The U.S. Geological Survey makes intricately detailed maps for Earth scientists, outdoor adventurers, and cartography fans who simply love the way they look. We’re in the latter group. Which is why we’re excited that until June 4th, the USGS store is selling thousands of maps for only $1 each! Zoom in on this selection of our topographic favorites, then go find a few of your own.

With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s time to buy your dad a gift that proves you inherited his good taste. Need some help? Take a look at our Father’s Day gift guide. We’ve chosen some of our favorite dad-friendly bags, apparel, and accessories. Get something new for the old man, and don’t forget to thank him for the good genes. 

Fleet Week began yesterday here in New York. So for the rest of the long Memorial Day weekend, thousands of sailors will make Manhattan their personal playground. And we couldn’t be more jealous. Which is why we put together this handy civilian guide for enjoying New York Fleet Week like a sailor, even though you’re not.

1) Rent a costume.

While it’s technically a crime to impersonate a member of the military (and we definitely don’t endorse it), convincing dress whites and a “dixie cup” cap are your key to a world of on-the-house drinks and entertainment. Creative Costume Company is a good place to start.

 2) Show up.

Rudy’s on 9th Avenue is perfectly situated near the West Side piers, has free hot dogs (call them “rollers”), and will be hopping with sailors and their admirers. The Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room usually hosts Navy parties all week. Yankee Stadium offers comped tickets to anyone in uniform.

 3) Get ink.

Sailors love tattoos, so print up temporaries and make sure to give each one a good story. “This tattoo of a surfing taco? I got it from a one-eyed gypsy on liberty in Roda.”

4) Drop some Navy slang.

Alpha Mike Foxtrot: See ya later!

The Gouge: The word on the street.

Liberty:Free time away from the ship.

Liberty Lunatic:  A sailor who enjoys Fleet Week a little too much.

Soup Sandwich: A situation that is totally out of control.

Turn and Burn: Hurry up.

5) Never talk politics.

Talking to military personnel about politics is like asking someone if their mom is hot. It’s inappropriate.

 6) Drink beer.

While a Dark and Stormy is delicious, it’s a cocktail for people who sail yachts, not battleships.

Have a great weekend!

Polka dots stand out in a crowd, whether they’re on our double-printed Busby Dot Shorts, or on the spinning drum of a concrete mixer. 

(Image: flickr)

Since the late 1970s, these stylish polka-dotted construction vehicles have prowled New York City’s work sites. 

Legend has it that a boss for Certified Concrete was on location at a Manhattan concrete pour, and started staring at the spinning drum of a classic candy-striped mixer. He became so transfixed and hypnotized by the drum’s infinite spiral pattern, that he seriously worried it might cause a workplace accident. So the boss ordered for the whole fleet to be repainted with polka dots. 

This story comes first-hand from John Scarpulla, who once drove the very same polka dot concrete truck in that photo.

(Image: Mens Journal)

Our store in sunny Venice, California has a backyard with its very own custom ping pong table, and everyone is welcome to come play. But ping pong wasn’t always all fun and games. The sport was once almost exclusively for hard-nosed hustlers, and its king was Marty “The Needle” Reisman. 

Forget practicing in a suburban basement. Marty grew up on the Lower East Side long before tenements turned into condos, and by the age of 14 he was making his living in smokey haunts around Manhattan.

No matter how many international tournaments he won, Marty’s bread and butter was money matches at places like the Riverside Table Tennis Courts, which he bought and re-named Reisman’s. He refused to ever play with anything but an old school hardwood rubber-covered paddle. So the sound of his games never lost the intense bap bap bap tattoo of two wiseguys in an argument. 

Today Reisman is 82, and he can still be found at ping pong parlors around New York City. Marty, if you’re ever in California, come by Jack Spade and play anytime.

(Image @katespadeny)