The Koop tie question

I haven't heard any customer comments about similarities to the Confederate flag before yours, Family Doc. Here is an explanation of the design elements so you can discuss them with curious friends.

Dr. Koop helped design his tie with certain symbolism in mind. The blue stripe with white stars represents his government and military service, and is reproduced from the same pattern shown on his commemorative coin, presented to him by the Navy. (Dr. Koop's stripes do not cross at any point, as they do in the Confederate battle flag.) Red was chosen for the background since Dr. Koop only likes red ties, especially with dress whites. The gold caduceus symbols represent the medical profession. Together, these three elements are intended to be simultaneously patriotic and medical.



Dr. Koop is very pleased with his tie, and I hope you are, as well!

One of life's great mysteries

I looked down at my keyboard just now and noticed that the painted letter "N" has nearly completely worn away. All the other keys have their letters intact.

What is it about "N" that makes it wear out first? Do I use it more often? There are two "N"s in Kenerson, which I type quite frequently, so perhaps that's the problem. But there are two "L"s in "Bill", so why isn't the "L" worn out, as well?

Don't even get me started on "E".

Those magnificent Greens

It's a dreary day and there's a rather unremarkable sky, but I hope you can still appreciate these beautiful fall colors. I snapped this photo near a cornfield just south of town. Nothing can quite capture those oranges and golds like being there to see them in person. Deb and I are very lucky to live in Vermont!

These leaves won't be around for long. High winds have been battering the trees the past few days, so foliage season is growing shorter, fast. Good thing I have my Maple Corners Beau Tie to help me extend my leaf-peeping! (This tie didn't last long in the catalog, either--only a few four-in-hands left!)

Ah, autumn in Vermont

We have been blessed with several perfect, crisp fall days in quick succession. The weekend was absolutely ideal for being outdoors and admiring Mother Nature's handiwork. The leaves have been turning for a while, but they looked especially glorious against the bright blue sky.

Our sunny weather even arrived just in time for Middlebury College's parents' weekend, which really had the town hopping.

Perhaps if I get a few spare moments I'll grab the camera and snap some shots of a nice-looking tree or two.

No longer a mystery

Finally, after months of anticipation, I can identify the mystery bow tie wearer being honored with his own design.

I'm pleased to announce that his name is...revealed on page 3 of the Holiday Preview 2006 Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont catalog, arriving soon in your mailbox!

(Come on, you didn't think I'd make it that easy, did you?)

If you can't wait for your catalog to arrive, take a peek at the eCatalog to find out now. Would you ever have guessed?

Algernon's "Luau"

Thank you to my witty and loyal blog reader, Algernon, for this great picture featuring Luau, a sold-out Beau Tie that is still beloved by many.

"Attached is a photo of your humble correspondent, trolling for salsa and iniquity on an evening out in Long Beach, California. You will no doubt recognize the 'Luau' tie, which is among my friends' favorites. The tie earned me many invitations to dance. Sadly, even a tie as handsome as this one did not transform me into an able dancer, and I took my leave after crushing a beautiful foot or two...".

--Algernon D'Ammassa
Los Angeles, California

Here's a close-up image of Luau from the Beau Ties Archives, if you'd like a clearer look:

Goooooogle

Just for fun, I Googled myself last night. Aside from mentions of me, there were listings for a few more like-minded Bills out there.

There's a bowtiebill who likes to travel by RV, a bowtiebill who loves cars, a bowtiebill who barbeques, and a bowtiebill who shops on eBay. There's even a gentleman who has his own web site and makes his own bow ties. That's just in the first few pages of matches.

Who knew I wasn't the only one?