The Tie is Dead (thank god!)

I don't think I'll be shedding any tears over the demise of the necktie, that strangling piece of neck decoration that was the male equivalent of the stiletto heel -- great for making a high-style entrance, then you're quickly looking for the first justifiable opportunity to rip it off.

Tie Association, a Fashion Victim, Calls It Quits as Trends Change

"After 60 years, the Men's Dress Furnishings Association, the trade group that represents American tie makers, is expected to shut down Thursday . . . According to a recent Gallup Poll, the number of men who wore ties every day to work last year dropped to a record low of 6%, down from 10% in 2002. U.S. sales have plummeted to $677.7 million in the 12 months ending March 31, from their peak of $1.3 billion in 1995."

So I'm curious -- what constitutes Casual Friday now? Board shorts and flip flops?