This apple can't fall too far from the tree...

...because he's secured in place with duct tape.

Jonathan, demonstrating the iPod pocket of his duct tape vest

My son likes to make things out of duct tape. As previously mentioned, he wears a duct tape kippah (yarmulke) whenever he can get away with it. (We've set some limits, such as: Not in synagogue.)

He has sold some of his creations to his friends, including few wallets, kippot (yarmulkes), and even a custom-ordered purse. But, he's not in it for the cash. Rather, his art is expressed purely for the love of duct tape.

(By request,) I'd like to share the features of my son's duct tape vest.

He made it a few years ago, and wears it way too often whenever we're not looking frequently.

(Isn't it interesting that, when I want to take his picture he usually refuses, but for this, I've got a willing model?)

As the above picture shows, there is a dedicated iPod pocket, with a flap for the controls on his iPod mini.

Below, please notice the notch at the back of the neck.

This secures the headphone wire so there is just enough slack to move freely without getting tangled. (He usually pulls them more taught, but is showing slack in this photo for demonstration purposes.)

Here is a picture of the iPod pocket with the controls-flap closed.

On the other side, there is an internal pocket designed to hold a matching duct-tape wallet.

Gretta thinks it's quite the ensemble.

At one point, he told me he was disappointed that our high school doesn't have a prom.

Surprised, I asked him what someone who isn't interested in recreational dating or mixed dancing, who doesn't love simcha dancing all that much, would want with a prom.

"Because I want to enter the Stuck at the Prom contest," he explained.

Ah. Makes perfect sense to me.

Here he is, wearing part of his Purim costume, as the "Duct Tape Rabbi". It's a duct tape suit and tie, including a beard and peyot (ritual side-curls) made from black duct tape. (He's standing next to the "Rabbi in Pink", who refuses to be associated with her brother and his duct tape outfits, unless her identity is properly disguised.)

I guess it's not his fault. He comes by it naturally.