Question for the group: anyone else deal with a nickel allergy? I’m not talking mild irritation, I break out in hives if I brush against the stuff. And it’s everywhere. Belt buckles, watch backs, shirt stays, jean buttons, glasses frames. Honestly I haven’t found a real system yet, I just avoid what I can and suffer through the rest. If you’ve found brands or workarounds that actually hold up, I’m all ears. Asking for myself and for the hives.

Alright gentlemen, let's talk about something different - cooking! I am admittedly a Robert A. Heinlein fan, so I'll share this quote with you: “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” ― Robert A. Heinlein For this post, let's just focus on that "cook a tasty meal" portion... For the comments section, I'm curious how many of you would like to be a better cook, what's standing in your way, what you'd be interested in learning, etc. As for the poll... How's your style game - in the kitchen?

"Unique" and "data" are used wrong all the time! I firmly believe that using our words carefully and accurately is a central aspect of being a well-intentioned gentleman. Vocabulary ensures that what we say is accurately understood by our audience (online and in person). Vocabulary is also the single strongest predictor of overall intelligence on standardized intelligence tests (this was my field of research for about a decade). In order to avoid this coming across as elitist, I want to stress that the two guidances below - certainly pet peeves of mine - are words we use every day rather than something only used in rarified academia or by some PhD on a sartorial forum... 🤓 Unique: its simple definition is "one of a kind". This is dichotomous, like a light is on or off. No in between. Therefore, nothing can be "really unique", or "largely unique" or nearly any other modifier applied to it. When something is not one of a kind, we still like "unique" because it sounds stronger than what we should probably say: very rare. It is, however, wrong and inaccurately conveys our intent. The only appropriate modifier for unique is something which clarifies the noun is becoming unique. If only three of something remain in the world and one is destroyed, saying the final two are "nearly unique" is appropriate. Data: this word is ALWAYS a plural. Datum is the word to describe a single piece of data. This is just like saying "this people is funny" when we mean "this person is funny". As a statistician, you can only begin to imagine how much this drives me nuts because of its near omnipresent use. "These data are impressive" may sound weird at first, but it is the only grammatically appropriate way to say it. I hope this was helpful and not pedantic!

Gentlemen, here are a few standout posts from the RMRS community this week. 👏 Big shoutout to @Chad Smith for “OOTD - Monday 17 August” and the thoughtful way he connected his bow-tie choice to a busy day with friends and celebrating his daughter’s school achievement. It made the outfit post feel personal and showed how style can reflect the moments that matter. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/ootd-monday-17-august 👏 Shoutout to @Warner Smith for “It's been a while.....checking in to show some progress” and for sharing an honest update alongside the progress on his project. The openness invited meaningful encouragement and made the community conversation more genuine. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/its-been-a-whilechecking-in-to-show-some-progress 👏 Shoutout to @Jeffrey Plotka for “Midweek Intentional Check In” and the reminder that dressing well can be a deliberate choice, even during a full day of work, meetings, and family commitments. It sparked a strong conversation around intention and personal presentation. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/midweek-intentional-check-in 👏 Shoutout to @Dr. Jason Cole for “OOTD-CW - 19 August 2026” and for sharing a real-life check-in while still finding a way to approach the day with purpose. It brought relatable context to the OOTD format and encouraged fellow members to engage. Post: https://www.skool.com/rmrs/ootd-cw-19-august-2026 👏 Shoutout to @Brian McGuire for “Birthplace of faith and tweeds” and the travel-rich outfit update from his time around Oban and Iona. The post blended practical packing, heritage style, and a memorable personal setting that members clearly enjoyed.

In these tricky times, anxiety and dread can sit heavy on a mind. But I just spent a fine hour polishing shoes and watching travel blogs on YouTube. Like my Saphir, the vibe sank deep into me and smoothed my cares away.