Revere the Radical...

Actin' Childish

2011-12-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of Community on NBC, and will be one of the first to cry if it doesn't return from it's current 'hiatus'. More specifically, I'm a big fan of Troy and Abed (in the morninggg). This man crush on Donald Glover and Danny Pudi led me to buying Childish Gambino's first album a while back as he's got some of the raddest lyrics out there. His new track is 'Heartbeats', from the album 'Camp', sounds like hip-hop infused Justice beats, which is muy bueno with me. Plus anyone that manages to drop "You give really adequate handjobs and its awesome" with no musical backing on Conan is a boss.

Here's the Conan performance

And here's his acoustic version of 'Got This Money'

He's almost better live than in the studio which says alot in the day and age when 12 year old hacks like MGMT are selling records. We've all been fooled into that experience once. I can imagine it'd be what its like to meet your favourite pornstar in real life. There's no way that thing is going to look as good out of the packaging as it did on your illegal download.

RR

Look Ma, no hands

2011-12-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Whether they're artists or just people with too much time on their hands it makes me miss summer. I can ride my bike with no hands, just ask my mum, shes so stoked.

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

Street Etiquette

2011-12-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

I've always been a bit fan of the guys at Street Etiquette for how they capture the fashionable Brooklyn vibe and bring out so much colour of the city in their shots. They recently shot a video for their friend Jesse Boykins III called 'Light to Dark' which is kinds soulful.

Panty Raid!

2011-12-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

Not generally the biggest fan of dubstep, or stepping in general, I'm more of a skater. This ditty did catch my attention though. Serene dub

Starting The Weeknd Early

2011-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not much one for trawling the music blogs and Hypem for new tunes these days because, to be honest, I'm far too preoccupied freehand sketching new meme's to submit to memebase before screwing them up, throwing the paper in the ever rising waste basket and chastising myself "You think the moderators havent seen this before...nube". In addition to that, I'm even less inclined to listen to a whole album because who the hell buys music on iTunes unless their cold war era grandmother gives them a gift card for Ramadan. In all reality people my age are more likely to have shared memories of when Napster was shut down than the first hard copy CD they bought.

That being said, one release this week has really caught my eye (and yes, that is indeed what SHE said, but stay with me). I've been following The Weeknd since my felly mots at HCASH threw me their track 'The Morning' off their mixtape House of Balloons a year ago, which has some of the most radical lyrics and original beats I've heard in a while. Here it is for those who havent had the pleasure...

I was even more impressed to find out that The Weeknd is actually one Ethiopian/Canadian dude named Abel Tesfaye, and not just because I want to sound multi-cultural. The sound on the tracks is so well polished is sounds the work of a larger group. Plus how many Ethiopian/Canadian people do you know?! Yeah, thought so.

Yesterday Tesfaye released his new mixtape Echoes of Silence, which despite being a bit of an existential wank of a title is a seriously great listen through piece of work thats making a hungover thursday at work with the looming prospect of spending christmas on the other side of the world to my family a pleasing situation. I'm not sure even how to describe his style but I'm a big fan. The track 'Next' is current on repeat, just listen to the lyrics.

Merry Christmas folks.

Rad is Love

Rev Rad

Mates are the Raddest

2011-12-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

If there's one thing I enjoy more than an entertaining sunday coffee chat, a casual afternoon skate, or a session at the beach in high summer, it's doing any of those things with my mates. Having mates is the best. It's entirely understandable that those without any have an abysmal outlook on life. You know when you're having a terrible day a mates there to give you some quality banter, or to share the excellent moment you see a fat school kid fall over in public. Most of all, you know that when the HCASH worthy lady you were courting ups and dissappears like yesterdays news that they'll be there to remind you of the simpler days when the most important thing in life was winning Mortal Kombat on Super Nes. and making sure your friends parents didn't find the stash of porn you had under the house.

Apparently Chivas Regal recognises this as well, as they should. Because what's better than sitting about with some old mots and knocking back a couple on rocks?!*

*Nothing

Awesome

2011-11-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

In all likelihood it's probably exactly what a film clip made by me and my mates will look like when I make it large in the hip hop world. I find it strange that there's no super babe in a bikini for him to roll by on his trike and throw a casual "awesome" at. It's the logical next step

XV - Awesome from Elie Smolkin on Vimeo.

Plus I've always felt compelled to rap, being the only black guy in my group of stereotypically dressed white friends and all.

King of Cool

2011-11-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

Accessories are a Necessity

2011-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

In these times of sartorial over-exposure it’s simply not enough to buy a designer suit and slap on an expensive watch, because money doesn’t buy class. Every rapper with a #1 single from the last 10 years has an Armani suit, a glovebox full of spanking new Rolexes, and still manage to look styled by their mother. How they wrangle their music video hot tub parties is beyond me.

The old what you wear vs how you wear it. It’s as black and white as the guy in the Turnbull & Asser shirt next to the guy who’s wearing the tee he got 3 for 10 at Jay Jay’s. Today I was wondering how a dood such as myself with skinny wrists can wear a watch without rocking a full shirt and avoid looking like the latter nube. The answer is man accessories, which should be a staple of all guys. We all have that mate that rocks rings, ties, bracelets, etc (not at the same time as that sounds a bit bent) to a T and nobody can pull them up on it.

For now this means some Kiel James Patrick nautical wrist business and a preferably 60s/70s material Patek Philippe, Breitling, or Rolex (watch is on lay away).

That’s doin it right.

Great Scott

2011-11-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Sure some may not be useful, or even liked by true enthusiasts, but you’ve got to take your hat off for a well done throwback. It’s a bit dated now but the Nike MAG’s that dropped in September for charity are a solid effort at recreating the originals rocked by Marty in Back 2 the Future II. Partly because we a) all secretly wished they made L.A. Lights in adult sizes (if this is news to you, keep strong), and b) nobody likes to do up their laces. Forgetting that these don’t actually lace themselves and you yet again have one more first world problem, these are a radical homage to the original, which let’s be honest when coupled with the hoverboard are the only reason we say this was our favourite in the trilogy.

For the launch of the show and the auctions (with all proceeds going to Marty McFly’s foundation) they recreated some of the memorable props from the film, which I’m sure helped people to keep flashing those paddles for a pair of kicks no doubt made in Taiwan.

Plus, Kevin Durant knows a payday when he sees one and it ain’t coming from the NBA this season.

That settles that...

2011-10-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Some wise friends of mine once raised the contentious issue of the quality of Lake Bell's position in the hallowed halls of babedom (schwing). While any rational man would see her value, haters gonna hate. What you can't hate is someone who knows how to drive radical cars, know what's under the hood, and does it all with a faithful dog by her side. End of discussion

OCTV Ep 1 Lake Bell from Rachelyn Remz-Porter on Vimeo.

Notice the song 10s in. That's why I'm the ordained Reverend of Rad.

Man Up

2011-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

There’s just a certain way a guy should wear a suit, hold doors /pull out chairs, and learn to express themselves without words. It’s black and white; being the distinction between how it should be done and how the majority of us do it. At most, we each have fleeting moments of almost celluloid glory in which we address a moment perfectly in the most manly fashion possible. To do so we must also be at our sartorial best, as it goes hand in hand with feeling like a boss. Any guy with a fresh application of a choice cologne sporting a well cut suit can attest to having at lease one of these moments, I'd hope.

I’m feeling generally inspired by a film I saw recently which displays an all too good example of what I describe above in a way that only film can. To this we can never come close but I’ve put together a list of radical resolutions to head in the right direction. You’ll have to excuse the winter orientation. It’s been cold this week

Dunderdon is a Swedish workwear company that has one of the only stores I think a guy could walk into naked and walk out with everything they need including a hand carved penknife and leather insulated whisky flask. These days the Scandinavians are kicking goals in fashion circles. I imagine Swedish mine workers taking their overalls to be tailored before doing a 2 month stint below, because even in the dark they know they’ll look good.

From my brief experience of a white winter there's two types of guy you can be. Wet assed tearing the hem of your overpriced J.Crew suit whilst destroying a perfectly good pair of leather souled brogues in the snow OR the guy in the double breasted navy check suit powering through the slush in a powerful pair or Sorel snow boots. Don't be the nube.

Last, but definitely not least, here's the exact suit you should be wearing. No points for guessing why. Walk into a crowded bar in the west village on a cold night in this and the fairer sex will eyeball you like you're the first kid in high school to get his drivers license. Thanks to Duncan Quinn, some gents who are completely legit.

Just in case you don't know the man-spiration for all this, get in your car and go for an evening drive listing to this. Then man up.

Return of Rev Rad

2011-10-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

I know that there’s at least three loyal followers out there who have foretold of this day, pined after it, and only now find gratification. I’ve been of a mind to start the ole’ blog up again but have been too busy (lazy) to do so. I’m assuming that the casual banter for which this forum was known will come back easily, like riding a bike, or kegstands. Speaking of which, since the dominant taste of the rev-radicalness © that I threw your way in the past was Yankee flavor it seems only apt to give it another nudge now that I’m living in New York (being all scene and that).

On that note, I have a backlog of restaurants, skate shops, bars, and other cool spots in my repertoire that have been resigned to being written about in my SpongeBob Squarepants diary I keep under my pillow.

These days it’s always best to start where it ends so we’ll take a look at the classic weekend A.M. taco and coffee run. It’s become a minor institution on hungover mornings to throw on some semblance of an outfit and haul my ass on the subway to get an injection of hot, spicy, tortilla wrapped life, followed of course by the obligatory coffee and whatever smack-talk one can muster at that hour. I’ve been hearing rumours that the whole taco scene has really kicked off in Sydney since I moved away last year, which is excellent news. If you’re not even the slightest bit partial to high quality Mexican food you’re either in denial of a Frenchman still bitter about Cinco de Mayo.

Imagine, if you will, a small portion of lightly beer battered white fish covered in spices, cabbage slaw, and chipotle mayo served out of a mint condition VW Kombi. Complement that with a Carte Blanca cerveza and you may as well have had an evening of wheatgrass shots and yoga rather than the 6am touchdown you’re trying to chase away. And to even try to describe the Chorizo breakfast taco would exhaust my use of the thesaurus synonyms for ‘awesome’. The place, Tacombi (see what they did there). The location, Elizabeth between E Houston and Prince, do it! Om nom nom…

Following this, the decision making process leaves the satisfied stomach and makes its way upstairs with the thought “I should still be in bed”, and that’s usually a solid point, but luckily you don’t have to walk too far to snag a quality coffee. I won’t harp on about it, but Saturdays (as I’ve mentioned before) has one of the nicest brews in the land, not that they enjoy making coffee but it’s there for those that ask, and there’s many that do.

And that, my interwebs friends, is how one should respectable wake up in SoHo. Stay tuned for more musings as I get my interweb back on.

Here’s some music for the wander.

Nas - Nasty from Street Injection on Vimeo.

Bikini Sartorialist

2010-08-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is the string back bikini the hottest thing on a girl at the beach?! In saying this there are several pre-determined conditions:

A) The girl must be tanned, I cannot stress this enough. For importance of tanning consult my good friend at Six Foot 9 and Alen at A Lense Diary (excuse his radical 80's name). Both of these knowlegable fellas may as well be the honarary Deans of Tan University (TANU) for their contributions to the cause, if such a position or university existed (it would probably be located at Mid Curl Curl car park). Their motto is 'Tan or Die', or 'Tan and Die', one of the two, I'm not quite sure.

B) The girl must be a nugget (for more information on nuggets, go back in your mind to 1992, re-watch Encino Man, then we'll continue).
Pauses... looks at watch... [smirk] I KNOW RIGHT?! [high 5].
This attire is not complimentary on just any beachgoing lady. On many it may look like you're trying to cut clay with the protective plastic still on the outside. To be clear, must be a beach nug to start with. I cannot stress this enough.

C) These are not necessary but definately help; tiny bikini bottoms, surfboard under arm (may also be skateboard), killer attitude.

Any girls who fit the bill may leave their number below. I'm going to go cry now because I'm missing Sydney summer.

NB: Pic courtesy of Saturdays NYC

Sydney Scene

2010-08-31T03:09:00.000-07:00

I was informed by a relative last night that I blog about stuff overseas alot, when in reality theres so much to be stoked about in Sydney (as a side note, she also made me accutely aware that I'm a 23 year old dude living at home with my parents). So as a remedy to the first problem and a homage to the first, here's my favourite places in Sydney at the moment.

After divulging such info it's likely I won't be able to walk the hard streets of Sydney for a while (either due to the exclusive awesomeness of the information or my obviously inflated sense of self importance) and as such will be moving to New York, no biggie.

Suffice to say last weekend, being my last in Sydney, was a blinder and was full of all my favourite things (like Oprah's favourite things except all the audience gets is a hangover and scabs on their elbows). Let's do this.

Captain Billy's Crab Shack

Has to be my favourite shop in Bondi, seriously legit old school pool and cruiser skate decks, stocks Nike SB range, and there's an awesome Tee in there with a decal of a woman crying saying "If only my boyfriend would skate". Radical. If it's owner Lucienne Wunderlich is doing something wrong it's beyone me what it is. One of the mots picked up a beautiful Vision Gator pool deck from 1986 on sunday and we drove immediately to my new favourite skating hill to give it a session, long story short, he looked good. Stylin' even! Whats stylin' you ask? Take it away Mitch...

There's a clip thaty'll get a child star laid way into his late 20's/third stint in rehab. Well done sir.

Eau De Vie
I wouldn't mention this bar but apparently it's been written up as the some 'best hidden bar' or 'super secret find' or something lame in an SMH good food/drink guide so it isn't my fault if you see a guy there in a Zanerobe tee. Where to start, crystal scotch tumblers, private bottle lockers, the nice bloke who seats everyone, extensive cocktail knowledge, and the radical water dispenser. That being said the most important think you need to know about Eau De Vie is that he is your number 2 greaseman (number one sitting in my backyard bubbling away waiting to strike). If you don't know what I mean you're probably not one of my readership of 7.

Yum Cha
Every one has their favourites, like asking Californians about mexican food, or New Yorkers about pizza, Yum Cha is one of the things I'll miss most about Sydney, some seriously efficient asian. Sea Treasure in Crown Nest know what they're doing, as do the brothers from other (asian) mothers down at the Fish Markets. But if you find that at 2am you have a drunken hankering for some MSG head on down to Golden Century near Chinatown and ask the 'eldest statesmen' to sort you out. Perhaps even cover yourself in moist towelettes and profess that you 'can't even see', because no matter what state you enter in you'll exit happy.

Spank Records
Just off Taylors Square, I only went to spank for the first time on the weekend. Rolling past the punters still kicking on from the night before, past the homeless dudes asking for change looking jeasously at the messed up punters, and into a haven of radical unheard tunes. A vinyl shop with decks up set up for personal listenig is a great way to lose an hour. I don't profess to have a great musical knowledge but I do like good music. So although I didn't see one name I knew, the staff notes on the dust covers were a good guide, 'spacey dub with vinyl scratching. nice' definately put me onto a good one.

That's enough for now, not because I'm over typing, but because I'm am at my job gettin paid, and here's a free tip; they don't pay me to blog, no matter how much this will later be referred to as the new new testament. Haters gonna hate.

I'll leave you with some pics of a truly monumental skate that was indulged in on saturday that involved pissing off many cab drivers. First up we have a mot getting a nice little boardwalk barrel with fresh vinyl in hand. Killer saturday.

In other news, St James church has got some seriously smooth paving out front for those with wheels 80dpi and softer.

Finally, the ever elusive land barrel, watch this space, soon to be a major national sport.

Sunday Life

2010-08-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Because it's sunday, and we all know what that means. The divisive day, the day of hangovers and church, that day before hell starts again, the day for recapping, the day for afternoon beers and golf. Sunday is the day of optimism where a man can be whatever he wants to be, old friends get together and act like they were 12 again while young kids fail to relalise the importance of the day that will later mean so much. I looked up 'Sunday' in the textbook of life and saw the play-by-play of morning coffee, midday skate (with a few cheeky car barrels coming soon), and afternoon golf overlooking the beach. Gold star for me.

Sunday throwback tunes, because I also had some time to mine through the ever growing music library.

Sunday's just the day for appreciating life. Speaking of which

Brooklyn watching the sun come up

2010-08-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

I know what you're going to say but it's already too late. 'A guest blogger, you must be crazy, don't dilute this stream of awesomeness with an outside influence'. But never fear humble and extremely loyal readers, this posts collaboration comes in the form of some audio/visual delights from none other than the lady killing, cocktail chillin, half head shavin, celeb blog bravin, moon man. I'm just assuming the number of people who frequent this here awesome blog is somewhere between 7-8 in which case you all know who I'm talking about. If no, move to Sydney and join our group of mates, hangovers are shared, banter is A grade, so are the ladiessss*, and if you did your math right earlier you'll know there's a midget in the group.

Anywho, this little gem brings together the three creative forces I've been enjoying recently, as can be seen below, illustration, good tunes, and hot chicks (because a beautiful woman is a work of art, wink face).

Example 'Watch The Sun Come Up' from Jasmine Hemsley on Vimeo.

This one is just Jay Z, any arguments? Good. Great.

Jay Z - "Hello Brooklyn" from Greg Solenström on Vimeo.

*Quality of ladies is subject to change at anytime without notification from Revere The Radical management. No responsibility is taken for stress/friends razz caused by association with sub par ladies.

No, not Pink! Magenta!

2010-08-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

Because we all feel a little introverted sometimes. Because have we all not wondered what it would be like to dabble in auto-erotic asphyxia? It's the little things in life, the falling leaf, the single tear, the broken heart, the unsighted friend mouthing "what the fuck?!"

An update on Hot Chicks

2010-08-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

They're still hot and are all employed by Victoria's Secret. I'm not sure what Candice Swanepoel is selling here but I'll take three... gift wrapped.

In other news, something has been found that is harder than diamond!

They really should be paid more...

In Other News

2010-08-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the gents chowing down on some hefty barrels sin board. NOM NOM NOM. Seems Mike 'The Wizard' Stewart is pretty handy without that cooler lid he carries around.

Excuse the cropped video. No idea how to resize that bad boy. But lucky for you they're surfing Pipe so they'll only be heading left. You'll only lost sight of them when they get (as Brucy would say) 'soooooo deep in the barrel, it's amazing they come out the other side'.

Stop-Motion Sketching

2010-08-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

At first I was bored, then I was into the tune, then I kept wanting to watch the guy draw longer, it's mesmerising. If had this guys artistic talent and choice in music I'd be way more scene than I currently am, and probably wear way tighter jeans. I may even move out of my parents house and live with artistic like-minded friends, who knows, stranger things have happened.

Time-lapse Drawing from Pat Perry on Vimeo.

Check out Pat Perry

Winter GTFO

2010-07-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Winter blows. The Australian snow is mucho average, its raining, and every day there's new photos in the news of people finding ways to avoid the Northern summer like they have no concept of how average it is in Sydney right now. Eff.

To prove my point, look at this photo of a punter catching some rays in England yesterday, then look out the window (unless you are in the Northern Hemisphere, in which case 'tan's pull the fan's').

There chilling, chi-llin chiiiii-llen, and then there's Jonesin'...

The Frog'est of Skins

2010-07-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

We all know Oakley's Frogskins are severely radical. I can remember purchasing my first pair in Miami with a couple of the gentlemen, we all got different colourways, walked out onto Lincoln St, cruised past all the people drinking afternoon mojitos, took a right down Ocean Drive, and felt pretty damn cool (see photo below, regardless of whether I actually look cool, I felt like the Fresh Prince). The best part was that this was when they were re-released in 2007 and you couldn't get them in Australia yet so all the boys back home were frothing to get their hands on a pair, which they eventually did, but the bandwagon sign was already posted up (and there's nothing worse than thinking you're fresh then finding out your friends knew about it ages ago).

For those lovers for all skin that is froggy James Jarrett, a bloke with time, patience, and an even greater appreciation for shades than Miles Davis, has posted his collection of Frogskins online for $38,000. The set of around 70 includes a full set Supreme kits, Kaws bangers, Joel Madden's personal pair plus the rarest Frogskin on the market - The Eastern Boarder 3D (limited to only six pairs in the world). For an interview with the guy and his motivation and strategy behind the collection, check here.

Here's some of the fly'er of the collection

On Fire

2010-07-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Great Visual Skating. The last panoramic shot is breathtaking.

Happy Hip-Hop

2010-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Rappers and Hip-Hop artists are a dime a dozen, and for that we should be grateful because amongst the "yeah bitch you sure gon git it when I make that cash, blah, blah" crap there's many a gem. Who, six months ago, would predict how fast people like Theophilus London, Kid Cudi, and Drake would rise to be best sellers? They're the new kids on the block but they're becoming mainstream as hell real fast, and by that I simply mean that they're getting massive exposure. However for every guy that makes it, which these guys have through pure skill, there's got to be 1000 'lil', 'big', or 'young' (insert other name) artists going on about about the rides they dont have, champagne they dont appreciate, and chicks they could never get unless they scored a recording deal.

Gilbere Forte is just appearing on the radar, in that he's getting enough exposure for someone in Australia to hear about a dude from Philadelphia. He mixes, sings, and produces, which is in an admirable thing in todays music world. His mixtape 87 Dream is awesome from what I've heard off it, and like the first time I heard London's This Charming Mixtape, there should be an exciting release from him in the near future.

Have a listen to:

I Know my Love

and 1st Floor produced by Aislyn of Passion Pit.

Hot Chick Viewing

2010-07-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

If you havent seen Fired Up! get on that stat or you'll be out of the loop in hangover banter for the next month. You'll be prohibidado. I said it in spanish, how much clearer can I be.

And thats just the cut scene at the end. If you aren't quoting the whole movie in the next week we're done.

Come to think of it if you haven't been watching Peak Season as well we can't be friends anymore.
Wait, am I sure about that? *Stares at Amanda* EVER.

Winter Sessions

2010-07-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to place the appreciation of who is pushing the envelope of extreme sports at the moment. On one hand you have people like Rob Dyrdek and Kelly Slater with their Street League and Rebel Tour respectively, and on the other you've got Red Bull, throwing some serious events like the X-Fighters and No Limits contests. All of these ae promoting tatted up dudes to go bigger and harder, which is awesome. But is it necessary? No matter how hard they go, no matter how many feet Travis Pastrana jumps in his rally car, a well made video with crisp shooting, soundtrack choice, and heart will always win. On opposite ends of the spectrum, Endless Summer II and Modern Collectve, stylistically they look amazing, and with a story/soundtrack to boot. At the end of the day we're always going to sit back down and watch the enduring favourites over Fuel TV anyway. Thats why I was so chuffed when I saw this (even though Red Bull do have their finger in it), it takes the same old shit and makes you say 'wow' again. Like that time I bought the underwear where your junk becomes the trunk of the elephant.

"Hey baby I got a surprise for you"

"A sexy surprise?"

*whips off pants and makes an elephant noise*

Sigh *rubs bridge of nose*

Pretty cool huh?! Pun intended... and executed. I'm out

Boating Awesome

2010-07-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

The constant back and forth of the ocean doesn't seem to bother you anymore as you effortlessly roll up the hem of your chino's, give yourself a 'Han Solo' wink in the mirror, and head up onto the deck, grabing a bottle of vintage Krug along the way.

'Maybe I should give it a rest, perhaps its a tad arrogant' you think, as the dusk sky appears as you come up on deck. The fine bead of the champagne quickly quells your inquiry as you realise that never can too much justice be done for this level of opulence. For, after all, the man standing atop this fine craft must be the most successful, and impecibly tasted man around. Luckily for you, there is no other man around, sitting offshore Monaco/Marbella/Montauk (as its really all the same to you), you drink in just how awesome you are.

Gray Design and Strand Craft have come together to produce what I believe to be the most beautiful super yacht to date. The Strand Craft 122 is designed to be opulent inside and arrogant outside, which is lucky, as for those moments when you doubt yourself you can check your awesome reflection against the impecibly maintained hull. LOVELY

Did Iforget to mention that when you accept delivery of your new super yacht between international stints, you don't get a tender as an optional extra, but rather an individually designed Saab or Aston Martin Supercar. I'm running out of arrogant turns of phrase, but will instead revert to dismissive noises and facial gestures which effectively articulate how rich and awesome an indiviual truly is.

A passing boatie slows as you sun yourself

"Hey buddy, how much on of those set you back" he says with a chuckle

As you slide your sunglasses down your nose, raise an eyebrow, and say with a wry smile "If you have to ask..." gegege

Fat & Funny

2010-06-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

I can't tell whether Jonah Hill is a supremely funny dude or I'm just an extremely immature 23 year old. Either way, the rap he gets going in this teaser for 'Cyrus' is classic. In other news, the movie they're promoting looks terrible. If anything watching this has guaranteed my attendance at the next movie either of these two make (John C Reill is in it to), just not this one. It's like when chicks tell you that they 'totally want to sleep with you... just not tonight'. It's a path we've all been down, and we all know where it leads, blue balls.

Not quite sure if what I wrote above implies that Jonah Hill gave me blue balls, think of what I wrote about him and sleeping with babes separately... if you can

Go Skateboarding Day

2010-06-28T02:32:00.000-07:00

Go Skateboarding Day is something I wrote about a couple of months back, because it's a radical idea, and that's what I do here, write about radical stuff, that's where I got the title from, see above. Yep.
Personally I went for a cheeky roll after work, which is a far weaker attempt than what was laid down by this crew in NYC. If theres something more fun than rolling around with a huge crew of likeminded fools then I'd like to know what it is, so I can do it. Choice tune for such an occasion as well.

Go Skateboarding Day NYC 2010 KR3W / CCS from KR3W DENIM on Vimeo.

Micro Pig

2010-06-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

Long has pet selection been a tedious battle between women coo-ing over the white fluffy rat/dog and you eyeing up the proud looking german half-breed, already imagining it's explosive power on attack, the radical outfits you can get it, and the inevitable cruising (I mean that the creep way) down at the local park. Please notice how I consider the only viable pet a dog... a cat is not a pet, it's an annoying black hole of attention that would best serve as a footrest.

And until now, in man's quest for companionship, these have been our two options, but no more. I've just stumbled across perhaps the coolest idea for a pet ever that is guaranteed to you Vincent Chase quantities of ass down at the dog walk park. I'm almost too stoked for words right now. Introducing everyones new favourite household buddy, Micro Pig.

Can't you already imagine it?! The day arrives, a small, but not as small as you had imagined, box arrives at your house with an instruction 'Give him a good home'. I will, you think.

It's day 1 and you take your new little buddy for his first walk, the beginnings of a close bond between micro pig and man. Walking with your head lowered to avoid excess attention, you feel a nagging hesitation;

"What if people think this is weird, some sort of new fad? Or even worse, what if they don't think I'm worthy of owning a Micro Pig?!"

You raise your head and see a cute girl in cutoff jeans and loose guys Rolling Stones singlet standing ahead of you, mouth agape. Your heart plummets...
"OH...MY...GOD...he's so cuteeeeee"
Jackpot

Becoming a big thing in the UK, these radical fellas grow to be 12-14" tall when fully grown, about the same size as a Cocker Spaniel but infinately cooler. They are apparently really clean, can be house trained, and will apprently (and this is the best part) "sit on your lap while you watch TV so you can scratch their bellies" according to the Little Pig Farm UK.

Can you tell by my in-depth Micro Pig research that I'm half way towards a purchase? Because it's happening.

Are you feeling light-headed yet ladies? You will be.

Local Gods

2010-06-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

At some stage during our youth we were all in the basement of a friends house sneaking beers from their dad, reading playboys, and argueing over who was better at Mortal Kombat on Super Nintendo. Good Times.

"I feel just like a local god when I'm with the boys, we do what we want"

Truth.

Scotch (no longer on rocks)

2010-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes quietly enjoying a fine oak single malt scotch while listening to the crackling of a cuban rolled cigar just doesnt do it for you anymore. It's just isn't arrogant enough. You need to take it to the next level. But what does the man who has perfected arrogant, and written the book on smarmy do next. Accessorise, thats what. It's the reason a man pays an extra £30,000 for the carbon fibre trimmings on his new Aston Martin while using it as a town car, won't accept his Patek Philip losing more 1/100th of a second per day, and won't settle for anything less than the mose efficient and arrogant method of iceing his scotch. No longer will he be held back by plebeans and their cubes, spheres of ice are the man's way forward.

Last night over a cold fine oak 12 year with a friend I remembered McCallan's Ice Ball machine and how drinking my $13 scotch on cubes just made me feel cheap. And as I wiped the corners of my mouth clean with $100 notes I vowed to never do injustice to fine liquor again.

And that, kiddies, is how aweome is born, along with some kind of gravity and something about copper. I started reading how it works but was distracted by how good I was for drinking fine scotch with an ice sphere. If you don't follow, that's really good.

Bonerjams 2010

2010-06-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

It's just a collection of the best boner scenes. Sorf of. I'm frothing on the Foals track Spanish Sahara off their new album (yes, I know I use the term 'new' very liberally but I live in a time warp of full time work and hangovers so I can be forgiven for being a little behing the times). Give the song time to build and you'll be in love, plus the visuals are mesmerising. Come to think of it I could repalce 'song' with 'strippers' and still be right. WIN.

You just got a boner at the 4:14 mark didn't you?! Prepare for a full on chubb. The radical track has been used as the soundtrack to the new Entourage Season 7 trailer.

FROTHING.

Dark and Dawn

2010-06-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

We all have that one friend who is always up on the trends. Probably the first guy to start wearing skinny jeans and cardigans in 2005, moved onto a pair of point toe leather shoes, maybe even a waistcoat in there at some stage. Equally at home in a tall tee and kicks as a pair of tailored chino's and dress shirt. But all this time you're wondering 'Where the fuck does this guy get the money for all this?'. The answer, my friends, is probably blowjobs. It's the foundation of our economy, if only there were more blowjobs we could move on from all this 'recession' business. But I digress.

Next time your scenester mate stops next to you on his fixie (coincidentally the moment you realise that your friend has finally gone too far), flash some of your new man jewelery and push him down a steep hill and watch his shock/jealousy/fuck I wish I had brakes face. Man jewelery is a 'thin ice' subject. As is it's application, one wrong step and it's 'DJ Pauly D in the house' as you realise that rosary beads and dog tags were definately the wrong choice. The right choice, if I may, is this collection from Dark and Dawn from Tyler Durtschi in LA.

This stuff definately deserves the title of radical. Simplicity in design and execution (...insert joke about my game with the ladies last weekend...). Yeah, just like that.

Bandwagon(ing)

2010-06-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

What's going on in the world at the moment? I'll tell you what... Sinkholes, smoking babies (classic), and world cup fever. I'll be the first to admit, I don't follow football, but will definately attempt to watch some of the matches, which makes me a prime candidate for 'bandwagon nube 2010'. But thats fine, the world cup is the base line, not the melody of this post (I also like music, ladies).

Today I ran across one of the best idea's I've seen for fan merchandising. Which inherently means that it will be cool and entertaining for a very brief period of time then become annoying, just like the bandwagon. You can't tell me that there wouldn't be a million photo's of you and your mates in these shirts pissed off your nut in South Africa if this was your home team.

Advertising School: Willem de Kooning Academie, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Creatives: Bas van de Poel, Daan van Dam
Photographer: Milan Daniels

Awesome ideas like this are so simple that you always think 'I could totally have done that', while the only difference between you and these two Dutch dudes is, and it's a very small fact, that you didn't. The flip side of being out-thought by a bunch of clog wearing windmill fanatics with a simple idea is that it inspires us to give it a go. Flip side again, I'd put money on a 5-minute wave of inspiration followed by a seriously prolonged session of XBox. If in an hour I'm right, you owe me a high-5.

One last note on the bandwagon(ing), obviously the faces on these tee's are fairly notable Dutch soccer stars, but I wouldn't have the foggiest who the are, but I can guarantee they have the word 'van' or 'vaan' somewhere in their names and have smoking hot wives. Because thats how stereotyping works.

EDIT: On re-reading I went back and changed 'soccer' to 'football'. Point proven

This Is Not A Suit

2010-05-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

Isn't it depressing to see those people that excell in multiple fields, hogging all that acclaim that could possibly be laid on you, if you could tear yourself away from 'Two and a Half Men'. And for those of you thinking "man, what a shit show to watch", beat it, because I'm highly considering turning this blog into a Charlie Sheen fan page but leaving the title the same. He lives the dream... lives it in a bowling shirt.

Adrian Sauvage, menswear designer and photographer, has embarked on a radical project entitled 'This Is Not A Suit' detailing the individualism of sartorial expression through various subjects. In doing this he blends high fashion pieces with street characters and high quality photography, the result is 100% pure, mountain filtered, ligtly sparkling awesomeness.

Shot in Venice, CA, Sauvage attempts to express the individuality of each character by providing the suiting but no directoral influence, allowing the suit to take on a different meaning for the wearer.

Now go forth and do something radical, then when you've succeeded at it imagine your father who used to beat you with a belt as a child giving you his 'don't git cocky boi' look, then go out and master something new. That'll show him.

Here's a free tip...

2010-05-31T04:26:00.000-07:00

If, like myself, you find yourself at a loose end from time to time and enjoy getting engrossed in some good bloggage, here's today's tip; If you read only one blog, don't make it this one, make it Bear Grylls.

Talking about Bear Grylls has become a contentious issue when brought up in conversation. Just like politics or religion, we all know you have an opinion, but it's probably best to keep it to yourself if you don't want to end up looking like a wanker. Unless thats your thing, if so, click here. I'm a funny guy, no need to thank me.

If I may have my two cents worth on the life changing issue, yes Bear does things which are clearly all for the camera, and yes he probably does have a team of people to help him out. But on the other hand, watch this and not think it's awesome, and if you don't, go see a doctor because you might have come down with a serious case of "loser", I hear it's going around. The only cure is a wedgy.

Organic Styling

2010-05-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

In the age of bling and show, big chains, rosary beads, and dog tags do little more than tag the wearer as a prize douche. But this is well covered territory. What about those who wish to have something for the neck that doesn't automatically give the wearer the unnerving urge to tell 'bro's' to 'chug' their 'brewski's'? Here's an option, the good people at Good Wood NYC have provided you with some choice and well styled adornments for your neck.

And here's the best part, order it online and you never have to get off your ass. I'm not trying to make anyone feel lazy, it's entirely understandable, C.S.I. Miami is on tonight, and that show rocks. Although it did lose its mystery when i found the script.

[Scene opens to a panning shot of the everglades, but something is amiss, there is a car half sub-merged in the water]

LATIN DUDE: It seems the victim was dead before the car was put into the water judging by the deep wounds to the groin and neck.

HORATIO: Good, what else can you tell me?

LD: I'd say judging by the outfit he was on his way to some sort of sport practice...

H: Well I guess we'll have to tell his team [slowly takes off sunglasses and looks down at an angle] they'll all be playing injury time.

[Return to panning shot of the Everglades]

MUSIC: YEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Don't worry they'll get the bad guy, and at one stage you'll yet again be duped into thinking the blond lab girl with the annoying voice that runs seemingly useless tests is hot. Don't be fooled, it say's right here in the script that she isn't.

NOTE: So I may have lied, judging by the amount of rappers wearing Good Wood NYC's product it's bound to feature on Jersey Shore soon. Shit, all is lost.

Au Revoir

Sensory Overload

2010-05-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find that you see some things and think 'there are alot more creative people than me around'? I dont know about you but I think that most days, particularly as I make a habit of finding things that make me wonder how the hell someone thought of the idea. My second thought is generally 'Where the hell do they find the time to do these things? Do they get paid for this?'. I'm sure they must, some creative expressions are so elaborate that they must, I mean take the following for example, it's not as though someone just turned on the bedroom light one day and it happened like this...
HUSBAND: "Honey theres something wrong with the... (eyes widen, a happy tear forms)"
WIFE: [running from the kitchen] "What is it? I swear if you got it stuck in your zipper again you can get a taxi to the hospital... (notices light show) Is this what you've been doing up here recently? [walking away] I swear sometimes my father is right about you."
HUSBAND: "Bitch"
ENVISION : Step into the sensory box from SUPERBIEN on Vimeo.

When people create something of such beauty you start to think "Hey, maybe there is a god. A god who created the heavens and the earth, man and woman, the ability to love". Then you realise how gay that thought was and remind yourself that he also created tigers, theme parks and Batman. Get your head in the game. Fuck. [Chugs beer, slaps high 5 and leaves].

We're good here

What's in a Name?

2010-05-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

EVERYTHING! Especially when it involves my favourite word (no point for guessing). Which brings me to the point of this meeting. Being the end of summer we've all switched our board shorts for steamers in anticipation, or reaction to, the cold water pumping glassy winter waves onto our beaches. As I discarded my boardies I had what some in the romantic comedy film industry would call 'the final revelation' (yes, I made that up) in which me and my board shorts realise that our conflict is not greater than our love and we finally give ourselves to one another (in a slow motion scene to the sound of Jeremy Jordan). Romantic in that we have reached the moral of our story; that love conquers all. Comedy in that I am still talking about my boardies.

But this revelation is bittersweet as I realise the terrible state that my boardies are in, after countless surf's, never being rinsed in fresh water, and numerous mid-surf 'you know that attracts sharks, right?!' moments, they are looking considerably worse for wear. The hems on the side have been stitched up by my mum (thats right... ladies), the pattern on the front is barely recognisable, and what was once black is now a questionable purple. Time to put them to rest and find a new partner in crime.

It was then I realised (while tilting my head and eyes up and ever so slightly to the right) that winter wasn't looming everywhere in the world, that topsiders were just going into the glory season. My thoughts turned immediately to my favourite named brand 'Warriors of Radness'. It's the kind of name that should swoop onto the screen with accompanying fireworks and a guy with a handlebar moustache giving you the thumbs up. Their apparel is along the line of 90s hypercolour beach wear, but the one thing I think they do really well are their board shorts, or trunks. The higher up the thigh the shorts go, the more they remind you of Elvis at the beach, and the more they deserve to be called trunks.

Feast your eyes on the 90's radness...

Check out all the Warriors of Radness gear and Spring Lookbook.

If I'd known this was going to turn into an ode to my boardies, I'd have brought refreshments.

I shall leave you with perhaps the most well renowned film quote of our time;

"Surfboard wax mixed with dog hair and sand... NOT BAD!!"

Playmate Rides

2010-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

You're intrigued, I can tell, the initial thought in your head is swirling around and you think "Is he talking about what I think he is?". Probably not, but I'm definately thinking it too now.

Today I was privy to a most radical revelation (Wayne's World Guitar Riff), one which I will make a concerted effort to transfer into a hobby in the future. Did you know that each year the Playboy 'Playmate of the Year' recieves a free car (with two exceptions)? Neither did I. This isn't an exhibition of my mechanical knowledge (which is limited to my big wheel) but rather to prove that fake boobs and low self esteem can, cometimes, help you win the minor jackpot. Let's all just forget the fact that they probably all sold these cars to fuel their prescription drug habit brought on by too much nipping and tucking. That Hef, what a guy...

In 1964 Donna Michelle recieved the original Ford Mustang in Playmate Pink.

Only to be trumped by Connie Kreski in 1969 with the original Shelby GT500 Fastback, still one of the greatest cars ever made.

A mere two years later (1971 for the non-savant's in the crowd), Hef mixed it up by giving the lovely Sharon Clark this Spectra Ski boat.

Fast forward to 1988, after a period during which many Porsche's and Jaguar's flew out the mansion doors, India Allen recieved this California Countache Roadster, which although looking and sounding like a Lamborghini, is actually a kit car (Hef saved on the badge and splurged on... let's say a Tiger)

Skipping past Anna Nicole Smith and Jenny McCarthy to 1996 when the leggy Stacy Sanches recieved this high priced gem...

Retro Babe: "Awwww it's so cute, but seriously... where's my Porsche?"
Hef: "Ha you always were funny, now you're fired... (noticing massing crowd) GROTTO PARTY"

Skipping Victoria Silvstedt and her boring Porsche Boxster, we reach Heather Kozar in 1999 with her Shelby CSX 4000 Series Cobra. Another classic ride.

And yes, I know that's a man driving the car, get out of my grill.

Finally, skipping to this years Mansion nug Hope Dworaczyk who recieved a BMW S1000RR motorcycle. Look at her sitting on it going "Vroom Vroommmmm... am I doing it right?"

Yes dear, yes you are.

The only selection porcess I can gather from the past selections is one of the following;

A) The girls pick their gift themselves, which speaks alot for the intelligence of playmates (The 1973 playmate got a Volvo wagon)
B) When it comes to selection day minions attempt to deciphes what comes out of gereatric Hef's mouth as he engages in another grotto orgy
C) Both at the same time, because in my mind that's what goes on every day.

Check out the entire list at Jalopnik.

Adios

Cudi = Hero

2010-05-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

You know that moment when you discover that your hero, the one person you look up to for guidance and support, the pillar of your belief, if nothing but a mere human, weak to all the same temptations and tribulations of life as you? Well sack up, because this isn't that moment.

This is like when you saw Rob Dyrdek had produced Rob & Big, possibly the best reality show ever, while still being an awesome skater and all round funny fuck.

This is like when LeBron hit the floor on the court, the crowd goes into hurried whispers right before he stands up, drains a buzzer shot, looks you directly in the eye to make sure you know, he is that good.

This is like Cudi...

cudderisback from Decon on Vimeo.

If thats not one of the best things you've seen this week then I have to roll with you more often.

Peace I'm outta here

We're Talking Tailored

2010-05-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Getting all Sartorial on this Friday. I've always been of the opinion that great fashion is all about cut and tailoring rather than bedazzled skulls (you know who you are, die). There's a reason that your favourite T fits like a glove and you refuse to throw it out even once it starts to wear through. Although, judging by what's worn out these days it's probably coming back in vogue. Like me, my popularity is cyclical between 'awesome dude' and 'radical guy', you'd have to ask someone else where in the cycle we are though, I'm too busy being cool.

I seem to get obsessed with certain garments which are very 'flash in the pan', and generally 'out there' enough that I can't pull them off. But what can I say, I got a sartorial boner.

New Zealand brand Stolen Girlfriends Club, who I've only just started to delve into has some righteous stuff. Admittedly the piece that I fancy is a season old, but I never said everything on here would be new, just radical.

A piece like this Two Time Jacket just makes you think 'Born in the USA' kind of cool. If you thought 'George Michael - Faith' you're gay. When I said I wasnt judging, I lied.

And now for the lower half, direct from the scenester boutique hiding on Howard St in NY, are these Nigel Cabourn pant and braces. But they're just the start of the legit menswear available at Opening Ceremony, all available to you at the low low price of your first born child.

*Looks in mirror*

Totally worth it.

PS. Good luck finding the Stolen Girlfriends Club jacket in any of their Sydney boutiques, that ain't happening.

Cocktail Hour... Daiquiris

2010-05-11T03:28:00.000-07:00

As the lights rise we find our intrepid scientist looking jubilantly at the sporatic array of CD's, bubbling beakers, and expensive equipment strewn across the privately funded lab.
"Sounds of the ocean, rising keyboard synths, funk guitar, it's so goddam simple, why didn't we think of it?" he exclaims looking for his skiddish assistant.
Alas, just a smoke outline of him remains.

Radical song, no? Even if it is super old. Reminds me of summer. *ripple fade to beach babe montage* that's niceee

Less kick/push, more coast...

2010-05-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Whilst I in no way condond this as a first choice of man(or woman, I'm very sensitive... ladies)-powered transportation, as that should always be a radical skateboard, these bikes are very choice. Being fully customisable, I've literally spent a few hours changing around the colour combinations on the base model to come up with something awesome before realising that I am horrendously colourblind. It's like the kid in art class that no matter how many times they try to paint the beautiful butterfly to prove he's special to mummy, it always ends up as a brown blob. The bad news is now that brown blob is the bike you just designed and bought, the one you though was super cool until you took it for its maiden ride and you see the vicious whispers start to spread. It's only a matter of time now until you hear the school bell ring and find your new ride in a tree while the kids on the lacross team yell 'pushbike pansy' while running laps around you like a human peloton. Man high school was rough.

But these rides are one way to avoid that whole (ficticious) situation. Republic Bike ensure that each model is hand assembled to your colour specifications, crank configuration (fixed or single speed) and delivered right to your door. A short period and little more than IKEA furniture building skills later you can be coasting along on your awesome new bike thinking; yeah,this is radical. Just try to design something better than the kid from art class.

The King of Cool

2010-05-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Long gone are the days when people would sit around and hear (tolerate) stories of old. Even the thought of an elderly person rambling "Let me tell you a story about my day" while settling into their favourite chair is enoght to make most people fake liver failure just to get out of there. But here's a free tip, some people's stories are well worth the time.

How about a kid who grew up on the streets, stole cars, spent a small time as a pimp, lost his virginity to a prostitute in exchange for baked goods, did time, then eventually made good in Hollywood and was dubbed the 'King of Cool'? Huh, what about then? Bet you'd listen wouldn't you. Have more respect for your elders.

To be honest old people are boring and deserve you proclaiming loudly "Get with the times grandpa, noone cares how the "wireless" (inverted commas hand gesture) works, geeze" before you go back to scrolling through songs on your iPod and blowing excessive bubbles with your gum. But god help you if you say that to Steve McQueen or else you'll have me (an anomyous stranger, yeah) to deal with.

I may be biased in my admiration/homage for Steve McQueen (see header photo) but a movie star dubbed the coolest man alive, with impecible styling, a love for motorcycle racing, and a colourful past, seems pretty hard to top. Written by Michael Munn, who took a road trip with McQueen in the summer of 1970, it'll be an awesome read about a radical guy. Get involved.

The book, coming September 2010, is "Steve McQueen - Living on the Edge". Trust me you could waste your time reading far worse material, like Dan Brown, or this blog. Go learn about how to be cool.

EDIT: Is it nerdy to speak about books 'coming soon' like you would with films? Maybe. Good thing I don't care about your opinion and go to sleep on a bed of naked models every night. Phenominal back support.

Soundtrack to my life

2010-05-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's happening again. The sun has started to set betore you get home from a day's toil and the evenings are getting cool enough to warrant wearing sweaters around the house. People remark about the 'balmy weather' on days that weeks ago would have gone unnoticed, whilst saying how late 'winter' has come this year. Soon enough we'll all be parading around in peacoats and scarves pretending that Australian winter deserves the title.

In my mind each season has a soundtrack. Summer is the king of party tunes (house, trance, progressive, and 200 other variations I'm not cool enough to know about yet) with house parties and heaving festival crowds seeming stock standard. But coming into the colder months we want something else to sink our teeth into as we turn up our collars to hide from the winter winds. Let me throw some suggestions out there, just for a second, just to see how it feels.

Dropping his third mixtape at the end of August, Theophilus London has yet again given us something radical to get involved in. Between covering Marvin Gaye and collaborating with Ellie Goulding and Vampire Weekend you'll get the idea.

And just because he's a super bloke and thinks you're super neat, it's free. 'Where?' You ask. Just at This Charming Blog, good sir.
Now what do you say... Thankyou Mishter London

Speaking of men and their mixtapes (mine will drop right after I find some talent), Jay Electronica constantly reminds me of the idealistic days of listening to Mos Def , Talib Kweli, Nas, and pretending pre-teen me knew what they were talking about. Now I just sit on the train listening to music, nudge the person next to me and whisper "they're talking about sex", before doing a humping motion and nodding my head. Listen to his three part hip-hop chronicle released dropped toward the end of 2009.

Jay Electronica - Exhibit A --> Jay Electronica - Exhibit B --> Jay Electronica - Exhibit C

You know that feeling of loving every song on your iPod until you put it on shuffle, then nothing's good enough for your discerning tastes (why's that even on here?!). One tune I can never skip past is this little fella. Feeling warmer as the mercury drops yet?

Blu & Exile - So(ul) Amazing

Last but definately not least, a little flashback, and the song that gets me from the front door to the train station in the a.m.

People Under the Stairs - Acid Raindrops

Put on some comfortable kicks, grab your winter coat, put in the earphones, and step to the beat.

Radical

Skate, don't Hate - June 21, 2010

2010-04-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

All the best decisions in life that bring us pure joy are linked to childish desires. It's the reason we get butterflies before a first kiss, secretly enjoy a good food fight, and relish activities that apparently we're "too old" for. It's the kind of enjoyment that is unsullied by the hassles and rigour of everyday life, and the realities of growing up. That's why I love this concept.

June 21, every year, just blow off whatever you got going on and go skateboarding, it's that simple! What could be better that throwing on your best 'killer penguins are forcing me to play drinking games with them, I can't possibly make it to work today' voice for the boss and going for a cruise. Live a litte, release the inner child. Check out the details on an event near you at http://www.goskateboardingday.org.

Go on, do something immure. I just sealed the cracks in my sister's bedroom and filled it with water. Uber nuisance or free pool. We'll see.

Luxury Lounging

2010-04-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

It's 1am on a Saturday night, you've canvassed the clubs, been to that select house party which promised a 'choice array' of options, yet nothing has come through. The hour you spend talking to that new cute girl who you've been working seems wasted. You decide to cut your losses and head home, scratch the night and call it a loss, you can't win em' all.

All of a sudden the phone starts buzzing, and it's her, all is not lost.
You pick up and theres laughing at first, then the textbook slurring 'What you doing right now?'. Win.

So she's coming over to your place and you want to set the tone half way between the club and the bedroom, enter your ace new track pants to seal the deal.

These babies (from Joyrich) come in blue or black acid wash and I can't decide which I like more. Either way, check out their radical lookbook at joyrichclothing.com (and yeah, the blonde chick is suuuuuper hot, great minds think alike).

Nothing says I'm formal, but I'm also here to party like a pair of acid wash, form fitting track pants. And let's be honest, the next day when you leave the house in your favourite white T, with scotch stains from the night before, some big sunglasses, and your new purchase, people will argue in hushed tones "Is that someone famous or just another hungover idiot?".

Either way my friends, you're still the one wearing the pants.

Time to get FRESH

2010-04-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

In many/all ways I'm like an excitable 12 year old when it comes to stumbling across fresh radical things. Every time I get super excited and declare that this is, hand down, the coolest thing i've ever seen. That being said, this time I mean it (at least until my next post) enough to implore people to buy me this new obsession as a present. Because lets face it, i'm not mde of money (more like impecable taste and sarcastic remarks).

The just released Chad Muska (a name that rings a bell for every kid who grew up in the 90s getting driven to the skate park by their mum) Blaster Watch is getting me excited. This timepiece, although not quite how you'll see the distinguished gentleman checking the time, is still both functional and a piece of wearable art. Because when you look this good, you don't need to know anything.

The sad thing is (cue 'gansters paradise', because its angry sad, not queer sad) is that I have very little faith that i could pull this off. Being in the well educated, white boy demographic I just dont see it happening. I'd be that guy who turns up for his first day of school in Harlem in suspenders and tries to join in the freestyle rap battle right before someone harshly pulls the needle from the turntables (because stereotypes have to come from somewhere). But one can always dream.

Check it out at http://caliroots.com/cali/product.asp?id=21839.

Until we meet again I'll be right here, jumping up and down on the spot like an insolent little shit until someone buys me the watch. Don't think I won't.

Not all wolves are good at Basketball

2010-04-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

If you can't guess the movie you are retarded (industry test, not my own)

Illustration from Aled Lewis (aledlewis.com)

Ahwoooooooooo werewolves of london

Topical T's

2010-04-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that I hate those kids who walk around universities all over the world wearing Che Guevara or Obama (or other variations, you know the type) T-shirts pretending, or genuinely, to being opinionated. The piece of clothng doesn't give any indication to a viewer whether they're pro or con, but the idea is that viewers think they have an opinion.

Simply writing about them makes me want to run into the quad and punch the private school kid with dreadlocks and a Che t-shirt practicing haki sac, say nothing, walk off, then get a Dr. Pepper or something (...Unforgiveable).

Phewwww... My shoulders feel lighter now, and let it be said that what im writing about is a cool concept and I include it because it doesn't aspire to any of that infuriating opinionated t-shirt crap.

Your blonde brothers from another (Swedish) mother, Sven and Jens (only two names i know that sound Nordic), have created T-Post, a subscriber T-Shirt service which created a monthly shirt design based on a large news story from the month leading into production. Although many of the designs are fairly routine, the concept is awesome as it's the gift that keeps on giving. How often do you get something awesome only to wear the shit out of it. Boom! T-Post. New shirts every month (You just may not be as stoked when it comes to the month where the central theme is an outbreak of herpes, or the moderation of animal-human marriage legislation, in which case shame on you, they are people too). Check out their back catalogue, keeping in mind that I think it is the concept rather than the designs themselves that deserves the radical stamp.

Check out www.t-post.se but don't worry, there's no immediate rush, there's only one shirt a month.

In the 40's 'radical' was 'neat'

2010-04-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Most classic cars are inherently beautiful, they have lines that are artistic not functional, bring about daydreams of careless summer afternoons, and are undeniably radi-cool. Plus when people hear you saying words like 'classic' and 'vintage' they always think you're saying something interesting and you must be the gate keeper of niche knowledge (until they realise that you're talking about Mortal Kombat on Super Nintendo or when porn used to involve more pubes, in which case they'd be right, ladies!).

As you looked at the picture before you read this (Gen Y is inherenty lazy... deal) you've already seen the beautiful and utterly unique lines on this 1948 Buick Streamliner by Norman E. Timbs. The design is stunning, perhaps even more so due to how un-functional it is; for a car that is staggeringly long it really is a one and a half seater, which is great because I have a thing for midgets.

But we all know the point of this car isnt the engine, specs, or fuel, the man driving this car is the king of cool. Period. It could be a penniless hobo trying for the world record for longest fingernails and he'd still get ass (true story, I read somewhere that women are shallow).

It's pretty much a guarantee that when this car was produced kids in overalls and plaid shirts would run up to this car as it parked in front of the local drug store and go "gee mister that car is neat-o". And yes, my image of the past is entirely shaped by hollywood films, you try faulting Pleasantville.

Good Day Sir...

It has to be scene to be believed

2010-04-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

When i mention Bleecker Street you either think one of two things, and think carefully because the wrong answer can put you in dangerous territory of being considered 'uncool' in the eyes of people you don't know or care about.

Moving along, you either think of cheap beers and breakfast deli rolls in Greenwich Village (NYC, for those still not following), or the new(ish) online store that lets us on the opposite side of this liveable beach ball sample the fahion delights of previously mentioned area.

Recently I stumbled upon, and immediately purchased from Bleeckerst.com, the radical store which is which brings some of the choicest fashion from the streets of NY into Australia for those wishing to say "Man, I dunno where you'll be able to get these kicks, they're pretty exclusive" (which FYI, makes you a dooshbag).

My favourite amongst the bunch is Stamp'd LA who started as kicks customisers and have just opened their first boutique in LA which sports some fly art on the shop walls.

So for those of you looking for something a little different, check out the online shop and recieve some trans-pacific retail loving.

L8r

PS. I have thrown up a pic of the new Stamp'd LA kicks I'll be sporting, so if you want to be the only one on the block treadin in them we can organise some kind of alternate weekend rotation, or maybe I'll take mon-wed-fri and you take tues-thurs... we'll discuss later

All Hail... Joel McHale

2010-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

First things first, weak WEAK pun title, for which i appoligise. sorry

Onward into a feverent discussion about a guy who is truly one of the funniest individuals on TV at the moment. In my opinion (and a I'm the only one who reads this blog, it may as well be gospel) Joel McHale is the exception to the rule when it comes to 'hollywood' (cringe) gossip, as anyone who has seen "The Soup" on E! can attest. For a show with an obviously minimal budget and unoriginal base material, Joel manages to make it one of the fnniest shows on the box. The best part being that very few of the laughs come from the material, it's all him.

Admittedly, his proclivity to tear apart reality TV is like a slapfight with a quadriplegic but, god damnn, does he make it gound gooooood (said in Jim Carey voice circa Bruce Almighty). Just look at the guy...

He even looks effortlessly hilarious, like animals in clothes, kids hurting themselves on trampolines, or whatever the opposite of Cathy cartoons is. But enough with the man-crush, it's starting to sound a bit left of centre.. which it totally is not pfft like that would ever happen.

Anywho, I recommend you check out The Soup & Community however you can. If you're a poor non-cabe TV person like me watch it online but be warned, download limits will be punished and your little sisters project on Egyptian culture may become more heresay learned from watching The Mummy Returns than actual fact. Don't say you weren't warned.

RADICALLLLLLLLLLLLL.. dissappear into cloud of mysterious smoke

So that's where I left my Mansion...

2010-03-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

I suppose that there's a theme appearing here, being that the most radical things all contain a large input of creativity, predominantly through design. That being said, feast your eyes on this monolith of creative awesomeness which is the Jouin Manku/YTL designed house in KL, Malaysia.

The project was a collaboration between, architects, interior designets, planners, landscapers, and a myriad of other finishing experts to create something which is both functional, original, and radical. One only has to look at the property in profile to understand the conceptual leap envisioned when the designers undertook a blank canvas approach. Voila

The main house is multi-layered due to the use of the topography in the area, resulting in a 3,000 sqm residence which houses three generations of a Malaysian family who basically designed the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

The interion design is almost as striking as the outside and in many places brings internal aesthetics outside.

But forget any of what's mentioned above, the place has 21 bathrooms. If you can "drop off the crosby's" in a different bathroom every day for three weeks, thats radical, almost TOO radical.

WMC 2010

2010-03-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

WMC. ULTRA 2010. MIAMI. nuf said...

www.ultramusicfestival.com get someeee

Putting Pen to Paper

2010-03-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

Speaking of things I'm terrible at I thought I'd share my recent appreciation for graphic illustrators and typography. Sounds really square, but wait. These doods (sounds cooler than artists) turn what is generally used as a mundane daily function into stunning art. Never in a million years could I produce any of this, not due to a lack of creativity, but rather I have never been able to draw even a decent straight line, every time I try it looks like Muhmmed Ali has tried to play a game of hangman (and lost).

These artists have the gift of taking something mundane and turning it into art, which I believe is a radical skill. They are somewhat limited within their medium but manage to make the variations look boundless.

When I look at a blank piece of paper I see a paper plane (and a pretty bad-ass one at that), where as people like Polly Dedman presumable see something completely different. A world of possibility, if you will (Don't worry, I'll wedgie myself for that comment). Moving right on...

I feel like the skill and creativity that goes into something so simple and beautiful is radical. Even if I tried to trace these on grease paper I think my version would come out looking like the retarded brother of the cookie monster. Itake my hat off to her (for all you know I'm wearing one). To check out her ongoing work cruise to http://www.tellnotales.net/ where she posts a new professional doodle every day, or see her website at http://www.pollydedman.com/.

Nexxxxxxxt.

I think intrigue drew me to be interested in typography first. We see it everywhere. Every guy growing up has had a t-shirt that says something anti-establishment in a cool typeface and design (or maybe that's just me and I was a cooler 14 year old than you...likely). But from my internet adventure into typographic art the best stuff is so much more. Allow me to explain myself

The simple art of using forms for lettering suddently seems oh so hard. I perused a bunch of typographic artists at http://www.gofonturself.com.au/, a typographic exhibition travelling around Australia atm (at the moment... High 5 gen. Y). This particular artist is Istvan Szugyiczky. And yes, I did choose this artist because it makes me seem more worldy and cultural.

Anywho, I'm off to go doodle on some post it notes until i realise that they fit together in some Da Vinci code fashion to produce beautiful artwork. I was talented all along... MUM COME SEE HOW TALENTED I AM *jumping up and down on the spot*

Kick Em' When Their Down

2010-03-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

Because we all like to think we are productive geniuses, especially at work, I thought i would share something that you will have absolutely no interest in (that is, unless noone is watching).

Whileing away the hours in the office there inevitably comes that point in the day when you've just slammed the full-stop on a sentence full of money making goodness andyou feel as though you've earned yourself a guilty pleasure. Here is where i can help, as my life works in an uncorrelated fashion (I sneak the odd financial calculation in between entertaining myself with classic internet age comedy). Now would be an apt time to insert a graph I made on paint of time wasting on the internet vs. productive functions, but I'll save that gem for later (read: couldn't be bothered to draw it...). But I digress.

Inevitably the best discoveries on the internet come from when you set your sights on a certain vein of entertainment, as they are all inextricably linked. My recent endeavour has been in enjoying the eclectic lifestyle of the hipster / scenester. And on that note...

Crowd Warmer; Hipster Puppies centres around photos of peoples dogs in human clothing (funny already, but read on) in irionic hipster situations with tongue in cheek commentary that really hits the mark. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, exibit A...

http://www.hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com/

Margi tells people she does "graphic design" for a living, but in reality she does "nothing"

Furthermore, Unhappy Hipster ridicules the world of the super hip and the lives they make for themselves;

http://www.unhappyhipsters.com/

The stools huddled together, braced for another one of his incoherent solo poetry jams

Other notable mentions go to;

http://www.latfh.com/ for those almost too scene to function

http://www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/ presumably self-hating hipsters

Whether it's my love for deadpan humour or the fact that hipsters are far too easy to ridicule I find this stuff hilarious and, with a new update on each daily, is an excellent way to give yourself 5 minutes of sunshine in a somewhat sollem life (That was a bit emo, maybe I'll publish a photo of myself with skinny jeans on and a vintage skateboard and see if I find it so funny then...)

Anywho, should probably do something productive now. I need to maintain the prescious 80/20 ratio, without it world economies would crumble.

And yes, Jane from accounting I can see you reading celebrity news online, BACK TO WORK

Great + Awesome = Radical

2010-02-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a big believer that collaborations are the breeding ground of great ideas that push products to the next level. Many collaborators are excellent in their respective medium and merely need to come together with someone of a parallel creativity to create something awesome.

Such is the phenomenon which is occuring between street culture and high fashion. The first time I noticed this was the high end sneakers coming out of fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci (although both had less street cred than a white, private school rapper). However, these were heavily inclined toward high fashion rather than the ghetto rolling park rat. But finally there is something which is worth mention which brings the components of fashion as fine art and street culture together in an acceptable manner.

Firstly, Marc by Marc Jabs produced a line of high quality photographic skateboards with legit decals (not that anyone who buys one is going to ride it for fear of ruining the deck). And to be honest, you probably wouldn't want to destroy it, the idea of marriage between fashion and street/skate culture is to beautify the streets and give credence to an overly insular fashion. Enough talk, enjoy the view..

Boom, radical art/deck, deck/art, no?!

However, by far my favourite collaboration of this vein combines three very radical concepts at the top of their game. Firstly, Girl skateboards have produced a quality deck since i was wearing knee pads at mums request and donning a Chicago Bulls backhat. Secondly, skateboard snapper Mike O'Meally, originally from Sydney town and now senior photographer for Transworld skateboarding, who takes a phenominal skate still (http://www.mikeomeally.com/). Throw into the mix renowned director, all-around man of the moment, and co-founder of Girl Skateboards Spike Jones and you have what...

Admitedly I, as many others, have a soft spot for 'Where The Wild Things Are' and Jones' creations were pretty nice, but the pairing of the facets together; action photography, skate decks, and childhood whimsey, makes for something fairly radical.

Party on Wayne...

Party on Garth...

That Guy & Some Other Dude

2009-11-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

Seems theres a surefire way to release a unsigned electro/funk record these days and it ain't skinny jeans, a pre pubescent moustache, and singing about nailing the bateder, not entirely. It's all in the name...

Two of raddest easy listening tracks I've heard as of late (read: I overherd a DJ on a bus the other day and scribbled their conversation down on a coffee cup in shorthand) are as follows;

Tim and Jean - Come around. Two young cats from Perth who will hopefully follow this up with a stellar first release. Peruse www.myspace.com/wearetimandjean

Ted and Francis - Erland. Another couple of guys from the good side of Aus. Amble on down to http://www.myspace.com/tedandfrancis .com/tedandfrancis

So here it is, my theory, and stay with me here as this is groundbreaking stuff. The key to successful music is to team together two guys, the former with a boring name starting with T, and the latter with a more traditional but not often used name with British lineage.

BOOM!

Say for example, my name was Tom (fairly generic, starts with T. Tick), and I start a band (synth and guitar only, duh) with a dude called, say, Felix (British? Yep. Uncommon? For obvious reasons). Regardless of what fingertapping and strumming goes on behind closed doors I've got immediate summer festival noteriety on the Australian coast of my residence, regular play on alt. radio stations, and rock star appeal thats got to add at least +2 (on the accepted metric 1-10 scale) to ladies within my reach.

Radical (and plausable) right?! You can thank me later...

Let's take it back to the concrete streets...

2009-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ain't nothing like the old school. It's a failry generic comment that things were better 'back in the day', but when it comes to skateboarding, I'm a believer (cue 80's punk track and pool skating montage). Classic street and pool skating have a vibe to them which feels completely lost in the current scene. It's more laid back, more friendly, and for your average chump (member #834 present) with less than average skills, far more approachable.

It is for this reason that I will trade the battered two kick for a classic plank worthy of the deepest backyard concrete hole. Maybe I'm caught up in a celluloid comedown following a couch session with Dogtown and Endless Summer, but I'm digging the vibe and following another whim. On my upcoming trip to California (...cha bro) I'll be walking in and rolling out. Whether 12 year old groms will be calling me names in another attempt to break my immature spirit (sniff...), only time will tell.

Anywho, shopping list;

1) Tony Alva deck

(http://www.alvaskates.com/)

2) Dogtown set up

(http://www.dogtownskateboards.com/)

Because getting a deck from the birthplace of pool skating will make me a better skater. Can't argue with that logic, I read it on a beer coaster once, or maybe it was a book, scratch that, it was probably a blog, this one.

Pump it UP!

2009-11-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

For those who like to walk in style (read: poor people catch buses, rich people wear kicks and walk), last week saw the release of the collab Reeok pumps worldwide to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the radical innovation. Adding to the list of things younger and cooler than myself.

Select stores worldwide recieved ther own collab in limited release; here in Aus through Espionage. Our local flavour is this classic black and white with carbon fibre detailing (fairly legit but not quite 'too legit to quit'). They look like the last thing you might see before realising that you can't hoverboard over water without power, and you'd be right, you can't. Check http://www.sneakers4life.com/

On the other hand, so legit are the french collabs released through boutique Colette in Paris that I stare longingly across the water in a direction that I believe France to be while listening to language tapes in a desperate attempt to find a cool house for my feet (Me donner les pompes et personne n'obtient la blessure... cultured right?!). Aight, that's some radical for your feet, because they deserve some too