I help guys create homes, habits, and wardrobes they actually enjoy. Get my weekly newsletter for practical tips, tested recommendations, and the occasional dad joke.
Lightweight Parka, Watch Studies & The Gambling Problem π€
Published 25 days agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Lightweight Parka, Watch Studies & The Gambling Problem π€
Plus, this guy made an actual lightsaber
by Brock McGoff
Hello again! I hope your week is going well so far.
In today's email:
Haven parka quick review
Monks in the casino
"I dare you..."
An actual lightsaber?
Skin divers
Let's dive in ππΌ
βοΈ Haven Logan Parka
HAVEN is a Canadian brand that feels like Arcβteryx and Patagonia had a baby who fell in with a streetwear crowd during its teenage years.
βThe Logan Parka is a best-seller from their in house collection. It's very lightweight and very warm.
Double front zipper (should be mandatory for all jackets IMO)
Microsuede-lined hand pockets
Fleece lined collar
YKK METALUXE zippers (buttery smooth)
The fit is solid. It's roomy enough for layers but doesn't make me feel like a marshmallow.
Left: unaltered | Right: sleeves shortened (folded for now)
One small gripe: the sleeves are about 2" too long for my shorter arms (story of my life), so I'll probably get them shortened. Just need to find a tailor that can handle weatherproof garments.
The soft "midnight black" color goes with anything.
Full disclosure: this was a gifted sample. But it's not insanely expensive for being sustainably made in Canada, compared to parkas from Canada Goose or Acr'Teryx.
βIn his latest essay, journalist Derek Thompson theorizes that the American male's modern woes is directly tied to "casino capitalism".
No doubt you've heard about the "male loneliness epidemic". Maybe you're aware that men, in general, are falling behind women. They're less educated, less employed, less wealthy (compared to women) than they used to be.
But why?
Thompson argues that men are increasingly avoiding real life, which can be uncomfortable with its awkward social interactions and romantic rejections, and spending more time alone, looking at a screen.
What's on these screens? Addiction and gambling, basically.
An endless supply of porn, free-to-start sport betting, infinite scroll short form slop and a million ways to lose money fast.
Men age 18-49 when they can't find their phone
Sure, young men are drinking and smoking less, which sounds good. But they're "healthier" because they're not going to parties or even leaving their house (incels and gooners being the extreme examples of this sort of self-styled isolation).
Max Read calls this the "suckerfication crisis". Men are being squeezed for everything they're worth, at the expense of their social life and long-term fulfillment. Big companies are to blame, but the government isn't stopping them.
This is a complicated problem, and I don't have the answers, but I know one thing:
Gambling is stupid.
Prediction markets, Robinhood, Draft Kings...it's all addictive garbage designed to syphon away your time and money. And it's working.
Personally, I'm just not going to participate. No trading, no sports betting, no social media on my phone.
How about you?
π Food for Thought
Have nothing in your wardrobe that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
βWilliam Morris
π Snacks
Here are digital gems guaranteed to brighten your day:
Got any video ideas for me? Hit 'reply' and share them!
β βDid you know? A "skin diver" is a type of dive watch that's built for casual use, like swimming and snorkeling, but not actual deep water scuba diving.
They're usually smaller and thinner than professional grade divers. They don't have helium escape valves or any other crazy complications. They have 10-15 ATM, which is plenty for most people.
They became popular in the 50s and 60s, but many watch brands still release "skin divers" today, which makes sense since they're so practical.
*Some of my emails contain affiliate links that can earn me a small commission when used (at no extra cost to you). You donβt have to click these links, but thanks if you do ππ»
Helping guys look good, live well, and skip the BS
I help guys create homes, habits, and wardrobes they actually enjoy. Get my weekly newsletter for practical tips, tested recommendations, and the occasional dad joke.
β