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......

speaking of Black (metal)...

Kvelertak is officially my new favorite band right now. And while their lyrics are in Norwegian, it doesn't matter. Listening to them while either killing a spreadsheet at work or driving/riding fast on the roadways just feels great. Even walking around the streets, it doesn't matter. If I've inspired you to check them out, leave a comment here. Let me know what listening to this band makes you want to do. And I know they aren't officially black metal, but they are rulers.

And if you're one of those people who check the blog silently, quietly lurking, just know that listening to this band makes me want to punch you in the face. Like accidentally run into each other in a dark alley and realize that I'm the guy that writes about himself and stupid shit here and you're the one who's IP address and service provider constantly pop up in my analytics as a top follower.....not that I check that stuff. But if I did and this band was on in my headphones, we could see if the years of boxing actually have any use outside of the ring.

AND FURTHER.....I got this email that Filson is officially releasing some of their best sellers in ALL BLACK. Coincidence of the black metal and the All Black Top Siders? Maybe. Maybe not. But look how great the Greenwood Jacket looks:

check out the rest of the black collection at Filson's site here.

side note:....I'm not a tough guy, I'm just tough. like hangin' tough. like NKOTB.

New Filson x Levi's Collection

Must haves for this upcoming Fall/Winter season.

Check the Filson site here for the details of this all Made in USA Collection.

and I'm not just all over Filson because Rufus rides for them....

Filson Shelter Cloth Coat

Shelter Cloth DOG Coat, that is.....that is right, Rufus has nicer outerwear than I do. It's like Filson says "Might as well have the best".

And he's got a budding male modeling career ahead of him.

he calls this next look...."Magnum"

and this one is just 'radical casual'

From the Filson website:

Oil finish Shelter Cloth shell for maximum water repellency, with classic red/black plaid Mackinaw Wool lining. Double layer of moleskin at the neck. Over-size Velcro closures at neck and chest provide a wide range of size adjustment. Measure from base of neck to base of tail. Made in USA.