Winchester ’73. After years of knowing James Stewart primarily for It’s a Wonderful Life and Hitchcock thrillers, I finally dove into his Western work with this 1950 gem directed by Anthony Mann. Stewart trades his aw-shucks everyman persona for something grittier as Lin McAdam, a man on the hunt for his stolen Winchester ’73 rifle. The film follows McAdam’s pursuit as the rifle changes hands across the Old West, linking together a cast of characters whose fates intertwine in unexpected ways. The ending delivers an awesomely unexpected twist. If you’ve only known Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, Winchester ’73 will change how you see him as an actor.
Live a Little. This is one of my favorite Substack newsletters. It’s written by John Thompson, a men’s lifestyle writer who’s done stints at Men’s Health and BroBible and is the current copy editor at Huckberry. Thompson curates products the way a well-traveled buddy would. No fluff, just the good stuff. His weekly “Field Journal” covers everything from selvedge denim to camping gear and cool stories he’s come across on the interwebs. I’ve grabbed a few items based on his recommendations. Check it out and subscribe.
Feetures Elite Max Cushion Tab Socks. These are my go-to daily socks. What sets them apart is the targeted compression and anatomical design — they actually have left and right foot specific construction, which seems to make a difference in fit. They feel like they properly hug your feet and provide a little support. Made in the USA and long-lasting.
Walt Whitman’s Guide to Manly Health and Training. Before Walt Whitman became America’s most famous poet, he moonlighted as a 19th-century fitness guru. In 1858, he anonymously penned newspaper columns dispensing advice on diet, exercise, grooming, and sports, and this book collects extracts of his health-related writing. For Whitman, bodily vigor was the foundation of true manliness. He encouraged readers to walk daily, do calisthenics, take cold baths, and eat beef (because it was strengthening). Basically the sort of advice you see from bro influencers today, but couched in more interesting prose. It’s a fun, short read with plenty of timeless advice.
On our Dying Breed newsletter, we published The Mystery of Moods and Sunday Firesides: You Get What You Pay For.
Quote of the Week
Life is a leaf of paper white
Whereon each one of us may write
His word or two, and then comes night
Greatly begin! Though thou hast time
But for a line, be that sublime—
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.—James Russell Lowell
