I built today’s look from the ground up with polished cognac split-toe derbies with apron stitching — because a gentleman should make a good impression before he ever extends a handshake. My chocolate brown suit carries that warmth upward, with neatly pressed trousers and a coordinating cognac belt keeping the details in step. A lavender checked shirt adds a little personality, and I’ve left the collar open to give the tailoring an easy confidence that suits my style. A softly puffed lavender pocket square and my leather-strapped Tissot finish the look, adding just the right measure of panache to a day at the office.

God bless my fellow RMRS warriors who answered President Kennedy’s challenge—“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”—by choosing to serve in uniform. Whether you wore the uniform of the United States or of another nation you proudly call home, you have my deepest respect and gratitude. As a retired Marine, I salute you and the families who stood beside you through long separations, missed milestones, and all the quiet sacrifices that come with military service.

Today, we proudly celebrate the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps, honoring 251 years of courage, honor, commitment, and unwavering devotion to our nation. From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, generations of Marines have answered the call to serve, embodying the spirit of Semper Fidelis. I proudly salute all RMRS Marines, past and present, for their sacrifice, service, and enduring legacy—Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Marines!

This weekend I came across a very interesting video on YouTube. The video follows a week-long experiment in which the creator adopts the clothing and grooming standards associated with a 1950s American man. He replaces modern casual wear with high-waisted pleated trousers, tailored suits, shirt stays, and fedoras, while also using period-style grooming practices such as safety-razor shaving, hair tonic, and Brylcreem. Its central question is whether prioritizing formal presentation over modern comfort changes how a man feels and how others respond to him. The creator tests the look in ordinary contemporary settings and reflects on the tradeoff between the discipline and confidence of deliberate dress versus the convenience of current casual fashion. Bottom line: It is a lifestyle-and-style experiment arguing that intentional grooming and clothing can affect self-presentation and social interactions, while recognizing that full 1950s-style dress is less comfortable and less practical for everyday modern life. Interesting comment: "The guy goes from Bruh to Sir!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCH0eUXFMk0

Enjoyed a beach sunset with my wife over the weekend. A few pictures from a beach walk at Half Moon Bay.