Godspeed 45/06 - in the neighborhood

Cicero hit me up through the Facebook after I posted about tearing the shovel down for the winter.  With a nice main seal leak and a tranny leak and the 70's paint wearing/chipping/flaking, OH and still no rear brake, something has got to give.  BUT the weather isn't it...

We got together this past Sunday morning, chatted about bikes, life, jewelry, work, kids and he took some pictures while we were doing that.  Just a couple of dudes, hanging at 9:30am...

check out his photography here.

and

check his quarterly Godspeed 45/06 photo collab books that are pure amazingness here.

thanks 'Ros!   sunday funday.

Started

I took my own advice and adjusted and tightened up a few things. Just in time to meet up with fellow brooklyn'er Cicero DeGuzman Jr.

Glad I did, sine we ran some loops around gowanus!

well look at that...

little miles is growing.

He's already thinking about choppers, guitars, drums, and his first Eames chair....I know because he whispered it to me right after this picture was taken.

TightenUp

It's a new year. Don't forget to check all those nuts and bolts. All the little things you may have rushed and forgotten to loctite. Take your time with this. I know I have a few to get to.

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