Hi, there's not too much to talk about this week, so I’ll make it quick. Hope you’re well, though.
Minted New York Hoodies
Look, $100 for a sweatshirt is a lot. I get that. But it’s not a lot if you understand the quality of the construction in these hoodies from Minted New York. While the graphic is undoubtedly awesome, the real value here is the French Terry cotton, which is soft, warm, and heavier than what you’re typically used to wearing. As far as cotton knits go, this hoodie has tacticity to it. That’s a hard thing to realize from a photo on a website or in some bozo (like me) telling you about it, but you’ll just have to trust me. It’s easily one of the warmest and most comfortable hoodies I have. The heft also makes it great for running (should you choose to do so) or for wearing around the house when lounging to show off the slick graphic. But the hoodies are also clean enough to layer underneath a jacket or coat and provide a minimalistic look. To put it in perspective, Minted can’t seem to keep these hoodies in stock, as both the December drop (when I got mine) and the recent January release saw them sell out in minutes.
LEGO Fortnite
Right around the holidays, Epic Games completely revamped the Ready Player One simulator very popular game Fortnite — perhaps you’ve heard of it — with a bunch of new gameplay modes, including LEGO Fortnite. Ostensibly a branded version of Minecraft, LEGO Fortnite scratches a similar itch to that totemic survival title but also reminds me a lot of what I loved about the Xbox 360 title Viva Piñata; there’s something rather zen about building a village to welcome new villagers and seek out resources. Benti and I played it on stream a few weeks ago, and I’m keen to dive back in and continue fleshing out the world we’re building. Hell, I’ve thought a lot about starting a solo instance, ergo this recommendation. It’s nice to drop into a game that’s pretty low-stakes — especially after a long day.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Trailer
Having not played the first Death Stranding game, I’m pretty lost as to what’s happening throughout this trailer for the sequel to Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima’s newest venture. But it looks insane. Here are just a few standout moments: French actor Léa Seydoux is playing an executive who gives Sam (Norman Reedus) a puppet whose framerate is slowed down and has a second set of hands that rest around her neck but can light a cigarette with the snap of their fingers? Troy Baker’s villain from the first game now looks like the Joker and fights with a guitar (?) that shoots electricity out of it (!!) before he spins it around and swings it like an axe (!?!). It’s nutty, man. I have no idea what’s going on. I can’t wait for this.
Incense
In a few months of each other last year, both 3Sixteen and Throwing Fits launched sets of branded incense cones, which was maybe the first time I’ve legitimately felt ahead of the curve on something. I’ve picked up a few different incense burners throughout the years, with the current count standing at five, and personally prefer the smell of them to candles, even if they can get a little overwhelming depending upon the individual cone. Misc. Goods Co stocks some great ones, including my favorite, Underhill, with notes of wood, leather, and rosemary. They’re great for sprucing up a room, and I like the physical process of lighting one and seeing it burn.
Merrell Hut Moc 2 Slippers
For as much clothing as I’ve ever purchased or gotten to sample, I’ve never found a pair I like as much as the Merrell Hut Moc 2 Slippers. Lightweight while still comfortable and cushy, you can zip ‘em together and bring them with you, which is handy because I’m often fighting myself for space in my carry-on, but the other thing I dig is the sole itself, which is textured enough I can them outside and not worry too much about losing grip.
Quick Hits:
Spent most of my week working on drafts for stuff that’s coming down the pike a little later on (and finishing up work at my day job before my last day), but I did write a bit about what makes Kurt Russell great for GQ since his Iconic Characters Interview went viral. Here’s a bit I’m proud of: “Let’s compare LeBron James to Kurt Russell for a second. (We promise we’ll land this analogy, like an ultralight glider touching down on top of a skyscraper.) Whenever the King — now in his 21st NBA season at 39 years old, with no signs of losing his edge — plays a particularly great game, the refrain that goes around is that fans shouldn’t take him for granted. The same applies to Russell. The 72-year-old actor is just as locked in on any given episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters as he was in any of his beloved classic roles.”
Otherwise, long week. Keen to rest up and catch up with some friends over the weekend. See y’all next time.
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