American made con't

Today, I'll keep it simple.

New Balance.  They have a separate link to their made in USA and assembled in USA products and a great little video about the town in Maine that makes them.   Hey the official shoe of the hardcore scene can't be that wrong...

and I'll continue with Maine.

Quoddy.  Chukka's, Bluchers, Oxfords, Boots, and more. All hand made to order.  that's right, they start production on your shoes AFTER you order.  

and yes, some of these products are STILL more expensive than you want to spend. But with rebuildable, re-craftable items like these that can actually be sent back to either the manufacturer to be re-HAND worked on by a cobbler in your town to resole or refinish, the value is there.

The truth is, I don't NEED 40 pairs of shoes/sneakers if the 4, 5, or 6 that I own fit right, are comfortable and last for years...

and that is coming from an ex-sneaker head(ish) person.  Its not easy thinning out the herd of shoes that you want to keep around 'just incase I need them'.  But they'll probably have more value and be more appreciated after being donated to someone in need of a SINGLE pair of used shoes than sitting in your closet collecting dust.

yes, this will continue.  No, I'm not on a rampage.  This is just the way I think.

buying/owning American made goods part 1

Its no secret, we don't have to BS around it.  there's no kidding anyone, seriously, its totally OK......If you're reading this blog, you're probably not part of the 1% that controls 90% of the wealth of this country or world.  its fine.  I'm cool with it if you are though.  For me, I've thought very differently about consuming for a while now and when I can, I try to buy American.  No, its not easy, Apple doesn't make a computer here, I'm also not a hypocrite, so I know that I buy things made in China.  I work for a company that makes 95% of its products here in the USA.  Almost 70% in NYC, Rhode Island and New Jersey.  This is a personal choice that I'm proud of.

Here are a few things/brands/companies that are proud of it as well.  And some don't even let you know up front.

Allen Edmonds 

Red Wing

Filson

Schott

LL Bean Belts.  this was an interesting one.  Just put Made in USA in their search bar.

164 results.  If you can't find a gift there, you're crazy.  and with their guarantee, its a win-win. 

Room and Board 

Furniture and Accessories

 Obviously, I can go on and on, and that's not what I'm trying to do.  All I'm saying is that I like to take the time to take a step back and if there 'might' be an option to go made in your home country, I try to do it.  If it turns out the final cost of the product is just too much (because you know the labor cost is more, this shouldn't be a secret) then pass, and get something else.  Note, I did not say YOU should do this.  this is just how I approach things.  And I thought I'd pass it along, that's all.

happy holidays.  Happy Chanukah today.  word up.  more tomorrow......

Neck Ties not Bow Pasta!

Accessorize. Can't lie, I love the little details. The little details in outfits, bicycles, motorbikes, furniture, mugs, cooking utensils, etc...

If you're not sure what to add to your list this season, hop on over to Steve and Co. and I bet you'll find a few little things that you never knew you needed...

Steve and Co. - Man Clothing and Accessories

another re-posted video DOG!

while I wouldn't usually expect to find this over at hated of the world, they had it! and it is awesome. so here is; bizzle gets some dunkers....in HD. (not sure if its really HD)



is it bad that it makes me want to give up all other hobbies and become a muppet style puppeteer but with live animals? yeah it is....

Ice Cube x Eames

...and.....a-mazing

I've seen it posted a few other places, but being that I love everything Eames and 90% of what Ice Cube has done and that I never would have thought I'd be able to post them together for 100% satisfaction, I'm doing it. I hope you enjoyed the video.

Bros

Yeah, pretty sweet.

ready and waiting

prepped the sportster for its final night here in the BK. the new owner is on his way from PA (you see that Kim!). He is coming with a friend that is actually bringing a frame for my buddy Larry who shares the shop with me...small world. and keeping the Lancaster to Brooklyn bike quota in check.

spin around the block, power washed, degreased the motor, cleaned out the carb, lubed up the throttle, detailed the tins, scotch brited the pipes and said thank you for always being reliable and never letting me down. godspeed sporty, godspeed....(whatever that means) .

Here's to a world without the reliability of a bike that starts with the push of a button and doesn't fall apart.