Had a bunch of errands to run, some stuff to do in the yard, and some more calendars were returned because I fatfingered the addresses, so I got myself all slicked up and took my annual spring selfie:
That’s my great-great-grandmother’s mirror. And before you all give me a lot of shit about the overalls (Ann Burr hated them and quipped I was Angry Bob Vila), they are comfortable, they are never too tight, they are just the right temperature in the fall and spring with a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt, and with a pair of thermals they are perfect in even the coldest weather. Plus, they have lots of pockets for my phone, my wallet, my pocket knife, a pen, keys, and dog treats, and you can adjust them to fit depending on your current level of fat. They are also indestructible- you can get them filthy, throw them in the wash, hjang em up to dry, and you’d never notice you were covered head to toe in dirt.
They are also the perfect camouflage for my area of the universe. I could commit a murder in broad daylight, and the witness descriptions would be “a fat white guy in overalls” and the cops would just give up because that’s basically the state of West Virginia. All that, and I have been reliably informed that they serve as remarkably effective birth control, so I got that going for me as well.
Speaking of Black Panther, I bought the soundtrack and have been basically listening to it nonstop and it is awesome. Kendrick Lamar is a god damned national treasure. I bet I listen to Good Kid or Section 80 each twice a week while driving. Not as much a fan of to Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN! is still growing on me, but I love the new Black Panther soundtrack.
dlwchico
Any particular brand of overalls you can recommend?
MoeLarryAndJesus
Okay, Jethro.
Corner Stone
I am sure there are places to begin. But I can find none.
Corner Stone
I’m going to give FedEx a few more hours to deliver my AR and a fresh batch of Can’t Evens and then we’ll see what happens.
Frankensteinbeck
My life would have been much easier if I’d learned to blend in with my clothing. The nail that sticks up gets hammered down in Southern culture.
John Cole
@dlwchico: I like Key Bibs and Big Smith. I don’t like the lined overalls so that rules out Carhart, but Duluth trading makes some nice stuff.
dlwchico
@John Cole: I started wearing suspenders a few months ago and I think overalls might be the next evolutionary step for me.
Corner Stone
I’m still trying to figure out who Steve is trying to ransom by making Cole post this “proof of life” picture.
JCJ
Old McDonald sitting on a fence
Swung at a fly with a monkey wrench
Missed the fly, hit ‘im in the balls
Pissed all over his overalls
satby
I used to have a female friend who wore overalls all the time, for the same reasons. Probably still does. I only wore them when I was pregnant.
It’s a shame that most comfortable clothing is so butt-ugly though.
John Cole
@satby: I think women in overalls are cute.
GxB
Why does the theme to “Green Acres” spring into my mind just looking at that pic? Just keep on, keeping on JC – go on with your bad self.
satby
@John Cole: sorry John, she’s already married.
germy
satby
And that mirror is in great shape considering how old it must be. Love the detail on the frame.
jharp
I wear a vest for pockets, comfort, and mobility. Year around.
And if it’s goose down it is fine for the winter in the Great Lakes states most of the time.
And I started wearing a hat almost always. Great for warmth. Great in the rain. Great to prevent skin cancer. And great to keep the sun out of your eyes. (which we eventually fuck up you vision)
chris
@dlwchico: I’ve been intentionally losing weight and suspenders are now mandatory or my jeans fall off. Not buying new stuff until I hit my goal. I like overalls for working in the summer, they’re breezy.
Skepticat
Oshkosh b’gosh. This post has made my day.
schrodingers_cat
What not to Wear goes to WV.
schrodingers_cat
@satby: Despite wearing overalls?
NotMax
Judicious use of a razor blade will clean up the overage of paint on the mirror’s glass.
As for the attire, shall refrain from anything more than a passing mention of Mrs. Murphy’s chowder.
trollhattan
@MoeLarryAndJesus:
Than one day he was shootin’ at some food
When up through the ground come a bubblin’ crude
Steve in the ATL
@John Cole: @dlwchico: omg I was certain that question was sarcastic. I’m losing all faith in humanity. Or at least in fashion.
WaterGirl
@John Cole: I do, too.
randy khan
The mirror is great.
I have no other comments.
Okay, I like the chandelier, too.
Elizabelle
You look good, John Cole.
Elegant surroundings and mirror to go with the Haute Jethro look.
Corner Stone
@chris:
That’s really not a good look, IMO.
Josie
John: I understand completely. I bought a fleece vest last year and have fallen in love with it. Always before, going without a jacket felt too cold and wearing a jacket felt too warm and confining. The vest worn with a long sleeved shirt or tee is just the right amount of warmth for most central Texas winter weather. And it has nice big pockets. Now I want one in every color so I can coordinate with all my shirts. A good pair of jeans and my boots and voila – I’m set for the winter. I say enjoy your overalls and ignore the critics.
Schlemazel
@John Cole:
I started wearing overalls back in the 70’s, they were cheap, durable & comfortable. They became hip shortly there after & I switched to painters overalls (white cotton, not as durable). I have switched back now. They are perfect for working around the house & yard.
schrodingers_cat
Nice mirror and I like the chandelier too.
Just one more canuck
Junior Samples
Baud
I wish the rest of the white working class could be like you, Cole.
Steeplejack
Okay, based on this post, I will no longer take shit from anyone about mooching around in khakis and polo shirts.
SiubhanDuinne
That is a beautiful mirror. How fortunate you are to own that treasure!
I have no problem with overalls, but then I have long believed that comfort > style.
TenguPhule
All that’s missing is the pitchfork.
Waratah
I think you have lost a lot weight, that is terrific. I prefer to dress for comfort myself these last few years. I dated a guy who wore them and he could shed them fast.
ruemara
Been planning to pick up the BP soundtrack. It was amazing.
Mike in DC
West Virginia camouflage indeed.
NotMax
Country contraception.
;)
Thom Rogers
I have to tell you John, I read every post you write. But today’s penultimate paragraph had me laughing out loud.
Feathers
People were talking last night about Duluth being expensive, but the family clothes budget went down when I started shopping at Duluth for my ex’s work/everyday wear. Not only did they last, but the fabric is high enough quality that the stains pretty much always washed out. That said, he loved him some Carhartt. Quite the New Englan Redneck skiing at fancy resorts in his Carhartt coveralls.
That I had to buy his clothes really lets you know why he is my ex.
Jeffro
While we’re discussing overalls, the IC IS STRIKING BACK!
Kushner had his security clearance downgraded (canYouIMAGINE what would have happened if Pres. Hillz had let Chelsea’s husband see the nations’ most sensitive secrets all year without a clearance, and then he had to be downgraded due to “issues”?!?!?) and now it appears that there are recordings of foreign countries’ agents discussing how to manipulate him due to his business interests (i.e., debt)
Standards…do we have any standards here Republican people?!?
chris
@Corner Stone: I know right. So suspenders over tshirt but under sweater/sweatshirt. I’ll fix it when the weather gets warmer.
JPL
Beautiful mirror, and the next time you go to a democratic national convention, I will willingly chip in for new wardrobe attire for you.
SiubhanDuinne
@satby:
Couldn’t resist fixin’ that for you. (J/K, John.)
The Simp in the Suit
John, John, John…
Don’t explain. Don’t complain.
Ain’t it great being king?
WaterGirl
@ruemara: Do you have to have seen the movie to appreciate the sound track? It will be a bit before I get to see the movie.
Betty Cracker
I dimly recall that overall shorts for women were a thing back in the late 80s, and I had some. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a come-back — I’m startled to see clothing that looks like it’s from that era on younglings today.
WaterGirl
@Jeffro:
Wow. Is there a link for that?
Jeffro
@WaterGirl: Linky here.
Jeffro
Cermet
You might take John Cole out of West Virginia but you can’t take West Virginia out of John Cole; if only you were holding a pitch fork it would remind me of a certain person in a painting that was standing next to a rather hard ass looking woman.
JPL
@Feathers: The capris that I purchased years ago for gardening are still in great condition. They have pockets at the knee to put pads in.
WaterGirl
@Betty Cracker: I had them, too! What’s the name for the color that I call “green khaki”? That’s the color mine are.
They are still in my closet, but there’s no way I would fit into them today. But soon, maybe! I am thinking of forming an exploratory committee to think about whether I want to create a plan for thinking about what to do about losing some weight.
Jeffro
YA THINK?!?
SiubhanDuinne
@Betty Cracker:
Yup, I had — and wore — a pair of those bib overall shorts, although I’m remembering them from the early ’80s. Every now and then, even now, I find myself wondering Whatever happened to rompers?
WaterGirl
@Jeffro: Holy fucking fuck.
edit: I might have to get some sort of adult beverage before I can continue reading that article.
I am gonna say it and I’m sure I am going to go to hell. Jesus Fucking Christ – no one thought to do something about this when they “noticed” it?
TaMara (HFG)
My favorite season is when cute girly overalls are back “in” and then I stock up. I’ve never tried a real pair of denim from the farm store style…but might have to. I think you look adorable…but part of me wants to see what the Queer Eye guys could do for you. ;-)
debbie
Overalls were great back in art school. No matter how filthy with photo developer, oil paints, or lithography inks, they always washed clean.
No Drought No More
I wear overalls when I feel like it too, Cole, and have also been cruelly mocked for it. Neither do I care, being as comfortable a bit of clothing as I’ve got to wear, especially in hot weather. Great mirror and nice hanging lamp, too. Lest We Ever Forget: “fuck ’em all”..
Betty Cracker
@WaterGirl: Olive?
TenguPhule
@Cermet:
Its obvious John Cole ate both of them. //
rikyrah
Looking good, Cole?
Looking comfortable
WaterGirl
@Jeffro:
emphasis mine.
Why the hell was McMaster not concerned?
hahahahaha
Does anyone here believe that? Even for a second?
Steeplejack
@John Cole:
I was browsing some Duluth Trading stuff on line a few months ago and was surprised to find that they have a store close to me, about 25 miles away in Manassas. I was out that way later for some reason and stopped by. The merchandise looked good, although it was somewhat expensive, at least the items I looked at. Couldn’t tell if it was “expensive = overpriced” or “expensive = paying for good quality.” I bought a couple of different styles of underwear to try out, and I have been pleased with them.
One thing that struck me was how strong the “middle-aged to older white guy” demographic focus seemed to be. Creedence on the in-store music system. Need I say more? Other subliminal hints that I can’t quite articulate.
But I will say that it was nice to find that there’s a store nearby in case I want to check out something before buying it.
germy
I don’t know if her mugshot is the cover art.
Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes
Huh. My assistant asks me today “have you ever been diagnosed as ADHD? I think you’ve got it…”
WaterGirl
@Betty Cracker: Yes! thank you.
NotMax
@Steeplejack
The slight scent pumped in of Hai Karate mingled with Metamucil is a dead giveaway.
:)
Olivia
@Betty Cracker: I wore overall shorts in the early 70s. I loved them.
Roger Moore
@Jeffro:
I take it “naive and being tricked” is a polite circumlocution for “on the take” in this White House.
cgordon
Isn’t there a joke about why there’s no CSI: West Virginia because nobody has teeth for dental records and all the DNA is the same?
David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch
Green Acres is the place to be.
Farm livin’ is the life for me.
Land spreadin’ out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
The Simp in the Suit
@John Cole:
Problem(s) solved!
:)
StringOnAStick
Yesterday I had my first real experience with a crazy person while taking light rail, at rush hour no less. Thankfully the fare check cops were on board and eventually got to her and made her get up from her seat beside me and get off the train with them so they “could show her how to purchase a ticket” since she couldn’t produce one. Booze and something else I’m sure; she tired to call out the young woman sitting across from me about her necklace, claiming the symbol was “of the devil” and tried to perform an exorcism dance. The saddest thing was that she had a very patient small white dog with her; I feel awful seeing a poor little dog caught up with such a lunatic. I don’t know what happened after they took er off the train since my stop was further down the line.
Experienced mass transit riders, what is the best approach with people like this?
Steeplejack
@Betty Cracker:
Ha! After reading Cole’s “women in overalls are cute” comment I got on the Google to find a snarky photo, and everything that came up was girls in overall shorts.
cain
If anybody is a candidate for Queer Eye, it’s John Cole. We need to make that happen!
ETA – the guy in the first episode reminds me of Cole, although that guy was waaay more fun ;)
West of the Rockies (been a while)
Rockin’ the overalls, Mr. Cole! You got some orange Crocs to go with them, or are you more a Lil’ Abner’s boots guy?
I jest… my old work used to occasionally require a mechanic’s big ol’ onsie. Damn comfortable outfit.
frosty
@Josie: I’ve got 4 fleece vests and I’m wearing one of them every day from October til the end of April. I hate having my shoulders and back of my neck cold. I’m partial to these:
https://www.rei.com/product/885899/patagonia-better-sweater-vest-mens
The Simp in the Suit
@Cermet: But what if you take John Cole out of WV with no pants at all?
I’ve heard that it’s happened…
Origuy
I’d never heard of Duluth before this thread. (The store, not the city. Twin Cities residents joke about people from Duluth.) I have trouble getting shirts that fit my arms but don’t ride up over my belt. They have a line of long tail shirts and the long-sleeve polos are on sale. I bought three.
Jeffro
@WaterGirl: They are not used to this level of scrutiny, that’s for sure. I still don’t think they ‘get’ that the IC is listening to everything they say and has been since Day 1.
eemom
You are SO CUTE. #melt
trollhattan
@Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes:
Now that’s a person very comfortable with his/her longterm employment prospects.
Humdog
My “coveralls” are like a tank top sewed to a longish skirt. I too can vary the shirt underneath to fit the weather but there is no problem with having your overalls piled up on the floor when you need to use the toilet.
I think you look nice, John, and you’d fit right in with Humbodlt County.
West of the Rockies (been a while)
@JCJ:
You have the soul of a poet, sir and/or madame!
trollhattan
@David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch:
So odd that dancing Rick Perry has replaced Eva Gabor in my mind whenever I hear that song now.
NotMax
@Steeplejack
Der Google doth provide
:)
Josie
@frosty: That is a very classy looking vest.
John Revolta
It should give us all pause to reflect that the guy in the picture probably knows a couple dozen ways to kill somebody……………
don’t go pickin’ fights
(pickin’ banjos is okay. If you must.)
debit
@Origuy: I bought my boss a Duluth Trading flannel shirt for Christmas; dude wears it everywhere. It’s heavy and soft and made me wish I’d bought one for me.
trollhattan
@John Revolta:
Objection, at least a dozen of those require a tank, and they took that away from him!
Steeplejack
@WaterGirl:
Exploratory committee is always a good first step.
I was going to say “loden” about the color, but I can’t find the relevant Being John Malkovich clip on YouTube.
MomSense
I just got reading glasses. My teenager told me I look like a 25 year old hipster. Compliment?
MomSense
@frosty:
I have the same vest in sage green. $4 at Goodwill. The little handle is missing from the main zipper so I added a few beads.
Ruckus
@Steeplejack:
You’re two steps above me, 501’s and t shirt. Unless it’s over 65, then it’s shorts and a t shirt.
John Revolta
@trollhattan: He’d look cute in a tank. And some nice cargo shorts.
oatler.
Up in heaven Lowell George is smiling.
Re the mirror: reminds me of the one in “Beyond the Grave” .
Steeplejack
@germy:
Phrasing! Seriously, I mean it.
mai naem mobile
I see so much ugly ugly fashion out there that I cannot belI’ve you guys oare giving JC a hard time about overalls. Seriously leave JC the fuck alone.
p.a.
The overalls are a good attempt but you’ll still stand out unless you knock out a few teefs.
frosty fred
@MomSense: Just tried to reply with no luck, take two: When my daughter called my new computer glasses “little hipster glasses” it did not come across as a compliment. Something about the tone of voice.
Steeplejack
@NotMax:
That’s probably it.
Enjoyed your comment about the small mixer last night. Bookmarked that for future reference. I’ve been looking for a similar thing in the food processor category. Don’t have room for a big one, but don’t know how small I can go without loss of functionality. Would like one that could handle at least some dough mixing and do the other stuff as well.
Corner Stone
@trollhattan: Falling on you is still a viable option, however.
WaterGirl
@MomSense: I would say yes, but I think we need a teenager to tells us whether that was a compliment or a dig that is going over our heads.
Steeplejack
@Roger Moore:
Or Bertie Wooster-level idiot (without the redeeming characteristics).
WaterGirl
@Steeplejack: Do you think she even knows what that is? I think she would be horrified. (which makes me happy)
Steeplejack
@cgordon:
Well, there is now!
Joeg
John – I love old things (mirror), comfortable things (overalls), and bitchin’ cool things I count on everyday (Balloon Juice). Thanks John! You’re a cool dude.
WaterGirl
@Steeplejack: I’m actually a bit further along than that. I am casually testing the “don’t eat for 12-15 hours” between dinner and breakfast thing to see if it could work for me.
The Lodger
@Steeplejack: Something tells me Kim Davis is no Chuck Tingle.
John Revolta
@MomSense: @frosty fred: I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Steeplejack
@NotMax:
Yeah, no.
NotMax
@Steeplejack
I also sprang for the food processor attachment for the mixer, as there was a modest savings when purchasing both. Good size food processor. Container is of hefty and sturdy quality, about 6 inches across and about 6 inches high. Comes with the regular blades, slicing disc and also both fine and coarse shredding inserts for the disc.
Steeplejack
@MomSense:
I would take it as a compliment, unless the yoots have progressed so far that “hipster” is now an insult.
RPh
“…. before you all give me a lot of shit ….”
Wait, when did the course of performance change around here?
laura
Re: overalls, when the public library”s director’s husband died, attendees at his memorial service were asked to attend in bid overalls, or at least pin on a paper cutout of blue overalls.
The late, beloved Abe Sass had always been known as a caller of bullshit, and his trademark phrase was “shitty-ass rat-fuckers” and that’s what we were called upon to shout in his memory.
I cannot see a pair of those overalls without thinking of them as SARF’s, and somehow, I think it suits you Mr. Cole.
Nice pair of rat-fuckers you’ve got in that there photo.
Steeplejack
@Ruckus:
Well, that’s my tactical gear when I venture out into the world. At home it’s strictly T-shirts and shorts.
Steeplejack
@WaterGirl:
I assume she means something like “fist pounding on table” stridency, but that evokes even more disturbing imagery. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that?)
FlyingToaster
WarriorGirl has written a haiku:
John cole’s selfie — yay!
very confused why he does
an annual selfie.
The Midnight Lurker
Old, fat men in overalls, wearing swords and armed with lawn darts RULE!!! P.S. — Hey John, is it cool to wear sandals cause I wear sandals.
Steeplejack
@John Revolta:
Truth.
Steeplejack
@NotMax:
Huh. I’ll have to read the fine print. I didn’t notice the thing about the food-processor attachment. Good to know.
Corner Stone
@Steeplejack:
When was it not an insult?
Steeplejack
@FlyingToaster:
Nice!
Unfortunately, one of the judges DQ’ed two syllables for annual. Suggest “a yearly selfie” instead. Better luck next time!
Steeplejack
@The Midnight Lurker:
Key question is do you wear socks with the sandals?
bluefish
Hey, you’re super cute. Overalls are great.
Steeplejack
@Corner Stone:
Touché.
pluky
@WaterGirl: olive drab?
Steeplejack
TFW you think a thread is still live and you’ve written five out of the last seven comments.
MomSense
@Steeplejack:
He is either telling me I look youthful and current in a good way or telling me that I’m trying to look too young and hipster in a bad way.
I was just trying to find frames big enough for my “progressives”.
FlyingToaster
@Steeplejack: She’s 10, and her instructors are forgiving. We parents tend to be less so, but my job tonight was only typing. HerrDoktor was helping with spelling (the original for confused was “confueesed”). We’ll see how the teachers feel about it.
Aleta
White painter’s overalls are lightweight.
Then there are the painter’s overalls with attached hood and boots for cutting ahead in the grocery store line.
And the Disposable Coveralls to cut down on laundry.
WaterGirl
@Steeplejack: Happens to me a lot. Oh well.
WaterGirl
@MomSense: I figure anything short of “I hate you, you suck!” is a good thing.
Aleta
@Steeplejack:
I just bought the older version of this Cuis. art on a special for $39. Now I see this one reduced from 75 to 32. (I didn’t check who ships this, though. That’s how I avoid counterfeits.)
Aleta
@Aleta: You can compare the specs on their various 4 cup and 2 cup model numbers (like the motor) at this site. The manuals for each also mention the # of cups you can process for different foods. For example, a 4 cup processor may go down to 2 cups for some things. It may be about motor strength. A newer lid types seems to let you do smoothies. You can do small amts of dough, like pie dough, on the small ones now.
Aleta
@Aleta: correction I bought this one on sale. 9.3″ L x 10.6″ W x 16″ H
Not the newest or the most powerful motor.
MomSense
@WaterGirl:
True that.
Corner Stone
@MomSense:
There’s a bad fitting bra joke in here somewhere.
J R in WV
@Aleta:
I have a real small Cuisinart blender, just big enough for a 2-person batch of pesto, or chopped nuts or bread crumbs. I also have a big processor, big enough to do potato soup or puree sauces for a big meal.
Olivia
@WaterGirl: I was thinking the same thing. She probably heard a similar phrase somewhere, thought it sounded catchy and decided it was perfect. All without really knowing. You would think an editor might catch it but it was probably edited by a church lady or she did it herself.
catclub
@trollhattan: That was Jed Clampett, not Jethro.
Robert Wright
Similar feelings about Kendrick. Good Kid is still my favorite album of his. You should check out Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper. I’ve become obsessed with it recently. Only guy that comes close to Kendrick at the moment IMO.
Mel
@Ruckus: I’m with you. I’m all about a good pair of Levi’s.
@John Cole: Overalls were my and my best friend’s teenage and college era barn work outfits. Literally, over all garments that would be worn at that evening’s field party: shorts or jeans, t-shirt or tank top. Peel off the horse shit and creosote covered overalls (or not, if running late) wash hands and arms – ready to go.
The look might have been cute, but I’m pretty sure that the aroma was significantly less than enticing!
Matt Smith
There’s a lot of hate out there for cargo shorts, too. And that’s most of what I wear for work. Apparently, anything that has enough pockets to keep a guy organized is horrible fashion.