For all you drivers out there, stay aware. For all you cyclists, brake free ;o)

Multiple T-shirts this week because we missed the last couple of weeks . . . oops

Water sports theme, because this week I’m diving in the Caribbean.

Every time we slip effortlessly into a daydream, a distinct pattern of brain areas is activated, which is known as the default network. Studies show that this network is most engaged when people are performing tasks that require little conscious attention, such as routine driving on the motorway, reading a tedious book or listening to someone really boring. Although such mental trances are often seen as a sign of lethargy — we are staring haplessly into space — the cortex is actually very active during this default state, as numerous brain regions interact. Instead of responding to the outside world, the brain starts to contemplate its internal landscape. This is when new and creative connections are made between seemingly unrelated ideas.  So get creative, start daydreaming….

This week I was due to be flying to Grand Cayman for a spot of diving.  Hurrican Gustav put a stop to all that and I’m now stuck in the Bahamas.  Sh*t happens.

You can now buy UAX at Alpenstock in Stockport.

Chinatsu Ban’s beautifully crafted work features elephants and human figures floating against Japanese washi paper backgrounds or in front of candy-colored stripes. Rendered delicately and with a childlike touch, Ban’s endearing characters are frequently shown wearing underpants.

Asked why she chooses elephants and underwear, the answer lies in the comfort they provide:

“It’s scary to imagine that someday I won’t exist in this world anymore. I am troubled by the urge to run away from this fear. Elephants and underwear make me feel safe”.

Brilliant!

Surfing is one of those sports infused with a mysterious aura. A cult sport. One with defined traditions and cultural connotations. Michael Fordham’s The Book of Surfing puts all that into perspective. With sections on the roll of surfing in film and art, surfing legends, cultural constructions and generally riding a board, it’s a pretty complete effort. Those of you who haven’t been on the waves, but fell for Riding Giants (or if you’re older Endless Summer) will surely get great pleasure from the books pages.

The emerging subculture of urban riders has been documented by Mike Martin, best known for his fine art and his commercial photography for clients including Nice Collective, Adidas, and Nike, and Gabe Morford, a highly respected skate-boarding photographer. Modeled after skate and surf videos, MASH SF takes a look at the style of fixed gear riding in San Francisco, providing a glimpse in to the skills and culture of these SF riders.

Head on over to the NSW website and check out the new Kicks Creator function that uses a Dunk High for the template… You get the chance to really show off your skills, it’s like iD on steroids! Then you get to post them in a gallery and battle other designers…

Once you’re in the NSW site you’ll also find a bunch of other neat content as well.

CLICK HERE FOR THE KICKS CREATOR

Coming to a climbing wall near you. . .

The Arch climbing wall will be receiving thier first shipment of UAX goods within the next 4 weeks.

This is the first retail partnership for UAX in the UK, and we’re proud to be working alongside such a cool bunch of people.

Visit the Arch website here