Johnny Cunningham climbs Ben Nevis

Sometimes Johnny Cunningham pops out. In 1976 he did just that. He hopped on his motorbike. Rode to the ferry. Got on the ferry. Looked out to sea. Got off the ferry. And then drove to the foot of Ben Nevis. Then he climbed Ben Nevis. In an wooly hat. Mostly without gloves.
Watch this awesome film shot by Yvon Chouinard for National Geographic and tell me Johnny Cunningham is not the coolest man you've ever seen ...

Via Archival Clothing

Still walking in a Taarabt wonderland

Seriously struggling to decide which is sweeter - the simply sublime megs on the Swansea mug or the commentator's pronunciation of 'Queens Park Rangers' and 'Taarabt'?

Regular readers of this blog will already be aware that Taarbs is the business.

o b s e s s e d

ArchBlog hopes your krimbo was as EXTRA FESTIVE as Carey's surely was ...

Street protest, Belarus-style

Street protest seems to be all the rage in Blighty right now. There are tonnes of options for the wannabe protester: If the student fee protests don't float your boat then there's the UK Uncut movement alternative. However, for the more seasoned street protester, the Dubstep Rebellion (c Newsnight's Paul Mason) is a perhaps a little on the tame side?
To these guys, I say why not consider an awayday to freezing-cold Minsk, in totalitarian dictatorship Belarus? Lots of the locals over there took to the streets Sunday as they are growing a bit fed-up by Alexander 'Europe's Last Dictator' Lukashenko's 16-year-long run at the top.
Specifically, protesters gathered to contest the official presidential election results which saw Lukashenko bag a fourth term with an incredible 80% of the vote. Western election observers concur that big Luka stole the election (90% turnout according to the govt) but that didn't stop him sending his KGB (yes, they are still called KGB) boys down to Independence Square to 'quell' the protests which he referred to as "banditry."
After the state-sponsored beatdown, 600 protesters were in the clink and 9 of the 11 idiots stupid/brave enough to challenge The Last Dictator were either beaten senseless, in jail or missing. Below is a Russia Today vid and a few piccies from the protests taken by brave pro-democracy bods Charter 97.

*I don't think I need to mention how well they seem to be coping with the snow

Brendan Venter takes 59 seconds to say nothing whatsoever

Even the biggest sports fan has to concede that post-game interviews with athletes and coaches are often painfully dull and deeply uninformative. But even seen through that prism, this beaut is astonishing:

Via sports mad Jesse Romain

Baby preacher lays it down

"I stir our son's ... ice cream ... poop"

Via Rose Shuckburgh

Killing your children

I've never met Guardian film reviewer Peter Bradshaw but, judging from his tweets, he's a funny fellow. He just tweeted "Another feelgood headline from the Daily Mail":

So you want to be a journalist?

Journalism isn't always all it is cracked up to be. Working in the meedjah may be considered a relatively glamorous profession. But the reality of the trade can sometimes be very different from the widely-held impression; that journalists are either interviewing A-list slebs, embedded with the SAS or mulling the important issues of the day over coffee and doughnuts in the newsroom. That’s why this viral video is bang on the money.

Burn a Koran pastor headed to UK?

Pastor Terry Jones, the crazy who wanted everybody to burn the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11, is back with a thought-provoking vid in which he and a very good male friend (who shares his love for slightly homo-looking facial hair) mull what their next move should be. So far, they have decided to "definitely do something" but they need our help with thrashing out the fine details.

Brits will be concerned to learn that not everyone in Blighty considers Jones to be totally off-key. The English Defence League have invited Jones to talk at a rally they are having in the lovely town of Luton on February 5. Jones insists he is only interested in a “peaceful rally” but his Doveworld.org website doesn’t exactly promise a conciliatory tone: “During the protest, Dr. Terry Jones, will speak against the evils and destructiveness of Islam in support of the continued fight against the Islamification of England and Europe."

Rihanna owns the X Factor

Rihanna is the bomb. Fact:

NOTE: This is the one and only time you'll ever see an X-Factor post on this blog.

County Comm US Embassy pen

If Cablegate has taught US diplomats one thing it is that their secret cables back to the mothership are not so secret after all. Indeed, going forward, many embassy officials will be thinking twice before they bash out another disparaging electronic cable about Gaddafi's boner for his big-fronted nurse or somesuch.
Regardless of Cablegate, communicating via the route of good old-fashioned pen and paper remains on the wane in embassy circles. In fact, they are so overstocked with official US Embassy pens that they are beginning to flog them to regular Joes like you and me. Yup, for just $40 one can now get the slick embassy look from Cali-based govt. outfitter Counry Comm. The all-black version is at the top of my Christmas list. I adore the way it can be transformed into a compact pen (see boring vid) and, what with climate change and all that, I am pleased to hear it is "good from -30F to +250F."




Via self-procalimed "faux-woodsman-wannabe-tough-guy" blog A Continuous Lean

Amateur bungee-jumping in Russia

Sometimes Russian kids get so tired of the shitty weather (and lack of youth clubs with table tennis tables with unbroken nets) that they climb to the top of hulking projects and partake in a little amateur bungee-jumping:

Via Sketch topper Jeremy Riggall

Special needs

It seems capitalism's business model is based on making people feel they need stuff they don't need and can't afford and then selling it to them (often via 'special' offers). This is most naked in the run-up to Christmas. I'm aware that this observation may come across as a little vague. Here's an example of what I consider a truly pointless piece of proddy:

New York bag specialists Jack Spade want you to buy a Work Twill Doc Case. I, I assume like you, have absolutely no idea what the hell it is 'for'. Perhaps others require a 'heavy-handed cotton' doc case to display their printer paper or whatever? Perhaps having one of these babies makes you more awesome at closing business deals, more corporatesexy in the boardroom?

Maybe stupid little (commie scum) ArchBlog just doesn't get it? Or maybe this is an attempt to create a need where there is none? And then charge north of $100 (even after the special offer discount).

Via Rue Beaux 3312

Orlebar Brown dog print swimming trunks

I know it's December and people in Scotland are living in igloos but let's not forget that sometimes it gets so hot that people take off their puffa jackets and swim in the sea. In swimming trunks.
Orlebar Brown swimmers are the best money can buy. And @ £150 they don't come cheap. Tapping into man's love of dogs they've just released their classic beach short complete with dog prints by Adam Brown. My fave is the staffie (obvs):

However, no-one (not even Barca's shaggy-haired centre-back Charles Puyol) should be seen dead in the poodle trunks though:

Puyol photo credit: Darz Mol

The Situation

The mutt's nuts (are made of steel)

This is the sort of dog you want on your side, fighting your corner. This puppy don't play about ...

Real toddlers wear real tools

As previously reported on ArchBlog, the smartest kids are getting stuck in to work earlier and earlier these days. Sure, education has its merits but there are a growing band of enterprising nippers who recognise that having a job is what really counts in today's dog-eat-dog capitalist system. 'Go hard or go home (to mummy)' is their motto.
More and more youngsters are opting for hands-on blue-collar apprenticeships rather than pursuing (wussy) dreams of reading classics at Oxbridge. Smart companies like Ikea have recognised this work-now-grow-up-later trend and are beginning to market practical work tools to this new demographic. Like this awesome tool belt:

The tool kit is also sweet:

Big-up to the ever-fine HanPicked for the heads up

Snow deep

Turn on any radio station other than the forever-chilled Classic FM and you'll realise pretty much everyone is moaning on about the snow. 'I can't go to school,' bleat the kids. 'I had to work from home today,' complain adults.

But there is an under-appreciated upside to the mayhem caused by snowstorms according to some enlightened folk. Below, are two thought provoking perspectives from recent newspaper leaders on why the brass monkeys weather is, in fact, a blessing in disguise:

The Daily Telegraph urged Brits to “go with the snow”: “Just as many who live under flight paths remember the peace and quiet brought by the Icelandic ash cloud that caused so much trouble to would-be travellers earlier in the year, so the light mornings and hushed traffic make snow memorable even while it imprisons us in its soft grip. The frustration comes partly from an expectation of being able to do what we want, when we want. This is a fairly recent trend, like eating asparagus in December. Snow, like volcanic ash, brings us back to earth.”

The Guardian also took time to big-up Artic weather: “Walking is healthier as more body fat is broken down in the process. People undertake fewer journeys and thus make better use of the ones they prioritise. Chewing gum and dog poo stay frozen in the street and not on the soles of your shoes. Cars are kept unwashed and home improvement delayed until the spring. It is a procrastinator’s paradise, when the unfinished business of the rest of the year is buried deep in layers of compacted snow and forgotten about.”

Basically, they are both saying that we should use these 'adverse weather conditions' (c Sky News) to chill the eff out.

Mossad sharks attacking Egypt?

Are Israel trying to torpedoe Egypt's tourist trade via shark attacks orchestrated by Mossad? That's the pretty stunning suggestion being made by Egyptian General Abdel-Fadeel Shosha, governor of South Sinai, in the wake of a series of shark attacks on the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh.

The attacks have left one dead, four tourists maimed, beach-goers scared shitless to step foot in the water and threaten to dent the resort’s future popularity with (naff) holiday-makers.

Below is the background and comment which I've basically pillaged from myself at The Periscope Post:

The allegations of a Mossad plot were first put forward by an Egyptian diver on the Egypt Today TV show who noted that the sharks involved in the attacks are not native to Egyptian waters and provocatively asked: “Why would these sharks travel 4000 km and not have any accidents until they entered Sinai waters?”

Somewhat surprisingly, the leftfield theory of planted sharks was given official backing when General Abdel-Fadeel Shosha, governor of South Sinai, reportedly commented “What is being said about the Mossad throwing the deadly shark [in the sea] to hit tourism in Egypt is not out of the question, but it needs time to confirm.” “Whether this was an Israeli agent in a shark costume, a specially indoctrinated Zionist shark, or a remote controlled cybershark, the general does not elaborate, but he says the theory needs investigating,” joked Sky News' Middle East blogger Dominic Waghorn.

“Israelis get blamed for a lot in this part of the world, but Egyptian officials have plumbed new depths of pottiness with their latest Zionist conspiracy theory,” slammed Waghorn. “The shark attacks have the potential to do some real damage to Egypt, where tourism is pillar of the economy and an important provider of jobs. But the idea that Israel is behind the attacks is pretty farfetched,” adjudged Max Strasser at the Foreign Policy Passport blog.

Israel English-language newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported on the Jaws-style attacks but informed that the Mossad plot allegations have been deemed “too preposterous” for comment by Israeli officials.

Photo credit: 126 Club

APC lilac jumper

Gallic brand APC do simple with a twist better than most. Take this lovely jumper with snazzy elbow patches. The only hang-up is I'm not sure males over the age of 11 are supposed to sport lilac?

Via Selectism

Shepherd's Bush, December

As snowy Shepherd's Bush awaits the annual arrival of the world's worst fair, which pitches up on the rat-infested Green every December, here are a few other jaw-dropping lowlights from festive W12.

Presumedly Chicken Cottage are running this staw-dent special to deter mobs of tuition fee protesters from kicking in their windows and pillaging all their heart attack food?
You love all his movies now check out top geezer Danny Dyer on the wheels of steel:
Even the pigeons are on the pipe round here:

Hollister meltdown

Some teen girls get so pissed off with how long the queue to get into the male model hunk-laden Westfield branch of Hollister that they think eff it, get a cheap flight to anywhere hot and let off their uncontrollable sexual energy at the public swimming pool. It's getting so common that no-one on the continent even bats an eyelid.

Ugly flannel

Uniqlo is the mutt's nuts. Their clobber is (mostly) great quality and dirt cheap. Their long johns are essential cold snap wear and I'm a particularly big fan of their well-cut shirts, which at £15-20 are bargain-tastic. At the mo, they have these awesome 'ugly' mixed pattern flannel shirts in.

For those wishing to spunk £143 rather than £15, R.Newbold do a sweet flannel shirt you can pick up at Goodhood.

black as midnight on a moonless night

You'd never know David Lynch is a coffee nut ...

Inseparable toddlers

Yeah right you've ever seen anything this cute ...

Stop "Touching Wild Horses"

Press offices draft press releases to generate press interest (and hopefully coverage) in their client's wares. However, promotional efforts don't always hit the sweet spot.
Take the below press release I just received for an upcoming DVD release called "Touching Wild Horses" (yes, it's a horrendous title). I have to say it doesn't exactly have me begging for a screener.

Hello All
I hope you are well. Touching Wild Horses starring Mark Rendell, Jane Seymour and Charles Martin Smith is being released on DVD on the 14th February 2011. It is a breathtakingly beautiful film - after a terrible car accident 12 year old Mark is sent to live with his Aunt (Seymour) on an isolated island, home to a herd of wild horses which he is forbidden to touch.

Perhaps others are more intrigued? Maybe it is just me who is turned off by the prospect of watching a film about an injured child banned from touching wild horses by his aunt. Lemme know if I'm out of wack with the modern doovde marketplace? Maybe many ArchBlog readers will be buying a big bag of Doritos and checking out "Touching Wild Horses" this Valentine's Day?

Photo credit: blm.gov

Zapatista chic: Meg Company Monitaly bobble hat

This Meg Company Monitaly bobble hat is top banana. While it undoubtedly stands on its own feet it also boasts solid protest credentials (essential for this Winter of Discontent II) as it is comes from the the autonomous municipality of Chamula in Mexico. Chamula is located in the Chiapas highlands, home to the Zapatista rebels. Per Wikipedia, "the town enjoys unique autonomous status within Mexico. No outside police or military are allowed in the village. Chamulas have their own police force."

The hat is available from The Garbstore, which is probably the last shop in London I would shut down if I was Sheriff.

Via Selectism

Limit to Your Love

I'm not really sure who this James Blake fellow is but I like his track "Limit to Your Love" which I hear was originally sung by Feist.

I peeped the gravity-themed vid prior to Secret Cinema's screening of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" last Friday. As per, Fab's Secret Cinema event was highly dope. This time, the SC massif brought the madhouse to a run-down west london school.
Via Future Shorts & Secret Cinema

Babychinos with Otto

These days, something ridiculous like 43% of people get a degree. But, as we all know, getting a uni degree does not mean you are guaranteed to land an actual job.
So it came as no surprise to hear that young Otto Gundry, a sporadic yet valued contributor to ArchBlog, has decided to take the bold step of getting stuck in to work nice and early. "I'll be frank, I just don't see the point of getting a degree," Gundry told ArchBlog over babychinos at Greggs. "The way the ConDem coalition has pulled up the ladder over tuition fees was the final straw for me. I mean who's to say anymore that pumping up to nine grand into higher education coffers is a good long-term investment?" Gundry and increasing number of his as-yet-unnamed generation are seizing the bull by the horns and riding straight into the workplace: "I and plenty of my fellow peers are by-passing school and just going straight into paid work. One of my friends has qualified as a barrister, another as has secured a placment at a rare orchid farm in Burma but those careers do not excite me. As you can see from the in action snaps supplied by my mother, I've opted to pursue an exciting career in media. Despite the economic downturn, I'm discovering there's a surprising amount of voice work available if one is driven, passionate and a genuine team-player."

Zero Effect: Big tings!

Milo Cordell's blog is a riot. Pretty much everything I see on it I dig and am tempted to re-blog 'ere. But that'd be pretty unimaginative. However, this piccie of Biggie it too good not to pass on. Eff the dough, I'd sell your granny for that jumper. Even Joseph would blush in that. Not Smalls 74. Fyah!

Protect your family jewels while BLASTING Wahhabi scum

BCB International is the hottest brand in the world. And you've never heard of it. Mainly because you're a yellow-bellied, socialist wimp. Cardiff-based BCB make Outdoor Survival Gear and Military Equipment for elite forces. Their clobber is the real deal - designed by soldiers for soldiers.

"In the jungle, in the middle of a desert, half way up a mountain - wherever you are, you can rely on BCB's dependable, high quality products."

Go on, admit it - you've just sprouted a raging war woody.

Most of their gear is absolutely top banana but ArchBlog is particularly smitten by the sweeeeet as Blast Boxers. They are called that because they are boxers which protect against blasts. Big ones. Like IED's in Afghanistan.

Unlike other poncy fashion brands who (effeminately) talk up the 'cut' and 'feel' of their garments, BCB blast their fans with real facts about how unbelievably practical their proper man wear is. Unlike other wet, liberal brands, BCB don't shy away from flagging up the hazards of not wearing their gear. Check out their rock hard blurb:

"The prevalence of IED`s in Afghanistan is causing a high number of 'life - changing' injuries to the lower body. These include blinding and blast injuries to the groin, which can result in a ruptured colon or loss of genetalia. For all soldiers such injuries are 'life-changing.' They are extremely difficult to live psychologically. Within the periphery of a blast, perineal and femoral artery injuries can be fatal without immediate specialist medical help. A puncture to the femoral artery can bleed out rapidly leading to death. High up the leg, tourniquets are difficult to attach in the field. There is always a fine balance between the level of protection and burden (weight, thermal and increased bulk burdens) and without comprising comfort. Following trails and ballistic tests, BCB have designed the Blast Boxer using a special comfortable Aramid fabric, positioned around crucial zones of the groin. Light open structure mesh is used on the rest of the garment to help offset the weight and thermal load of the ballistic material. On a 10 mile run the Blast Boxers did not cause undue discomfort. The blast boxers are currently being trialled with a number of European ministries of defence. Though the boxers cannot completely protect against blast, the double layered version retailing at under 60, will offer ballistic protection of 230 meters per second in the standard NIJ V50 ballistic test. Though they can be washed, the blast boxers are more hygienic if worn over ones normal underwear. All soldiers asked whom have recently returned from Afghanistan, confirmed that had the Blast Boxers been available for them, despite the added burden, they would have all, to a man, worn them."

Call up BCB on 02920 433 700 to order, or email info@bcbin.com

Mentioning ArchBlog will definitely not get you a reduction.

A big salute to Gen. Daniel Ayliffe for the tip-off.

Mountain Research tricolour hooded Mackinaw jacket

Jap brand Mountain Research kills it on the reg. I love their tricolour hooded Mackinaw that just dropped @ The Garbstore. Goes w/o saying that's it's prohibitively expensive - remember, ArchBlog usually brings you shit you like but can't afford.

Heated derby action

Perhaps not all footballers dream of wannabe WAG's heaving cleavages ...


Via Reubo

The shame

Via Costcutter, Uxbridge Rd.

Black pebble leather, blue brick sole

These derby shoes are simply awesome. If I had anything to do with it these would be standard issue for postmen and the police. But not GPs. They are a triple label collaboration between Los Angeles shop Union, Brit shoe manufacturer and US designer Mark McNairy. You can check out the promo blurb below.

These shoes are art directed by the crazy genius of Mark Mcnairy. Made by the OG shoe maker Sanders and Sanders out of the UK. and then we get to mix and match fabrics, leathers, colors etc. to make our own versions. This all culminates into some dope ass triple label collaborations. The first time we did this last year, these shoes sold out with the quickness, so get em while you can! Their footwear is made using "Goodyear Welted" construction method, where the upper, insole, welt and sole are entirely stitched together. Although a very labour intensive process, this is acknowledged to be the finest construction for formal footwear. This is the "union special" we made this one up on our own. We wanted to have fun but still keep it wearable. Black pebble leather upper, natural welt and BLUE brick sole, just for shits and giggles...could be a future classic!?

El Che Belstaff

This belted jacket is "a perfect replica of the legendary Belstaff coated cotton jacket from the 1950s. The is jacket used by Ernesto Che Guevara for his legendary motorcycle journey across Latin America." If I rode a motor instead of push bike I'd be all over this like a rash.

Interested parties should take their £500 to Oi Polloi

The Big Pink are punchy

Americans are always invaded places. Often it doesn't turn out so well. Like in Vietnam. Or Iraq. But they never seem to learn.
It's not only the US military who have a raging boner for invasion. When UK band The Big Pink played Atlanta, Georgia, a local 'fan' decided to invade the stage (admittedly, he was somewhat encouraged). Just like in Vietnam and Iraq, the local insurgency (in this case the lead singer) bopped him on the nosebridge. Fair play - what did he expect:
BTW, there's a http://www.viceland.com/wp/2010/11/big-pink-party-tonight/.

Calabrese Centino zip wallet

I love this canvas wallet from historied Neapolitan brand Calabrese. At £25 from End Clothing, its a steal if you ask me. My only 'problem' with it is I can see myself nervously chewing on the chocolate-coloured leather corner when QPR reach the play-offs.

BOOK for iPad

If this isn't the most disorientating product I've come across in months: A case for an iPad which looks like a book.
The innovation is the work of Scott Nedrelow, who makes "companion products for digital devices." His imaginatively named BOOK for iPad case basically disguises your iPad to make it look like a book. Per Nedrelow, it "provides bibliophiles with tangible protection for their electronic information."

I'm not sure I get the point. Is this for people who want to pretend they read books but actually prefer cruising web forums? Is this for iPad junkies trying to fool bag-checking authorities who work the doors at internet addiction clinics?
However, ArchBlog's scepticism is not shared by the bloggerati. The Dean Files blog heaped praise:
"So, yes, it’s a case that looks like a book – but I love the visual irony and allegory in that. The iPad might represent some form of 'reading in the future,' so I like that BOOK both embraces that and mocks it."
I wonder what's next from Nedrelow? A Telegram machine to dress your mobile in?
Photo credit: Nedrelow's blog

The Rent is 2 Damn High (party)

This year’s campaign for Governor of New York has been electrified by a single-issue candidate who doesn't mess around: Jimmy McMillan, founder and 'CEO' of the Rent is 2Damn High Party.
McMillan's bizarre penchant for wearing black gloves (not in an N.Anelka way) is almost as cool as his straight, hard talk on the issues that matter:
On gay marriage: “The Rent is 2 Damn High Party feels if you want to marry a shoe. I’ll marry you.”
On negative campaigning: “As a karate expert, I will not talk about anyone up here.”

Via The Periscope Post

Awesome cat

Micspawn

Not everyone in France wants to retire at 60. This guy says he'll stick to his profession until he's lying flat in a wood box. His beatboxing is undeniably dope but I bet the Chilean miners were dead relieved he wasn't down there with them. I imagine his tomfoolery would begin to grate after a few days?

Burmese born on a Tuesday instructed to tear down the old flag.

After 'Hermit Kingdom' North Korea, Burma has to be the most secretive state in the world. Their military junta rule with a iron fist.
In the build-up to the country's first election in 20 years (which most forecast will be a total sham), the rulers have been at their eccentric best. According to a leading editorial in today's Washington Post, they've just replaced the national flag and national anthem. It goes without saying that they didn't bother passing this by the populace. While the measures are pretty startling, check out the nutty but kinda neat way they are the implementing the far-reaching policy:
"WITHOUT WARNING, Burma's rulers last week bestowed upon their country a new flag, a new seal and a new anthem. A surprised government official told Reuters that the junta's instructions specified that the old flags should be lowered by people born on a Tuesday and the new flags should be raised by people born on a Wednesday. Then all the old flags were to be burned.
The order, accompanied by no explanation and probably informed by astrologers, was typical of the generals who govern this Southeast Asian nation of 50 million people from their isolated and recently constructed capital of Naypyidaw."

Pendleton winter gloves

On a recent trip to Nu York, ever-so-kind HanPicked kindly snapped up a pair of Pendleton gloves for Mr ArchBlog. Native American prints are always a winner and these are the mutt's nuts for cycling into town from Bush HQ.
Available from Opening Ceremony

Coat watch

All these coats are dead nice. Bar one. See if you can work out which one ...

ArchBlog has got your back

UPDATE: Just added this beaut from Epperson Mountaineering (available @ Garbstore)

Holla if you like one of these so much you want further deets.