Last week I told those of you who are cheap bastards like me that you should grab as much free crap as possible when the opportunity presents itself to you.  Plus it will be in time for the holidays so that you will have the best gifts without having to spend a dime. 

Well this giveaway is better than average.  Not as good as the Free Fish Giveaway at Long John Silver’s, but better than a Cracker Jack prize.  Geoff Rowley Screen Printing Action in the Parking Lot! Don’t miss out on this three-day Southern California tour! The first 100 kids will get a limited edition tee shirt hand screened by Geoff. Free BBQ and loads of other goodies! Check below for dates, locations and maps.

Friday, December 5th – 6:00 pm
Identity Boardshop – click here for map!
7886 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-232-8020

Saturday, December 6th – 12:00 pm
Laguna Surf and Sport – click here for map!
26741 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949-360-6495

Saturday, December 6th – 4:00 pm
Hanger 94 – click here for map!
5270 Jackson Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-469-9494

Sunday, December 7th – 12:00 pm
Sunken City Skates – click here for map!
619 South Mesa
San Pedro, CA 90713
310-833-6678

Sunday, December 7th – 4:00 pm
Epidemic – click here for map!
68802 Ramon Road
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760-770-4177

It’s that time of the year again when we get that fuzzy feeling that just overwhelms us with joy.  That is unless you’re a RAVER and you probably get that fuzzy feeling every weekend.  But with Christmas just around the corner, three major factors are associated with giving me that holiday spirit.  Presents, Santa Claus, and Christmas films.  There is nothing better than getting a present from Santa Claus that turns out to be a Christmas film. 

I actually love giving out Christmas films out as gifts.  So if you personally know me, expect to get one of these favorite titles of mine: “Jingle All the Way” starring Governor Schwarzenegger, “Surviving Christmas”, or “All I Want For Christmas”, starring the Olsen Twins.  You’re in for a real treat. 

But if you’re a different kind of Christmas film, I suggest you check out Bam Margera’s new holiday film titled, “Where The F*&%” is Santa?”  I’m not sure if this is one you want to show to grandma but I think if you and your friends want something a bit more mature, then perhaps you should ask your mom to get you this one.   

Bam and crew were in Finland for the majority of April filming this movie with Warner Brothers called, Where The F*#K Is Santa?. It will be rated “R”, of course, and will feature HIM, The 69 Eyes, Hanoi Rocks and the Dudesons; With an ending party in PA with Geoff Rowley, Mark Appleyard, Kerry Getz, Donny Barley, Nick Dompierre and Ricky Oyola for the pro skaters. Also ‘The Moxy’ performing! (Bams new band with Filthy Note). Movie is straight to DVD for a XMAS 2008 release.

THAT’S RIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE ILLUSTRIOUS FLIP TEAM IS HEADING TO THE DESERT SOUTHWEST AND MOUNTAIN COUNTRY, THE PERFECT WAY TO START THE HOLIDAYS, FORGET YOUR TURKEYS AND FAMILY FEASTS GET YOURSELF OFF TO THE NEAREST SKATEPARK LOCATION ON THE SCHEDULE AND FEAST ON THE FINE SKATEBOARDING OF GEOFF ROWLEY, MARK APPLEYARD, DAVID GONZALEZ, RUNE GLIFBERG, LANCE MOUNTAIN, LUAN DE OLIVEIRA, CURREN CAPLES AND THE GANGSTA STYLE OF LOUIE LOPEZ. WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE. HAPPY TRAVELS.

It’s true; I think you can tell a lot about a person based on their footwear.  I consider myself a good, no great judge of people especially from their shoes even without looking at who they are above the ankle.  For instance, I was at the beach the other day and while staring at the ground because of my depression, I saw a pair of Birkenstocks walk past my frame of vision.  Without even looking up, I figured because we’re by the beach, Hermosa Beach specifically, the dude must have been a 205 lb body builder from Austria.  When I did look up, the guy must have weighed at least 255 lbs with a blond flat top and a muscle t-shirt.  I knew it!  Well I come across these situations all the time and I’m never surprised how correct I am 80% of the time.

Well it looks like I’m not the only shoe expert here.  After reading this amazing article in the New York Times about skaters and their sneakers, it looks like I might have some competition.  The article features the relationship between skaters and their sneakers and how unlike most sport related footwear; skaters seem to prefer style before function.  I myself would have to agree.  Although unrelated to skating, I prefer the color of my Soaps before I check the detail of the shoe’s buttery sole.

Anyway, check out the article in the New York Times.  You might find out like I did from reading it that I may be a little shallower than I thought.  I mean, I would never use a gray colored Soap.  Are you kidding me!?

In every profession there are a few suspect people who have the status of professional when they may not have exactly earned it.  Sometimes it’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time and accidentally meeting the right people while there are those who are embedded into the cracks of the far ends of the earth who may deserve it more.  For those of you who like art, take a look at Jean-Michel Basquiat and his scribble art.  His scribbles and kindergarten style drawings captured the attention of those surrounding the New York art scene in the 80’s.  And his paintings went for thousands. 

Or how about someone everyone knows, Britney Spears?  I don’t follow celebrity news or anything but you would have live in a cave not to know her life has gone downwards and she’s starting to look like Aries Spears.  How is she still selling records?

As for skateboarding, I’m glad to see that people who are pro really deserve the pro status.  I know that there was a bit of speculation as to why a small hessian from Columbia can be pro, but anyone who has seen this kid rip very well knows that he deserves it, and not on some crappy company either, he’s on Flip.  A team with two of my favorite all time skaters, Tom Penny and Geoff Rowley.  I think he’s a perfect fit for that team and a lot of people are excited to see his part in Flip’s third skate video “Extremely Sorry”.  It will be interesting what this kid pulls as he gets older. 

Flip is also doing a contest where you can win a bunch of free cool stuff.  Check it out over at Flip. 

As from today, Arto Saari is no longer riding for Flip Skateboards, and has found a new home at Alien Workshop.

Everyone at Flip wishes Arto the best for his future with the Burton family, and are in total support of this move for him.

“Arto is like a brother to me. After years of being on the same team with the same goals it was time for him to move on. We remain the best of friends and will continue to skate together probably harder and probably more so than ever!!! I wish him all the best and as a brother, I shall always have his back”