SE Portland has a new spot in the works called Commonwealth Skateboarding. Yes, it’s going to be pay-to-play, but it’s also indoors and concrete. I haven’t seen it in person but I hear it’s comparable in size to BSSS. Who is behind it? Check out Sherkowski Daily for the scoop or visit the Facebook page. Meanwhile, Grover gained entrance and shot some work in progress.

Gene Boles has a DIY spot in his back yard called My DIY. Here’s one of the obstacles and he’s got another one in the works. In the grand tradition of these endeavors, you can drop a few bones and pick up some schwag to help the effort. Check it out on My DIY.

Portland has a plan for 19 skateparks but the budget just isn’t there. North Portland locals are taking matters into their own hands. Live bands, free skateboarding at the benefit show for the Kenton Neighborhood Skatepark this Saturday February 5th at Portland’s Rip City Skates.

I am going to do a little out sourcing. I am looking for footage of slappys. Submissons must be on minute or less Include Full name and send it to skate and annoy. If yours is good enough or bad enough you maybe a star on an upcoming GVK. Show your support and submit and annoy. Editor’s note: Please don’t email us videos right now. I’ll try to figure out the logistics on how to get your footage. Check back here for details.

Arthur Lindsey is curating an exhibit at Artery called Mercury 7 and the New 9 featuring Dave Carnie, Ashley Anson, Russ Pope, Salvador Perdomo, Ray Gordon, Kim Hamblin, Todd Bratrud, Roger Seliner, Chris Johanson, David Petersen, Andy Jenkins, Jason Adams, Chris Corales, Johanna Jackson, Chris Pastras and Sam Coomes. Hmm… noticeably missing… ME! Dang, man, I already had some Mercury 7 skateboard art in the can! That’s hand screened man, none of that heat transfer nonsense! OK, tantrum is over. (ME! ME! ME! ME! WAAAAAAHHHH!) Flyer, press release and Dave Carnie art after the jump.

No matter what the watermark would lead you to believe, this is not the Powell Peralta 80’s Vert Challenge, but rather the Quicksilver event. SInce it was a Powell Peralta production, I thought it was going to be a slick production but it’s a guy in the audience pointing a camera over everyone’s head. Maybe it was an attempt to go for 80’s realism!

Skull Skates founder PD appeared on a Vancouver-based TV show called Urban Rush. He had a ton of product and a couple dark silent types from Barrier Kult. I was hoping for more interaction with the Barrier Kult guys, they look so sinister standing on that set, like it’s a hostage situation. A large segment of the skateboarding population knows about Barrier Kult, but I’m sure their presence was shocking and a little disconcerting to the general viewing public, especially in the current political climate. It looks like a hostage situation. – Thanks to Prickly Pete for the tip.

Maker Carry Goods makes errr…. goods out of wood, metal, leather and canvas. There’s the usual fare like wallets, European carry-alls (like Grover used to rock) and assorted bags, but then again there are metal hooks, stools and skateboards with leather riser pads. These could be huge in the metal community. I kind of like those riser pads actually, I just don’t want to buy a skateboard to get a set. – Thanks to MC for the tip.

Skateboards made from recycled wood? Cheaper but still guaranteed? Yes. Shop logos and donations to DIY spots? Yes. Sound to good to be true? How is the recycled wood used, and how much of the board is recycled? No details whatsoever, so it’s hard to evaluate. However, the lack of information is usually telling. If it actually works, I’m for it. Has anyone out there rode one of these Real Renewal boards?

Nardwuar the Human Serviette had a guest DJ Roger Allen on his radio show to present the history of Skate Rock. It’s was an entertaining show to be sure, but I think Roger confused Skate Rock with music that a lot of skateboarders listen to. He started off on a high note with a soundtrack clip from the 60’s film Skater Dater, and a few good skatesploitation tracks from the 70’s before getting derailed by Led Zepplin, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and a bunch of other bands that certainly were listened to by a lot of the skating population, but can hardly be considered authentic “skate rock,” Bad Brains included. It’s something I’d actually enjoy getting into a scholarly debate about with Allen. It’s a good listen anyway. 80’s centric but bookended by decades on both sides. Check out Nardwuar vs. Roger Allen. I love Nardwuar. – Thanks to Dale Pidlisny for the tip. [Photo: William R. Jans]