And it was. Celebrating a Matt’s birthday out in the St Johns neighborhood of Portland with food, beer (with permit!) and friends. Indian summer was in full effect and people are still amazed by the park. Matt Moffet got his brand new skateboard stolen but another kid (supposedly) coughed it up later in the day. I took some pictures, so check it out. I went back today without the camera and it was more of the same, with the exception that some dork spray painted “Pink taco” in the pipe and another kid had a bad fall from a 10:00 spill, frontside in the pipe. Paramedics were on the scene but I didn’t bother to get the low down because I didn’t want to spoil another perfect day.

Yup, they played a warm-up gig for Riot Fest at a place called The Cobra Lounge in Chicago last Thursday. I didn’t go, but apparently it was a great show. Setlist after the jump. Thanks to Shacklemenot for the images.

I don’t know what this kids name is (Now I do. It’s Willis.) or where he is from. He split before I remembered to ask him. I do know that he was tearing it up. He’s supposed to email me so I can send him some pictures. More after the jump

Here’s how it works: Famous skaters who are artists will make art (not love) on plaster casts of famous female skaters. Then you buy these artworks in an auction and the money goes to the Keep A Breast Foundation to raise money and awareness of breast cancer. Regardless of your sexual orientation, you are probably thinking “Sure, I like breasts and I’d like to do my part, but what am I going to do with a life size bust cast?” And somewhere the last work-safe content filter just added Skate and Annoy to their blacklist.

The October 13, 2006 Seattle Post Intelligencer reports in an article titled “Artists bring a fresh expression to skateboarding in ‘Pushin’ 5′ exhibit”:

There was a time when Charles Peterson wasn’t afraid to send himself sailing down the sidewalk, four small wheels and a wooden plank beneath his feet… But these days, at 42, the renowned Seattle photographer no longer slips the skateboard beneath his feet. After all, the body doesn’t bounce like it used to. And when bones break, it means something — especially for a man who relies on unscathed arms and wrists and hands and fingers to go about making his art… “Practicing yoga is more my speed these days,” he said.

In the immortal words of Squirrel Bait, I don’t need no pig stomping on my buzz.

I have to place this picture sometime between 1989 and 1991. This is Matt Swan in the capsule at The Turf in Milwaukee Wisconsin. In the late 70’s early 80’s this park was called Surf and Turf. Pocket Pistols made a deck with the old logo on it, although it’s unclear if they ever actually went into production. The Turf was Mark Hubbard’s favorite skate park. This guy worked there. I wonder if it’s the same Time Door as this old zine?

Libraries sure aren’t what they used to be. Nowadays you can go tot the internet and look at questionable materials on the interwebs. In my day you had to check out the old issues of National Geographic featuring savages, but I digress. The Shawnee Sun reports an upcoming program at the Shawnee library where you can learn about skateboarding.

The program will include movie clips from Thrasher magazine’s movie, “King of the Road 2005,” information about the history of skateboarding, the benefits of the sport, skate parks, and how to buy and maintain your skateboards. Live demonstrations and an open discussion will be part of the activities.

Seriously, WTF? And why the picture of the saucy librarian?

Somebody actually reads this site. Unfortunately for me, it’s someone whom I just slagged off. Brett, the proprietor of MyCitySkates.com got back to SnA less than an our after the post was made. Maybe I need to look into those cheap press releases. Read what Brett had to say and decide if I was too cynical.

As seen in the Miami Herald: Skateboarder Ryan Sheckler: millionaire and icon at 16. I’m sooooo happy for you. No, really. What’s there to be jealous about, youth, talent, absurd disposable income? At least I have this crappy web site.