It is what it is. Ambivalent Skateboarding Fraternity. Skater: Kai Hillebrand. Photos: by Alex “Foley” Concept by Gonzalo Lizama and Roberto Cuellar. Art Direction: Roberto Cuellar. Location: Berlin, Germany. Year: 2012. More from Roberto.

– Thanks to Jerome for the tip.

CNN has a photo spread by Mike Belleme on what they call an “inside look at street skating.” There some cool shots in there mixed among a lot of photojournalism-style shots that would be called “lifestyle” in a different context.

– Thanks to Jeffrey Roenning for the tip.

Rodney Mullen visited the Smithsonian (on invitation) as part of the Lemelson Center’s informal initiative to build relationships with skateboarding’s innovators. Your response may be “What the what?” Or at least, what is the Lemelson Center and why do they care about skateboarding? Technically, it’s the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, and it was established in 1995 under the larger umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution. But why skateboarding? According to deputy director Jeff Brodie:

Most associate invention and innovation with technology and science, but the Center often explores other unexpected places where invention and innovation flourishes—like skateboarding. This wide exploration is critical to fostering an appreciation for the central role invention and innovation play in the history of the United States. It also makes our work extremely interesting, fun, and exciting as we meet, collaborate, and explore the world of invention and innovation with all types of people.

And it doesn’t end with Rodney Mullen’s interview. They are planning an event to coincide with National Go Skateboarding Day called Innoskate, which will be “a major public festival that will celebrate invention and creativity in skate culture.” Watch Rodney’s interview and read a little bit about what happened behind the scenes thanks to our spy in the Smithsonian Betsy Gordon. (Thanks Betsy!)

Two photos of a spot that amazingly enough was not built for skateboarding. Storm water management done the right way, somewhere in Austin, Texas.

– Thanks to Brianna Vance for the photos.

If you would ask me, what is the best-known song out of Germany with a connection to skateboarding, I´d say “My god rides a skateboard” by the hardcore/punk band Spermbirds from Kaiserslautern.

Another frankenramp creation, Barnside (unofficial name) is somewhere in the Kansas City area. Four videos after the jump. Chin Ramp indeed.

– Thanks to Dave Campbell for the tip.

I haven’t been to Orcas Island in a million years, but this is the year, I swear. As soon as I learn inverts. I love Orcas, did I mention that? Here’s a Landyachtz video featuring downhill, park riding and a metric ton of lifestyle footage.

– Thanks to Billy Bones for the tip.

Down in the basement! Although if this was in my basement it would be a different story. Check out this incredibly tight (transitioned) mini bowl in Nate Latimer’s basement.

A couple more skateable architecture examples in Japan and Brasil. – Thanks to Rolf and MC for the tips.

A slow motion scientific study of the interaction between iron and oxygen on small, spheroid surfaces in conditions of extreme high humidity…

[Source: Beyond Slow Motion]