There are tandems amongst us everywhere.  Tandem POLICEMAN, tandem BIKES, tandem DIVERS.  They are essentially all around us because it is a lot easier, and most of the time more FUN, to do things with another person rather than all by yourself.  Those of you into action sports know this very well.  When you are out trying to bust a trick over a dumpster, there’s no greater joy than celebrating with a friend after landing your trick.  It’s fantastic.

The action sports working tandem go hand in hand very nicely.  One guy is the skater/boarder/blader, and the other is the filmer/photographer/PAINTER.  Both these people need one another and they are essential to each other in order to get the job done.  For years I was the filmer.  I had been collecting cameras my entire life.  I own a collection that goes way back to the Super 8 film cameras to the VHS heavy-duty cameras.  Everything has gotten a lot smaller and more compact over the past decade.  It remains to be seen where video and photography technology will go from here.

But I am sure some of the insiders know.  Ty Evans has been on the cutting edge of video technology for years.  I believe he might have a clue because if you look at his eBay page (0 feedbacks) it looks like he is clearing his entire collection of cameras.

Imagine, you can own the camera used to film JEREME ROGERS eat it in the nuts.  That one should be worth a lot in a few years when Jereme’s album goes PLATINUM.

Anyway, if you have a few thousand dollars to spare on video equipment, get over to Ty’s EBAY site for a list of all his goodies.

When the television networks have a highly successful television show, they attempt to ride the show’s success by continuously producing more and more episodes while ramming season after season down your throats so that no matter what time of the day or night you turn on to that network, it’s the same show over and over again.  MTV has a knack of doing this and so does the E NETWORK.  But I can say for the most part, these shows really suck and most of them are reality shows anyway.  So what about the reality programming I want to see?  I follow quite a few shows on VBS and Epicly Later’d is one of them.  It’s tough enough that the show is only in its second season but even more tough that features are far and few between.  So much so that I almost forgot about them.  Anyway, I wish Brien O’Dell would pick up the slack and start creating more of these because it’s the best thing on the internet.

It has been a minute since a new Epicly Later’d has gone up, so who better than to come back with than Brian Anderson. Since 1996 Brian has constantly evolved as a pro skater. When his first video part came out in Toy Machine’s Welcome to Hell, he came out of nowhere and held his own along side some of the heaviest names in skateboarding at the time. By the time his second part came out, in Jump off a Building, he was pro. To continue his ascension to legend status, the following year he was awarded Thrasher’s S.O.T.Y. It would seem that with natural progression his skating would have slowed a bit, but it only got heavier. He moved on to Girl Skateboards, and his skating got even better. Anytime one of the Girl or Fourstar videos comes out he seems to be killing everything at demos with the new hungry guys on the team. I think Patrick says it best in the intro when he talks about Brian being a regular dude who happened to get the opportunity to become pro, and didn’t kook it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOdCWaTsIk

I really liked the movie “The Hangover”. I have been a big fan of the breakout star Zach Galifinakis, for quite a few years and I was really excited to see him make it big  in this film. Even with that said one of my favorite scenes in the film is when Ed Helms’ character sits at the piano and sings a lullaby to a drugged up tiger. The scene can be seen in the trailer posted up above.

I’m thinking the folks over at The Fast Life like the hangover too; today only if you enter HANGOVER into the coupon code box, you will get 25% off. So go to the store and get your fash-on.

I know you think my play on words and are hilariously funny.  But drugs are no JOKE.  A little less than 30 years ago, one of this country’s greatest men, RONALD REAGAN started the war on drugs campgain.  He miraculously fought off drugs while ironically making deals with some of the world’s largest DRUG DEALERS.  That’s how amazing he was.  But looking at all the crack heads on the streets today, I don’t think his cause went very far.  Maybe it’s because kids on the streets did not relate to President Reagan and his message.  Maybe the kids need a role model they can relate to.  Someone like Taj Burrow.

Taj may have made his impact on kids back in 1997 when he was just a wee semi-lil teenager when he won the Drug Away Pro.  Being the local hero, Taj Burrow looked at ease winning his opening heat of the Drug Aware Pro at Margaret River today.  The current ASP World Number 1 looks to be well on his way for a long awaited second showing.

“The waves are pumping here, just about as good as Margaret River gets and the field is super strong so I’d love to do well,” said Burrow.

“I’m relaxed  and I’ll stick to my game plan which is working well and just enjoy surfing these waves, the size is perfect for here and hopefully the forecasts remain true with good waves right through to the finals.”

Via ASP World Tour, Burrow’s surfed his early morning heat on a slightly fuller tide but comfortably won through on a score-line of his top two scoring rides of 12.66 to Raoni Monteiro from Brazil in second place on 10.10.

As the tides dropped the swells picked up today at Margaret River and the ideal conditions brought out some outstanding performances.

Owen Wright (AUS/NSW) is enjoying a superb run at present and he was the day’s standout surfer scoring the top ride of the day (an 8.67) along with the highest combined two wave heat tally of 17.10 in his easy win over Keiran Horn (USA).

Wright’s win was almost as impressive as his 15 year-old sister Tyler’s heat win in the women’s division yesterday where she scored the highest single wave score of the event so far with a 9.67!

“Tyler’s scores yesterday spurred me on for sure,” said Owen Wright after his heat.

“The waves are really powerful out there and big scores are the only way to do well in an event like this so I’ll need to maintain and even build on that form.”

The biggest upset of the day saw Adriano de Souza from Brazil, ASP world rated 5 surfer, eliminated from the event in a close heat that was won by Aritz Aranburu from Spain.

Fred Patacchia (Hawaii) was also a surprise elimination defeated by 20 year-old Australian Lincoln Taylor who posted one of the day’s top scoring heat wins with an impressive 15.66 heat tally.

Current ASP world champion Mick Fanning surfed his first surf at the Margaret River break since 2001 when he famously won the event as a 19 year old in a victory that was a catalyst to a sensational season.
“That was my first surf out there since that win and it was good to get through and reacquaint myself with the wave – second in a four man heat is all you need so I’ll be out to build on that.”

“I love coming here and it’s great to see the event really increase in status this year – it’s a very prestigious event in world surfing and the new changes to ASP surfing have definitely helped this event increase its overall profile, the event  has done a great job to have such an incredible field this year – the waves are always excellent here, like Hawaii they have power and you really have to surf well to get a good result and that’s good for all of us.”

Defending event champion Dan Ross also surfed well in his opening heat today but was very lucky to progress after he incurred an interference call toward the end of his heat.

With half of his second scoring ride deducted from his overall heat tally Ross slipped from first to second place and he managed to hang on to that placing to advance.

“That was lucky and there’s no way I can afford a mistake like that again,” said Ross.

Swells should remain strong tomorrow when round three of the Men’s Drug Aware Pro will be completed followed by round of 24 of the women’s action.

A seriously large swell is forecast for Friday along with ideal winds so the entire weekend is looking incredible.

Everyone living in Los Angeles knows that if you want anything POSH, you’ve got to go to the west side.  I live on the east side of Los Angles.  I prefer it here because you can get all the best MEXICAN FOOD (my favorite) that you can eat for really cheap.  I feel like the best clothing stores, which is opposite of the WESTSIDE fashion, can be purchased on the east side.   You want to see a great concert?  Well we’ve got the Greek theater, Hollywood Amphitheater, and the Echoplex on the east.  The only downfall for music venues is the Avalon, which is turned into SHINESE SHIRT THURSDAYS every week and all the STARS come out.  But I can live with that.

The only times I ever have to go to the west side is when my girlfriend wants to go to the Century City Mall.  It’s okay though because while there, I just like to grub on a bag of SWEET FACTORY.

Now it looks like there may be another reason for me to take the trek out west.  Plan B and 9 Star Clothing are tag teaming for a demo and signing for the grand opening of their new West Los Angeles Store location.

On Saturday, March 20th, join Paul, Torey, PJ, Pat, Colin, as well as Scott and Felipe from 3-6PM at the Grand Opening event of 9 Star’s new store.  So if you are in the area be sure to come and help them celebrate 9 Star’s newer, bigger store and skate park with Matt and the 9 Star crew.

Then if you’ve got more energy, on Sunday the team will be dropping into the 9 Star down in Mission Viejo from 3-5 to skate some flat ground and the mini-ramp in the store and sign some posters.

A couple of weeks ago, we held a SCOTTY LAGO giveaway contest presented by MATADOR.  Scotty ended up having to leave the Olympics early so in honor of him, the objective of the contest was to tell us a time when you were kicked out of something.  We thoroughly enjoyed everyone who took the time to share his or her story with us but as you know, there can only be one winner.  And there was one particular story that really blew us away.

The winner of the Matador contest goes to Beth Morris who is from Oakland, CA.   Scotty got her attention during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver a few weeks back.  She was impressed that Scotty supports kids with cancer.  Her dog Milo just made it with bone cancer in his 6th month so Milo (pictured below) inspired her to submit a story.

Here is Beth’s winning story…

“As a girl scout I went on a Wider Opportunity to El Paso Texas.  We visited White sands national monument and I stole some white sand by putting it in a plastic bag.  At the EL Paso airport security stopped me.  Since El Paso is near the Mexican border they thought that a 15 year old was smuggling cocaine.  I was kicked off my flight and they brought drug-smelling dogs and when they realized it was white sand they were all laughing.  I could not call my family to let them know.  Then the flight I was supposed to be on crashed and everyone was killed.   When I finally got through to my family they almost had a heart attack.  Being kicked off of that Delta Flight actually saved my life.  To this day I still don’t fly into Dallas Fort Worth airport on Delta”

Pretty crazy story.  Congratulations to Beth and enjoy the beef sticks!

Coming from Los Angeles, I know this city’s history like I know the back of my HAND.  Not very well.  But I do know certain places okay because I have spent a lot of time there.  For one, the county jail.  I just can’t seem to stay out of TROUBLE.  And two, the STAPLES CENTER.  When this eyesore of an arena first debuted in 2000, I couldn’t imagine myself watching an event there, especially since the GREAT WESTERN FORUM has been so nice.  And I knew for a fact that unlike Staples, the Forum was the one true home for us RAVERS on New Years Eve.

But over time, the city of Los Angeles and I grew a liking to the Staples Center.  I guess it has earned our respect.  Not to mention that it’s amazing that it has already been more than 10 years since it first opened.  Part of Staples’ legacy is Travis Pastrana and his countless glorifying moments during the X Games.  And now, he is nominated for Staples Center’s Greatest moments. His historic double back flip at Summer X Games 12 was recently nominated by fans as one of Staples Center’s Top 25 Greatest Moments.

I have yet to look at the list of 25 greatest moments.  But when I do turn to it, I expect to see three things.

1.    Los Angeles Lakers win the 2000 World Championship with riots going on outside in the streets.
2.    The Last CREED tour when Scott Stapp emotionally  sang “With Arms Wide Open”.
3.    MARINES recruiting kids from the 2000 Laker Championship riots.

On August 4, 2006 Travis made history during the MotoX Best Trick event when he successfully completed the first double back flip ever in competition. He took home X Games Gold that night and set the competition bar to a new level for future motocross athletes.

Now thru March 31st fans can visit  STAPLES and vote to make Pastrana’s 2006 X Games appearance the Greatest Moment in Staples Center history. The Ten Greatest Moments will be unveiled on April 14, 2010.

For more information on Travis and the DC Moto team visit, http://www.dcshoes.com/moto.

I know that he had just finished up his round of American chat shows but you miss him already.  I thought you might be interested to see two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White – catching up with him on a visit to Salzburg as he discusses winning Olympic gold for the second time.

Shaun also talks about refining tricks on Silverton Mountain, Colorado where he built a personal halfpipe out of virgin snow. It was here that Shaun would invent a series of new tricks that would change the sport forever – codenamed ‘Project X’.

So no need to thank us because just like you, all of here at LAT34 miss Shaun as well.  Enjoy!

The self  portrait above is one of a great man, Ansel Adams.

Mr. Adams is one of the most well known and innovative photographers who has ever lived. Not only did he take some of the most recognizable landscape photographs in the world but he also invented the zone system which he used to take photographs without a light meter.  The man is predecessor to what is know as the “Celebrity” photographer such as my hero, Terry Richardson and that one weird looking guy that ripped him off.

The folks at DC Shoes and Rally America are having a contest to find the “Ansel Adams” of rally photography. The contest is looking for the best photo taken at each Rally America event and are giving away an awesome prize.

Each winner receives a pair of DC shoes and an autographed poster of Ken Block and the DC Rally Team. It’s a pretty sweet deal for doing something you love.

For more info on the contest, keep reading after the jump for all the contest rules:

]]> http://www.lat34.com/2010/03/15/dc-shoes-2009-rally-america-photo-contest/feed/ 2 http://www.lat34.com/2010/03/15/2010-tampa-pro-results/ http://www.lat34.com/2010/03/15/2010-tampa-pro-results/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:09:24 +0000 Mike http://www.lat34.com/?p=8545

Would you believe me if I told you that Michael Jordan never won a scoring title in the NBA?  Or that Roger Federer, despite his 15 Grand Slam titles never won a French Open?  How about with all of his accolades and praise, JUSTIN BIEBER has never been nominated for a Kid’s Choice Award?  And finally, would you believe me if I told you that Paul Rodriguez Jr. has never won a Tampa Pro Am?  One of the most relevant skateboarding events with the history of this relatively young sport, Paul Rodriguez doesn’t own a title for.  Well for the first three examples, it’s hard to believe because those are not facts.  They are false statements to make the last statement seem that much more preposterous.

In its 16th year now, the Tampa Pro is the highlight event of the Winter/Spring season.  2010 is among us and all the pros are excited to show what they’ve got in store.  And as you can imagine, all the big names come out, plus a few surprises here and there.  But when it was all said and done, it was Paul Rodriguez who took home his first-ever title in Tampa.

Final Results
1.    1. Paul Rodriguez – $20,000
2.    2. Nyjah Huston – $15,000
3.    3. Keegan Sauder – $10,000
4.    4. Peter Ramondetta – $5000
5.    5. Ryan Sheckler – $4000
6.    6. Torey Pudwill – $3000
7.    7. Luan Oliveira – $2000
8.    8. Danny Fuenzalida – $1500
9.    9. Greg Lutzka – $1000
10.    10. Chaz Ortiz – $1000
11.    11. Dennis Busenitz – $1000
12.    12. John Rattray – $1000

Best Trick
1.    1. Matt Miller – Backside noseblunt slide – $3000
2.    2. Torey Pudwill – Front feeble up the a rail, shove it out – $2000
3.    3. Seirra Fellers – Nose manual nollie flip out – $1000

Be sure to follow up with full results and recaps of the action over at the Skatepark of Tampa site and check back with Fuel.tv for an upcoming show on the 2010 Tamp Pro.

Check out some of the footage brought to you by Joe Krolick from CCS.

CCS On The Spot Tampa Pro Finals 2010 Coverage from Joe Krolick on Vimeo.