Zubaz Are Back!

Zubaz are back but did they ever really go away? I suspect I still have a vintage pair somewhere along with my old beat-up Doc Martens, pictures of me in my Rachel haircut and my pre-401 K investments in Beanie Babies.

As the ad says "Have you been wondering where you could get a new pair to match your lifestyle? Here they are."

To Zubaz! A toast! With Zima!

Mint Juleps and Me!

Despite the 90 degrees heat, I just realized that this upcoming Saturday is the first Saturday in May which means only one thing--it is Kentucky Derby Day and it is time to publish old embarassing pictures of myself again.

It has been a few years since I have hosted a full blown Derby party in DC but this year I still will raise at least one Mint Julep in honor of that 135th Run for the Roses. (Locally U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the drink to Washington, D.C. at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel during his residence in the city.)

One of the most famous recipes for the perfect Mint Julep comes from Henry Watterson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of The Louisville Courier-Journal, whose recipe for the Julep still speaks to the old-fashioned Kentuckian desire for unblemished bourbon:

“Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form on it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey."

"Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away, and drink the whiskey.”

Warning: Mint Juleps may cause Derby Fashion Faux Pas. Here's one from 1991. I still have the shorts. You have been warned!

Cornerstone Cleaners Where Are You?

Pardon this interruption to the usual political satire, essays on social mores of the 21st century and paeans to Pop Tarts that make up Herb of DC but I need to ask for your help to look for my shirts.

Yes, my shirts.

My five blue and white shirts that I dropped off at Cornerstone Cleaners on March 7, 2009. The five blue and white shirts that look just like the other ten blue and white shirts in my closet. I returned March 19, 20 and 21st to drop off more blue and white shirts and to pick up my clean and neatly pressed blue and white shirts and the establishment is closed with no sign indicating why it is closed or when it will reopen.

Cornerstone Cleaners
1947 14th St NW
Washington, DC 2009
(202) 234-0100
Corner of 14th and U

May also operate under the name of CS Cleaners, SC Cleaners or Next 2 Cleaners.

Does anyone have the scoop?

My three pairs of khaki cargo pants and two pairs of dark green cargo pants are quite concerned. I haven't told the Dockers yet (gray, two pairs).

Update March 24:

A sign is posted

Update March 25:

The mainstream media picks up the cause

Update March 26:

Reunited!

Rodeo Fashion Faux Pas Through the Years

In honor of all the cowboys and cowgirls in town, I decided to review all my "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet" pictures from the Hotness of Herb Photo Vault. What was I thinking?

October 1993

Herb of Virginia in My First Rodeo Cowboy Hat™ and displaying early bear tendencies in a snazzy sleeveless yellow plaid shirt. I did not have relations of any kind with the catatonic mullet on the right.

September 1995

Herb of Pittsburgh wearing white pants and pastels after Labor Day to the rodeo. In addition there is a possible feathered hair violation.

October 1997

Herb of Pittsburgh at an ill advised food stop on the way to the rodeo. Hair color blends into Golden Arches due to continued exposure to natural rays of the "sun." Signs of a Trump-like comb over are beginning to show.

September 2000

Increasingly bearish Herb of DC looking intently at the rodeo action wearing the EXACT same snazzy yellow plaid sleeveless shirt worn in 1993 in picture #1.

No... really look at ME. On the right. In the same shirt. HEY OVER HERE!!

October 2007

My Sad Little Agoraphobic Rodeo ™

One more cowboy fashion faux pas and yet another reminder I'm glad I don't live in the 'burbs.



Happy Rodeo Y'all!