Hollywood star Uggie hangs up his skateboard
The Jack Russell terrier, who was propelled to fame by his critically-acclaimed role in The Artist, is therefore to hang up his collar and withdraw from show-business. Friends say he has grown weary of the physical demands of life in front of camera.
“I’m retiring him,” was how owner Omar Von Muller announced the sad news this week. “He may do a couple of little things here and there because he enjoys them, but I don’t want to put him through long hours anymore. He’s getting tired.”
It has certainly been a long, hard road. After being abandoned as a puppy by owners who thought him “too wild,” and adopted by Von Muller, a professional trainer, Uggie spent his early life earning a crust in a touring canine talent show.
He later won roles in a string of TV adverts, before moving into film. But early projects such as the TV movie Life is Ruff and the 2005 comedy Wassup Rockers failed to ignite. Box-office success didn’t come until last year, when he joined Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in Water for Elephants.
It was Uggie’s touching performance as the faithful companion of fading silent film star George Valentin in The Artist that propelled him to celebrity, though. And the dog’s stunt double in the film, a brother called Dash, will now become the family’s chief breadwinner
“I think he (Uggie) will be fine with Dash stepping in,” Von Muller told Life Style magazine. “Uggie is 10-years-old and has done a lot of work, so he wants to relax at home. If somebody wants to do a movie with Uggie, they’ll just have to deal with Dash.”
A noisy online campaign to have Uggie nominated for an Oscar has failed, since Academy rules only sanction awards for humans. However Von Muller hopes the dog will nonetheless be invited to next month’s ceremony, where his co-stars are nominated in ten categories. “They should give him an envelope to bring to [host] Billy Crystal,” he added.
Article source: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/hollywood-star-uggie-hangs-up-his-skateboard-6295755.html
Skateboarding – Really as bad as it seems
?Skateboarding – Really as bad as it seems?
Skateboarding has always suffered from the generally bad image the public gives
them. Many people categorise skateboarders in the same breath as illegal
graffiti artists, vandals and mainly juvenile crowds with nothing to make out
of their life.
Well, maybe not all are that bad these days but people still view skateboarding
that way. This is probably due to the fact that it gained popularity during the
same era punk music kicked off and considering much of the public was not that
fond of that genre those days, it is no surprise that this is causing people to
wrongly assume skateboarders as a negative part of the society. This is a huge
misconception towards skateboarders and the truth is, skateboarding is only
bad, just like any other activity can turn dark, if it is let to develop itself
into a form of bad influence.
As a matter of fact, the society of skateboarding has produced a number of
individuals who deserve a whole lot of admiration and respect for their social
position and contributions to the society. The world’s greatest skateboarder and only one known to pull the 900 is an excellent
family man who contributes much of his money to charity. Kickflip inventor
Rodney Mullen has a Masters degree and is known to be an exceptionally friendly
and humble person. Bob Burnquist uses his celebrity status to promote
environmental-friendliness and inspires people with his life story about the
time he overcame asthma to skateboard. Jereme Rogers, being the heavily
tattooed man he is may be the type of individual people think of when
negatively perceiving skateboarders but a closer look at his tattoos shows you
an image full of devotion to love and religion as he is outspoken for the fact
that he believes that God is the reason behind his capabilities on a skateboard
and the success he has achieved from his talent.
These people are actual role models not only to children, but people on the
streets looking to make something out of their lives. Parents who look into
skateboarding in a negative manner should pay closer attention to the existence
of these people and their influences in the skateboarding society. When they
do, I doubt anyone would still go against it full heartedly.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that there are bad influences from more
negative characters in skateboarding but don’t all sports and games have their same share of this group of people? Athletes
are known to take drugs and sports officials do get involved in bribery; that
is to name a few. The only reason why the society is tougher is simply because
of how they look and how their attitude is generally known to be really rough
There should not be any concerns of kids getting interested in skateboarding
but if any issue still bugs you, licensed skateboarding clubs and organisations
exist. There are even churches which accommodate and approve youngsters’need for skateboarding these days. Parents should just take it purely as an
essence of growing up; having fun. Doubts and worries only introduce more
trouble and who knows, mothers and fathers could be seen giving their shot at
skateparks if they stopped worrying so much about their child’s desire to skateboard. After all, it isn’t really bad.
Canyon News
Skateboard companies face cutbacks in slump
Now as skateboarders tighten their wallets in the face of recession, many of our core brands are downsizing or even hanging up the ‘Gone Fishing’ sign. eS Footwear, a longstanding heritage brand from Sole Technology, will cease operations next month. Podium’s DVS recently downsized their entire skate program. Belt tightening is happening in nearly every core company.
Ipath, a once viable core brand that has been sold to numerous mainstream footwear companies over the past five years such as Timberland and New Balance, in early December, gave the majority of their riders the gift of a pink slip in their stocking. They were all let go without much of an explanation other than that they were no longer affordable.
Others that were not released quit in a sign of solidarity. One such skater is the young, up and coming Enjoi Skateboards Am, Ryan Lay. He broke out with all the homies. Luckily for him, he’s since found a flow spot on Lakai. But some of his teammates have not been so lucky. As I predicted, there will be more shoe brands making cuts or calling it quits in 2012, causing a flood of pros to fight for very few roster spots remaining on teams. Things are about to get really weird in the crazy “big business” of skateboarding.
I decided to call Ryan Lay and see if he could shed some light on what went down with IPath.
ESPN.com: Do you currently have a shoe sponsor, Ryan?
Ryan Lay: Yes, I do. Lakai Footwear. I’m getting shoes from them right now. Flow bro. Flow trash. My friend, Sam Newman, works there, he hooked it up. I’ve always been a fan of Lakai since I was a little kid so I figured I’d give it a shot.
What happened with IPath?
Basically, in late 2011 they informed us that they wouldn’t be able to keep the whole team — they wouldn’t be able to afford it, so they kicked off half the team and fired [photographer] Matt Price. I think Ohio Dave [team manager] quit but he was pretty much forced out. Then three of us quit — myself, Ben Raybourn and Jaws. Everyone else was let go except the few that are there now — Steve Nesser, Matt Rodriguez, Kenny Reed and Fred Gall.
What made you quit?
I just felt like it was not worth it staying at a company that my friends weren’t involved with anymore, especially Price and Dave. I kind of feel like IPath has been through this once before and they were having trouble surviving as it was. To go through it again, I just didn’t feel like it was worth sticking around.
What were their reasons for letting go all those guys?
I honestly don’t know. They said they couldn’t afford it but they just put two bikers and a surfer on the team. I just saw the catalog last week.
Lame.
Uh-huh.
You were fortunate enough to pick up a shoe sponsor already, how about the rest of your buddies?
I think that Jaws has an offer and he’s waiting on that. I don’t know about Ben but I’m sure he’ll be able to pick up something. I don’t really know about the other guys. I haven’t heard anything about Jack Sabback, Steve Durante, Danny Dicola or the others.
How were you all informed?
We all got a phone call at the same time, on the same day. That day we all were talking about what we should do and what would be the best decision. It pretty much happened over the phone with all of us.
I thought there was some weirdness with that “The Others Ones” video as well.
Well, yeah. We finished that video last summer and they didn’t want to put it out because they said they couldn’t afford it. So we paid for it ourselves. Dave paid for most of it and then we all threw in $100 each. It was the IPath filmer that quit last summer, Thad Croskey — it was basically his independent video.
But they’re a major footwear brand and that would’ve been a promotional tool for their brand. What couldn’t they afford that your few hundred dollars could?
I don’t know, I really don’t understand. Especially since we came up with the money and it wasn’t really that much money. I think that they thought they were going to let people go and it was going to be a bad look. I’m not sure. But everyone is in it except Nesser’s part was used for a Familia edit.
What do you see the future of IPath being?
I don’t know. I know they want it to be a lifestyle brand, that’s what they told me. I saw the new catalog and the shoes look alright. They cut all their skate ads so I know they’re not trying to go in the direction of skate. They’re just going for a lifestyle brand.
Do you think they’ll make it as a lifestyle brand?
I don’t know. No comment.
Article source: http://espn.go.com/action/skateboarding/blog/_/post/7497660/ryan-lay-discusses-changes-ipath
Where to Skateboard in the Hudson Valley Region of New York
The Hudson Valley Region is one that I know well and it’s a great place to take the family anytime of year. There are several skate parks that you may want to try if you do decide to visit the area. Here’s a look at a few of them:
Second Nature Skate Park
The Second Nature Skate Park is a 5,000 square foot, indoor, skater owned and operated facility. It is located on Highland Industrial Park in Peekskill and features ample ramps, a stair set, rails and ledges. The park opens at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. in the weekends. It will cost you $15 to skate all day and you’ll need a signed liability waiver. The least expensive time to visit is Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. when the admission price tends to drop a few bucks. There is a super pro shop on site as well. The park staff also holds special events throughout the year. Some of the special events include build your own skateboard workshops, demos and contests.
Skate Time 209
Skate Time 209 is a large, multi-use entertainment complex that includes a 10,000 square foot, indoor skate park. The facility is located on Route 209 in Accord and opens Thursday through Sunday. It features a series of obstacles including a micro mini-ramp, pyramid, stair set, manny pad, grinding rails, ledges and more. You’ll want to plan your visit for Saturday or Sunday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. when the park is only open for skateboarders. The other times of the week skateboarders are forced to share the park with roller bladers and things can get chaotic. It will cost you $10 to get in and $3 for a helmet unless you bring your own.
Village of Saugerties Skate Park
The Village of Saugerties Skate Park on Washington Avenue in Saugerties is a great place to go if you’re craving concrete. It is a 5,500 square foot outdoor park with a stair set and hand rail, bowl, ledges and transitions. Admission is free. You’ll need to wear proper safety gear. I should also mention that although the park is unsupervised it is kept under video surveillance. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting.
My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport. I also grew up in New York and have traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Where to Go Snow Tubing in the Hudson Valley
Top five Republicans that don’t skateboard but should
Family’s Guide to Snowboarding at Mount Peter in Warwick, NY
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Why should you skateboard now
?Why should you skateboard?
Maybe you’re a skateboarder who thinks your friend should learn to skateboard, maybe you’re a parent who wants to encourage your child to try out a sport and
skateboarding is one option, or maybe you’re just trying to convince yourself that skateboarding would be worth your
time. Well, whatever the case is–here are a list of reasons listing out why skateboarding is worth a shot but
also worth the pain and time invested.
1. Its something new to try
This may seem too simple a reason but a lot of times people want to try
something new and interesting. They want to find something that can challenge
their ability or skills. If that describes you or anybody you can think of,
then skateboarding is the perfect choice. It is a unique sport (And no, surfing
doesn’t cont because you can only surf on ocean waves.) that many people have yet to
try though it has gained plenty of popularity in recent years. Not only will it
provide you with a challenge to learn something new, it will ensure your brain
stays active (as anything new will). Plus, when it comes to skateboarding– there is always something new to try, be it a different ramp, trick or skill.
2. Helps you stay fit
Yes, it seems contrary when you think of all the ways a person can get hurt
when learning to skateboard or trying to do a trick when they are more
advanced. But despite the scraps you will probably get from falls and tumbles,
skateboarding does provide a person a unique way to becoming more fit. First of
all, the main part of skateboarding is achieving balance at all times so your
core will gain strength. It is also an excellent workout for your legs. Also,
it is not hard to work up a sweat when skateboarding as it is a very aerobic‘exercise’. In most cases, if a person is a constant and avid skateboarder they will be
very tough and lean.
3. It teaches perseverance and inspires confidence
You may think “Your joking!” but it really isn’t a joke. Trying to learn new skills and tricks, or even creatingnew tricks, for skateboarders takes a lot of time and patience. Some days, a
skateboarder can do a trick with ease yet the next day they just can’t land it. It takes perseverance and patience to see it through until they have
truly mastered it. Yet, once they have mastered it, it isn’t just a matter of achieving bragging rights at to their friends (although that
is a big plus too!), it inspires confidence in their abilities and strength to
achieve something not every other person is able to by just continuously
working at it. It teaches a powerful lesson to people which is‘If you believe in yourself and work at it, you can achieve anything you set out
to do’.
4. It’s a great way to make new buddies
This is really a no brainer. When you set out to learn something new,
especially skateboarding, you will very likely meet a number of new individuals
who share your interest. Regardless of your age, once you learn to skateboard
you will likely meet other people when you are out at the store buying new
parts or at the skatepark where you skateboard. Not to mention, you’ll probably seem more interesting to people who might not skateboard! Talk
about opening doors, huh?
5. It is just good old fashion fun!
While all the above reasons are plenty for any person to go out and learn to
skateboard, all it comes down to in the end is that skateboarding is downright
fun! It isn’t fun like reading a book or watching a new TV series, but an adrenaline
pumping straight down to your toes sort of fun. This applies each time you
learn a new trick, every time you try to nail that ramp the way you imagined,
every time you turn the corner. To sum it all up– Skateboarding rocks!
Skateboard bandit
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) — Mexico City police say they have arrested a would-be bandit who rode his skateboard to bank robbery attempts.
Police say Sergio Ledesma and his skateboard have been turned over to prosecutors after he allegedly attempted to rob two banks by whispering threats to tellers.
Police say the teller at the first bank simply acted as if he hadn’t heard Ledesma, who then skated off to a second bank.
The second teller told police Ledesma appeared to whisper a threat. So the teller set off a silent alarm, and counted out the money while the would-be robber waited patiently.
Police said Friday Ledesma was still waiting when they arrived and arrested him.
Where there’s smoke…
NEW CASTLE, Pennsylvania (AP) — One western Pennsylvania fire department learned that there’s not necessarily fire wherever there’s smoke.
New Castle’s assistant fire chief Jim Donston tells The Associated Press that firefighters were called when an electrical outlet on a floor was smoking, only to find that happened because the family’s cat urinated into the outlet.
The New Castle News first reported the incident Friday and Donston supplied more details to the AP.
The assistant chief says a Columbia Gas worker was at the house checking for a possible leak when he noticed the smoking outlet and called the fire department Wednesday about 7:30 pm.
Donston says firefighters “found the receptacle wet from cat urine” and shut off the electrical supply to that circuit.
Cougar controversy
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) — A Utah school district has decided against using “cougars” as a mascot for a new high school in part because of the negative connotation of the word in popular culture.
Canyons School District Superintendent David S Doty says the selection of “Chargers” as mascot was driven by the desire for originality, despite a poll of some future students that showed 26 per cent in favour of using the cougar.
At least three Utah schools, including Brigham Young University, use the cougar as a mascot.
Doty says public comments reflect a desire to be different, but he also notes that some see the word cougar as carrying a “negative double entendre.”
The term cougar in popular culture can refer to women in their 40s who have sex with younger men.
Curly’s home!
FERGUS FALLS, Minnesota (AP) — A goat that escaped a Minnesota Nativity scene is safe after 25 days on the loose.
Curly was found Wednesday afternoon on a farm southwest of Fergus Falls.
Tony Loomer came out to feed the horses and goats on his farm and noticed the extra goat. KBRF-AM reports Curly appeared hungry, wet and cold and had lost weight.
Curly’s owner, Jim Aakre, came to make sure the goat was his. Aakre thought about going home to get a horse trailer, but Curly was already cold, so he and his wife, Karen, gave Curly her first car ride.
The three-year-old Angora goat was supposed to be part of a live Nativity scene but escaped while she was being unloaded for a Christmas Eve service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Infectious threat
SHARON, Pennsylvania (AP) — Police say a man tried to rob a western Pennsylvania gambling parlour by threatening to spread a staph infection.
Online court records don’t list an attorney for 41-year-old Fred Parker, of Coolspring Township.
Police say he walked into Lucky’s Internet Cafe in Sharon on Monday night and began touching the walls and gambling machines, claiming he has MRSA — a serious staph infection that resists antibiotics.
Sharon police Chief Mike Menster says Parker then threatened to infect the cashier if he didn’t give Parker money. The chief tells The Herald newspaper of Sharon, “It’s our first case of robbery by threat of an infectious disease.”
Police say Parker left when the cashier refused, but was arrested a short time later based on his description.
Parker remained in jail Wednesday.
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Skateboard bandit
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Article source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Skateboard-bandit_10623284
ARIS Sport is Seeking Backers for Its Blade Runner Skateboard
On January 22, 2012 news was released that ARIS Sport had taken to Kickstarter in search of funding for its skateboard invention known as the Blade Runner. After hearing about it, I decided to investigate the matter a bit further. ARIS Sport is evidently a company based in San Jose, California. From what I could gather, the Blade Runner appears to be its only product. Here’s a bit more information about the skateboard and how you can help:
About the Product
The Blade Runner skateboard is actually a prototype. Its unusual design is said to eliminate wheel bite, enhance turning radius and give the rider a more surf like ride. Since its still in the development phase, I can’t attest to the validity of those claims. What I can attest to is that the Blade Runner certainly doesn’t look like your everyday skateboard. I’ll give it that much. Upon seeing it, my first thought was that the egg shaped wheels reminded me of the containers L’eggs brand pantyhose use to be packaged in. But that’s just me. The trucks looked a bit funky too. In the computer generated images the trucks seemed to tilt upward at a weird angle. The only thing that really resembled a regular skateboard was the skate deck. The company is allegedly working on multiple Blade Runner models. At the moment, the patent for each model is still pending and the products have yet to be manufactured in mass. There was also no official word on what price point the company is hoping to eventually sell the products.
How You Can Help
In order to finish its products and fully bring them to market, ARIS Sport has turned to the Kickstarter website in the hopes of raising $15,000 by March 21st, 2012. What you get in exchange for your contribution varies based on the pledged amount. A $250 pledge will get you your own Blade Runner. You’ll have to wait until at least June 2012 to get it though. Anything less than a $250 pledge amount will get you a t-shirt ($50), sticker ($25) or a shout out on Facebook. The stickers and t-shirts are expected to be ready by May 2012.
My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport.
More from this contributor:
Skateboard Shaped Coffin on Display in the UK
Common Skate Related Knee Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Chaotic Moon Labs Unleashes Voice Responsive Skateboard
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Skateboard Bandit Phenomenon Spreads to Mexico City
Spanish philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Evidently Mexico City resident Sergio Ledesma is a bit on the forgetful side as well as a bit hoarse. The weekend of January 21, 2012, he became the latest in what seems to be a growing line of skateboard bandits. Only his story has a twist. Here are the details:
About Ledesma’s Actions
It seems that Ledesma and his skateboard allegedly rolled to a Mexico City bank with the intent to rob the place. He purportedly whispered his demands to the bank teller and when she ignored him, he got back on his skateboard and rolled away without the cash. He then went to a second bank and tried the same thing all over again. Only this time the teller pulled the silent alarm and Ledesma was subsequently captured by the Mexico City police.
Other Skateboard Bandits of Note
As amusing as Ledesma’s choice of getaway vehicle is, he scores no points on originality based on his selection. He does, however, get originality points for whispering. In 2011, there was a group of alleged criminals that used skateboards as getaway vehicles and in each scenario it ended badly. First there was 30 year old Jared Sun Yoon Herdt of Sacramento, California. He used his skateboard to carry out a two state, one man crime spree that earned him an eight year stay in the federal penitentiary. Unlike Ledesma, Sung Yoon Herdt managed to successfully get away each time and wasn’t caught until he went to the dentist. It seems that at one point he traded his skateboard in for a stolen car and forgot to remove a dentist receipt from the vehicle before abandoning it. The police used the dental receipt to eventually track Sung Yoon Herdt down and arrest him.
Then there was the case of 26 year old San Diego, California, resident Colter Johnson. He was sentenced to four years in prison for robbing three banks while on his skateboard. In addition to the skateboard getaway, Johnson’s brilliant plan included wearing a beanie and brandishing a pellet gun. Joining Sung Yoon Herdt and Johnson in the skateboarding bandit hall of shame is 46 year old William Lee of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and 32 year old Sean Spinato of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Lee purportedly attempted to use a skateboard to wheel away a family member’s safe and Spinato allegedly used his to steal a can of whipped cream while donning a Fedora. When are these guys going to learn that crime doesn’t pay but skateboarding does?
My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport.
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Fakie Skateboard Exhibit Runs Through Feb. 18th, 2012 in Dubai
Imagine broken skateboard decks transformed into shoulder pads for your jacket, high heeled shoes for your feet and art for your walls. The artists involved with the Fakie skateboard exhibit going on in Dubai did more than just imagine it. They made it a reality. Here’s a bit more information about the exhibit and what makes it so extraordinary:
About the Skateboard Exhibit
The Fakie skateboard exhibit opened on January 19, 2012, at the Tashkeel on Nad Al Sheba in Dubai. It consists of 30 skate broken skate decks that have been transformed into art, footwear, clothing accessories and furniture by some of the most talented artists in the United Arab Emirates. Artists whose work is on display include Dana Saif Al Mazrouei and Kristy Anne Ligones. Mazrouei is the one that transformed a skate deck into a high heel shoe. Ligones, on the other hand, painted a creature on her deck that was reminiscent of a Jim Phillips’ style monster. Want to see the skateboard exhibit for yourself? It will remain on display at Tashkeel until February 18, 2012. You can also check out photos of the skate art through the Tashkeel website.
Extraordinary Aspects
In addition to the broken deck exhibit, there will be skate and surf workshops as well as a unique skate contest. Workshop participants will get to learn the basics of skating and surfing. There will also be skate art and skate film workshops too. The skate contest is the extraordinary element. It is entitled Skate Biladi and it is scheduled to take place on February 17th. The contest’s course and judging format is what gives it an air of originality. The course will contain the only skateboard ramp in the world designed by street artist Amartey Golding. He created it in association with G Ramps. It is made from Finnish birch and decorated with Arabic calligraphy. As far as the skate contest judging goes, it will be done via Facebook. The skater that gets the most “likes” on Facebook during the contest wins. Skaters interested in participating in the contest or workshops will need to pre-register at least two days in advance of their desired event. A complete schedule of events is available online.
My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport.
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Top 5 Skate Shops Located in the Atlanta, Georgia, Area
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