Thursday, January 14, 2010

Colonel Littleton, Lynnville, Tennessee


My mother in law, Carol Cowan, sent me an awesome leather shoulder bag for Christmas from Colonel Littleton, in Tennessee. She writes for various magazines, and had done a story on the company awhile back. Here's the article, and a video link with the Colonel himself:

Most folks regard their family heirlooms with more than a touch of nostalgia, counting items of lasting value – whether sentimental or otherwise – among their most prized possessions.

Since 1987, one Tennessee designer and craftsman has staked his entire business on that reality. And he’s accomplished much success.

“I got to thinking about family heirlooms,” says Col. Garry Littleton, proprietor of Col. Littleton, Purveyor of Fine Accouterments in the Americana Tradition. “There are no more swords, no more pearl-handled pistols, no more pocket watches. So, I thought of a pocketknife. If you had your granddaddy’s pocketknife, what would you take for it? Probably nothing. And that’s where I started.”

Tennessee Home and Farm




The Bed By The Window- Robinson Jeffers


I chose the bed downstairs by the sea-window for a good death-bed
When we built the house, it is ready waiting,
Unused unless by some guest in a twelvemonth, who hardly suspects
Its latter purpose. I often regard it,
With neither dislike nor desire; rather with both, so equalled
That they kill each other and a crystalline interest
Remains alone. We are safe to finish what we have to finish;
And then it will sound rather like music
When the patient daemon behind the screen of sea-rock and sky
Thumps with his staff, and calls thrice: "Come, Jeffers."



Hold On- Tom Waits


Tom Waits, Modern American Man with 'Hold On', from 'Mule Variations', one of the best albums ever made.

No tie? No problem.

Classic no tie dark checkered shirt under light jacket by John Wayne. No sissy stuff here- just a man's man dressing up.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How to bow out gracefully while sticking to your guns:

People of Earth:

In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over "The Tonight Show" in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my "Tonight Show" in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the "Tonight Show" to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the "Tonight Show" has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the "Tonight Show" into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. "The Tonight Show" at 12:05 simply isn't the "Tonight Show." Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the "Late Night" show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of "The Tonight Show." But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the "Tonight Show," I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Looking good in the field

US Army 1LT Kingston M. Winget proving you can look good in the field. A perfect example of fashion meeting function. Note the wool scarf (available at an Army Surplus near you). Feb., 1951.

World War II Data Base

Walkabout

I recently went on a walkabout in our neighborhood, which borders the edge of a hill. Down this hill, I discovered an old railroad track loaded with cars for repair(?), with a newer track beside it. It was strangely ghostlike and peaceful, the perfect setting for an afternoon ramble.













Though you may not have an abandoned railroad track one block over and two blocks down, I strongly encourage you scout out your neighborhood for the things you miss in your daily commute. Just look out for knife wielding bums (depending on the neighborhood).

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Passing of the Year-Robert Service

My glass is filled, my pipe is lit,
My den is all a cosy glow;
And snug before the fire I sit,
And wait to feel the old year go.
I dedicate to solemn thought
Amid my too-unthinking days,
This sober moment, sadly fraught
With much of blame, with little praise.

Old Year! upon the Stage of Time
You stand to bow your last adieu;
A moment, and the prompter’s chime
Will ring the curtain down on you.
Your mien is sad, your step is slow;
You falter as a Sage in pain;
Yet turn, Old Year, before you go,
And face your audience again.

That sphinx-like face, remote, austere,
Let us all read, what’re the cost:
O maiden! why that bitter tear?
Is it for dear one you have lost?
Is it for fond illusion gone?
For trusted lover proved untrue?
O sweet girl-face, so sad, so wan,
What hath the Old Year meant to you?

‘And you, O neighbour on my right,
So sleek, so prosperously clad!
What see you in that aged wight
That makes your smile so gay and glad?
What opportunity unmissed?
What golden gain, what pride of place?
What splendid hope” O Optimist!
What read you in that withered face?

And you, deep shrinking in the gloom,
What find you in that filmy gaze?
What menace of a tragic doom?
What dark, condemning yesterdays?
What urge to crime, what evil done?
What cold, confronting shape of fear?
O haggard, haunted, hidden One,
What see you in the dying year?

And so from face to face I flit,
The countless eyes that stare and stare;
Some are with approbation lit,
And some are shadowed with despair.
Some show a smile and some a frown;
Some joy and hope, some pain and woe:
Enough! Oh, ring that curtain down!
Old weary year! it’s time to go.

My pipe is out, my glass is dry;
My fire is almost ashes too;
But once again, before you go;
And I prepare to meet the New:
Old year! a parting word that’s true,
For we’ve been comrades, you and I -
I thank God for each day of you;
There! bless you now! Old Year, goodbye!

Army Surplus: The New American Man's mecca...

(M-1951 Korean War Wool Field Shirt. Brand new vintage 50's shirt, 10 bucks.)

My wife is so sick of me extolling the values of the whole Army Surplus scene that I must do it here, or forfeit my wife's interest at any mention of the words 'army', 'surplus', 'wool', 'green', and 'collectible'. Lets break it down: If you don't Army Surplus, then you suck. No, seriously. I sucked until a few months ago, when I moved to a very Army Surplus friendly zone. If you, as this Gazette, are revolting against a throw away culture, and are becoming( or just are) 'sustainable'(The New American Man's Gazette has not found an appropriate chic word to replace the overused, yet apt, 'sustainable'), then the Army Surplus is the place to be, at least until we all bleed their stock dry. My brothers and I have raided all The Surplus stores within a 15 mile radius of us, and are getting ready to venture even further.
'Whatthehell?' you say? Well, let me tell you.
For quality, American made, durable staples to The New American Man's wardrobe, The Army Surplus is your affordable mecca. Need a slim cut, hardy wool shirt that can withstand the apocalypse for under 15 bucks? They got it. How about a pair of black leather dress boots that can kick ass AND take names for under 50( many designers today are taking this very design, and charging 3 hundy for it...)? Doable. Go get yourself a military cut navy blue or black trench for under 50. Or a fashionable button up sweater for under 15. Don't make me go on man, because I will. While you are at it looking for the staples, stop by and grab yourself a canvas shoulder bag and a few military pouches to put your crap in.
The great thing about the Army Surplus is that it is made to fit, made to be hardy, and is US made. How can you go wrong? The downside: the colors, of course, will all be blacks, greens, blues and tans, but I actually find this a benefit. Some of the Surplus stores will also carry other US made clothing, such as flannels, boots and gloves.
When you go to the Amy Surplus, make sure to take some dough, and be prepared to get lost for a couple of hours, because these places are bottomless pits.
The best Surplus stores have been in their location for 20 years or more, and have merchandise treasures at the bottom of boxes and behind glass cases, and under shelves. Feel free to dig, and if something doesn't have a price tag on it, they tend to be very reasonable. Not only will you find affordable, quality goods, hopefully, you will again feel like a kid rummaging around in his grandpa's garage on a boring afternoon. Feel free to buy 'useless' ammo pouches, canteens, mess kits and cartridge boxes, as these will surely come in handy someday, or just look cool sitting on a shelf. Buy these types of things from WWII/Korean/Vietnam era while you can, because they wont be around much longer. Be careful when buying old collectibles- make sure you know the value, if any, and pay accordingly. Don't get scalped for a reproduction bayonet or bag or mess kit( military forums are the best place to research, as well as some websites: Olive Drab, for instance). Beware of cheap made trinkets such as some knives and flasks these places now carry. Stick to the basics, and you'll be good.
I can personally attest to the durability of Armysurpluswear, as I have worn these wool shirts through manual labor and dual jobs, feeling warm and bitchin' all the while, and I have had army backpacks for years.
But-don't take this Gazette's word for it- get out there and find out for yourselves the joys of ye olde Army Surplus before they go the way of the buffalo.

And do it before some one else gets the good stuff and sells it on E-Bay or Craigsshit for thrice its cost...

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Every man needs to know about Pyrex


Every guy needs to know a little about vintage dishware. Ok, maybe not. But it doesn't hurt. This will make you seem awesome to your better half, and may come in handy as a last minute gift while antiquing. My mom gave my wife some vintage Pyrex dishes for Christmas, and she loves 'em, even adding to her collection on her own. So here's to all you New American Men that need a history lesson on vintage Pyrex ware: Pyrex Love. Go get educated.

Pyrex Love.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Hats: Kevin Morgan models a dandy


The Gazette's good buddy Kevin Morgan( singer, songwriter, hat model) recently purchased some great hats from a shop down in Albecquerce at the insistence of his wife. I agree with Rachel, Kev, you look simply dashing. Like Van Gogh, only with both ears. Kev has a shaven head and a beard, and proves that this combination is fabulous not only by itself, but with a little help as well. Also note Kev's vintage western coat, snap shirt and chest hair. The Gazette approves.

So Go Sparingly...

Rationing Of Clothing, Cloth and Footwear
From June, 1941

Rationing has been introduced not to deprive you of your real needs, but to make more certain that you get your share of the country's goods - to get fair shares with everybody else.

When the shops re-open you will be able to buy cloth, clothes, footwear and knitting wool only if you bring your food ration book with you. The shopkeeper will detach the required number of coupons from the unused margarine page. Each margarine coupon counts as one coupon towards the purchase of clothing and footwear. You will have a total of 66 coupons to last you a year; so go sparingly. You can buy where you like and when you like without registering.

Fashion Era

"There I was on Rabbit Island, raisin' rabbits..."




I figure that I better give an explanation as to why I think it's fittin' 'n proper( I don't) to start another damn blog when I already have as many as I do children( 2, if you are wondering.), and here it is: My Grandpa J.E. Jones( mom says there wasn't a name for the J, or the E, but grandma used to holler at him 'Jesse!', 'Jay!' 'Jesse Earl Jones!'...). Well, he's not the main reason for the blog, maybe just the muse. He was my mom's dad, a WWII vet, reformed alcoholic, singer songwriter, teller of tales, hunter and fisher, and just pretty much an over the top wildman. Mom didn't necessarily love the idea of us boys( I have 3 brothers, 1 sister) idolizing our Grandpa Jones, as he certainly had his demons, but to a little boy coming up in the world of 80's cartoons( The Smurfs, G.I. Joe) and rainy Oregon days, Grandpa Jones was money. I clearly remember rummaging through his garage, finding hunting knives, WWII relics, wool blankets, tackle boxes and tools. Now that I am grown and searching for 'mantiques', I recognize the old thrill of going through Grandpa's junk. Even the smell of the old things found remind me of Grandpa's nicotine stained fingers. (Grandpa tried to teach me to roll a cigarette once while he was driving, all the while warning me: "Now, dont you start smoking. I started when I was 12, so its a bad habit- but I dont want you to do like I did...")

This year seems to mark a change in my life, almost going back full circle. I recently moved back to the remoter of Washington's big cities, and began wearing flannels and logging boots, buying army surplus packs, and collecting old WWII knives. I have labeled my return to outdoors style 'Robert Service Chic', 'Forest Service guy in the 50's', '60's Outdoorsman', but in all reality, I could just call it 'The J.E. Jones'. The picture above perfectly represents Grandpa's 'uniform', as it were: green work pants, netback hat, button up western shirt, white t shirt, and work boots( hes wearing old rubber boots in this one, I think). This picture is how I best remember him when I was a kid. There are other pictures of him as a young man, looking perfectly bitchin', which I will try to post as well. When I recently got a new pair of Red Wing boots in the mail, wrapped in brown paper, and smelling of leather, I thought of J.E., and his old boots, in a white t shirt, standing on the porch in Portland, Oregon, smoking a camel cigarette.

So this inaugural Gazette post is to my Grandpa JE Jones, and his uniform, and his memory. I would also like to dedicate this to my brothers, Nate and Jake('Kid'), who have recently undergone this whole sustainable life change with me, and have inspired me to new JE Jones fashion heights. Nate, for the whole Red Wings craze (gawd they're beautiful...), and for getting tired of a throw away society, Kid ('Jake') for all the fashion tips, and for being one of the first proprietors of JE Jones fashion as a young man in wool pants and leather dress shoes. Also, to my brother in law Andrew, who is just a man's man, a carpenter, a Lionel train lover, and showed me how to tie my scarf and buy logger boots. And to Kevin, living in Albuquerque, NM, in a stucco house, and buying dapper fedoras.


And so, for the kick off of the Gazette, I will leave you with one of my Grandpa Jones' favorite sayings that none of us ever understood:
"And there I was on Rabbit Island, raisin' rabbits...."(Smoky laugh)