from Geno’s Instagram

Well no, our obsession with boys in glasses began long ago.  Maybe it was when Chuck and I got our own glasses, or when we realized that we a) are nerds and b) like nerds.  Glasses may be more cool than Coke bottle these days, but the allure remains.

Smart is sexy.  The appearance of intelligence doesn’t hurt either.  It really helps if you look like you might read a book once in a while, and we’re not talking about the Official Strategy Guide for World of Warcraft.  (Kidding!  Mr. Pants has this.)

Based on the knowledge that girls do make passes at boys who wear glasses, here’s a collection of indisputable, photographic proof.

Foxy Friday: Hockey Players in Glasses

Okay, that’s unfair.

Now is the time to embrace your inner dork and give in.

Don’t kid us with your faux-frames, Kevin!  Kes would never do that.

Glasses can really improve any outlook.

They cannot overcome two earrings though, Buff.

And make terrifying things like Shea Weber’s beard slightly less so.

Glasses are a gateway drug for hipsters…

He’s since had Lasik, sorry.

… and at the same time, their crowning glory.

We haven’t seen these specs since Paul Gaustad left for Nashville…

Or since Chris Kirkpatrick’s turtleneck wardrobe went out of style.

That awkward high school photo of everyone, ever.

They can be used as a disguise…

Cape optional.

But if we see them on TV, we’re going to want to see them on your face.  We’re talking to you, James Neal.

And we’re not above getting your best friend to peer pressure you (or withhold breakfast).

Heck, glasses even work on Flyers…

And ex-boyfriends (who are now Flyers)…

And lobsters.

You don’t have to be a part-time model.  But it doesn’t hurt.

BONUS ROUND! Suggested by @jstefanc:

Happy Friday!

Also, today is Max Talbot’s birthday.  I forget about Max for stretches of time (blinded by the orange), but he deserves some birthday attention.

Why are John Tavares and Matt Duchene in the dark?  Along with the hint that Matt was not fully dressed yet, you may want to leave that light off.

Max, why are you late?  Tavares is never late for anything in his life… except, you know, winning because he’s stuck on the Islanders.

I bet he dreams of Rick Nash now.

.gifs by johnntavares.tumblr.com

What is this gym – a place where Dexter kills people?  Why are workout videos these days all filmed on the set of CSI?

Alas, on to the good stuff.  Pushing…

Pulling. Dropping.

If there’s something worse than burpees, I have not met it.  Matty looks way too enthusiastic about this and his forearms are incredible.  One pull-up takes the dork right out of him.

If I did a push up that low, it would only result in:

Tell me that smile doesn’t sum up everything about Max Talbot.

Come on kids. Max is 29 now, you can’t let him outwork you!

Kudos to Max for being a jerk and leaving the Penguins, then having career-high everythings in Philadelphia.  Now he’s even got an endorsement deal!

I’m proud of him.  He’ll always be this guy in my book.

And this one.

That short of breath feeling has nothing to do with altitude, y’all.

It’s just like summer camp, with Max as head counselor.  There are nature hikes:

Fishing  (Is there anything funnier than Matt Duchene?  Even when he’s not wearing waders?):

And bowling:

Apparently Gabe is not perfect in every way… lies. Show us proof.

When they’re not enjoying the great outdoors, rest assured the boys are working hard to be ready when the season starts on time (right?).

First their date at the Stanley Cup Finals in LA, now this – the Crosby and Duchene bromance is so promising! Sid can’t be all that boring if MD loves him.

What are they watching off-camera?  Landeskog do pushups?  Or more of this:

If they’re trying to rip this stick out of the guys’ hands, I volunteer to fail.  And then fall on top of whoever wins.

Oh, you wanted a shiny new Nealmobile highlight reel?  (No more rhyming and I mean it!).  Here it is, thanks to PensTV [link].

Smile. People will wonder what you're up to.

JStaal, Duper and Kunitz also scored and Brent Johnson was first star!  Tanger talked about his hearing and suspension, and about wearing multiple stripe patterns in bold colors like a BOSS [link].  If this is Detention, I might have to start breaking rules.

Side note: Max Talbot got his first goal of the season in the Flyer’s 7-2 rout of Ottawa.   Still miss you, Superstar.