Recession-proof Clothing

Sure, there probably is not much that is recession-proof these days, but that does not mean not taking advantage of the recession to outfit your sorry (and aesthetically lacking) self with new duds at the expense of all the clothing stores practically giving away their wares.

For me, that means stocking up on certain staples in my wardrobe. The button down shirts I use (and it's a specific kind) are virtually pocket change right now. Seriously, the outfitters are so desperate for sales, everything in stores seems like a "loss leader".

Fortunately for me, it's not just some one-off item, but something I use over and over. A little pearl of wisdom I plan to pass to my kids (if for nothing more than Father's Day gift ideas)... while I am all for patterned shirts in my closet or thin V-neck sweaters, you can never have enough white and blue button-downs.

Thanks Miami!

Well, THAT was certainly worth not seeing the Patriots in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

This CANNOT Be Emphasized Enough

Around the holidays many a gift giver is picking up the latest and greatest in 1080p high definition entertainment. My father, for example, is about to lay down his wallet for this. Of course, I had to remind dad that when buying his new Mantown centerpiece, he should not forget to buy the HDMI cable.

And as a reminder to dad or anyone else on your list (I know that 52-inch Samsung listed under gift ideas for "Cousin Ed" is merely a code for "self giting"), remeber this...

As endorsed by CNet (and the entertainment geekdom as a whole)- do NOT under any circumstance, even at the risk of illness, dismemberment or even (however unlikely) death, do NOT ever- and I mean NEVER- buy expensive HDMI cables.