Good morning, everyone! I’m back from my golf trip to Mesquite, Nevada, and what an amazing time it was! Mesquite can feel like “The Devil’s Butthole” with its intense heat, but this year felt surprisingly more manageable—maybe we’re just getting used to it or getting older. Before I dive into the details, DJ, hit that music! Today feels like the perfect morning for some Bob Seger. Those electric guitar riffs in the opening still get me every time! 😍

Mesquite

Golfing with the guys in Mesquite was an absolute blast this year. Around ten of us took on the challenge of playing under the scorching Mesquite sun, and it made for an unforgettable time on the course. I was genuinely touched by the kind remarks from friends about my weight loss—it was both flattering and deeply appreciated.

One thing that stood out during our time together was the shared theme of physical ailments among the group. One friend recently had a heart attack, another is preparing for surgery on his scalp, and someone else just had a pacemaker installed. It seems our conversations have shifted to comparing medical procedures and discussing the medications we’re on. As for my golf game, while it still has its ups and downs, I’m beginning to see encouraging signs of improvement. It’s a work in progress, but the glimpses of progress keep me motivated.

Sydney Sweeney – American Apparel

Ah, the internet. That magical place where a simple jeans commercial can morph into a full-blown cultural war faster than you can say “denim distress.” Enter Sydney Sweeney, the 27-year-old star of hits like Euphoria and The White Lotus, who recently fronted an American Eagle campaign that’s got everyone from social media critics to high-profile politicians chiming in. The concept? A clever play on words about inheriting traits and wearing blue denim. Harmless fun, right? Wrong. In today’s hyper-aware world, it’s apparently a gateway to debates on race, eugenics, and the backlash against overly sensitive culture. But hold onto your bootcuts—haven’t we been here before? Like, for decades? Let’s unpack this drama with a side of humor, because honestly, getting mad at beautiful women modeling jeans is as American as apple pie… or should I say, apple-bottom jeans?

The Sweeney Saga: From Blue Jeans to Blue-Eyed Backlash

Picture this: Sydney Sweeney struts in slouchy denim, flashing her signature girl-next-door charm, while tying together ideas of family inheritance with the color of her pants. The camera lingers on her blonde hair, blue eyes, and, well, the jeans themselves. It’s playful, provocative, and meant to grab attention, as the brand’s marketing team intended. But some viewers weren’t amused. Online critics accused the ad of subtly promoting outdated ideas about superior traits, often linked to problematic historical ideologies. With Sweeney’s features in the spotlight, they saw it as reinforcing narrow beauty standards. The criticism spread quickly, with people calling it strange and politically charged, especially in the current divided climate.

The backlash grew. Conservative commentators pushed back, calling it an overreaction and ridiculing the idea that finding someone attractive equals extremism. The brand eventually responded, emphasizing that the campaign was simply about the clothing and how it suits all kinds of people. No regrets expressed, just a focus on broad appeal. Meanwhile, Sweeney stayed quiet, likely watching the chaos unfold from afar.

Now, for the comedy: We’ve reached peak absurdity where a jeans ad is dissected like a political manifesto. Remember when ads just sold pants? Apparently not. It’s like society’s decided that if a beautiful woman with blue eyes mentions inheritance, it’s code for world domination. Next up: Outrage over sweatpants promoting “lazy genetics”?

This Ain’t New: Beautiful Women in Jeans Have Been Stirring Pots for Decades

If you’re clutching your pearls over Sweeney’s spot, let’s time-travel. Beautiful women promoting jeans or similar outfits have been controversial since the ’80s—back when shoulder pads were king and ads were truly bold. The Sweeney campaign even echoes these classics, proving history loves a good repeat.

Take Brooke Shields, the original teen icon. In the early 1980s, as a young model, she appeared in Calvin Klein ads that played on intimacy and allure, hinting at nothing getting in the way of her connection to the brand. It sparked huge debate for portraying a minor in a suggestive light, with arguments about objectification. But it was a massive success, shifting focus to other products too. Shields later reflected that she didn’t fully understand the implications at the time. The approach was provocative, much like today’s genetic wordplay.

Then there’s Cindy Crawford, who grabbed attention in the early 1990s with a Super Bowl ad for a soda brand—sure, it was about the drink, but her denim shorts were the real star. She arrived at a roadside spot in casual attire, enjoying her beverage while onlookers watched in awe. The ad became legendary for its appeal, and she revisited the concept years later in various forms, including family versions and charity efforts. More recently, she adapted it for a music video with a boozy twist. No major ideological uproar, but plenty of discussion about ideals of attractiveness.

These aren’t isolated cases. From Shields’ intriguing poses to Crawford’s casual charm, jeans ads have long used appealing models to sell aspiration—and spark controversy. Sweeney’s just the latest in a long line where beauty meets backlash, now amplified by social media’s outrage machine.

Wrapping It Up: Jeans, Genes, and a Giggle

So, why the fuss now? In a polarized world, even denim isn’t safe from interpretation. Sweeney’s ad might be a smart marketing move or an unintended controversy, but it’s undeniably effective—attention is attention, after all. We’ve been “outraged” by gorgeous gals in jeans for decades, from Shields’ youthful allure to Crawford’s refreshing flirtation. If anything, this drama shows we’re evolving… or maybe just finding new ways to overanalyze pants.

Next time you slip on your favorite pair, remember: They might just be jeans, but in 2025, they’re a statement. Laugh it off, folks—life’s too short to get outraged over jeans.

Lastly….

My step-daughter Lauren is coming to town tomorrow for a little while. It’s always enjoyable to see her, and catch up.

Have an excellent Saturday!