Good morning and happy Tuesday. On the HBO program Last Week Tonight, which aired Sunday evening, host John Oliver presented an in-depth expose on debt purchasing, which is, to simplify things, predatory abuse of people who owe large sums of money. To prove a point, he purchased $15 million in debt (for much cheaper than that) and forgave every last penny. 9,000 people woke up the next day to forgiven medical debts, and it’s being called the largest giveaway in TV history. We can’t do anything quite as heroic today, but… here’s what’s good in gear: a bug-repellant shirt, GMO-free snack food, odor-free dress socks and much more.
And — after you peruse our Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide, here are some fresh stories to start the day.
Promaster Navihawk GPS by Citizen
The latest iteration in Citizen’s GPS-connected series is a serious pilot’s watch with a bold look. Its 47mm case comes with either a stainless steel bracelet, leather strap or Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium™ bracelet. That proprietary material is five times as hard as stainless steel but 40 percent lighter. The Promaster Navihawk is ready for active duty too, since its Satellite Timekeeping System automatically keeps precise time and date anywhere in the world. The watch provides coverage across all 40 UTC time zones, and features a 1/20th-second chronograph for up to 24 hours and a perpetual calendar. Light-powered Eco-Drive technology ensures you’ll never have need for a battery change. Whether you plan to conquer the world or simply traverse it, this is the only timepiece you’ll need.
Nat Geo Insect Shield Henri Shirt by Craghoppers
A modern travel shirt with a twist. This cotton/poly blend shirt does more than just provide moisture control. It does more than fit well, with its modern lines and button-up sleeves. It does more than block UV rays and offer secure, secret zippered storage in a chest pocket. It also wards off insects — from mosquitos to ticks to flies and more. And since it’s Nat Geo branded, you know it’s good for any adventure.
Dark Chocolate Puffs by I Heart Keenwah
Take a boatload of organic and/or fair trade ingredients, make sure a good number are inherently healthy and crunchy grains, smother everything is rich dark chocolate and topped with sea salt or imbued with peanut butter, and you’ve got a damn snack on your hands. A snack you’ll feel eating too much of in one sitting, that is. Not that we insatiably hungry snackers would ever do scuh a thing…
1285 Dress Sock by Mack Weldon
Combining high-end silver thread that is naturally antimicrobial with luxe pima cotton, cushioned soles and colorways that complement any suit, these socks are meant to last forever and keep your footsies cool and comfy (and smelling better than normal) for many stylish wearings to come.
Nick Harris Orion Watch Project
From Chris Wright, Associate Editor: Nick Harris started modding Seikos after he was stumped while trying to fix his grandfather’s Omega Constellation. He’s since been accepted to the Watch Technology Institute in Seattle and continues to mod. His Orion Project, a set of watches he designed that use a Seiko movement and parts made in China, is in its prototype phase; it’s a “”robust and dressy”” watch with a knurled crown, sharp markers and hands, and a NH35 automatic, handwinding, and hacking movement that would make any modder proud. You can pre-order one now, knowing that you’ll be doing more than just buying a watch — you’ll be funding a future. Harris is using the project to help fund his tenure at watch school.
Pocket Knife by Grovemade
Made in the USA, this Japanese Higonokami design-inspired pocket knife is as simple as it is handsome (nice to say about a knife, not so nice to say about your brother’s kid). Hand-sanded and oiled maple or walnut woods for a handle around the Elmax steel blade. The blade doesn’t lock, so be extra careful when you take it out of your pocket for hours on end just to ogle.
Fresh Stories to Start Your Day
The Summer Style Trend We’re Into: Camp Collars
The camp collar is no longer just for bowling shirts and aloha prints.
Can This Man Change the Course of the Modern Museum?
Sebastien Montabonel, an art consultant, warns that the museum world is unprepared for the 21st century. He has some radical ideas to help.
Forget Maui — the Big Island Is Hawaii’s True Adventure Capital
Why the Big Island is Hawaii’s most well-rounded, and most enticing, destination for adventurers.
Earn Your Wings With Two Advanced Flight Simulators
Flight simulation programs have evolved to hyper-realistic, immersive experiences. Here are two of the best.
The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide
A complete rundown of exactly what dads really want.
12 Bucket List Hotels Worth the Plane Ticket
Luxurious, lavish or just plain old out there, some hotels are in a class of their own.
Behind the Scenes
Sightings From Instagram
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