Thursday, November 11, 2010
I am going to start some short film reviews
Not actual "Short film" reviews, I mean maybe some short films...what I mean is Im lazy so Ill post a lot of screen caps and other unnecessary information.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Black Hole of Skateboarding
Like most American male children, I was fascinated by skateboarding. Everything about skating was just fucking awesome. The culture, the music, individuality, and the emotion. I hate to say that it has been over ten years since I have even stood on a board, alas that has not changed my love of the sport. I still read the mags, watch the vids, and hang with my skater buds. Quite often we come upon the "whatever happened to so and so" topic, where are they now and all that shit. Well, come to find out many of the skaters I looked up to are now in prison or dead. The point of this post is to let people know what has happened to some of the best....and the worst...
People knew little Mark "Gator" Rogowski would explode into the scene after he won the 1980 Vans Offshore Amateur state finals. By 1984 Gator was shredding with the best, Hosoi, Hawk, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero....these guys were the rockstar's of skateboarding and Gator was right there with them. He had a very charming personality which added to his overall fame. Hell, he was even a stunt double for Christian Slater in the 1989 film 'Gleaming the Cube'. Sadly, by 1991 Gator would make the worst decision of his life. He decided it would be in his best interest to beat, rape, and strangle to death a beautiful young girl. Brandi McClain was Gator's long time girlfriend. They met at a skate show in Arizona in the summer of 1987. By 1990 Gator started to become irrational and obsessive, Brandi couldn't take it anymore, so she left him. This made things worse for Gator, he would break into her home, call her new boyfriend's and leave them death threats, he would even show up at her work place and threaten her directly. One night Gator got a call from Brandi's friend Jessica Bergsten. Gator and Jessica had not spoken for years, but she had just moved to San Diego to follow her modeling career and felt comfortable enough to ask Gator to show her around the city. Jessica and Gator spent the day together on March 21st, 1991. Two days later her parents reported her missing....and she remained missing. Gator Struck Jessica repeatedly over the head with a vehicle anti-theft device, "The Club". He then dragged Jessica into his apartment where he raped her, placed her inside of a surfboard bag, and put his hand over her mouth and nose until she stopped breathing, he then buried her in a shallow grave out in the desert. What a way to get back at your ex, by killing her best friend. By this point in time Gator was completely shot. He was overridden with guilt and his mental state was rapidly declining, so much so that he had decided that maybe God could save his soul, thats when he became born again. After confessing his crime to a spiritual advisor, he decided it would be best just to come forth, Jessica's body had already been found but was unidentifiable. Gator was given a 31 year jail sentence, he will be eligible for parole this year. If you would like to know more about this case, I highly suggest the 2003 documentary 'Stoked: The Rise and fall of Gator' ....From pro skater to pro scummer, I hope Gator has to sit in jail for every second of his 31 year sentence.
Skater on Skater crime is absolute heartbreak for the skateboarding community. Steve Matus, Danny Way, and Josh Swindell decided to go to a bar in L.A., have a few drinks and just shoot the shit. Thats when they ran into Keith Ogden, a pro skater from Michigan who was out in L.A. visiting a friend. Ogden was also one of the first openly gay skaters. He could tear it up too, that is until he took a hard spill and fractured his skull. Keith was warned by his doctor to take it easy as any blow to his head would result in brain damage or instant death, regardless Keith still wanted to go out and have fun. He never expected that three of his own would be involved in his brutal beating death. This is a very touchy subject in the skating community. Josh Swindell was the only one convicted even though Danny Way and Steve Matus were present. I will not go into details but it is known that Swindell was a homophobic mother fucker who was seen kicking Keith Ogden in the face four to five times. It is also known that Swindell took most of the heat in order to protect Matus and Way, personally I do not think Steve or Danny were involved with the beating, but why they did not step in to stop it is beyond me. The only people who know the true story are the ones that were there, maybe one day we will know the absolute truth about Keith Ogden's death.
Keenan Milton was solid gold. He would be an amazing skater today. Keenan attended a 4th of July party during the summer of 2001. He had a bit too much to drink and sadly fell into a swimming pool and drowned to death. He Switch kick flipped a triple three once. I can only imagine the crazy shit Keenan would be busting out today if he were still alive.
Pepe Martinez was and still is an east coast legend. Everyone who knew Pepe absolutely loved him, there was not a bad beat in his heart. Pepe had fallen and suffered from an awful skull injury. This injury is what would lead to Pepe's death. After having a stroke Pepe knew his time was running out, thats when he decided to get back out there one last time. While casually riding his board he suffered from a brain aneurysm and fell down a flight of stairs. Pepe always had a positive outlook on life right up until the end, he knew his time was short but that wouldn't stop him. True Til' Death.
I feel this depressing blog is about to come to an end. To all the skaters of the world that tragedy has fallen upon, may you rest in peace.
Rest in Peace Keenan, Pepe, Keith Ogden, Shane Cross, Black Mike, Harold Hunter, Phil Shao, Jeff Phillips, Jay Buck, Kit Erickson, Tim Brauch, Mike Cardona, Brendan Kerr, Justin Pierce, and every other skater out there who has died a tragic death, pro or not. You are all missed greatly.
People knew little Mark "Gator" Rogowski would explode into the scene after he won the 1980 Vans Offshore Amateur state finals. By 1984 Gator was shredding with the best, Hosoi, Hawk, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero....these guys were the rockstar's of skateboarding and Gator was right there with them. He had a very charming personality which added to his overall fame. Hell, he was even a stunt double for Christian Slater in the 1989 film 'Gleaming the Cube'. Sadly, by 1991 Gator would make the worst decision of his life. He decided it would be in his best interest to beat, rape, and strangle to death a beautiful young girl. Brandi McClain was Gator's long time girlfriend. They met at a skate show in Arizona in the summer of 1987. By 1990 Gator started to become irrational and obsessive, Brandi couldn't take it anymore, so she left him. This made things worse for Gator, he would break into her home, call her new boyfriend's and leave them death threats, he would even show up at her work place and threaten her directly. One night Gator got a call from Brandi's friend Jessica Bergsten. Gator and Jessica had not spoken for years, but she had just moved to San Diego to follow her modeling career and felt comfortable enough to ask Gator to show her around the city. Jessica and Gator spent the day together on March 21st, 1991. Two days later her parents reported her missing....and she remained missing. Gator Struck Jessica repeatedly over the head with a vehicle anti-theft device, "The Club". He then dragged Jessica into his apartment where he raped her, placed her inside of a surfboard bag, and put his hand over her mouth and nose until she stopped breathing, he then buried her in a shallow grave out in the desert. What a way to get back at your ex, by killing her best friend. By this point in time Gator was completely shot. He was overridden with guilt and his mental state was rapidly declining, so much so that he had decided that maybe God could save his soul, thats when he became born again. After confessing his crime to a spiritual advisor, he decided it would be best just to come forth, Jessica's body had already been found but was unidentifiable. Gator was given a 31 year jail sentence, he will be eligible for parole this year. If you would like to know more about this case, I highly suggest the 2003 documentary 'Stoked: The Rise and fall of Gator' ....From pro skater to pro scummer, I hope Gator has to sit in jail for every second of his 31 year sentence.
Skater on Skater crime is absolute heartbreak for the skateboarding community. Steve Matus, Danny Way, and Josh Swindell decided to go to a bar in L.A., have a few drinks and just shoot the shit. Thats when they ran into Keith Ogden, a pro skater from Michigan who was out in L.A. visiting a friend. Ogden was also one of the first openly gay skaters. He could tear it up too, that is until he took a hard spill and fractured his skull. Keith was warned by his doctor to take it easy as any blow to his head would result in brain damage or instant death, regardless Keith still wanted to go out and have fun. He never expected that three of his own would be involved in his brutal beating death. This is a very touchy subject in the skating community. Josh Swindell was the only one convicted even though Danny Way and Steve Matus were present. I will not go into details but it is known that Swindell was a homophobic mother fucker who was seen kicking Keith Ogden in the face four to five times. It is also known that Swindell took most of the heat in order to protect Matus and Way, personally I do not think Steve or Danny were involved with the beating, but why they did not step in to stop it is beyond me. The only people who know the true story are the ones that were there, maybe one day we will know the absolute truth about Keith Ogden's death.
 |
| Scumbag |
Keenan Milton was solid gold. He would be an amazing skater today. Keenan attended a 4th of July party during the summer of 2001. He had a bit too much to drink and sadly fell into a swimming pool and drowned to death. He Switch kick flipped a triple three once. I can only imagine the crazy shit Keenan would be busting out today if he were still alive.
Pepe Martinez was and still is an east coast legend. Everyone who knew Pepe absolutely loved him, there was not a bad beat in his heart. Pepe had fallen and suffered from an awful skull injury. This injury is what would lead to Pepe's death. After having a stroke Pepe knew his time was running out, thats when he decided to get back out there one last time. While casually riding his board he suffered from a brain aneurysm and fell down a flight of stairs. Pepe always had a positive outlook on life right up until the end, he knew his time was short but that wouldn't stop him. True Til' Death.
I feel this depressing blog is about to come to an end. To all the skaters of the world that tragedy has fallen upon, may you rest in peace.
Rest in Peace Keenan, Pepe, Keith Ogden, Shane Cross, Black Mike, Harold Hunter, Phil Shao, Jeff Phillips, Jay Buck, Kit Erickson, Tim Brauch, Mike Cardona, Brendan Kerr, Justin Pierce, and every other skater out there who has died a tragic death, pro or not. You are all missed greatly.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Yōkai! Jorōgumo! Kappa!
Japan is fantastically weird and it always has been. They have an incredibly deep mythological history that many people of the western world will never know, I am sure most would not give a shit if they did....
So, let me fill you in!!!! Heres a selection of odd creatures dating back to before the Edo period.
'Yōkai' which literally translates into Monster, Demon, AND Monster Spirit (no human spirits allowed!). It's a broad term. Forgot to throw shape-shifting animals in to that line up. Yōkai and the stories of Yōkai are mainly influenced by the religions of Japan (primarily Shinto and Buddhism) although some are created from foreign influence. Here's a selection of some of my favorites....
'Jorōgumo' otherwise known as the binding lady. When a female spider turns 400 years old she gains a magical power. That magical power happens to be transforming into a beautiful woman and seducing human men with great power, such as a shogun or king. This usually ends up with the "beautiful woman" reverting back into a gross man sized spider. Consumption of powerful human male is inevitable.
'Kappa' otherwise known as the water sprite. Hes a rascally one, this guy. They are not necessarily evil, but are known for accidentally drowning humans because they want to play with them down in the deeper depths of a river or lake. Don't worry, there is no Kappa in the ocean. The most unique feature of this creature would be the concave skull filled with water, supposedly if this water is ever spilled, said Kappa will be severely weakened and possibly even die. Moral of the story: try not to be a dumb ass while swimming.
'Tanuki' the Japanese raccoon dog. This is a real animal, hes a real charlatan too. The reason why these cute lil' buggers are tied into Japanese folklore is simple really..... Something goes missing, no suspects, no witnesses..... It was a Tanuki. These little globetrotters are usually portrayed as being shape shifters because of their stealthy method of getting what they want in real life. A Tanuki will take drastic measures to get what they want without being spotted, makes ya wonder cause they are one of the largest balled animals out there. Im not kidding. A Tanuki sack is the true legend behind these critters.
'Jinmenju' The human faced tree. This twisted mockery of plant and mammal is said to grow in remote areas of China's mountain ranges. The faces grow like fruit and are always smiling or laughing, even when they fall to the ground. If a mortal eats one of the face fruits, they will be granted immortality, of course only after they bring another human soul for the tree to feast on, obviously.
'Hibagan' Japanese Bigfoot. Has all the perks of an American Bigfoot. Smelly and mysterious. There ya go. 1st blog over. bedtime.
So, let me fill you in!!!! Heres a selection of odd creatures dating back to before the Edo period.
'Yōkai' which literally translates into Monster, Demon, AND Monster Spirit (no human spirits allowed!). It's a broad term. Forgot to throw shape-shifting animals in to that line up. Yōkai and the stories of Yōkai are mainly influenced by the religions of Japan (primarily Shinto and Buddhism) although some are created from foreign influence. Here's a selection of some of my favorites....
"Don't forget your umbrella"
'Jorōgumo' otherwise known as the binding lady. When a female spider turns 400 years old she gains a magical power. That magical power happens to be transforming into a beautiful woman and seducing human men with great power, such as a shogun or king. This usually ends up with the "beautiful woman" reverting back into a gross man sized spider. Consumption of powerful human male is inevitable.
"Looks like you wont need that condom in your wallet, Toshi"
'Kappa' otherwise known as the water sprite. Hes a rascally one, this guy. They are not necessarily evil, but are known for accidentally drowning humans because they want to play with them down in the deeper depths of a river or lake. Don't worry, there is no Kappa in the ocean. The most unique feature of this creature would be the concave skull filled with water, supposedly if this water is ever spilled, said Kappa will be severely weakened and possibly even die. Moral of the story: try not to be a dumb ass while swimming.
"what the heck is going on here!?"
'Tanuki' the Japanese raccoon dog. This is a real animal, hes a real charlatan too. The reason why these cute lil' buggers are tied into Japanese folklore is simple really..... Something goes missing, no suspects, no witnesses..... It was a Tanuki. These little globetrotters are usually portrayed as being shape shifters because of their stealthy method of getting what they want in real life. A Tanuki will take drastic measures to get what they want without being spotted, makes ya wonder cause they are one of the largest balled animals out there. Im not kidding. A Tanuki sack is the true legend behind these critters.
"Stop thinking about our balls!"
'Jinmenju' The human faced tree. This twisted mockery of plant and mammal is said to grow in remote areas of China's mountain ranges. The faces grow like fruit and are always smiling or laughing, even when they fall to the ground. If a mortal eats one of the face fruits, they will be granted immortality, of course only after they bring another human soul for the tree to feast on, obviously.
"So a priest and a rabbi walk into a bar..."
'Hibagan' Japanese Bigfoot. Has all the perks of an American Bigfoot. Smelly and mysterious. There ya go. 1st blog over. bedtime.
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