tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33297946609711046722024-03-13T20:55:09.242-07:00- THE CASCADIAN PREP -One Man's Search for Preppiness in Pugetropolis... and BeyondDerek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-37832769339597636972012-03-02T17:27:00.002-08:002012-03-05T14:05:37.406-08:00Confessions of a Cascadian Prep<ol>
<li>I went to a STATE school for undergrad.</li>
<li>I have never owned a VOLVO, tweed jacket, or a boat tote, nor do I intend to.</li>
<li>I ended #2 in a PREPOSITION.</li>
<li>I do not attend CHURCH very often.</li>
<li>More than likely, I will vote for the REPUBLICAN presidential candidate.</li>
<li>I prefer travel destinations such as Southeast Asia and Latin America instead of EUROPE.</li>
<li>I like all music, especially GOTH & BLUEGRASS music.</li>
<li>My house was built in the 1990s and it is furnished with very, very few ANTIQUES.</li>
<li>I don't care for PLAYS or MUSICALS.</li>
<li>My ear is pierced and I occasionally wear an EARRING.</li>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-71110511022246079782012-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:002012-02-14T20:13:14.517-08:00Serendipity and Mike Tyson<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I started this blog over a year ago, <strong><em>my plan</em></strong> was to strive, to seek, and to find a prep sensibility in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Well, in the wise words of boxer Mike Tyson:</div>
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Strived and sought I did; finding a true prep sensibility, I did not... at least not yet. But I will keep with my plan, even after being hit with "ubiquitous zip-up <a href="http://thecascadianprep.blogspot.com/2011/03/regrettable-sweatshirt-hoody.html" target="_blank">hoodies</a>" and bitten on the ear by those who wear hats in nice restaurants. I will not yield because I know that there are at least 15 of you out there who believe we can do better. (See last <a href="http://thecascadianprep.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-it-just-me-poll.html" target="_blank">post</a>.)</div>
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So with the same serendipity I found the above picture of Mike gently holding this little French Bulldog, I also hope to find some true preps in Pugetropolis. <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>POW, Sucka!!</strong></span><br />
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-84125915660987839282012-01-31T06:58:00.000-08:002012-02-14T19:49:26.882-08:00Is it just me? A Poll.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night, I had a business dinner at a popular steakhouse chain (<a href="http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/2223/Bellevue" target="_blank">here</a>). This particular restaurant is in a upscale part of town, surrounded by higher caliber shops. So when our party of six was sat, I was horrified when I noticed the two guys sitting at the next table were wearing baseball hats. I mean, I really thought I made a wrong turn and ended up in the building's break room. Their hats were pulled down in an "I'm a Hollywood star trying to avoid the paparazzi" kind of way... but these guys were no Hollywood stars.</div>
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So I ask you, dear reader, am I too old fashioned? Is wearing a hat in a decent restaurant acceptable today?</div>
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(BTW, I would have snapped a couple of photos of the guys, but I thought that would be just as off-putting as the flippin' hats.)</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong><strike>See Poll at right.</strike> The Poll has closed and the results are that 15 out of 15 voted for "Hell No - hats should not be worn in restaurants." <span style="font-size: small;">(I rest my case.)</span></strong></span></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-26413115815793083522012-01-20T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:31:37.744-08:00A Cascadian Prep's Commute Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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One would think that for an urban region with mountains and snow about 30 miles east, we would be used to driving in a little of it here. NOT!</div>
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(music by Ra Ra Riot)</div>
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(music by incredible Portland, OR band - The Shins)</div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-11591514151553182332012-01-18T19:10:00.000-08:002012-01-18T19:18:43.668-08:00The Regionalized Polo Shirt<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Much has been written on the venerable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Polo-style shirt, both here and throughout the blogosphere, so I will try not to be too redundant. Of late, I’ve observed that around the country, companies have been sprouting up that seem to base much of their business effort on the Polo, or more exactly, the Polo, the cap, and small accessories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The strategy seems to be based around the logo – typically using a highly regionalized theme, which evokes a certain lifestyle in a given region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are just a few:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Southern Tide – with Skipjack (fish) motif</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.southerntide.com/products/Skipjack-Polo-%252d-Classic.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.southerntide.com/products/Skipjack-Polo-%252d-Classic.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Southern Proper – with bow-tied Lab motif</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.southernproper.com/store/gentlemen/proper-polo.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.southernproper.com/store/gentlemen/proper-polo.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Southern Point – with Pointer motif</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.southernpointco.com/category.php?cat=polo" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.southernpointco.com/category.php?cat=polo</span></a></div>
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Cash Robinson Clothing Co. - with horse racing theme</div>
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<a href="http://www.cashrobinson.com/small_batch_apparel/silks_reserve_polos?product_id=63" target="_blank">http://www.cashrobinson.com/small_batch_apparel/silks_reserve_polos?product_id=63</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Green Lobster <country-region><place>USA</place></country-region> – with Green Lobster motif </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.greenlobsterusa.com/menspolos.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.greenlobsterusa.com/menspolos.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Castaway Clothing – with Life ring motif</span><span style="color: white;"><br /></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><a href="http://www.castawayclothing.com/classic-polo-shirts.html" target="_blank">http://www.castawayclothing.com/classic-polo-shirts.html</a></span><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">In my brief Internet search, I didn’t turn up anything for the </span><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Midwest</span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">, the Rocky Mountain Region or the West Coast, so I apologize in advance for possibly overlooking. But as you can see above, the Northeast and The South are well represented with companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that Polos are both a tradition and a traditional shirt in those regions, but is there any reason why other parts of the US</span></place></country-region><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"> can’t have a successful regionalized Polo shirt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the </span><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Rockies</span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">, I could see a pair of crossed skis as a nice motif, for </span><state><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">California</span></place></state><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">, perhaps a surfboard or wine bottle motif.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in <i>Cascadia</i>, I could see a mountain, an umbrella, a sailboat, or perhaps, a meth lab motif. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">But seriously, if there are any venture capitalists reading this, contact me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s work up a business plan, do a feasibility study, and hopefully represent the West in the regionalization of the Polo shirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(by the way, I do like all of the clothing companies shown above... except for one.)</span></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-79997016241457289002012-01-13T18:55:00.000-08:002012-01-15T06:24:34.154-08:00The Joys of Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<em>Cascadia</em> is settling in for the "90 Day Gray". We had a nice December, but Mother Nature is making up for it now... cold... wet... windy. So naturally, our thoughts turn to sunnier days. </div>
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It was early September - the best time to sail in <a href="http://thecascadianprep.blogspot.com/2011/08/roche-harbor-san-juan-island-washington.html" target="_blank">The San Juan Islands</a>. Mrs. Cascadian Prep and I were anchored in a little cove off of Lopez. Just a warm and cloudless summer day spent on the foredeck reading and rocking gently with the waves. She - a bikini top and shorts from that lemon (lululemon?) place. He - Orvis <a href="http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=3R9Y" target="_blank">quick dry shorts</a>, sans shirt, and <strong>Top-siders.</strong> The <em>other</em> "she" - at Grandma's place. Could life get any better?</div>
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Suddenly, I felt the need to change the tunes and freshen my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_'N'_Stormy" target="_blank">Dark 'N' Stormy</a>, so down the companionway to the chart table I sprang. Upon my return, I noticed <em>something</em> else had changed. Her <strong><u>Top</u></strong> was be<strong><u>Side</u></strong> he<strong><u>r</u></strong>.</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong><em>Life did get better</em>.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jay Ferguson's <em>Thunder Island (</em>I was a wee lad when it came out. Loved it then, love it now.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-66051531247616865812011-12-30T16:28:00.000-08:002012-01-14T19:01:15.340-08:00Doin' lines at lunch, part II(For Part I, click <a href="http://thecascadianprep.blogspot.com/2011/11/doin-lines-at-lunch.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/The-Mountain" target="_blank">Crystal Mountain</a></td></tr>
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<em>Hers - tight turns right. His - big turns left.</em></div>
</em>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-13675676279800254472011-12-27T16:58:00.000-08:002011-12-27T17:02:20.490-08:00"Go-To-Hell" is Risky Business<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Richard Westall's Sword of Damocles</em></td></tr>
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Maybe because it's because I live in the sartorially-sheltered Northwest (we do have either mountains or water on every side), but I only just came to understand the phrase "go-to-hell" [insert <strong>article of clothing</strong> here]. Examples, "I wore my 'go-to-hell <a href="http://thecascadianprep.blogspot.com/2011/03/belts-that-launched-thousand-quips.html">palm tree belt</a>' from Eliza B last Friday," or "Did you see his 'go-to-hell' corduroy holiday pants last night at the Christmas party? What a chump."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.castawayclothing.com/beachcomber-corduroy-pant-bright-red-with-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">castaway clothing</a></td></tr>
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Well, I love this term and shall use it regularly. I believe it aptly conveys the spit & vinegar attitude one must have, at times, while trying to cultivate his or her own look. <strong>Tweed & Velvet</strong> posted an excellent piece on the very subject (outclick <a href="http://www.tweedandvelvet.com/2009/04/go-to-hell.html">here</a>.) I can't tell where the writer is from in looking at his profile, but I highly suspect he is not a <em>Cascadian</em>. Therefore, I offer my own humble, Pacific Northwest perspective on going to hell with one's clothing.</div>
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The author is reminded of the dialogue between Joel and Miles in 1983's <strong>Risky Business</strong>.<br />
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Joel, you wanna know something? Every now and then say, "What the f**k." "What the f**k" gives you freedom. Freedom brings opportunity. Opportunity makes your future."</div>
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Say "what the f**k."... If you can't say it, you can't do it.</div>
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I know that the hair of the horse is thin and the sword sharp, but I would risk its peril to know what it's like living in an area whose people clad themselves as colorfully (and quirky) as they really want to be. </div>
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So Go-To-Hell Seattle, Go-To-Hell Portland, Go-To-Hell Vancouver... and say "WTF!" It will bring you freedom, opportunity, and a <strong><span style="color: red;">brighter</span></strong> future!</div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-49796192207349776682011-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:17:01.093-08:00On Hating Walmart and Other Ruminations<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYAbTyCSnoA/TmApNS5PsjI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wW2qACeNzUA/s1600/smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYAbTyCSnoA/TmApNS5PsjI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wW2qACeNzUA/s1600/smiley.png" /></a>Hating Walmart is not a new concept. Their treatment of suppliers, employees, and the towns and environs in which they operate haven't earned them too many accolades. Yet, business classes across the land caution students not to rush to judgment. Much may be learned from Walmart's business practices and much can be learned from observing their typical store patron.</div>
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Our former Dutch foreign exchange student asked me if we could really get bananas, paper towels, shoes, and <em>guns</em> in the same store, to which I shamefully had to reply, "Yes." I mean, I've heard of lawyers, <em>guns</em>, and money, but WTF?! And then she also asked if there were whole supermarket aisles dedicated to breakfast cereal, to salad dressing, and to frozen pizza. Alas, I had to say "Yes."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/category/location/wa?state=1" target="_blank">People of <em>Cascadian</em> Walmart</a> (use extreme caution)</td></tr>
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I thought that by being a "Host Parent" to an exchange student, I would get to play tour guide for ten months or try out some parenting techniques on her, so that when my own daughter reached that age, I would have an idea of what works and what doesn't. I had no idea that on Day One of her living in the USA, I'd have to go into how having an infinite amount of choices is, in part, what it means being American, and that if one doesn't have the discipline to manage the choices, financial (and other forms of) ruin could be right around the corner.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97hSc0a9byY/Txnng_oLuhI/AAAAAAAAAWY/8cz2am-Hcdg/s1600/vitalspreppyguidebook_01a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97hSc0a9byY/Txnng_oLuhI/AAAAAAAAAWY/8cz2am-Hcdg/s320/vitalspreppyguidebook_01a.jpg" width="228" /></a>Often called "The Disease of More" (see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice:_Why_More_Is_Less" target="_blank">The Paradox of Choice</a>), this disorder has the basic premise that if we had to chose between three of four similar items, we would be much more happy than having to choose between five and fifteen items. I believe this is why authentic preps tend to gravitate to the same disciplined style and quality brands. Be it via "nurture" or "nature", we have transcended the need to chase fads, to want what's new, and other compulsions which we think will make us relevant to society.</div>
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Now if you will excuse me, I have some men's style blogs to peruse.</div>
</div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-48761591492279133142011-12-14T19:46:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:16:50.205-08:00Duck Head Heading West<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3FM_lG5P0E/TulkXBuk_4I/AAAAAAAAAUg/3NcVjbDaf3c/s1600/dh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3FM_lG5P0E/TulkXBuk_4I/AAAAAAAAAUg/3NcVjbDaf3c/s200/dh.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Since I grew up in the South, or is it the Southwest, or is it the Southcentral? STOP. Since I grew up in Texas (technically a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_states" target="_blank">Southern state</a>") I know <a href="http://www.duckhead.com/about/" target="_blank">Duck Head</a>. Based in Tennessee, Duck Head is widely recognizable by Southerners as THE prep brand where quality and value meet. In this case, I don't throw the word "prep" around loosely. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYbCAtTcCs/TulfutiEdKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/takAZHNyNig/s1600/Jesuit_dallas_seal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqYbCAtTcCs/TulfutiEdKI/AAAAAAAAAUY/takAZHNyNig/s200/Jesuit_dallas_seal.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was first introduced to Duck Head in the mid 1980s, while attending <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit_College_Preparatory_School_of_Dallas" target="_blank">Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas</a> (just call it "Jesuit".) I was a wide-eyed Freshman clad in my <em>khakis</em>, loafers, white oxford cotton button down, tie (Full Windsor, please), and navy blazer. So were the other 200 entering Freshman. We all looked alike and that was the point. But it didn't take long to learn to play in the margins and thrive in the gray area. Those of us with a unsuppressable streak of individuality looked for brands which complied with the school uniform, yet set us apart. Duck Head was my brand. At first, it was all about the logo of a duck's head above the left rear pocket, but then it was clearly about the fit. These babies fit perfectly! And they were much softer than khakis of similar style and higher cost. </div>
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Alas, since graduating from high school, and thus, not having the daily need for wearing khakis, I lost touch with DH. My moving to the Pacific Northwest didn't help keep the brand present of mind either, as Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder didn't sport them. </div>
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It was not until <a href="http://www.redclaysoul.com/?p=1294" target="_blank">Red Clay Soul</a> did a piece on this most hallowed of brands did I awake from my cryogenic sartorial slumber. ("Thank you" RCS). After seeing that posting, I rushed off to order a pair of the plain front <a href="http://www.duckhead.com/catalog/apparel/mens/pants-and-shorts/pants/PA-1000.html" target="_blank">khakis</a>, a <a href="http://www.duckhead.com/catalog/apparel/mens/classic-polos/SP-1303.html" target="_blank">polo</a>, and a cotton <a href="http://www.duckhead.com/catalog/accessories/caps/CA-0001.html" target="_blank">cap</a>. I wanted to ease back into it and see what, if anything, had changed over the past few decades. I was not disappointed. The pants fit and feel better than I remember, and here's a tip - if you are an odd size in the waist like me, order up to the next even size. After washing and drying the heck out of them, they will turn out perfectly. The polo has nice "longer" short sleeves - something I like - but if you are one of those chaps who enjoys showing off "the guns" - proceed with caution - you may not have the room with these sleeves. And the cap is perfect for that trip to the hardware store, to the coffee shop, or out to the grocery store for pre-game party supplies. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfbY309Hz2E/Tulk6sxTVPI/AAAAAAAAAUo/z1RWSpZLhFw/s1600/dh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfbY309Hz2E/Tulk6sxTVPI/AAAAAAAAAUo/z1RWSpZLhFw/s200/dh2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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So my advice to any <em>Cascadian</em> prep or any of my pals from the old school who are reading this, click over to <a href="http://www.duckhead.com/">http://www.duckhead.com/</a> and order some swag. Start with the khakis. They will only set you back $29.99 - very little risk there and certainly less risky than wearing those g'awful Dockers you know you have. If on the outside chance you feel funny pioneering this classic Southern brand here in <em>Cascadia</em> or any other region in which you dwell, save them for the weekend. They're more comfortable than jeans and they have more pockets than that polyester track suit you wear when no one's looking.</div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-58871512762460912862011-12-10T14:24:00.000-08:002011-12-10T14:24:22.839-08:00Fly fishingYakima River - Cle Elum, WA, USA<br />
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"The fish got lucky."</div>
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<em>Cascadian</em> preps love fly fishing because we love sporting brands such as <a href="http://www.orvis.com/store/shop.aspx?dir_id=758&group_id=777&shop_id=2832" target="_blank">Orvis</a> (waders & boots), <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/down-jackets-mens-jackets?k=4Y-1D-6z" target="_blank">Patagonia</a> (down jacket), and <a href="http://eisbarusa.com/products.html" target="_blank">Eisbar</a> caps. We also love fly fishing because it takes the type of patience, skill, and artistry not found in the crude camps of the bait fisherman.</div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-83246692922103940542011-12-03T21:53:00.000-08:002011-12-05T09:13:25.454-08:00A Different [Preppy] Drummer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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In Mark Twain's 1897 travelogue, "Following the Equator", he begins with his maxim, "Be good and you will be lonesome." Now, I'm no English professor (yet), but I take that to mean that if you are well-behaved and tend to conform with the mainstream, you might not be too popular. In fact, you might be viewed as a one dimensional bore. And that to do things a little differently - to PAVE the road less travelled - you stand a chance to live a better life - rich with a multitude of friends and experiences. </div>
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I couldn't agree more.</div>
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One thing I've attempted to do in <em>The Cascadian</em> <em>Prep</em> "blog" (really "experiment") this past year is to approach things a little differently than the majority of my <em>Cascadian</em> cousins; to challenge the norm, and, at times, to admonish the mainstream. I have done this all with tongue planted firmly in cheek. And I have done this, hopefully, with a "prep twist." I love "prep" because it's what I grew up with and I'm <em>proud</em> of my upbringing. So naturally, it's the sensibility I've sought in the lovely Pacific Northwest for the past 12 months. Well, I have been disappointed with what I've found... the hipsters who wear fancy-stitched jeans, untucked dress shirts and black (always black) Euro-trash shoes have really dug in here, as have the hoodie & backward-hat wearing, skater shoes set. "Northwest Prep"... <em>Cascadian</em> Prep may just be for blogs.<br />
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I think it boils down to <em>pride - </em>pride in oneself and pride in where one was born and raised. "<a href="http://www.muffyaldrich.com/" target="_blank">Original Prep</a>" (New England) and "<a href="http://www.redclaysoul.com/" target="_blank">Southern Prep</a>" are as distinct and full of pride (not vanity) as their regional dialects and accents. Both of these parts of the country have rich history and deserve to be proud of their traditions. <em>Cascadia</em>, on the other hand, is a region with unparalleled natural beauty, but no distinct regional dialect, accent, traditions or hometown pride... NONE. <br />
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So I think to myself, we must be patient; we are the new kids on the block, after all. These things take time; give it another hundred years. But until then, don't be "good". Be a little uncommon... be a little unexpected... be a <em>Cascadian</em> prep!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='390' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qkk5wViJo-I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<em>You Are A Tourist</em> [<em>in your own town</em>] - DCFC</div>
<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-86705264758185609992011-11-23T19:39:00.000-08:002011-11-24T08:35:10.824-08:00Lowell's, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA<br />
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<a href="http://www.eatatlowells.com/portfolio/?pcat=4" target="_blank"><em>Lowell's</em></a><em> at Pike Place Market</em></div>
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Lowell's - 2nd floor where the "tourans" are less present. Find your self here. Not a bad place to contemplate all manner of things. Since this is supposed to be a prep-themed blog, I was wearing Sperry <a href="http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/productdetails?catId=cat90046DM&productId=7-100210&skuId=***7********0195214*W105&stockNumber=0195214&showDefaultOption=true&subCatId=cat100066DM&subCatTabId=&viewall=" target="_blank">Top-Siders</a>, L.L. Bean ragwool socks (gray), <a href="http://store-us.hugoboss.com/Regular-Fit-%27Texas%27-Jean/hbna50185917,en_US,pd.html?disableSizePreselection=true&cgid=21700#!i%3D0" target="_blank">Boss</a> jeans, Orvis <a href="http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=72CR" target="_blank">viyella shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.henrilloydonline.com/web/product.php?prodID=743" target="_blank">Henri Lloyd</a> vest, <a href="http://www.castawayclothing.com/mariner-jacket.html" target="_blank">Castaway Clothing</a> jacket. Not a bad kit, if I do say so myself. Totally lost on the crowd, however. <em>WTF Cascadia?!</em></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-16388614746343369102011-11-14T13:06:00.000-08:002011-11-14T13:06:56.364-08:00The Double Life<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">H</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ow very simple life would be<br />If only there were two of me<br />A Restless Me to drift and roam<br />A Quiet Me to stay at home.<br />A Searching One to find his fill<br />Of varied skies and newfound thrill<br />While sane and homely things are done<br />By the domestic Other One. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's just where the trouble lies;<br />There is a Restless Me that cries<br />For chancy risks and changing scene,<br />For arctic blue and tropic green,<br />For deserts with their mystic spell,<br />For lusty fun and raising Hell</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But shackled to that Restless Me<br />My Other Self rebelliously<br />Resists the frantic urge to move.<br />It seeks the old familiar groove<br />That habits make. It finds content<br />With hearth and home - dear prisonment,<br />With candlelight and well-loved books<br />And treasured loot in dusty nooks,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With puttering and garden things<br />And dreaming while a cricket sings<br />And all the while the Restless One<br />Insists on more exciting fun,<br />It wants to go with every tide,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter where . . . just for the ride.<br />Like yowling cats the two selves brawl<br />Until I have no peace at all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One eye turns to the forward track,<br />The other eye looks sadly back.<br />I'm getting wall-eyed from the strain,<br />(It's tough to have an idle brain)<br />But One says "Stay", and One says "Go"<br />And One says "Yes" and One says "No"<br />And One Self wants a home and a wife<br />And One Self craves the drifter's life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Restless Fellow always wins<br />I wish my folks had made me twins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">by Don Blanding</span></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-40143172865146951842011-11-05T16:10:00.000-07:002011-12-03T08:20:22.092-08:00Doin' lines at lunch<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqfKy61TiMg/TrXAB6Q61mI/AAAAAAAAATE/3w2aoY-AZVs/s1600/lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqfKy61TiMg/TrXAB6Q61mI/AAAAAAAAATE/3w2aoY-AZVs/s400/lines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<em><a href="http://www.nijosushi.com/">Nijo's</a>, Pioneer Square, Seattle</em></div>
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Like "preppy", sushi is trendy. Also like "preppy", sushi has staying power. Long after the conveyor belts have stopped serpentining through the strip mall sushi restaurant, <em>authentic</em> sushi bars will be patroned by <em>authentic</em> sushi lovers and those of the <em>authentic</em> prep variety. Until that time....</div>
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(By the way, despite what the photo above shows, I am not a proponent of hiding the taste of fish in wasabi (or green mustard), pickled ginger and soy sauce. That is akin to putting A-1 or ketchup on your $50 bone-in rib eye. Come on <em>Cascadia</em>! We have more fish than we know what to do with, so it's up to us to lead the way. Dump the condiments in Elliott Bay, the Willamette River, and Burrard Inlet !)</div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-42303886372270098242011-10-29T18:24:00.000-07:002011-10-29T18:27:18.762-07:00Musical Evolution of a Transient Prep<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1980s</strong> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilZPEGWyy5Y/Tauh6LhZspI/AAAAAAAAALw/uEPewGWmK3Y/s1600/1980s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilZPEGWyy5Y/Tauh6LhZspI/AAAAAAAAALw/uEPewGWmK3Y/s400/1980s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>but a few shows I went to in the 1980s</em></td></tr>
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<strong>1990s</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrWPqt7xdZ0/TaulPrE_a_I/AAAAAAAAAL0/uubulEKzefQ/s1600/1990s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="325" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrWPqt7xdZ0/TaulPrE_a_I/AAAAAAAAAL0/uubulEKzefQ/s400/1990s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>and a few from the 1990s</em></td></tr>
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<br />The Internet and barcoding killed the "ticket stub" in many cases. A pity. But, I guess sentimentality is overrated.Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-9870021459315848682011-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T18:54:00.708-07:00Huzza!<span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><strong><span class="pron">h<span class="ital-inline"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">uh</span></em></span>-<span class="boldface">zah</span></span><span class="prondelim">]</span> </strong></span></span></span><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">originally</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">sailor's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">shout</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">exaltation,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">encouragement,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">applause.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Perhaps</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">originally</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">hoisting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">cry.</span> <span style="color: black;">(</span><strong><span name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;"><span style="color: black;">1573)</span></span> </strong></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSVBEEI3ki0/Tpsj60av4jI/AAAAAAAAASc/sP2QDspFO9s/s1600/compass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSVBEEI3ki0/Tpsj60av4jI/AAAAAAAAASc/sP2QDspFO9s/s200/compass.jpg" width="199" /></a>
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With Summer fading into the half-light of Fall and madras giving way to viyella, it's time to get the reading lists together. Here are a few "shout-outs" to sailing-themed, non-fiction books I've enjoyed reading over the past few months. Hit me with an email or comment if you have recommendations! Please note, I try to read only non-fiction or "classics"... oh, and the articles in Playboy.</div>
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<strong>My Old Man and the Sea: A Father and Son Sail Around Cape
Horn</strong>, by David Hays and Daniel Hays</div>
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<em>A New England father and son sail around Cape Horn.</em></div>
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<li><span id="btAsinTitle"><strong>The Bounty : The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty</strong>, by Caroline Alexander</span></li>
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<li><em>A true(r) account of Captain Bligh and the allure of Tahitian women.</em></li>
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><strong>The Motion of the Ocean: 1 Small Boat, 2 Average Lovers,
and a Woman's Search for the Meaning of Wife</strong>, by Janna Cawrse Esarey</span></div>
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<li><div class="data">
<em>Cascadian author(ess) and hubby sail around the Pacific (a fun read).</em></div>
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><strong>Sailing with Vancouver: A modern sea dog, antique charts
and a voyage through time</strong>, by Sam McKinney</span></div>
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<em>Late Cascadian author retraces the footsteps (wakes) of Vancouver's circumnavigation of Puget Sound.</em></div>
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><strong>Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High
Seas</strong>, by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent</span></div>
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<em>About that 16-yr old girl who attempts a single-handed trip around the world.</em></div>
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<br />Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-82547251511099558032011-10-15T08:24:00.000-07:002011-12-10T10:18:00.140-08:00There's only two things I hate in this world...1) People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and<br />
2) The Dutch. <br />
<b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000196/"></a></b><br />
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(OK, I jest, but I do love this line from Austin Power's Goldmember (2002))<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLhKOjjl7KI/TpmhZiCdw9I/AAAAAAAAASU/iZPxpq7l4uA/s1600/220px-Austin_Powers_in_Goldmember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLhKOjjl7KI/TpmhZiCdw9I/AAAAAAAAASU/iZPxpq7l4uA/s320/220px-Austin_Powers_in_Goldmember.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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What was suppose to be a 10-month long cultural exchange experience, turned out to be a 3 1/2 week American vacation for our Dutch Foreign Exchange student. It seems that homesickness got the best of her. My family is grateful for the experience, albeit short, because it brought us closer together. This was a trying experience for us all. The student was on an emotional roller coaster half the time - going from being amazed at American high school football to being depressed about our food, our time spent in cars, and our amount of choices for anything. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV-aJfw3ZyI/TpmhB0Bi1ZI/AAAAAAAAASM/drkvSAvmRYA/s1600/600px-Smiley_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV-aJfw3ZyI/TpmhB0Bi1ZI/AAAAAAAAASM/drkvSAvmRYA/s200/600px-Smiley_svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Walking into any American supermarket and seeing entire aisles dedicated to breakfast cereals or salad dressings was a little overwhelming for her. Telling her that "Yes, it's true. You can buy food, shoes, motor oil and guns in the same place" was a reflective moment for me. "Thank you, Walmart."</div>
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<br />
The Disease of More - see "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice:_Why_More_Is_Less">The Paradox of Choice</a>" has a basic premise that if we had to choose between three of four similar items, we would be much more happy than having to choose between five and fifteen items. Perhaps. But I think 'mericans are quite good at choice management. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I like watching "Inside the Actors Studio", sometimes I prefer "Inside Edition".<br />
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And then there's the discussion we had about 'merican teens' (18 yrs +) ability to vote, smoke, go to war, but not drink alcohol. Wow! I'm not really sure what to do with that one. Lucky for me I have a 7-yr old daughter, so I have a few years to get my spiel together. It had better be water-tight or she will see through it just like the other 20 million teenagers in America do.<br />
<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-78659175339558459582011-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:002011-09-11T16:45:47.587-07:00A Note for my Absence<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 12 of 300 days of having a Dutch Foreign Exchange Student living on our house. I will return to these pages as soon as things settle down. Future postings will surely include my reflections on the questions I have been getting from a 17-year Dutch girl - subjects which include America, <em>Cascadia</em>, and preppiness. </div>
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Walmart patrons, Advocates of the current US drinking age, and NRA members watch out!!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ4J5E4uXko/TmzZmldh6kI/AAAAAAAAASE/eSW0aurhaws/s1600/225px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ4J5E4uXko/TmzZmldh6kI/AAAAAAAAASE/eSW0aurhaws/s320/225px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands_svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-45249992005330190312011-08-21T08:31:00.000-07:002011-08-21T08:33:29.513-07:00Church<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a church. Here is a steeple. Open the doors. Hey! Where's all the people?</div>
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<em>The Church at Roche Harbor</em></div>
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I like church, but I do not go regularly. Apparently here in <em>Cascadia</em>, neither do many of my fellow citizens - at least not the ones from the cities and close-in suburbs. (Click <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070531162843AAwr3qi">here</a> and <a href="http://djchuang.com/2011/least-churched-cities-in-america/">here</a> for anecdotal evidence of that.) The further-out suburbs and exurbs... now, that's a different story. </div>
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I grew up in the South/Southwest part of the US - the buckle of the Bible Belt - as a United Methodist. I went to Episcopal schools from K-8, and Jesuit Catholic school from 9-12. I have a good working knowledge of the Bible and many denominations' views on things. In general, I believe that the coffee and cookies in the church basement all taste about the same, that is to say, a bit stale, a bit bitter, but always a little sweet.</div>
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Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-20636603976407093912011-08-17T19:11:00.000-07:002011-12-22T18:06:09.892-08:00Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGPRqqhDw_I/Tkxlw07DDBI/AAAAAAAAAQw/mTTGoKHW15w/s1600/mfg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGPRqqhDw_I/Tkxlw07DDBI/AAAAAAAAAQw/mTTGoKHW15w/s1600/mfg.gif" /></a>Roche Harbor is a prep's paradise. One must take a plane (preferably <strong>float</strong> plane), ferry, or private boat to get there, as it is in an island chain ("The San Juans") between the large Vancouver Island and the Washington mainland. It may be the one place in <em>Cascadia</em> where embroidered shorts, "red ochre" shorts, seersucker pants, and all that other prep regalia are NOT given a second look. <em>Ahhh, to be back in one's spiritual homeland. </em>Birding and general naturalist activities are strongly encouraged here. <a href="http://store.onlinenaturemall.com/0898863384.html">Mac's Field Guide to the Gulf and San Juan Islands</a> is sold in virtually every country store, marina, and activities shop. Roche Harbor even has true presidential credentials - Roosevelt (Teddy) slept here! With whom, I am uncertain, but I'm sure it was a <em>rough ride.</em><br />
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If you visit, you must attempt to stay at <a href="http://www.rocheharbor.com/Home.html">Roche Harbor Resort.</a> It is not inexpensive, but it is worth it. Stroll the grounds, play tennis, swim in the heated outdoor pool, meander the boat slips, imbibe at the Madrona Grill, and play bocce ball (I prefer pétanque.<strong>)</strong> Do this amongst the well-educated, well-clad and well-heeled without seeing black "Tap Out," Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), NASCAR, or Harley-Davidson t-shirts anywhere. </div>
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On our annual visit last week, we were upgraded to the Quarryman Hall Deluxe Suite, since our stay the year prior was disrupted by an out-of-control late night wedding reception. Needless to say, this upgrade has ruined me... the bar has been raised as has the room rate. Ah, but it will be worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NymzT0Clcmo/Tkxsb3oWF2I/AAAAAAAAARM/daNrOh4M4m0/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NymzT0Clcmo/Tkxsb3oWF2I/AAAAAAAAARM/daNrOh4M4m0/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>view of the marina from the room</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZWI4fbT-yE/TkxsrmKYQcI/AAAAAAAAARQ/jC00Y4mByXM/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZWI4fbT-yE/TkxsrmKYQcI/AAAAAAAAARQ/jC00Y4mByXM/s320/065.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Quarryman Hall </em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRwih3QUBq8/Tkxs9v9nmFI/AAAAAAAAARU/PULjbEYh5R8/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRwih3QUBq8/Tkxs9v9nmFI/AAAAAAAAARU/PULjbEYh5R8/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Madrona Bar & Grill and McMillin's Dining Room</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77WKdbFYEK8/TkxtLNyqUwI/AAAAAAAAARY/Tg-_CKbIorI/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77WKdbFYEK8/TkxtLNyqUwI/AAAAAAAAARY/Tg-_CKbIorI/s320/131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>a 7-yr old bocce prodigy</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Blm5kYihZKs/Tkxtpec6m3I/AAAAAAAAARc/8rYd6rbCQRA/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Blm5kYihZKs/Tkxtpec6m3I/AAAAAAAAARc/8rYd6rbCQRA/s320/135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>(Should I tell her I'm closer? Nah!.)</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voH0ds-zl1Q/Tkxvk1MpubI/AAAAAAAAARk/ieOPNFZF2Cc/s1600/tretorn+and+trunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voH0ds-zl1Q/Tkxvk1MpubI/AAAAAAAAARk/ieOPNFZF2Cc/s320/tretorn+and+trunks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<em>The author in poolside repose wearing tired </em></div>
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<em>Tretorns and </em><a href="http://www.jmclaughlin.com/products2.cfm?ID=20758&name=MENS-SWIM"><em>J. McLaughlin</em></a><em> swim trunks</em></div>
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<strong><em>True Cascadian colors - green and blue</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Roche Harbor on San Juan Island - a true Cascadian, Northwest, and American Treasure!</span></em></strong></div>
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<br /></div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-40774916356826612362011-08-08T17:45:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:48:20.172-07:00Send... Help... Fast<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is what we're dealing with here in <em>Cascadia.</em> Don't buy the starving artist bit this Seattle (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkland,_Washington">Kirkland</a>) band wishes to portray. They're from the Seattle-area's "Eastside," which is to say the east side of Lake Washington, which also is to say the well-monied side of the city. Home to more Bourgeois Bohemians (BoBos) than a Franco-Czech Chambers of Commerce convention.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='390' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/brZTvGIzeGg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<em>Increasingly popular Fleet Foxes</em><br />
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<em>(I hate that I like their music.) Watch the video and ask me about the goats.</em></div>
Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-13577005339328862042011-07-25T19:23:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:26:14.829-07:00DMB<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: justify;">
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I saw a bumper sticker on the back of a Suburu Outback - "Dear Jesus, Protect Me From Your Followers." That's the way I feel about the die hard fans of <a href="http://www.davematthewsband.com/">The Dave Matthews Band</a> (DMB). For starters, they have that oval sticker on the back of their Suburus, Volkswagens, and vintage Volvos, which simply states "DMB." Then there are those who have to make the annual pilgrimage to The Gorge at George, Washington to watch ALL THREE NIGHTS of his three night stand. <strong>WTF?!</strong></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0zsylB3pLg/TXLMrRgz7eI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Vml4HOX7Lbk/s1600/DMAS12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0zsylB3pLg/TXLMrRgz7eI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Vml4HOX7Lbk/s1600/DMAS12.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's not that THE Dave Matthews is a bad guy (a real good family man living in Seattle, Washington, I hear). I mean, he writes OK music and has very good musicians making up his band, but when did Phish or Widespread Panic give up the throne of "Hippie cum yuppie jam band," "BoBos in Paradise group," or "I only smoke dope once a quarter festival"?</div>
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I think the whole thing is just <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>D</strong>u<strong>MB</strong></span>. And even though DMB is an adopted darling of Cascadia, I hope I don't see any burgeoning <em>Cascadian</em> preps at his next gig!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl83AeiAcGg/Taphs8rVXnI/AAAAAAAAALo/mdgvFwRPwUM/s1600/gorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl83AeiAcGg/Taphs8rVXnI/AAAAAAAAALo/mdgvFwRPwUM/s400/gorge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Gorge at George, Washington, USA</em><br />
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</div>Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-77021599846796226562011-07-21T14:21:00.000-07:002011-12-10T14:26:16.629-08:00Coeur d'Alene, Idaho<blockquote>
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"Take the Adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes! Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of the old life and into the new! Then someday, some day long hence, jog home... when the cup has been drained and the play has been played, and sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company." - Kenneth Grahame, <em>The Wind in the Willows</em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The cabin (rented for "business") on Coeur d'Alene River</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--61M5MiFDcE/TiiVX8zgXgI/AAAAAAAAAQo/JIn4Er-54ws/s1600/cda+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--61M5MiFDcE/TiiVX8zgXgI/AAAAAAAAAQo/JIn4Er-54ws/s400/cda+river.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The view from the cabin</em></td></tr>
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In the summertime, CdA is popular for golfing, fishing, and general boondoggling. Last week, this <em>Cascadian</em> prep did just that - golfed for pike and fished for golf balls. I've never been very good at either. Now <em>boondoggling</em> - there's something in which I have great skill.<br />
<br />Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3329794660971104672.post-55023280021893500072011-07-15T18:58:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:36:52.557-07:00A Family's Dog<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today our beloved 12-year old Black Lab left for the happy hunting grounds, or more appropriately, "that beach in the sky." Thank you for the happiness you brought to our family. You will be missed!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"Miga"</em> </td></tr>
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<strong>"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because
it happened." - Dr. Seuss</strong></div>
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Derek Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18360100255258346656noreply@blogger.com1