A TO THE K

G//A announcement

2006-08-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

"Push-Button Publishing"

Major City//

watch the now.

TMD

2005-06-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

'New popular culture', 'mash culture', 'genre now', 'cross culture', whatever the fuck you wanna call it. The game's over, shit's about to change over.

Yup, we sure love the blogculture but it's time for the next phase.

TMD, Le premiere, le meilleur. September 05.

'It's not what's next, it's what's missing.'

'A to the muthafuckin' Z!'

2005-05-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Since the new site from that murky Glitz & Armour crew seem to be halting a little bit longer than anticipated I've decided to take up residence in this dingy old Blogger hole. Parties will be notified of proceedings.

'End of transmission'

2004-09-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

Clash D'Urbaine will be back in a new disguise August 05.

Glitz & Armour HK

'Reggae Cover Art'

2004-09-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Neville Garrick

The golden age of reggae album cover artwork was the period from the early 60's
to the mid 80's. Reggae sleeves provided the visual support for a revolutionary sound, yet while other elements of reggae culture -including its beats, politics and religion- were readily acknowledged, the role of reggae´s cover artwork in spreading that culture has been slow. Neville Garrick, one of the most profound artists has created over 100 record jackets from 1975 until present time. Working with such people and musicians as Burning Spear, The Wailers and the I-Three he has created eye catching designs using a wide array of mixed media to represent the idea that the artists were trying to convey. The cover for Bob Marley & The Wailers 'Rastaman Vibration' was created by watercoloring a faded photocopy of Bob himself and pasting it onto a piece of burlap fabric thus using the material to symbolize the sackcloth of the Rastaman tradition.The cover for Bob Marley's most political album 'Survival' is also a great Neville Garrick artwork with the albumtitle cut out using a 18th century slaveship section plan.While Neville probably being the most known artist many other like Tony Wright and Jamaal Pete contributed to form a graphic testament that through the 80's spread to other musical genres like punk and popular music.

Neville Garrick interview

'Stir It Up'
Book: Reggae Album Cover Art
Features coverart by Tony Wright,
Neville Garrick, Jamaal Pete...
120 p

__________________________________

...and through the wire:

Alife custom Levi 501's
NY times article:
On one level this mass-mini team-up sounds like just another case of a big corporation trying to co-opt some street cred. Yet when the alife founders talk about the project, they make it clear that, downtown status aside, they are hardly dissenters from the culture of consumption. They love good products, and they love certain brands, especially a ''staple'' like Levi's, they emphasize. They practically light up at the mention of alife making it onto a Levi's patch, where no other brand has been. ''That's the thing that makes us most happy,'' Arcabascio says. ''We were able to infiltrate.''

Booty Babe
'For mature collectors of fine art'

Funk45.com
'Contains over 2000 audio clips
of rare funk and soul 45rpm singles'

The Beat
Bali & Jakarta Entertainment Guide
(related posting 'Goin Back To Bali')

'Unite with your allies on intersecting ground.'
- Sun Tzu

'Creation Rebels'

2004-09-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

'Wolverine'; Tsutomu Nihei (creator of Blame - (downloads)

Supreme team affiliate Adorn aka Eric Elms work (video) @ Rudy's LA

Tenmyouya Hisashi
(Daibatsu statue, Kamakura -ancient capitol of Japan)

Microsoft Optical mouse by Philippe Starck

2004 DMC World DJ Championships World Finals
This weekend; 4th and 5th September
Carling Apollo Hammersmith, London

Anthem Magazine #14

Mark you calenders;
Tokion 2nd Annual Creativity Now Conference
Feat. speakers Brian Eno, Raymond Pettibone...
Ed Templeton, Ryan McGinley, m/m Paris
October 2,3, Great Hall @ Cooper Union, NY
November 6, Laforet Museum, Tokyo

World Famous... coming to LA Sept 9...
We Clothing coming to US/LA 13th Sept...

'We are what we repeatedly do'
- Aristotle

'Riot Hour'

2004-09-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it seemed for awhile that the RNC in New York would bring some major ruckus, but the 'troublemakers' were easily wound up and sent to Pier 57 aka Guantanamo. So, we all have to wait until G Bush wins the election in November until all hell's break loose (b/c he will win won't he?) Heck, Kerry or Bush..., really what difference does it make who wins seeming they're fallen from the same tree anyway. They all are.

Cover your face and let's get this riot party started:

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs "Y Control" (video) Real/Win
Directed by Spike Jonze
(Seriously, kids can be the most scary thing!)

Get Your War On

Beef II

The Revolution will not be Televised
Documentary tracking the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez,
through an attempted coup on his presidency.

'Who Protects Us From You?'
(A public service announcement brought
to you by the scientists of Boogie Down Productions.)

After the riot frenzy is over make sure you go pass out in a well hidden bush or this will happen to you too. And that's even worse than police brutality.

(related posting 'Strategy, Tactics & Enemy Infiltration')

'A civilisation is not destroyed by wicked people;
it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they are spineless'
- James Baldwin

'Our part of town similar to Vietnam'

2004-09-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Mix of the week (1h 20m stream)
Dancehall: Barrington Levy, Sizzla,
Babycham, Vybz Kartel...

Is this for real?! Getoboys release new album and Willie D moves to Azerbaijan
Yes, we still LOVE hip hop! It doesn't get more *gully than moving here.
*gully: to keep it real to the point of insanity

Serena the goth
Venus the gangbanger

HW8
The Heavyweight crew keep creating
some fine original artwork. The latest
being the cover for Straight No Chaser summerissue.

Disruptive Pattern Material was released today
(related posting 'Battle Culture')

Sofia Coppola's new project
+ 5 year old Sophia interviewed by Francis Ford Coppola. (audio)

...and you really need to buy this. Dennis Hopper at his prime.

Vacant in Vegas this week
However, please don't go all frantic over those
Pharell/Nigo 'Icecreams'. Can't you see, they're
ugly as fuck! Reeboks with dollarsigns and diamonds
on them makes no effin' sense to us.

To act all out rebellious, fuck BAPE and their run for being
the GAP of the new millenia, we're going Scottish this fall:
Ballantyne
Pringle
Lyle & Scott

'Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes.'
-Henry David Thoreau

'Meanwhile...'

2004-08-31T04:29:00.000-07:00

...in the metropolitan area:

P Diddy 120 diamond encrusted HP Ipod

You ain't done nothing until you've been a bikemessenger in NY... (video)
+ fixed gear bike gallery .
Book: Messengers Style by Philippe Bialobos. The Immortal Class by Travis Culley

Status Correction Five Style

The new Imac G5
G&A officenote: looks like an eMac,
without the tube in the back... not very impressive.

Swiss Army Metro Travel Jacket

'It feels like I could go outside with a bikini thong on right now.'
- P Diddy

'Yours To Explore'

2004-08-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

'Narcolepsy' Clifton Phachanla

Nottinghill Carnival 40th Anniversary
29th,30th august, London.
(incl. live webcams, history, links, maps...)

Crooks & Castles 'Frazetta' t-shirt'
(related posting 'Frazetta & Bodé')

Futura Kubrick Set
Futura/Unkle 25pcs (released sept)

Bail Magazine #3
Commonwealth Stacks, Jay Adams, MoFo...

Yet another reason to love Bjork:
“You know, its ironic that just at the point the lawyers and the
businessmen had calculated how to control music, the internet
comes along and fucks everything up.” Bjork gives the finger
again, this time waving it into the air.
“God bless the internet.” She adds, “I'll still be there, waving a pirate flag.”
'Oceania' original version (video)

Apple Expo 2004
31 Aug - 4 Sept, Paris.
Will Apple introduce their new G5 iMac?

Spinemagazine
'Central resource for up-to-the-minute
Hip Hop related news, information, reviews,
exclusive MP3s, rumours and stupid jokes'

Clifton Phachanla
21-year old illustrator, designer.

...and the art of Mode 2...

'This information is top security. When you have read it, destroy yourself'
- Marshall McLuhan

'Office Time #4'

2004-08-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Dustin Amery Hostetler aka Upso
artist/illustrator; Anthem, WYWS, Beautiful Decay...

Frank 151
(via RTHQ)

Alife/RTFT Footwear Collection Fall 04
(related posting 'Protect Your Sole')

Prate.com
Excellent art portfolio

Apple success in Japan
Trade magazine Japan Consuming reckons
Apple is poised to become a Japanese "fashion superbrand."
Apple store Ginza
Apple store Shinsaibashi
Apple store London (opening Nov 20)
(related posting 'Remove Ya, This is a takeova')

Rap Francais
(30 sec soundclips) La Cliqua, NTM, Bustaflex...

Kid Genius

'Africa'

2004-08-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Malick Sidibé

'Congo Crisis'
Flash Presentation- A Readers Guide to the Congo Wars

Rap Music Banned in Congo

African Rap
Site in French and English.
News, biographies, links

WA BMG 44
'Militant rappers from the hood
of Thiaroye, near Dakar, Senegal'

The Story of Africa
BBC Worldservice: 'From The Dawn of Time'

Africa Action
'Organization working for political, economical
and social justice in Africa.'

To travel is to see.
- Sesotho (SA) proverb

'You Wonder Me'

2004-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Prince 1980

With sold out venues all across the US of A you can't neglect that Prince is still able to stir up one grand funk fiesta. Although it was the movie and soundtrack Purple Rain (20th year anniversary) that brought Prince mainstream fame and fortune it is really his 'kitschy' black and white Romeo and Juliet saga 'Under The Cherry Moon' (1986) that made a mark on (some of...) us when it came out. Prince and fellow sidekick Jerome Benton hanging out on the French riviera posing as two narcissistic gigolos in Versace bodysuits is maybe not everybody's cup of tea (except the worst Prince fanatics here at the office), BUT we do certainly ALL agree here that the additional movie soundtrack 'Parade' is a fine piece of artistry. It might be seen as a simple crossfade switch of the Around The World in a Day 1985 release but if so be the case, it is one mighty rhythm actionmove. Even earlier in the 80's Prince dropped some amazing albums. If you're into prancing around in little ladies underwear with a badly trimmed croutch while going 'oooh!' and 'aaah!' and 'iiih' with a winebottle of beaujolais nouveau then Dirty Mind from 1980 is pretty classic too.
So, for the weekend sport out on some frantic tranny styled gear and head uptown to get that original freak on.

'The Vault'
Book: The definitive musicguide to Prince
720 pp

Rebirth of the flesh (mp3)
We're quite sure you haven't heard this one before.

And that other Prince you need to acknowledge...

On a sidenote: It seems like Catchdubs started a welldeserved hype when posting the Jadakiss 'Why' remix yesterday. So far it has popped up on plenty, plenty, plenty blogs and sites around the iNet. Good looking out to Catchdubs for spreading original production and also a massive headnod to the QN5 production team.

'Search, understand, participate, create'
- Glitz & Armour

'Construction at work'

2004-08-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

The construction of the 'new' internet
Posting on the future of Google Business Solutions

Office Top/ic
- 'Seven Nation Army' Nostalgia 77

iM3
Ipod portable stereosystem

Dancehall: A Survival Guide

Champion C9 Athletic Gear
(or more importantly; Eric B & Rakim 'Don't Sweat The Technique')

New York Soul
Compilation by Bobbito Garcia & Adrian Gibson

_____________________

US Reminder: Hero movierelease, Friday 27th aug.
'Presented' by Quentin Tarantino (QT blog)

Turntablelab/Moneystudies 'Drippy' t-shirt
by Typestereo/Miami Crew

'Give me superfat doe like Pablo Escobar'
Group Home

'La Génération Perdue'

2004-08-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

'They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.' - Laurence Binyon

'The Golden Age of Neglect'
Book: Ed Templeton, 103p

Terry Richardson

Vice
'Fucking heroin guys again! Lying around like wet socks, Go home, you
lazy, lying, boring, constipated, money-borrowing raver. It's not even
fun to laugh at you anymore.'

Harmony Korine (interview)
Book: Collected Screenplays 1
(Jokes/Gummo/Julien Donkey-Boy)

Hikikomori
Japans lost generation. + Article

'I'm going to kill myself and will anyone care when I'm gone'
- Gummo

'Midnight Marauders'

2004-08-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

photo: Ryan McGinley

'Warriors, come out and play'

A remake is set to be done on 'Warriors'. Paramount & MTV Films have signed Tony Scott and Scott Free Prods. to direct a new version of the 1979 'cultclassic'. Terence Winter (the Sopranos) is enlisted to write the script. Release not set.

Photographer Martha Cooper is visiting Europe promoting her new book 'Hip Hop Files 79-84'. The book is a collaboration with German hip hop veteran Akim Walta aka Zeb Roc Ski (video.) Exhibition and photogallery will be held throughout Europe in Aug-Sept. London @ Carharrt (until 27 aug), Stockholm @ Nitty Gritty (25), Copenhagen @ Cinemateket 3 Sep. Official site

Quote of the day: 'Stay away from the light!'
- Poltergeist

'Goin' back to Bali'

2004-08-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

Bali perfection

Bali, one of 13.000 island in Indonesia. The first stop on the island will probably be the Kuta Beach area, a tourist tenement ghetto close to the Ngurah Rai international airport. The visiting majority is compromised of surfers, travellers and a small international export business clientel. This has even more drastically been the case since the bombings of two nightclubs in the heart of Kuta in 2002. This year larger crowds of tourists (mainly European, Aussie and Japanese) have started to find their way back but so far Bali remains the basecamp and hunting grounds for surfers, divers and the like. Too many good spots to mention but Poppies I and II for afternoon movies, surfvids, hangout, cheap indo food and beer. Seminyak goes for nightlife. All in one. And then you haven't even been in the water...

Surfing Indonesia
The most comprehensive guidebook
to surfexpedition in the Indonesian
archipelago. Photos, detailed maps, travel
advisory; Java, Sumatra, Sumbawa...
302p

Wave Pillow
Connected to the internet for swellcast reporting.

Surf Time Magazine
Indonesian surfmagazine

G-Land Surfcombat
'Kongs', 'Moneytrees', 'Speed Reef', tigertracks on the beach...
For serious surfers only. (+ Bali swell chart)

'Ulu32'
DVD. 32 years of surfing history.
Produced by Steve Cooney, first ever to surf Ulu Watu

Maccaroni Club
Italian restaurant/bar situated on
Legian Street, on the corner of Poppies II

Kudéta
Seminyak nightclub/restaurant.
Visiting DJ's; Pete Tong, Claude Challe...

'Bali Style'
Book: Local vernacular architecture,
interior design, arthistory...
Hardcover, 232 p

And in the metropolitan area life goes on... ___________________

Banksy statue uncovered

Hero, (N. American cinemas Aug 27) is having a promotional rough-up. The Zhang-Yimou-directed saga is now conveniently being 'presented' by Quentin Tarantino. And what does Tarantino got to do with this movie? Not much except distribution and production of a trailer that gives away the plot. Could be the sneakiest (and most retarded) marketing since Iron Monkey. Yes, it will probably attract a slightly bigger audience, but to assure you this movie does not need Tarantinos name stamped approval.
Just buy the DVD straightaway.

Fader Magazine # 23

Beautiful Decay Issue H

'Mag Culture: New Magazine Design'
Book: Contemporary design; Japan,
France, Italy... 274p

...and text messaging gets hated on (related posting 'Hillbilly Blues')

Quote of the day:
In Hawaii you are an asshole until proven otherwise.
In Bali, you're ok until you behave like an asshole'
- Unknown surfer

'Unsigned Hype'

2004-08-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

'Nathaniel Dawayne Hale (born 1969) started singing as a child in the New Hope Trinity Baptist Church choir where his father, Daniel Lee Hale, was pastor at the time. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California and left home to join the United States Marine Corps where he served for 3 years before being dishonourably discharged. In 1991 Nathaniel, his cousin Calvin Broadus and their friend Warren Griffin III formed a rap trio called 213 which released an album August 2004. Special armoury: chorus, bridge and hook.'

'Office Time #3'

2004-08-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

Office Top/ics

- 2004 Official Summeranthem 'Lean Back' (related posting 'Rockaway, Lean Back')
- Hooked DVD release October 12
- Harbour's District
- Nas 'Get Down' (QSO Remix)
- The 'new' internet
- Reggaeton
- Iraq, Iraq, Iraq! (related article)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Site relaunch incl trailer + new screenshoots
PS2 release October 22

Kubrick Ipod.
Designed by Medicom.
+ Ipod cases

Adidas/Yohji Yamamoto

Japanese Illustrators
Yuko Kondo, Phobia, L'atelier Chat Noir...

Urban Vinyl
Article NY Times
- related posting ' Toys Ain't Us'

'hack Mac' by re-designer Ora-ito
French productdesign...

Quote of the day:
'A game in which you fly around in space and shoot up other space ships?
That is the stupidest idea that I have ever heard'
- Atari manager

'Kings of the yakkedyyakk yard'

2004-08-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Naturally, we hold a love for all things artistic but one thing boogles our minds. The phenomenon, or terminology known as 'streetart', 'sticker art', 'postgraffiti', 'neograffiti', 'urban art', 'stencil art...', is it really worth all the attention. Honestly we have no fuckin' clue what this is all about. Some even dare to call it 'graffiti' but really is that the closest resemblance one can make? Graffiti is (mind you, this is OUR definition) about style, putting your creativity into the game; stalk, prey and 'get up' to leave your mark on society. It's courage and creativity all in one. It is breaking new grounds, unadultory street vision and creating motion. The territory (art) might not be new but the output and style pattern is as fresh as the spraypaint used to spread the message. Unfortunately we (as in WE) do not identify this passion in what some have proclaimed the stepchild of graffiti/aerosol art and categorized 'street art'. To us, it's even more uncomfortable to watch than any top-to-bottom spraypainted train would be to a regular commuter. Mostly because it seems very empty. Does it hold any importance at all? Where graffitiwriters used to freeze into a 'critical minded' bboy stance, the 'street art' culture only seem to vaguely know how to strike that necessary pose but not for what reason. The technique might be there but the skill just seem misused. One could confront that writers and aerosol artists in the 70's, 80's and in present time was and still is only after fame and recognition and noone would be able to disagree with that, but then naturally and logically the next evolution step would be to get up and actually say something. So far: pigs, elephants, yellow snot, old funny women in hats, scribbles on a piece of rock and other stale messages. Sorry to say, but this popversion of graffiti is not impressing us much. Slapping a doodad sticker on a lamppost or painting pigs is not progressive. Nor is it very rebellious. To some it would even be interpreted as the voice of a generation that is not blind or deaf but probably a wee bit naive and retro obssesed. Office members here at G&A might be old and grey but please, bring a 'brighter' future closer - now.

Thank you to the following contributors of style, innovation and progression:

WK Interact, Shok 1, Doze, Rammellzee and all 'the others'...

Getting Up
One of the only books you'll need
on subway graffiti.

Quote of the day: 'I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad'
- Tears For Fears

'Restez Tranquille'

2004-08-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Office Top/ics

- Nike 'English Gentry' collection.(more info on this thread)
- Paris
- Harbour's District
- Iraq bombshock
- UK oversea hype (Dizzee,Wiley, Skinnyman, Mia...)

Skinnyman interview (audio) @ Tim Westwood

Evil Monito #19.

Olafur Elissason.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

"How'd ya spell that?"
"M-A-R-E"
"Maaar?"
No, Mare..."

Hip hop fashion never seizes to amaze us...
...neither do recordcompanies acting shady...

...that's Industry Rule #4080.

The Star Wars cult is officially over... please no more after this.

Quote of the day: 'I'm just hangin out'
- Main Source

'Battle Culture'

2004-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

WSTI Camp Lemonier, Djibouti USMC

Thermal Imagery
Article; Wide-area Surveillance Thermal Imagery (WSTI)

'DPM Disruptive Pattern Material'
Book: 'Nature, Military, Culture, Evolution...'
Contributions: SSUR, Peter Fowler, Futura, Maharishi...'
Release Sept-Oct

Hardy Blechman interview
Maharishi owner

Quote of the day: 'At all times - be armed'
- Glitz & Armour

'Strategy, Tactics and Enemy Infiltration'

2004-08-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sun Tzu

"We are grateful to the Washington Post, The New York Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost forty years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years. But, the world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries." -David Rockefeller Baden-Baden, Germany 1991

Sun Tzu - The Art of War Strategy
'Strategy 33 states: Let the enemy's own spy sow discord in the enemy camp.
(Use double agents.) Undermine your enemy's ability to fight by secretly
causing discord between him and his friends, allies, advisors, family, commanders, soldiers, and population. While he is preoccupied settling internal disputes his ability to attack or defend, is compromised.'

Confucius
Confucius urged a system of morality and statecraft that would
preserve peace and provide people with stable and just government.
A ruler or general is not a real leader without that end purpose in mind.

The game 'Go'
'Go is a strategic, two-player board game originating in ancient China
between 2000 BC and 200 BC. Internet has served to greatly increase its
popularity throughout the rest of the world in recent years...'

Nonviolence International

Quote of the day:
'You must think before you move, strategic planning
is required in most cases, with great thought and
concentration.'
- GZA

'Shaka - mighty zulu warrior'

2004-08-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Composer, musician, singer, mixing engineer, producer, record label owner, and the operator of the heaviest roots/dub soundsystem in the world. In the late seventies Sir Coxsone Outtanational played alongside Jah Shaka for the first time. Halfway through the set Lloyd Coxsone took the mic; "Stop the dance, stop the dance! In all my years in soundsystem I've never heard a sound like Jah Shaka." 30 years later - still soundwarrior #1.

Shaka live sound excerpt (.ram)

Jah Shaka special @ Kiss FM
Audioclip 34min (.ram)

Jah Shaka interview

'Frazetta & Bodé'

2004-08-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

'Death Dealer III'; Frank Frazetta, oil on academy board 16 x 20 in. ca 1980

'What bind the subculture of graffiti and aerosol art with the worlds of people like Frank Frazetta and Vaughn Bodé is that neither is relying on imitating their peers. They do not rely on a singular perception or subject or tool or color palette. Imagination was and still is the only 'gimmick'. In the graffiti documentary Style Wars there is an episode where graffitilegend Kase 2 is observing a movieposter, exclaiming his admiration for the illustrators artwork. And although the painting is not a Frank Frazetta work, Kase 2 can clearly see the source of inspiration;
"Frazzzettaaa...!!"
Just one original artist recognizing another.' - A183:IL PARLE, Fresh Magazine

Frank Frazetta Art Gallery
The original Frank Frazetta website
including biography, forum, gallery...

Here is another Frazetta site containing a massive gallery.
The 'Death Dealer' series, 'Cat Girl', 'Sea Witch'
and much more. Interview

'Da Vaugh Bodé Site'
Includes examples of the Cheech Wizard comicstrip.
Also Deadbone and various sketches.

Grafartist Zephyr speaks on Vaughn Bodé

Quote of the day: 'Don't bite, be inspired'
- Glitz & Armour

'Protect ya sole'

2004-08-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

'Sneaker' Ellsworth Kelly ink on paper 12 x 17 in, 1949

Sneakers, sneakers, sneakers, sneakers. It's impossible to avoid the subject these days. It's like when the jeans fabric became popular. At first it was the choice of rebels and outcasts; gold miners, bikers and hippie chicks. Then all of a sudden it became so fashiooonable that even the fuckin' president and his stiffnecked friends showed up at dinner parties wearing jeans. The same thing has happended to the sneaker. It's so depressing we just feel like giving all our trainers away. Give it all up and move to a South Pacific island and walk barefoot for the rest of our lives (or atleast 'til the hype dies down.) Still, we give it up for Jason Bass, Sung Choi & Wei-En @ Clae and Rich/Brandon/Robert @ Creative Recreation and the rest of the aficionado armada for outstanding achievements, but for the love of the culture tone that shit down before it gets ruined. Be selective, be protective. Now, extend your wardrobe and get a pair of regular shoes you big kid!

Nicholas Deakins
'Perrier'

Clarks vs Duffer
Special 20th anniversary collection

Handmade Shoes for Men
Book. Topics include pattern design, tanning processes,
bios on the greatest workshops in Europe and North America...

Footwear Design
3-year BA Honours program @ De Montfort University

Quote of the day: 'A chaque pied son soulier'
'To each foot it's own shoe'
- Michael Eyquen de Montaigne

'Jagshemash'

2004-08-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

Kazakhstan
CIA World Factbook

Kazakhstan Offical Website
Life, History and Culture

Borat Sagdiyev
Kazakhstani top media personality
interview republican James Broadwater, a real man - high five!

Voice of Asia Rock Festival
6-9 August, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Quote of the day: 'Why you laugh?'
- Borat Sagdiyev

'Punk, Politics and Politricks'

2004-08-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Jamie Reid
Designed most of the Sex Pistols album covers

'The Filth and The Fury'
DVD: Sex Pistols documentary; punk rock and general hellrazing

Center for political graphics

'Graphic Agitation'
Book: Social and Political Graphics in the Digital age

Art Politic
'Art Politic seek to promote interest for
a variety of social issues through art'

Paintcans & Politics
A graffitidocumentary about the clash
of art vs state in Detroit.

'Politricks'
Sepultura lyrics

Quote of the day: 'Hate and war, the only things we got today
- The Clash

'Planet BKK'

2004-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

SE Asia is on the rise in a BIG way. We especially like the way Bangkok is putting itself on the map these days. Even Mr Futura seem to have discovered Krung Thep (city of angels). With the new MRTA subway system opening last month and a lot of other changes going on in Bangkok (airport code BKK) the city is moving towards positioning itself as number one in the SE Asian region. Being the natural hubstation inbetween east and west it will be most interesting to see what will happen regarding the rise of contemporary 'sub'cultures in the next coming years.
Siam Square and MBK Center are the more obvious pitstops. Near the MBK is also where a lot of bboys (on the bridge) and skateboarders meet. When it comes to hunting down shopping districts and specified apparel there are plenty hidden gems around but you'll have to search them out for yourself. That's what we did.

Nightlife in Bangkok has reached new levels recently so be sure to drop by any of these places:

Qbar, Mystique, Bed Supperclub. The street Silom Soi 4 is also a safe bet since the new makeover.

Propaganda
Designer products from Thailand.

Bangkok contemporary culture
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International Graffiti MeetUp Day (BKK edition)
1st Saturday every month.

H Gallery
Specializing in contemporary art from emerging Thai artists.

Siam Hip Hop
Thai rapculture. You won't understand a word but
just to let you know there's a revolution going on.

Chun 1's Bangkok essentials

'Office Time #2'

2004-08-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Maven & Matthew (Raval district)

Office Top/ics:

Dior Rasta (won't they ever stop biting?!)
The sneaker couture hype - depressing
Theodore Unit /The Drummer/
"It's twothousandandfouuurr!" (office mantra)
Nottinghill Carnival 40th anniversary (Aug 29, 30 London)
Frank Frazetta
Pen juggling (neonerd ecstasy)

Impress the chicks - dork

Job Tales
Article on Jody delivering marijuana in NY

Cody Hudson aka Struggle Inc spotted @ 1000 Journals project

Mark Gonzales
skater, writer, artist, poet and all around legend

Boombox heaven

Swifty Typecharts

Quote of the day: 'Destroy all illusions'
- Glitz and Armour

'Toys ain't us'

2004-08-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

HK skyline

'toy'
Noun. Lacking skill, beginner, a person with no insight regarding the tricks of a trade. Or... you could choose to be a urban vinylist.

James Jarvis is definitely no toy. Massive portfolio including boardgraphics, recordcovers, soloexhibitions, clothing etc. Also, collaborations with Silas and more recently Nokia. Check out the latest issue of TM magazine for a full special James Jarvis toy catalogue. Interview by the ever so swift Rifttrooper

Coarsetoys is running a massive campaign now on the net (BGHD, Rifttrooper, Toydigger) for their latest creations Cream and Switch. Strictly no joke business.

Yes, Michael Lau's figures are legendary and so is Eric So's. But please don't forget about Jason Siu. Mr Siu interview.

Toy; noun... lacking skill

Quote of the day: 'Big kids don't play'
- Grand Puba

'The Bristol Bunch'

2004-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Wildbunch flyer 1986

Out of Bristol and club DugOut came some of the funkiest crews of all times; The Wildbunch, 2Bad, City Rockers, UD4 and the 3 Stripes posse. The Wildbunch went on to become Massive Attack. The 3 Stripes posse became Smith and Mighty and club Dugout regular Nellee Hooper started painting his fingernails and formed Soul II Soul. Then we have Roni Size (his brother was part of UD4), Tricky, Black Roots, DJ Krust, Portishead... (- originally from Portishead, but part of the Bristol scene.) Add to that a whole sea of producers, songwriters, engineers and club DJ's. Really, you can't knock their hustle.

Straight Outa Bristol
Book: Author Phil Johnson tells the
musical story of the Bristol sound.

Blue Lines
Massive Attack debutalbum.
(If you don't have this already you should be thrown in jail)

Enter this way for the Massive Attack site. Quite depressing but it goes well in line with naming your recordcompany Melancolik. 3D interview.

'Eleven Promos', Massive Attack DVD compilation incl. Unfinished Sympathy, Protection, Daydreaming... (also search for 'The Wildbunch Underground Massive CD/LP' released on Strut)

Quote of the day: 'Midnight rockers, cityslickers, gunmen'
- Massive Attack

'Daydream believer'

2004-08-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Office Space
'A tribute to the most bullshitty-est movie ever...'
Now buy that soundtrack (Geto Boys, Junior Reid, Slum Village...)
and plug it in on your way from work. Better and cheaper than any
job related therapy session. 'Damn it feels good to be a gangster...'

The Office
Complete 1st and 2nd series DVD
No sorry laughtracks, no punchlines just... brilliance.
A US version is planned.

Here's your ticket out of hell...

Or here...

'So you wanna be a hustler'

2004-08-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

What's the definition of a high roller?
video: Ice - T

Ghettofabulous
'Who's ghetto? Who ain't. You vote.'

Pimp Cups

'The Pimp Game'
Instructional guide to the art of pimpin'

Pimp Name Generator

Master P 'Hustlin'
'Hustlin cause I gots nowhere to go
Hustlin I gots to support me and my hoe'
(pure poetry...)

Hustlers of the century
"It's very important for folks to understand
that when there's more trade, there's more commerce." -GWB
(Hallelujah, we have a winner!)

Quote of the day:
'If you're not in control of the game, you're being played'
- Iceberg Slim

'Soul Rebel No 1'

2004-08-01T04:37:00.000-07:00

Miki Dora 1934-2002

"The revolution has started. The era of good feeling is fast becoming a thing of the past. Surfing is undergoing a polar change. Leaders are now being recognized for their actions and movement, rather than their last Gung Foo victory. The emphasis is shifting with the new leaders. Organized surfing is doomed. It will continue to be run like a mail order operation. In the public's acknowledgement and comment on the top men today, it must also accept their views. This obviously necessitates re-evaluation, and then reconstruction of the power structure. In my area, the small waves medium, the difference is more pronounced. My choices for the small stuff category are hereforth declared, win, place, show" - Miki Dora

Miki Dora Tribute
(videoclip)

Master of Surfing Photography Vol 4
Ted Grambeau, 18 years of surfphotography from
Hawaii, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tahiti...

Pipeline Surfcam

Surfing Monopoly
Buy, sell and trade surfdestinations around the world
Comes complete with 6 collectible pewker: surfer,
beach cruiser, woodie, flip flop, shark and surfwax

Riding Giants
US Release date 7 Sept 2004
Directed by Stacy Peralta

Andrew Kidman
Photographer, filmmaker, writer, musician, surfer...

'Surfers'
A photographic study by French photographer Patrick Cariou
documenting the lifestyle and culture of surfing

Indonesian Surf & Lingo

In search of captain Zero
Surf memoir soon to be directed by Stacy Peralta
starring Sean Penn. Release unknown.

Quote of the day: 'Locals only'
- JBay graffiti

'Office Time'

2004-07-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

Office Top/ics:

'Ease Back' Ultramagnetic Mc's
Future Relic
Ratatat - Remixes Mixtape Vol 1
Stunt 101 /Ratatat remix/
'Postproduction'
Kevin F-Ski (Britney S's dude) sporting 'no shoe laces' style
(let us remind you that this is no new 'trend' - 20years later'd "ski")
Monkeys
Harbour's District

Future Relic
'Monkey See', 'Popular Density', 'Easy Angel'
The most interesting t-shirt collection since... forever.

Banksy exposed
Yes, we do like Banksy's work but he doesn't impress Jamaicans much.
(best unintentional PR work ever)

L.A Lewis Photos
'urban legend' (Jam)

Vincent Gallo interview

Quote of the day: 'We don't dance, we boogie.'
- Glitz & Armour

'What set you claim?'

2004-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mudra

"Mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning 'seal' or 'mystery'. Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression, consisting of finger-postures and hand gestures. They are symbolic sign based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing divine powers or the deities themselves. The composition of a mudra is based on certain movements of the fingers; in other words, they constitute a highly stylized form of gestureal communication. It is an external expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal communications are more powerful than the spoken word.... so, what set you claim brah?"

We're all in the same gang

Jose Rodriguez
Photographs from East L.A

Siddhartha Gautama

Quote of the day: 'What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.' - Eccl. 1:9

'A love for all things artistic'

2004-07-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

:Bates

Jonathan Ive interview
Apple Head Designer; Ipod, G4, Imac...
- related posting 'Remove ya, this is a takeover'

Jonathan Ive Portfilo

Tord Boontje
Dutch designer genius

Pablo Ferro
Title Designer: Bullit, Dr Strangelove
and more recently Napoleon Dynamite

GreatBates
Danish graffiti.

Quote of the day: 'Believe it or not, I can actually draw.'
- Basquiat

'Flicks, pics and perfection'

2004-07-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

photo by: Jamil Gs

Henri Cartier-Bresson: "Actually, I'm not all that interested in the subject of photography. Once the picture is in the box, I'm not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren't cooks"

Ricky Powell
The Rickster. Photographer, writer, street connoisseur.
Everyone from K. Haring, Basquiat, Warhol to Easy E, 3rd Bass and the Beasties.
So far he has released two photobooks with a third one one it's way.
Certified sneakeraddict: 'Ricky Powell LE' (design by JB Classics)
(Also find merchandise at Upperplayground)


Glen E. Friedman
Idealist, pacifist and TRUE .


David LaChapelle
Mr Surreal, fine artist, photographer.
Amazing portfolio: Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, i-D, Vibe,
Interview, The Face, British GQ,Macy Gray, Moby, No Doubt,
Whitney Houston, Lil’ Kim, Elton John, Madonna.... ...


Angela Boatwright
Portfolio objects include: Le Tigre, Redman, Common, Pat Smith...
Featured works for Mass Appeal, Anthem... the list goes on...


George DuBose
Shot the first publicity photo for Africa Bam & The Soul Sonic Force.
That photo by itself is a milestone. Nuff said.


Jamil GS
No introduction should be necessary.


Peter D Sutherland
Author of graffitilog 'Autograf'


Patrick O'dell
'Skate'photographer,writer. Epic photoblog.


Nobuyoshi Araki
One of Japan's best-known artists. Not for the faint-hearted. Has amongst many bizarre
things documented the "forbidden city" Sinjuku, Tokyo's famous redlight district. Arikimentary

Quote of the day:
I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.
-Gandhi

'The revolution will be merchandised'

2004-07-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

'Be Young and Shut Up'

Todays Office Top 4:

Beppe Wolgers - jazzcat extraordinaire
'Machine Gun' Jimi Hendix Itunes playlist
'The Sorrows of Empire' Chalmers Johnson book
The Great Dictator - Charlie Chaplin

Cash is king some people seem to think. Well, sure thang in that case we're going to pay for the whole frickin' revolution and bring our world into the ruling position. Here are a few recommendations on where to spend that 'almighty' dollar:

El Comandante Che Guevara
Go buy the t-shirt, go buy the book... Yes, you look like a dork, now see the movie.

Shaka Zulu
Military genius, fierce, and completely nuts. King Shaka
won and commanded most of southeast Africa and Natal
in less than 12 years. Not only did he do this but 150 years later
his achievements would inspire one of modern music history's
greatest to start a revolution of his own; Africa Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation

Gil Scott-Heron
Ex-Last Poet, ex-crackhead, present time soul saviour

Richard Pryor
Without Richard Pryor you would have no Chris Rock, no Eddie Murphy, no Paul Mooney, no nobody.
RP was and still is the undisputed king of dirtcomedy.

Chalmers Johnson (videoclip 58min)
Social scientist and author of The Sorrows of Empire

Quote of the day:
'What are you rebelling against?
Whaddya got?'
- Marlon Brando

'You a slave to a page in my sketchbook...'

2004-07-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Todays Office Top 4:

Cocaine Blunts & Hip Hop blogsite
Lance Armstrong
Made You Look - Stefan Sagmeister
'Sugar On My Tongue' Talking Heads Itunes playlist

Made You Look
A volume of works by Austrian designer Stefan Sagmeister.
While checking that one out do yourself another favour by purchasing the Talking Heads
'Once In A Lifetime' Box Set. Coverdesign by no other than Mr. Sagmeister.

Sagmeister Inc
New York design agency

The media newfound mp3 blog phenomena.
Two articles on this increasingly popular medium

'Girls, Girls, Girls...'

2004-07-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hajime Sorayama
Japanese illustrator. Also check out this site (japanese only)

Alberto Vargas

Hawaiian girls have more fun
Mixed media project by artistduo Kozyndan

We'd also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr Andy Irons on his lastest win at the Billabong Prosurf contest at J-Bay. Almost halfway through the tour and placings showing 2,3,3,2,1 is mighty impressive! We can't wait to see him at home Hawaiian turf in December for the TripleCrown.

Quote of the day:
Lawe i ka ma'alea a ku'ono'ono.
Acquire skill and make it deep.
- Hawaiian proverb

'Hillbilly blues'

2004-07-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Watching rap/rnb videos here at the Glitz & Armour studio/office makes you kinda wonder. Really, do Americans still use beepers/alphapagers??! Sorry to say but how 'hillbilly' is that? Please wake up - it's 2004, Two-Thousand-And-Four ok? SMS, MMS, EV-DO, anyone?

Ok, we admit sometimes our inner hillbilly goes haywire too. That's why we looove us some redneck trailerpark women every now and then (please stay out of the music'biz' though...)

'Art - what is it good for?'

2004-07-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

'Michael and Bubbles'; Jeff Koons, porcelain ceramic blend, 70x30 in.
Artists proof, Broad Art Foundation Santa Monica. Auction price $5,615,750.

Rumour has it that Bubbles was smuggled out of the country and taken to a dingy opium village in Northern Thailand where he is now forced to labour as a backpacker mascot. One puff for Steve, two puffs for Bubbles, one puff for John, two puffs for Bubbles...
Our point is; man should never kill ape (or chimp). Obtain knowledge and let's all be free!

Art, will it ever makes sense?

Even harder to answer, will Michael ever make sense?!

Finding Neverland
Movie: inspired by the life ofJM Barrie, author of Peter Pan.
Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman...
Release: Oct 22, 2004

Faile
Art Collective

Brian Cross aka B+ interview
Photographer, filmmaker...

Quote of the day: 'Noone needs to know if I'm joking or not - not even me'
- Salvador Dali

'Never do what they do'

2004-07-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Todays Office Top Four:

Fatlaces, nice and crisp
BGHD
80's metal rock
The Roots, 'Clones' Itunes playlist

Thoughtful Roots 'Tipping Point' review here
Ofcourse, The Roots is one of hip hop cultures most important 'bands'
at the moment (same goes with Beastie Boys) but since competition isn't
really that much nowadays this does not really say much about the
capabilities these artists possess. Unfortunately The Roots seem to
have 'cloned' themselves this time around.

The Roots DVD TV II

Saline Project
Videoproducers of amongst many
things 'Don't Say Nothin', The Roots.

Lee Ballard
Painter/Illustrator

Quote of the day: Search, understand, participate, create
- Glitz & Armour

'Only rasta can liberate the people...'

2004-07-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Today: Jamaican special

When you cruise off to Jamland don't be a daft tourist junkie and end up in the west, Negril or Montego Bay. East is where it's at. Always look east... Bull Bay, Long Bay...
Just remember this is not a place to fuckin talk the talk if you can't walk the walk.

'yardie'
Noun. A member of a Jamaican criminal gang.
Usually operates internationally and in the distribution
of illicit drugs.

'Born Fi Dead'
Laurie Gunst historical document of the
Jamaican posse underworld. Shower Posse...
The Spanglers... McGregor Gully Posse... so don't talk the talk...

But there is plenty reasons to go to Jamaica...

Plenty reasons...

The Afflicted Yard
Jamaican Media Terrorism; photography, essays...

'Yes Rasta'
Photographs by Patrick Cariou

Rasta/Patois dictionary

Oh, so even Obey is a rasta nowadays...

Quote of the day:
Those who can't dance say the music is no good.
- Jamaican Proverb

'They made us do it'

2004-07-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

DONNIE:    "Well... they say it right when they are ripping the place to shreds. When they flood the house. That like... destruction is a form of creation. So the fact that they burn the money is... ironic. They just want to see what happens when they tear the world apart.
(beat)
They want to change things."

Excellent Richard Kelly interview here
*Donnie Darko the Director's Cut is scheduled for release
this summer incl additional soundtrack and 20 min extra footage
Trailer


Yeah, they made him do it too...
'...this debut effort from Paris represents an era when
potent political commentary wasn’t an exception
to the rule in hip-hop.'

Get Your War On
'Knock, Knock, who's there?'

Quote of the day:
On ne revendiquera rien, on ne demandera rien. On prendra, on occupera.
We will ask nothing. We will demand nothing. We will take, occupy.
- France, May 68

'Rammellzee'

2004-07-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

'On Bi-Conicals of Rammellzee' you and K-Rob
have done a 'BeBop pt2' Why?
To get rid of BeBop 1! To get that fuckin'
Jean-Michel (Basquiat) out of my life!'
- Rammellzee

(*Rammellzee, Crazy Legs, Amphitheatre 1982)

'Dreamlands'

2004-07-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

Todays office top 7:

- Sony PSP
- Matthew getting hip to Friendster
- "Ralph Lauren or Lacoste?"
- 'Postproduction', Nicolas Bourriaud
- Boracay
- Harbour's District
- Stabilo Cushion Tip Pens

Boracay Island Official
From Manila: You take a bus, then a boat,
then a bus, then a boat.... or you fly.

New close up shots of Sony PSP
Japan release: Dec 2004

Lo Life BK
Affiliation: Ralph Lauren

Nicolas Bourriaud
Interview

The Chipmunks
"You're going down Saville"

Quote of the day: Relax your mind, let your conscience be free...'
- EPMD

'Remove ya this is a takeova'

2004-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

New Ipod is released on Monday
Slightly new model, thinner case, 50 % better battery life.
US Price $399
Verdict: Steve Jobs is holding back. We'll wait.
Related article here

Ipod Lounge
Independent provider of information
about Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod player.

'Apple: It's all about the brand'
Article: "Without the brand, Apple would be dead," he said.
"Absolutely. Completely. The brand is all they've got.
The power of their branding is all that keeps them alive.
It's got nothing to do with products."

'Katsushika Hokusai...'

2004-07-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

"The Great Wave Off Kanagawa"; Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), considered one of the greater artists of the Ukiyo-e school of printmaking or "pictures of the floating world" - everyday life. Color woodcut 10x15 in. Metropolitan Museum Of Art, NY.

Btw, be sure to check out Giant Robot magazine. #28 we highly recommend.

Horifuju Tattoos
Japanese Artist

Relax Magazine
Volume 64-... (June 2002-...)

Japanese Streets
Japanese Street & Fashion Culture

Baka Gaijin=Stupid Foreigner

'I don't doodle I just write my name'

2004-07-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Bando used to do the illest outlines in the history of aerosol art. His influence on European graf in the 80's was magnetic. Early member of The Chrome Angelz w/ Mode 2, Zaki-Dee and Pride. Heard somewhere that he nowadays is a jazzmusician in NY?!
Bando central
Throwups, wholecars; Paris, Amsterdam...

The Death of Bling?
Won't delve too deep into this but it's definitely a sign of some sort. First you had the Jay Z '99 Problems' video (directed by Mark Romanek btw) and now Jada Kiss 'Why' release. And ofcourse Kanye West (Dead Prez and the like don't count...) Now the rest of you rappin' morons - wake the fuck up!
Related article here

Quote of the day: 'I'm livin' large as possible, posse unstoppable, style topical, vividly optical'
- Ice T

'Do the rockaway - lean back'

2004-07-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Premiere:

Todays Office Top Ten:

- Cedric Brooks 'Words of Wisdom' Itunes playlist
- Luciano concert tonite
- Girls sporting black ties
- Lacoste sneakers
- Harbour's District
- Solbeam.com
- Neneh Cherry in a buffalo stance
- Lean Back ReMix
- Pahurat cloth market, Bangkok
- Bloggin blowing the fuck up!! Ask Nick Denton he knows

Fat Joe feat Terrorsquad: ('Lean Back' - OFFICIAL 2004 summeranthem!!)
Music & Videoclips

Equinox backpack
Student design for International Design
Excellence Awards. Nasty nice work.

Catchdubs Evil Media Empire
We might aswell big him up straight away

Quote of the day: 'The ones who come later and rushes into battle is fatigued.'
- Sun Tzu

CHATELET LES HALLES

EST/EASTERN TIME

CAUSEWAY BAY