neil

Fickle!!!!!!

After a really rocky month and many false starts, Skate and Annoy has been back up for over a week now. It seems like we’ve lost about 40 -50% of our traffic, but the trend is creeping upward. Do me a favor and spread the word that we’re here, (we’re queer- or mongo? goofy?) get used to it. In order to distract you (and me) from my failures, here’s a video of my good friend House of Neil skating in below freezing weather with a hangover on January 1st, 2003. And also, it smelled like sewage. Enjoy!

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toxic skate indoor bowl

Toxic Skate bowl

I went to the grand opening of the Toxic Skate shop last weekend to check out the new bowl. It’s really fun, but not without a few flaws. The corners can be unpredictable and the decks are miniscule, but the bowl is fun as hell to ride. The giant wall ride on one half of the long side really makes this bigger than just the sum of it’s parts. The shop is in a small industrial park in Vancouver. lack of traditional neighbors made it easier to get the go ahead to have all ages shows there. It could be a cool little scene. Rich from EPM has some shots from early in the day before it got crowded.

berrics

Misunderstanding or misrepresentation?

You know how we hate controversy at Skate and Annoy. That’s why I am reinstating Daddy Yo… Just kidding! (maybe not…) Steve Berra launched an online directory of skateshops. He’s got a video about explaining how it’s just core shops, etc… He neglects to mention you have to pay to be on the listing, something like 5k a year. I guess the controversy is in the fact that the site is pitched as an independent and unbiased resource when in fact it’s nothing more than paid advertising, like the Yellow Pages. There has been some bickering back and forth on Twitter and the Slap boards, it’s real Interwebs skateboarding drama that brings to mind this picture, as seen at the Gay Ocean. You can get a more detailed accounting over at Haveaboard.com. They’ve got all the pertinent links too.

Need more bitchy gossip? Ryan Scheckler’s business manager reportedly embezzled 365 grand. Perez Hilton has the skinny.

– Thanks to Bobcat for the tip.

The economist

The Economists perpetuates the stereotype

The Economists has an article talking about the greed and selfishness of today’s youth, and their lack of involvement in public service sector. I’m not sure about the public service record, but I’m pretty sure the previous generation’s greed is a huge part of the reason we’re in this mess. What’s the point? The illustrator used a skateboard to portray the folly of youth. You could be upset if you cared, but if you think about it, skateboard media itself does a good job of perpetuating the stereotype. Not all of it, but a sizable portion. I was talking with an industry insider this summer who expressed some regret over that, while fully copping to perpetuating negative stereotypes in skateboarding through his own product and actions. Ah… What are you going to do? Do as I say, not as I do? Skate and Destroy or Skate and Create? Does anyone care?

– Thanks to Seth Levy for the tip.

SLAG-graffiti

S.L.A.G. events

There are two Skate Like A Girl events coming up:

Skate Like a Girl (Seattle) presents Wheels of Fortune part deux, the biggest skate contest for the ladies in the Pacific Northwest! Cash prizes for advanced riders. Details and registration here.

SLAG PDX and The Department of Skateboarding bring you the monthly Girls Only Skate Session! Sunday November 29th!, 11am to 1pm at The Department of Skateboarding 15 NE Hancock, Portland. ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES! Come practice your skateboarding skills and learn new ones from our crew of all female skate coaches. Don’t have your own gear? No worries! We have some extra skateboards and safety gear you can borrow for the session. $10 suggested donation.

ripcity

Indoor Portland

Rumor has it that Rip City Skate’s indoor facility will be opening as soon as this weekend. MC saw some progress being made. Built in accordance with legendary Portland miniramp zoning ordinances, this picture doesn’t quite let you know how tight this spot is. It’s going to be challenging, but fun. I still haven’t made to Epic yet. I need to check both of these out. Enlarge-o-rama.

hard-ticket

Hard Ticket to Hawaii

Wow. I can’t believe this one flew under my radar for so long, but it was released a mere year after Thrashin’. I’m not sure what this movie is about, but it’s got two Playboy Playmates and a skateboarding goon (Hey! that’s Russ Howell?1) who meets a spectacular untimely demise. Is it because he’s doing handstands down the middle of a highway, or because he’s spinning 360’s with an inflatable doll? Both valid reasons, to be sure, but not there are other extenuating circumstances. Playmates are well known for their acting chops, so you know this clip is… not going to feature them.

– Thanks to Skate D for the tip.

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