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Junk Food Television, Or How I Stopped Fighting it and Learnt to Love ‘Jersey Shore’.

As much as I hate to admit it, I love Jersey Shore.

It’s not because of a case of fashion envy a la Sex and The City, or because I relate to the cast the way I do with Friends or How I Met Your Mother, but because of morbid curiosity. This group of 20-something New Yorkers  are vapid, shallow, and hedonistic, and I just can’t get enough.

I like to think that reality shows that following the lives of excitable but essentially aimless party people are insulting to an audience’s intelligence, but it’s undeniable that they’re entertaining. It’s like watching another species walking in our world, so much so MTV has capitalised on our anthropological desires in their marketing campaigns, “[the show] exposes one of the tri-state area’s most misunderstood species… the GUIDO. Yes, they really do exist! Our Guidos and Guidettes will move into the ultimate beach house rental and indulge in everything the Seaside Heights, New Jersey scene has to offer.”

It is much more than mindless escapism, there’s great philosophical arguments that really make you think such as Angelina in season one debating hospitality versus retail, (”This [T-Shirt shop] is below me, I’m a bartender, I do great things!”), to Snooki’s weekly bursts of genius (”That’s the reason why the ocean is so salty, because of all of the whale sperm!”). I’ve learnt how to GTL, how to dodge grenades and landmines, and how to perfect the boutique cocktail, Ron-Ron Juice. I’ve picked up their language and habits. It’s becoming an unhealthy obsession.

As with other similarly-premised reality shows, like Big Brother and The Real World, you feel as if it’s junk food version of television, that is, you know that it’s unhealthy but it feels so good to gorge yourself on. It’s very easy to teeter over to the dark side though. There’s been times when in the grips of a Jersey marathon, I’ve been asked my opinion on world issues and I’ve had nothing to say other than, “Well, I don’t know about that, but J-Woww and Sammi just had a cat fight!” After majoring in international politics, that sentence leaving my mouth was me hitting rock bottom of reality TV addiction.

I won’t lie and say that I don’t sometimes indulge in my guilty pleasure, season three has just started! But I like to think that I’ve learnt how to strike a healthy balance between the real world and the Shore, the first step was to admit I have a problem.

“Hi, I’m Paige and I’m a Jersey-holic…”

11 Feb 2011, 11:03am Blog Street by admin
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Designer Clothes, Art Collections, and Hip-Hop?: The New Breed of Rappers.

Hip-Hop has always been synonymous with violence, gang glorification, and misogynist lyrics but a new trend is leading rappers to change up their baggy pants and chains for well tailored suits.  Given the growth in popularity of the genre (and in the rappers’ bank accounts), the formulaic cop-hatin’, gang war-declarin’ lyrics of the past just don’t translate today. It’s hard to take Eminem rhyming about being “true to the streets” when he’s got an Academy award. Even Jay-Z has changed his previous gangsta stance to rapping about “being up in TriBeCa next to DeNiro”.

Rather than fighting the privileged lifestyle they now lead, this new breed of rappers are embracing it. They aren’t about drinking gin and juice and drive by’s, they’d rather sip Chandon on the Upper East Side. Through Kid Cudi’s hazy “Pursuit of Happiness”, Jay-Z’s urban Sinatra persona and Kanye West shift from rapper to artist, it is proof that you don’t need to have a police record to be respected. As Nicki Minaj mused in Rolling Stone, “At one point you had to sell a few kilos to be considered a credible rapper…but now it’s like Drake and I are embrac[ed for] the fact we went to [performing arts] school, we love acting, we love theater, and that’s okay”.

In their film clips, you won’t find them in dingy nightclub scenes throwing cash at strippers, there’s are highly stylised, fashionable shoots (or in Kanye’s case, 35 minute long short films) throwing back to the artistry of music greats like Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Although not the first to start the trend,  Kanye is the definitive poster boy for this new genre. He is an art aficionado, he has interned for several designers, and worries more about wearing a dinner jacket during the day than gang colours. Imagining himself as more than a name attached to an “explict language” sticker,  his latest LP, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,  replaces regular fodder of murder, crime, and poverty with intense self reflection and a critique on the lifestyle fame allows (and on a more shallow level, model and designer name drops).  A far call from Snoop declaring “1-8-7 on an undercover cop”.

Rather than succumbing to a stereotype enforced by their precursors, these artists are trying to shift the genre into something greater, bringing style and a social conscience into rap, and they’re doing it in a three piece suit.

3 Feb 2011, 9:57am Blog Street by admin
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Six Tips for Travel Virgins

Strangely enough, as I write this there are two young girls wearing huge backpacks, trying not to knock people down the stairs of the train during peak hour. They remind me of my friend Sophia and I, who had to struggle through this awkward but necessary process every time we moved from place to place while we were travelling. Are you about to go off on the same type of journey? Feeling a little nervous? Palms a bit sweaty? Here are a few tips to either scare the crap out of you, or (hopefully) guide you.

1. No matter how many people you pummel as you charge through crowds with a pained expression on your face and a sweat moustache while wearing something the size of an overweight 7 year old on your back – choose a backpack for your luggage. It’s even more embarrassing to have to heave a heavy, bulky suitcase upstairs, downstairs, and onto a busy train – especially if there’s a train strike in Paris and people are squishing in so fiercely they are literally cuddling strangers – you do not want to stand there fumbling around with a suitcase in this situation. No sir.

2. No matter how French, cool or dread-locked they are do not accept an invitation by a group of men to another bar on its weekly ‘ladies night’ where they offer champagne for 1 euro a glass. This means it is a dump, and they need to pretty much give alcohol away in order to attract customers. By the end of the night, on trying to escape your new buddies, you may even be lucky enough to get bitten by a complete stranger and have to walk around for the next three weeks with a nasty, teethy bruise that makes people stare. (Note: Not sure how common this situation is but look out nonetheless.)

3. Something to definitely ensure you do is accept that spontaneity is a part of travel. You have to role with the punches, or maybe the bites, depending on where your adventures lead you. When you’re at a restaurant in Portugal and a busker stops at your table, do begin singing Land Down Under and then every Bob Marley song you can manage at the top of your lungs while he plays guitar (even though you won’t get a laugh out of anyone around you. Europeans do not find us funny. Take that as another tip.)

4. If you find yourself in Egypt, expect to be ripped off by every smiling face you see. They are the best and cheekiest of all salespeople. Expect to be taken on a camel ride, and once far enough away from the Pyramids, expect your camel’s owner to trick you into paying extra. “What’s the problem? You no happy with my service?” Also expect that the funny man who randomly grabs you, wraps your head up in a scarf and poses with you while his mate grabs your camera and takes photos of you both before you can managed to spit out a confused “cheeeese?” is going to then want ‘baksheesh’. When all you can offer is the measly 5 Egyptian pounds that was in your wallet, be read to receive a very disappointed look, which then turns a little bit angry – and then just escape.

5. Give yourself plenty of time to get around. Make time for things like getting lost, or your cab driver taking you to the wrong train station. Because if you don’t, when you finally end up at the right train station, you will have only one minute left until the train leaves the country without you. And that hurts. Then what will happen, while you’re running for the train under your big, heavy turtle shell? The straps on the stupid bag you bought for 20 euro at a market stall in Venice when you had no more space in your pack will break, forcing you to have to drag it behind you – it flipping around like a leopard-printed child throwing a tantrum. On the plus side; when you miss the train, you can always have a beer and a laugh with your mate. That’s really all you can do.

6. Finally, expect to be loved for being Aussie… and work with it. It will get you free pizza, lots of cuddles (which can be nice when you’re so far away from mummy) and friends! But remember, being Australian won’t get you any laughs.

Happy travels!

Dani

21 Jan 2011, 10:50am Blog Street by admin
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Thread People’s Guide to Surviving Big Day Out

Now that January is well and truly here, the countdown to arguably the best summer festival, the Big Day Out, has begun. By now you would have done the hard yards;  mustered up some mates, bought the tickets (and the new outfit), planned your timetable, but what happens once you pass security and your brilliant planning falls by the wayside?

Travel Lightly

Mobile, cash, ID and a sealed water bottle is all you need. As the name suggests, it’s going to be a big day, you don’t want to be lugging around an overnight bag worth of stuff after a slog in the Boiler Room. Plus, if you don’t need a bag search, you get past security so much faster.

It’s Going To Be Hot

I don’t care what the forecast says, always dress for 40 degrees. I nearly fumbled at last year’s Adelaide leg when an inaccurate report had me considering jeans. It ended up being high 30’s. Play it safe, go for shorts and a loose singlet. A hat wouldn’t go astray either as;

You Will Get Burnt

No matter how sun-safe you are, getting a good position at the front of the main stage becomes more important than lining up for sunscreen. I suggest stocking up on Aloe Vera for the aftermath.

You Will Lose People

Take this as an inevitability. No matter how similar you and your comrades tastes in music are, not everyone will stick to the timetable. Also, people get drunk. This leads to a bad case of the “wander-offs”. To combat this, make sure that everyone has a fully charged mobile and keep it within reach. Easy done!

Take Advantage

Festival price is different to Real World price, it’s not hard to find yourself skint so milk the freebies as much as you can. Generally, there’s free ice tea/water fountains/sunscreen at stations around the festival. Find them. Use them. Thank me later.

Be Ruthless

Unfortunately there’s not much room for niceties at festivals. If you want a barrier position, you are going into battle with 300 other people that want it as badly as you. Same applies for the taxi home. Be aware that everyone leaving is just as tired/drunk/emotional as you are, but also keep in mind you need to get home. Now I don’t condone using violence to steal a cab, but if someone’s messing around trying to organise people, their taxi is up for grabs. No questions asked.

Take this advice on board and consider yourself prepared to brave the crowds and hit the mosh. Good luck!

- Paige Richards

19 Jan 2011, 8:21am Blog Street by admin
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contribute… to our blog!

We’re always looking for new and exciting content on our blog pages. If you have something to share with our online community, we’d love to read it!

Here are a few basic content guidelines to get you going:

Thread People Fashion Blog

This page is dedicated to all things fashion. This could include fashion photography, styling tips, articles, reviews, fashion events, wish lists, interviews with designers or models… anything to do with fashion

Thread People Street Blog

This page contains anything to do with street culture. Content for this page is much more broad and can include anything to do with music, film, events, art, culture, travel, experiences… you name it!

Just remember if you are using someone else’s words or images they must be referenced.

If you are interested in contributing, email your post to sacha@threadpeople.com.au

Happy blogging!

Thread People

4 Jan 2011, 1:57pm Blog Blog Fashion Street by admin
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Thread People Tips on keeping yourself occupied this Lazy Summers Day

We are fast approaching Christmas and we feel you need help to start planning your holiday season by doing a combination of activities and sweet FA! If you are anything like the employees of Thread People, you work hard all year, have barely a day off and then when you do you find very little if anything is likely to get accomplished. In this guide to just a lazy day away from the office we will look at several possibilities for making the most or even the least of your day. Welcome to Lazy Summer Dayz!

THE MORNING

The morning is the most important part of the day. We all know that if you wake up on the wrong side of bed, or the start of the day is less than amazing, the rest of your day will end up being ordinary. You want to “ease” into the day. The first Leisurely activity to take up a nice slice of your morning is an indulgent trip to the spa. Wash your hair, clean between your toes, rest your head back and while away those thoughts of all the hard work you have just achieved. Appreciate what you have just achieved!

Exercise:

This is the “activity” part of the lazy day. Remember activity means placing your headspace at rest.

Spend 10-20 minutes stretching and doing yoga or pilates. If thats not enough put on some of your favourite tunes and start dancing around the loungeroom

The Beach:

For those near or close to the beach get your ass down there! Be sure to get down early to avoid the hoards of people that will follow you after realising what a great idea you had. Jump in the water and wash all that stress away.

THE AFTERNOON

Movies:

Its not just the air conditioning that will help you escape the heat outside, a new release of the latest movie will too. Try going to the movies on your own…its surprisingly fun! You get all the popcorn and coke to yourself. Just be sure to wear a long sleeved shirt to keep you a little warm under that air conditioning – we dont want you to stress because you are cold J

Cafe:

Find a cafe that is also a bookstore…its the ultimate in relaxation. Grab yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, a book or magazine and absorb yourself into the words. People watching is also a good reason to go to a cafe.

Dabble in photography and art:

This activity can be accomplished almost anywhere you can simply sit and watch what’s happening around you or observe the scenery. Take your camera or a sketchbook and start sketching away. Very therapeutic.

THE EVENING

Shower:

You have already had a spa but now its time to start fresh again after such an amazing day. Jump in the shower and be sure to have it Luke warm. Keep in mind that a shower can sometimes wake you up again but the evening is wind down time…so put on some soft music and ease into the night

Go for a drive:

Driving is pure pleasure, depending of course what car you drive. If its a 1960’s rusted Datsun then perhaps you should skip this part and go straight to bed. However, if its not then switch on the ignition, turn on the music not too loud) pull out of the drive and cruise the streets with the windows down. You have no direction…just drive
Cafe Del Mar – Lazy Summer Days

Memories of yesterday
Can’t think about anything
But you never gonna fade away
Even if you disapear from view

Sweet distraction
You’re always on my mind
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time
Clear intentions
Just wanna make you mine
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time

Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain

We are all the same

Memories of yesterday
Day dreaming of when i held you close
Doesn’t matter what you say
You were the one i wanted most

Sweet distraction
You’re always on my mind
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time
Clear intentions
Just wanna make you mine
Sweet distraction
That feeling every time

Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain

We are all the same

Memories of yesterday
Can’t think about anything but You

Lazy summer days
Lazy summer days

Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain

We are all the same…

INTRODUCING VINTAGE CLOTHING SALES THIS WEEK :  EXCLUSIVE TO WWW.THREADPEOPLE.COM.AU

NOT A MEMBER? JOIN NOW!

12 Dec 2010, 7:48pm Blog Blog Fashion Street by admin
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the weekend that rocked

Last weekend, Mount Panorama was transformed in to a live music & action sports venue where thousands of kids partied for 3 days & 2 nights. Newton’s Nation was its name and radness was its game.. here are some epic on stage moments captured by Chris Samuel

Ian Kenny of Birds of Tokyo

Birds of Tokyo

Birds of Tokyo

Bliss N Eso

Bliss N Eso

Bliss N Eso

Bliss N Eso

Bloody Lovely Audrey

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Children Collide

Funkoars

The Money Smokers

The Money Smokers

The Money Smokers

Operator Please

Operator Please

Operator Please

Philadelphia Grand Jury

Philadelphia Grand Jury

Philadelphia Grand Jury

Philadelphia Grand Jury

The Novocaines

The Novocaines

The Novocaines

You Am I

You Am I

You Am I

You Am I

Zeahorse

Zeahorse

Zeahorse

Zeahorse

-S

1 Dec 2010, 6:28pm Blog Street by admin
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CONCERT FOR THE CURE

Thread People are proud to be supporting Concert For The Cure who are launching an exhibition next week that provokes fresh discussion about the issue of breast cancer.

It will display pieces by Australian artists and fashion designers who have been given the concept of the bra to squeeze, grope, explore and reshape. These works will be a donation that will be sold through a silent auction, with all proceeds going to targeting dormancy in breast cancer (NBCF).

Make sure you check it out by either attending the opening night of the exhibition Nov 11^th, or by popping in throughout the week with the exhibition finishing on Nov 14^th.

The important details

Date: Thursday Nov 11^th 6-9pm (opening night)- closing 4pm Sunday Nov 14^th

Where: Shapiro Gallery – 162 Queen St, Woollahra NSW

Why: to raise funds for fighting dormancy in breast cancer

For more information and to watch the TVC head over to www.support2010.com.au

10 Nov 2010, 12:20pm Blog Fashion Street by admin
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Step Panther Interview

Hey these guys have been on rockets at the moment and have been quickly on the rise with recent national tours and local shows. Here we catch up with the band for a quick chat on touring and music/stuff

You guys have have just recently got off a national tour with the “Cabins”. Was this your first national tour and how did the band cope with a busy schedule?

Yes it was our first tour, a nice little run of shows up and down the coast, we had played once in melbourne before but it was cool  to  get more experience out of town, the schedule wasn’t too hectic but when things did begin to to overwhelm us we just  held hands till our knuckles were white

Are there any stories that you can share with the people that sum up the tour?

Watch the Karate Kid or Crossroads both starring Ralph Macchio, it is the same basic story

You have put out a 5 track E.p. How is the response from the public been and how was the process of writing the album?

Some people  like  it i think, we get some   nice comments and support from  people on myspace and we have got a fair bit of play on FBI and  2ser which has been a good help for sure. We wrote  these songs last year, we went through a period of  just playing surf music all the time, some of the  songs came from  that and a couple of songs were older but we modified them to sound that way, but it was cool cause they work better this way

Where did you record it at?

we recorded at Hanging Tree Studio in Surry Hills,  its a really great place with heaps of cool mics and amazing vintage gear, which helped with the sound of this particular EP.

You guys look like that you have just been on fire at the moment how are you guys been travelling with the rise and rise off the band?

we  are very lucky boys

You guys have a very unique and distinctive sound. Where do you guys draw a lot off your inspiration from?

Guitar wolf, jonathon richman, boys called jimmy, captain america, weezer, pavement, lightning, rocks, bikes + other music/stuff

What are the future plans for the band? World Domination?

we shall fight to protect humanity even though society fears and hates us

What are some other independent local bands that you guys are loving at the moment?

hmmm, well, Cabins, Bridezilla, Baby X, Yae Tiger, to name a few

Where are readers able to gain access to your music from?

you can download our song jimmy from itunes or order our Ep from Red Eye records, you can check our myspace for the correct details

Thank you for your time….any last words?

i guess not, thanks very much:)

Cheers

Cheers

25 Sep 2010, 2:47pm Blog Street by admin
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Rapids

Here is a new release from the boys from “Rapids” called “The Phillip, The Hawk”. These guys have been on a roll in the last 12 months and they have produced this ripper of a track. This is the first for the gang in awhile and they have delivered, be sure to keep track off them in the coming weeks for a little tour that will be coming up. Make sure to check there myspace for more info. For now relax and enjoy!

21 Sep 2010, 8:53pm Blog Street by admin
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