Yeah, this pretty much could happen to me any day now. It’s a sick addiction.

PS, Do you think our phones have made us more rude? My wife would definitely say yes.

[Mighty Hunter via Laughing Squid]

Quick, exciting news: kind of last minute, I’ve made plans to join the crew down at SXSW Interactive this year starting this Friday. Looking forward to all the networking, learning, and (hopefully not too much) drinking that comes with it.

Headed there yourself? Let’s connect. My SXsocial profile is up to date, and I’m putting my plans up on Plancast as they are solidified. Drop me a note and let me know where you’re going to be.

Also: if you’re going and haven’t already signed up for A Night Cap with Edelman Digital, you definitely should. I’ll be there, along with some awesome Edelman people you should meet. Should be a good time.

Not going this year? No worries. I’ll bring back lots of pictures and stories for your amusement.

I’ve been a big fan of Joby for a while now. I’ve used their GorillaPod for my camera to get some amazing shots in hard to reach places. When I got my iPhone 4, I anxiously awaited the arrival of their new GorillaPod mobile for iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 takes really good video for a phone, and I wanted to use it in conjunction with the GorillaPod to take some great, hands-free video of us.

I was told by them that although I had already purchased the standard GorillaPod, I would be able to use it with an adapter for the iPhone 4, and not have to purchase another tripod. I was told wrongly. When the new GorillaPod Mobile for iPhone 4 came out, it did not have a separate adapter, and I was faced with having to buy a new tripod. So I started shopping around for alternatives.

That’s when a representative of Versihold Personal Media Stand reached out to me to ask me to try their iPhone holder. I was told that not only did it come with it’s own stand, but the spring-loaded grip was removable, and could be used with Joby’s GorillaPod as well. So you bet I jumped on that opportunity.

We’ve been using the product for several weeks now, and I can honestly say I haven’t been disappointed. It’s surprisingly versatile for something so simple (assuming that’s where the name “Versi-hold” came from). We’ve taken it on trips, and used it in a variety of scenarios (including on a plane, where, trust me, it’s needed to provide video-based distractions for screaming toddlers).

And, as promised, it does indeed work with Joby’s GorillaPod. The spring-loaded grip attaches to any universal 1/4″ tripod screw, so I’d imagine it would work with much more. One of our favorite uses of the Versihold + GorillaPod is in the car on long road trips. It makes an excellent makeshift entertainment system for Miles.

I only really have two complaints about the Versihold stand, and they’re not really big ones. First of all, it feels kind of flimsy. I guess this is really more of an observation than a complaint, considering this really means nothing in the long run, and probably has no baring on its long-term quality. But it is an observation – about the stand itself, not the spring-loaded grip.

The second is that, for the iPhone 4, the grip frequently covers the volume button, and we have to adjust it to one side in order for it to not turn the volume down to inaudible levels. But it’s pretty easily adjusted, and the versatility of the grip I think more than makes up for this. According to the company, the Versihold stand works with “iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry, Google Nexus One, Droid, cell phones, or other mobile devices.”

So I’m not sure that this is the best option on the market, but I am sure that we’ve stopped looking for alternatives. The Versihold works just fine for our needs.

Anyone out there use any similar products? I’d love to hear other solutions that have worked as well, for iPhone or other.

I know this shelf from Finnish design firm Kayiwa isn’t in the least bit functional. But come on – you’ve got to admit that it’s pretty cool. Especially for typography nerds. But before you go thinking you’ll run out and get one, I feel obligated to let you know that one of these babies will run you 15,000 € (that’s around $21,000). Too bad. My son really likes letters.

I was recently introduced to Tyke Threads, and so far I’ve been happy with the collection I’ve seen there. Much cooler stuff than you can usually get at your local Babies R Us. Like this Western shirt from Wonder Boy. Perfect for when my 1-year-old wants to show off his rugged side.

When he gets a little older (read: 2), and worries more about being seen as a pseudo-intellectual, he can wear one of these shirts from Out of Print. They recently added a kids section to their fun line of “shirts on a mission.” [via Cool Hunting]

Now on to the grown-up stuff. I don’t think Miles would be all that interested in this tobacco and sandalwood scented candle from Sydney Hale Co. (available on Etsy). Sounds pretty great to me, as long as it isn’t too strong. There is such a thing as “overly manly,” especially when it comes to scents.

And I must introduce you to this little goodie from Nau (a company that does great things, and that you should absolutely check out). Referred to as “organizational origami,” the “Fluent Stash” keeps everything organized in an amazingly stylish way. The above opens up to the below, for carrying pretty much whatever you need.

The coup de grâce of this week’s list was brought to me by Etsy’s relatively new “Dudes” mailing list (a small step in the right direction for inclusion of guys in the site). I am loving these iPhone docks by Woodtec. They even have docks that support the iPad. Now I just need an iPad.

What interesting stuff have you found lately?

So half of what I found this week is dedicated to the iPhone. If you’re not an iPhone user, I apologize. Since I am one, I tend to gravitate towards iPhone related stuff. Like these iPhone gloves by Dots. Being able to use my phone without having to take off my gloves is fantastic in Chicago winters. The above are actually from a collaboration by Dots for Opening Ceremony, if you feel like paying twice the price for basically the same thing.

To protect said iPhone, I’m loving these cases from Grove. Not only are they handmade from eco-friendly bamboo, they can be customized to just about any design you want. Check out these designs above, and then visit their site for more examples of how others have customized their cases.

Now take your phone and plug it into one of these speakers from X-Mini. Or so says Cool Hunting, who tried one of them out and says they pack a wallop for such a small package. And not too expensive with a range of $20-$80.

Use those speakers to listen to this guy: Canadian rapper Shad. I’ve been listening to his new album, TSOL, and so far am loving it. Thanks for the reco, Dave.

And just to show you that I’m not all iPhone focused today, check out these coats from +J (a collaboration by Jil Sander for Uniqlo). All reasonably priced, and all among the most stylish thing you can wear this winter. Now you’ll just have to find a Uniqlo, since the only one in the US resides in NYC. (Sad trombone.)

Speaking of things you can’t get in the US (at least not in person), how awesome are these Aston Martin Racing bags from Hackett? Enough said. [via Definite Touch]

To go out on a techy note, Hello Rewind, and the awesome laptop, iPad or netbook  sleeves they can make out of your old t-shirts. That’s right… your old Frankie Say Relax t-shirt from the 80s can now be atop your favorite piece of tech equipment in 2010. What a wonderful world. PS, Hello Rewind also supports sex trafficking survivors. So major bonus.

What cool stuff have you found lately?

This week’s Material Monday starts off with watches from WeWood, an Italian company that decided they wanted to move to LA and start planting trees (probably a good idea). Their TOMS-esque motto: you buy a watch, we’ll plant a tree. Not a bad deal.

These Enforcers from Mosley Tribes deserve a shout out just for being badass. Steve McQueen, anyone?

And for the geek in all of us, I love these prints that combine the famous Woody Gutherie quote with famous geek icons. This one, from Mario Brothers, was my favorite.

(PS, Only I can go from badass to geek that quickly.)

These iPad cases by Austrian fine goods makers Hard Graft are exquisite. Now someone just has to buy me an iPad, and I’ll be set.

But if the iPhone or iPod touch is more of your thing (as is buying American), then Corter can handle it. Based in New England, Corter consists of one man, hand making every item. How many guys out there carry around a handmade leather iPhone case?

And last but not least, Esquire’s Big Black Book is an amazing resource for fall trends and the latest in men’s fashion. Michael Williams gives a pretty good explanation for why it’s essential reading over on ACL. Planning on perusing one myself soon, so if you beat me to it, let me know how it goes.

That’s all for this week, folks.

]]> http://theexceptionalman.com/2010/10/04/material-mondays-of-leather-wood/feed/ 0 http://theexceptionalman.com/2010/09/27/material-mondays-scotch-woogies/ http://theexceptionalman.com/2010/09/27/material-mondays-scotch-woogies/#comments Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:00:18 +0000 Caleb http://theexceptionalman.com/?p=1607

I used to spend a lot more time on this blog talking about things. It was fun, but I found myself spending 90% of my time doing it, since I was constantly finding cool stuff. And I wanted to make this blog about something more substantive than just products.

But I’m still finding a lot of cool stuff that I’d like to share, so I wanted to find a way to do so somewhat regularly. Enter Material Mondays, where I share a list of the cool stuff I’ve found that week. Simple as that.

This week’s list starts with the chinos you see above from Scotch & Soda. The ribbed cuff on those help them stand out from the crowd.

Speaking of scotch, I’m dying to try Glenmorangie’s new Finealta, with added peat to give it a more smokey flavor than most Glenmorangies. But it’s currently only available in international travel retail. Anyone going out of the country soon want to pick me up a bottle?

For Miles, I’m giving consideration to the Woogie, a protective case and interactive toy for the iPhone. He’s obsessed with playing with our phones, but throws them when he gets upset. Not so good. So something like this might help keep them protected a little more.

Speaking of things Miles likes to play with, check out the new line of neckties from Berg & Berg. I’m leaning towards a new wool or knit one. Perfect for fall, just like the Authentic Original 7-Eye Boots from Sperry Topsider below.

If you’re a boat shoe fan like me during the summer, these are a nice, seasonally appropriate alternative.

I am absolutely loving these bicycle bags from Linus. Versatile and sturdy, throw them over your shoulder or over your bike, and you’re good to go. This is a nice addition to Linus’s already impressive (and wallet-friendly) line of bikes.

Speaking of names of Peanut characters, Moleskine notebook fans will love these limited edition Peanut inspired notebooks to write about “good grief.”

And last but not least, from DaddyTypes I heard about this perpetually convertible loft bed structure from Pop Space. It would be an amazing way to make a room feel new again. Sadly it’s the one thing on this list that we’ll definitely not be buying any time soon, due to the price tag of over $5,000. (Sad trombone.)

What about you? Seen anything cool lately that I missed?

In an ode to those whose don’t have RSS readers filled to the brim like I do, I’ve added new subscription options. You can now subscribe to TEM via email or Twitter, whichever tickles your fancy.

Enjoy.

Are you ever on the way out with friends to a new place, but your desperately craving your particular brand of brew? Remember the anxiety that came with not knowing if this new place would have it? Fear not, bar crawlers in Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia or New York: BeerMenus has got you covered.

BeerMenus was started by two brothers who wanted to know which places served their favorite beer, and were unsatisfied by their inability to answer that question using only Google. Thanks to them, you can now find 4,481 beers on 87 beer menus in the Chicago area alone.

What’s missing from BeerMenus? An iPhone app. While I appreciate the strides this website has made for beer lovers everywhere, BeerMenus will truly find its value when you can easily find great beer on the go.

With this being high fashion’s defining moment and all, we were bound to see some experimentation. Ralph Lauren takes it to new levels with the recently released Make Your Own Rugby [iTunes link].

The app allows the user to start from scratch with their own blank rugby shirt, polo, sweater or jacket, and make designs from there. You can even upload a photo of yourself so that you can see you trying it on. From there you can add crests, football themed patches, or for authenticity, skulls.

Then the uniqueness of this app really starts to kick in. Once you have your design set, you have many more options than just purchasing. You can choose to have your design displayed for browsing by other users, email it to friends, even connect with Facebook to share it there.

Given the mess the fashion industry seems to find itself in, it makes sense that the usually highly secretive industry would branch out and find new ways to connect with consumers, especially using social media channels. I wonder what new things we can expect next.