Valet. I’ve been a reader of this men’s lifestyle site since it launched way back in 2008, around the same time as AoM. Valet’s Morning Report is part of my daily routine; I look forward to checking out their curated list of 5 cool links worth exploring. I also appreciate their useful product reviews. Over the years, I’ve picked up some solid style and grooming recommendations from them that didn’t break the bank. Valet has also built up a deep archive of practical content on upgrading your wardrobe, grooming routine, and fitness regimen that still holds up. If you’re looking for a reliable source of men’s lifestyle content without the hype, it’s worth adding to your bookmarks.
Ka-Bar Marine Corps Knife. The Ka-Bar knife has been used by the Marine Corps since World War II. The straight-edge blade holds its sharpness remarkably well, the leather handle provides that perfect balance of comfort and grip even when your hands are wet, and, you feel like such a badass holding it. I keep one in my bug-out bag.
The Line Man’s Bible: A Football Textbook of Detailed Instruction by Ernest Graves. I discovered this gem while reading a biography of Dwight Eisenhower. Published by Ernest Graves, who coached at West Point when Eisenhower played there, this old-school football manual goes beyond just Xs and Os for linemen. While the focus is primarily on technique and strategy for those battling on the gridiron, Graves regularly drops in high-level success and leadership insights drawn from his military experience. What makes the book particularly interesting is seeing how many of Graves’ principles on persistence, attention to detail, and disciplined preparation would later become part of Eisenhower’s leadership philosophy.
Up For Grabs. Remember when Barry Bonds broke the single-season home run record in 2001? Did you ever wonder who the lucky person was that caught that historic and possibly lucrative ball? The documentary Up for Grabs tells the story of that famous ball and the two men who took part in one of the most epically humorous and head-shakingly sad legal battles of all time. My property law professor used this film to introduce us to the famous textbook case of Pierson v. Post, in which a New York court had to decide what constituted possession in a battle over a dead fox. In Up for Grabs, the dead fox in Pierson is replaced by Barry Bonds’ home run ball. Up for Grabs is a comedic morality drama on the dangers of the greed and myopia that can creep into a man’s life over really dumb things.
Over on our Dying Breed newsletter, we published Sunday Firesides: Life Needs More Jazz and The Truth About Therapy, Part II: Therapy Is Less Effective Than You Think.
Quote of the Week
The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.
—Henry Taylor
