To quote a different character played by Harrison Ford-- "Hey, it's me."
That could pretty much sum up a good intro!
On second thought, I guess I'll ramble for a bit. I've been lurking around for quite a while; I figured it was high time I "step into the light" and hope there aren't any booby traps waiting...
Gearwise, I've got the basics. Fedora, a MKVII without a leather strap, and a Wilson's leather jacket that looks like a bomber jacket without fabric cuffs or waist (The jacket was a gift, and I'm fine with compromising...except with the hat!). But luckily, the fedora is one that'll last a good long while unless I leave it on a ship during a quick escape. Yes, I mean a beaver Adventurebilt of (I think) December 2005 vintage. A good year--they all are!
My brother bought a Fed Deluxe at the same time and Steve styled it for him, but I have to say--as much as I like the Fed Deluxe, this hat is in a class of its own.What a hat. Truly great work, Steve. No signs of wear yet on the felt (although I am a dedicated student of the Michaelson Institute of Natural Distressing at Plymouth, so I'm not helping the felt along!). The ribbon is a little fuzzy in a few places, but that's ok. The main thing that convinces me I may need a reblock some time (or maybe just a hat stretcher) is that the sweat has shrunk so that now it's too tightly-fitting for my taste. I can't explain why this happened unless it really shrinks this noticeably from the normal passage of time. But I bike around wearing it and at least I'm sure this hat isn't going anywhere I don't want it to!
Even before it had seen any weather at all, it had a bit of taper on the sides when viewed from the front and back, but it hasn't increased and I've been careful to treat the hat (thanks red-can Scotchgard!), and besides, taper happens. I'm okay with that. Still, I wonder if the ribbon sliding upward along the crown over time could contribute to it (depends on the ribbon stitching, I suppose).
Here's a pic or two I snapped just for the sake of showing off the AB. If they don't work, blame my ineptitude with all things forum-related.
And now, I think it's story time.
:! :Yes, that's right. Story time. Gather 'round for my one abortive tale of Indyesque adventure for which I was, luckily, in as full gear as I've got
The college I attend has a strange tradition involving the bust of a German poet (Schiller). When students see the bust of Schiller, they either react like Hovitos bowing to a golden idol or they go crazy and react like Hovitos chasing IJ.
But the thing is, they don't usually see the bust of Schiller. It's jealously guarded in secret by its keepers (I think there's a giant boulder involved somehow). The bust is quickly raised up at highly-visible events by someone wearing all black who proceeds to immediately run for his life. It rarely changes hands, but if YOU manage to grab it and get away, guess who's the new keeper of Schiller?
***
It was the night of the Halloween concert, costume required.
The archaic-looking chapel's massive organ was booming away as the orchestra played when suddenly there was a break in the music and all the lights went out. A spotlight was flashed on top of the organ--Schiller! Then darkness again. Shouting and pandemonium ensued--I went straight for the back doors in time to see a dark figure speeding along the grass.
It's neither the time nor the place to relate the whole tale, but at one point there was unfortunately a car waiting which the runner got into. Naturally, I jumped on the hood. But I don't have a whip (grr...never leave home without it!
) so as the car went faster and faster I ended up rolling off the side of the slippery hood instead of trying to go underneath...probably for the best.As the car sped away I ran after it in the street shaking my fist, firing my Nerf dart gun and shouting "It belongs in a museum!" It was priceless.
Ah well. "You lost today, kid. But it doesn't mean you have to like it."
PS--If you had any doubts as to what Indy's chasing in IJ IV...now you know
Great avatar. 
Fedora
, I want to be darn sure it's not a trick of the camera or anything, so here are a few more pics and you can decide (because I'm about 100% certain you know better than I do 
