Ten Years

Whilst regrettably I am unable to do any updates beyond simple posts like this, until I sort out a new computer, I felt compelled to write something on this last day of the decade (assuming you agree it is and not in 365 days or so time).

What a decade. I gained dual nationality, got married, had two children and bought my own business. I also spent a lot of time at a keyboard.

I have been working on the rift-trooper/rthq website for some ten years now. I may be so bold as to claim that I was one of the first, if not the first, to lay the foundations/template for what was to become in later years "hype" sites. I have enjoyed correspondence with people all over the world who have shared some and many of my interests. It has been a pleasure to discover new products, artists, subcultures and more through this website, but most of all the during this time I have been thrilled to make some wonderful friends.

It has been fascinating to watch the movement of "underground" brands, cultures and artists to a wider spectrum; the "overground". The co-opting of the underground by big brands has lead to some interesting projects and in the early days a real wow factor. Cynical and the obvious exploitation of these avenues has made these projects everyday occurrences as many blogs reveal on a near hourly basis. Perhaps I'm hardly breaking new ground with this analysis, but it has been something I have been in the postion to see happen from the start. What I found even more intriguing during the last decade was how incredibly slow many brands and PR agencies were to grab the opportunity that the blogger and enthusiast offered. It was the more forward thinking and cutting edge that seized this opportunity early on with me.

The "independent" store has been a focus of my posts through the years. It has been great to see so many young businesses develop. It has also been sad to see many start then find that being an independent retailer is a very tough game. The UK High Street is a a homogeneous bore. Independents of all walks of life are the only things that give commercial centres any character and I would wish all those out the best of luck with their ventures.

Toys, trainers and T shirts have been a big focus over the years. I feel honoured that I continue to help with Sneaker Freaker having the odd article here and there accepted over the years. My piece on my eldest Son's birth and the interview with Tory Orzeck (done with Collie) will remain highlights. I look forward to contributing more in 2010. It has been great to see Mark SBTG leap from posting his early customs on the site to seeing him now in the big league with his own brand and his collaborations with the likes of Nike. The explosion of the limited edition and sneaker culture has been huge. After all this time I seem to have found my favourite shoe; funny it should be a the plain old Converse Ox.

I remain a passionate toy collector, now focused on James Jarvis and BxH pieces. However, it has been exciting to share the news of various releases and even participate in running competitions with the likes of Coarse Toys, Plastic Particles and adFunture. Being able to speak with and interview (in albeit the most amateur of ways) the artists and people behind these companies has been a nerd joy. The feeling of finally getting a figure I have been fiending is still a thrill and there are a few out there that continue to elude me (seeking a Great One, Pagoda Kun and Hensery if you have one to sell), whilst I also keenly await new releases from my two favourites.

I may no longer wear many printed Ts (I'm too old now) I have loved being able to share the many designs people have done and nabbed some great ones on the way. My box logo (Tokion and OG) Supreme remain favourites, along with my Peter Sellers one. The Rodney Dangerfield one by Stash is another all time favourite from this decade. The one that got away was the Supreme Woody Allen one, but perhaps one day will be mine. Of course I can't forget the one and only T I did with my great friend Sol from Figurepunk.

Whilst the idea of a news section is no longer of relevance to me, I hope that those who may have stumbled upon this site or have continued to check it (and I thank you for your dedication) try and pursue their passions with the depth they deserve. Dig deeper, find out more about who is behind what you enjoy. Explore the history of things, find out where they came from. Be a nerd. See you on the other side...

Kernel Panic

Out of action for a bit whilst I save for a new machine.

A nest of occasionals

Oven Baked Tarantula

Midcentury Bristol

The Midcentury fair at Bristol's Paintworkds was an interesting event. Some exceptional pieces pn display, but my wallet remained closed as rennovations must be done before new furnishings are bought. Still, some inspirational pieces on display that have given me some ideas how I want to do my new study.

Toy Shows

Both from 2003, these flyers are wonderful souvenirs on their own. The 3rd Gardener exhibition by Michael Lau was held by Maharishi with the flyer showing all the figures up to the latest at the time (Hardy in headstand mode). The other was for a Medicom exhibition at the Bape Galllery. The Medicom flyer is a Bearbrick/Kubrick box unassembled, which is a wonderful idea.

Irony free dining

Sunday round of golf

Chisel

Could this be the greatest Australian band of all time? Clearly the kings of pub rock, Barnsy et al had an amazing arsenal of songs. Whilst at times the lyrics remain simplistic, and there are elements of dubious cod reggae, they are forgiven when the moments of brilliant story telling or a feeling is conveyed that wonderfully captures a time and place in 70/80s Australia. Who else was singing about shorn offs and robbing the TAB or sappers round Khe Sanh?

On Point

I love waiting to see what Supreme manage to get their name on each season. By teaming with some well established American names there have been some real winners over the last few years, especially with Maglite, Masterlock and Zippo. But this Buck knife is something else. I am by no means a "knife nut" and have no desire to collect them but the quality is something else. It is very weighty and the locking mechanism confidently secures the blade in place. It feels like a proper piece of kit rather than a frivellous novelty item. Dare I say it (and it is approaching blasphemy) but I think just a plain Buck knife would be better and less "cluttered". Still as a Supreme collectable, it is up there with the best they have done.

Burn Notice

Enjoying this right now. Not very taxing but thoroughly entertaining.

18 Holes

Three hole in ones today! 16th was a killer.

Kuns

The Kun collection grew a bit bigger today with the arrival of Kaws Kun. I didn't think I would ever get my hands on this beauty. Made in Japan with Medicom/Original Fake it has a very different feel to standard Kuns. The paint work is glossy and there is a lot more give in the articulation. The base of the neck of Kaws is more visceral than expected and a funny touch. This sees me needing an original Skull Kun, Screwbiter and a Secret Base DX Skull Kun to complete the set (excluding Venom, and store exclusive colourways and the giant Skull Kun). I think realistically the DX Kun will prove the least elusive and financially realistic. The hunt continues!

Exmoor

I have the pleasure of both living and working in Somerset, but for all the years I have lived here I have never been to Exmoor until last weekend. It is stunning.

Mid Somerset Show

We visited the Mid Somerset Show on Sunday for the first time in several years. Whilst of course there were some super cute animals on display I was taken by the vintage cars, lorries and steam engines they had on display.

Courgette Cards

UK card makers Courgette Cards have a series of blank cards entitled "Collections of Collections". Whilst I plumped for the snow globes, the entire range really appeals.

The Bounch Gang

The latest addition to the BxH family goes back to its Kid Hunter/breakfast cereal roots. Kid Bounch bares a striking resemblance to the Smurf nemesis Gargamel. He is smaller than both the Captain and Kid Hunter. The figure doesn't seem to be articulated and I'm not going to try too hard to check least I break it. The only markings on the figure are the BxH logo under the foot; no serial numbers or country of manufacture. Surely BxH have enough new figures now to warrant another series of mini figs?

Hey Presto!

These may be my favourite books ever. Both clearly labours of love by their respective authors, they provide a visual and written history of two long established American novelty and toy companies. Wham O have produced many major toys including Slip N Slide and the Frisbee. Life of the Party is a visual treat, with page after page of wonderful photos illustrating the wonderful pranks and tricks the Adams company has made over the years. I had forgotten how much I loved these practical jokes whilst growing up and it has sparked my magpie instinct to start collecting them again.

budget DVD finds

Some recent budget DVD pickups. A Terry Thomas 3 film boxset for £3 at Fopp. The Russian blockbusters Nightwatch and Daywatch as a boxset, for £5 from Tesco.

18 Holes

Bagged a hole in one today! Plus I picked up a Donald McGill postcard.