No Copy

It's a sin

For once, the category for this post is 100% ironic. I couldn't agree more with Maddox (found via bnox):

Somehow reminds me of this 80s dance floor filler (great video, by the way):

Doctor doctor

Most women have a thing about shoes. Normally, I don't really understand why. But on the other hand: I seem to have something with Dr Martens boots and shoes. Whenever I need a new pair, I almost always seem to turn to Dr Martens. Admittedly, I have been unfaithful in the past, but I just keep coming back to the brand that, it is probably fair to say, was one of the first to be adopted by a very large audience without spending huge amounts on marketing and advertising.

Recently, Dr Martens have launched a new website, which, in my view, looks really great and in line with the brand. Currently, they are also running a 'design your own boot' contest. I don't really feel the need, because I prefer my boots in plain black. But still: if you feel creative - have a go...

BTW, does anybody remember this 80s classic? Let's face it: the hairdo was a lot more dangerous-looking than the music...

Tempted

It's new. It's futuristic. It's powerful. And it's almost available. No, I am not switching bikes again. Although it's tempting...

The new Honda CB 1000 R, as found on Motornet.be.

Motorcycle Emptiness

"Is this an early midlife crisis?" It's a question I've been asked a lot recently. The reason? This:

That's right, after 9 years of being deprived of my favourite means of transportation, I am back on the road with a motorcycle. A Honda VFR 800 to be precise.

No, not a Ducati this time. Why not? Because the new Ducati models do not have that same je-ne-sais-quoi as they used to? Because the Ducatis I really like are either too fast to drive safely or too 'naked' and hence not really fit for the longer distances and for driving to work? Because Honda was, in fact, my first love? And you know what they say about first loves...

Or is it because I have more faith in the reputation of the VFR? All of this and none of it at the same time. Let's just say it was love at first sight with this machine. Besides, the advantage of motorcyles is you do not have to stick to one make. Perhaps there will be a Ducati in the garage again, some day. Or, why not, a BMW R1150 RT? After all, as one grows older, so does the need for comfort... :-)

Anyway: here are some more pictures of my first "midlife crises". My Honda CB 1000 "Big 1" and my Ducati Monster:

BTW: Motorcycle Emptiness is still a classic Manic Street Preachers song if you ask me. A bit too pathetic and bombastic for its own good, but hasn't that always been, to some extent, what makes The Manics The Manics?

Bob's your uncle

Just keep breathing, push when necessary and Bob's your uncle. According to my sister, giving birth is not such a big deal at all. The result, on the other hand...

 

Anyway, in this case, Serge is your uncle. Welcome to this world, Axelle (°25 January 2007 at 11.22 a.m. - 2.650 kg and 48.5 cm).

I smell winter

Finally. I smell winter. Not only a great song by The Housemartins, but also reality early this morning:

I know a big bunch of small people who will be thrilled to hear the school bell ring today. I think I'll join them...

10 years ago today

[photography Kurt Vansteelant]

Time-out

A lot of people have been asking me questions about my new watch lately. In order not to have to tell the same story over and over again: here's the truth. Yes, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Sort of.

It's my wife who bought me this watch as a new year present. A somewhat late new year present, but I've been told you can have new year activities all through the month of January. And, okay, I helped her pick. But still...

For those interested in the small details: it's an o.d.m. <mysterious v dd99>. Doesn't ring a bell? Good. Nice design, but nothing you want to show off with because certainly not expensive. Got it at Callebert's in Bruges, a must-go if you're ever in the neighbourhood.

If you ever do go there: let me know. We'll meet up for an espresso in the nicely decorated slow food bistro annex coffee shop upstairs. Just tell me what time you'd like to meet. Because now I can actually see how late it is. Yep: this watch really is amazing...

No sound, but vision

My own picture in the "A thing of beauty..." category? Don't worry: I am not thàt vain. But I do like the specs I bought some time ago. I guess I would, wouldn't I? Some people do not share my opinion, mind you. "Too big." "Just like dust goggles." ... I could give you some more descriptions. But I am not going to. Because I dó like them. Although I am glad not too many people are wearing them so far.

I admit: it has taken me also some time to get used to them. But now I have. A ticket collector on the train (female, young, alternative type with quite a number of piercings - hats off to our national railway company) even complimented me on them just the other day. So, out it with: yes, I am glad I bought them. People (like Sam) have asked me where I got them. Well, at Optiek Nr 17 in Bruges if you must know. They're Booth and Bruce - an English brand which offers nice design and good quality for an affordable price if you ask me. But watch it: they don't fit everybody. As a matter of fact, I don't think they'll suit you. Too big. Just like dust goggles...

French evolution

The only thing I really know about cars is how to drive them. Well, sort of, at least - not taking into account the accidents and fines I have met with so far. I guess I am not that typical "cars, football and girls" kind of guy. Although I do envy them sometimes.  They  probably do not have to take care of  Sunday morning speedshopping. I do. But this morning, my trip to the local supermarket was actually quite uplifting. There they were, almost side by side: a brand new Citroën C4 coupé, a lovely old Citroën Ami 8 and an even older Citroën DS. It was almost as if someone had put them there on purpose for everybody to stop and take a look. Apart from me, however, nobody really wanted to face the cold wind and enjoy the view. I did. Reflecting on how the line of the C4 certainly resembled that of the DS in a way. On how lucky that former soccer pal of mine is, driving a DS (as well as being able to tinker with it - another probably typical male feature I lack). On what a pity it was I did not bring my camera along. On how wonderful it will be when, some day, scientists come up with a camera built into heads, probably integrating a USB link somewhere behind our ears or so. Anyway, the result of my mind drifting away like this was that the speedshopping session was an almost record-breaking one. As well as not making it on time to the butcher's before closing. But hey, at least I drove home with a (I admit: probably stupid) grin on my face and the intention of buying a French goddess when the time comes to replace the Renault Scenic we own now. I am not sure, however, if I'll be able to convince that other, down-to-earth kind of goddess I share my bed with...