Free & Easy

Free & Easy is a cool Japanese lifestyle magazine (with a lot of Americana). Great photos and inspiration. You can find it at Books Kinokuniya.

Wiffle Ball

The Wiffle ball was invented by David N. Mullany of Fairfield, Connecticut in 1953. Still a family owned business the balls are still made in the USA. David J. and Stephen A. Mullany describe the origins: "Gramp had been a semi-pro pitcher and knew that throwing curveballs was not good for young arms and thought he might be able to help. He got some parts from a nearby factory, cut various designs into them and sent Dad out to test them. They both agreed that the ball with eight oblong perforations worked best. That’s how the WIFFLE perforated plastic ball was invented. To this day, we don’t know exactly why it works… it just does!!"

Leica

Leica makes cameras that are amazing tools. The optics and build quality are unsurpassed. I'm fond of the rangefinders. From the M3 to M8.2 the series spans analog to digital photography seamlessly.

Alden of New England

Alden produces great shoes in Middleborough Massachusetts. Some of my favorites are shown above. L-R, made for Brooks Brothers: Shell Cordovan Unlined Penny Loafer, Cordovan Leather Blucher, and branded for Alden: the Indy Boot (as seen in the Indiana Jones movie series). They are now the only original New England shoe and bootmaker remaining.