The future's so bright... - Tactical Ninja
Jul. 21st, 2011
09:21 am - The future's so bright...
I have to buy some sunglasses. The last time I bought sunglasses was in 1995 when I was working on a gameboat out of Tutukaka, and they were polaroid ones because this helps you see down into the water and thus know what's chasing your lures. They were also $2 shop ones and thus were Totally Not A Fashion Accessory. Suffice to say I'm not any kind of an expert at sunglasses.
Now, I need some. After the surgery on Tuesday I'm going to need them for two purposes - to protect from glare and to protect from the wind (yes, Wellington's wind is considered a factor in the healing of eyes). I have the same problem with sunglasses as I do with ordinary glasses - when I'm choosing them I can't actually see them because I'm not wearing my glasses. After my eyes are fixed it'll be too late - I need them for the trip home - so I'm planning to do this tomorrow. The problem is, I have no idea what to buy.
I did an image search and came up with a variety of styles that are available currently, and the statements I think they make:
I'm a refugee from Top Gun.
Where's my flying car, damnit?
Imagine all the people....
I am going to run away and join the circus.
It's 106 miles to Chicago, I got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and I'm wearing sunglasses. Also, I'm on a mission from God.
I've finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road.
Paris? Paris? Why didn't you put me on your show?
I am having a geargasm right now but you can't tell because you can't see my eyes.
Looking attractive is SO MAINSTREAM!
As you can see, I'm not very good at this sunglasses thing. I know that I'll be wearing them a lot over the next few months and I want something that's a) effective, b) reasonably attractive and c) doesn't make me look like Roy Orbison whether wrapped in clingfilm or not.
So I'm throwing it over to you, oh flist. What sort of sunnies do you reckon I should wear, or that I could pull off? I am told there are people here who Know Such Things. Also, where on earth does one go to buy sunglasses?
And because you haven't had enough pictures yet today, have another:
Apparently these two lambs were born to a Perendale ewe crossed with a Dorper ram. Except, um, that ewe is totally NOT a perendale. She might be part but that there brown nose and legs is a dead giveaway for Suffolk blood - probably at least a quarter. Also, she's too fat and I'm amazed she didn't pop her bearing carrying twins.
*cough* Yes I'm a sheep geek. I also have OCD. So if you ever need to know the exact breeding of your livestock.. just tell me what sunnies to buy and my encyclopaedic knowledge of sheep breeds is all yours.
Does that count as a useless superpower?
Alas, I don't think I can help with actually picking the right sunnies. I only have one pair, and I only ever wear them a couple of times a year to the beach. They were something like $20 from Glassons... about 5 years ago.
Of course, you could also go for steampunk goggles. :)
And by the way, it's polarised, not polaroid. Polaroid is a brand of camera. :P
I may have to enlist the help of an honest friend...
To avoid resembling Roy Orbison, avoid styles like Ray-Ban's Wayfarer - especially if you've got a smaller head. And wraparound-types are a plus for blocking out wind and any airborne grit. As far as where to buy, if you have time, ordering online can be good because you've got a bigger selection, and sometimes better prices - I know Amazon.com has a TON of sunglasses. But, if you're short on time, check around for stores that specialize in sunglasses - I'm not sure what you've got there, but here we have places like Sunglass Hut. They've got a bit more selection of sunglasses than most optometrists, and hopefully some helpful staff if you've got questions/want an opinion. :-)
Online isn't great for folks who don't look great in sunglasses or have less than typically placed eyebrows -- the need to try on is essential...
Actually I've already ordered some as part of their funding round. They might not be available in time for when you need them ;-)
In the past I've never bought expensive glasses because of how easy they can be lost/broken/scratched. One time I had some given to me (unwanted prize) and I lost them in Tokyo. So now I stick to the ~$20 ones, which has the benefit of me not losing too much money if I change my mind about how they look or how comfortable they are... but at the same time are usually not so plasticky as $2 shop ones.
Other than that, I've been known to wear London Fog, and Bolle glasses. But honestly? Just go with a pair of Oakleys that you think look neat : )
you worked on a fishing game boat? what kind of fish? we are big fishermen around here, but mostly bay or ocean fish.
There are also yellowfin and bluefin tuna, broadbill swordfish, and the occasional extremely lost spearfish or mahimahi. Sharks include blues, great whites, hammerhead, mako and bronze whalers with the odd tiger shark throwing in an appearance. That's all the gamefish I think.
Sportfish include snapper, kahawai, yellowtail kingfish, hapuka (a kind of groper or bass depending what Island you're from), albacore tuna, and skipjack tuna if you're desperate to say you caught something.
The boat I was with chased sportfish all year round and gamefish in the summer. We did the occasional tournament too and were pretty big on tag and release. FUN!
I'm surprised you went to the playa without sunglasses or goggles. The light is BLINDING.
There are a couple of sites where you can take a picture of yourself with a webcam and it will apply images over your webcam image, but they don't quite hit the mark.