Quick Hits Archive: May 31- June 6

Jun 13 2007 / Los Angeles, CA

June 6, 2007

Red Bull Illume West Coast Premiere
Published: 2:33 a.m. PT by Me

Want to catch some of the top photos in action sports? You can find them at the unveiling of the Red Bull Illume Exhibit starting tonight in Huntington Beach, CA. Through June 17th the event will be featuring amazing images from skateboarding, surfing, BMX and FMX on the Huntington Beach Pier -- outdoors and free to the public.

More about the Illume exhibit. Next stop: Portland, OR, from August 2 -12.


CHSSC Gets National Attention
Published: 1:22 a.m. PT by Me

You know we've been covering the California High School Skateboard Club with some regularity -- it's a local thing for us and we think it's a good idea. Seems like the New York Times thinks it's a good idea too -- check out this story here.

The CHSSC looks like it will be going national in 2007, at least that's what founder Jeff Stern told us in the last event. Be on the look out for coverage of the last event of the season coming this weekend. Check out more of our coverage of the CHSSC.

Public Still Denied Access to California Beaches
Published: 1:19 a.m. PT by Me

We mentioned yesterday that California beaches are getting pretty dirty. After reading this story maybe that's just some disinformation.

Despite a law passed in 1976 ensuring public access to beach-goers, the bourgeois and celebrity class of Malibu and other affluent neighborhoods are pulling all the stops to keep the beaches in their neighborhoods private, pulling such stunts as posting bogus "no parking" and "private beach" signs to scare people off.

Just for that, I think I'm tempted to leave a flaming bag of poo on the doorstep of a Malibu resident the next time I surf there. I'll look for the "private beach" signs just to make sure I have the right house.

Sharks Have Incredible Keen Sense of Smell
Published: 12:13 a.m. PT by Me

Turns out the entire body of a shark serves as one giant nose.

Remember that the next time you dine before surfing. The meatier the snack, the more tempting you may be for that shark. Personally, I'm sticking to fruits and bread before putting on the wetsuit.

More...

Headlines: More Pastrana, Rip Curl, AST Dew Tour, Oakley and Dumb Drivers
Published: 12:03 a.m. PT by Me

Headlines aplenty for Wednesday. Check 'em out.

• Travis Pastrana is the man, alright. At 22, it's time for a biography on his life to be made. You can see it in theaters in 2008..
• BMXer Steve McCann was on site in Cleveland to help kick of the AST Drops In charity initiative for the Dew Tour on Monday. Check it out here.
• Rip Curl Canada announces "The Rip Curl Stew" on June 16th & 17th.
• We just talked about Jason Lee showing up at the Stereo event on Sunday, plus he's at the TWS awards tomorrow. And he was also named of LA's People for 2007. Everything's coming up Hickey.
• Oakley likes Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG charity so much it has a new set of sunglasses to support it.
• Ummm... How do you hit a skateboarder with your pickup and not realize it?

June 5, 2007

Just How Dirty Are California Beaches?
Published: 2:07 a.m. PT by Me

The New York Times has a new article looking at the state of So Cal beaches, primarily in the Los Angeles area, which some say are getting cleaner -- and some say are still pretty dang dirty.

One recent study, released last year, said as many as 1.5 million cases of sickness in Los Angeles and Orange Counties each year could be attributed to bacterial pollution in the ocean. That's pretty bad (if it's to be believed)

“You see discoloration and big brown blobs, like in a sewer,” said one Malibu beachgoer.

Pretty sick.

You can read more here about it.

Taylor, Gillette Coming Up on "The Daily Habit"
Published: 1:26 a.m. PT by Me

Hot off the presses, here's who you can catch tonight and tomorrow on Fuel's "The Daily Habit." Later tonight it'll be wakeskater Nick Taylor (with appearances by Bucky Lasek and, apparently, George Lucas) and then Wednesday night Hawaiian pro surfer Gavin Gillette will be the guest, being interviewed by guest host and pro snowboarder Keir Dillon.

Airs at 9:00 pm ET (6:00 pm PT), then at midnight ET/9 pm PT, and the following day at 3:00 pm ET (12:00 pm PT) and 6:00 pm ET (3 pm PT). So no excuses.


Peter Hewitt Checks In
Published: 12:01 a.m. PT by Me

Check out this ad Independent Trucks sent out for Peter Hewitt's Drain Rat Tee & Cap...


Click here to get it.

Jeep Owners: Do You Like Shaun White, Tony Hawk and The B-52s?
Published: 12:53 a.m. PT by Me

So full disclosure -- We like Jeep. Jeep has been a friend of Lat34 from almost the start. But we would probably mention this even if it was for a Yugo -- but let's face it, Yugo sucks.

Anyway, Jeep is having a loyalty event for its owners from July 26-28 at the Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, VA. There will be demos by Tony Hawk, Shaun White, plus other events for owners including off-road driving and other activities.

Among the musical guest scheduled so far: The B-52s and Tim McGraw.

If you own a Jeep, it'll cost you $295 per vehicle and you can register at CampJeep.com and read more about the event. If you want to go, be sure to buy a Jeep soon.

Latest Manny Mania Results
Published: 12:22 a.m. PT by Me

Here are a couple of results for you from Red Bull Manny Mania @ Austin and Tampa.

From Austin -- Skate Park of Austin 

1. JD Clark
2. Grant Jensen
3. Brent Joines
4. Chris Gulet
5. Johnathon Sturgeon

From Tampa - Skatepark of Tampa

1. Jason Durbin
2. Robbie Kirkland
3. Cesar Fernandez
4. Anthony Verdi
5. Aaron Collier

Check out our event calendar for more Manny Mania dates.

Headlines: The Olympics, Danny Way, Pastrana and Business
Published: 12:01 a.m. PT by Me

Tuesday is here -- here are a few headlines you may have missed in the last few days...

• Is skateboarding going to be an Olympic sport? Here's the latest story to look at that question.
• Check out some shots of Danny Way from the Plan B demo at Saffron Walden in the UK on Kingpin.
• Let's get all business-y: UK action sports gear manufacturer Blacks Leisure Group's CEO is stepping down. Most of the gear is under the Freespirit brand.
• Travis Pastrana gets a third-place finish at last weekend's Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. He's 3rd in the overall points race.

June 4, 2007

US Open of Surfing Dates Set
Published: 5:24 p.m. PT by Me

Details are being set for this year's Honda US Open of Surfing and Beach Festival -- aka the Beach Games -- which will return to the Huntington Beach Pier from July 20-29th, 2007.

The surfing comp will run from Friday, July 20 and run through Sunday, July 29. Some of the other stuff going on, including BMX and skate bowl competitions and FMX demos, run the 26th and 27th.

Want more info about it? There's some here until the official site is up.

Exploring the Bradshaw / Foo Big Wave Rivalry
Published: 11:37 a.m. PT by Greg

It's easy to get caught up in the whole Andy Irons/Kelly Slater battle for supremacy (which, btw, may fall by the wayside as Aussies like Mick Fanning come into their own), but for some real surfing rivalries, one only needs to look in the past.

A new book, "Stealing the Wave," takes a look at the relationship between big-wave riders Ken Bradshaw and Mark Foo, starting from the mid-80s and up to 1994 when Foo was killed at Maverick's while Bradshaw sat in the water nearby.

For more about the new book by Andy Martin, which hit shelves last week, check out this short review...

Stereo Shows Off "Sound" at Nine Star LA
Published: 3:55 a.m. PT by Me

Lat34 was in West LA last night to see a special preview screening of Stereo's new film "A Journey Through Sound," which will be released later this year.  The screening took place at Nine Star, and featured demos by some Stereo skaters (including co-founder Chris Pastras) and Nine Star skaters.

Jason Lee was also there, and he even took some time to talk with us (Read more about all of that here).  Don't forget, he and Pastras will be cohosting the TWS Awards this Thursday -- we'll see him there again.

Anyway, check out some photos below -- Check out a full gallery here.



Rusty Malinoski Wins PWT Stop in Fort Worth
Published: 12:40 a.m. PT by Me

Rusty Malinoski has won the second stop of the Pro Wakeboard Tour in Fort Worth, TX, edging defending PWT champ Danny Harf in the finals. Last month, Malinoski finished in second place to Phillip Soven in the tour's kick-off event in Acworth, GA.

Check out more about the event here.

Albarenga Wins Quiksilver Pro El Salvador
Published: 12:01 a.m. PT by Me

A local has taken the Quiksilver Pro El Salvador -- part of the ALAS Latin America Tour. Wilber Albarenga took the top prize, followed by Peruvian Javier Swain. One of the biggest stories of the event was 17 year-old Logan Strook, a senior at Huntington Beach High School, who defeated Latin American legend Magnum Martinez the day before to advabce to the Quarterfinals. He ended up in fifth place.

Want more about the show -- Read more about the final day and and about Logan's second day heroics.

June 3, 2007

VolComics Art Show in L.A. - Recap
Published: 2:32 a.m. PT by Me

Lat34 was at the Volcom store on La Brea for the VolComics International Art Show featuring art from Volcom's new comic book. On hand were many of the artists involved in the project, including VCJ, Matt French, Michael Sieben, Mike Aho, Emily Hoy and Ethan Anderson. The Volcom team was also well represented by Michael Guarino, Kevin Branden, Shelly Christensen and Becky Peralta from Volcom in Costa Mesa, along with David Uehara from Volcom Japan.

Check out some photos from the event below and be sure to read the full recap.


Want more photos -- we've got plenty -- Here are photos of art that was at the show and here are some photos of who was there... Check them out!

More "Fast Cars" Info
Published: 1:12 a.m. PT by Me

We've been telling you about the "Fast Cars and Superstars" premiere coming up this week (Thursday, June 7 on ABC at 9:30 p.m. et/pt). It features Tony Hawk, Laird Hamilton (and his beautiful wife vollyball queen Gabrielle Reece), along with celeb/athletes like Jewel, former NFL coach Bill Cowhler, and more...

Check out some photos below, as well as this video preview of Tony Hawk...



Want to read more about the show?  Read about it here on ABC.

June 2, 2007

Scorsese to Direct Latest AMEX Spot With Shaun White, Andre Agassi and More
Published: 1:15 a.m. PT by Me

By now you have no doubt seen that AMEX commercial with Shaun White, if not on TV, here when we posted it or elsewhere. Well, the next American Express spot to feature White will be a little more than just him globe-trotting for the perfect ride -- it's actually going to be directed by Oscar winner Martin Scorsese ("The Departed") who will also show up in the spot, along with singer Sheryl Crow, talk show host Ellen Generes and tennis great Andre Agassi. The goal? To have those featured share those ideas on how to make a positive impact on the world.

The clip started playing yesterday. We'll try and get it up as soon as we find it! Read more here.

NorCal's Frigid Waters Causing Ear Pain
Published: 12:36 a.m. PT by Me

More specifically "Surfer's Ear", a condition where strange bony growths inside ear canals can lead sometimes to severe hearing loss. This isn't necessarily news per say, since most NorCal surfers are aware of this risk, but still. Pretty gnarly. More about it here.

June 1, 2007

Climber Vows to Conquer Everest...Half-Naked
Published: 11:50 a.m. PT by Me

Mountain climbing usually doesn't warrant a quick hit, but this one is too good to pass up. Not only is a Dutchman named Wim Hof looking to climb Mt. Everest half-naked, but he plans on descending the world's highest peak via paraglider once he reaches the peak.

Bizarre. Very extreme. And possibly very stupid. Read about it.

Europe's Beaches are Clean
Published: 11:39 a.m. PT by Me

If you're looking for the purest of ocean waters to surf in, hop on the next flight to Europe. Apparently their water's the cleanest.

Too bad you'll probably have to deal with the French. The entire story is here.

Billabong is Doing Well... Mostly
Published: 11:01 a.m. PT by Me

Shocker. Now can you guys quit crying me a freakin' river about how poor you guys are, and how you don't have the resources or bodies to track down athletes for interviews? Maybe now's the time to pick up a few more athletes, and give those poor schlubs who work for you guys some raises.

You can read more about Billabong's salad days here.

It's not all good news, unfortunately, for the surf giant. It's founder, Gordon Merchant, has been supplanted as the richest man on the Gold Coast. His $904 million fortune is only good for second to mining tycoon Clive Palmer's $1 billion fortune. Oh well, at least he saw his wealth rise $74 million from last year. More here.

Happy Birthday to Us...
Published: 2:44 a.m. PT by Greg

It was a scant year ago that Lat34 launched at around 9:41 p.m. ET (but who's counting). It was a crazy few weeks leading up to the fateful night, but it's been even crazier since (if that can be believed). Since then, we've published about 1,000 stories, 2,000+ videos, 600 hundred or so photo galleries with about 12,000 total photos (that comes to about 20 each for you non-math majors)...

Thanks to the wonders of the Internets, we can tell you which are the most popular so you can relive all of those moments once again. We're going to publish that list Saturday so we have a "full" year under our belts and none of this 364 days, 4 hours and some-odd minutes crap.

We celebrated in the Lat34 offices today with some cupcakes (you see the pic). They weren't any good. Maybe next year we'll spring for a whole cake.


Okay -- enough of the memories. Let's get down to business....

Fuel to Air Globe/Thrasher's "Money For Blood"
Published: 2:01 a.m. PT by Greg

If you haven't checked out Globe/Thrasher's vid "Money For Blood" you will get a chance to see it on Fuel in June -- starting tonight at 8:00 pm ET (5:00 pm PT). It's a great recap of the The Double Stack Cash Attack and other events that took place earlier this year in March down under -- culminating with Adam Dyet landing a perfect switch bs heel...

Catch it on Fuel or, if you want, you can actually see it on Globe's website. Also coming up on Fuel, BMX pro Ruben Alcantara on "The Daily Habit" and a replay of the Rip Curl Pro from Bells Beach ASP contest

More info on all this...

Canadians, Eh, Watch TV
Published: 1:11 a.m. PT by Greg

If you live in Canada (and I know a few of you might), apparently you get to watch the new reality show "Fast Cars & Superstars" tonight, featuring Tony Hawk, William Shatner, Laird Hamilton, Jewel and a few other random people. We've talked about it before, but it's almost here. You in the US will have to wait until next Thursday to see it. And if you live outside of America, then you probably don't care about it anyway.

More about the show.

May 31, 2007

Full List of X Games 13 Invited Athletes Announced
Published: 2:33 a.m. PT by Greg

I mentioned about the first round of invited athletes for BMX yesterday and now the whole list is out - Check it out here.

If you don't want to read it, here are a couple of highlights:

- Travis Pastrana is not listed in any Moto category, despite being a defending gold medal winner (which are automatically invited). So it seems his retirement will hold for now. Pastrana is invited for Rally Car Racing, though.
- Invited Street skaters include Ryan Sheckler, Andrew Reynolds, Nick Dompierre and Greg Lutzka
- No Shaun White on the Skate Vert invites.

Anyone not invited still has plenty of chances as there will be more invites being sent out.

More Holiday ASR
Published: 1:43 a.m. PT by Greg

You may have already read my recap of the Holiday ASR show. Our Lat34 People producer Adam Nelson was with me and you can check out his blog from the event as well...

71-Year-Old Climbs Mt. Everest
Published: 1:36 a.m. PT by Greg

Next time you get tired on that long walk from the couch to the fridge, you'd do well to think about Katsusuke Yanagisawa -- a 71-year-old retired teacher and veteran mountaineer who just became the oldest man to climb Mt. Everest. He reached the 29,035-foot peak on May 22, and in doing so beat the previous record set last year by another Japanaese man who was 70. That man broke a record from 2003 set by another Japanese 70-year-old. Crazy.

"Everest was much more difficult than I expected. It was difficult to breath, hard to walk. Even coming down the mountain was more difficult than I had thought it would be," Yanagisawa said. "Everest is a really hard mountain."

Yeah, just figuring that out now? Still -- big props to the old man. See a couple of photos below or read more if you'd like.

Older Archive: May 24-30, 2007