MNTS # 53
[Week 1 / Year 2025] The Wizard, LC 70, Lydian Stone, Arts & Culture, Things Hidden, Made in USA Directory, Ploughman's Lunch, Note Books, On Media Diet, Camera Roll
Mainly, Notes To Self - A rundown of stuff worth sharing.
Gentlemen. Welcome to the 53rd edition of MNTS.
2024 LC 70 4.0L Hard Top 3 Door VXR
Legitimately depressed that this little fella isn’t available in the US and is basically impossible to import and drive in California. If anyone knows of a loop hole I’m very interested.
The Lydian Stone
High probability this is the only book I read in 2025 published in 2025. Very excited is an understatement.
Google Arts and Culture App
App I'm enjoying for increasing my exposure to art of all kinds. The Explore and Browse by Topic feature has been a major upgrade to my habitual scrolling and is a treasure trove of historic imagery.
A couple of artists I’m mesmerized by at the moment.
J.M.W. Turner - master of moon light
Canaletto - crisp perspective
Things Hidden
Documentary I’m watching. Raising twins provides a front-row seat to mimetic desire in action. Every five minutes, I witness Girard's theory play out in stereo – one child suddenly desperate for whatever toy (or parent) their sibling just engaged with. For the uninitiated, this documentary offers the most approachable introduction to Girard's work I've found. His framework didn't just help me understand my twins; it became a mirror for examining my own desires and their origins.
I published additional thoughts and highlights here.
Made In USA Print Directory
If you are into made in USA stuff this is an indispensable resource. Pairs well with the final nog latte of the season.
Ploughman’s Lunch
graciously featured my candid photography piece in his end of year round up. I’m genuinely flattered to be included in this group of writers and thinkers. Here’s to another year of courage and finesse. 
Notebooks
I start every year with a fresh notebook and these Monocle Leuchtturms with cloth covers are elite. So far, this duo has been my favorite note taking setup by a wide margin.
On media diet
Big mood this year.
“I have given up newspapers in exchange for Tacitus and Thucydides, for Newton and Euclid,” …“and I find myself much the happier.”
- Thomas Jefferson
From my camera roll
That’s a wrap on 53.
Happy New Year!
Until next time — Vividus Invictus1
AP
Rough Latin translation for Spirited and Resilient
Appreciate the shout here! And agree, that LC is lustworthy.