Past issues Subscribe

Nov 16 2021

Issue #63

I spend way too much time and money on the internet so you don't have to.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I could possibly earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
About two weeks ago, I ordered a full-priced Popl from Amazon and even mentioned it in last week's issue. Let me just say that I am now full-fledged OBSESSED and I think this is the new big thing. Full transparency, I reached out to Popl to let them know my feedback and they looped me into their Ambassador Program - see below for some promo codes.

Popl is a small sticker (or card, or phone case, or keychain, or bracelet) that acts as a digital business card. You set-up your landing page (similar to something like a LinkTree) and someone accesses it by simply touching their phone to yours.

I have LOVED using mine while traveling and working in Mexico because it's so easy to share my WhatsApp, Venmo, Work Email, etc. with one touch. Once you have bought the Popl itself for less than $20, the service is free unless you want to do some custom branding.

If you'd like to try it, here's 25% off your purchase. If you are not into the link life, use "COLLINDUWE" for 20% off at checkout.

Here's how I have mine set-up:
- What’s the Deal With Seinfeld? Netflix put the classic sitcom on its streaming service in October. It’s served as a reminder of just how long ago the ’90s were.
- The Strange True Tale of ‘Castro’s No. 1 Killer’: Herman Marks, a drifter from Milwaukee, took a boat to Cuba with nothing but a Colt .45 revolver and $400 in cash. His plan? To join the revolution.
- A Drunk Mechanic, Shackled Immigrants, a Crash Landing: The Dangers of ICE Flights: “The airlines behind immigration flights aren’t household names, and they rarely land at major airports. They’re part of a shadow world of contractors that transport immigrants for profit. Since 2004, they have charged the U.S. government — and its taxpayers — more than $2 billion.”
- Secrets from the Death Chamber: They executed people for the state of South Carolina. For some, it nearly destroyed them.
- What Lies Beneath: The Secrets of France’s Top Serial Killer Expert: Stéphane Bourgoin is a bestselling author in France, known for his expertise in serial killers and extensive interviews with more than 70 of them. Then a group of strangers began to investigate his past.
- The Craziest Conspiracy Theories That People Actually Believe: According to the internet, we should steer clear of the Denver airport....and Bill Gates.

Some lighter fare:
- Everything there is to know about Inventing Anna, the Netflix series exploring the life of fraudster Anna Delvey, who was immortalized in this mind-blowing story in New York magazine.
- This piece, about a legendary NYC nightclub bouncer named Disco, is pretty great.
- On their 25th anniversary, a in-depth exploration of the legacy of the Spice Girls.
- This compendium of historical Karens is a 10/10.
- I can and have stacked virtual rocks for what seems like hours. Don't hate.
Desperate to avoid his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter (Michael Urie) convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to join him for the holidays and pretend that they're now in a relationship. But when Peter’s mother (Kathy Najimy) sets him up on a blind date with her handsome trainer James (Luke Macfarlane)— the plan goes awry. Also, it stars Jennifer Coolidge: “The gays just know how to do stuff,” her character Aunt Sandy says. “For some reason, they’re always obsessed with me,” she continues, in what appears to be a very knowing wink at Coolidge’s queer fandom.
Beyoncé is not simply a pop sensation. She is a cultural phenomenon empowering the oppressed and dispossessed, challenging white privilege and misogyny and exploding gender politics. But who is Beyoncé Knowles-Carter? And how did a small girl from Houston become the strong confident woman whose albums sell in their millions and whose songs have become anthems against racial and sexual discrimination and oppression? This biography sets out to reveal exactly that.
The author of the #1 New York Times bestseller What Kind of Woman returns with a collection of erasure poems created from notes she received from followers, supporters and detractors—an artform that reclaims the vitriol from online trolls and inspires readers to transform what is ugly or painful in their own lives into something beautiful. Here's an example - they are stunning!
Currently, 93 fittingly-chaotic songs that are lighting my fire this season.
I'm hard at work on my annual Holiday Shopping Guides - look for them in the next few weeks :)

I am back on the road almost weekly and here are my absolute must-packs:
- This door alarm gives me an extra layer of security while staying in hotel rooms. However, I always make sure I take the batteries out until I'm ready to arm it - it's LOUD.
- Like the door alarm, this added deadbolt helps me feel more secure while staying in a hotel room.
- I love my Paravel foldable bags - they zip right up and are great for unexpected purchases.
- To be honest, I haven't tried this particular brand but they're highly reviewed and I love a good eye patch.
- I always make sure I have a pen for filling out customs and immigration forms - these pens are my absolute favorite but this "Space Pen" is advertised to work in any condition.
- I don't own this and I don't know if I can bring myself to order it but people love this flight feet hammock.
- These are my favorite face masks - hands down. Super comfy and super breathable.
- When traveling, I don't rock a mask without a chain - this one is my favorite. A chain makes wearing a mask infinitely easier!
- The Turtl is a little warm for me (I think it's the fleece?) however it's super comfy.
- I am in love with my Zigi band - regardless of if I am on the road or not.
- A stick-on wallet is great for a room key, a credit card, and your ID. What else do you need?
- Speaking of bags, dare I say this is my absolute favorite? It's not the cutest but lots of pockets, a luggage sleeve, and they love a good Black Friday sale.

Not travel-related, just a few of my favorite things these days:
- I've had my eye on a weighted blanket from Bearaby - the individual strands of the blanket are weighted as opposed to a big sack of sand - but they're super pricey. Hello, dupe!
- If y'all aren't using Mighty Patches with the little "needles" then you aren't doing it right.
- Need a little tray? Everyone needs a little tray.
It me. I'm Collin. Shockingly, I hate talking about myself but here are the CliffsNotes. 32, Texan turned cruise ship character turned Texan turned Chicagoan turned Texan. Event designer and planner. Interior designer and stylist. Corporate badass. Spotify playlist-makin' fiend. Fiancé and double dog dad. Cursed with an aggressive gluten intolerance but also a passion for bread and no f*cks to give. Why a newsletter? It gives me a creative outlet with a deadline and my therapist says these things are important. Plus, I love to read, shop, share, and most importantly spend time on the internet. I don't sleep.

Previous Issues

Load More