A Lifelong Obsession With Good Things

Since the dawn of man, we have covetted and collected beautiful and useful objects to fill our pockets and our homes. We have made and we have bought, we've found and fought for these items. We carry them, in our pockets and in our hearts, they make us happy and they remind us that we have achieved something: we've got something to hold onto, we have something permanent that says 'we were here'. Proof of life.

Morning Routines: Megan Collins from Style Girlfriend

As part of my Morning Routines feature, I've been talking to a different industry expert, adventurer, pioneer or influencer about how their morning sets them up for the day ahead. For our fourth instalment I spoke to Megan Collins from Style Girlfriend.

Full Metal Jackets: Zippo Lighters of the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam war, just like WW2 and Korea before it, a vital piece of equipment issued to every GI was the ever hardy and faithful Zippo lighter. Originally manufactured in 1933 by the Zippo Manufacturing Company of Bradford, Pennsylvania, the lighter became famous for its ability to stay lit in inclement weather, its ‘windproof’ reputation made it a must have piece of kit for the American military. Used for lighting cigarettes, heating food, reading letters from home, or setting fire to huts of the enemy, Zippo lighters were used so frequently in Search & Destroy missions that GIs came to refer to them as "Zippo Missions". These lighters became a memento of their time in the Jungle, something they would carry with them always.

Reconnaissance #30

Every week, The Listening Post delivers a curated roundup of the past weeks best links. In honour of the thirtieth edition we've doubled the amount of links. Here's this week's Reconnaissance:

> Take a Look Inside the Oyster Catcher House - Small House Swoon

> Living with Russian Scientists at the Edge of the World - Calvert Journal

> A Concrete Cut in Israel - Daily Icon

> Photographs of Johnny Cash's Legendary Visit to Folsom Prison - Mashable
> Inside the House of Beretta - Garden and Gun

> The Un-seen Seven and a Half Hour Cut of the Godfather - Consequence of Sound

> How and Why 'Neutral' Switzerland is Primed to Blow - BLDGBLOG

> Inside Fuji's Japanese Factory - The Verge

> How New York Plans to Fight the Blizzard - Gear Patrol

> Tent Porn - Alastair Humphreys

Sheffield's Steam Yard Coffee Co

Sheffield is host to handful of really high quality independent coffee shops, each with their own unique atmosphere and decor. They all serve excellent coffee and they’re all on my hit list when I need a caffeine fix. My favourite though, for reasons that’ll be come clear as you read on, is the Steam Yard Coffee Co in Aberdeen Court. I've drunk the world's 'best' coffee in Rome, Naples and New York but, for me, nowhere comes close to Steam Yard.

Five People Worth Knowing Well

There are people who make your life easier and there are people who make it damn near impossible. There's also a handful of people who, when you build a great relationship with them, can make your life awesome. From getting the right hair cut to getting served first at a crowded bar, these guys can really make a difference. These are the connections that count.

Work, Rest & Play at Soho Works Shoreditch

Private member's club operator, Soho House's international locations have been networking hubs for creatives since they opened the doors to their first London venue in 1995. The group has gone one step further and launched a 24/7 shared office space dubbed Soho Works, a 16,000 sq ft workspace housed in the iconic Tea Building in London's ever trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood.

The exclusive Soho Works is the perfect hot-desk destination for those working in the rapidly expanding freelance economy. Soho House's signature style runs through the location and bespoke ergonomic furniture created for Soho Works by Humanscale makes your workspace as individual as you are.

Reconnaissance #29

Every week, The Listening Post delivers a curated roundup of the past weeks best links. Here's this week's Reconnaissance:

> The Ultimate Adventure Mobile - Valet Magazine

> Officine Panerai and the Invention of the Diving Watch - A Continuous Lean

> Driving One of the World's Most Dangerous (and stunning) Roads - Cool Material

> How Ten Influential New Yorkers Take Their Morning Coffee - Gear Patrol

> Exploring Japan with Jan Vranovský - Parallel World

Morning Routines: Matthew Pike from Buckets & Spades

As part of an ongoing Morning Routines feature, I've been talking to a different industry expert, adventurer, pioneer or influencer about how their morning sets them up for the day ahead. For our third instalment, I caught up with Matthew Pike from menswear, design and lifestyle blog, Buckets & Spades.

The Hill-Side x CB2 Home Goods Collection

Brooklyn-based menswear designers, The Hill-Side, have partnered with homeware specialists CB2 to create a collection of furniture, bedding and home decor that draws inspiration from the patterns and prints that adorn their clothing and accessories. The collection has been designed with unmistakable urban aesthetics in mind and the pieces are available in cool blue shades as well as contemporary neutrals.

Reconnaissance #28

Every week, The Listening Post delivers a curated roundup of the past weeks best links. Here's this week's Reconnaissance:

> Climbing Rio de Janeiro's Christ The Redeemer - On The Roofs
> Unsolicited Thoughts for Young Men Everywhere - A Continuous Lean
> Building a Better Arctic - Roads & Kingdoms
> New Year’s Resolutions That Will Make You a Better Man - Cool Material

> Exploring Ukraine’s Western City of Lviv - Calvert Journal

Morning Routines: John Peabody

Every Month, as part of an ongoing Morning Routines feature, I talk to a different industry expert, adventurer, pioneer or influencer about how their morning sets them up for the day ahead. For our second instalment, I spoke to John Peabody from one of my favourite blogs, The Hand & Eye.

Video: From Timber To Tide

Take a look at this beautiful short film by Pixillion that follows boat maker Ben Harris and explores the joys of craftsmanship and the virtues of taking your time. The film documents Ben Harris’ love of wood work and boat building, how he acquired his skills, and how incredible it is to be able to take something that you’ve built with your own hands out onto the water and sail it across the sea.

http://www.benharrisboats.co.uk

Get Organised at Work for the New Year with Huckberry

You're probably reading this at your desk after a nice festive Christmas break stuffed full of cheese, turkey and beer. Take a look around you, I bet your office is looking pretty tired and a far cry from the cosy 2 weeks you just spent at home with all your favourite bits and pieces within reach. Take a look at this lineup from our friends at Huckberry and refresh your desk for the new year.