Because I waste my time not skateboarding by writing about skateboarding instead of playing video games, I was unaware of this 2004(!) game called TrackMania that lets players create and race on their own Extreme™! tracks. Not all of them are skateboard inspired, but this one sure is. Watch the video after the jump.

Circle is a pretty good online ‘zine from Europe. Great wrestling photos from issue three. I know we have a wrestling SIG here at Skate and Annoy.

You can’t skate in the Aurora Illinois grade school unless you are a Guinea pig, and I don’t mean the figurative kind. Hall Elementary School has a class pet that is a Guinea pig, and for some reason the teachers allow an d encourage children to drag the Guinea pig through the halls on a skateboard. Yes, they used the “teacher’s pet” joke. Yes, Aurora is a neighboring suburb to Naperville. Yes, this is a weak post. Yes, you can read more at theBeacon News.

An ad agency called EyeWonder has created some crazy banner ads for web pages that unfold and let interested parties fool around and learn about Tony Hawk’s Project 8 game without having to leave the page. You can do things like use your cursor to scrub through the super slow motion “Nail the Trick” sequences and view trailers and screen captures. It’s very well thought out use of web technology to draw in the viewer. The average game console graphics engine must not be up to snuff when it comes to skinning the character’s shoes, otherwise I can’t believe they would pass up the extra product tie-in opportunity with the accompanying kick-back. Check out a demo of the ad here, and no, they didn’t pay to be included here, It just happens that it’s interesting enough to warrant a post here. Free advertising… Bastards! [Source: Eywonder]

This guy is a type designer as well as a skater. Looks nice but what happens if you use it? Do the little squares come off? Our friend Chuck Ellis does equally intricate but less regular pattern with his grip tape – I’ll try to find a photo.

Hot Wheels Skate Freaks is a collection of skateboard toys that looks like it was designed in the 80’s. The figures appear to based on some Sizzler type technology they resurrected in some time around 2000 for skateboard toys. Watch this commercial with an Extreme™ voiceover and more Skate Freaks action after the jump.

More Arizona action from Old Man Army. Doubles. Nice shot, huh? You have to see it to believe it. Update: Added an alternate shot.

Rich Burton mounted lights to a helmet and we took it for a spin the other night at Pier Park. It was an amazing experience. Here’s a shot I took of Shawn Reinert. FujiColor 800 film, 30 second exposure. Rich has more photos here.