Category Archive: On Tv
Meant for work.
Skateboarding, Apple Computers and Punk Rock. That’s the chronological order that I was introduced those items, and I’m still heavily hooked on all of them. I had an Apple II before Macs existed. That means I’m old and also excuses computers coming before punk. I did grow up in a midwest suburb you know… My worlds rarely collided in the past, but nowadays it seems to happen all the time, which is why I barely raised an eyebrow when Apple’s latest Get a Mac adverts featured a certain skateboard conglomeration’s stickers prominently on TV. I would have preferred a more clandestine skateboard brand than Girl/Chocolate. Something a little under the radar would have been more subversive, if that’s at all possible at this point. Actually, little kids wouldn’t know about underground brands, so a Wet Willy sticker might have been more appropriate. Embedded video, links and more after the jump.
Worlds biggest skateboard contenders.
This started out as a quick post about this guy who has been floating around the news wires as the Sole Man. He entered a Red Bull soap box derby dressed as a classic Vans checkered slip-on on top of a homemade oversized skateboard. But like all things concerned with the Interwebâ„¢, it’s not always that easy. There’s the obvious comparison to Tod Swank and Foundation’s super-sized Ripley’s Believe It or Not appearance, and at least two others. Pictures and videos after the jump.
Are you Sirius? (or Jeep?)
Siriusly (har har) I can’t tell if this is a commercial for Jeep or Sirius Satellite Radio. The gist of it is if you buy some kind of Jeep they throw in the Sirius service for free. It’s a mildly amusing commercial. If anyone still needs it, it’s proof that skateboarding has been assimilated into popular culture. Watch the video and see it dissected after the jump.
From Yo-yos to Yo Yo Ma to Tony Hawk
Apparently there is an activity that adults enjoy but most people think of as a toy, fad, or a phase to grow out of. Sound familiar? Although they both spin and have axles, I’m talking about yo-yos, not skateboards. Who knew there was a crossover? (Wait, isn’t that a yo-yo trick too?) Yo-Yo Nation is offering these limited edition skateboard and t-shirt combos featuring artwork “..based around a trick invented or pushed to the next level by the artist himself.” More pics and an amazing Hail Mary Gratuitous Tony Hawk Appearance after the jump.
Joe not-so-Cool pushes mongo and worse, rides vert.
Snoopy has been known to ride a skateboard or two, at least on shirts and toys. This may be the first time he’s ever appeared in animated form on skateboard. He’s A Bully, Charlie Brown aired over the Thanksgiving weekend to little fanfare. The copyright is 2006 and though already deceased, Charles Schultz is listed as a producer. It must have been in the works before he passed on. Video link and more captures after the jump.
Levis wants you to skate. FedEx, not so much.
FedEx, Gatorade Propel, and Levis Dockers all have commercials currently airing using skateboards. They range from pretty good to average. Decode my cryptic title with video links and commentary after the jump.
Big Black on MTV?
I know we’ve covered this twice already. But since I have a weird and vague, sideways personal connection to this story I feel like I need to chime in again. Big Black, by the way, was one of the highlights of the 25th anniversary of Touch and Go Records. Rob Dyrdek and Steve Albini? Now there’s a reality show I would watch.
Rob Dyrdek & Big Black Reality Show
Uh………yeah, well MTV like, totally has this new show coming out about that one skater guy and his big bodyguard. Oh, my, Gaaahh, those guys were like sooooo funny in the DC video. I’m sure this will be like a total, like reenactment, or something. Industry insiders like know how to sell really great merchandise and stuff.
Oregon Skatepark Pioneers on OPB
Oregon Skatepark Pioneers on aired on OPB last week. That’s Oregon Public Broadcasting. Skateboarding on TV is always a crap shoot. Usually the announcers will try and use the lingo, and more often than not, incorrectly. Thankfully Oregon Field Guide didn’t fall victim to that. More commentary and links to the vid after the jump. Check out the top right picture… Almost looks like a video blue screen..
Dew The Don’t
TV ratings are down in the Dew Action Sports Tour’s second season, but attendance and sponsorship are up and officials are optimistic. Ok. Not as clever as Do the Dude. Attendance up? That doesn’t mean squat if the ratings are down. Corporate America will pull the plug if you can’t bring home the bacon. They’ve done it before.











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