I’m pretty sure if I ever met Aaron Draplin in person we would be boys. At least, that is what I like to think. There are certain people that I looked-up-to when starting my site ACL and Aaron is one of them. Just the fact that he gets drunk and hits eBay is reason enough for me to like him.

This package showed up in my mailbox yesterday and I was like a kid in a candy store. The little screw-driver pen thing almost threw me over the edge. Those were always around my house growing up in Ohio. Many thanks and much respect to Draplin for being a patriot and a freedom fighter, not to mention a generous guy.

A few weeks ago an ACL reader emailed me a link to Kentucky Correctional Industries, who makes Dickies style workwear, furniture and even mattresses using incarcerated workers in the state of Kentucky’s prison system. As you would imagine — thanks to the super depressed labor cost the — KCI prices are dirt cheap. (One of these days I’m going to order some pants etc., and try them out just for the hell of it.) Now I have to admit, KCI is one of the stranger um, “brands” that has been suggested for my American List. Then today I discovered the Hamburg, Germany based Haeftling, who makes a collection of “jail wear.” No joke. Most of the clothes look pretty average (the items shot on models look downright freaky), but the metal cafeteria tray and wool blanket look pretty cool. The Haeftling products aren’t actually made by prison labor, but the line does draw its inspiration from jail attire. That is one type of manufacturing that you don’t have to worry about being sent offshore since there is no cheaper labor than prison labor. Gives new meaning to Folsom prison blues now doesn’t it.

File this under things I want but do not need. BMW R65 WWII replica motorcycle with sidecar. How long do you think I would last on the highway with that fake machine gun before some statey had me in a choke hold? I suppose you would have to leave some of the props at home.

No joke. I have a list in Delicious of things that I need to buy, and by need I mean want. A sampling of my wants and desires are pictured below. I like to have at least 10 — 100 material obsessions on my mind at all times. Keeps me from going insane I suppose.

Danner Light II Hiking Boots. Made in the USA. I can’t forget to get red shoelaces.

Steve McQueen: A Life in Pictures

AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D Autofocus Lens for my Nikon D300

Brooks England B17 Saddle

Patagonia Big Label Redux