After probably a 30 year gap, there’s another Skitch Hitichock model out. This model made by Skate Designs looks like a pretty nice cruiser, complete with wheel wells. I want to say that Skitch the guy who invented the gorrila grip, but I’m not sure. Proceeds from the model will help Skitch with some life threatening medical needs. Video and pics of vintage Skitch after the jump. – Thanks to Craig Snyder for the tip.

It was nominated last year and didn’t get in, but this year the skateboard made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Joining it this year were the baby doll and the “stick.” Proponents of the booger and the “doodle” (As in “They can see my doodle!”) were upset, as can be imagined. Tony Hawk appeared in a prerecorded video at the induction ceremony. In his words skateboarding “promotes individualism … artistic expression and it’s also very athletic.” Also, it doesn’t make you go blind if you do it too much. – Thanks to Livmo and Sorenee for the tip. [Source: CNN]

This week, Thrasher magazine’s website will release one section per day of a five part Duane Peters interview filmed by Lance Conklin.   It started on Monday and will end on Friday.  Everyone’s favorite crusty old grouch tells it like it is about being in a band,  Jerry Only, Los Angeles and Australia, and more to come… It’s actually kind of neat to see DP just unloading his attitude onto the internet.  No rocket science or brain surgery here; just a punk rock skater/surfer/survivor telling it like he sees it.  If you can ignore the gratuitous advertising, check it out! Thanks 10 Things Zine for the picture.

This week’s Shot of the Week comes to us from Kevin Porterfield, the proprietor of Dokument Skateshop in Salem, Oregon. It was a slow day so they dragged out the launch ramp for some wall ride action in front of the shop. Skater’s name is Travis Jolley. There are some bonus shots after the jump. Don’t forget to check out the full frame Shot of the Week.

I’m thinking of changing the name of this site to “Skatepark Construction Pictures and Annoy.” It’s just a phase, I promise. The Team Pain park in Colorado Springs is getting closer to being done. Check it out on Concrete Disciples.

Check out this out of print Sergie Ventura model on Hosoi Skates. I want to say that looks like Pier Park on the bottom of the deck. That’s Sergi at Pier Park during the 2007 Trifecta. Although a crowd favorite, rumor has it (overheard) some of the competitors felt it was was a “jock park” (AKA too burly, required pads) and that’s why it wasn’t on the repeat list for 2008. -Thanks to Greg North for the tip.

The DIY bowl we’ve been chronicling courtesy of Josef Heffner has neared completion. How near> Near enough to ride, thanks to some pictures from Ryan Hass. There’s still one wedge to be poured. When it’s done, I’ll ask Joesf to recap and and I collect all the links to the past installments.

Sunday, November 09, 2008 9:00am. 7.4 mile race, rain or shine, course to be announced at the event. Is it downhill? I don’t know. Go to the registration link to find out. So far, there are 34 people entered.

This piece, entitled “Reach for Light,” was built by Ted Hunter for an art exhibit in Hawaii, and also displayed in Philadelphia.  The boards were hand built using the vaccuum method, and the shape of Roarockit’s “classic pintail.” The top graphic was photographed from an actual tulip petal and printed on griptape.  The fusion of the skateboard and the pose of a flower at daybreak create a unique sense of movement in this sculpture.

September 2008. The economy is really starting to contract. The housing market has been sucking for ages, and now banks are failing and the economy is streaking towards recession. Skateboard prices are not immune. They are starting on a downward trend, which will continue for sometime I would imagine. It’s a really good time to buy, not so good if you are a seller. Read eBay Watch: September 2008