Dispatch 158

 
  • I Drove A Vintage Audi 4000 S Quattro And I Get It Now » Jalopnik
  • A Brief History of the Pencil, as told by a Pencil Aficionado » 99u
  • Walt Whitman Is Not Impressed By Your Expensive Gym Membership » Bloomberg (via Huckberry)
  • There’s a $2 million treasure chest buried in the Rockies. We set out to find it. » Vox
  • My heart has followed all my days, something that I cannot name. » The Door by E.B. White

Thoughts on Specialization

At times I find myself wishing that I was really good at one specific thing but I’m coming to grips with my versatility and how to use it as an advantage.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
— Robert A. Heinlein

Items of Want 045

On looks alone, Shinola knocks it out of the park. And I can only comment on the looks as I haven't heard the sound quality in person but I'm sure it doesn't disappoint. This would be a welcome addition to any home office for sure.

Bellroy All-Conditions Essentials Pocket

Already a believer in the "pouch" system, this is a perfect way to protect my true EDC essentials from the elements. And since it comes in orange, I'm hooked.

Wilderness Collective Alaska Backcountry Motorcycle Tour

I've been on a couple Wilderness Collective trips and as an introduction, the Sequoia to Yosemite trip is highly recommended. But I'm ready to step it up a notch. This Alaska Backcountry Tour is going to be a true adventure in every sense of the word.

Mountain Standard Glyphs Camp Mug

Aside from being practical, I think this mug is just plain old cool. I have a miiR water bottle and I'm continually impressed with the fit and finish and I have full confidence that this mug will be of the same quality.

The Great Outdoors Book: A User's Guide

If you're unfamiliar with Brendan Leonard, check him out. Then get this book.

Photo by The Field

— Check out past Items of Want —

Items of Want 044

I can't think of a better gift to give to someone who has everything or is hard to please. While small, these specimens aren't just bits of random fossils or rock samples, they're truly a part of history. My personal favorites from this collection are the pieces of an SR-71 Blackbird, first transatlantic cable, and a “slice” of Charles and Diana’s Royal Wedding Cake. How crazy is that? 

J.L. Lawson Tempus Spin Coin

While not a true fidgeter, I always carry a few things in my pockets to mess around with when I get bored. J.L. Lawson makes some cool and useful stuff (for fidgeting or otherwise) and this is the latest to come out of their shop. I'm especially a fan of the art and style. Reminds me of something a member of a secret order would carry as a key or something. And yeah, as crazy as it sounds, I actually liked the National Treasure movies.

$2 Currency Sheets

I want this sheet framed and hanging on my wall. Why? I think it just would look awesome. And maybe add a "break glass in case of emergency" plaque or something.

[Acquired] Together is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration

I'm new to Simon Sinek but I really like the way he thinks. Here's an interview with him about millennials in the workplace and here's a quote I recently stumbled across: "The single best machine to measure trust is a human being. We haven't figured out a metric that works better than our own sort of, like, 'There's something fishy about you.'" His book on leadership is supposedly scented in the scent of "optimism." I need to check this out.

Photo by I Lead, Therefore I Am

Stay Wild Magazine - Adventure Seeker Subscription

A fancy magazine focusing on adventure bundled with some extra goodies? It’s like they made this package just for me. I like that they understood a flask doesn’t just have to hold alcohol. “Fill your Stanley flask with booze, spring water, hot tea, or tears of joy. Whatever you like to have 8 ounces of, it's your call.” I just recently discovered these guys but we’re off to a great start.

— Check out past Items of Want â€”