20.

Bronze hex nuts for your tree

But you want a combination of colors on your tree (silver hex nuts alone would be boring), so get some bronze nuts to go with them. Bronze hex nuts are also cool. West Marine has a pack of 50 ½-inch bronze galvanized hex nuts for $10.

Now you’ve got your hex nuts. You’ll need a way to hang them from the branches. Use twine, not string. String is wimpy, twine is manly. (Alternatively, you could use wire twist-ties). Twine is also kind of rough and natural-looking. It’ll look masculine holding the nuts on your tree. Get a couple of rolls of jute twine from Gardener’s Supply Company. (Twine will come in handy around the house, too.) Tying the loops on your nuts will give you something to do while you’re watching football.

Your tree will look great with your Star Wars, John Wayne, and motherboard ornaments, and hex nuts in two colors. For a star on top — well, just use a regular Christmas star. You can find a nice plain silver star tree topper here.

Yoda Tree Topper

Or you can continue your Star Wars theme with a Yoda tree topper from ThinkGeek (pictured at right). That will get you some comments, I guarantee. May Noel be with you.

I won’t go into how the Force ties into the energy of life that we celebrate at Christmas (which actually used to be the ancient pagan Winter Solstice holiday) but I will note that this Yoda tree topper will plug into your tree lights and glows green. A good color for a manly Christmas. Heck, it might even be bright enough to illuminate your whole apartment or man cave.

Light up Christmas with Non-Cutesy Lights

Click for manly light choices at Cabela's

Which brings us to lights. You’ll probably want some. Guys like electricity. From touching a 9-volt battery with one’s tongue to running the Large Hadron Collider, guys appreciate what electromagnetism can do. It can certainly make your Christmas tree look more festive. Are there male-oriented Christmas tree lights that will fit your Christmas decoration theme? Of course. Where else would you get them but Cabela’s?

Cabela’s has guy-themed light strings that consist of coach lanterns, utility lights, Coleman-Lantern-style lights, and wire birdhouses. To the left is the Cabela’s Lantern light, which looks festive but not foofy. Each strand of lights includes 10 lights. Get several strings of one style or blend 3 or more styles to cover your whole tree. These are Christmas lights you’ll want to pass down to your kids. Click here to see several choices of Christmas tree light sets at Cabela’s.

Actual Tree Too Fussy for You? Try Iron

Some guys don’t want to mess with a live Christmas tree. Especially when it comes to apartment decorating ideas, a tree with needles, branches, and stuff might be a lot of trouble to schlep inside and set up. Or maybe space is at a premium in your man cave. Or maybe you just don’t want to fool around with ornaments. So what’s the alternative? Get a a Christmas tree made of iron.

Iron Christmas Tree with Lights

What could be manlier than an iron Christmas tree? And we’re not talking some lacy concoction of wires. We’re talking wrought iron. Such as the Medium Christmas Tree with Lights from Capitol Supply (pictured at left). Even the source of this tree is manly — the US military buys hardware from Capitol Supply. This tree is approximately 42 inches of metal Yuletide cheer with an integrated light system. Nothing to fuss with. Just set it up and plug it in.

Decorative Large Gold Tree

If you want something a little classier, a little more high-end, then check this handsome Gold Decorative Christmas Tree from Homelement (38 inches tall). This tree is made of wrought-iron metal loops in a complex design. This would be a good Christmas decor idea for a simple tree to put up in your man cave — looks cool, it’s made of metal, and harmonizes with your advanced entertainment technology and Jack Daniels neon clock. It even comes with a star. “Metal” does not imply “crude.” That’s it pictured to the right. Nothing could be simpler than this tree when it comes to holiday apartment decorating ideas, too.

If you want additional tree options, check Overstock. They have a ton of Christmas trees available, both synthetic and live. At their site, search for “Christmas trees” to see dozens of choices. Plus, they carry hundreds of Xmas accessories for low prices that may further inspire your DIY Christmas decor ideas.

And right now, you can get $10 off $100+ orders with free shipping at Overstock.

Can You Put Lights on a Metal Tree? Yes. When You Shop at an Auto Parts Store

Risk Racing Magnetic Light Mine for your Christmas Tree

What could be a more dude thing to do than shopping for holiday decorations at an auto parts store? Nothing. So, explore JC Whitney, the premier automotive online store, when it comes to accessorizing your live or metal tree. You actually can put lights on your wrought-iron tree. All you need are a few Magnetic Light Mines from Risk Racing. These little illumination units are about the size of a golf ball and have 12 rare-earth magnets that enable you to position the powerful LED light to point in any direction. Get a few and simply stick them to your tree. Rotate the lights to provide whatever illumination effects you like. If you’re using them with a live tree, stick them down in the branches. They’re a cool design.

And as long as we’re shopping at JC Whitney, here’s something else you can add to your Christmas decoration ideas: floor mats.

Green Bay Packers floor mats to use as a tree skirt

Maybe you don’t want to use the tree skirt from Bass Pro Shops (described above) around the base of your tree, particularly your metal tree. But you still want something down there besides bare floor. So here’s the solution: Green Bay Packers Floor Mats from JC Whitney. Just get a couple of sets of these and circle them around the base your tree. NFL logo floor mats are a pretty masculine Christmas decor idea. Of course, if you want another team’s logo, get that. You can specify the team on the JC Whitney NFL FANMAT page when you order. I thought Green Bay’s “G” would be appropriate because, if your girlfriend or someone asks you what it means, you can tell them it stands for “Grinch.” And when it’s not Christmas you can put the mats in your car.

Or, tree-wise, you could go in another direction entirely. Maybe you want a bit more nostalgia in your Christmas decorating ambience, while maintaining a grown-up sensibility — some cuteness combined with humor. If so, here’s another option that fits the bill perfectly: the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

Click to get the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Remember the Peanuts Christmas TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas? (How many times have you seen it?) Remember the bedraggled tree Charlie Brown tries to decorate with a single ornament and it falls over and he says, “I’ve killed it!” Now you can have that tree for yourself. Those thoughtful folks at Sears made it a reality. And you should get Vince Guaraldi’s classic Charlie Brown Christmas album and play it while sitting and sipping spiked eggnog and looking at your nostalgic, goofy Christmas tree.

A Christmas Tree is an Important Part of Your Christmas Decor Theme, but Not the Only Part

You’ll want to have some other Christmas decor items placed strategically around your place to help reinforce the holiday spirit. But still in keeping with the theme of intrepid dude-ness.

Click here for the Sega Toys Homestar Pro star projector from Gizmine

First… when you want to set that “O Holy Night” vibe at some point (and trust me, you will), there is nothing like amazing technology to do it. What you’ll want to do is turn your apartment or home into a stunning nighttime scene with the Sega Toys Homestar Pro.

Imagine it’s night. You turn out the room lights, maybe leave your Christmas tree lights on, and then you illuminate the room with a projection of 10,000 stars. Now that’s some holy juju. And it will set just the right Christmasy mood to impress that special someone. You can get the Sega Toys Homestar Pro from Gizmine (I like the black unit myself). Worth every penny — this is not a toy but a pro-grade planetarium star projector. This will amp up your magical holiday ambience a thousand-fold.

And if you can’t quite see going for the pro model (though I can’t see why you wouldn’t), not to worry, Gizmine has you covered there, too, because you can both enhance your Star Wars Christmas theme and put on a stunning starry-night display with the Homestar R2-D2 Home Planetarium (<– click to get it), which is under $100 at Gizmine.

See the video below to get an idea of what the Sega Toys Homestar Pro can do:

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care

You might not have a chimney (most apartment-dwellers don’t — and no, a bong doesn’t count), but you should still put Christmas stockings up. How else is Santa supposed to reward your ass? And don’t limit yourself to just one. You can put several stockings up and hope that your friends/family get the hint and stuff some items in there. Or you can put one up for your girlfriend. Or put up 5 or so for yourself and fill ‘em with things you like just to be diggin’ the bounty. Whatever, hang that shit up. But make sure you use gentlemanly stockings…

Camo Christmas Stocking from Cabela's

Like this camo stocking from Cabela’s. Nothing says “manly Christmas” like a camouflage Christmas stocking. It implies that you’re Mr. Outdoor Wilderness Guy (and maybe you are). Just don’t hang it on your live Christmas tree or Santa might not see it. You can get a Camo Personalized Christmas Stocking from Cabela’s and have it personalized with your name. And it’s good quality — 100% of customer reviewers at Cabela’s would recommend a Camo Stocking to a friend.

Toronto Maple Leafs Christmas Stocking

When it comes to manly Christmas decoration items, you can’t go wrong with sports, any sports. Of course, sports fans have many choices when it comes to Christmas stockings that celebrate their favorite team. For example, how about this Toronto Maple Leafs Snowman Stocking. Why the Maple Leafs? Why not? They could use a little love at this time of year because they’re not doing great and they’re the NHL team with the longest Stanley Cup drought. Yet they are in Canada, where winter lives (and Christmas is all about celebrating winter), and they are hockey players, which automatically makes them tough, just like you.

San Francisco 49ers Fiber Optic Christmas Stocking

Of course, you can find many team stockings at FansEdge, from NFL to NBA to MLB to MLS. Some even have fiber optic lights! (Any product that includes the words “fiber optic” in its description is cool.) Such as the San Francisco 49ers Fiber Optic Mascot Christmas Stocking (pictured at left).

Maybe you’re not into pro sports that much, however — maybe you’re more into college teams.

Michigan Wolverines Christmas Stocking

Still a rabid supporter of your college Alma mater? Then celebrate them during the Yuletide season. For example, how about a Michigan Wolverines Christmas Stocking, from Overstock? Why the Wolverines? Because the wolverine is the most badass animal in North America (sort of the New World version of the honey badger). If you didn’t graduate from Michigan, well, you can pick another team. Search for college team stockings at both FansEdge and Overstock to find enough options to cover your entire room. Add some holiday “cheering!”

Click here to go to the FansEdge Holiday Decor page and see hundreds of sports-related Christmas accessories for your home.

And from now until December 31, 2011, get 10% off any purchase of $100 or more at FansEdge using coupon code FEDECMBR.

Additional Dude-Appropriate Christmas Decor Ideas

You’ll want to set some additional things about your place to further evoke a cool, manly Christmas look.

Stained Glass Santa Head from Wind & Weather

Like what? Like a rather serious-looking Santa portrait made out of stained glass. You can set him on a table, shelf, or windowsill and the head is illuminated to emanate some business-like Christmas authority. This stained glass Santa Head is from Wind & Weather.

19" Cowboy Santa from Overstock

On the other hand, a cowboy Santa isn’t bad either. Especially one toting a Christmas-light lariat. You can get the Western Cowboy Santa from Overstock. The figure is 19 inches tall, so he’s not a shy, retiring Santa hombre — he’ll go well with your John Wayne ornaments.

Rotating Robot Santa Claus in his Rocket Ship

Or, instead of the frontier cowboy Kris Kringle, you could go with a more science-fictiony robot Santa. In a space ship. Playing music. You can get the 10-inch Retro Santa Claus Robot Rotating Figure (in his red rocket ship) from Newegg. Santa in a rocket, playing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” — who needs reindeer?

Multi-hued "Dripping Icicle" Tube from Newegg

Remaining in a somewhat high-tech mode, how about a multi-hued, 36-inch long, LED-lighted “Dripping Icicle” Christmas Decoration? You could hang this tube from your ceiling, put it in a window — anywhere you want to add some glowing Christmas hues like a giant sparkling icicle. The Lighted Dripping Icicle Tube Christmas Decoration comes from Newegg (one of the best places to shop for everything your high-tech Christmas heart desires).

The illustration at right shows an individual, multi-hued tube on the left, plus a suggestion of how to use them — hanging from the ceiling of a high-rise building. You could do the same at home if your ceilings are high enough — the tubes come in a number of other colors, too. You can search for them on Newegg. Or hang just one of them in your man cave.

There are other accent pieces that will round out your Christmas vibe, particularly when you’re going to be entertaining friends at your place — or a special lady. You can do a lot to create a festive air without being wussy. For example, I mentioned above that you probably won’t want to put out votive candles. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use candles at all. Candles are proven technology — they’ve been around for 2,000 years. And candlelight can really set the mood on a cold, wintry evening. You simply want to have a manly candle. And that means BIG.

Tall Bamboo Candle from Homelement

Here’s a candle that is not only big, it’s interesting, because it’s made out of bamboo — the 17-inch high 100% Bamboo Wood Candle from Homelement . It’s got a rough bark finish that will complement the rest of your robust Christmas decor. Plus it’ll probably burn for a month… plenty of time for several Christmas parties and dates. (You’ll enjoy your big candle and she’ll like it even more.)

Oliver Peppermint Stick Appetizer Plate for holiday serving

When you’re entertaining you’ll probably have some food, if only appetizers. Why serve them on your everyday dinner dishes? Pull out some holiday-themed serving plates. I’ve got one to recommend for you that is a little edgy, definitely artistic, and amusing — the Oliver Peppermint Stick Appetizer Plate from CB2. Oliver is apparently a little slow, or he just got done watching A Christmas Story and wanted to try that tongue-on-the-pole thing for himself. Serve your Christmas party appetizers on these plates and your guests will know that you’re both hip and sophisticated (not that there’s any doubt).

Click to get the Montana Trees Cushion from Occa-Home

Everything I’ve recommended for your Christmas decorating theme to this point has been hard (except for the live Christmas tree, which is a little bushy). Time to add contrast with something soft. Something you can use as an accent on your sofa. Something you can put your head on when you lie in front of the fire. Something your girlfriend will want to cuddle up with. Yet something masculine. Something like the Montana Trees Cushion from Occa-Home.

This cushion is a high-quality, large (about 20″ x 20″) wool and cotton pillow with a bold yet warm alpine tree motif. It’ll contribute to your festive winter mood. And it’s named after Montana, which is rugged. It comes from Occa-Home in the UK, one of the best online decorating stores. It’s not cheap, but it should last you for the rest of your life. (Endurance is a manly quality.) Besides, Occa-Home has a no-questions-asked 30 day return policy.

How to Set the Christmas Vibe at the Entrance to Your Domain: a Wreath

All the foregoing “how to decorate” ideas were for your interior — decorating the inside of your apartment or your man cave retreat. But how about setting the stage for Christmas cheer by visually greeting your visitors with an appropriate holiday symbol? To wit: a wreath. A Christmas wreath is a symbol of welcome and strength, two attributes you’d probably like to express. (Why do you think the Greek and Roman champions wore laurel wreaths?) In fact, a Christmas wreath is one of the oldest Christmas decorating traditions, dating back to the 1500s, well before the story of Santa Claus arrived on the scene. Get a wreath and hang it on your door or wall.

3-Herb Wreath

I recommend the 3-Herb Wreath from Bambeco. Bambeco is known for “green” products that combine sustainable design and modern technology, which means that they often have cool stuff that you won’t find in other stores. Such as their 3-Herb Wreath — a Christmas wreath made from organic bay leaves (bay laurel is what laurel wreaths are traditionally made of), organic rosemary and thyme. The herbs are woven in a circle and accented with red chili peppers. Can’t get a more manly wreath than one with chili peppers! Besides…red and green. Get it? This fragrant wreath is also practical — you can pluck the fresh herbs and peppers out of it and use them in cooking.

You can get a wrought-iron wreath hanger for your door from Art & Home — at their site, search for “wreath hanger” to see what’s currently available.

To Wrap Up Your Christmas Decorating Theme, Something Cool for the Kids: A Train Set

Click for the North Pole Central Electric Train Set from Bass Pro Shops

Christmas being what it is — a time of celebration, when family and friends gather — it’s likely that sooner or later you’ll have some kids show up. And when they do, you want to have something that will make their eyes light up. (Hex nuts are fine for you, but 5-year-old Timmy might not grasp their significance.)

Christmas is a time of reverence for many, of course, but for kids it’s mostly fun and even magical. And you can set that feeling alight with this final suggested decor item — the pièce de résistance of your holiday DIY decorating efforts: a North Pole Central Electric Train Set from Bass Pro Shops.

Remember when you had a train set when you were a kid? Did your parents set it up so it circled the Christmas tree? That’s what you should do. Set up the train to circle your live or metal tree. The 5-car set (engine, tender, gondola car, boxcar, caboose) comes with a 40″ x 80″ oval track. The boxcar plays 12 Christmas carols. There’s more to it — click the text link above or the photo to check it out. This is a cool electric train set. Of course, it would have to be, coming from Bass Pro Shops. They only sell stuff that works.

With this final touch to your manly Christmas decorating project, you might even make your own eyes light up. And isn’t that what Christmas is ultimately all about?

Get a 2012 English Calendar Right from England for Coverage (and Uncoverage) of UK Topics

ECJ — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:29:07 +0000

When you shop for a 2012 calendar, check CalendarClub.co.uk. Not only do they offer distinctly English topics, from Banksy to Country Railways to Holly Peers to Harry Potter, they have calendars that are hard to find in the U.S., if not impossible. Get something unique in a monthly calendar for 2012 and indulge or expand your interest in UK subjects. And if you actually are a British subject, then it’s only natural to shop there.

You can explore a number of manly themes throughout the huge selection of 2012 English calendars at CalendarClub.uk. This is my review of 12 of the more interesting, masculine-oriented calendars from their online British store.

Fortunately, the Internet makes this extensive calendar store available to all. American readers who are fans of Great Britain can obtain unique 2012 UK calendars for not much more than they’d pay for a calendar at their local supermarket — but these are calendars that none of their friends or office-mates are likely to have. (Shipping from CalendarClub to the US is not terribly expensive — a little over £10 to start. Not bad to get a calendar from overseas that you’d probably find otherwise only if you traveled to England.) And if you are located in the United Kingdom, you’ll get free shipping on orders over £15 using the coupon code below.

==> CLICK HERE to shop for thousands of monthly calendars in all categories at CalendarClub.co.uk. Enter code AFD152 at checkout to get free delivery in the UK for orders over £15 <==

Banksy Calendar

Click to get the Banksy 2012 Wall Calendar from CalendarClub.co.uk

For your 2012 date and holiday-tracking pleasure, we’ll start with that quintessentially Bristol-bred artist, Banksy. Banksy has become perhaps the best-known graffiti stencil-artist in the world, notorious for creating gritty, urban street-art that pokes subversive fun at western consumerism, culture, and institutions. By turns whimsical and bitingly satirical, he creates his works in guerrilla fashion (and when he’s nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Film, he doesn’t show up, as befits an anonymous artist). His varied style and subject-matter are on thought-provoking and humorous display in the Banksy 2012 Wall Calendar (click here to see it). (On the CalendarClub.co.uk site, you can see the back of each calendar to check out the individual monthly images.) If it’s sold out, check the Barnes & Noble link below.

Fortunately, unlike Angelina Jolie, you don’t have to pay $226,000 to enjoy a piece of art by Banksy, but just £9.99 for this calendar. (To roughly convert pounds to US dollars, just multiply by 1.6.) For your £9.99, you get 12 Banksy reproductions in a 12 x 24 wall calendar, which you can enjoy for a year. Get an additional copy of this contemporary art calendar as a gift for a Banksy fan (along with Banksy’s book, Wall and Piece, which proves that he can write with a typically British wit, too).

Since there is worldwide interest in this calendar, it’s also easier to find at alternative outlets. Its popularity also means that it’s selling fast and may soon sell out, so don’t wait to get it. If CalendarClub.co.uk no longer has it in stock, try clicking here to get the Banksy 2012 Wall Calendar from Barnes & Noble.

“Uncoverage” of Holly Peers: Holly Peers Calendar

Click here to get the Holly Peers 2012 Calendar

I did mention above that you can get English-themed calendars that have “uncoverage” of English subjects, and what better UK subject to uncover than Holly Peers? To the delight of the lads (and certain lasses, too, I imagine), Holly has previously appeared wearing fewer clothes than one might usually wear in public on “Page 3″ of The Sun, as well as in Nuts and Loaded. A Holly Peers gallery of photos is just the ticket when you want to inspire yourself to be your best. And you can get 12 revealing photos of the girl from Manchester in the Holly Peers 2012 Wall Calendar from CalendarClub.uk.

Now, this is one of those calendars that you’re not generally going to find available outside the Sceptered Isle. Too bad, too, because, as you’ll surely agree, Holly Peers deserves greater exposure. And the English just seem to know how to do pinup calendars right. Especially when you have the right girl. A Holly Peers calendar definitely has the right blend of cheeky sexiness to keep your spirits up in 2012. And it’s not even expensive.

In fact, none of the UK calendars for 2012 from CalendarClub.co.uk mentioned here is expensive.

Travel Via Country Railway Scenes

Click here to see Country Railways 2012 Calendar at CalendarClub

Some might say that the best way to travel around England is to obtain one of the proper English cars — an Aston Martin, say, or one of the newer Jaguars — and drive. For my money, though, taking in the English countryside from a railway car is the way to go. That way, you’re free to absorb all the sights and sounds of the landscape on either side of the tracks, while enjoying the fact that you’re on a train. You can appreciate this type of railway travel vicariously for a year when you get the Country Railways 2012 Wall Calendar. This is a fairly large format calendar with charming photographs of the trains and their engines chugging through wild, green country, and along lakes and rivers.

As an example of the trains you’ll find in this calendar, one of the featured trains is the West Highland, pulled by engine No. 5407. Below, I have a video taken from that very train. This is the atmosphere I’m describing. Watch this vignette, and then get the Country Railways 2012 Calendar to enjoy the rest of this picturesque series that evokes a more contemplative and stately way of travel.

Harry Potter Slim Calendar

England has produced some pretty good authors — Shakespeare, Milton, Tolkien, Rowling. You may have heard of J. K. Rowling — she wrote a rather popular story about a kid named Harry Potter. Became a billionaire (Rowling, not Potter). Yes, that Jo Rowling, the one who’s sold 450 million books. (Milton sold about two ten-thousandths of a percent of that many books per year.)

Anyway, there’s this Harry Potter calendar for 2012 — the Harry Potter Slim Calendar – that Potter fans think is kind of cool. Well, it is kind of cool. But it’s sort of hard to find in stores now except at CalendarClub.co.uk. Get yours before they sell out there, too. Click the link above or the image at left and enjoy the Harry Potter 2012 Slim Wall Calendar, with images of Harry, Ron, Hermione, a few irksome Death Eaters, Gringott’s, and more, all from the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. It’s called the “Slim” calendar because it’s slim and stylish, just like Emma Watson. (Actually, it’s 16 x 6 inches, which is somewhat slimmer than Emma.)

Cheshire English Countryside and Estates

The scenic Cheshire 2012 Wall Calendar

Cheshire County, in England, looks the way you imagine the English countryside looks in your favorite children’s books — The Hobbit, for example, or The Wind in the Willows. Certain areas of Cheshire look just the way you might picture the Shire would look. You also come across estates in Cheshire that remind you of Toad Hall. Cheshire can’t help it, British authors are just that good at evoking landscapes and buildings with their descriptions. And then, of course, there are cats — must remember the Cheshire cat.

But Cheshire is the reality, the actual place that you can go to, walk around in, and take pictures of. So it only follows that you should have a calendar depicting this appealing and varied English region of the Welsh Marches — the Cheshire 2012 Wall Calendar. Charming and scenic as all get-out. The photography is superb. Let it evoke some poignant and nostalgic feelings in you as you take a moment to daydream during 2012. Nostalgic for what, you aren’t sure — maybe you should go there and see. There, and, of course, back again. (Look into Cheshire travel info at TripAdvisor.)

Ocean Liners Calendar

Click for the Ocean Liners 2012 Wall Calendar

The Ocean Liners 2012 Wall Calendar celebrates a golden age of global travel — when people could board a luxurious ship, sunbathe, dine, and sleep in comfort, get acquainted with their shipmates, and disembark after several days at sea in an exotic port. What made this agreeable adventure possible was the ocean liner — a ship in which common folk could travel without having to join the Navy, be a pilgrim, or work. Prior to the airplane, ocean liners were how the world became accessible to the general populace who could afford passage.

The Ocean Liners 2012 Wall Calendar harks back to this romantic age of transportation with 16 reproductions (yes, you get 4 extra images) of some of the most colorful travel posters put out by steamship companies advertising their cruises — companies such as Union-Castle, which sailed from England to South Africa every Thursday, and the East Asiatic Company Ltd., which offered cruises to a variety of Atlantic ports via the West Indies. Add a little adventurousness and “the call of the sea” to your life with the Ocean Liners Wall Calendar from CalendarClub.co.uk.

Classic English Motorcycles

Click to get the Classic Motorcycling Calendar

And now for something completely different… Still in a transportation mode, but this mode is about as different from an ocean liner as a phone-box is from a bagpipe. I’m talking motorcycles. Did you know that English companies were some of the first successful mass producers of motorcycles? There’s a reason UK motorcycle companies became staples of two-wheeled, motorized travel (and remain successful to this day). They jumped into the fray early, at the turn of the 19th century. By the 1930s, there were over 80 different makes of motorcycles available in Great Britain. The Classic Motorcycling 2012 Deluxe Wall Calendar commemorates the innovative and adventurous early years of English motorcycles by showcasing vintage advertisements from several different makes. On this 2012 motorcycle calendar (with holidays), you get ads for Ariel, Matchless, AJS, James, and, of course, Norton, Triumph, and BSA. This would be an excellent calendar for your garage (where it can share wall space with the clutch diaphragm spring tool for your Norton Commando). Or an inspiring monthly calendar for your office, where it can serve to remind you what you’ll want to be doing on the weekend. Take a look at the following video review of the Classic Motorcycling 2012 Wall Calendar:

More Adventurous Machinery: Land Rover Pictures

See Land Rovers in action in the Land Rover 2012 Calendar

Another iconic British machine you’ll find represented in the CalendarClub online calendar store is the Land Rover. Decades of Land Rover models are covered — from the 1956 Series 1 SWB to the 2010 Range Rover Evoque — in the Land Rover 2012 Wall Calendar.

When the British get things right (lawn tennis, grail legends, suave spies, sub-four-minute miles, Kate Beckinsale), they get them very right — such that they become the best in the world. The Land Rover is the off-road vehicle by which all other off-road vehicles are measured. Sure, most Land Rover/Range Rover models are dressed up now like James Bond at an exclusive casino, but they can still kick the landscape’s butt when necessary. In that sense, like Bond, they have no peer. (Except for, you know, the members of the peerage who buy them.) Refresh your knowledge of Land Rover’s tough-as-nails yet sumptuous vehicles with the Land Rover 2012 Wall Calendar (large size 12 x 24 inches). The different models are depicted doing Land-Rover-ish things in various environments — or just sitting there, ready to strike. Just like you.

Formula One: McLaren Calendar

Click to see the 2012 McLaren Formula 1 Calendar, with free poster

While Land Rover distinguishes itself making vehicles that will crawl through mud and climb ridiculously steep hills, British racing company McLaren builds fast cars. Period. And the fastest cars they build are the McLaren MP4 series of Formula 1 cars — the ones that won the Driver’s World Championship in 2008 and 2009. The McLaren Formula 1 Team, drivers, and high-velocity race cars are the subjects of the McLaren 2012 Wall Calendar.

Formula 1 is the most popular racing series in the world, but you don’t have to be a rabid fan of Formula 1 to appreciate the McLaren calendar. You can be a fan of outstanding engineering, which McLaren has demonstrated in virtually every one of its race cars for decades (including dominating the original Can-Am series and achieving two Indianapolis 500 victories).

You can also be a fan of success. Though it entered the Formula 1 ranks 16 years behind Ferrari, McLaren is now second only to Ferrari in almost every important category of Formula 1 success, including total wins, total podiums, and total manufacturer’s points. And McLaren had what is arguably the greatest year any race team has ever had when it won all but one race in the 1988 season, scored a record 11 consecutive victories, and tallied a so-far untouchable 94% win percentage.

If you’re a race fan, stick the McLaren 2012 Wall Calendar up and whet your appetite for the 2012 Formula 1 season, which kicks off on March 18 at the Australian Grand Prix (and along with your calendar purchase, you’ll also receive a limited-edition McLaren poster).

By the way, the 2012 season will be notable for the return of Formula 1 to the United States. On November 18, 2012, the United States Grand Prix will be held at the brand new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Mark it on your calendar.

Spitfires Wall Calendar

Click for Spitfires Calendar 2012

We may as well continue the momentum of this theme of planes, trains, and automobiles — and conclude with a plane: probably the most famous British airplane ever: the Spitfire. The Spitfires 2012 Wall Calendar features 12 well-composed photographs of 12 different variants of the World War II fighter plane, including the iconic Mk I, which in great measure saved England during the Battle of Britain. (During the months-long battle, towns and clubs throughout Great Britain raised money to buy individual Spitfires for the Royal Air Force.)

The Spitfire went on to be manufactured in greater numbers than any other single-seat Allied fighter plane. The Spitfire’s graceful lines are on varied display in the Spitfires Wall Calendar, which includes photographs over both land and sea. The photos showcase the form, function, and character that has made this classic World War II fighter legendary. To give you some idea of the impressiveness of this airplane, check the video below. Though, if you’re at all a fan of classic aircraft — or even a resident of the unconquered UK — you don’t need any extra incentive to appreciate it. You can do that for an entire year with this calendar.

More Uncoverage: India Reynolds Calendar

India Reynolds is uncovered in her 2012 Calendar

To transition from Spitfires to a different kind of spitfire, the thing that used to be said during the war was that pinup pictures helped soldiers, sailors, and airmen remember what they were fighting for… And if they’d had a chance to observe India Reynolds, their motivation would have remained unshakably firm. So let’s conclude this review of English calendars with another lovely English lass.

India, the brunette spitfire who is the subject of the India Reynolds 2012 Wall Calendar, is a girl known for her ability to display a saucy combination of sass and girl-next-door appeal. Along with Holly Peers, she will help keep you on your toes in 2012.

Whether you’re in the military or not, you can use the India Reynolds calendar to hone whatever motivation you wish to enhance — or simply be captivated by the sight of an unquestionably feminine girl displaying her physical charms. A 12-image India Reynolds gallery is presented in the 2012 India Reynolds calendar — another monthly calendar you can only get from the UK calendar store online. This cute gal (or fit bird) from Reading is another reason to be a devoted anglophile.

Here’s a bonus picture of India, just for fun. –>

Even More of Holly and India: the Hot Shots 2012 Calendar

Holly Peers in the 2012 Hot Shots Calendar

Okay, so maybe you’re having trouble deciding which pinup calendar you like better — Holly Peers or India Reynolds. Perfectly understandable. Of course, you could go for both. But there’s another solution: the Hot Shots Girls and Weapons 2012 Calendar, which not only features Holly Peers and India Reynolds, it includes models Rosie Jones, Stacey Noblett, and Charlotte McKenna, too. With automatic weapons. In camouflage. Topless.

That’s Holly to the left in a shot from the calendar.

And if you need any further incentive besides naked girls wielding large-caliber firearms to get this calendar, 50% of proceeds from sales of the Hot Shots 2012 Calendar are donated to Help for Heroes, a UK-based organization that helps wounded servicemen and servicewomen returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Can’t beat that combination: scantily-clad beauties and aid for wounded veterans. Both sides of your brain can be happy with this calendar.

I can’t top that last offering, so we’ll wrap it up…

All the best to you in 2012! Keep track of the year’s highlights with a wall calendar with holidays from the excellent online calendar store, CalendarClub.co.uk. Explore more choices by clicking the banner below:

Rolex Watch Cyber Monday Deals at Melrose Jewelers — Up to $1,000 Off

ECJ — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:11:48 +0000

This is a high-end Cyber Monday deal from Melrose Jewelers, one of the largest online retailers of luxury Rolex watches in the world.

Men's Silver Dial Rolex Datejust Super President Watch

Melrose Jewelers specializes in selling both new and meticulously-restored Rolex wristwatches — pre-owned watches that have been restored to original factory specifications, both the internal works and the case. And on Cyber Monday, they are offering the following excellent deals:

Get $250 off any Rolex Datejust Watch using code CYBERCJ250
Get $500 off any Rolex President Watch using code CYBERCJ500
Get $1,000 off any Rolex Super President Watch using code CYBERCJ1000

==>Click here to shop for Rolex Watches at Melrose Jewelers now and take advantage of their Cyber Monday deal<==

You’ve Always Wanted a Rolex Watch

Admit it — ever since you heard that Rolex accompanied Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to the top of Mt. Everest in 1953, you have wanted one. The legend of Rolex has only grown in the decades since that first successful climb of Everest, and many now feel that it is the finest wristwatch available.

So why not take advantage of this excellent sale on Rolex watches by Melrose Jewelers, a company that has come to the attention of Business Week, the N.Y. Times, MSNBC, and CNBC for its growing success at selling high-end luxury watch brands online? There’s a good reason almost 170,000 people have “Liked” Melrose Jewelers on Facebook. This is a company that creates loyal customers.

Melrose Jewelers is especially known for its expertise when it comes to Rolex watches. In fact, both knowledgeable customers and Rolex technicians use the Rolex Education section of their website. On their site, you can find out much more about, for example, the watch pictured above: the Rolex Men’s Silver Dial Beadset Bezel Datejust Super President Watch.

Every Rolex watch they sell has been restored to showroom condition. You can shop with confidence at Melrose Jewelers for several reasons. Each of their watches comes with an independent authentication and appraisal by the Associated International Gemological Laboratory. Melrose Jewelers provides a comprehensive warranty on their Rolex Watches, including a two-year warranty on functionality (if it ever needs repair or replacement, you can overnight it to them at their cost and they will repair or replace the watch for free), a lifetime authenticity guarantee, and a no-risk 3-day return, 10-day exchange policy.

Melrose Jewelers is a BBB-accredited business and has many testimonials by satisfied customers.

Isn’t now a good time to get that Rolex you’ve always wanted? Make note of the coupon codes above and enter them during checkout to get your savings.

Then plan the adventure on which you’ll wear your new watch.

Back in the Saddle Again — the Best Western Saddle

ECJ — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:19:23 +0000

You can find a complete selection of the best western saddles at Horse.com, which carries saddles made by the top saddlers in the business, such as Circle Y, American Saddlery, Billy Cook, Tex Tan, Martin Saddlery, and Wintec. When it comes to the best western saddles, an American-made saddle is ideal, and all these brands offered by Horse.com are made in the USA. Reviewed below are four of the best western saddles for general use.

I’ve saddled up this blog again and am riding into the sunrise — sunrise, because it’s a new day and I’m ramping up to deliver greater helpings of useful, entertaining, informative content going forward. And when you’re in the west (like I am) and going forward, what better way to do it than on a horse? (And of course with the right song — Back in the Saddle Again (see below).)

When you’re riding a working horse, you need a “stock” saddle (or western saddle) because cowboys get the job done — whatever the job is. For western riding, the next best thing to riding bareback is to use a top-quality western saddle — a saddle that will be comfortable, fit your horse well, last for years of riding, look good, and perform reliably come rain or shine.

Why Buy a Saddle Online?

Why buy a saddle online? First, you get access to the highest-quality saddles available — established, reputable brands, as opposed to the nameless, foreign-made knock-offs made with poorer-quality leather and materials that may be the only saddles available at your local feed store. Second, you get expert customer service that will help you select the right saddle for you, plus warranties of quality and a convenient return policy. Third, you get the best-made saddles for less — often much less than you’ll pay at retail stores — and you can also take advantage of periodic online discounts and sales that lower the prices even further. Often, you’ll be able to get your saddle with free shipping, too.

When buying online, you should go with the most reputable company you can find — and Horse.com fits the bill when it comes to selection, service, price, a track record of satisfied customers, and free shipping on all saddle purchases.

==> Click here to shop for a complete selection of western saddles at Horse.com <==

Types of Western Saddles and How to Fit Them

There are more types of western saddles than you can shake a switch at: trail saddles, reining saddles, show saddles, endurance saddles, cutting saddles, barrel-racing saddles, roping saddles, and more. In addition to the type of use, saddles are categorized by the materials from which they’re made, the breed of horse for which they’re intended, the type of tree (which is the underlying “frame” of the saddle), the type of fork (the arched front part of the saddle, or pommel) and how they’re produced. Horse.com carries a large selection of all types of western saddles.

Take a look at the video below that describes how a saddle fits a horse, provided by Martin Saddlery’s “Saddle Fit University”:

Click here for Horse.com’s page on “Common-sense Saddle Fitting.” Learn how to size your saddle for both yourself and your horse to ensure a safe, comfortable, secure ride.

High-quality Ranch Saddles

Ranch Cutter Saddle by Martin Saddlery at Horse.com

Now let’s take a look at a couple of the top ranch saddles, because they are the most versatile — they’ll handle many types of riding and work, are intended to be comfortable for riding all day, and are generally the most durable.

First, here’s the Ranch Cutter Saddle from Martin Saddlery (at left). This is a beautiful (as all Martin saddles are), durable saddle with a narrow seat for comfort, a horn strong enough for roping, and freely-moving fenders for versatility and balance. This is a great crossover saddle — sort of an SUV of saddles — suitable for everything from riding the plains for hours to performing in an arena. Martin Saddles are American-made in Greenville, Texas.

Known for their style and versatility, Martin saddles help to optimize the body position of both the horse and rider during movement. You can specify the size of the Ranch Cutter Saddle that will best fit you and your horse.

Circle Y Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle at Horse.com

Another all-purpose ranch saddle you should consider is the Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle made by Circle Y. For over 50 years, Circle Y has been making top-of-the-line western saddles in Yoakum, Texas. The Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle is a handsome, hand-crafted western saddle made to meet the demands of daily ranch work — so you know it’s likely to meet your needs for years to come. It’s got a fiberglass-reinforced wooden tree, which makes it sturdy enough for roping, a “cowboy round” skirt, a latigo horn wrap, pre-twisted fenders for increased comfort in knees and ankles, and brass hardware (which resists rust) — plus it’s got that cool, hand-tooled barb-wire border carved into its regular-oil leather. Dan Byrd, Kenny Harlow, and Martha Josey (Olympic gold medal barrel racer) ride Circle Y saddles, among a number of other champion riders and trainers. Circle Y saddles are the official saddles of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and PacWest Barrel Racing. Circle Y knows how to make a good saddle.

High-grade Trail Saddles

A trail (or pleasure-riding) saddle is also an adaptable type of saddle if your goal is mainly to ride your horse for fun, to explore the landscape, or for transportation. Trail saddles are lighter in weight and have a smaller horn than a ranch saddle. In other words, when you just want to get on your horse and go somewhere, a trail saddle will provide comfort for both you and your horse.

American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle Package from Horse.com

The first trail saddle I’ll recommend is the American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle Package — actually a saddle and several matching tack pieces (at left). This is an economical saddle package from Horse.com, consisting of the Trails Edge Saddle, a full brow band headstall, a western curb bit, split reins with latigo ties, a neoprene cinch, and leather breast collar. The American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle is a versatile pleasure and trail-riding saddle.

Customer reviews for the Trails Edge Saddle at Horse.com state:

“This is the best value in a full package I’ve ever seen on the market!”

“I’ve just moved, but I’m writing this review from my old ranch. In April, I had a small camp with 5 kids. This saddle set can respond to anything. Two of my horses got uncontrollable, and this saddle survived it all. Thank you!”

“This is the best product Ive ever bought. It’s really convenient having the saddle and bridle come in a package, it makes it so much easier. Plus, the saddle is sooo comfortable, and durable. I barrel race so I need a strong saddle, this one fits that. Everything fits my horse nice and comfortably, and my horse really seems to like it.”

Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle from Horse.com

This next trail saddle is actually a good saddle for all-around use — you could probably use it for non-professional barrel-racing. It’s light in weight, durable, and easy to care for — the Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle. This is a synthetic saddle (not leather) that will fit a number of different breeds: thoroughbreds, half-Arabians, quarter horses, and more. Since it’s light, it’ll be comfortable for your horse on extended rides. Wintec is known for the durability of its saddles. And the price can’t be beat. This would make an excellent first saddle, but it is not “cheap.” It should last for years. (Read the customer reviews of this saddle at Horse.com.)

The Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle has a solid barrel-racing tree made of high-impact plastic and a seat that features microfiber suede for a secure grip and comfort. It’s got silver conchos, quick-change stirrup buckles, and is available in two different colors. Wintec is the number one maker of synthetic saddles in the world.

Additional Resources Offered by Horse.com

You may be wondering: how easy is it to buy a saddle online? As mentioned above, Horse.com has a page with extensive guidelines on how to fit your saddle to yourself and to your horse. They also offer online chat functionality on their website so you can ask as many questions as you need to. Their site is extensive, easy to navigate, and the products are pictured and described clearly.

Get a Western Rider Poster

Dozens and dozens of satisfied customers have bought saddles, tack, and other equipment from Horse.com. How do I know? Check the customer reviews on their site. They also have a Facebook page with over 5,000 knowledgeable fans — people who know and work with horses. And Bizrate gives Horse.com its highest rating for an online store based on customer feedback.

One recent customer review on Bizrate is typical of what many customers say:

“Always the items I want are in stock, shipped right away, price is great, and I love the free shipping if a certain amount is spent….”

Horse.com carries much more than western saddles and tack. They also carry an extensive selection of English saddles, apparel for western and English riding, Australian tack, driving carts, blankets, medications and equine first aid products, nutritional supplements, saddlebags, ropes, fencing supplies, arena equipment, de-worming kits, chaps, farrier tools, gifts — even dog blankets and beds. They’re not called “Horse.com” for nothing — if it has to do with horses and riding, Horse.com probably carries it.

Horse.com also administers a large community forum where many topics related to horses and riding are discussed. Even if you don’t purchase tack or equipment from them, you should check their forum to learn about and discuss many riding-related topics.

More Western Apparel: RCC Western Stores

Getting back to our overall theme for this post — western riding — if the extensive selection of western riding apparel and clothing at Horse.com doesn’t include what you want, click here to check RCC Western Stores. Since its founding in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1948, RCC Western Stores has expanded to become one of the best online sources for western wear and boots. Men can find Cinch shirts, Lucchese and Tony Lama boots, jeans by Carhartt and Wrangler, Rodeo King and Resistol hats, a big selection of belt buckles, and a lot more, including gifts and decor. And you can shop with confidence, since RCC Western Stores make customer service a priority. They offer free shipping promotions, free returns, no time limit on returns (almost unheard of), free gift-wrapping, and online chat to answer your questions. You can outfit yourself with any western apparel you need at RCC Western Stores.

Back in the Saddle Again

It’s good to be back in the saddle again with respect to blogging here. After an extended summer vacation, I took a few months to work on tweaking this blog “under the hood” to optimize its functionality, to better serve its readers. If you’ve come by in the last few months and have noticed a lack of posts (other than the almost daily updates I do on the Good Deals and Outlets Page), I apologize for the shortage of posts since May. I’ll be posting much more often going forward. (Maybe you thought I got caught up in the Rapture, eh? Well, no such luck.)

So in honor of our western riding theme here, I’ll include a video of Gene Autry’s famous song, Back in the Saddle Again, a quintessential piece of American music. (Gene Autry is the only entertainer in history to have 5 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — one each for Film, Radio, Television, Music, and Live Performance/Theater.)

You can get the album of Gene Autry singing Back in the Saddle Again by clicking here (The Very Best of Gene Autry at CD Universe).

Happy trails, buckaroos. Y’all come back now!

10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 10 – Bamboo T-Shirts from ONNO

ECJ — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:38:30 +0000

This series of posts has been in response to the imminent price increases in cotton clothing. If you had gotten one each of the T-shirts I’ve been reviewing over the past 10 days, you would now have 9 cool new T-shirts and you would have saved money. But if the price of wearing cotton goes up, who says you have to wear cotton? There are cool alternatives to cotton! For example, you could wear bamboo clothing instead. That’s where the final T-shirt in this series comes in: the Bamboo T-shirt from ONNO Textiles.

When it comes to a resource from which to make stuff, few things beat bamboo (hemp might give it a run for its money). Bamboo can be used to make many things, from virtually earthquake-proof houses to needles for turntables to bicycles. And bamboo can be used for T-shirts. A hell of a nice T-shirt can be made out of bamboo.

ONNO Textiles is an innovative company devoted to making clothing from “green” sources: organic bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp. The shirt I’m featuring today is their Bamboo T-shirt (pictured at left in charcoal blue), which is made from 70% viscose from organic bamboo and 30% organic cotton. (Viscose is a viscous organic liquid produced from a cellulose-based material, e.g. trees. Or bamboo.) Since it’s organic, that means this shirt is made without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seed, and with less water. One cool thing about bamboo is that it will grow with rainwater as its only source of water (by contrast, cotton requires intensive irrigation to be grown commercially).

Bamboo has many impressive qualities: it will grow just about anywhere except Antarctica; it grows up to 3 feet a day; it is stronger than oak; it will grow without cultivation; it produces more oxygen than trees; it is insanely renewable.

But, you might be wondering, what are bamboo T-shirts like?

Bamboo fabric makes T-shirts that are softer than any cotton T-shirt you’ve ever worn, yet are quite durable. They hold their shape wash after wash (ONNO pre-washes them to minimize shrinkage) — just toss them in the machine (or beat them on a rock), toss them in the dryer (or line dry), and put them back on.

People rave about the comfort of bamboo tees: light, airy, and soft. They wick better than cotton. They are about as soft as silk. Girls will want to touch you. Often. You think I’m kidding? Here’s what one online-reviewer said about ONNO bamboo T-shirts:

“Bamboo T-shirts are the greatest shirt I’ve ever worn. The material is silkier than cotton, they wick away sweat, stay cooler when it’s hot and warmer in colder weather. Aside from a slight shrinkage, I wear this shirt to work, to play and to bed. If the world all wore bamboo, we’d all be touching each other.”

Bottom line: you will like this T-shirt.

ONNO is known for the quality of its organic-cotton clothing and tote bags. They are a Better Business Bureau-accredited business. They purchase carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint. They are a member of the Organic Trade Association. And they are fanatical about using the best raw materials to make their clothing.

You should check out their organic cotton and hemp T-shirts as well.

Click for men's bamboo T-shirts at ONNO

Anyway, get yourself a short-sleeve or long-sleeve bamboo T-shirt from ONNO and judge for yourself. They come in 19 different colors — yes, 19 — and 7 different sizes. (For colors, click on the “Color Chart” button on their respective T-shirt pages.) You should be able to find one to fit your style. Or several. They’re priced at only $26, which is comparable to regular cotton T-shirts. The thing that is not comparable is that, as cotton clothing goes up in price, bamboo will stay about the same. Heh. Thus the point of this final post.

By the way, ONNO also offers wholesale pricing. If you want to buy a whole bunch of cotton shirts to put your logo on, or whatever, they can cover orders like that. They have wholesale info on their website.

That about wraps up 10 Days of T-Shirts. I hope you’ve found this series of posts helpful, and I hope you’ll enjoy wearing some hip new cotton (or bamboo) T-shirts. (Of course, I’ll be highlighting more superior T-shirts — and the companies that make them — as I discover them in the future, so this isn’t my last word on the topic.) One final note: remember that whenever you buy a product from any of the outstanding businesses recommended here over the past several days, not only are you getting top-of-the-line goods, you are voting with your dollars for high quality and excellent customer service. Not a bad thing to do with your consumer dollar.

If you have found something interesting or useful here on Best Stuff for Men, please consider making a donation, so others can benefit, too. Thanks!