Don Gerard, one of my college roommates is running for mayor of the town we went to school in. Champaign is also the town where he grew up. I suppose I should put “college” in quotes because I don’t think we were ever both in school at the same time while we were roommates in three consecutive houses named Ten Shitty Guys. Aside from having the idea to start a zine, I believe it was also Neil’s idea to start a skate rock band. We drafted Don to play drums, pretty much against his will. He was embarrassed by it at the time since he was accustomed to playing in “real” bands. He used to wear sunglasses and a sorority baseball hat as disguise on stage, but I think he secretly enjoyed it. Our first gig as McWilson was opening up for Naked Raygun’s first Champaign, Illinois apperance. It was actually the main reason for our existence. We played a handful of shows and parties after that. We burned bright and extremely short. If you live in Champaign, Illinois, get yourself registered to vote for Don Gerard. Campign commercial after the jump. This whole thing smells like the script for the sequel to Old School.

McWilson was (L-R) Evil Tom (Burke), Randy Kilwag (standing), Neil McDougall, Don Gerard.

I gaped. I couldn’t believe what I’d seen. He’d ridden the wall. I jerked my head around to share with everyone else’s amazement, and no one, not one single person seemed to have even noticed what Christian had done. Stecyk knew though, and said, “You’ve got some catching up to do.”

There’s an excellent in-depth interview with Jim Fitzpatrick interview on I Skate, therefore I am blog. It’s five parts long ( 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5) ! Fitzpatrick has seen some interesting times in skateboarding, including being involved in two hugely influential companies like Makaha and Powell Peralta, and spearheading the fight to have skateboarding classified as a hazardous activity. For those of you who scratch your head at that one, it’s one of the reasons that municipalities don’t have to carry massive skateboard-specific insurance riders for skateboard parks. Because, as an inherently dangerous activity, the rider assumes a certain amount of risk while engaging in the activity. The interview covers other aspects of Jim’s life as well, from surfing to being a Montessori school teacher. There’s even a Surf Punks reference. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy learning about key figures in skateboarding history. The picture on the left is from another interview on TEDx.

– Thanks to Jerome for the tip.

This is a Colin Walsh (Rules) picture of Brian Summer at the Corvallis park, making it look good. What’s the point? Well to annoy Carl with another skatepark shot and to remind everyone about the BCSA call for art. Video highlights of last year’s benefit event after the jump.

Yesterday we had metal from Finland, and today it’s _________. Things must be pretty cold in Finland, because if these music videos are any indication, they’re always lighting their skateboards and turntables on fire. This is the Wool and Vortex video for the track Magic Carpet, as heard on the EP of the same name from the Top Billin label, which I think is from Finland, although the DJ’s don’t appear to be.

– Thanks to Glen Brady for the tip.

Chris Cole, Jamie Thomas and Tom Asta appear in the Children of Bodom video for Was it Worth it? Can’t find the video anywhere, but I did find a trailer and some stills from the video on Metal from Finland.

– Thanks to Boy Ipoh for the tip.

The city of Zurich, Switzerland had no transition until a group of locals got together and took it upon themselves to take the D.I.Y. route instead of waiting for someone else to do it for them. The result is called Sihlside. This week’s Shot of the Week is a Nicolas Buechi photo of… crud. Forgot to get the name. A little help Nicholas? (Update: Ivo Weibel) If you can believe it, the whole project cost less than 700CHF! I can believe it because I have no concept of at CHF is. Watch the video after the jump to get a glimpse of some new wave sand at the 1:24 mark, or check out the Shot of the Week.

Former SPS board member Tom Miller will be stepping down as the Chief of Staff for Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams in order to replace the retiring director of the Transportation Bureau. Oregon Live reports that the position oversee 750 employees and has a $250 million annual budget. The picture above is credited to the Wall Street Journal but I found it over at the Portland Mercury where they call him “the mayor’s controversial, skateboarding chief of staff.” I didn’t know Tom was controversial. I mean as far as I know, he doesn’t push mongo or grab stinkbug. Congratulations Tom. I predict that in the not too distant future S&A will have the pleasure of reporting the first skateboarding mayor of a major city. I should be sponsoring him. I missed a golden photo opportunity. Looks like that’s a Scarecrow deck.

– Thanks to Sam for the tip.

Bob Burnquist with a sneak peak of the 2011 Toyata Prius. Honda, if you’re listening, I’ll gladly make a commercial in exchange for a Civic, Fit, motorcycle, lawn mower, boat engine or generator. I guess I’d even take a plane.

[Source: Skate Curiosidade]

CNN has a follow up on the recent skateboard emissary mission to Cuba. You might recall we posted about a Christmas day session that was also a drop off for new and used equipment to be brought to Cuba. So how did it go? Check out the story and video on CNN.

Back in May of last year there was a Shot of the Week from a DIY spot in New Orleans that has since become known as Peach Orchard. I’m happy to report that the spot is still going and they’ve added some new concrete. They’re holding benefits and accepting donations via Paypal and the head bean counter Joey O’Mahoney.