The first one is an updated version of those pumpboards, this one looks like it’s been crossed with a shopping cart. Seems like it would be utterly unsteerable. The second one is, believe it or not, an inflatable deck. This is a brand new approach to the collapsable skateboard concept, but one that seems to be based on of some sort technology that doesn’t currently exist. – Thanks to Concretins Nik for the tips.

It’s going on right now! Get the details for the contest over at the Department. NOTE: The finals are downtown Portland at Pioneer Square. The whole thing is part of Red Bull’s Manny Mania amateur contest series. BURNSIDE ART SHOW BENEFIT after the contest. Opening at NEMO (1875 SE Belmont) from 7-11pm. Proceeds from the sales got to Burnside. Artists include, Bryce Kanights, Chet Childress, Rich Burton, JayMeer, Gus Van Sant(!), Rich Charnowski and more. Exhibit will be up from June 26-July 31.

More Farrah Fawcett skateboarding action. Toys from the past. I’d seen the officially licensed “Jill” doll from Farrah’s Charlie’s Angels days, as seen above left. Reader Hung Chang also found this knockoff “Sport Girl” doll that features a cartoon drawing of Farrah.

I don’t know whether the architects are cooler in Europe and Asia, or the people with the deep pockets have more progressive outlook. Why doesn’t any of this stuff get built over here? The Aphalt Spot is in Tokamashi, Japan. Head on over to SpaceInvading to get the pics. Bonus walk through vid after the jump. – Thanks to Sk8 D for the tip.

Skateboarding’s second (chronological) pinup died today after battling cancer. What celebrity death could possibly top this?

Ron Cameron was the skater/artist who helped define the public identity of Blockhead Skateboards. His web site features his paintings, graphic design, and very meaty sections on his board design, skateboarding and advertisements for Blockhead Skateboards and other companies like Acme. For instance, his board gallery features Disposable type commentary on the background of the designs and what was going on in the industry. The same goes for the ads he designed and the coverage he received as a skateboarder. I especially enjoyed his hand painted boards. The image above is a Grant Brittain photo from a 1990 issue of TWS, with a couple of classic Blockhead designs superimposed. As you can see, Ron was in the vanguard of bringing narrow boards back to skating. Sure that’s a 70’s era deck, but he did actually produce some narrow boards in anticipation of changing times, but he was a little bit too early to make it stick. Definitely worth spending some time at, check out Roncameron.net. Ron says a major chunk of retro content is imminent for the Blockhead site.

This just in, from the San Francisco Chronicle:: Physics discussion ends in skateboard attack. A homeless man is on trial in San Mateo County on charges that he smacked a fellow transient in the face with a skateboard as the victim was engaged in a conversation about quantum physics, authorities said Wednesday. I know GVK, Rich and I have almost come to blows in the car on the way to a skatepark, but we’re usually arguing about how to raise kids instead of quantum physics. They want to build a particle accelerator in my neighborhood, but I’m organizing a petition against it because it will just attract scientific method graffiti and discarded lab jackets and pocket protectors littered on the surrounding lawn. Stephen Hawkings image from Nerdtests.com. Also check out Einstein skateboards on Zazzle and Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, Einstein’s Skateboard. – Thanks to Tito for the tip.

…to vote for his entry in this Vans logo contest. If he wins, he promises to donate his $5000 prize to a children’s orphanage in Ghanna, Africa. Hang on, aren’t all orphanages for children? I can’t verify that he actually sent me the email, so maybe I’m the victim of an Internet hoax… In any case, here’s the link, click in the little box next to Steve’s name to vote for him.

I’ve got this mental notion that everyone in New Zealand is sort of nerdy but very interesting. I don’t know if Flight of the Conchords has had a positive or negative effect on the public image of New Zealand, but it’s one of my favorite shows. I’m probably annoying the hell out the guy from New Zealand who sent me these pictures by bringing it up. Then again, Eagle vs. Shark just adds fuel to the fire… Sorry Richard. Check out some DIY action from a crew in Papakura, New Zealand after the jump. I’m not down with the local lingo, so someone will need to fill me in on the definition of “splur.”

On my recent return trip to Lincoln City to retrieve my camera, I stuck around to skate a little and met Race, who was on a road trip from Missoula Montana, and enjoying the fine Oregon concrete. Here he is on his way down the giant snake run. Bonus bail after the jump.