Red hats? Purple sequins?

I actually feel a little sheepish about the Graswich thing cuz it didn't turn out very funny. Oh well. At least I got to use the word sheepish in a sentence.

There was an article in the Bee the other day (sunday, I think) about a meeting of the Red Hat Society, http://www.sacbee.com/content/women/story/11984625p-12859804c.html. Is it just me, or is this article completely condescending? Haven't heard of the red hat society? Here's a link: http://www.redhatsociety.com/ It's a social club for women over 50. They are supposed to wear red hats and purple outfits. I am obsessed with this club because to me it represents the invisibility of women over 50 in our culture. Once they're not considered attractive anymore, I think most people ignore middle aged women. I'm glad these ladies have a way to get together and geek out. But to combat it by wearing these god-awful outfits is too bad. I'm just surprised my mom isn't into this yet. She did dye her hair pink a few years ago to attract attention. Here's a poem about the red hat society:

"Ode to the Red Hat Society"by Sue Ellen Cooper
A poet put it very well.
She said when she was older,
She wouldn't be so meek and mild. She threatened to get bolder.
She'd put a red hat on her head, and purple on her shoulder.
She'd make her life a warmer place,
her golden years much golder.
We read that poem, all of us,
and grasped what she is saying.
We do not need to sit and knit,
although we all are graying.
We think about what we can do.
Our plans we have been laying.
Instead of working all the time,
we'll be out somewhere playing.
We take her colors to our hearts,
and then we all go shopping
For purples clothes and hats of red,
with giant brims a-flopping.
We're tired of working all the time,
and staying home and mopping.
We order pies and chocolate fudge,
and rich desserts with topping.
We crown ourselves as duchesses and countesses and queens.
We prove that playing dress-up isn't just for Halloween.
We drape ourselves in jewels,
feathers, boas, and sateen.
We see ourselves on television and in magazines.
We laugh, we cry, we hug a lot.
We keep each other strong.
When one of us goes out for fun,
the rest all go along.
We gad about, we lunch and munch,
in one big happy throng.
We've found the place where we fit in,
the place we all belong.

Anyway, I don't want to bag on this because it seems mean. Just thought I'd tell you a little about it in case you hadn't heard of it. There's also something else similar to this, although not as popular just yet, it's a clothing line called Quackers. I had read about it in the NYtimes, and it's the same kind of thing. It's a line of wacky sweatshirts and if you see another lady wearing one it's an excuse to make friends. They are pretty garish and always have an embroidered animal motif. Here's an excerpt from an article about the founder:

Jeanne's customers are also her fans, and they are passionate about Jeanne's Quacker Factory line of clothing. When asked about her key to success, Jeanne modestly replies, "Luck and loving what I do," but we know better. That is, surely, part of Jeanne's success is due to her understanding that other women share her own desire for clothing that is comfortable, individual, embellished and identifiable. Jeanne's customers are a loyal bunch because they are not just buying her clothing; they are buying into her positive attitude and joie de vivre. This is not just evidenced on her many Web sites, where fans join together to share their lives, loves and interests, but also by The Quacker Cruise. The bonds between Jeanne and her fans, or "Quackers" as they call themselves, are so strong, they even vacation together. Jeanne might design and manufacture clothing, but she offers much more. Love, acceptance, courage and self-confidence are just some of the added value she offers with her clothing. You need only tune into one of the Quacker Factory shows on QVC or visit the Quacker chat room on Yahoo to experience the devotion of her fans and the rapport they share with Jeanne.

I find this phenomenon (phenomena?) fascinating and sad. Why do middle-aged ladies in the U.S. feel such a lack of connection in our culture? How can people base friendships on such a small thing as being over 50 or wearing a loud sweatshirt? Where is the stuff like this for old dudes? And more importantly, will this happen to me and my friends?

Dan, I'm still hoping for a new Kings analysis but I understand you might have actual work to do and might not have time.

Michele, thanks for the top 10 list. Very interesting. Even though I didn't like The Life Aquatic that much, I have this weird thing with Wes Anderson movies where I don't like them the first time I see them, but I start liking them more and more as time passes and I watch them again. I think I am overwhelmed by the look and the music and the fussy details the first time. I finally re-watched the Royal Tenenbaums and this time I really liked it, but the first time I was distracted by what everyone was wearing and trying to recognize the songs.