film inspiration: Adrian Pennino

I think only a heart of stone could not be moved by the first Rocky film. Admittedly, it spawned five sequels, so some people might have suffered from franchise fatigue (I haven't seen any of them yet so I can't weigh in) and the feelings of love the first film conjured might have faded. But try to remember! Remember the slights! Remember the turtle food jokes! Remember the training montage!!! And don't even get me started on the story of the film's conception; Stallone being forced to sell Butkus on account of being broke (and then buying him back when the film was sold but having to give the guy a small part in the movie as part of the deal), and the scenes he had to rewrite to fit props that couldn't be replaced on account of being broke. What's not to love?!!

Obviously, I love the film. I love the story. I love Rocky. And I love Adrian. To me, Rocky and Adrian are one of film's greatest love stories. They fill each others gaps, you guys. What's more romantic and beautiful than that?

If you haven't seen it, quit reading this immediately - you have more important business to attend to. If you have, enjoy the break from my raptures, and check out Adrian's most excellent wardrobe.

"I just want to say hi to my girlfriend, okay? Yo, Adrian! It's me, Rocky"

in praise of: Chucks

If I could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life, it would be my black hi-top Chuck Taylors. No competition. 

They go with everything. I can run in them (as much as I can run in anything). I can kick in them. If rain, or tequila, or pee, or anything else gets on them, they still look fine. They're one of the few things out there where exactly the same model is sold to women and men (the only difference being the sizing). And in spite of being pretty mainstream now, they still retain some of their former subculture symbolism (the Louis Vuitton ones and the extra-low-cut plimsolly ones being exceptions, obviously - in my land, they ain't Chucks). When I'm wearing chucks, I feel like if I get into an argument, my chances of winning are 90% better than if I was wearing keds, (and if I lose, I'm 50% more believable when I say I don't care anyway).

Still not convinced of their merits? Consider who else is/was a fan:

 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Yes. It's Rocky. Chucks are the shoes of champions.