Archive

February 2010

Browsing

Here are your Sales Briefs for today:

  • Males Basics is new and Improved. They have new products and brands from 2x(x)ist, UnderGear and more. Also, join their Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on discounts and promotions. Lastly, check out their eBay store for the best bargains.
  • UnderGear is giving you 25% off your order when you buy four or more items. Just use code UGA201 at check out. This sale ends on March 1st. While you are there check out the N Haven line. You will of them if you like really wild prints!
  • Fresh Pair.com is celebrating 10 years online! To celebrate they are letting you pick a free gift if you spend $75 or more! There are over 15 great gift options Gifts are valued up to $32. Lastly, take an extra 25% off all clearance, just use code LOW25 at check out!
  • Dead Good Undies has the worlds Most Comfortable undies, Obviously! Which means they have the new Chromatic collection, which is the bright colorful line! The fit is amazing and with these great colors it is a great time to check them out if you haven’t!
  • Timoteo is having their Super Low Sun Natural swimsuit on sale. The style is their most popular suit and it’s on sale for $38. They have some really great suits and if you don’t like this one I”m sure they will have one you will like!
  • NuWear now has Diesel Underwear in stock. They have some of the newest styles. That includes the Burn Baby Burn Briefs, Hot Pink Boxer Brief, and the Undie Party Brief. Check out all the great new styles. Diesel is known for great patterns and designs.
  • Jockstrap Central is giving you Free or Discounted shipping on all orders over $50 From now until March 7th at midnight we’re offering free regular shipping on all orders over $50 to everyone in North America. For the rest of the world, we’ll be taking $5.00 off the cost of shipping. Simply place your order, and if your product total is $50 US or more then you’ll qualify for the offers above. North American customers will automatically get a free shipping option and everyone else will get a $5.00 discounted shipping option during checkout. * this offer can not be combined with any discount codes. VICTOR RETURNING! Something to look forward to: Next week we’ll be back in the studio with one of our most popular models ever – Victor. We’re shooting some new products from Male Power plus products from a brand new designer, it’s going to be hot in that studio!
  • The Package (www.thepackage.co.uk) is now up and running! You can shop online for all the hottest underwear from the comfort of your own home. With amazing products at very competitive prices and all UK delivery just £1 there is no reason not to shop with The Package! Enter WEB10 to get 10% off your first order.
  • Wyzman wants ow to gear up for Spring. The new 201 Punto Blanco line is here. You can check out the new line and get shopping! Make sure you look through the entire line before you buy!
  • CIN2U is giving you a free top when you spend $75. This offer ends March 6, and does not include shopping. After order is placed CIN2U will write to you requesting you size preference. All tops are subject to availability.
  • Skiviez has the new Clever Line in stock. Clever has some really awesome prints. These aren’t for the shy guy to wear. They have some just fun underwear. One pair I think you should check out is the Clever Kinky Brief! Its fun ad out there!
  • Male Basics is giving you 20% off Unico, Clever and MaleBasics this weekend only  They think you should give yourself a treat! Just make sure you use code PERSONAL at check out.
  • Mensuas is giving you 15% off Joe Snyder. You can save until March 2. No coupons are needed and you can get free shipping for US and Canada customers. Check out the entire line and stock up on Joe Snyder.
  • Fresh Pair is giving you the Final Sale and you can take and Extra 40% off all clearance Items. Markdowns up to 65% off + an Extra 40% off at check out. Just enter code LOW40 at check out! This offer expires March 6th.

I’m still working on getting all the info from the different lines to bring to you, but in the mean time, I have all these pics and wanted to run down my time at Magic. It was really fun and from here on out we are going to try to be at all the shows and cover men’s underwear and give you all the info on the new lines.  If you aren’t familiar with what Magic is, it’s a big show for retailers to look at and buy all the new lines for both men’s and women’s clothes. But there is a section called “Underwear Alley” where most of the underwear companies are located.

The first thing I have to say is it was really great to meet everyone face-to-face. We have been working with most of the companies for a long time and actually being able to sit down and talk to them was great. I did forget to ask a lot of “What can I report?” and “What is new” But, in my defense, the whole thing was a bit over whelming at times. You see some of the top underwear companies in the world, and you get a chance to look through the lines and it’s like being a kid in a candy store! Then the next day you go, “DOH! I should have asked…”, but that’s what email is for! As a side note, it’s been a little slow getting all the information, because they all have to go back and put in all their orders and get everything shipped to the company. But never fear we’ll get you more info shortly!

With that said, the trip to Magic was a fast one, I basically spent one day in Las Vegas. I flew in Wednesday night, the show runs Tuesday through Thursday. Then took the red eye home on Thursday night. Told you it was fast! I got in and crashed, since the plane landed at 11:30 EST. I got up the next morning and hit the show. It was a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Baskit

I got in the show and talked to Eric from Baskit. I dropped my stuff at his booth and then met Eric Turner. I’m sure many of you are aware of him from MegaMuscle and Facebook. As you can see by the pic of us together, he kept saying he was fat, and I was like “Whatever!” Although, he kept cracking me up all day. I will say that I enjoyed seeing him through out the day! The one thing I really want to check out is the new “easy access” pair they have. I am getting more information but it’s going to be a very fun pair.

Candyman, Clever, PPU, Pikante

The next stop was at the Candyman, Clever, PPU and Pikante Booth. These are new companies that we just started working with before attending the show. I got to meet them and go through the collections. One of the things I really loved is they have a line of shape wear that has prints on them. Which are the coolest thing I have seen in a while. We have predicted that shape wear is going to be big and with this latest addition, it will be even bigger. I got a chance to see the Candyman line and it’s just a fun line. My favorite set they had was the vampire one! These are really the first fantasy line for men I ever remember seeing that had some time into creating the line and made it fun! The other lines I love because of the use of prints and patterns.  Clever has to be one of the lines I really want to see more of, because of the patterns. They have some really great patterns and prints. I admit I’m a color guy and love it when I see new companies taking risks with colors. I will go into more detail and bring you guys Brief Distractions from the companies!

Punto Blanco

I got a chance to talk to them for a little bit. They are a line we have only covered in sales information. We have done very little with that and we hope that will change. We have emailed back and forth and I hope we will get more in depth info for you very soon. Punto Blanco reminds me a sport wear line. They have stripes and solids, noting too out there.

(B)rief underneath

I got a chance to talk to them through out the show. I walked around a lot. I think they have a really cool concept in underwear. It’s boxers with a brief built in. I know so many guys who are still wearing boxers, but haven’t made the decision to move to briefs, and these are a great compromise. They have really great colors and styles of the boxers. I am not much of a boxer guy but I did see a few pairs I liked. So, if they got me looking at them, then they are doing something right. They also, were showing their loungewear. I can’t wait for these. Imagine comfy lounge pants with underwear built in, I know it’s not traditionally underwear but this is brilliant concept and I can’t wait for it to come out! We will keep you posted when it’s available.

Ginch Gonch

I like Ginch Gonch, there are many things going on with them. They have come out with their new “I Love” line. Which currently features I love boys and girls lines. They are going to extend it into a few more cities. The  I Love London was just released at London Fashion week this past week. They are carrying over the themes of I Love in to some really cool Long Johns. I love that companies are actually experimenting with them. I admit, and I know many out there love the traditional long johns, but I would love some color and fun in long johns. Ginch Gonch has proved this with their previous pairs, such as the Argyle ones. I am talking to them soon so I’ll let you know more out the new lines.

This is the end of Part One! I will finish up tomorrow with the rest!  I will go over a few more brands and then we’ll keep you up to date on the hottest men’s underwear!

24% Off Coupon Details: Purchase Style: 7170 White in the next 24 hours on AndrewChristianShop.com and receive 24% off this style only. Does not apply to any other items.Enter code: 24OFF7170 during checkout for the discount.

Offer expires: March 1, 2010 at 11:59PM PST. May not be combined with any other coupons or offers. While supplies last. Offer subject to change at any time without notice.

Click to Start Shopping Now!

Flashback Basic Trunk – The Bubble Butt Swimsuit with Butt Lifting Technology

Flashback “Bubble Butt” Trunk – – This swimwear is a extension of our #1 SELLER. It now comes in all solid colors – which is new for 2010. It features an invisible lifting support built into the seams of the lining of the swimwear. The construction is very comfortable and automatically lifts the buttocks making it look firm and round without the need for any padding, cups or straps. Most people can add up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) onto their current buttocks measurement. Features a matching drawstring with silver colored tip and a custom silver colored cross hand stitched onto left front.

  • Add up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) onto your current buttocks measurement
  • Completely invisible support structure
  • Features a new improved fit for 2010
  • Utilizes new fiber technology using Sport UPF 50 fade resistant fabric for a body-hugging fit and quick-drying characteristics
  • Lifting mechanism is super comfortable… like wearing a jock strap
  • Made in the Andrew Christian Design Studio in Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex
  • Hand wash, lay flat to dry
  • Regular Price $49.00
  • Sale price with coupon $37.24

Click to Start Shopping Now!

In the first part of the underwear battle, I looked at the differences and similarities in the styles of underwear on both sides of the pond.  Let’s pick up the battle and move on to other aspects!

The biggest difference the 3,000 or so nautical miles causes is cost.  Designer underwear is more expensive in the UK than over the pond.  UK underwear fans tend to pay the same amount in £ (pounds) what our US friends pay in $ (dollars) for the designer gear – i.e. if a pair costs $22 in the US, we’re likely to pay around £22 for the same item. With the exchange rate currently at around 1.55 dollars to the pound, that makes quite a difference! That said being said, there is plenty of affordable underwear out there; just don’t expect it to have CK or AussieBum on the waistband.

Costs can be cut if you’re not set on having the latest style as we have a couple of discount chains which tend to sell the less popular or last years styles at cheap prices.  Usually these are traditional boxers rather than trunks and most of the time only in very limited colours, often just black or white.  But if you’re just bothered about the name on the waistband, it can save you some money.

Underwear designed and produced exclusively for a particular clothing chain is much more popular in the UK. Ask many UK guys what is in their underwear drawer and the answer is likely to be M&S, Next, or something similar. All names that will mean nothing to most people outside of this particular island.  These are large clothing chains that cover virtually every town in the UK.  The underwear offered by these chains range from the budget to the luxurious, all styles, but are usually quite restrained on colours; the majority being darker shades which is not to my taste at all.  I’m all for bright colours! That said, they do produce some very comfy underwear and in days gone by when I wasn’t working and was a poor student, they more than sufficed!

So, there you have it…a quick round-up of underwear styles and buying habits this side of the pond.  One thing worth pointing out is that all of what I’ve written is based on my personal observations and not any statistical analysis.  Feel free to comment away!

Saxx Apparel has come out with their undies in white. If you have followed Saxx you know they just had black to start out with, it was like Henry Ford “You can have underwear in any color, as long as it’s black!” But they have branched out and they have released the white before I went to Magic. While there I found out that colors are coming this year.

If you are an active guy, I think you should check out Saxx. The design I know looks funky, but the fit is awesome. Check it out and we’ll keep you posted on the colors when they are out! I have enjoyed them, and if anyone else has tried them let me know!

Where do I start – let’s take a quote from Alice in Wonderland, “Begin at the beginning…” and in this case, the beginning is a little about me.

I’m a 32 year old big kid! I studied until I was 27, travelled the world for a year, and now work to travel more!  I’ve visited Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, USA, Canada, and Morocco among others over the last few years and love exploring new places and cultures.  Outside of work and travel I love photography, torturing myself in the gym, watching hockey (Go Bruins!), and have a large interest in technology and computers (Apple especially).

On the underwear front, the first brand I remember buying was a pair of CK briefs while visiting Boston.  At the time, I was a broke student and they cost a fortune in the UK.  Seeing them at an affordable price meant they had to be purchased!  Since I started earning my own money, I still like CK but they have been superseded by 2xist, AussieBum, and Andrew Christian.  Style wise, I used to be exclusively a trunks man, but recently have started wearing briefs and rather like them!  The one style I’ve yet to try and want to sample is jockstraps.  Watch this space to see how that works out!

Along with reviewing some underwear, I’m also going to be writing some tips on underwear purchasing in the UK and offering some views on the market over here versus the states.  Let the underwear battle commence!

On the style front, the UK is a bit more restrained in what you can buy in the shops compared to the US.  You would be hard pressed to walk into a department store or use an online version, and purchase a jockstrap.  Sports stores stock the specialized ones and rarely one can pick them up in discount stores.  If you want designer jockstraps and a choice to boot, the web is your destination of choice.

The most popular styles in the UK are easily boxer briefs or trunks with traditional boxers the next most popular option.  Briefs, especially among many younger guys, are not that popular of an option.  I particularly like them…designer brands only though!

I’m no expert on style names, but what the US calls bikini briefs, in the UK, they are called Tanga briefs.  It would appear this is the case from recently doing some research.  I’m sure there are more differences between sub-styles, but the main styles match up well and as long as you know whether you are after a pair of trunks, briefs or boxers, you’ll be in the right ballpark either side of the ocean.

We received this from our friends at Planet Undies and this was too good not to share!

Since one year, all articles of the Brand L’Homme Invisible are introduced on this site within the partnership between Patrice Chevreux the creator of the brand and the company Planet Undies owner of the site. Major part of articles are underwear for men, other articles such as bathing suits and jewels are also present.

L’Homme Invisible kept innovating for further men’s comfort and elegance, either by implementing new technologies (i.e. new fabrics developed and special labelling) or by designing avant-garde models. Every new collection is designed in the purpose of improving men’s comfort. Indeed, the summer 2004 collection has been developed so that the models be minimalist, following a sober aesthetic. All details have been carefully studied for the absolute comfort of men: there is no useless tricks and fewer seams, soft and antibacterial sewing yarns are used to obtain soft and very sensitive fabrics well-adapted to modern life, the cut-outs fit the natural forms of the male body.

The underwear collection is declined in many coloured printed pattern, plain ones with intense colors, seamless and productions based on in particular fabrics as Dévoré.

We received this the other day from our friends at Bone Wear! It seems a lot of brands are getting new models! Which we never turn down aewsome pics of underwear models. I hope you enjoy and here is the info from Bone Wear:

“Bone Wear model Lysle Turner has been working with us for the past 18 months and is currently a student at the University of Pretoria. Lysle is a natural athlete having excelled at cricket, but his cricket career was put on hold to concentrate on his studies in accounting. Lysle remains active by following a daily weight training schedule. His statistics are:

  • Height: 1.74m
  • Weight: 79kg
  • Chest: 40″/ 102cm
  • Waist: 32″/ 82cm
  • Shoe: 10

See more of Lysle on the ‘Events’ page at www.bonewear.co.za

Here are some new arrivals at Malestrom:

The guys at Obviously have taken a great thing and made it even better with the new Obviously Chromatic Pouch Low-Rise Boxer-Brief. Available in 5 brand-new, eye-catching colors! The Obviously Anatomical Pouch collection is also now available in brand-new styles & colors. More variety than ever before!

The Calvin Klein Prostretch Graphic 3 Trunk Boxer-Brief is the hot, updated style for the new season. It features a brand-new redesigned waistband. Also available: the Calvin Klein Prostretch Graphic 3 Hip Brief.

The Gia Casual Low-Rise Brief combines european elegance with lightweight comfort. This handsome ‘racer-style’ brief is made of an extremely lightweight fabric that sports a unique perforated texture. We have 8 new styles in the Gia line to choose from!

Other brands to check out are JM Sport swimwear, Joe Snyder Launch Colleciton and Hugo Boss Swim.

I was pretty skeptical when asked to review undies from Male Power.  I am not use to extreme undies and, to me, these were EXTREME!  When I received them in the mail and showed them to my wife we were both pretty skeptical.  She thought they were going to be extremely uncomfortable because of the material.  I haven’t tried many thongs but I was given a pair of Grip & Rip Thongs to review from their Extreme Collection.  I thought, “Okay, I’ll give them a try and keep an open mind about the whole thing.”  With one eyebrow raised, I put them on and wore them all day.

I was concerned about the Velcro bothering my skin or getting caught on other articles of clothing and coming undone.  That became a non-issue.  I was also worried about placement, but that was soon dismissed.  The thong fit nicely and, I must say, it was an all around good experience.  The material was a comfortable “cire” – which was new to me.  I had to adjust the way I “ride” in undies as the pouch was a little low and the grab strap did not help keeping things in place.  I would not recommend these for all day wear as they would be best for a special, plan ahead to wear, event.

Put on the Male Power Extreme Grip and Rip Thong, grab a strap, and hang on tight as it will take you for a wild ride!  These are made of matte finished polyester and spandex with an added tear-away front pouch for easy access.

Fit: 5
Materials: 5
Put Together: 5
Look: 5
Daily Wear: 2
Overall: 4

The Extreme Grip and Rip was supplied by Male Power for review. Thanks to Male Power for sending these for us to try.  I really enjoyed the Extreme experience and so did my wife later that evening!

First off I have to thank our friends at Sexy Undies for Tweeting this pair today! The pair we have chosen are the Bjorn Borg Fun Long Johns! When I say these I knew they had to be the UOTW! They are one of the funnest pairs of long johns! When I think of long johns, I think of the usual boring white ones. Granted, I know a lot of people like those, but I want something like this that is both warm and stylish!

These are available, and granted I didn’t look very hard, at UnderU.com. That’s the link Sexy Undies sent out on twitter! But you can get them for £40. Which in the states isn’t cheap, but didn’t someone say fashion knows no price?

Today’s Brief Distraction is a New Model from Denis Dwan Photography www.denisdwanphotography.com

February is Valentines month, and Denis Dwan has uncovered a fantastic new talent here on the Gold Coast, Australia to get your hearts racing.

Introducing Mostafa. Mostafa is 24 and loves the sun and surf of the glorious Gold Coast.. He works outside as a labourer and spends a good portion of his busy week hitting the gym. I think you will agree that Mostafa and those Brown eyes and pearly white teeth will set the hearts a-racing

You can find more of Mostafa at Denis Dwan Photography or via the Global Guys Gear Blog –  www.globalguysgear.blogspot.com

Australia seems to be the happening place for underwear these days, there are quite a few brands putting out some really good stuff. A brand that is going above and beyond is Tribe. In my mind, a company named Tribe would have tropical patterns, and of course, they do. Some of their unique patterns include: Cobblestone, Palm, Jungle, and Skull.  To be quite honest, it is one thing to have a cool design, but to have a cooler name to go with it completes the package.  Now that I’ve given you a brief rundown, let’s focus on the point of the review, the Palm Standard Brief.

This is my second time writing for UNB, and alas, my second pair to review.  If I said I wasn’t super excited to get these, then I would be lying.  When they arrived, I tried them on instantly, and for the most part, I was pretty pleased.  They do seem a tad skimpy, and I felt that there could have been more coverage in the rear, but that could be because of incorrect sizing on my end.  Besides that, everything else about these undies is great.  They feel great as they are made of 94% Polyester.  There is quite a bit of support in the front, something that I find to be rather hit and miss, and it’s so much better when it’s a hit.  These are definitely a hit!

Before I can faithfully write a review, I have to wear the briefs for a normal day and see if they can pass the test.  The next morning, I put them on, went to class, had after-class meetings, and then hung around the pad until bedtime.  The results…an overwhelming pass! I didn’t want to take them off because they were so comfortable.  But, if you love something, you have to set it free to your hamper.  I did set them free, but I plan to reunite myself with them very soon!


Fit
3.5
Materials 5
Put Together 5
Look 5
Daily Wear 4
Overall 4.5

You can get the Standard Brief in the Palm style directly from Tribe’s website at http://www.tribeunderwear.com.  A full range of sizes is available from S-XL in 11 other different patterns and colors.  Go there and check it out!

Tribe underwear provided me with this pair of underwear to review

Here are your Sales Briefs for today:

  • Save 15% off your next order of $25.00 or more of regular priced merchandise at Mensuas. Use promotion code endfeb at checkout and save on men’s underwear, swimwear, jewelry and more at Mensuas. Offer valid on new orders placed at Mensuas and is not valid on PPU Underwear. Sale ends 2/22/10 Please note: your order total must include regular prices items and total over $25.00 for promotion code to work.
  • Fresh Pair.com is giving you 25% off clearance items. You can save 65% off with an extra 25% off at check out. Make sure you use code LOW25 at check out. This applies only to clearance items. Sale ends Feb 27th.
  • Palace Trunks now has N2N Bodywear! N2N Bodywear’s Mojave and Luxe collections have arrived at the Palace. THese two collections feature N2N’s luxurious soft fabric that embraces your body, leaving you stylish yet comfortable. Remember free shipping on order $25+
  • Equmen is stocked worldwide! The Equmen Core Precision Undershirt is now stocked in over 50 Department stores around the world. The extensive list includes: Saks Fifth Ave (US), Selfridges (UK), HOld Renfrew (Canada), Brown Thomas (Ireland), David Jones (Australia (from March 15th). They also ship to every country from their website. Speaking of their website, the new site will be up in March along with a new range, so stay tuned for that!
  • WildmanT is having a clearance sale on some Go Softwear. You can save on many of the styles you like. You can save up to to 40% off selects styles. Check out all the clearance items.
  • Below the Belt is giving you $10 off you next Rufskin purchase. Just type in promo code “Rufskin” at check out. THey have a huge range of Rufskin Denim and swimwear. You receive a $25 gift voucher with every denim purchase. And there is free delivery in Australia!

League 2010 is perfect for all types of sports training, with tons of colors to choose from, for your swimming pleasure. Made from high blend Italian Lycra to ensure comfort and durability, complimented by its’ edgy design, which looks great on all beaches and is the must have range of this season. You can see the entire range at the aussieBum website!

The range comes in Gold, Ice, Lime, Purple, Black, White, Navy, Cherry, Indigo, Blue, Teal, Azure, Orange, Army, Red and Grey. The colors don’t end there, you can have the “10” in different combination. They vary per color.

This week Baskit has something fun. the Action Cool Jock (all Mesh). This Action Cool Jock Mesh from Baskit is perfect for going to the gym or any other hard workout. Just like its counterparts, this jock is made of a cotton mesh material that allows you to stay cool and dry. 100% cotton. It’s perfect for the jock lover! Make sure to get it before the special is gone!

It is said: “life is a journey” and this pair of AussieBum is one for the ride! These super smooth cotton undies are like your favorite pair of jeans, ones’ that gow it you everywhere and compliment everything you wear – comfortable and simply stylish. The “Journey” range molds to your body no matter how you are built, and it’s comfortable and durable underwear, that will go with you where ever life leads.

The new range comes in both brief and trunks. The colors available are red, charcoal and white. Check out the entire line at the aussieBum website!

According to Jockstrap Central, it’s been really tough keeping this secret for the past two weeks. Not only is the Euro Mesh collection their hottest line they’ve ever launched, but getting their latest model Clint in this completely revealing line was nothing short of breathtaking.

The new Go Softwear collection consists of jockstrap, squarecut boxers and tank tops, all made from the finest imported Italian threads with just enough lycra to cradle your goods and compliment your contours. Perfectly worn each on their own, or as mix n’ match sets.

As for model Clint, Jockstrap Central couldn’t imagine anyone better for the job. Besides his obvious good looks and phenomenal body, his amazing attitude and personality made the shoot a huge success – in fact they all got so caught up in the moment they went hours over our scheduled time. Such a sacrifice!”

Here is the sizzling second half of Evan Siegel’s DMK shoot by Peter D. Brown (peterdbrownphoto.com). Evan has gained a legion of fans since his the first shoot pictures were recently released…. In this second series Evan also now wears DMK’s newest breakthrough design… the Down Under Enhancing Brief. This seemingly classic design works some enhancing magic with its sexy structural design- lifting, supporting and allowing an elongated forward thrust presentation! This design in white is quickly becoming so popular that DMK is now offering it in two additional fresh colors-(Coral and Tiffany Box Blue -with white waistbands). Evan looks super hot in all of the styles (briefs and jocks)- and out of them too! You can check out Evan’s DMK complete gallery of shots at www.dmk-designs.com -@ Photo Gallery – (new colors on main page).

Our friends at Planet Undies has sent us over a new company for us to cover. That company is Body Art! It’s a German company that has some really revealing and fun underwear. They aren’t for the shy guy! It’s great to see undies companies having fun with new styles.

  • Epanomi (Left) : Fine semi-transparent matter. Brilliant black printed pattern. Lined at the front with a veil.
  • Arki (Right): Printing of glossed pattern on a black fabric, chechmate and very extensible. A beautiful effect of design for a sexy and refined line

  • Arta (Left) : The new permanent line, a reference. Perfect articles, very elastic (32% elasthan) which adapts ideally to your morphology.
  • Eros (Right) : Insolent transparency, red or black among sexiest. Eros is a permanent line, very sensual and provocative.