Watches, Stories, & Gear: A Crazy Hot Wheels Collection, a Cider Donut Map, and the Works of Mike Flanagan

“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear.

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The Microsoft x Activision Deal is Final

Microsoft, after many months of negotiations with regulatory bodies across the globe, has finalized their purchase of Activision, set to be the largest consumer tech acquisition in over twenty years. It’s a huge deal if you’re interested in gaming, for sure, but it’s an even bigger development in the world of tech writ large, and a sign that regulators who have tried to stifle the Microsofts, Googles, and Metas of the world from growing too large and powerful might be out of luck. The New York Times has the story, along with an analysis of what this deal might signify for companies the size of Microsoft going forward.

Every Mike Flanagan Project, Ranked

If you’re a horror movie fan, you’re coming to the end of what is probably your favorite month of the year. Horror movies (and TV series) just hit different in October. This year, as always, there’s an influx of high profile films and limited series with a spooky bent making their debut ahead of Halloween, and perhaps no single project has been more anticipated than The Fall of the House of Usher, a Netflix miniseries based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The show is helmed by Mike Flanagan, who has become something of a legend in the horror space, directing numerous series for Netflix, the film adaptation of Doctor Sleep, and more. His output is large enough that Vulture saw fit to rank every movie and TV show he’s made, and running through it is a reminder of his unique talent and style (lots of monologues, disturbing visuals, psychic pain – the usual).

A Map for Cider Donut Enthusiasts 

Sure, you can technically get a cider donut any time of year, but there’s something about a fresh one, made at an apple orchard on a crisp fall day, that’s just kind of special. That’s an experience that you really only get for a small sliver of the year, and we’re right in the thick of it. If you’re craving a taste of autumn that’s sweet but you’re not on Team Pumpkin Spice, the cider donut is here for you, and if you happen to live in New England, you’ll want to take a look at the map linked here by New Hampshire Public Radio, created by self-proclaimed “cider donuteur” Alex Schwartz, who has taken it upon himself to map out where you can find cider donuts of all kinds across the entire region, helpfully broken out into a variety of categories.

Daniel Arsham’s Hot Wheels Collection

Hot Wheels goes high fashion with their latest collaboration with artist Daniel Arsham, who will be rendering a series of 4 cars in a series called “Laps”. The first effort depicts the artist’s own Porsche 930 Turbo, and the Rodger Dodger designed by Larry Wood. Both models are monotone white, and get the eroded treatment in the signature style of Arsham, and bring a decidedly elevated note to the toy cars, providing a wonderful contrast in the process. This is the first of four stages for the series, and they will be available October 27, 2023 at 9 AM PT from Mattel. Check out the full display from Mattel right here.

Eddie Bauer at Buck Mason

If you’re looking to flesh out your seasonal fits heading into the cold weather you’ll want to check out a new Eddie Bauer collection done for Buck Mason. From Yukon jackets to Marino trousers, there’s a broad selection of earth toned pieces to bring a welcome accent to the wardrobe, or build a whole new section of your closet with. We love the flight pant for its use of textures and color, which also work beautifully on the barn quilt, a great option if your outfits are already ready to roll. The down-filled clothing will perform as good as it looks, as Eddie Bauer has been doing since 1920. Catch the full collection over at Buck Mason right here.

Rare Porsches Hit the Auction Block

RM Sotheby’s is set to welcome a selection of the famous white collection of Porsche’s later this year, featuring notable cars from the anonymous collection. Plenty of the modern greats will be represented, from the 918 Spyder and 992 GT3 RS, as well as classics like the 1993 Carrera RSR 3.8 and 1973 Lightweight 2.7 RS (in fact, there will be two of those). If you’ve got a vast amount of money burning a hole in your pocket, this represents a great opportunity to nab a turnkey all-time great collection of Porsches. As long as you like white. The collection, which is located in Houston, Texas, will become an auction space this December when RM Sotheby’s auctions many of the cars for sale for the first time. Learn more about the unique collection right here.