clean needles: November 2008

Confronting My Pessimism

In economy, In future, In gift, In holiday 2008, In information, In luxury, In majors, In missed opportunities, In tech, In visual, In windows, In wow

Friday, November 28

To get a gauge of this "Black Friday" business, I took a stroll around my neighborhood shops to get an idea of consumer enthusiasm. I live in downtown Chicago, so my "neighborhood" shops, along Michigan Avenue, Oak Street and State Street, may differ from yours, but I tried to be as comprehensive as possible.Please note, Michigan Avenue is universally considered...

The Economy and Violence

In crime, In economy, In gift, In holiday 2008, In information, In majors, In media, In news, In newspapers

Friday, November 28

Desperate times bring desperate measures.Why would anyone expect a rational, calm public in the eyes of the worst economic crisis facing the country in seventy-five years. These are just a few articles plucked from the headlines HALFWAY THROUGH "Black Friday". Click the headline to go through to the full original story:Worker Killed by 5 am stampede...

The Coldest Winter Ever

In credit, In economy, In future, In holiday 2008, In information, In majors, In markets, In news, In october, In television

Thursday, November 27

"Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed down-stairs a step at a time."-Mark Twain (Pudd'nhead Wilson)Americans, like all people, are creatures of habit. The greatest difference in the American habit and those of other cultures, is our national habit is shopping. We like to spend. What one owns, or wears, or drives,...

The End of Retail in 401k Portfolio's?

In economy, In future, In holiday 2008, In information, In luxury, In majors, In markets

Thursday, November 20

Disclaimer (This article is using information based on end of day figures for the NYSE on 11/19/08).How can this be?Is it really possible that I am seeing the very evaporation of the industry I have loved for so long? I have written, since this site's inception, about the looming clouds on the Retail Industry's horizon, and have spent much time assisting...

Rising to the Occasion

In economy, In future, In holiday 2008, In majors, In media, In news, In october

Monday, November 17

November has, so far, been a better month for Retailers than some (self included) had forecast. There are several ancillary factors that worked in merchant's favor this year. For instance: A very late Thanksgiving (27th) which enabled tamped down expectations for the first half of the month.The market starting it's meltdown in September allowed ample...

Toy Watch

In him, In laugh, In time

Saturday, November 15

I can't believe I am saying this but.....This watch is HOT!I know it's from Toy Watch, the inexplicably-named, inexplicably-expensive watches that have laughed themselves all the way to the bank in recent years.This one here, though, is different.$385.00 buy it HERE, once they get back in sto...

Take (to) A Shower

In him, In home, In lady, In lavish, In learn, In little ones, In look, In luxury

Saturday, November 15

I know we hate baby showers, men.But if you absolutely, positively must go....Why not be the star, your girl will love you for it.Female peer envy is one of the strongest aphrodisiacs on the planet.The way to achieve your goal is by bringing, not only the best gift, but the gift no one else even knew they craved.That gift is an Hermes baby basket. Starring the...

A Woman Every Man Should Know

In him, In home, In lady, In lavish, In learn, In letters, In luxury

Saturday, November 15

Mrs. John L. StrongEver wonder why your parties are called "parties" and not "affairs?"Ever wonder why your best friends holiday cards sit on the center of the mantle at every household you know of.Your friend, as should all men, takes stationary seriously. Mrs. John L. Strong will swing the balance back in your direction. Move over bacon, here comes...

Bedat No. 8

In him, In lavish, In learn, In look, In luxury, In time

Saturday, November 15

Grow up and stop wearing what rappers tell you to like.Bedat SCREAMS mature, sexy and heirloom all in one.This piece is nice but a discerning few will cop the rose gold version.See it HE...

Shaken & Stirred

In him

Saturday, November 15

Quantum Of Solace is out this weekend. No duh, right?Well I thought i might offer up that, when James Bond - a man that goes on world wide killing sprees, has access to billions of dollars and will literally steal anything he can't buy- decides to dress for "work", he will be wearing clothes created by the only person more dangerous than he,TOM FORD!So,...