End of the month skateboarding recap November 2009

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Day In The Life of Paul Rodriguez Video

Day In The Life of Paul Rodriguez Video

Iron Man 2 Official Poster

Wow...Iron Man fights a man in an iron suit...a bit redundant, but whatever.

End of the Month Recap November 2009

Here you go, the last month in skateboarding options. We go through so many different posts that you might have missed something along the way.

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End of the Month Culture Fiend Wrap Up November 2009

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10DEEP x Expedition collaboration board commercial

10DEEP x Expedition collaboration board commercial from 10.DEEP Skateboarding on Vimeo.

Venice Skate Park Montage

Venice, California has a nice new park. This is an insane park, and I don't even live there anymore :( All those years of getting chased out of parks and locales paid off for some little kid now...I guess it's all worth it. Here's some footage from the new venice skate park, by the beach, son.

East Coast "B" - for Bonus

East Coast "B" - for Bonus from Brian Shannon on Vimeo.

Underground Vibes Night Skate Film

Underground Vibes from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

I don't intend for this to be viewed as just another skate video. I think we tend to forget and lose ourselves in a word filled with competition, money and politics.

It's not about tripods, rails, or half pipes. nor is it about trying to cram as many tricks into a clip as you can.

This is Beyond that.

This takes it back to the Basics, the reason we all started to do what we do.

For the love of what we do, because it's a passion, and to put it quite simply, for fun.

This video is meant to take you on a Visual Journey.

My Interpretation of a place i once called Home myself.

Tokyo!

Come Follow SHINGO and I, as We cruise the night streets of Shibuya & Harajuku!!

Respect to (TeeNineteen + Carnival)

Thank you for Making this Possible.

Audio Track -
DJ Krush - {Roll & Tumble} - {Krush}

Hulk Hates Parades

Green Lantern Agent Orange

It's the prelude to "The Blackest Night" as the "War of Light" continues to intensify! Mongul attempts to establish his hold on the Sinestro Corps by enslaving the planet Daxam and making it the home world of his Corps. What does Sinestro's right hand man, Arkillo, think of all this? And will Sodam Yat, the Green Lantern known as Ion, fight to save his homeworld, which he's vowed to never return to?

Now that's a cover, and one heck of a story....Green Lantern Agent Orange is on sale now, click here to get a copy.

DVS LRG Skate Shoes

Here's a nice collaboration from DVS and clothing company LRG, this time throwing Chico Brenes (Chocolate Skateboards) a nice skate shoe. These are brown/munition colorways from DVS and LRG...not bad.

Quiksilver Paris Qualifiers Skate Contest

Daily Comic Book Covers RSS FEED UPDATE

I know I don't talk about it much, but you should really consider subscribing to the Daily Comic Book Covers RSS FEED! I am not sure why no one has subscribed, but please do so by clicking here.

Seriously, get the DAILY COMIC BOOK COVERS RSS FEED!!!!!

I'll be back after the crazy holiday with more random comic book junk.

Skate Video: Wizard Smoke HD Skate Video

A short skateboard video from Salazar Productions featuring, Bradley Sheppard, Alien, Nate Lacoste, Chris Connolly, Nate Roline, Stacy Gabriel, Desmond Hoostie, Mike Klinkhamer, and Rob Rickaby

Directed By Liam Mitchell
Shot By Nathan Drillot and Liam Mitchell

Wizard Smoke from Salazar on Vimeo.

Orisue Norcal Edit Skate Video

Here you go, Orisue sent their team through Northern California skateboarding, and they got footage! Check out this cool skateboarding clip from orisue.



Orisue just sent Alec Jamir, Tim Thomas, Daniel Rodriguez, Dakota Villacana, Pedro Acevedo, Derrick Wilson, Chan Seng, Autteish Danger and Clint Walker on a three day jaunt through NorCal. They blazed through Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco and got buck the whole while. This is what they came back with. Filmed by Zack Mackenzie and edited by Mike Metcalf.

Typical Culture Montage #3

Here's some slick skateboarding for you guys before the big thanksgiving celebration tomorrow. Typical Culture skateboarding montage #3...sick!

Typical Culture Montage #3 from austin mayer on Vimeo.

Skaters in order of Apperance:

David Cobb, Spencer Pratti, Andrew Elliot, Brandon perelson, Truman Hooker, Dylan Messer, Elijah Berle, Cody Carlin, Drew Dezort, Patrick Beaudouin, Russell Grundy, Ryan Harris, Tim Williams, Chris LaRue & Adrian Gephart.

Filming:

Austin Mayer, Alexis Mairena, Jeremy Tubbs, Ryan Alvarado, Tyrone Taylor & Russell Houghten.

Animal Sacrifice Marathon

While Americans are getting ready to eat lots of Turkey and so much more this coming Thanksgiving day, a different kind of animal death is happening and it's not to be grubbing and getting fat. Apparently the world's biggest animal sacrifice is going down and people aren't up in arms around the world.

It's interesting to note that there are still religions (cults) that still gather up thousands of animals for the sole purpose of sacrifice.

Up to a million Hindu devotees have gathered in a village in Nepal to witness the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of animals in a mass sacrifice that has drawn widespread criticism.

Priests are preparing for the slaughter of more than 15,000 buffaloes and 300,000 birds, goats and sheep during the event, which starts Tuesday and is thought to be the biggest ritual sacrifice anywhere in the world.

News Source - Religion News Blog

Man Marries Anime Character

My father in law at one point was arguing with me about gay marriage. He would be vehement about the fact that if we allowed gay marriage, we would end up having people marrying animals and what not.

Well, I honestly thought it was an idiotic argument.

Then this happens.

I don't care what or who people marry, but come on!



On Sunday, a man named Sal9000 married the love of his life. Her name is Nene Anegasaki, and she lives inside of a Nintendo DS video game called Love Plus. The wedding took place during a Make: Japan meet-up held at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. In attendance were a live audience, an MC, the bride's virtual video game girlfriend — who made a speech — and a real human priest.

Src - Boing Boing

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein is today's recommended book, and you might have seen this book featured on The Daily Show with John Stewart. Adelstein has an amazing story, and asks some great questions, in order to bring to you one of the best books coming out today.

Here is the synopsis of Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein:

From the only American journalist ever to have been admitted to the insular Tokyo Metropolitan Police press club: a unique, firsthand, revelatory look at Japanese culture from the underbelly up.

At nineteen, Jake Adelstein went to Japan in search of peace and tranquility. What he got was a life of crime . . . crime reporting, that is, at the prestigious Yomiuri Shinbun. For twelve years of eighty-hour workweeks, he covered the seedy side of Japan, where extortion, murder, human trafficking, and corruption are as familiar as ramen noodles and sake. But when his final scoop brought him face to face with Japan’s most infamous yakuza boss—and the threat of death for him and his family—Adelstein decided to step down . . . momentarily. Then, he fought back.

In Tokyo Vice, Adelstein tells the riveting, often humorous tale of his journey from an inexperienced cub reporter—who made rookie mistakes like getting into a martial-arts battle with a senior editor—to a daring, investigative journalist with a price on his head. With its vivid, visceral descriptions of crime in Japan and an exploration of the world of modern-day yakuza that even few Japanese ever see, Tokyo Vice is a fascination, and an education, from first to last.

Here is an interview with Jake Adelstein about his hard hitting book about Japanese organized crime and the United States:





Can't find this book in your local store? Don't want to pay high prices on books? Check out our online book store and save money on your books. Or simply go to Amazon.com and search the massive database of books out there. Click here to visit the official Reading Rec store powered by Amazon.com

Universal Solider Regeneration Trailer

Oh it's on!

That's right, Jean Claude Van Damme & Dolph Lungren are back in action. This trailer should have you rejoicing, the two guys from the original Universal Soldier film are back...and here is the trailer:

Supra Skytop 2 Skate Shoes

Guess what? Muska and Supra are back at it, this time with another edition of their beloved moon shoes. Last year I was working at a skate/snow/surf shop and this shoe, no matter what color would sell like hot cakes. Well, get ready to see people trying to floss the crap out of these things.

Supra Skytop 2 is limited to 600 pairs and you're going to have to do some searching, otherwise you're going to miss out big time. So make sure you're keeping your eyes open because these are probably already sold out.

Is there any other worse shoe than this? Not since the Koston 2 have I seen a terrible skate shoe design...but then again, I'm still rocking a pair of Kostone's from Lakai (recycled) so I don't know much.

Jason Schwartzman talks Favorite Children's Book

\Jason Schwartzman (currently Ash in the Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the book by Roald Dahl) was just interviewed by ReadKiddoRead, about his favorite books as a kid:



See folks, it's not always doom and gloom on this blog...sometimes it's a little light.

Sk803 #19 Video

Sk803 comes out big with a swift skateboarding video, bad lighting....I mean good overall skateboarding. Which is way more than what I'm doing right now; nothing.

Caesar Rosado World Industries Footage

New Caesar Rosado footy from World Industries on Vimeo.

Sure Steve Rocco is not pushing World Industries any longer, but the brand is still pushing skateboarding...even if no one is watching. Here's a clip from Caesar Rosado, World Industries rider, ripping it.

Painboarding Skate Video

This is quite the video, where art and skateboarding meets.

Police Story 4: First Strike

Jackie Chan's First Strike, was really supposed to be Police Story 4. However, the American markets changed the name to simply Jackie Chan's First Strike and many people didn't know the difference.

I also read that this movie was heavily edited and reworked, redubbed and repackaged for English audiences. The original film is only available through Japanese distribution and of course some pirating.

The movie is one of Jackie Chan's more modern movies. This time he reprises his role from Police Story but is following a simple course, that gets complicated over time. He has to intercept a missile that is being transported to terrorist organizations.

This movie seems to be similar to a James Bond movie, but it really pushes the genre with lots of fight choreography that you are used to with Jackie Chan. While I find the dubbing at times horrible, and the timing a bit off sometimes, this film is one of my favorites to watch. The ladder fight sequences and underwater fights are something to see, but it's not exactly the most "fight" oriented film that Jackie has done. It's still entertaining, and in the end, that's all we can ask for from Jackie Chan...right?

New Batman 3 Trailers

Booom!

Great work was done on these "fake" trailers, and they are heavy on Hoffman and not so much on Depp...but someone could easily put depp's voiceover in and it would be just as good.

Forget Twilight Meet Bite Club

The Sopranos have nothing on the Del Toros, a vampire clan that has run organized crime in Miami for nearly a century. Beautiful, rich and immortal, these bloodsuckers are also masters of backstabbing and in-fighting.

This collection includes both the original critically acclaimed BITE CLUB series and its sequel, BITE CLUB: VAMPIRE CRIME UNIT.

Chocolate Skateboards Chico Brenes Praying Hands Skateboard Deck

Chocolate skateboards does it again. This time around they are pushing a little religious tone, and it's not half bad. Chico Brenes's praying hands skateboard deck is a nice little push into a higher power...without offending. I mean, it's not exactly Manik Skateboards and their Black Last Supper skate deck, now is it?

Jake Wood Skatebarn West Montage

Jake Wood is seen here ripping up Skatebarn West....dang...it's good.

Liberty Boardshop Morse Code Episode 6 video

Morse Code - Episode 6 (The Chemtrail Effect) from libertyboardshop on Vimeo.

John Fool is back! After several journey's on his way to becoming a real professional filmer, John Fool strikes back. Another banger of a Morse Code... this special episode features the following Liberty Boardshop skaters: James Craig, Jeff Chikami, Tim O'Connor, David Rodriguez, Brad Herrera, Austyn Gillette, and Chase Morse.Word to your mothers.

Computers Under Attack

I was watching 60 Minutes last week and they were talking about how Hackers are taking over power grids in Brazil. That was scary...then this past week once again Hackers knocked out power in Brazil.

Computers recently were under attack too! Well, they said a computer glitch grounded many different flights and caused all sorts of problems. Interesting how something as complex as computer systems, only need a glitch to ruin people's travel plans.

Here's a little excerpt from Wired Magazine Online:

The Federal Aviation Administration blames an unspecified computer glitch for commercial flights being canceled or temporarily delayed Thursday.

The glitch was related to a key FAA flight-processing system, according to ABC News. The problems were first reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The FAA system that was affected is said to be in Atlanta and is called the National Airspace Data Interchange Network, or NADIN.

The system electronically transmits pilot flight plans to air traffic controllers, providing them with information about the route and altitude a flight will take. Without the system, pilots were required to record their flight plans manually, causing delays.

Antihero Skateboards Website Updates

Antihero skateboards has updated their website and it's not half bad. It's about time we get some good skateboarding websites, not that I visit many of them, but check out the new Antihero skateboards website when you have time.

Fox News Talks Straightedge

This is actually not a half bad article on Straight Edge Music. Usually news gets it wrong, but it turns out that greater good happens when you talk about things "fair and balanced".

Straight edge hasn’t developed without controversy. By the late 90s, factions had turned violent. Kids who drank at straight shows might find themselves slashed, or even beaten up.

“You hear the stories about them, going up to people who were smoking cigarettes, and ripping the cigarettes out of their mouths,” says Pat Flynn. After seven years of touring the world, Flynn’s band, “Have Heart”, called it quits last month. Their last show, at the 10th annual “Edge Day”, a concert held every year in or near Boston.

Not sure what straightedge is? Think it's all said and done?

All I know is that fox has done something right...for a change.

The National Book Awards Winners 2009

The National Book Awards 2009 were announced and they are quite hefty titles from several genres. Here is the latest and greatest additions to the National Book Awards

The national book awards 2009 winners:



Fiction: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann





Nonfiction: The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles





Poetry: Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy by Keith Waldrop





Young People's Literature: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose



Can't find this book in your local store? Don't want to pay high prices on books? Check out our online book store and save money on your books. Or simply go to Amazon.com and search the massive database of books out there. Click here to visit the official Reading Rec store powered by Amazon.com

Catholic Mass Video Game

This is a hilarious bit of video, whether it's true or not. This new video game will help kids and families join together in the Catholic cult....I mean faith.

Yep.

I'm waiting for the Exorcism expansion kit.



A new video game called Mass: We Pray brings new family fun to those who can't wait until Sunday to go to church. It has a cross-shaped motion-sensing controller reminiscent of a Wiimote, and you can collect "grace points" in order to unlock holy mysteries. The release date is slated for Spring 2010, but it's available for pre-order now.

Tim Kulas Cocoa Beach Goat Ramp Slideshow

Cocoa Beach Goat Ramp. from B.W on Vimeo.

I wish these things existed near my crappy city...a sick ramp, nice photos, and great overall perspective.

Marvel vs Twilight

Marvel vs Twilight video...yep...it had to be done:

Icicle Works Whisper To A Scream Music Video

This song was stuck in my head this morning, and what better way to celebrate the catchy-ness of the 80's new wave scene than putting it up for the punk o rama fans to read and hear it. This thing is a classic from Icicle Works, and the name of the song is "Whisper to a Scream" aka Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream).

You may have heard them on countless compilations and movies from the time period, but don't get it twisted, it's Icicle Works, another one of the many bands that blew by you alongside Echo & The Bunnymen and The Jesus and Mary Chain amongst many others...Oingo Boingo anyone?

Anyways, on this morning, enjoy "Whisper to a Scream" aka Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) by Icicle Works:

Sognar Skateboarding Video

All I got about this is the title and author...but it has some sick skateboarding:

Sognar
by mark markenson

Sognar from mark markenson on Vimeo.

Writing A Book Doesn't Pay Well

Thought about writing a book?

Maybe this will stop you.

This news piece is getting a good amount of buzz and rightfully so. A New York Times Bestseller seems to not be making ends meet...but then again, I have no job and live in a crappy city.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

As before, the only thing I've blanked out is Penguin Group's address. This statement represents the sale period from November 30, 2008 through May 31, 2009. It was issued on August 18, 2009 and I received it on November 2, 2009.

On the statement my publisher reports sales of 7,550 copies and returns of 10,812 copies. The publisher released credits of 21,140 copies or $13,512.69 from reserves held against returns, but at the same time reserved credits against another 13,790 copies or $8,814.57, which reduces the credit adjustment to 7,350 copies or $4698.12.

Total sales for the novel now stand at 89,142 copies, minus returns of 27,479, for net sales of 61,663 copies. My credited earnings from this statement was $2,434.38 with no money due; it will probably take another six months to a year for the novel to earn out the last of my $50,000.00 advance.

So how much money have I made from my Times bestseller? Depending on the type of sale, I gross 6-8 percent of the cover price of $7.99. After paying taxes, commission to my agent and covering my expenses, my net profit on the book currently stands at $24,517.36, which is actually pretty good since on average I generally net about 30-40 percent of my advance. Unless something triggers an unexpected spike in my sales, I don't expect to see any additional profit from this book coming in for at least another year or two.

One thing I didn't mention in the last post is whether or not my sell-through, advance, and royalties are typical of an author with a top twenty Times mass market bestseller. Very few authors offer up their numbers, and even when they do they either go the anonymous survey route and/or don't post statements, and publishers rarely give us any information at all, so it's difficult to know. But based on my estimation of comparative print run sizes, placement, distribution and a couple of other factors, I'd say no; my numbers overall probably run lower than most of the other authors on the list (of course if any other Times bestseller authors out there want to post their royalty statements, we'd all love to see the real numbers so we can establish a range.)

Speaking of comparisons, the publisher's portion of sales on this book has grossed them around $453,839.68. I don't have any hard figures on the publisher's net, so I can't give you the bottom line there. If I had to make a guess, I'd say they probably netted around $250K on this one.

You can read more in debt about making no money on a best seller and what not, by clicking here.

Can't find this book in your local store? Don't want to pay high prices on books? Check out our online book store and save money on your books. Or simply go to Amazon.com and search the massive database of books out there. Click here to visit the official Reading Rec store powered by Amazon.com

Jason Adams Strange Notes Video

Jason Adams tears through this video courtesy of Strange Notes...yep...not half bad.

The Mormons Molesting Kids Too

It's not just the Catholic church that seems to be getting called out for child abuse. At least not in recent times, it's becoming more apparent that the Mormon church is getting named in Child Abuse cases more and more. Previously, there have been plenty of child molestation cases in the Mormon church including accusations towards former president Gordon Hinkley. However, no one made Mormon molestation jokes like late night did about the Catholic church.

However, now the tables are turning towards the Mormon church and the Boy Scouts, two factions named in a recent lawsuit filed by men that have stated that both factions ignored the fact that they were complaining about a youth leader's abuse.

The Mormon church and Boy Scouts of America were named as defendants in lawsuits Monday claiming childhood sexual abuse by youth leaders decades ago.

Alleged victims filed suits against both organizations in San Francisco and Seattle, and against the church alone in Portland, Ore.

The plaintiffs are all represented by Portland attorney Kelly Clark, who has brought similar suits against the church and the Boy Scouts in the past.

In the suit filed in San Francisco Superior Court, three brothers claim the church ignored their complaints about being molested by their Silicon Valley Boy Scout and Mormon youth leader in the 1970s and 1980s.

You can read more about this case via The Seattle Pi.

More Converse Skateboarding Thrasher Magazine Collaboration Shoes

On Monday we posted a couple of images of the upcoming Converse x Thrasher skateboarding collaboration. Well, there's more to it. Not only will the "Prevent This Tragedy" dvd be packaged in an upcoming Thrasher Magazine issue, there are more styles to consider in regards to shoes...three styles total, and here are two more. (there's also shirts, hats and more, but eh...I'm lazy)





Check out Converse Skateboard Shoes and Thrasher post from earlier.

Oh and just in case you're wondering what the hype is about this new free dvd, check out yet another trailer for the skate dvd:

Going Rogue Is No Harry Potter

All eyes are on Sara Palin right now, as she is embarking on a media tour to support her book (which came out today) "Going Rogue". She has been doing a media blitz talking about her book, her last few years, and really just telling her story. Whether you like her or you hater her, she's a character that is really getting a lot of attention both from political fanatics, and those standing on the sidelines (like me).

So what do I think?

I'm not sure.

My wife is from Palmer, Alaska and she talks about Palin in positive light. So I guess I'll side with her.

The Associated press recently talked about the reaction that her book is getting in Alaska near her home town, and it might surprise you that it's just not as big as the national media might have you believe.

Sarah Palin's book is highly anticipated in her home state — but she's no Harry Potter.

David Cheezem, co-owner of Fireside Books in Palmer, said people have been calling to make sure they'll be able to get the former GOP vice presidential candidate's memoir, "Going Rogue." He's opening early with coffee and doughnuts to celebrate the Tuesday release.

"I'm excited about the event," he said. "Am I as excited as I was for Harry Potter? No. That was huge."

If you haven't heard about this book...maybe you should check out some more information about Going Rogue by Sarah Palin:

One year ago, Sarah Palin burst onto the national political stage like a comet. Yet even now, few Americans know who this remarkable woman really is.

On September 3, 2008 Alaska Governor and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention that electrified the nation and instantly made her one of the most recognizable women in the world.

As chief executive of America's largest state, she had built a record as a reformer who cast aside politics-as-usual and pushed through changes other politicians only talked about: Energy independence. Ethics reform. And the biggest private sector infrastructure project in U.S. history. And while revitalizing public school funding and ensuring the state met its responsibilities to seniors and Alaska Native populations, Palin also beat the political "good ol' boys club" at their own game and brought Big Oil to heel.

Like her GOP running mate, John McCain, Palin wasn't a packaged and over-produced candidate. She was a Main Street American woman: a working mom, wife of a blue collar union man, and mother of five children, the eldest of whom was serving his country in a yearlong deployment in Iraq and the youngest, an infant with special needs. Palin's hometown story touched a populist nerve, rallying hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans to the GOP ticket.

But as the campaign unfolded, Palin became a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Supporters called her "refreshing" and "honest," a kitchen-table public servant they felt would fight for their interests. Opponents derided her as a wide-eyed Pollyanna unprepared for national leadership. But none of them knew the real Sarah Palin.

In this eagerly anticipated memoir, Palin paints an intimate portrait of growing up in the wilds of Alaska; meeting her lifelong love; her decision to enter politics; the importance of faith and family; and the unique joys and trials of life as a high-profile working mother. She also opens up for the first time about the 2008 presidential race, providing a rare, mom's-eye view of high-stakes national politics—from patriots dedicated to "Country First" to slick politicos bent on winning at any cost.

Going Rogue traces one ordinary citizen's extraordinary journey and imparts Palin's vision of a way forward for America and her unfailing hope in the greatest nation on earth.

Pick up the book Going Rogue by Sarah Palin, and see what the hype is about.



Can't find this book in your local store? Don't want to pay high prices on books? Check out our online book store and save money on your books. Or simply go to Amazon.com and search the massive database of books out there. Click here to visit the official Reading Rec store powered by Amazon.com

Mosaik Skate Shop RSP Video Montage

MOSAIK Richland has been going strong for 2 years now. This video highlights some of our team riders and some local rippers. Cory McCowan, Chris Mcfarland, Ed Denier, Cory Vocrodt, Omar Guzman and others shut the park down. What you got??

Inglorious Basterds Comic Books

Alright, so these might be a pipe dream but they are causing a major stir amongst many different people out there. That's right, Inglorious Basterds comic book covers...a perfect fit for this site eh?





Oh and just when you thought there were only 2, there's 3 more for you to enjoy by going to Geeks of Doom!

Seal teaches man to Fish

National Geographic is promoting a new book about a photographer that was on a job as a photographer, and runs into a seal. The seal taught him how to fish...and there's video proof...an amazing story that is now a book and more.

The Arctic is in Paul Nicklen's blood. Born and raised on Baffin Island, Nunavut, he grew up in one of the only non-Inuit families in a tiny native settlement amid the ice fields, floes, and frigid seas of Northern Canada.

At an age when most children are playing hide-and-seek, he was learning life-and-death lessons of survival: how to read the weather, find shelter in a frozen snowscape, or live off the land as his tribal neighbors had done for centuries.

Today Nicklen is a naturalist and wildlife photographer uniquely qualified to portray the impact of climate change on the polar regions and their inhabitants, human and animal alike.

In a wise and wonderful intertwining of art and science, his bold expeditions plunge him into freezing seas to capture unprecedented, up-close documentation of the lives of leopard seals, whales, walruses, polar bears, bearded seals, and narwhals.

Bathed in polar light, his inspiring and amazing images break new ground in photography and provide a vivid, timely portrait of two extraordinary, endangered ecosystems.

Placenta Massage and Sports Medicine

Playing football in high school, I damaged my knees. My route to healing to was a knee immobilizer and a pair of crutches. I couldn't walk for six to eight weeks and it sucked. I was out the whole football season, and I was done skateboarding for a long time too.

Now, I take glucosamine to help my joints, but I guess there's some out there that get faster treatment such as....Placenta massages. That's right, there is a doctor that is giving out placenta massages and apparently it's helping out major sports careers like a shot of steroids to a professional wrestler.

From the Guardian comes the following news bit:

The Dutch forward – who has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged as one of the Gunners' key figures – has been ruled out for at least six weeks with partially-torn ankle ligaments following a heavy challenge from Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during Saturday's friendly in Pescara. Arsenal are happy with the care of the Dutch Football Association although they confirmed that Van Persie, 26, will return to London later this week to continue his rehabilitation.

However Van Persie is ready to go a step further to try to help the healing process. Speaking to Dutch television programme Studio Voetbal, the Arsenal striker revealed: "I will fly to the Balkans to meet with a female doctor who helped [PSV Eindhoven midfielder] Danko Lazovic. She is vague about her methods but I know she massages you using fluid from a placenta. I am going to try. It cannot hurt and, if it helps, it helps. I have been in contact with Arsenal physiotherapists and they have let me do it."

Skate Video Links For Your Viewing

Strange Notes has an exclusive Jason Adams part.

Jimmy Carlin warms up for Mystery.

Element has Jack Crook's part from Part and Parcel.

World Industries has a grip of new videos from Texas.

Gino Iannucci has a mini top five.

Toy Machine's Logan Kincade series has moved to Shred or Die.

Black Friday Black Label Skateboards

This is definitely bittersweet for me. Black Label skateboards is doing a great black friday deal. That's right, they are giving back to the community by giving out product. If you have a core skate shop in your town (not like me), you can go there and see if they are participating in the Black Friday Black Label giveaway. If you buy a Black Label skateboards deck you will get a set of high quality Black Label skate wheels! That's right, you can get a great deal while the world around you gets good deals too.

Converse Skateboarding Thrasher Magazine Collaboration Shoes

Thrasher Magazine has a skateboarding video coming out called "Prevent This Tragedy" and to promote the video they have teamed up with Converse Skate Shoes for a little collaboration. Below is the shoe and the insole to make sure that you get an idea of what they are pushing.

The Thrasher Skate Video is sponsored in part by Converse and others...so it's no surprise.





Of course, I had to throwdown a trailer for you to check out too.

Once again this is from the Thrasher Magazine "Prevent This Tragedy" skate dvd:

Fountain of Youth Skate Shop Fall 2009 Skate Montage

The dude's over at Fountain of Youth skate shop have once again proven that core skateshops can put on good skate videos...montages...etc. Not like some other Seattle based shops that pretend to like skateboarding....nevermind.

Stephen King on The View

Stephen King stopped by "The View" last week to talk about his new book and more. I happened to catch it live because I have no job and I'm a loser.

Here is the video of Stephen King's appearance from that show that only me and the housewives must watch, "The View":

Plenty of Water or No Water

Is there really a water crisis going on?

When I was in college my professors would always tell me about this doom & gloom ideology that oil is not that precious as compared to water.

I always laughed at the notion.

Then an LA Weekly article came out detailing the fight for water between 5 states in the Southwest. They were all running out of water and the fight was on to get more. It's a commodity that we all take for granted, and well it's back on the radar to discerning readers.

You can find out whether or not there really is a water crisis, or at least read up a little about it via Boing Boing....a far better site than this will ever be.

Raul Navarro Rockstar Bearings Skate Video Clip

Raul Navarro from Rockstar Bearings on Vimeo.

Raul Navarro skates like there's no tomorrow...or at least it looks like that.

Eastern Boarder Warehouse Video

I love when skate shops, hire skateboarders. I worked at a skate/snow/surf shop where you'd get in trouble if you were caught skateboarding the warehouse....so lame.

Here's Eastern Boarders warehouse though, and no one is yelling at them.

Guttermouth She's Got The Look Music Video

Guttermouth's "She's Got The Look" starred an up and coming starlet "Shannon Elizabeth" and it was quite a hilarious romp. The lyrics are the greater good in this track, specifically the chorus. It's an interesting song that proves that Guttermouth is not only a good overall punk band, but they have the lyrics to match their style.



Guttermouth's single "She's Got The Look" came through on Epitaph records with "Covered With Ants" and really impressed a whole lot of new fans and kept them in the punk spotlight. This video was a mainstay on punk-o-rama television before the band moved on to smaller and less brighter things. They just released a new album recently, and are currently playing more of their lyrically funny, fast motion punk rock.

Wing Chun Wooden Dummy Video

Wing Chun is one of the most popular forms of Southern Chinese Kung Fu. The form is most notable in a lot of circles because of the popularity of Wing Chun Wooden Dummy training. The Wing Chun form is a close quarters form, at least in many momentous moves, and part of the overall training is the Wooden Dummy. The Wooden Dummy has been seen in a lot of films, including The Prodigal Son, but it is also something that was made famous in many different Jackie Chan movies.

Here are a couple of examples of the Wing Chun Dummy training and motion picture reference so that you can place what I'm talking about with the Wing Chun Kung Fu style:



This is by no means the end all information on Wing Chun, it is just something to consider.

If you are interested in learning Wing Chun Kung Fu, check out the Wing Chun Compendium Volume 1 to start and continue your interest in style. If you're not really convinced, consider that Bruce Lee and his teacher practiced Wing Chun Kung Fu, so if the masters did, why not you?

Introducing Indian Spiderman

Here is what is being touted as "Indian Spiderman". Yep, he has no costume, but that could be because Spiderman was arrested in Nyc earlier this week. Whatever the case is, this is a cool video of a guy that may as well be the current Spiderman...

You can read more about this on the awesome Weird Asian News Blog.

Skate Video:Bacon Skateboards Unheard Trailer

Bacon Skateboards: Unheard Trailer from Bacon Skateboards on Vimeo.

Here you go, Bacon skateboards presents an all new trailer for an upcoming dvd that you probably won't see. This trailer is called Unheard.

Famous Make A Wish 2009 Skate Video

What can I say?

I've got nothing to say.

Roger of the Month November 09 Nate Jackson

Nate Jackson - Roger of the Month - Nov 09 from Roger Skateboards on Vimeo.

Roger Skateboards does it again, congrats Nate Jackson; Roger of the Month.

Hard Times Trailer

Hard times is coming through with a sweet amount of good times...what good times? Hard Times...via skate sauce...get yourself in the mood for more skateboarding action

Smoking is on the Rise

Smoking is on the rise yet again. That's right, more and more people are choosing to light up, despite the absence of Camel Joe and the Marlboro Man. Odd huh? What is forcing people to go and smoke?

I don't know.

I know one thing, smoking costs a lot. In my city of Moscow it costs roughly $5+ a pack of cigarettes which is insane. It's a sad kind of thing, eh?

The number of smokers has ticked up a notch after five years of decline or holding steady. The percentage of Americans who light up rose from 19.8% in 2007 to 20.6% in 2008, a CDC report says. The longer-term picture is better: Since 1998, the percentage has dropped from 24.1%. But "rates have shown virtually no change" over the last five years, the report says. Men (23%) are more likely to be smokers than women (18%), notes US News & World Report.

Src - Newser.com

Rakim Zoo York Skateboard Deck

Zoo York had Jenna Jameson skateboards, Ghostface Killah skateboard decks, and now they are putting out Rakim skateboard decks! Yep, Zoo York once again comes through with limited edition skate decks.

Krooked Skateboards Koston Guest Skateboard Deck

Krooked skateboards produces some of the best skateboard decks out there. However, in my city, they are no where to be found. That's right, my stupid city doesn't have krooked skateboards, so if you have a skate shop near you, make sure that you get yourself a deck. For instance, the Koston guest skateboard deck is not half bad.

Mixed Effect Skate Promo

Mixed Effect is the name of this skateboarding trailer, which isn't half bad.

The Joker Cripples Batgirl

Many moments in comics are memorable, and some are just part of the cannon of every comic book fans memory. You can't be a fan of comics and not know some key points, like this one...the Joker from "The Killing Joke" cripples Barbara Gordon...and here is proof...click on the images to get a larger scan:

Wing Chun vs Dragon Style Kung Fu

This is a video clip from the movie I reviewed yesterday "The Prodigal Son" it features two distinct styles of kung fu; Wing Chun and Dragon Style:

Habitat Hiking Skate Shoe

Habitat skateboards pushes the greater good in a lot of different ways. They don't just provide quality skateboarding products, they give back to the earth...kind of like Element skateboards does. These are odd though, these are hiking shoes from a skate company....a little odd, but then again dvs skate shoes have also made something like these...oh well.

Ezekiel in San Francisco Skate Montage

Here's Ezekiel's skate team mopping up in San Francisco...not bad.

The Prodigal Son directed by Sammo Hung

this post has been moved to sir jorge dot net

Comics great For Children's Development

Take that mom & dad! Researchers have discovered that comic books can help kids develop their reading skills a lot better than ever thought of before!

From the telegraph:

Researchers believe they can benefit from tales about the caped crusader, Superman and even Dennis the Menace in the same way they can from reading other types of literature, despite teachers and parents often being snooty about comics, experts say.

According to the research, critics say that reading comics is actually a "simplified version" of reading that doesn't have the complexity of "real" books with their "dense columns of words and lack of pictures".

But scientists from the University of Illinois claim that reading any work successfully, including comics, requires more than just absorbing text.

Professor Carol Tilley, from the department of library and information science, said that comics are just as sophisticated as other forms of reading, and children benefit from reading them at least as much as they do from reading other kinds of books.

Mormons Might Be Christians

It's funny to me that there is a new debate between evangelical leaders with Mormon leaders. This is strange, because in the past evangelicals have NOT been too fond about Mormons, specifically their claims that Joseph Smith and his made up book of mormon is on par with the bible.

What do I think?

I don't think that Mormons are christians. However....I'm just an idiot with a blog.

Robert Millet would do things differently if he were carefully strategizing how fellow Mormons could best pursue interfaith contacts.

"I probably wouldn't have started with evangelicals," said the Brigham Young University (BYU) professor, considering the antagonism between the two groups since Mormonism's beginnings. "If we can have more civil and respectful relations with evangelicals, we can do it with anyone."

Not many years ago, evangelicals would have deemed substantive contact with Mormonism equally improbable. Yet since 2000, small scholarly teams of Mormons led by Millet and evangelical teams led by Fuller Theological Seminary president Richard Mouw have managed to hold 17 intense, closed-door dialogue sessions.

Src - Christianity Today

Emerica Stay Gold Skate Shoes 2009

What's this? Emerica is trying once again to drum up some attention with their far out shoes. I remember I tried to buy a pair of Templeton's and my idiot boss wouldn't sell them to me. Good riddance, because I don't work for them anymore...in fact I have no job.

Anyways, here is the latest Emerica skate shoe called "Stay Gold" pack...out sooner than later.