The Material Review

Issue 080: The Man Who Broke Bowling, The Prom of the Colorado River, Steak Fries, Earth\Studies, Filming Top Gun, Wrigley Field, The Knot, Spotlight On: Camp Shirts and Keen x Pilgrim Surf + Supply.

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

The Man Who Broke Bowling

“Jason Belmonte’s two-handed technique made him an outcast. Then it made him the greatest—and changed the sport forever.” [GQ]

The Prom of the Colorado River

[The Paris Review]

Steak Fries: Deservedly Reviled or Underappreciated Edible Spoons?

“They may be America’s least popular fry, but some chefs are still devoted to them.” [NYT]

Earth\Studies Has Seen The Future

“A chat with partner Brandon Scott Herrell reveals the previously untold story that animates menswear's coolest, quirkiest outdoor brand.” [Mensweird]

Pilots, parties, and pranks: Filming Top Gun with Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise

[BBC]

Through Good Teams and Bad, Wrigley Field Remains the Coziest Park in Baseball

“The Chicago landmark represents the purest form of the American pastime” [Smithsonian Mag]

Does the Knot Have a “Fake Brides” Problem?

“The popular wedding website helps d.j.s, caterers, and florists find spouses-to-be. Some venders say they’re finding something else.” [The New Yorker]

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

Oi Polloi Scafell Pike Jacket

Forstner Komfit "JB" Mesh Watch Bracelet

Junior’s Brown & Beige Stripe Linen Tee Shirt

Moccamaster KBGV Select

The Stylish Life: Golf

Camp Shirts

Monitaly 50s Milano Shirt

Wynona Rene Cotton Shirt

Arpenteur Coral

Freenote Cloth Cayucos Seersucker

Hamilton Armstrong Stripe

Universal Works Open Weave Camp Collar Shirt

Keen x Pilgrim Surf + Supply

Jasper Zionic

Yogeez Clog

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.

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🏌️ HEAD x WHIM Masters NYC Viewing Experience

April 7-13. 12PM-6PM. Whim Golf Club, 129 Eldridge Street, NYC

Join us at Whim Golf Club at 129 Eldridge Street to watch the tournament and enjoy our free golf putting green all week long.

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🛒 MAFIA CRAFT @ Rare Device

April 18-June 1. 600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Rare Device is honored to present our newest pop-up collaboration with Mafia Bags! We’re excited to be hosting Marcos Mafia and his collection of up-cycled bags made from sails. The Show opens Friday, April 18th, with a reception in the RD Gallery from 6-8pm.