Thursday, December 31, 2009

180° South

"Woodshed Films Inc. has built its reputation on making films about an experience. Woodshed is a co-op of talented artists, directors, and producers who seek to entertain audiences while subtly introducing them to environmental and socially relevant issues. Woodshed tells stories that strive to inspire." -woodshed.com

In 180° South, their most recent film, a crew of outdoor athletes sail, surf, and climb their way from California to Chile. You really love the music in the trailer.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Aleifo Table

Designer: Paolo Cappello. Manufacturer: BES Italia. Construction: White lacquered tabletop and walnut legs.

Monday, December 28, 2009

John Lawrence Sullivan

1. The Sportsman.
John Lawrence Sullivan (1858-1918) was an American heavyweight boxing champion in both the bare-knuckle and gloved eras. The son of Irish immigrants, "The Boston Strongboy" began as an illegal street-fighter before touring the United States as a prizefighter and defeating hundreds of challengers. He also went on to win international title bouts, withstanding up to 75 rounds of brutal pounding. His tremendous celebrity helped to popularize the sport of boxing and made it viable to the mainstream media.

2. The Fashion Label.
Formerly a professional boxer, Arashi Yanagawa (b. 1975) embarked on a second career upon retiring from the ring. He taught himself to design clothes, which he does for his label, John Lawrence Sullivan.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Rip Curl H-Bomb Wetsuit

The Rip Curl H-Bomb is the first power-heated wetsuit. Fiber heating elements (not metal) in the back of the wetsuit are powered by two Lithium-ion batteries. By keeping your core heated, warm blood is allowed to flow to your extremities. The idea is that by adding the heating elements the thickness of the wetsuit can be reduced, which allows for greater flexibility and comfort.

Blog Is Cool: 10engines

You've been poring over the blog, 10engines, for some time now. The varied interests and musings of author James Fox range from food to art to workwear. Never absent from posts is the direct, concise voice that you appreciate from New Englanders. Some images from the blog are above.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Wholearth Farmstudio: Art and Soil

This is farming the way it should be: "a hopeful partnership of sustainable Agri"CULTURE", inspiration, nature conservation, compassion and creativity." And they have Shropshires. As a fellow earthling, you feel compelled to thank these Canadian "stewards of the soil." Check out their website here.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sheep Breed: Shropshire




This delightfully well-mannered sheep originated in the counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire in western England. Many believe they developed from the crossbreeding of Southdowns, Leicesters, Cotswolds, and Longmynds, but whatever the case, the breed came to be known as Shropshire in 1848, and was officially recognized as such by the Royal Agricultural Society in 1859. Understandably enthused English Shropshire breeders congregated in 1882 to found the Shropshire Sheep Breeders' Association and Flock Book Society. It proved to be a landmark gathering, for it was the world's first formal sheep society. It remains active today, publishing a newsletter, Shrop Talk, as well as its annual Flock Book under the watchful eye of its president, Les Newman.

Today's Shropshire is a dual-purpose (meat and wool) breed, and as such enjoys popularity in many parts of the world, including England and the United States. They are resilient, able to withstand a variety of climates and pasture in assorted terrain. The unimpressed look on their faces lets you know there's little they haven't seen, though the resignation in their eyes dampens your spirit.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Lou Dalton

This is British menswear designer Lou Dalton.
A Shropshire girl, she left her home county at the age of 16 in order to apprentice in bespoke tailoring and pattern cutting. She went on to train at the Royal College of Art, and launched her eponymous label in 2005. She explains the current trend in London menswear thusly: "Historically London menswear has been interpreted as the sartorial elegance of Savile Row. Today many emerging designers have broadened their horizons beyond strict tailoring with inventiveness more in tune with London womenswear." The following images are from Dalton's Autumn/Winter 09 collection.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Maya Lin

Private Residence, New York, 2001.
Private Residence, New York, 1998.
Peace Chapel, Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA), 1988-89.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Blog Is Cool: Unabashedly Prep

Fred Egan's pseudonym, F.E. Castleberry, perfectly fits the blog he authors, Unabashedly Prep, a miscellany of style inspired by elite college preparatory schools in the northeastern United States, and a tribute to, as Castleberry calls it, "the WASP lifestyle." Above are selections from the blog.