We’re a socially aware bunch here at Blunt HQ. We can’t help to notice that the evenings are getting longer, and Autumn is certainly upon us.

In order to stop you disenchanted youths hanging about in the shadows sniffing glue and waiting for a purse to rob, we thought we’d do our bit for the community at large by giving you some more televisual delights to pass the time.

This way, you’ll be tucked up in front of the screen, stuffing yourself with Jaffa cakes, rather than going on the blag to annoy some poor innocent. Arent we nice?

Just For Kicks
Essentially, this isn’t a new film (it came out in 2005), but it’s certainly worth a watch. It charts the growth, in media and sales terms, of the humble sports shoe, and it’s impact on youth fashion and culture. Theres great interviews with all sorts of people in this, from Run DMC in their “Adidas heyday”, to O.G. b-boys giving useful tips on sneaker lacing, and collectors who travel the world, just looking for that elusive shoe.

Obviously, the modern story of the sneaker is intertwined with hip hop history, but this simple and fresh documentary gives an awful lot of background into the marketing and history of some of the most famous sneakers (and sneaker heads) of all time. Watch it and learn something. Trust me.

Shorty Titch
The work of this gentleman has been doing the rounds at Family Blunt. Good God Almighty. It’s not often I’m lost for words. In this case, I am.

80 Blocks From Tiffanys
This raw and uncompromising documentary was shot in the South Bronx, in 1979. It gives an enquiring insight into the street gangs at the time, interviewing members from various factions. local storekeepers, residents, police officers, and club owners.

It is also a somewhat gritty social commentary, showing the attitudes and outlooks from people across the generations, living in this area, and some of the things they do to get by. This is about as “street” as it can get. To top it all off theres some great footage towards the end, showing the preparation of a proper block party, and the party itself.

Maybe I’m getting old, but it’s amazing to look at this (nearly) 30-year old film, and pick up some of the pointers in politics, fashion, music, and youth culture that are shown in one of the most engaging documentaries I’ve seen in a while.

Kojak
Normally, a bald man sucking a lollipop and asking “who loves ya baby?”, would be quite concerning, and met with a swift kick to the wedding vegetables. But, not if that bald man happens to be 70s detective, Kojak. Oh no. The only time you’d worry on seeing this man is if you were a criminal, as you know hes gonna get you! Telly Savalas, a sugar-munching legend.

Midget Paki.
Now, dont be put off by the title, although I know it’s a bit of a wrong-un. We didn’t name the film.

As you should know by know, we are some of the most laid-back people there are here at HQ, even if we are about as politcally correct as Prince Phillip at times. (“It’s cold up north and they eat coal” “The French wear onions and steal bicycles” etc). It just happens to be a bit of an off-key title, but is certainly worth a watch, and we mean that in a friendly way.

This isn’t us putting our Nazi hats on. Dont mail us and complain. I’ve said it before, you’ll only get ignored and annoyed. Next time it’ll be a Burmese Elvis, or an Irish gangsta rapper or whatever getting some stick. That’s just how it goes. Deal with it.

This very simple clip shows a very small Pakistani-looking fellow, making friends with a native Scotsman with a booming and slightly slurred voice. All very friendly and nice, and you’ve got to love the polite “Cheerio” at the end. If we were all this friendly to each other, the streets of Scotland (and the rest of the world) would be a better place.

Okay, that little lot should keep you off the streets for a while. Remember, behave yourselves during these cold winter months. It’s only one small step from drinking cider in your tracksuit, to appearing on the Jeremy Kyle (AKA Jeremy Cock) show wanting to prove that your Dad is on crack, and he’s the father of your baby. And you dont want that now, do you?