Pure Oscar Gold: There’s something about Fridays and Charilze Theron that just works. [Egotastic]

Bush Warrior: A Scottish pilot get’s top-brass approval for his handlebar mustache. Good to see there’s some progress in Afghanistan. [BBC]

Kick Up Some Dirt: Seeking a leather alternative to sneakers in these hot times? These boots are perfect for navigating the sand storms of Manhattan. [The Moment]

We Can’t Fix You: Aww, poor self-deifying mope rocker Chris Martin didn’t like the questions Radio 4 asked him. Bono never had to put up with this. [BBC]

Sweet Leaf: Hicky Freeman reopens, stoner iconography intact. [NYMag]

Fighting Over the Flow: Some sucka is suing the Jigga claiming he thieved his style. This may be the worst idea ever. [New Kerala]

Apparently we aren’t the only ones with our eyes on desert boots. The latest Common Projects line just went up with the selfsame shoe tucked in among the usual leather shell-toes and upscale Chucks.

Mr. Varvatos cannot be far behind.

…and the desert boots keep coming.

This latest one is from the west coast (where, coincidentally, there are actual deserts), via Seavees, previously our source for summer-colored sneakers.

The model (named 12/62, after December 1962) takes its cues from something they call “Desert Modernism.” There are a handful of architectural influences, including the Coachella Valley’s Maslon House, but we’re just glad to see leather laces on something that’s not a boat shoe.

This one’s our favorite so far…but we imagine we’ll see a few more before the year’s through.

DC is usually a bit below our radar, but this shoe popped up by virtue of combining two of our favorite things: desert boots and mod culture.

Usually mod footwear consists of Beatle boots and the occasional sneaker, but Aaron Rose managed to bring the two together with a sly tartan lining and a red contrast stitch. And, of course, those thick, gummy soles that mean you won’t get too familiar with the pavement.

So far they’re most popular among the hip-hop crowd, but Clarks Desert Boots are one item that’s ripe for crossover. The desert part means they’re impervious to sand, but the main appeal is the roomy, bubble-like front.

The Japanese have already caught on. Clarks is going halfsies with Japanese brand SHIPS to land in select Tokyo retailers with a rare ebony-leather version of the classic boot. They don’t look half bad…from here, anyway.

Business may be slowing down lately, but the menswear business is doing just fine according to the Bloomingdale’s CEO. Of course, he probably wouldn’t mention it if he were hocking the family jewels, but it’s nice to know we’re out-consuming the fairer sex.

Our theory: It’s all those desert boots.