Really enjoyed reading the first two Print Editions. Most of the content was interesting to me, but there was something particularly satisfying about reading articles on topics of which I'm not that interested. What I mean is that it was nice to engage with something that isn't algorithmically optimized for me - serendipity is getting harder and harder to experience! What practical things can we do to pursue the randomness of life intentionally and avoid the algorithm? More visits to bookstores, more trips with open itineraries...
Thanks Caleb. That was our idea, that holding a paper puts you in a different mindset where you're more open to stories you might not normally read. And then, hopefully, you enjoy something unexpected. You can subscribe to the New York Review of Books or the London Review of Books, which will really get you into some esoteric topics. Even if you're reading The New Yorker, try a story on an unexpected topic for a page before giving up. Sometimes you'll be completely absorbed about the history of cod, or whatever it is. I think we should all try to be a little more patient, and not expect everything to occupy our attention right away.
I wrote my college thesis on Steinbeck and the experience was so traumatizing that I've never gone back. Like associating music with what you hear in a doctor's office, you can't get past it. But maybe it's time to revisit!
Part question, part recommendation - have you read Gordon MacQuarrie’s Tales of Old Duck Hunters? He was an old Milwaukee newspaper / magazine outdoor writer. The stories cover both hunting and fishing in Wisconsin; you don’t need to be a duck hunter to enjoy. I think about it like the summer spy novel of outdoor writing - light, easy and entertaining.
Hi Taylor, it's good to not spend a lot. I would look in antique stores for things that aren't really art--like maps or exhibition posters--that you would like to have on your wall. If you graduate from that then look for editions of something (etchings, lithographs) which are less expensive than original work. Then there are sometimes benefits, where artists donate their work to a museum or cultural center, you can find some bargains there as well.
I imagine you primarily wear waders when fishing, but where I am, the water is usually warm enough that I just wet wade. Do you have a recommended wet wading pant that pairs form and function? Or, is the standard Orvis a good option?
Hi Caleb, I have never found a pair of quick dry pants I like. I have an old pair of Patagonia ones I found on eBay and the color and cut are just...not great. If I wet wade I usually wear old chinos that have worn down over the years. Or pretty long Patagonia shorts and then boots and neoprene socks. I'm seriously considering hip waders for small Catskills streams, but haven't settled on a brand.
We also leave this weekend for Palermo (we're rookies). Maybe we'll see you. Two recommended restaurants we booked are Piccolo Napoli and Quattro Mani (recommended by Katie Parla City Guide). Many Palermo restaurants closed on Sound/Mon. Doug Biederbeck
The family and I are going on a trip this summer from Scotland to Asheville-LA-San diego. In LA we are doing a few days at the parks. My question is what’s a sensible but stylish attire for Disney that doesn’t make me look like…. Well the rest of them?
Hi David, going for a product recommendation this time around.
I find traditional dopp bags to be too large when trying to pack efficiently, especially when flying. Anything out there on the smaller side for the toiletry essentials? Tom Beckbe has some nice leather pouches that I've been eyeing, but curious if you've come across anything else in that vein?
I have a great Ghurka Dopp kit. Might be too big for you. Have you looked at old (or not so old) Patagonia black hole cubes? Not as elegant as leather, but some are small and very lightweight and would serve the purpose.
Hi David, Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions this morning.
Wondering how you handle packing/travelling with wading boots? Was recently in Patagonia for the first time (what a place!) and did a lot of hopping around and could not figure out a good way to travel with giant, damp boots on a plane.
Ha! Well that's a good problem to have. I generally have a second smaller checked waterproof bag (like a North Face Basecamp) where I keep wet things: waders, boots, rain jackets. Also makes packing unpacking easier to just have that division of labor. I used to put them in waterproof tote bags within a larger bag, which is another option if you only want to check one bag.
Alight gang. I'm signing off for now. You can still leave questions, but it may take me longer to respond. All best, D
No question, but just a thank you for the knowledge and wisdom you provide!
Thanks Chip!
No question - enjoy the reads. Cheers to Masters Week.
Really enjoyed reading the first two Print Editions. Most of the content was interesting to me, but there was something particularly satisfying about reading articles on topics of which I'm not that interested. What I mean is that it was nice to engage with something that isn't algorithmically optimized for me - serendipity is getting harder and harder to experience! What practical things can we do to pursue the randomness of life intentionally and avoid the algorithm? More visits to bookstores, more trips with open itineraries...
Thanks Caleb. That was our idea, that holding a paper puts you in a different mindset where you're more open to stories you might not normally read. And then, hopefully, you enjoy something unexpected. You can subscribe to the New York Review of Books or the London Review of Books, which will really get you into some esoteric topics. Even if you're reading The New Yorker, try a story on an unexpected topic for a page before giving up. Sometimes you'll be completely absorbed about the history of cod, or whatever it is. I think we should all try to be a little more patient, and not expect everything to occupy our attention right away.
Ever read Travels with Charley by Steinbeck? A big road trip. Seems up your alley.
I wrote my college thesis on Steinbeck and the experience was so traumatizing that I've never gone back. Like associating music with what you hear in a doctor's office, you can't get past it. But maybe it's time to revisit!
Road trip. French poodle. Packing list. It checks a lot of boxes.
No question from me - only thanks for building this community!
Thanks Matt!
Part question, part recommendation - have you read Gordon MacQuarrie’s Tales of Old Duck Hunters? He was an old Milwaukee newspaper / magazine outdoor writer. The stories cover both hunting and fishing in Wisconsin; you don’t need to be a duck hunter to enjoy. I think about it like the summer spy novel of outdoor writing - light, easy and entertaining.
Oh that sounds great. I wish there were more newspaper writers on the outdoors beat. We're really missing out on those sort of voices.
The “digital shredder” LOL. That’s what I do on LinkedIn with all the DMs. Now I know what to call it!
It's a useful term and an even more useful practice!
David,
I’d appreciate your thoughts on how you think about collecting art, esp if one is not flush to spend large amounts.
Cheers—
Hi Taylor, it's good to not spend a lot. I would look in antique stores for things that aren't really art--like maps or exhibition posters--that you would like to have on your wall. If you graduate from that then look for editions of something (etchings, lithographs) which are less expensive than original work. Then there are sometimes benefits, where artists donate their work to a museum or cultural center, you can find some bargains there as well.
I imagine you primarily wear waders when fishing, but where I am, the water is usually warm enough that I just wet wade. Do you have a recommended wet wading pant that pairs form and function? Or, is the standard Orvis a good option?
Also, loving Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man!
Hi Caleb, I have never found a pair of quick dry pants I like. I have an old pair of Patagonia ones I found on eBay and the color and cut are just...not great. If I wet wade I usually wear old chinos that have worn down over the years. Or pretty long Patagonia shorts and then boots and neoprene socks. I'm seriously considering hip waders for small Catskills streams, but haven't settled on a brand.
Yeah, I had entertained Simms hip waders, but they’ve obviously degraded in quality over the years. Looking like hip waders are a bit niche nowadays
Hi! Off to palermo in sicily this weekend for the first time… will do all the top tourist hits but any too tips on restaurants / cafes? Thanks
Oh I'm starting on the wrong foot. I haven't been to Sicily in about 25 years. Sorry I can't help. Have a good trip!
We also leave this weekend for Palermo (we're rookies). Maybe we'll see you. Two recommended restaurants we booked are Piccolo Napoli and Quattro Mani (recommended by Katie Parla City Guide). Many Palermo restaurants closed on Sound/Mon. Doug Biederbeck
La Galleria by the cathedral in Palermo is great
Hi David,
The family and I are going on a trip this summer from Scotland to Asheville-LA-San diego. In LA we are doing a few days at the parks. My question is what’s a sensible but stylish attire for Disney that doesn’t make me look like…. Well the rest of them?
Ha! Good luck, James. Lacoste shirt, chinos, boat shoes. Dodgers hat to taste.
Cocktails for Masters?
At home I drink one bottle of Riesling per diem.
Hey David - I'm coming to NYC next week but also catching an opera at the Met. Ideas for a nice-ish dinner beforehand?
Oh nice. It has to be Cafe Luxembourg. Classic. Before or after.
Hi David, going for a product recommendation this time around.
I find traditional dopp bags to be too large when trying to pack efficiently, especially when flying. Anything out there on the smaller side for the toiletry essentials? Tom Beckbe has some nice leather pouches that I've been eyeing, but curious if you've come across anything else in that vein?
I have a great Ghurka Dopp kit. Might be too big for you. Have you looked at old (or not so old) Patagonia black hole cubes? Not as elegant as leather, but some are small and very lightweight and would serve the purpose.
Sadly, I'm a Dopp kit obsessive. Try Il Bisonte; they make a few smaller ones. Ettinger of London is pricey and efficient. Doug Biederbeck
Hi David, Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions this morning.
Wondering how you handle packing/travelling with wading boots? Was recently in Patagonia for the first time (what a place!) and did a lot of hopping around and could not figure out a good way to travel with giant, damp boots on a plane.
Ha! Well that's a good problem to have. I generally have a second smaller checked waterproof bag (like a North Face Basecamp) where I keep wet things: waders, boots, rain jackets. Also makes packing unpacking easier to just have that division of labor. I used to put them in waterproof tote bags within a larger bag, which is another option if you only want to check one bag.