Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's Only Natural


10" x 33" for 2012.

Still Going Blind


A friend posted this in a forum and I had to roll with it. Mark had some really good shapes in his days at Blind. The company was known for its logo ripoffs and parody graphics from the start and even the brand name Blind was a jab at Mark's former sponsor Vision. When this particular series came out with the mock up of the Powell graphics (which included parodies of VCJ's up until then time tested iconoclastic images that were somewhat sacred to many skaters), it was a real turd in the punch bowl moment. Nothing was safe anymore, war was declared, and humor was the weapon.


Today Blind is still sticking to the tried and true, cleverly reinventing graphics from the past and marketing them to the youth of today as something new, though we know that there is nothing new under the sun.


The Vision Hippie Stick, inspiration for litigation.

Post Script.
The true irony is that I received a gift copy of The Disposable Skateboard Bible by Sean Cliver in the mail this afternoon as I was typing the words you have read above. Thank you Adam. The Skates Gods have spoken.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Jeff's Best of 2011


1. Pocket Pistols.
Their decision to produce a 36" Duane Peters board with an 18" wheelbase was a wise one. "It's like a big skateboard." No shit.


2.The return of Assault Skateboards.
From Punk Points to popsicle sticks, with deck models from up and coming pros and functional unique shapes from well seasoned veteran pro skaters including Matt Hensley, Ricky Winsor, and Mark Heintzman. In 2011, Assault has gone from Ned shaping boards in the garage to a full production company with quality decks handcrafted in SoCal U.S.A. featuring hand screened graphics. The Assault store has expanded to carry hats, hoodies, hardware, and more. I'm looking forward to the shovel nose in 2012!


3. The PUSH to End Alzheimer's.
This charitable event raised over $2000 in 2011 as over 20 skaters and member's of local roller derby squads showed up to skate in the rain.



4. Collaborative Efforts.
Legion Skateboards teamed up with Red Curbs and produced "Red Curb Wax", while also introducing Frankie Hill's Bulldog Bolts and Bill Danforth signature mounting hardware as well.


5. The Milton Mile.
Organized by Marc's Board Shop, this one mile push race was held just before the fall parade, allowing skaters to show case their racing talents before a captive audience of gawking spectators. A fun event that will hopefully become a tradition.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Injury For Life


Parking block session this afternoon, first time back on board in 21 days since the hand sprain/fracture incident. Nothing like some backside board slides to remind you of how much fun skateboarding is. Eastbilt 8.75" x 32" "Knox" shape with custom stencil graphic by Tom Sloan, Independent 169 trucks with Grind King king pins, OJ Wheels 58mm 87a Key Frames, and Powell-Peralta Thin Ribs. Live to Skate, Skate to Live.

Cab Mechanical Dragon


Prize I received from Powell-Peralta and their "How I Found Animal Chin" essay contest.

Lance, Neil, and O - Ban This

Jeff Grosso's Loveletters to Skateboarding - Season 2 Episode 2 - Jeff Phillips


Tie dye socks, the skull and crossbones helmet, and a bag of tricks on vert and roundwall that could not be touch. R.I.P. Jeff Phillips, gone, never forgotten.