Or, are sunglasses really more for fashion than function?

I suppose if you really think about this could be something of a personality test. When you need some new shades, do you head for that little carousel rack at the neares convience store? ... or are you off to the Mall in search of nearest Ray Ban counter?

I can tell you that I have never set foot in a Sun Glasses Hut, asked to try on a pair of glasses that lived in a mirrored case, or even owned a pair of shades that cost more than $50. Nope, I'm more of a, "hey let's head down to the nearest flea market and find a nice pair of knock-offs", kind of guy.

Locs Mens Cholo Biker Sunglasses Shiny Black LC33    US $6.27

2 PAIR SPORT SUNGLASSES MENS LOC O THUG S EAZY CHOLO E    US $10.95

NFL Licensed Indianapolis Colts Half Frame Sunglasses    US $7.99

Do you know why this is?

Because I LOSE STUFF !!!!!

I swear, I don't think I've ever owned a pair of sunglasses that stayed in my posession for more than a couple of months. I either lose them outright, or I do something stupid like leave them in the seat of my car ... where they invariably get sat on and broken.

Why in the world would I pay a couple hundred bucks for something that I'm likely to lose or break anyway?

Tell you what, I'm gonna stick to my plain black hoodie and cheap sunglasses, but for those of you who insist on owning expensive name brand shades, maybe you'll like these:

RAY BAN WOMANS SUNGLASSES    US $125.00

Ray Ban RB 3415 3415Q Siv Polarized RB3415Q 003 N5 55MM    US $160.00

RAY BAN SUNGLASSES RB 2140 956 32 WAYFARER WHITE GREY    US $109.27

But when I called off all my chips earlier this evening, chasing a straight draw, after playing some decent poker for 2 1/2 hours, it sure might have been nice to have a sweatshirt hood to hide my face under while I sulked off into the night.

Of course the pro poker players don't use things like hoodies and sunglasses to hide the embarrassment of their bad play ... well maybe sometimes. Instead, the hood and shades serve as booth a way to distract opponents, as well as discreetly observe them ... while avoiding observation yourself.

The UnaBomber usually wears a grey hoodie.

But as you could probably guess, I myself prefer a nice plain black hooded sweatshirt ... even when I'm just sitting at the card table.

I've been playing poker for about 5 or 6 years now. However, the great majority of that time has been spent in the world of online betting, so I've never had the opportunity for "costumes". Now that I'm overseas in Iraq, the rec center here sponsors games 3 nights a week. It's free to enter, and the winner gets a $100 gift card. It's not really gambling per se ... but it sure is a fun way to spend an evening.

Actually, the title of my post is probably not quite honest. I don't think I would have been allowed to wear a hoodie while in uniform.

Hmmm, but I bet I sure could get away with a cool pair of poker sun glasses