I’m Filipino-American and growing up in the states with plenty of skate spots everywhere you look, I must say that the Philippines is a horrible place if you want to skate.  Underdeveloped roads will have you either falling into a pothole or constantly eating asphalt because of pebbles that litter the streets.  The brand new virgin untouched buildings are heavily secured with guards carrying automatic guns.  Even though they are ultra happy and you can even catch them sleeping on the job once in a while, you don’t really want to mess with them.  And even though there are private skate parks throughout the bigger cities like Manila, you have to know the owner because they tend to build them on rooftops of high-rise buildings.  So even though I love the Philippines and it’s a fun country to explore, it’s not exactly a skate friendly country.

But that won’t stop Fil-Am skater Daniel Castillo and the DVS crew.  He along with Torey Pudwell, Jeron Wilson, Chico Brenes, Kenny Hoyle, and Zared Basset will all take a mini tour of the beautiful country with Daniel as their tour guide.  Hopefully he can introduce them to a little balut, some soup # 5 (cow testicles), and a little cock-fighting action, which is completely legal there.  I know that there are a couple of skate shops in Manila so I’m sure they will set up a skateable parking lot for the team.  I just hope that they will be able to withstand the humidity and heat.

And as you may have already known, the hurricanes in the northern part of the Philippines caused catastrophic floods killing hundreds of people throughout the cities and provinces.  Hopefully this can bring about some happiness for those who had suffered through the ordeal.

by Ben Colen

Most skaters have to realize that there is life after skateboarding. Just as MODELS who find success at a really early age must learn, their looks aren’t going to last forever. Unfortunately for them, the really successful ones had foregone school to become a fulltime model, which leads to a lack of education. They do learn street smarts but it’s always important to have a combination of both. And that’s where you have the TYRA BANK’S, and the HEIDI KLUMS, and on a much lesser level, the JANICE DICKONSONS. But it’s really sad to see the ones who don’t make it because of lack of education. All they know is modeling and when they are kicked to the curb because they are yesterday’s news, they sometimes have no survival skills whatsoever.

The same thing can happen to skaters. It’s great to see the guys who were the sickest skaters in my day make something out of themselves like Eric Koston (who’s still sick), Jason Lee, and Tony Hawk. But it’s sad to see the ones who haven’t really gotten past skating and when their skills diminish, they are left with absolutely nothing. I won’t name names but go watch a few episodes of Epicly Later’d.

This was something Scott Johnston of Girl Skateboards and Lakai discovered at an early age. He knew that once his body couldn’t take skateboarding full time anymore, he had to do something else with his life. He basically needs to eat. So that’s how he became a designer for LAKAI footwear.

Check out a really good interview Scott does with ESPN that talks about his relationship with skateboarding as his career is coming to a close. And he also talks about some of the bigger brand name shoes and their impact on skateboarding as a whole.

Growing up around skating I don’t remember there being a lot of girls around when we were out skating. I mean guys’ girlfriend would come along to talk to each other and what not but there wasn’t any girls busting kickflips down sets or anything.

“The times, they are a changing”, now there are some amazing girl skaters in fact I’ve seen female pro skaters that could rip up some of their male counterparts in contests, and that’s just skating. I for one am stoked to see the ladies out there tearing it up not only on a skateboard, but on a surfboard, and snowboard as well.

The Supergirl Jam is an event that promotes female athletes in action sports. The event hosts contests in Skating, Surfing, Snowboarding, and the forgotten sport of inline skating. It is a great event because it shows girls that instead of send random, phone number disclosing messages to Ryan Sheckler via an action sports blog, the could pick up a board and maybe one day out skate ol’ RYRY.

Below is some video fottage of Supergirl jam put on by ASA Entertainment:

All you ladies, check it out and get inspired.

When I was a wee lil boy, around the age of 19, I nearly fainted when I heard the great news that President of the WWF Vince McMahon, was planning to build a state of the art WWF mega hotel and resort in Las Vegas.  It was amazing to me that he hadn’t built one earlier considering that the WWF was the premiere place for entertainment and fighting.  They already have a huge following and a clientele of HIGH ROLLERS and plenty of beautiful GIRLS lining up for a cocktail waitress job, and all the wrestlers Vince needed at his disposal.  This was definitely a formula for success. A couple years later, I learned that Vince and his company were struggling and were going near broke.  Any of their big events were barely breaking even and their biggest super stars were either retiring, or going into movies.  Or doing Meth.

Anyhow, my dream for the perfect mega resort went down the tubes.  Fast forward many years later, I hear of the surf hotel in Laguna Beach, California.  It’s called the Casa Del Camino Hotel and it’s dedicated to my second favorite activity, ACTION SPORTS.  When I heard that they were giving a room to eTnies to do the interior design, my brain went ballistic shooting ideas of how it could possibly look.

First of all, I would be sure to cover the walls with Ryan Sheckler Fat Heads.  I wouldn’t even waste my time with the Bucky Lasek, or the Paul Rodriguez designs.  I may give a special area to Tony Hawk since he is Hawk Man-X and all.  But I would basically cover the ceiling, doors, walls, and bathrooms with Ryan Sheckler Fat Head stickers.  It would looks awesome!  Then I would probably have a hot tub in the shape of Burnside in Oregon.  But here’s the catch.  Instead of hot water coming out of the jets, I would give the option of either Red Bull, Monster Energy Drink, or Mountain Dew to come bursting out instead.  It would be so extreme and delicious.  Finally, I would definitely put a butler in the room who could drive you anywhere you want, including the store to buy your own Ryan Sheckler Fathead.

I really like my ideas for an immaculate skate themed hotel room but it looks like eTnies went a different direction.

See more photos and read more info here.

If you rent the room, here’s what you’ll find:
·        Shoe Scrap Headboard is the main highlight of the room and is a conceptual reflection of what etnies is best known for, skate footwear. The 6’ x 11’ mammoth mosaic consists of remnants of shoe material scraps that etnies uses in the research and design process as they create footwear.
·        Reversed Shadow Box Wheel Mirror features a panel of skate wheels of different sizes, durometers, brands and colors to reflect the diversity that is found within the skate world.
·        Custom Desk and Shelves are built from Sunflower Seed Stalk, giving it a natural gritty feel that is stocked with etnies merchandise. Each guest who stays in the room receives their very own etnies hat as a take away from their stay.
·        Skate Free Mini Bar is etnies take on what they love best – skateboarding.  Four complete skateboards will be available for guests to take out for a day of cruising the streets of Laguna Beach.  The boards currently available for guests to choose from are Jose Rojo, Kyle Leeper, Sean Malto and Ryan Sheckler pro models.
·        Graffiti Malibu is a one-of-a-kind portrait of a skate pool high in the cliffs that sits above the ocean where skaters experience the beauty of the beach, while enjoying their passion.  Artist Parvez Taj with photography by Gilles delaPointe created this art piece on recycled plastic material.
·        It’s Not Where You’re Going, It’s How You Get There is an original creation by Mike Manzoori that lies on the ceiling of the room and through the bathroom, finding its home above the shower.  Manzoori dipped his skateboard in paint and rolled it around to create this conceptual piece.
·        The Pool Sink - This pool shaped sink was inspired by the iconic Chicken’s Pool skate spot that is located in Orange County, California and is famous because it was the first privately built pool specifically for skateboarding.  Skateboarders  prefer concrete over water in a pool to skate in, and when dry this sink can be skated with a fingerboard.
·        Skate Study House Godfather Chair created by Pierre Andre Senizergues and designed by Gilles delaPointe, this is a skate and eco update to mid-century modern iconic furniture.
·        Skate Culture Elements are featured in the room through the following:
o  Motion sensitive LCD inset in the bathroom plays video of etnies team rider Kyle Leeper’s fluid skateboarding.
o  IPOD music list features favorite music from skate videos and other songs from bands and artists who have played significant roles in shaping skate culture.

Is there anything more evil than Communism?  Probably not.  World hunger doesn’t come close because people have died from hunger in a communist regime.  Look at Chirman Mao and the downfall of the country caused by his political actions.  Another one that comes to mind are the Bolsheviks  during the Bolshevik revolution.  In Soviet Union hunger was rampant.  So I guess the only thing worse than communism are the Russians and the Chinese who influence these ideals.  There is nothing more scarier than a Russian or a Chinaman looking to impose their communist agenda on people.  That’s why I thank GOD for the USA and capitalism.

And I also would like to thank God for making movies like RED DAWN.  Even though the film, made in 1984, takes place in the future during World War III, I like to think of it as a film that slaps communism and Russia right in the face.  The movie itself proves that communism will never work especially with the US standing in its way because teenagers from a high school knew how to fight back.  The movie also reflects how people felt about the cold war and the cold hearted Russians of that era.  Red Dawn always makes me shed a tear and makes me proud to be part of the superheros of the world, America!

Fast forward to today and guess what?  Hollywood is remaking the 1984 classic into a modern day film!  It’s going to be double awesome because not only are the teenagers in the movie fighting off the Russians, they will be taking on the Chinese too!  This is the kind of movie that makes me unhappy to be part Chinese because it will totally show my flaws and unorthodox method of eating.  But that’s okay.  There’s an extra bonus in the film because Mike V. is going to star in the movie.  He’s not actually going to star, but via Skatedaily, he will be playing a weapons dealer and do some stunt work as a Russian Soldier.  That’s going to be so awesome.

Be sure to catch the film in 2010 and support one of the greatest hessians to ever step on a skateboard.

According to the blog “Unicorns and Cynicism”, Famous Stars and Straps are having their Winter Warehouse Sale on 12/05/09.

The event is from 9AM to 5PM

Address:

4050 Greystone Drive

Ontario, Ca 91761

If you are a fan of Famous then this is your chance to get some awesome deals on some fly gear. As a avid warehouse sale shopper (read: poor) I have developed some rules that  use every time I go to one of these sales, and now I’m going to share them with you:

Bring a bottle of water or other delicious beverage: You are probably going to be standing in line for a min of 20 min and up to 4 hrs; it’s always a good idea to bring a drink. I prefer Red Bull but that’s because I’m a caffeine junkie.

Make friends with the folks you are in line with: Not only do you probably share similar interests, making “line friends” is helpful because they may know about other sales; or best of all: hold your place in line while you pee.

The #1 rule is: Always bring cash: it makes it easier on the staff, there is usually a super long line for credit card users, so once you get your stuff you can hurry and get the heck out of there.

Hope my rules help, and have fun at the sale.

Nice Muscles!

Have you ever gotten that feeling when you’re away from home for so long, you forget what home is?  I’ve never moved out of Los Angeles and I’ve basically been here my entire life but I can still somewhat relate to this.  I like to travel and I get to travel quite often and while you’re on the road, you must get used to sleeping in a different bed about every other night.  You bathroom doesn’t give you the same comfort your own personal bathroom give you, especially when you’re taking a dump.  I’m a GERMAPHOBE and I can’t walk around comfortably barefoot because I’m afraid of stepping on some dried up blood or something worse. 

So after adjusting from being away for so long makes it extra satisfying when you do arrive home.  There’s nothing like pulling up into your driveway and deep inside you’re telling yourself, “Home is where the heart is”.  You take a step into your bedroom and all of a sudden the smells of the outside world get engulfed by the aroma of your own personal fragrance (usually cologne, and the fabric softener you use on your bed sheets).  Just like the kid from ALMOST FAMOUS did, you timber down onto your bed face first and the world feels oh so comfortable once again. 

The description above is exactly how I feel about the anointed one, Shaun White.  It seems like forever since we’ve seen Shaun in the headlines and I’m glad to see that he’s back.  So whatever news he’s prepared to give us, we will indulge in everything that beautiful tomato head has to offer. 

Today Ubisoft announced that it is collaborating with Target and Red Bull on the “Target Exclusive: Bonus DVD Edition” for the upcoming release of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage. This exclusive edition of the game will be bundled with a special bonus DVD featuring exclusive Red Bull Project X footage of professional snowboarder Shaun White. The DVD and video game bundle will be available only at Target stores and on Target.com on November 8, 2009. Developed by Ubisoft Montréal, the game will be available exclusively for the Wii™ system from Nintendo.

The bonus DVD includes never-before-seen footage of Shaun White snowboarding on a private halfpipe in Silverton, Colorado that was conceived and built by Red Bull exclusively for White to train and learn new cutting-edge tricks. Target shoppers will have the first opportunity to obtain the exclusive DVD footage of White’s Silverton sessions by purchasing a copy of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage. The DVD also features the Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage game trailer and a behind-the-scenes developer diary featuring White.

“Last year’s Target exclusive sku for Shaun White Snowboarding was a great partnership for Ubisoft and Target, and we’re excited to build upon that momentum by providing customers with new top-secret snowboarding footage of Shaun,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. “We believe that fans will enjoy seeing the live action DVD footage of Shaun as they virtually practice their own snowboarding tricks through playing the video game.”

The Red Bull Project X halfpipe showcased in the DVD is also featured in a special level of the video game. Players will be able to experience for themselves the thrill and exclusivity of this unique snowboarding locale through playing Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage.

“Target is proud to partner with two of Shaun’s other sponsors to provide a solid, exclusive offering for our guests,” adds Troy Michels, Lifestyle Marketing team lead for Target. “We’re excited about both the Project X footage and the new video game.”

If you’re getting bored with the same old Aps for your phone such as Scramble, X-Ray, ESPN Cameraman, Space Lite, Quizzes, and Facebook, then you’re in luck because skateboarding is here to save you again from boredom.  With an already impressive arsenal of skate related games, you can now look to spend your time by doing some quality reading.  What’s the last book you’ve read?  Playgirl doesn’t really count since it’s all pictures, and you should really get your head out of that filth.  How about picking up the new MADE FOR SKATE ap for the iPhone. 

The guys that made one of the best skate books ever made,  MADE FOR SKATE: The Illustrated History Of Skateboarding Footwear took to the internet for some amazing interactive iPhone fun with this ap. Need to know about where you kicks came from?  How about the skate sneakers that made the ones you’re wearing popular?  This book has it all. 

They’ve recently released a free, Lite version of the acclaimed app on iTunes which features thousands of photographs of the most popular skateboard shoes from the past 50 years and allows skaters, sneakersheads, and tech geeks a sneak peek of the original iMADE FOR SKATE recipe.

Plus you are definitely going to have fun with the “Shoe Thrasher” game where you can demolish a shoe by simply clearing over it with you finger!

The Ford Mustang is a product that has really became part of American culture. In fact, when most people from other countries (ie. The Brits from Top Gear) think of American cars the Mustang is usually the 1^st car that pops into their head.

In fact the Mustang is such a part of the American life style, one of America’s greatest artists mentioned it in his greatest hit; that artist is Vanilla Ice, the song is “Ice, Ice, Baby”.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the song here is a bit of info from Wikipedia:

“Ice Ice Baby” is an American hip hop song written by rapper Robert “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle and DJ Earthquake. The song samples the bassline of “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie, who did not initially receive songwriting credit or royalties until after it had become a hit. Originally released on Van Winkle’s 1989 debut album Hooked and later on his 1990 national debut To the Extreme, it is his most famous and popular song. It has appeared in remixed form on Platinum Underground and Vanilla Ice Is Back! A live version appears on the album Extremely Live, while a rap rock version appears on the album Hard to Swallow, under the title “Too Cold”.

“Ice Ice Baby” was initially released as the B-side to Van Winkle’s cover of “Play That Funky Music“, but the single was not initially successful. When a disc jockey played “Ice Ice Baby” instead, it began to gain success. “Ice Ice Baby” was the first hip hop single to top the Billboardcharts. Topping the Australian, Dutch, Irish, Italian and UK charts, the song helped diversify hip hop by introducing it to a mainstream audience.

Alright so Vanilla Ice sucks, I agree; but the 2010 ford Mustang doesn’t. To prove this, Ford entered the Mustang into the Ojibwe Forests Rally to some awesome results. To see a video of the car in action and to get a bit more info, keep reading:

Ford brought their 2010 Mustang to Bemidji, Minnesota to participate at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in late August this year. Driven by Mark Utecht this would be the first time a 2010 V8 Mustang would rally in the United States.

However, a surprise was sprung on Mark Utecht and Rally America’s Technical Director, Mike Hurst, at the end of Ojibwe by JB Niday, Rally America Managing Director. Utecht and Hurst would compete against each other in the 2010 Ford Mustang on rally roads… winner takes home the car!

]]> http://www.lat34.com/2009/11/03/2010-ford-mustang-unleashed-at-ojibwe-forests-rally/feed/ http://www.lat34.com/2009/11/03/dogtown-z-boys-deluxe-edition-now-on-dvd/ http://www.lat34.com/2009/11/03/dogtown-z-boys-deluxe-edition-now-on-dvd/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:33:30 +0000 Mike http://www.lat34.com/?p=6771

I must admit that our action sports community is pretty damn lucky to have such a talented pool of consultants, filmmakers, artist and writers who continually dish out solid entertainment time and time again. It’s very rare for a subculture to receive such an onslaught great works of art on a consistent basis.  In looking at other subcultures in sports, there definitely have been droughts.

MMA is my other favorite action sport.  I think it’s safe to say that the UFC can thank JCVD for their success.  I remember as a kid never seeing anything like Bloodsport.  That film had every time of martial arts and then some.  And you can never go wrong with having the quintessential ASIAN bad guy in any film. and when the UFC came out, I was forever hooked.  With films like THE QUEST and NEVER BACK DOWN, it’s safe to say that MMA has a long way to go until it reaches action sport status.

Dancing is also another one of my favorite hobbies.  But I feel like Hollywood can’t seem to get the perfect dance film right.  Of course there’s the ultimate classic You Got Served starring my favorite dancer OMARION, but after that, what else do you have?  DIRTY DANCING was a pretty good film but focused too much on the love story and same with SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.  Other than that, Hollywood needs to take a crash course and study You Got Served for some influence.

Now let’s get to a sport that knows how to get it right, ACTION SPORTS.  Vans is issuing this exclusive re-release of Stacy Peralta’s seminal documentary, ‘Dogtown and Z-Boys’; a film that, since its original release, has proven to be one of the most important documents of skateboarding ever produced. Sean Penn narrates and skate pioneers including original Team Zephyr members, Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, tell their stories about those formative early days of skate as they unfolded in the gritty streets of Venice, California. This deluxe re-issue also includes a bonus feature disc chock full of never-before-seen special features and interviews with Tony Alva and Bucky Lasek.