For Your Consideration: The Leisure Sport of Frisbee

In the warm spring and summer months, one must take advantage of the pleasant weather by embracing the general advantages of outdoor group sport. Exercise of the body, not just the mind, is one of the many ways in which a true Brooder remains at peak efficiency. However, in group settings you may find yourself in a situation in which varying levels of age and athleticism prohibit you from engaging in the more intense cardiovascular activities such as futbol and basketball. For these instances, CoBrA recommends investing in an inexpensive flying disc, commonly known as a frisbee.



The frisbee, often disregarded as an afterthought or laughingstock of outdoor sporting goods, is actually a mesmerizing and intense piece of equipment. Once the skills of throwing and receiving the frisbee are mastered, you will find yourself entranced by its simple flight, for the frisbee is physics at its most simple and most profound. Yet, the simplicity is only part of the allure of frisbee. When different variables such as wind and distance are taken into account, the game of frisbee becomes all the more challenging and intelligent. The common misconception is that a frisbee simply needs to be tossed; however, one must always consider such variables as how strong to throw, at what trajectory to launch, and at what angle to deliver. Oh yes, the frisbee is simple, but it is this defiant lack of complexity, this infinite classicism, that allows it to always remain brooding.

Great Performances in Brooding: Leonard Nimoy in Star Trek.

Great Performances in Brooding: Jan Michael Vincent in Airwolf

Name: Stingfellow Hawke

Occupation: Pilot of Mach-1+ Stealth Attack Helicopter for "The Firm"

Place of residence: Log Cabin in the wilderness

Hobbies: Collecting priceless works of Art / Playing Cello

Attire: Grey or Black Flight suit with Black Helmet

Pet: Bald Eagle

MASTER BROODERS: Brian Thompson

A man of few words, but much expression. A man near physical perfection, yet balanced by a mastery of an artistic craft. A man of imposing brawn and breadth of shoulders, though hollowed in his facial cheeks. This man is Brian Thompson, actor. You shall remember him from his quiet, deadly performance as Sylvester Stallone's nemesis in the action classic, Cobra, or as the similarly quiet alien bounty hunter in The X-Files television programme. His performances are never weighed down by lenghty verbal exposition, but rather anchored by a physical grace that never succumbs to slapstick or humour. This is a serious man. A real man. A brooding man.

In Search of Brooding - Hong Kong and Macau

Brooding Essentials Volume 5. Socks and Shoes.

Cap-toe. Slip-on. Wingtip. Oxford. Driving moccasin. Square-toe. Wood-soled. Yes, when discussing the Brooder’s shoes the selections are indeed many. The qualities of such footwear will certainly vary as will both the fit and prestige. And, of course, depending on the occasion, the type of shoe will also need to be determined. Such a broad discussion can be engaged in from the topic of men’s footwear; however, it is CoBrA’s pleasure to provide you with a brief glimpse at some the essentials of not only shoes, but complimentary socks as well!

For the Brooder at work, particularly an office of corporate setting, CoBrA recommends any sort of cap-toe, wingtip, Oxford, of, provided they are shined and not too bulky, step-in business loafer. The classic formality of such selections allows the Brooder to display his singular, business-like efficiency and performance, but the stylish and universally accepted appeal of these models also lets the Brooder’s co-workers know that he is also part of the team.

For the Brooder in a social setting, such as a pub or similar festivity, CoBrA recommends any sort of square-toe leather shoe. Easy to match with jeans, khakis, or slacks, the square-toe shoe provides an unchallenged versatility that allows the Brooder to slip seamlessly between the social and professional orbs.

For the weekend Brooder, notably during the running of errands or other essential lifestyle-maintenance activities, CoBrA suggests a comfortable mid-sized boot or soft-leather moccasin. These styles usual come with a thicker, more durable, and certainly more comfortable fit than the aforementioned sorts. Of course, weekend shoes are not of the formal variety, but they are functional and, when worn appropriately, should not detract from one’s brooding.

For fitness activities such as weight training and running, CoBrA recommends the use of soft-soled athletic trainers and/or “sneakers”. Several companies, such as New Balance, Asics, Brooks, and Nike, manufacture wonderful varieties for all sorts of foot types, activities, and climates.

Lastly, CoBrA is pleased to share with you one of the golden rules when incorporating footwear into your personal attire: Always, always, ensure that the socks compliment both the shoes and the belt. It is not necessary to have the socks be the same color, but at the very least, the transition from foot to ankle to pant to waist should be seamless!

Great Performances in Brooding: Russell Crowe in L.A. Confidential.

Certainly, it is without argument that 1997 was the year of James Cameron’s Titanic. It was a fine film with good performances and a magnetic luster that did fantastically well at the box office. Leonardo DiCaprio was made into a major movie star and Mr. Cameron himself became the director of the most successful motion picture in history. But the Brooding Arts will always remember 1997 for the masterful work of Russell Crowe as haunted, heroic, and machismo-dripping Detective Bud White in Curtis Hanson’s wonderful L.A. Confidential.

Set in 1950’s Los Angeles and as crisp a thriller as there has ever been, L.A. Confidential was the perfect canvas for Mr. Crowe to brush his broad stroke of brooding and mystery. His detective was, admittedly, not the most intelligent and he often crossed aggressive lines that most men would never dare. But in his well-worn wool suits and thin shirtsleeves accented by classic ribbed tank tops, Bud White radiated a charismatic, if dangerous and menacing, quality of manliness. It is the brilliance of Mr. Crowe as an actor that made this masculinity more realistic by adding the tortured ingredients of romance and frailty. He was a lion, but one who was conflicted. Yet despite all of these many elements Mr. Crowe’s Bud White had what all brooder’s must have: a moral code. He may have done the unsavory to abide by his, but, in the end, he made the decision to follow it. Is it ironic that now, almost a decade later, Mr. Crowe is without argument the finer, more versatile performer than Mr. DiCaprio? CoBrA thinks not…

In Search of Brooding - Bermuda

Brooding Essentials Volume 4. Money Clip and Cigarette Case.

Master Brooders know that formal occasions call for formal accessories. Black Tie events, cotillions, weddings, and awards ceremonies are, aside from being excellent social and dining festivities, showcases for one’s etiquette, elegance, and personal couth. In this installment of Brooding Essentials we will focus on two very important accessories for the modern brooder: the money clip and the cigarette case.


The money clip, preferably made of either metal or leather, is an excellent tool for attracting the eyes of fellow brooders and highbrow sophisticates. The money clip easily separates one’s credit cards and identifications from bill monies. When ordering a drink from the open bar a generous tip for the bartender is mandatory and what better way to hold one’s paper currency than in a money clip. The clip itself fits comfortably in either the pants pocket or the inside chest pocket of a sport or tuxedo coat. It’s ability to maintain the crispness of the bills is a quality touch, but more than anything it eliminates the hassle of removing one’s wallet or billfold thus saving both time and clutter. Like the brooder who carries it, the money clip is streamlined and stylish.

Many states, such as New York and California, have prohibited the smoking of cigarettes indoors. CoBrA itself does not necessarily endorse the smoking of tobaccos, but we do recognize the traditions behind the enjoyment of cigarettes and cigars. If you are a smoker of cigarettes and you find yourself at one of the aforementioned types of festivities we recommend you carry a traditional cigarette case (as with the money clip, preferably made of either metal or leather). The benefits of carrying a cigarette case are many, but mostly the case allows one to retain the airs of mystery and elegance that are so important for the Master Brooder. The mystery comes from the uncertainty fellow partygoers will feel when trying to discover what brand of cigarette is held in said case, the elegance from the refined appearance of the case. It should also be added that the use of a cigarette case must be accompanied by either a butane or refillable lighter from manufacturers such as Zippo, Lucienne, Bugatti, or S.T. Dupont.

We reiterate that the money clip and cigarette case are required for formal occasions, but not necessarily required for day-to-day use. If, however, you do choose to use these items every day you will most certainly enhance your brooding, something we will never fault you for. As always, be considerate when practicing your Brooding, for CoBrA does not want you to be perceived as a stubborn elitist. Rather, strive to be the elite of Brooding.

MASTER BROODERS: Kurt Masur, the Harmonious Brooder.

Few men completely embody and channel their brooding as thoroughly and completely as Kurt Masur, reknowned conductor of the famed and prestigous New York Philharmonic Orchestra! Imagine, if you will, the utter mastery of the brooding arts needed to both receive and channel the musical talents of one hundred plus professional musicians. Ponder, if you can, the strong mental acumen needed to appropriate all of those talents and organically mesh them into a cohesive, symbiotic whole! Allow us, if you may, to remind you that Kurt Masur has not only performed this duty exceptionally well for decades, but has done so while remaining an air of regality that is impervious to both duress and criticism. As he has aged his endurance in the continuous studies of Brooding has shown through his works as well as his personal style. In the photographs below you can clearly see how Mr. Masur, in two full body poses, radiates a calm, resplendent, and sublime aura of mystery and elegance. His audio recording (available on compact disc) of Beethoven's Simphonie Nr.9 D-Moll Op.125 is exquisite and is a flawless, excellent companion with a fine novel, a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio, grapes, and cheeses. CoBrA endorses and celebrates Mr. Masur's extravagant career.