The Material Review
Issue 161: Smart Homes, Pittsburgh Parking Chairs, Jeep Propaganda, Tuna Melts, Travel Annoyance, RIP Eddie Bauer, Team Mongolia and Spotlight On: Bring A Trailer.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Smart Homes Are Terrible
“You shouldn’t need a tech tour and app to turn the lights on.” [The Atlantic]
Whatever You Do, Don’t Mess With Pittsburgh’s Parking Chairs
“Reserving a spot, illegal in most places, is part of the Steel City’s code. Disrespect it and you might get a ‘jagoff’ note on the windshield.” [WSJ]
Autobiography of a “Jeep” (1943)
In praise of the tuna melt, the ultimate NYC sandwich
Who Loves Turbulence, Airplane Food and the Middle Seat? They Do.
“What the travelers who adore some common annoyances of flying can teach everyone else about the power of changing one’s perspective.” [NYT]
Eddie Bauer to close its Seattle headquarters, lay off 60 workers
How a Country That’s Never Won a Medal Conquered the Winter Olympics—in Cashmere
“Mongolian athletes showed up to the Opening Ceremony wearing outfits inspired by a time when the country was busy raiding the world.” [WSJ]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Sunspel Sea Island Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
Quaker Marine Whalsay Fleece in Graphite Felted Wool
American Trench Service Pant
Vermicular Frying Pan, Vermicular, Egg & Toast Pan, Oak, 7.5in
Unbleached Apparel Foxfibre® Button Down Shirt
RC Outdoor Supply Piper Tote Bag - 18L
ACL x OMTC Flannel Red/Green/Blue
Bring A Trailer
1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super Pickup 402
2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Wagon
1974 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT
1962 Riva Florida 18′
31-Years-Owned 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Single-Family-Owned 1986 Boston Whaler Montauk 17′ Project
S54-Powered 2003 BMW 325i Sport Wagon 6-Speed
Modified 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 VX-R 5-Speed
1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 LWB 4-Speed
13k-Mile 1987 BMW M6
1996 Ford Bronco XLT
49k-Mile 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Wagon
Classifieds
Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.
🛒 Collectors & Connoisseurs Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren Event
Sunday, March 15. Metropolis, 803 Broadway, NY, NY
We have curated 12 of the finest polo resellers and invite you to bring your items to sell or trade with us. $5 admission fee enters you in our raffle for some killer vintage polo items. Hope to see you there.
🛒 1733 Archive Sale
For the first time ever we are making samples, seconds and other oddities from the last 12 years available online in our Archive Sale. Newsletter subscribers will get access to the sale on Monday, so sign up if you are not already