Colin Nagy
Colin Nagy is a strategy and global marketing leader at Instagram. He has been writing about luxury, hospitality and innovation in his Skift column, and currently hosts the Skift Ideas podcast where he speaks to the most thoughtful voices in hospitality. He is an advisor and investor to early stage startups, and also writes for Monocle, New York Magazine, Courier and other publications around the world.
Recommendations
Versatile little potato with creamy flesh naturally packed with flavor, making it delicious roasted, smashed, or boiled, without needing butter.
The book echoes the sentiment that underground sub-genre scenes remain vibrant, showcasing every possible sub-genre represented in stunning print form.
An incredible book on Japanese coffee culture.
In 1835, Pugin significantly raised his profile with the book 'Contrasts: Or, A Parallel between the Noble Edifices of the Middle Ages and Corresponding Buildings of the Present Day', which compared the virtues of medieval society to the vices of modern society.
An album recorded during the pandemic and performed live at the Alexandra Palace in London.
“Aaj Shanibar” is one of the four tracks from the album Disco Jazz by Rupa, which stands out for its eight-minute runtime and high-energy, ever-shifting instrumentals. It has gained significant popularity on YouTube, becoming an example of how lost songs reach a new generation of listeners across the world.
Disco Jazz is Rupa's first and only album, released in 1982. Regarded as a long-lost Indian disco record, it gained a new following years later thanks to a combination of algorithms and word-of-mouth. The album stands out for breaking from typical Indian disco conventions, featuring songs that are more spacious than Bollywood music of the era. It incorporates a mix of Hindi and Bengali lyrics, sarod and extended Western funk guitar solos, and has elements of Balearic beat music.
A book by Robert T. Kiyosaki that advocates the importance of financial literacy, financial independence, and building wealth through investing in assets.
Endorsed for life by Reilly B.
Danny Meyer details the philosophy and 'operating system' behind his successful Union Square Hospitality Group, highlighting the importance of hospitality in business.
Expands on Meyer's work and shares how Guidara redefined hospitality excellence through his role in elevating 11 Madison Park.
A kit to make the legendary bar burger from Raoul’s in Soho at home. This package includes everything needed for 4 burgers.
A kit for making Zingerman’s famous Corned Beef Reuben sandwiches at home.
A recently released book by Chris Wallace on Peter Beard.
A book that examines the relationship between culture and human behavior, using literature, case studies, and academic work to illustrate the ways culture influences actions and societal dynamics.
A profile of Prigozhin/Wagner worth the time.
A big, big format catalog that pointed to resources to show how to do all different kinds of things, from astrology to midwifery to leathercrafting and more. It's based on the Emersonian idea of self-reliance.
A journal designed for logging workouts, nutrition, sleep, and hydration, originally developed by a military team for effective physical journaling.
The album features psychedelic music by Sister Irene O'Connor, an Australian nun. It has gained attention for its enchanting piece of music, particularly the song called "Fire", and has been highlighted by several fans including The Avalanches. It has also been sampled by artists like James Blake and made TV appearances.
A Padel club concept called Matcha that is exceptionally well executed.
A patisserie called Yann Couvreur in Dubai Mall near the Fashion Avenue entrance offers exceptional pastries.
Comptoir in Jumeirah is a healthy lunch spot plus a design concept store.
A local favorite with teas and great Emirati food, showcasing a nice cultural side of old Dubai.
Timeshifter is an app that prescribes specific activities such as when to see light, avoid light, rest, consume caffeine, and other small activities in a linear table to help adjust to new time zones quickly. It offers sleep optimization advice and can include melatonin and/or caffeine suggestions.
A sleep aid supplement that is useful for jet lag recovery. It contains magnesium glycinate and tart cherry, which has tryptophan (turkey sleepiness) and melatonin, making it a go-to sleep aid.
A candle inspired by the unique smell of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, crafted to capture the essence of bromine-treated water, swamps, old wood, and boats.
A retrofit single DIN Porsche Classic Communication touchscreen unit for classic 911s, a double DIN PCCM Plus setup for the 996-generation 911 and original 986 Boxster, and similar solutions for the 997-generation 911, 987 Boxster, 987 Cayman coupe, and Cayenne SUV. Features include a 7-in touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite navigation with maps displayed in 2D or 3D.
The book outlines the organization of neighborhood shop-owner collectives in Tokyo to protect the energy and community of sometimes centuries-old neighborhoods amidst the city's rapid development.
A book by Hugh Eakin about the slow recognition and appreciation of modern art in the US and Britain in the first half of the 20th century, encapsulating stories of key figures who believed in the art's value.
Peter Pomerantsev's dream-like narrative of working in television in Moscow in the early 2000s, exploring the surreal aspects of the Russian media landscape.
Repeated book recommendation.
A song released 50 years ago by Adriano Celentano, intended as a troll to prove a point that Italians would like any English song, using gibberish to mimic the sound of English.
A guide to designing warm, timeless interiors.
A cookbook by Lou Lambert.
A Kindle Paperwhite for reading without notifications and distractions.
An overkill bottle opener.
A Swiss peeler recommended by Brooks Reitz.
An embassy pen.
A nice titanium money clip with American Flag - NASA Optical Gray variation.
A radio that allows you to tune into global radio stations.
Nokia released a new version of its 6310 complete with the classic Snake.
The Light Phone II is a premium, minimal phone. It will never have social media, clickbait news, email, an internet browser, or any other anxiety-inducing infinite feed.
The Punkt phone has a nicely designed interface and allows for a hot spot to connect another device like your laptop if you’re out and about. It supports messaging app Signal.
Friend and WITI contributor Robert Spangle has a new book coming out, titled Afghan Style. The book is available for order on the Observer collection website.
A book by Priya Parker that discusses approaches to creating meaningful and purposeful gatherings.
A book by Vivek H. Murthy that explores the importance of human connection and its impact on our health and happiness.
A book by Chef Keith Corbin that highlights his journey and the impact of cooking and food on survival and identity.
A novel by Michael Mann that serves as a prequel/sequel to the movie Heat, adding depth and history to the story.
A device that emulates the vibe of Solari boards for home or office.
A clock available for purchase that takes an analog approach, reminiscent of Solari boards.
A public toilet app, a resource for tracking down a potty in a pinch.
Philip Ball's book on which his lecture about quantum physics at the Royal Institute is based.
A book that chronicles Jeff Gordinier's journey with Noma founder Rene Redzepi on a culinary world tour, including the establishment of a pop-up restaurant in Tulum, Mexico.
A definitive guide to fermentation penned by former Noma kitchen staffer David Zilber.
A book discussing the cultural tug-of-war between Hollywood and China.
The book that helped inspire the vision for the metaverse and coined the term.
The story of how one man's financial strategies impacted the market.
A former New Yorker fiction editor's culinary journey in Italy.
An evocative narrative about the bohemian lifestyle of surfers.
An exploration of the author's discomfort and complicity with capitalism.
A story beginning with a heatwave in India that addresses climate change.
A book by Tove Jansson without additional context in the newsletter.
Environmental fiction that delves into more than just ecological concerns.
Combines poetic writing with adventurous science exploration.
A brief, humorous, and informative take on black holes.
A suspense novel with humor and surprises, unexpected from the Deadspin author.
A fragmentary novel with interconnected stories, great for summer reading.
Explores Sicily's cultural history in the context of the Mediterranean.
This new translation of Weber’s lectures aims to simplify and clarify his ideas.
Late to the game but the HBO series is a perfect opportunity to catch up.
Tells the story of the rise and fall of Prussia.
Examines capitalism as the secular religion of the post-Christian era.
A treatise on new agrarianism and building societies around local economies and shared resources.
An oral biography of Anthony Bourdain, compiled by his longtime assistant.
A comic book series featuring a journalist hero in a world of vulgarity and violence.
One of three perfect novels, Dune is a must-read epic of science fiction.
A 1965 nonfiction book detailing the liberation of Paris in 1944.
The story of Prohibition and its political history.
A fascinating history of the Crusades.
Detailing the trigonometric survey of India in the 19th century.
A short, funny novel about murder.
The story of Grigori Perelman and his solution to one of the Clay Millennium Prizes.
A tool designed to release the psoas muscle, which can become tight from activities such as sitting for long periods or extensive driving. The Pso-rite is used by laying down and positioning the muscle between its two pointed parts to help it loosen.
A device applied to the upper arm that pairs with an app to provide real-time blood glucose levels, useful for managing diabetes or blood sugar levels.
An app that integrates with CGM to provide insights into blood sugar management, showing the impact of food and other factors on glucose levels.
Tessa West's book explores difficult work relationships and how best to navigate them.
A book currently being read by the author of the post.
A chef's knife recommended by Jason Stewart from How Long Gone.
A collection designed by Marc Newson for Noritake.
A lust-worthy Leica camera.
A film where memories are erased with a flash of light, referenced in a discussion about luxury hospitality and brand equity.
A moody masterpiece from 1996, comprised of long-forgotten breaks and samples.
A book by Joby Warrick on the backstory of the Khost bombings in 2009.
A book by Joby Warrick that details the use of chemical weapons on civilian populations by the Assad regime in Syria, and the US race to find and destroy the weapons.
Google’s Neil Hoyne discusses how companies often mistakenly view technology as a universal solution, detailing a better approach in his book.
A series of compilations called Death Is Not The End featuring recordings of adverts that appeared on London pirate radio during various time periods. These compilations document the original native advertising and the underground music scene in London from 1984 to 1993.
A book that looks closer at what can really make a difference in addressing burnout, according to its author Jennifer Moss.
A device for focused writing.
A story of a man who saw America via a camper with his poodle.
A French political and espionage thriller that unfolds within the French intelligence agency DGSE. The series focuses on the division that sends agents into harm’s way under non-official cover in non-permissive environments to gather information relevant to French strategic interests. It emphasizes the human side of intelligence gathering, the emotional consequences, and features a slow-burn realism.
Formal yet casual shoes good for travel, recommended by Robert Spangle.
A product useful for falling asleep, reusable at home and on long-haul flights.
Noise masking sleep buds that are useful both at home and on long-haul flights.
A task lamp useful for work from home setups.
A book by Robert Caro detailing aspects of his research methods and experiences as an author.
David Simon's book chronicling a year spent with Baltimore's homicide unit.
Sleepbuds designed to mask noise and aid in better sleep, usable both at home and during travel.
From the most avant-garde jazz musicians, visual artists and poets to architects, philosophers and writers, Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style charts a period in American history when Black men across the country adopted the clothing of a privileged elite and made it their own.
Crossrope offers high-quality jump ropes and an application with interval workouts for an easy, portable workout.
Kuhn's book introduces the concept of scientific paradigms and explains how revolutionary changes shape our understanding of the world.
St Cecilia in Austin, Texas is highlighted as an all-time favorite hotel.
A book by the Rand Corporation that explores the concept of randomness through a collection of random digits and deviates.
A children's book by Mark Gonyea covering basics on colors, contrast, and ratios.
A continuation by Mark Gonyea on themes of design, following "Complicated Doesn’t Make it Good".
A shirt from Sunspel, known for its exceptional cotton quality.
A 9,090-piece scale model of the Titanic, which is LEGO's biggest set ever.
A blend of USDA organic ceremonial grade matcha, sourced from a 100-year-old Japanese producer, coupled with Taika's blend of adaptogens for smooth, balanced energy. Contains 60mg of caffeine per can and uses house-made macadamia milk.
A scented candle by DS&Durga offering a unique scent experience.
A product by DS&Durga, an NYC-based entrepreneur known for their craft and artistic approach to scent.
A scent by DS&Durga described as, 'The desert airs of Marfa, cosmic axis of West Texas. Creosote shrubs and sumac primed with Chihuahuan mesa woods–mesquite, oak, and pinyon pine.'
A collaborative record/book sling created by Ghostly in partnership with Lichen.
A book that examines the essential jobs and the hidden toll of inequality in America.
This Handbook of Cities and Networks provides a cutting-edge overview of research on how economic, social and transportation networks affect processes both in and between cities. Exploring the ways in which cities connect and intertwine, it offers a varied set of collaborations, highlighting different theoretical, historical and methodological perspectives.
Elixirs made from powdered mushrooms. The Cordyceps blend is particularly good before a workout, while the Lions Mane blend is good for focus. Reishi helps you go to sleep, and Chaga is a general immunity booster.
A blend of Organic mushroom blend (chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps mycelial biomass cultured on organic oats), Organic cacao, Organic Spice Blend (organic cinnamon, organic turmeric, organic ginger, organic cardamom, organic black pepper, organic nutmeg, organic cloves), Organic black tea powder, Himalayan pink salt. It has 1/7th of the caffeine compared to coffee.
The book on hacking, cybersecurity, and geopolitics. One of the favorite reads in recent memory.
Lightweight and machine washable hats suitable for running or casual wear, available in different styles.
A thoughtful, comprehensive biography of George Blake, a fascinating character who played an outsized, and deadly, role in European history.
A soccer video game by EA Sports that features Kiyan Prince, a soccer player who was murdered 15 years ago, as its newest star. The game includes detailed recreations of Kiyan's likeness, speed, and style of play.
A popular soccer simulation video game featuring the newest star, Kiyan Prince, a promising young player tragically killed 15 years ago. The game faithfully represents Kiyan Prince's characteristics, from his likeness to speed and style of play.
A portable word processor first released in 1993, designed for typing. It features a small grayscale LCD screen, USB cord for transmitting text files, and is powered by three AA batteries. It is lightweight, affordable, and focuses solely on typing without internet distractions.
A small-footprint boutique property with a few rooms in the form of trailers, focusing on tennis. It features four tennis courts, a clubhouse, and a pool, offering a unique gathering spot around shared activity.
An incredible "Cookhouse" Airbnb designed with cooking enthusiasts in mind, equipped with amazing appliances and everything needed for trying out recipes.
A functional beverage full of antioxidants and electrolytes, with 0 sugar and 0 calories.
Andy Grove's famous management book that opens with the challenge of serving breakfast to hundreds of people and lays out management principles followed by tech companies.
A cult producer's iconic album, known for its unique beats and expressive use of the MPC3000.
A book by Joshua Foer about the art and science of remembering everything, discussing a neuroscientist’s study on London taxi drivers’ brains.
Cult favorite jams and preserves made by June Taylor for 30 years, known for refinement and depth of flavor.
Ghia is described as vibrant, fresh, and satisfyingly bitter, tasting like summer on the rocks with notes of nostalgic florals, earthy botanicals, and a clean kick of citrus. It offers an elegant volume that mimics the kick of alcohol and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with a simple mixer and garnish.
A documentary about the making of Fleetwood Mac's album.
A game that simplifies learning chess through the use of cards.
A brand that makes really high-quality unisex pants and jeans out of an innovation incubator in Okayama. TUKI is known for its amazing textiles and silhouettes, focusing on material integrity.
A classic American brew, light, crisp, and refreshing, for people who enjoy drinking…without the alcohol.
A book edited by Amy Auscherman, showcasing the heritage and design legacy of the Herman Miller furniture company.
Documentary on the life and work of Arthur Russell, an influential composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and disco producer.
A documentary delving into the history and impact of Wax Trax! Records, a pivotal label in the industrial music scene.
A documentary on New York street culture, focusing on hip-hop and graffiti art movements during the early 1980s.
A kelp-based burger made in Maine with a blend of fresh ingredients including kelp sourced from ocean farms in Maine, crimini mushrooms, pea protein, black beans, quinoa, crushed tomatoes, and superfoods.
Premium FDA/CE certified medical grade disposable masks in fashion prints. The Tiger print is specifically mentioned.
The Essential Capsule features Brightland’s core products: the now-classic AWAKE and ALIVE olive oils, as well as PARASOL, a raw champagne vinegar, and RAPTURE, a raw balsamic vinegar, double fermented with California zinfandel.
A quirky and memorable ornament to remind us of the pandemic times in a lighthearted manner.
The book explores the psychological effects of vision loss and smell loss, highlighting that while patients who lost their vision were initially more traumatized, over time they acclimated more significantly than the patients who had lost their sense of smell—who, a year later, actually reported a more enduring decrease in their quality of life than the patients who had gone blind.
Abercrombie and Fitch have reportedly spent over 3 million dollars on scent-spraying machines for its flagship stores using this fragrance.
A book by Jason McCarthy that tells the entrepreneurial story of how he built GORUCK from scratch, emphasizing the power of community building.
A book by Atossa Araxia Abrahamian that delves into the global business of buying and selling passports and the implications of citizenship, examining global inequality through the perspectives of those with and without powerful passports.
One of the best books on writing, emphasizing the importance of clarity.
A music label launched by Ryan Elliott that has been releasing new music.
A book by Alice Rawsthon that emphasizes the power of design in our lives, exploring how art power can be used and abused and how it can be as powerful as other major factors in life, like politics and economy.
A book by Zadie Smith consisting of a series of essays about the experiences and reflections during the 2020 COVID-era, covering topics such as the lockdown and its implications.
A device developed by Feelmore Labs that claims to lessen anxiety by activating specific mechanoreceptors in the skin and regulates a deep part of the brain controlling emotions, the insula, which in effect reduces anxiety and stress.
Brand proposes that "...buildings adapt best when constantly refined and reshaped by their occupants, and that architects can mature from being artists of space to becoming artists of time...More than any other human artifacts, buildings improve with time—if they’re allowed to." The book shows how to work with time rather than against it.
A French political and espionage thriller television series created by Éric Rochant, focused on the French intelligence agency DGSE.
Special band-aids that stay on toes and even through showers, recommended for runners.
A spectacular French political and espionage thriller that unfolds within the French intelligence agency DGSE, focusing on the division that sends agents into harm's way under non-official cover.
An album by Miles Davis that was an inspiration for the song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane.
A management classic that provides a readable explanation of how military processes around planning and communication can help in business execution.
A book by Stephen Bungay detailing the history of the Battle of Britain.
A publication by Stephen Bungay focusing on the Battle of Alamein.
A longstanding radio show maintained by Tim Sweeney that features a mix of modern dance music.
A tool used to block news and social media during the workday to increase productivity.
App designed to help users unplug by blocking distracting websites and apps.
An app that allows users to block their own access to distracting websites, mail servers, or anything else on the Internet.
Tracks how much time you spend on your phone and which apps you're using most.
Connects users to other professionals for live, virtual coworking sessions to keep them on task.
A book by JM Ledgard, mentioned as part of a great profile on him.
A memoir by Sarah Moss about her family's relocation from England to Reykjavik right after the 2008 financial crisis.
A vintage whodunnit by Michael Gilbert set in a prisoner of war camp in Italy during WW2, first published in 1952.
Duck leg confit, pork sausage and ham, onions, carrots, and slowly braised white beans form a hearty casserole that is topped with toasted bread crumbs. It comes with salad and dessert.
A kit for making Coladas offered by Eem restaurant in Portland. The kit has been popular among customers, contributing to the restaurant's advance sell-outs.
An app where you pick a decade and a country, and you can listen to the top songs of the time.
An app that lets you tune into live radio from around the world.
A low alcohol brand, playing in the nascent US apéro space. Apéritifs with complex flavors from roots, herbs, and botanicals.
The founding cologne, created by Françoise Caron in 1979 and inspired by the smell of undergrowth moist with morning dew, Eau d’orange Verte has since asserted itself as an emblem of HERMÈS, standing out by its distinctive freshness. Conceived as an explosion of citrus notes, orange plays the principal role supported by zest and leaves, lemon, mandarin, mint, and blackcurrant bud. The fragrance reveals its complexity in a unique sillage composed of oak moss and patchouli.
Kin is an aperitif reviewed by Thingtesting.
Discrete cashmere hoodies from the luxury brand Loro Piana.
Minimalist sneakers from the brand Common Projects.
Minimal-looking pieces from the insider brand The Row.
Luxury clothing from Brunello Cucinelli, preference for those seeking unflashy quality.
'Blended' is the third rom-com featuring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, known for its international success especially in Latin America.
'Jack and Jill' is a 2011 gender-swap flick featuring Adam Sandler, noted for its performance in Brazilian theaters despite low ratings.
An app released by Richie Hawtin that allows users to watch performances from CLOSE COMBINED from a variety of angles and deconstruct or isolate certain layers as they listen. It features an edit of a 2017 performance in Hungary and promises more archival live shows to be released exclusively within the app. Future live stream capability is also mentioned for real-time interaction with Hawtin's performances.
An all-time favorite book by Melanie Mitchell.
A new book on AI exposing its limits.
Intricately woven furniture based on pre-Hispanic techniques, part of Txt.ure's initial collection.
Rugs created with a traditional Turkish Knot technique, a result of intense research and collaboration with Casa Luis Barragán.
Noise-canceling earbuds that are getting good reviews.
"Activists, pundits, politicians, and the press frequently proclaim today's digitally mediated racial justice activism the new civil rights movement. As Charlton D. McIlwain shows in this book, the story of racial justice movement organizing online is much longer and varied than most people know. In fact, it spans nearly five decades and involves a varied group of engineers, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, journalists, and activists."
A picture book version of Marshall McLuhan's theories.
A book exploring the grandeur and architectural marvels of Soviet Metro stations, extending beyond the well-known Moscow Metro to other systems across the Soviet states.
Mentioned in the context of Felix Salmon’s Slate Money podcast, it is a new book authored by Daniel Markovits.
Sean Carroll's book about the many-worlds interpretation of quantum physics.
A documentary about the influential New York City music store Other Music, which closed in 2016 after 20 years of being a hub for indie music.
A book by David Bayles and Ted Orland exploring the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way.
A mini-size version of Sega Genesis, coming out in mid-September just in time for hibernation.
A nicely designed cable that is hard to lose due to its form factor.
An international travel charger that allows four devices to be plugged into a single outlet.
A book by David Grann about the murders of the Osage people in Oklahoma, related to oil deposits under their land in the early 20th century.
Noise Cancelling Headphones that cut engine drone while maintaining high acoustic quality, made from metal and leather, wireless and travel-friendly.
One of the earliest pieces of reporting on drones, morality, and their implications for geopolitics.
A deep dive into the controversial world of renditions, black sites, and a world beneath the surface.
An excellent book on Northern Ireland and the troubles by Patrick Radden Keefe.
A book by Ken Dornstein about the brother of one of the Lockerbie Bombing victims cracking the case.
A high-quality, sustainably made olive oil with unique packaging and branding, aiming to disrupt the traditional olive oil market.
A versatile, stylish pen that writes in almost all conditions, including outer space. Fits easily in a pocket and is perfect for those who enjoy jotting down notes by hand.
David Epstein's book 'Range' offers an interesting take on why experts have been so wrong so often, starting with the story of Paul Ehrlich and 'The Population Bomb'.
'The Population Bomb' by Paul R. Ehrlich is mentioned in David Epstein's discussion on the common inaccuracies of expert predictions.
A track by Ross From Friends that exemplifies the lo-fi house genre, known for its gritty sound, heavy on bass, built from simple synths and samples.
A book made up of the last articles and photographs from journalists who were killed doing their jobs. It features a cover design comprised of the names of 1,337 dead journalists, with white space representing the words they will never write.
A documentary featuring Nick Cave, including a recount of a performance by Nina Simone towards the end of her career.
Building a Second Brain is a course by Tiago Forte that promises to help you learn how to capture, organize, and retrieve your ideas and insights using digital notes. It offers a systematic approach and tools that you can trust to support creative breakthroughs in your work.
Incredibly high quality, breathable, and one of the best pieces to travel in.
A book that came out a few years after Senge’s famous book about organizational learning, filled with essays and frameworks for thinking, problem solving, and organizational design.
A complex blend of aromatic Jamaican Allspice berry & Cardamom distillates with two barks & a bright citrus finish
Cartoon of the Day.
A stop-motion film produced by Laika.
A stop-motion film produced by Laika.
A recently released stop-motion film produced by Laika.
A film directed by Ed Zwick about the possible wrongful conviction and death of a Texas man. Based on the story by David Grann.
The new version of the AirPods, featuring better battery life, a new chip for 'Hey Siri' functionality, and optional wireless charging.
Editions
On horological branding, national pride, and underdogs.
On strategic naval ports, airfields, and how quickly policy can pivot.
On making millions from YouTube, pressure washing, and the marketing becoming the product.
On drama, human intelligence, and how fiction can help you understand reality
On bullet-speed punches, cavitations, and water bubbles.
On Billy Ripken, hilarious anomalies, and failed cover-ups.
On a sanctioned Syria, amphetamine margins, and geopolitical leverage.
On airport hugs, Trick or Treat bags, and remembering Grizzly 399.
On grocery store vegetables, better potatoes, and Erewhon.
Some photographs from Jason Charles
On an ignored conflict, pressure cookers, and proxy wars.
On positioning, innovation, and entrepreneurship
On the Michelin star curse, the "Best Hotels," and the pitfalls of recognition.
On Seinfeld, mnemonic value, and what makes a Manhattanite.
On restaurants, presentation, and appealing to the senses
On internet cafes, offline lives, and early 2000s London.
On hospitality, nuance, and refreshes
On messaging, word of mouth, and hidden features
On music, rights, and the twisting history of a pop song.
Dexter Filkins on Tension, Tenderness, and Ravel
On flight, patina, and heritage
On theatrics, Emirates, and pendulum swings.
On the Concorde, the Boom Overture, and the return of ultra-high speed air travel.
On geopolitical watches, collecting, and being pulled back in.
On economics, verve, and cleanliness
On FT Weekend, King, Jonathan Eig’s M.L.K. Jr. biography, and Alba de Céspedes
On Borders, 90's UK culture, and reflection
On hospitality, nuance, and refreshes
On Japan, logistics, and making travel easier
On the future of WITI
On saltwater, electricity, and silica
On diving, learning, and grace under pressure.
A few new follows, recommended by us
On Palau, anomalies, and snorkeling
On architecture, Gothic Revival, and ornamentation
On Ferrari, Michael Mann, and the last photo of your life.
On Nick Cave, lordly pianos, and pandemic recordings.
On briefing, accuracy, and getting things done
On craft, luxury, and history
On JFK, standards, and national health
On driving, Malawi, and The Tree of Man
On dashed dreams, archives, and re-discovery
On The Passion, Color Combinations, and Perplexity
On credibility, media, and podcast mics.
On writing, tools, and feel
On the Happy Reader, France Inter, and Mavis Gallant
On design, classics, and cross brand collabs
On brands, layers, and detail
On Borders, 90's UK culture, and reflection
On trains, architecture, and nuance
On taste, trends, and serendipity
On humans, engineering, and detail.
On muscle memory, athleticism, and the joy of sport
On Osaka, baseball, and fans
On vibes, curation, and radio
On Sumba, homes, and belief
On Vegas, presentation, and oysters
On patina, memory, and longevity
On Raoul's, scarcity, and culinary delights
On positioning, innovation, and entrepreneurship
On pricing, loyalty, and Kirkland
On Austin, craft, and different approaches
On hardware, culture, and expression
Chris Wallace on drivin' like you stole it.
On rituals, hospitality, and decompression
On braille, Japan, and designing an accessible city
On governance, technology, and progress
On JCrew, Grant McCracken, and Detroit
On hospitality, taste, and history
On Prigozhin's death, shadow influence, and Africa
On ecosystems, disruption, and knock-on effects
On soundtracks, textures, and happy accidents
On taste, history, and nuance
On music, craft, and repetition
On marketing, weirdness, and iconic characters
On power, sound, and American automotive culture
On meerkats, ecosystems, and color
On cereal, branding, and TV
On music, rights, and the twisting history of a pop song
On buildings, heat, and problemsolving
On North Stars, pulses, and West Texas
On writing, reflection, and optimization
On competitors, gestures, and returns
On craft, cocktails, and careers
On Steinbeck, Yukio Mishima, and "Buyer & Cellar"
On markets, design, and classics
On language, culture, and preservation
On branding, emotion, and composition
On sanctions, Assad, and the Gulf states
On dents, dings, and stories
On CDMX, Jakarta, and geography
On details, service, and execution.
On music, religion, and reissues
On Didion, trees, and the Kings
On ideas, e-bikes, and on-box thinking.
On muscles, increments, and time
On craft, demand, and history
On growth, execution, and luxury
On luxury, strategy, and culture
On rituals, commutes, and working out
On luxury, parody, and being in on the joke
On luxury, Succession, and the cultural power of TV
On service, craft, and a promise
On deadlines, curiosity, and community
On flights, lights, and the tolls of travel
On migration, jobs, and remittances
On change, Causeway Bay, and the Captain’s bar
On memory, digital, and tributes
On Oman, terroir, and luxury
On music, foundations, and dancehall.
On beginners mind, cities, and avoiding Google Docs
On cities, housing, and buildings
On Boxing, Piketty, and Didion
On YouTube, mechanics, and the beauty of footwork
On pizza, marketing, and being memorable
On bromide, ambience, and memory
On bars, mocktails, and the price of non-alcoholic spirits
On cars, technology, and bringing new tech to vintage vehicles
On Saudi Arabia, urban planning, and culture.
On phases, Japan, and sprawl
On building speakers, Jing Daily, and Apartamento
On competition, tells, and tongues
On messaging, word of mouth, and hidden features
On batteries, cost, and pollution
On hospitality, service, and the value of rest
On restaurants, Soho, and a vibe
A data driven deep dive into 2022's MMDs
On Tokyo, music, and otaku
On politics, Russia, and leverage
On JFK, standards, and national health
On piano, collaboration, and space
On earworms, made up languages, and the magic of a good pop song
On climbing, weather, and an amazing human feat
Helping you get a head start on holiday gifting
On minimalism, notifications, and mental clarity
On credibility, mediums, and podcast mics.
On art, AI, and evolution
On lunch, logistics, and human effort
On branding, memory, and catchiness
On crime, borders, and exploitation
On DJing, textures, and longevity
On design, Stockholm, and hospitality
On Yemen, biodiversity, and beauty
On branding, emotion, and composition
On culture, food, and diplomacy
On sound, detail, and harmony
On the Art of Gathering, Pantelleria, and the Gee's Bend Quilters Collective
On Africa, emissions, and progress
On character development, details, and Michael Mann
On rituals, commutes, and working out
On time, space, and reflection
On climate, R&D, and the future
On cereal, GI Joe, and deregulation
On service, craft, and a promise
On menswear, photography, and light
On tennis, decorum, and rebellion
On restaurants, presentation, and appealing to the senses
On secrecy, commutes, and Vegas
On foraging for information, Tombstone, and Simon Kuper
On glitter, art forgery, and pickup basketball.
On Japan, displays, and selling
On analog ambience and travel
On access, civility, and problem solving
The most destructive weapons you've probably never heard of
On aviation, diplomacy, and surprise
On lunch, logistics, and human effort
On Tom Cruise, speculation, and blockbusters
Some links for your browsing pleasure
On restaurants, experimentation, and pushing into new realms
On books, books, and more books
On landscapes, sustainability, and a vision for the future
On power, sound, and American automotive culture
On politics, Russia, and leverage
On civil war, the supply chain, and weaponized pickups
On hotel soap, sabotage, and n/naka
On hotels, countries, and vision
On anatomy, stretching, and release
On blood sugar, monitoring, and the future of health
On Italy, cycling, and Chianti
On trends, hype, and thoughtfulness
On Syria, the UAE, and politics
On jetlag, the Hotel Okura, and liminal states
On Dubai, architecture, and spectacle
On secrecy, strategy, and psychology
New tabs for your weekend
On standards, brand, and opportunity
On piano, collaboration, and space
On patrols, territorial defense, and Kyiv
On Iran, negotiations, and Kurdistan
On transportation, need states, and the emergence of new spaces
On people watching, Austin, and Hermes
On travel, the past, and elegance
On Tokyo, records, and Greenpoint's Eavesdrop
On luxury, innovation, and biotech materials
On CDMX, urban warfare, and Zelensky
On composition, finesse, and Dilla
On cars, transparency, and evolution
On Maggie Rogers, Syria, and the Credit Suisse leaks
On walled gardens, censorship, and restriction by technology
On oceans, espionage, and secrecy
On China, Hong Kong, and press freedom
On native advertising, the UK, and junglists
On security, Yemen, and geopolitics
On Singapore, villages, and holdouts
On restaurants, design, and service
On Marrkt, Optimo, and Pan Am
On Dakar, airport arrivals, and wood burning
On Muscat, Salalah and the Empty Quarter
On America, travel, and the road
On drama, human intelligence, and how fiction can help you understand reality
On WeChat, lunch delivery, and emergent behaviors
On restaurants, Soho, and a vibe
On the UAE's new work week, deathbed books, and a great Balenciaga profile
On travel, signs and ambience
On anatomy, stretching, and release
On gifts, libraries, and David Simon
On attention, old school tech, and forcing functions
On Tbilisi, Black Ivy, and the world's best hotel bars
On contributors, articles, and plenty to read
On whales, Yemen, and a discovery
On live performance, journalism, and new models
On messaging, word of mouth, and hidden features
The subscribers only deep cut from WITI
On lunch, logistics, and human effort
The subscribers only deep cut from WITI
On reaching new audiences, Frankenstein constructs, and chart hits
On Tokyo, hospitality, and a subtle surprise
The subscribers only deep cut from WITI
On conflict, technicals, and supply chains
On aviation, diplomacy, and surprise
On aviation, diplomacy, and surprise
On Raoul's, scarcity, and culinary delights
On Nick Cave, dialogue, and a gentler Internet
On innovation, bathrooms, and bragging rights
On regulation, innovation, and social engineering
On stored value, shadow loans, and consumer brands
On Disney, exclusivity, and intrigue
On Afghanistan before the fall, style, and photography
On tailoring, constraint, and innovation
On COVID, policy and an about-face
A one-off appeal
On restaurants, presentation, and appealing to the senses
On friction, paperwork, and tourism recovery
On cardio, group activities, and Padel
On cities, civility, and Tokyo's approach to toilets
On coffee, jagged highs, and breaking the habit
On hacking, privacy, and altering the future
On travel, signs, and ambience
On status, strategy, and miles
On United, advertising, and strategy
On bases, economies, and vacuums
On hospitality, surges, and brand building
On Naples, espresso, and charity
On print, flying, and content
On whales, Yemen, and fragrance
On pizza, marketing, and being memorable
On the Cambridge Five, spycraft, and coaxing out a story
On United, branding, and nostalgia
On loss, memory, and tribute
On learning, technique, and Sampras
On hospitality, futuristic tents, and nature
On landscapes, sustainability, and a vision for the future
On distraction, writing and experimentation
On evolution, shared experiences, and micro-hospitality
On power, sound, and American automotive culture
On Africa, emissions, and progress
On flying, premium cabins, and turnarounds
On hospitality, design, and acoustics
On supply chains, citrus, and memory
On hibiscus, branding, and world building
On breakfast, Soho, and ambience
On craft, mushrooms, and leather
On war, injury, and the shifts in combat care
On rituals, non-alc cocktails, and marking transitions
On great weather soundtracks, Ralitsa Vassileva, and jet lag
On social media, brevity, and creativity
On travel, signs, and ambience
On composition, finesse, and Dilla
On strategy, diplomacy, and space to think
On London, transportation, and learning
On messaging, nostalgia, and new uses
On taste, nuance, and reflections on a culinary career
On conservation, poaching, and new violence
On music, storytelling, and context
On remote areas, creativity, and constraint
On remote medicine, technology, and Ghana
On hidden tracks, vinyl, and hacking algorithm culture
On hacking, diplomacy, and a new era of espionage
On banking, rights of passage, and modernity
On disco, dreams, and re-visiting the past
On muscle memory, athleticism, and the joy of sport
On Japan, Ivy League Style, and evolution
On luxury, perception, and heft
On the power of archives, Herman Miller, and process
On the ocean, food, and sustainable food
On posture, alignment, and working from home
On Hakata, outdoor eating, and creating a cozy experience
On migration, Qatar, and different species
On art, hidden spaces in NYC, and 280,000 pounds of dirt
On bespoke tailoring, the human touch, and innovation in COVID.
On Singapore, street food, and passing the baton
On smell, memory, and newfound appreciation
On conservation models, Zakouma National Park, and the urgency sparked by COVID
On remote work, being back-to-back, and finding space to really think
On Middle Eastern politics, personal relationships, and a historic deal
On terroir, time, and technology
On moving with weight, strength, and cardio
On stored value, shadow loans, and consumer brands
On risk, the beauty of patterns, and losing an icon
On COVID, airlines, and generosity as a brand builder
On mobility, borders, and the idea of citizenship
On collab culture, fast food, and brand marketing
On mobility, remote work, and crossing borders to live
On brands, COVID, and sea changes in experience
On brand communication, emotion, and evolution through the decades
On multinationals, cushy gigs, and globalization
On technology, marketing, and pragmatism
On architecture, the power of design in our lives, and living between two cities
On United Airlines, a career in the skies, and understanding people
On United Airlines, a career in the skies, and understanding people
On meditation, wearable technology, and the future
On offices, air, and the challenges of keeping buildings well-ventilated
On style, enthusiasm, and an East Village institution
On flying, seatback pockets, and the economics of airline publications
On the Alphasmart, getting things done, and simplicity
On age, time, and synthetic fabrics
On drama, human intelligence, and how fiction can help you understand reality
On songwriting, inspiration, and becoming iconic
On strategic planning, clarity, and making better decisions
On India, China, and a conflict that needs more attention
On finding focus, virtual working, and overcoming the stresses of remote work
On drones, remote medicine, and Ghana
On intelligence, strategy, and the value of a cure
On containment models, Cambodia, and early mask adoption
On podcasts, murder mysteries, and hacking habits
On Singapore, flora and fauna, and how wild spaces are managed
On Switzerland, access to fitness, and old school as new school
On behavior change, grocery stores, and small nudges
On civil war, the supply chain, and weaponized pickups
On old looms, the beauty of inefficiency, and sweatshirts
On training, improvement, and not burning out your muscles
On crisis, improvisation, and bright spots in a bleak month
On markets, covid, and new operating systems
On wildlife, scientific sleuthing, and the pain of plastic
On radio, personality, and sharing deep cuts
On app ecosystems, convergence, and quick iterations
On quarantine, sonic textures, and visiting another country via their airwaves
On coffee, tolerance, and alternatives
On hotels, music programming, and nuance
On human-wildlife conflict, chili pepper, and a gentle touch
On work, sacrifice, and a tangible link to home.
On politics, trade with Cambodia, and contagion
On salt, marketing wars, and getting people fed at altitude
On VPNs, the great game, and surveillance masked in utility
On branding, narratives, and the selling of a country
On Zimbabwe, foreign direct investment, and weighing risk versus reward
On dashed dreams, archives, and re-discovery
On tech, data, and a more complete picture of health
On gatecrashing, capitalism, and human observation
On tire-kicking, analysis, and objectivity
On Qaboos, the Middle East, and diplomacy
On clothing, culture, and the definition of luxury
On Singapore, business, and shifts to a more creative culture
On tourism, nature, and climate change
On war, injury, and the shifts in battlefield care
On movies, culture, and the challenge of starting something new
On hospitality, sleep, and the market opportunity to make stays a restorative experience
On Africa, nature, and new approaches to conservation
On Richie Hawtin, technology, and the changing nature of electronic music performance
On tourism, English, and the adventure of travel
On ride-sharing, drinking, and third-order effects
On journalists, intimidation, and digital surveillance
On hospitality, volume, and the movement of manners
On conservation, markets, and bold tactics
On training, new careers, and community diplomacy
On meat alternatives, flavor, and a return to processed foods
On climbing, weather, and an amazing human feat
On artisans, furniture, and second acts
On tailoring, Japan, and the crossing of cultural boundaries in bespoke suit making
On twenty hour flights, the human body, and whether two should be combined
On foreign correspondents, local reporters, and the inequality of a lot of international journalism
On hospitality, abuse, and the policies that allow it to occur
On loyalty, travel, and unique ways to deliver status
On immigration, cooking, and the role of food in culture
On music, media, and the way platforms shape content
On restaurants, fame, and the role of chefs as public intellectuals
On Africa, investments, and Russia’s soft power games
On rhinos, rescues, and re-acclimation
On cities, commuting, and the carbon impact of Copenhagen
On drones, Saudi Arabia, and the direction of warfare
On performers, mystique, and access
On language, learning, and what it means to be fluent
On music, culture, and the ephemeral nature of the mid-2000s
On Seoul, drinking culture, and the shifting patterns of business
On espionage, history, and judging the intelligence of intelligence
On shopping, vintage, and the increasing value of classic brands
On autonomy, travel, and the opportunities for new hospitality models
On wind, runways, and how nature shapes architecture
On Sega, Sonic, and the current state of videogames
On design, empathy, and aging
On AllAdvantage, ad fraud, and privacy
On wildlife, preservation, and anti-poaching
On Rwanda, genocide, and the role of platforms in propaganda
On DJ Shadow, synths, and making electronic music sound human
On the articles Colin and Noah reference most often
On freebies, brands, and real influence
On hospitals, healing, and the incessant beeps that can prevent it
On Doha, art, and soft power
On drones, black sites, and "The Manipulator"
On bribes, bombings, El Chapo, and Syria
On DTC, olive oil, and surprises
On fitness, aging, and the universal benefits of CrossFit
On corruption, exploitation, and network effects
On airlines, basic economy, and the possibility of unbundling business class
On Radiohead, data dumps, and fragments of creativity
On Tracksmith, running, and the third wave of DTC
On travel, sleeplessness, and the science of jet lag
On WeChat, lunch delivery, and emergent behaviors
On climate change, regional instability, and terrorism
On electronic music, lo-fi, and algorithms shaping our lives
On press freedom, the dangers of journalism, and The Last Column
On Baby Boomers, marketing, and learning from Japan
On refugees, expertise, and employment
On paywalls, media, and digital conversion
On Iran, oil, and the future of warfare
On alcohol, adaptogens, and a post-drinking world.
On brand purpose, virtue signaling, and digital ethics
On “news pegs”, newsletters, and the “publicity industrial complex”
On AI, art restoration, and video games
On retail, The RealReal, and the shrinking stigma of pre-owned
On coffee, nootropics, and good vibes
On DTC, prescription drugs, and regulation
On stop motion, slow motion, and emotion
On dry eyes, jet lag, and the possible future of long haul flying
On exercise, balance, and physiology
On TikTok, Internet culture, and Gen Z
On Northern Ireland, The Troubles, and silence
What it takes to run Soho’s busiest restaurant