Photographer Federico Mauro has embarked on capturing some famous style pieces and accessories: eyeglasses, musical instruments, even guns. But I'm especially intrigued by his shoes...something rarely seen in movie closeups and 3/4 shots, but just as iconic as the rest of the wardrobe.    

Mauro's collection includes men's footware classics from fictional characters, like Data's slick shoes above, as well as the go-tos of real life characters, like Steve Job's New Balance 991s. 

Check out Federico's full collection at his site: Famous Shoes [FedericoMauro.com]

You've heard it since kindergarten...breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And, for my money, has the potential to be the most delicious. 'Cept (you knew it was coming), here's the problem with breakfast: you eat it in the morning. When you've just woken up. Before you have to go to work. When the last thing you have time for is cooking.   Enter: breakfast for dinner, the most magical thing since, um...breakfast for lunch? We do this in my house at least once a week, and they're usually my favorite meals. Tonight, I'm totally making this skillet, throw-in-what-you've-got huevos rancheros recipe from Birchbox Man. They say, "Prepared in a cast iron skillet, this Mexican egg dish is intensely flavorful and seriously filling—not to mention quite a feast for the eyes. Best of all, it’s easily scalable. Make it for yourself or make it for a crowd. Chef and photographer Sylvia Fountaine says, 'This is my favorite ‘breakfast for dinner’ meal. And it's pretty darn good for breakfast too.' We agree."

And since it's not breakfast, go ahead and enjoy it with a homemade michelada - snag the ManMade recipe here. 

Get the recipe at Birchbox Man - Breakfast for Dinner: Skillet Huevos Rancheros [Recipe adapted from and photos by Sylvia Fountaine of Feasting at Home]

I'm inspired by the look of these pendant lights; a great way to add some color and a bit of rustic texture to your home.

Created by Ana Kras, these "Bonbon" pendant lights are part of an exhibition showcased at  DILETTANTE in L.A. I love how they look amazing even when they’re not lit up. If you wanted to make something similar for your home, you’ll probably need a few things:

- A lamp shade wire frame (you could even use an old one from the thrift shop)

- Yarn or cord

- Hot glue

- Light kit (like IKEA's Hemma) 

Then, just wrap the yarn or cord around the frame to create shapes and patterns of your liking. Seems like a pretty great project to tackle that doesn’t require hardcore power tools. You could even use this project as some sort of “meditative DIY” - craft and repetition seems are a useful way to declutter your brain. Just ask any knitter or crocheter.

To see more designs and Bonbons visit Ana Kras’ site

The ManMade approach to style has always been to seek out the classics. And true, layered and subdued works in the winter, but summer's the time for embracing the season and trying new things. So, go out on a limb and check out these ideas for wearing colorful/patterned shorts so you can step up your style for the summer...while still feeling like yourself. 

1. J. Crew Staton Shorts: This shorts are pretty tamed but still have a good dose of colour. You can pair them up with some sneakers or a dress shirt depending on what level of dress you're going for.  Either way, you'll add a nice punch of burgundy to your wardrobe. 

2. Gap Shorts: This pair has both texture (corduroy) and color (mustard). They are super bright so you can mix them with neutral coloured t-shirts; grey, black, white. Avoid using any red, or you'll look like you're related to Ronald McDonald.

3. American Eagle Cargo Shorts: Whoa. Neon? Are you crazy? Nope. The neon trend can be seen now on mainstream brands which means - it's safe to wear anywhere! Well, almost anywhere. You don't have to worry about your masculinity being compromised as long as you keep your t-shirt and shoes on the neutral side. Also, NEVER mix more than one neon color on the same outfit or you'll look like a traffic cone.

4. Urban Outfitters Desert Trunks: These trunks have a more playful pattern that's still safe to wear throughout the summer and early fall. Add some canvas sneakers (with no socks on) for the full surfer look. They are made for swimming, but with a shirt on, no one can tell the difference - plus, if you end up hitting the beach, you don't have to worry about getting in the water.

5. Need Supply Chuck Shorts: Last but not least - these patterned shorts are a great alternative to your average trunks. Sure they have some kind of polka dots on them, but the navy blue keeps it masculine and relatively neutral. If you're looking to jump on to the patterned wagon, you should go for something like this where you'll feel comfortable and stylish.

What do you think? Could you pull off any of these looks without feeling like a goofball?

That little green crocodile...sitting on the heart of collared shirts everywhere. It's a preppy status symbol, sure, but there's a pretty interesting history to how that guy got there, and influenced the whole logo/animal on your polo shirt phenomenon,Threaded, a column on the Smithsonian magazine site, has the details. It's a quick interesting read on the development of the polo shirt, the contributions of French tennis player René LaCoste, and the countless imitators it spawned. Check it out at Threaded:

The Story Behind the Lacoste Crocodile Shirt

Check out this idea for a weekend project: simple wood shelves strung up with a bit of climbing rope for a rustic, functional piece of organizational decor.    The steps and materials are deceptively simple: drill some holes in a few pine shelves, tie some knots and hang!

I especially like the diamond pad eye hardware, which lend a cool, nautical vibe.

Get the full how-to from Megan at One King's Lane: Rope Shelves DIY Project

A few weeks ago, I posed the question in our Ask ManMade column, "What the _____ are men supposed to wear to dress up in the summer?"   We got some great replies in the comments, but I wanted to share this recent article in the New York Times titled, "Manning Up in the Summer," in which they interview famous menswear designers for their best tips to keeping cool.

There are lots of great ideas and memorable quotes, such as "If you’re going to dress more casually, you can really lift your look with accessories," from Michael Bastian, and an argument for wearing wool over cotton from Thom Browne (pictured above): " 'Cotton.. [is] just as hot,' he said, adding that, unlike cotton, wool is relatively moisture-proof and keeps its crisp look throughout a hot summer day. 'Especially if you sweat.' "

Check out the tips on style items, cuts, and materials: Manning Up in the Summer [The New York Times]

Whoa, dude. Yep,  analog and digital just got married and created a baby that combines the best of both worlds. Err, um, I mean: Learn how to make your own phone dock from of a vintage camera!

Photojojo came up with this crazy good tutorial to make your own phone dock using an old camera. Seriously, those guys are always full of surprises. This DIY project is not only cool because you can charge your phone in style, but also because it requires very little work; some glue, some holes here and there and that's about it.

If you don't have a vintage-looking camera, you can always hit the thrift store and find one for super cheap. Obviously you don't have to worry if the camera works since you're gonna hack it.

Grab your tools and head over to Photojojo's blog to read the full instructions.

Turn an Old Camera Into a Retro-tastic Phone Dock

Try not to drool all over the keyboard while your eyes feast on these amazingly flavourful burger recipes. Fire up the grill and join us in the kitchen!

1. Porcini Mushroom Burger: The guys from Use Real Butter were lucky enough to find some wild porcini mushrooms, but don't worry, you can get the same tasty recipe with porcini mushrooms bought at the market. The earthy flavour of the mushrooms combines with the sharpness of the gruyere cheese are the perfect combo.

2. The Egg Burger: It's breakfast, it's brunch, it's lunch. It's all in one. This juicy burga' has a hidden delicious surprise: an egg in the centre! This is the perfect excuse to eat a burger at 7 in the morning.

3. The Taco Burger: Do we really need to sell you on this one? Nope? Didn't think so. This tex-mex creation is packed with flavourful ingredients that will leave you full and wishing you were laying down at the beach in Baja.

4. Best-Ever Veggie Burger: If you need a break from all that meat, then you should make this insanely delicious veggie burger. It's cheesy, juicy, and best of all - super healthy. What's not to like? (Editor's note: I live in the same neighborhood as the restaurant where this veggie burger was invented, and have had countless. It's seriously amazing.)

5. Buffalo Burger with Bacon and Blue Cheese: Feel like indulging? Then you should try this recipe. You'll probably need a few breaks in between to finish it, but it'll be so worth it. If you're serving this dish for a party, leave the blue cheese mayo on the side so your guests can add as much as they want.

6. Asian Pork Burger with Pickled Cucumbers: An exotic twist on a classic summer staple, this recipe has a combination of ingredients that makes it irresistible - sweet, sour, spicy, the works! You might as well try it this weekend to check it off your to-do list.

Got any favorites you want to share? Let us know in the comments!

And be sure to check out: ManMade's Five Commandments for Making Great Burgers at Home

There's no doubt about the cheer. Beside your fire you live in a private, glowing little world. All around you, fire shapes dance across rocks and bushes and tree trunks...Most of the time, you just sit and gaze at the caverns that form and crumble and then form again and gaze into the caverns that form and crumble and then form again between the incandescent logs. You build fantastic worlds among those pulsating walls and arches and colonnades. You sit, in other words, and dream. The East African has an almost limitless capacity for this masterly and delightful form of inactivity, and when his friends see him squatting there, lost, they understand and say in Swahili, poetically, Anahota moto - "He is dreaming the fire."    

Colin Fletcher, "The Complete Walker IV" (Knopf, NY:  p. 288)

I don't think there's much more to say than that. So, let's build our own DIY fire pit, yes? This version is cast of affordable, weather-resistant concrete that creates a sleek, modern look. It's portable but sturdy, and uses gel fuel, making it possible to have a quick 30-minute post grill session fire. It take a bit of care and proper prep, but this could be made in just a few hours for well under $50 in materials.

Tools and Materials: 

• Concrete mix
• One extra-large bowl for exterior mold (ours was 17" diameter)
• One large bowl for interior mold (ours was 15" diameter)
• Non-stick cooking spray, or vegetable oil and paint brush
• Large bucket for mixing
• Medium-duty masonry trowel
• Proper safety gear for working with concrete:
• 3M Tekk Protection N95-rated dust mask for sanding and grinding
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Refinishing or work gloves
• Plastic or reusable drop cloth
• Heavy objects such as exercise weights (or you can use the rocks below)
• Sandpaper or sanding pad in coarse and fine grits
• Gel fireplace fuel canisters 
• Replacement grill grate (ours was 14 1/2" diameter)
• Fire safe decorative stones 

Casting the Bowl

Creating this project is all about two components: finding the right materials and working safely. For the main fire bowl, we used the largest mixing bowls we could find. Check your local restaurant or party supply store for extra-large options. I opted for a plastic punch bowl for the outside because I liked the profile shape, and a stainless steel mixing bowl for the inside.

Working with concrete isn't difficult, but it does require some finesse. First, it's fairly heavy and can be difficult to mix in large batches by hand. Secondly, it's extra important to use the proper safety gear to prep and execute your project. Work outside or in a well-ventilated area, and cover your work surface with plastic. I covered my bench in a plastic drop cloth, and taped everything down with ScotchBlue™ tape. 

Also, be sure to wear proper safety gear to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory system. For this, I consulted with 3MDIY.com for their suggestions of the best products from their 3M Tekk Protection line. I went with an N95 valved dust mask for sanding and grinding, and long sleeves and refinishing gloves to protect my arms and hands. For my eyes, I opted for these Walter White-style safety goggles, which not only protect from debris but also dust and irritants. Plus, I prefer them when wearing a respirator or dust mask, since they seal tightly and don't fog up.

1. Once you're all prepped, spray your molds with non-stick spray. This will help release the concrete once it's dry. A thin, even layer over the inside of the outer mold/outside of the inner mold will do. 

2. Then, mix up your concrete. It's hard to determine how much you'll need, but it's better to mix up more as you start than to rush to create more in the middle. I used about 1/3 of a bag for this project, adding water a little at a time until the mix formed a thick, cookie batter-like consistency. Make sure you're wearing your safety gear here; this is the time when most of the particulates and irritants are flying around. 

3. Then, use the trowel to add the concrete mix to the outer mold. Fill it about half full, then check the inner mold to see how high the concrete comes up to the side. It's okay to take the inner mold in and out a few times, just make sure you don't lose all your non-stick spray. (You can wipe it clean and reapply). A friend or extra pair of hands is helpful here. Then, use weights or rocks to keep it in place. Some things to watch out for:

• As you place the inner mold, make sure that it's centered so your bowl will have an even thickness all the way around
• Keep the lips of the bowls coplanar for an even, symmetrical finished product
• Adjust the weights so that you have the biggest inner bowl as possible while keeping the structure thick enough to be strong. You'll want to be sure that there's enough space on the inside to place your gel canisters beneath the lip of the bowl.

4. For a super smooth finished surface, try this tip (I picked this up years ago from an episode of This Old House, I think): use something with a motor to vibrate the bowl to remove any air bubbles inside the mold. Here, I'm using my reciprocating saw without a blade, but anything will work: a powered sander, an oscillating or rotary tool, even an immersion blender.

One it's settled and things are no longer moving, allow the concrete to cure according to the package directions. (48  hours-ish)

Finishing the Bowl

5. When your concrete has cured, carefully remove it from the mold. I lightly tapped on mine with a rubber mallet, first removing the inner bowl, then freeing the outer. It's solid at this point, so don't be afraid, but do be careful since it's quite heavy.

6. Use a coarse sanding pad (60-80 grit) to clean up the top lip, and give everything a nice rounded profile. Again, since you'll be generating a lot of fine particulate dust, wear your safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask.

Wipe away the debris, then give the whole thing a round of fine grit (220) sandpaper. Since concrete doesn't have any fibers or grain like wood, you don't have to work your way up. Any sanding is just the removal of irregularities or smoothing things up. 

Assembling the Fire Pit

7. Lastly, take it outside, and place the gel fuel canisters inside. I found mine at a local fireplace/swimming pool/outdoor recreation store, but you can find them in some hardware or home improvement stores or online.

8. Place the grill grate in the bowl. The one I used was a 14.5" bottom grate (for the charcoal, not the cooking surface) for a Weber kettle grill. It rested perfectly about 1/2" from the surface of my 15" internal diameter bowl. If you can't find one, you can cut a larger one to size with a hacksaw or grinder, or create your own from hardware cloth or steel mesh.

9. Then, cover the grate with a layer of rocks. I'm using "Mexican beach pebbles" that I found at a garden center. These are commonly used with fire, so I can be sure they'll stand up to the heat and won't explode into flaming shrapnel with extended use. So, just be sure that whatever rocks you're using are appropriate for the purpose.

Light It Up!

While the flames on these aren't bonfire-sized, the gel canisters put out quite a bit of heat, and all kinds of fun ambiance. At some point, I'd like to make a few of these and place them around my patio or deck. (At some point, I'd also like to have a patio or deck). But, for about $40 in materials (many of which I can reuse), I have a great, easy-to-use backyard fire solution, that requires nearly zero work to start or snuff out, and can keep our outdoor hangouts going well past sundown.

Oh! And here's a Pinterest/social media friendly image. Would you please be so kind and help share the goodness?

Enjoy!

This post is a collaboration with 3M DIY. To keep up-to-date on projects, products and sampling visit 3MDIY.com.

This post was sponsored by 3M DIY. All opinions are mine alone.

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web.

A look at how much caffeine is actually in a storebought cup. Apparently, "the milligrams of caffeine per ounce vary from chain to chain as wildly as the mood of someone hopped up on six cups." See more at The Huffington Post 

The Ivy League posted this 1954 Playboy magazine cartoonon how to get "That Brooks Brothers Look." 

Design students created a recycled paper bicycle helmet that's strong enough to save lives.

Self-taught baker Rhiannon of CakeCrumbs creates these stunning structural cakes representing the layers that make up planets such as Earth and Jupiter. She's even created a how-to demonstrating her technique. 

It was bound to happen, and New York artist Phillip Romano did it: The chalkboard car 

Summer markets are still buzzing with fresh produce and local goodies - but what's gonna happen when they're gone? Well, maybe you can score a few wooden crates to use as planters.

This is one easy DIY project. You basically need a few plants, which can be already potted, and some wooden crates (which sometimes are not as easy to come by as you think). You can either place the potted plants inside the crate and call it a day, or you could transfer them using a plastic bag with a few holes to drain the water.

Wooden crates are almost like a rustic kind of gold that's very valuable in the modern-thrifty market - so you're better off going to the farmers market and asking one of the vendors to sell you some, rather than fighting a bidding war on Ebay or Craigslist.

Keeping the crate "as is" will add a masculine touch to your space and, if you end up murdering your plants, you can always flip them around and use them as stools. Either way, you end up winning.

For more inspiring photos, visit Blythe Ponytail Parades

Crated Succulents

With summer in its twilight, and stores making space for the new fall styles, this season is actually a great time to snag a new pair of sunglasses. There are all kinds of 25-40% off sales happening now, and you'll still have months to wear them. (I'm sure I wear mine as much in winter as summer. The light bouncing off snow is bright, and the skin-damaging UV rays of the winter sun are just as strong."   So, I recommend taking a look at this article by Kelly O'Reilly for Details. It's a brief history of sunglasses, from their origins as medical remedies through their development for pilots to becoming an eventual (and practical) staple. 

SUNGLASSES ARE LIKE FRAGRANCES: IT'S fun to try new styles, but a classic, great-looking pair is key to developing a signature look. Somewhat surprisingly, this sartorial staple didn't become an option—let alone a mainstay—in men's wardrobes until 1919, when Sam Foster of the Foster Grant Company (one of the country's oldest sunglasses manufacturers) introduced the first modern pair in the Woolworth's on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

The piece ends with some solid recommendations for face shapes: round, square, oval, etc. It can be hard to tell exactly what you're looking at if you try to scan yourself in the mirror, so just ask a friend (or glasses store clerk) what kind of face you're sporting. They'll be able to distinguish in an instant. 

Sunglasses: A Brief History and How to Choose the Best Frames for Your Face 

Summer markets are still buzzing with fresh produce and local goodies - but what's gonna happen when they're gone? Well, maybe you can score a few wooden crates to use as planters.

This is one easy DIY project. You basically need a few plants, which can be already potted, and some wooden crates (which sometimes are not as easy to come by as you think). You can either place the potted plants inside the crate and call it a day, or you could transfer them using a plastic bag with a few holes to drain the water.

Wooden crates are almost like a rustic kind of gold that's very valuable in the modern-thrifty market - so you're better off going to the farmers market and asking one of the vendors to sell you some, rather than fighting a bidding war on Ebay or Craigslist.

Keeping the crate "as is" will add a masculine touch to your space and, if you end up murdering your plants, you can always flip them around and use them as stools. Either way, you end up winning.

For more inspiring photos, visit Blythe Ponytail Parades

Crated Succulents

Tristan Stoch, a filmmaker from Portland, OR, created this look at Geoff Franklin, a PDX-based craftsman who makes leather and wood goods and accessories at Walnut Studiolo. 

 It's two minutes very well-spent. Watch it below:

Geoff says this about his work, "Handmade is the attention to every detail...the whole process long. It's the hand/eye conversation. Handmade means that there are gonna be quirks....that it's going to be original. That they're going to be one of kinds, each and everyone one of them. The sharpness of the tool, the angle that its held at...all of these things are controlled by your motor skills. Through this process, right through the end - somebody's been paying attention to it."

Cool, right? See more of Geoff's amazing handcrafted goods at Walnut Studiolo, and Tristan's films on his site. 

French photographer Franck Bohbot has elevated the concept of an indoor swimming pool to gallery-worthy heights.

Paying tribute to indoor swimming pools might not be one of your priorities, especially if you only go to them to exercise and release some stress. That's why this series by Franck Bohbot has caught our eyes; it has made us look at this - otherwise mundane spaces - with a fresh pair of eyes.

Each swimming pool is all of the sudden transformed into a minimal, modern space full of colour and geometry. It makes us appreciate their architectural design and functionality. Also, the hues captured by Mr. Bohbot's lens are very Stanley Kubrick-esque.

See the rest of the images over here. Oh, and while you're at it, you should definitely pop by his Theatres series, wowee.

All images: Franck Bohbot

There are two basic principles to the ManMade approach to style and dress: fit is everything, and buy high-quality, universal items that will last. In order to help you hold on to those investment items, and make sure they suit you as best they can, ManMade is happy to present our latest series: The DIY Tailor. This summer and fall, professional tailor and alteration specialist Danni Trester will teach us some basic sewing principles and easy DIY repairs that every guy should know. First up: how to sew a button.   

Knowing how to sew on a button is one of most basic domestic tasks every person should know. It's easy to do, and easy to screw up if you just go at it like a needle-wielding crazy person. The steps apply to all kinds of buttons, fabrics, and threads.  Not only will you be able to fix your own duds, but you'll look totally cool when you can help out your ignorant friends in a pinch. 

1) Get the supplies.  You'll need a needle, thread, the detached button (or a suitable replacement), and a scissors/cutting blade of some kind.  Depending on the garment, you may need a heavier weight thread, and thus a needle with a bigger eye that can accommodate thicker thread, or multiple strands of normal weight thread. 

2) Cut a piece of thread about two feet in length and thread the needle.  Line up the cut ends and tie into a knot.  This means you'll be sewing with two strands of thread at the same time, saving time and adding strength.  If you're sewing a button on a jacket, or something heavier weight, you can put two cuts on at once to sew with four strands. 

3) You'll be starting on the outside of the garment.  This way the knot isn't visible on the underside and is hidden by the button.  This can be important if you're sewing with a heavier thread where the knot is much bigger and you could potentially feel the bump, especially around a tight collar. Insert the needle into the fabric at the center point where the button will go. 

 Exit the needle after about 1/8" and pull the thread until the knot meets the fabric.

4) Put the button on needle and let the button fall down the length of the thread until it hits the fabric.

5) Insert the needle into an adjacent hole.  Check out how the other buttons on garment are sewn.  If you want an X pattern, put the needle into the diagonally opposite hole.  If you want the thread pattern to be a = or || pattern, then put the needle into the hole that's left/right, above/below.  This shirt has an X pattern so we're going to go diagonally. 

6) Pull the needle and thread all the way on the backside. 

7) Insert the needle back through to the front side, making sure you put the needle into a hole you haven't already put thread through. 

8) Pull the thread all the way through and insert the needle back into the diagonal hole.

9) Once you have thread in each set of holes, now's a good time to check that you're leaving enough thread for a shank.  A shank is a space holder between the button and the fabric so that when you button the garment, there's room for the layer that goes behind the button.  If you sew the button on too tight, it'll be difficult to button, and it won't lay as nice.  Depending on the button size, you'll want to leave between a little less than 1/8" to 1/4" space.  This is a typical men's shirt so we're going to put in a shank of a little less than 1/8". 

Repeat steps 4-8 until the thread thickness matches that of the other buttons on the garment.  For this shirt, three "X's" were made.  Meaning thread was passed three times through each set of holes.  Remember to leave a little excess for the shank!

10) Once you've got enough thread sewn on the button, insert the needle from the back to the front.  But instead of going through one of the holes on the button, slip the needle past the backside of the button.  The thread should then be in between the button and the fabric.

11) Wind the thread a few times around the excess thread to form the shank.  Four to five times should be sufficient.  You don't want to do it too much in that the buttonhole won't fit around the shank, but you want to do it enough times to give the shank stability. 

12) After you're done winding, insert the needle into the middle of the shank.  Pull the thread through.

13) Cut the thread with about 2-3 inches extra for tying off.

14) Tie a double knot and snip the threads about 1/8" from the knot.

You did it!

Stay tuned for more posts in our DIY Tailoring series. Next up: How to Hem Your Jeans

Just when you thought you've seen it all, then along comes a grassy pair of flip flops that will make you feel like an urban flower child.

The KUSA Grass Flip Flops are a niche product, but one that's pretty clever if you ask me. Have you noticed how many people love walking barefoot on grass? Perhaps when we were children that was nothing out of the ordinary, but as we all have moved into our beautiful glass houses, built on top of modern concrete jungles, the grass may no longer be as accessible. 

While digging a bit more about this product, I found out that the grass is actually turf, so no to be honest I was concern of ending up with a warm, mushy, green mess under your feet.

If you're already getting tingly at the idea of having your feet hugged by grass, then head over to their site where you can purchase a pair or two (just in case you end up mowing one of them).

KUSA Grass Flip Flops via Wantcy

A few weeks ago, the team at Gascón wines invited ManMade to share some of our favorite guy-friendly entertaining tips. So,Gab and I sent over a few ideas along with men's lifestyle bloggers from ScoutSixteen, ElectroGent, and Gentleman's Gazette, and the team at Gascón designed it all up to produce this infographic: Entertain Like a Modern Gent. 

They say, "Four men’s lifestyle experts offer their inside tips on throwing an elevated affair. From what to wear to who to invite, this fine-tuned fête should be at once classic, modern and altogether memorable."

 

Click here for the full-resolution version, and Learn more about Don Miguel Gascón's malbecs at their site.

 

 

 

This post was sponsored by Gascón Wines. All opinions ours. 

 

 

 

 

Look...I'm totally willing to admit that this has nothing to do with crafting...or men...or DIY stuff. But, it's one of the more fascinating things that's captured my attention in a long while, and I think you'll enjoy it too.

The question is: If dinosaurs ruled the earth for 130 million years, they had to reproduce. And since they have some of the least babymaking features, how, exactly, did they do it?    Robert Krulwich explores the question with My Beloved Brotosaurus author Brian Switek. The key problems here, when you think about it: 

First, dinosaur ladies and dinosaur gentlemen were roughly the same size. No big/little asymmetry as with spiders. With spiders, the little fellow mounts the big lady. There are no body-crushing weight issues.

Second, dinosaurs often had huge tails right above where the opening would be. What do you do with those tails? Where do you put them that's out of the way? They're huge.

And third, some dinosaurs are covered with spikes, plates and barbs. So it's the porcupine problem: How do you make contact without getting hurt? 

But, of course, they figured it out, somehow, and the possibilities are fascinating. 

The Subtle Mysteries Of Dinosaur Sex [NPR.org]