Life
is a battlefield. Is it possible the Iraq war is dominating more than politics these days? The military influence is clear in the design of this season’s clothes, cars and housewares. Here’s how the style is being deployed.
Household ordnance
The new Dyson Root 6 hand-held vacuum makes an enemy out of dirt and dust. And it’s wartime tough. Equipped with a miniaturized version of the company’s famous “multicyclone technology,” this weapon reportedly delivers twice the suction of those other – much cheaper – filter-based baby vacs on the market. $150. dyson.com
DRIVE
The family bomber
The 2007 Mazda MDX was inspired by the Stealth bomber and mirrors the plane’s curves and metal casing. The 300-horsepower engine and sizable interior make it serious enough to transport an army – or a family – of seven. The base price is $40,000.
SURVEY SAYS
Been there, done that
The changing face of military veterans
24.5 million
The number of military veterans in the United States.
1.7 million
The number of veterans who are women.
9.5 million
The number of veterans who are age 65 or older.
2.3 million
The number of black veterans.
Additionally, 1.1 million veterans are Hispanic; 276,000 are Asian; 185,000 are American Indian or Alaska native; and 25,000 are native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
16%
Percentage of Persian Gulf War
veterans who are women. In contrast, women account for 5 percent of World War II vets, 3 percent of Vietnam vets and 2 percent of Korean War vets.
From the upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2006
Uniform looks
Urban Outfitters has enlisted a military style for many of the warm-season staples. Hoodies, henleys, sweaters and scarves have all been remade for wannabe warriors. At the same time, Cockpit USA, an online retailer whose styles are inspired by bomber jackets and other military garb, has begun opening stores in major cities.
cockpitusa.com
TALKING POINTS
Hizzblizzard
Almost as soon as grumbling Denver voters were lined up in hours-long queues outside polling places Nov. 7, wags started saying Election 2006 could turn out to be Mayor John Hickenlooper’s “blizzard.” For those who weren’t around to shovel 24 inches of snow after the 1982 Christmas Eve blizzard, the phrase refers to the holiday dump that paralyzed the city and buried Mayor Bill McNichols’ political career. The three-term leader is said to have huffed about the snow: “God put it there, God can take it away!” How will Hizzoner fare in the aftermath of an avalanche of bad feelings about the bungled midterm election? See you at the polls in May.
