Weather:
Sunny and tolerable.
I threw out my back so I haven’t been skating at all but it has given me some extra time to scan and edit. In other words this will be a long post. I saw this when I was in Indiana a few weeks back. I still don’t understand how this is economically possible.
Some news, events and required reading:
Uprise relaunched their website with new photos, videos and a store.
Scotty Karate has some photos on there. You can also find Scotty’s work on his site and in this feature on Jay Croft on the Alien Workshop.
After you read the interview spend some time over at Jay’s site. He’s a solid guy who does some seriously artwork.
If your looking for Deathwish demo footage take a look at SkateIllinois and then spend some time on the HAKAS tour.
The future Wilson lurkers have some Deathwish footage as well but I’d skip that and head straight over to the Turbo vs ice cream truck vid. Go Turbo!
Sweet Lou Shields has been traveling crosscountry to skate concrete. He’s been updating daily and it makes you want to get out and get some. It’s been weird not having him as a constant presence at the park but it’s pretty kickass that he’s out on the open road adventuring.
Finally, there’s an opening at Second Bedroom on August 2nd. Show up and appreciate art at this unique gallery.
Not too long ago everyone got together to celebrate Alex’s graduation, to enjoy summer and to eat some food. I’d like to thank everyone who helped out. Character, Yeah Boardshop and few friends kicked in the prizes. Eric, Juan and Mark took care of the grilling and card tables. All in all it ended up a pretty awesome day. So thanks again and hopefully we can do it again.
I had some ideas for contests that I thought would be fun. I learned that I’m not very good at running contests. I think I needed a megaphone or something to get things a bit more organized. The one contest that did work out pretty well was the Alex outfit contest. Here are the entries and the winners.
I tried my best but I should’ve gotten some weirder socks.
Spencer just dressed like he normally does.
Zoe showed up late but the shirt kicks ass.
And now the winners:
Gordon came through with the patterns and the neon to find himself in fourth.
Juan combined the Missed Connections element and Alex’s hand drawn shirts to take home third.
Morley stepped into second by making his own Alex eyebrows.
Nate went all out and won it. Good and Plenty button up. I love Candy and Xandy shirt. Glasses. Fucking awesome.
Next up was the Ray Barbee Challenge which was supposed to be the best Ray Barbee line but turned into a no comply jam. Here’s a few of the highlights:
After that was the Quarterpipe Screeching contest. Again good in theory but in reality telling a bunch of bros to hit the quarterpipe at the same time doesn’t really work out. The footage didn’t turn out all that fantastic but here is a quick recap with the winner:
Then we lit up the grills.
Or at least tried too.
I think we ended up having three grills going.
Shirtless Mark took care of the burgers.
Zoe handled the meatless grill.
Juan attained Grill Grandmaster status.
Just add a squeeze of lime.
There was a good turnout
Most of the usual suspects came through.
Chris brought the Good Ole Boys.
He also took some pictures. There should be a companion picture to this but Chris hasn’t posted his photos yet.
Joseph with one of the shirts I made. I handed all of these out some if you want one and you didn’t get one give me a yell and I’ll make some more.
I think Lou hit the road the next day.
Terminators?
Not sure why Soma had a neon orange shoelace in his hair.
Steve looking ready to roll.
Allison bought most of the food and made sure I didn’t forget practical things like plates and napkins.
Even Circustrick came out. I don’t see him nearly enough anymore.
This looks fun.
This is Spencer before he grabbed the digicam to take most of these fine pictures.
Him and Alex got MySpace photo crazy.
Too strong.
Spencer selfportraiture.
After the food was consumed and everyone was rested up.
Back to the park.
Brad went big over the hip. Better photo here.
Spencer filmed the after-BBQ szechuan and the Good Old Boys went to work.
So that’s the Such Luck Win for Life GED BBQ recap.
Next week I should have some footage and polaroids and possibly the July edit but probably not. Hopefully I’ll be healed and back on board.
Carry on my wayward son.