"GONZ"

Mark Gonzales, also known as the "Gonz," is known in the skateboarding world as the pioneer of street skating, which is most popular form of skateboarding. His influences are: Rob Roskopp, George Horton, Jay Adams, Joe Lopes, Neil Blender, John Lucero, Jeff grosso, Eric Nash and Ben Schroeder.

Mark hit the scene at the ripe age of 15 years old with a "unique" style to street skating. He quickly picked up popular magazine covers like, "Thrasher" and was offered sponsorship by, "Vision Skateboards."

The "Gonz," set some records that have left landmarks, famous "skate spots." In, 1986 he cleared a major gap at Embarcadero in San Francisco. This was so major, that it will forever be known as the, "Gonz Gap." Famous for his, "front board slides," "50-50 hand rails," and "radical personality."

Mark greatly influenced skateboarding as it modernized in the early 90's. He released, "Video Days," but this time by his own company he created, Blind Skateboards. With much pressure from Santa Cruz, Alva, and Vision Skateboards to turn pro he choose Vision' later learning and feeling that Vision was to, "coorporate" and like many companies they sell out! and go where the power is. Many argue that the name Blind was an intention name in opposition of Vision. But Mark insists his inspiration came from a song by the, "Talking Heads."

Not only is this man an impeccable skater but he has also established a career as an accomplished artist, writer, painter, poet and actor. Today, Mark is keeping busy with his company and skate team, "Krooked." He also rides for Spitfire wheels, Independent Truck Company, Fourstar Clothing, and Adidas.

Thrasher Magazine has named Mark Gonzales, "the most influential skater of all time." Without this guy, it would be difficult to know where skating would be today. He has the consistent ability to change , and tap into new realms of skateboarding constantly changing the elements of skateboarding.

"i wanna be just like you"

When I enter a room, I carefully scan the area, indicating and setting up mental markers for garbage cans, tissues, clocks even escape routes in case of an emergency. I carefully select my seating, completely making personal and mental judgements based on ones appearance. Even though at times they fail me, my instincts usually lead me to where I feel I am meant to go. I have learned to trust them in courageous matters, and have learned to let go, and put my trust in the word of others.

I knew the professor, and have had many of her courses. I was able to get away with sitting at the back of the class typing every word that ever came out of her mouth. I also had to remain close to one of the only student accessible power sources. Most of the kids that occupied the seats beside me, where either the, "geniuses" that spent their class drawing a notebook filled with an anime comic story, not paying attention at all to lectures but still scoring high 90's or the kids that spent the entire class period flipping between "popula"r social network sites like, 'Facebook", "Tumblr", and "Twitter". I catch a number of "TMZ" photo uploads and re posts to either site, followed by joke, or humiliating story, most likely false but juicy in detail. Did I mention that, these are the kids I see sticking around to fail or , doing the smartest thing of all semester and dropping by the financial aid refund date.

The few that stuck around to cause their life demise, never participated in class discussions, but often interrupted with whispers and giggles. Due to my eye for, "precise location" I was at the center of conversation.

Today I found out that, "Snooki" a character from a "reality television programming show" was pregnant. The reality show takes please on the Shores of New Jersey. Sex, partying, sex, and emotional outbursts containing profanity seem to be the obvious social norms, displayed within the first fifteen minutes. Entertaining to some, a shame to me.

The next topic, more important than, the failing healthcare system in the United States was Lindsay Lohan appearance this Saturday on "SNL." They began filling each other in on Lindsay's history with drugs and alcohol. With the credibility of gossip articles like, "TMZ" these students and their attention was absorbed by the false identity's and advertisements of television programming.

I was concerned for myself, and those who would invest in energy and time into success. After all, these "glamorous" lifestyles portrayed ordinary people, "striking it rich" with their wit, charm and good looks. I was concerned and fearful of those that would buy into these, "lifestyles" meant to "entertain" us and become consumed to the point of obsession. Enough for one to mimic and idolize the actions that seem to be encouraged by most of my peers.

Really, this just pissed me off because instead of being concerned about current events that will effect our future or current political issues, they were obsessing about ordinary people who are payed to "act" and "entertain." At times I feel, we forget these are people that face the same decisions we do.

Unfortunately when the director yells, "cut" the life of a movie star is captured on an endless reel, waiting to be exposed, and waiting to be mislead.

MADE

"MADE Gallery," is located in the beautiful "windy" city of Chicago Illinois. This gallery features, glass sculpture, hot glass, pipes, bubblers, multimedia sculpture, along with wearable jewelry made of glass. Due to their highly exclusive glass pieces MADE Gallery was recognized and labeled, "Best Booth" in the "L.A. Medical Cannabis Cup" by High Times.

MADE Gallery most certainly will have something for any person with an appreciation for glass and art. These artists have turned glass into captivating imitations of mother natures creations. Glass forms that look like flowers that personally remind me of the stunner flower, many areas so intricate that they resemble the stamen and anther of the blue flower. Others use tubes, toros, rigs, and pipes to display characters from popular television shows or celebrities or just characters from their wild imagination. But many artists just have their owns styles or preferences. The picture here is a callaboartion featuring, "Bearclaw and "Ghost". This is a mask, that is paried with another just as bangin. These two are selling for 30k!

"Slinger" one of the many underground glass artists is featured at MADE and can be observed in many collections. Specaliizing in the form of borosilicate glass through the form of the pipe, Slinger has mastered an epic method and technique for us to enjoy. Popular pieces like the, "Morton Assault Girl" were not in sight. Its pretty exclusive shit, hard to get your hands on at times, many people don't want to sell or give this up from their personal collections. I DO NOT blame them.

Collaborations are the two in one. These raw artists, come together putting their special touches all in one. "Slinger" and "Snic" did a colab and came up with their special, "fifteen minutes of fame rig." Blown borosilicate glass is most def the work of slinger, and electroformed copper are most definitely is the technique that "Snic" is known for.

I couldn't help but fall in love with the work of, "Bearclaw." The dishes in his display case were to die for, but what really captures the eye is the appearance of carved wood but on glass. The "graalacello bub" was a mouthwatering treat.

All in all it was an intense night. Met a lot of real good people and had the pleasure of really checking out some rare pieces.

:.Always add to your collection.:

LipStick

This is USU Club President Jessica Nichols riding Burton's 2011Womans LipStick snowboard.

This masterpiece was released last year and has been taring up areas near you. I have been given the luxury of being able to ride this mutha sucka when ever I want to. Working in a snowboard shop certainly has its perks, but being able to test, enjoy and push this board to its limits sure is thrilling. The true reward, is being able to educate those on this amazing invention and then cruise beside them.

Although the Lipstick is a woman's specific board, there are many suitable to your particular interest in riding. The most difficulty I found when I learned was, catching an edge. Thankfully the lipstick was designed for us ladies to avoid this disaster all together. The Lipstick offers "frostbite edges," beneath the bindings the boards edges are extended out slightly for edge-hold on hard, icy conditions, which is perfect for conditions typically in the Sheboygan area. The edges are powerful when you need to make the sharp carve and easy when you don't. The frostbite edges really allow this board to be super forgiving in softer conditions.

This baby is also packed with additional heat..the, "Hi-Voltage Jumper Cables." These are ultra-light carbon stringers allow energy to push outward from your feet, toward the tip and tail. With this feature you will feel maximum flight, and really have a precise control of your board. Trust yourself ladies, you have board here made with, "Triax Fiberglass." The tapered tip and tail thickness allows the mobility your boards needs to shift weight, the response is all here. Because the Lipstick was designed with you in mind it was ran through a machine that allows it to already be broken in from Burtons lab is called the, "infinite ride." The "Flying V" feature on this board enhances playfulness and float through fresh powder. Meanwhile underneath your feet the camber zones are focused on controlling those edges to allow you have a crisp ride with power and pop!

I have only been on a board for three years, with no previous experience. With time, a little bit of cash to spend, and dedication I was able to master the skills needed to cruise and enjoy mother nature. I am certainly not going to fight her and be miserable all winter, so instead, I am using her. Snowboarding really is another sight to see and a feeling to that's good for words. . .

see you on the slopes

First Timer...

On Sunday September 19, I attended my first packer game at Lambeau Field. Even though I have lived in Wisconsin for my entire life, I never took the opportunity to experience a live football game. So I grabbed the chance by the horns and dropped $141 for a ticket in the 9th row by the 10 yard line. Was it worth it?...YES! Should you have been there?...YES! Even if you don't like football or the Packers, I think the environment is worth it. From the tailgating, to the walk up to the stadium and the walk away memories were surly made.

Let me be honest here, I am not a die hard Packer fan, or Football fanatic whatsoever. I'm not able to catch every Sunday or Monday night game. But, after this Sunday I may be tuning in more frequently.

The tailgating was quite the show. Surrounding the stadium are hundreds of people gathered in small groups, playing games, throwing around footballs, laughing , drinking and singing along to good ol' tunes. Everyone that I looked at, had a huge smile on their face and awaited greeting the next person. Large white tents are filled with people,live music and even mechanical bull riding. Feel free to ignore a few vendors with expensive merch, the one 9 feet away will have the same thing maybe more or less.

Once your rear hits your seat and the beer to your lips, all worries melt away. Jets fly across the stadium following the national anthem. As you scan the crowd, you cant help but notice, that not one seat is empty. The entire game, fans are cheering and arguing with rivals. Chants are memorized like holy scriptures. Even if you don't know them, chances are that the guy next to you is to wasted and making up their own, play along.

With a win, the exit is just as interesting as the entrance. Face paint and wild get ups are still intact and of course beer sampling all the way to the parking lot your vehicle sits. The chaos continues for hours after the game has ended. Everyone was there for one thing in common, whether you were on this end or that one, the day is well spent.

"Che"

This familiar yet intense face, is sported on t-shirts all over the world. Ernesto "Che" Guevara is the name belonging to this revolutionary. At the beginning of the year, in History class I was able to choose any book to complete a book review on. I choose Che, despite the endless possibilities I had.

Che was born a native to Argentina, and immediately took an interest in school. He took a large interest in traveling and eventually dropped out of Medical School in order to travel. His early observations in Peru, Buenos Aires and Guatemala sparked thought of change. The inequality among individuals and groups within a society such as economic inequality really angered Che. He witnessed first hand many unjust activities that would stay locked in his memory forever.

Che returned home and finished Medical School. He began to travel again and ended in Mexico where his support was for liberation. Ernesto came to trust Fidel and Raul Castro. These men began a secret training camp which sparked the Guerrilla Warfare. Che was an outstanding leader, with amazing tactic and wisdom.

From 1956 to 1966 he lead battles throughout Latin America. His revolutionary state of mind ended on October 9, 1966 when he was captured, shot and killed.

The reason he stood out to me so much was because, he and several man; disagreed with the way Juan Batista ran the country. Many things were occurring that were unfair. Many were starving and addicted to drugs. Land was taken from people and the people no longer had the right to vote. Che and others came together to fight the government, because they knew what they were doing was wrong. Che more than ever wanted to liberate Latin America’s oppressed and exploited masses. Che made three fundamental contributions to revelatory thought in Latin America. The Cuban experience showed that popular forces, could win in a war against a professional army. Another was that you didn’t necessarily have to wait until all conditions for revolution are present, that not all demand of people need to be met or fulfilled. Lastly if its to succeed than full concentration on rural areas, not just cities alone. He knew that he was a powerful person and that many supported his cause. With his fellow believers by his side he was not worried.

When he was captured and before he was put to death, he had told the officer, "I know you've come to kill me. Shoot, coward! You are only going to kill a man!" Che was not just another man, he believed in something and would not let the Government continue with things that were not right. It was a serious fight that drove him to the Congo, to live and fight in caves in the hills. It was a sacrafive and ultimately a life sacrifice he gave for the rights of man.

I know that there are so many issues I think about on a daily basis, that the government can just go on ignoring. Just the fact that The United States is fully capable of feeding all the starving mouths of the world amazing, but we don't feed the hungry. Instead we continue to let 4,000 die every hour of starvation. I would like to challenge myself to make a scene on an important life threatening issue, but the power of the government, compared to none(me), is scary. I think these days its just easier to get rid of someone who stands in the way, rather than dealing with the person. I do believe thought that one day a group of people are going to come together for the greater of the people and make a severe change or at least impact.

BP Oil Spill

On April 20th an explosion and fire took place on an oil rig that left 11 workers missing is causing a much larger dilemma than expected.

The rig sank 2 days later and on the 28th a leak was spotted. A well in the Gulf of Mexico has been leaking at was once said to be a rate of 1,000 to 5,000 gallons a day and may now be up to 60,000 barrels, which totals in 2.5 million gallons per day. With the rapid amount of oil spilling into the ocean, it is said that this oil spill may out due, The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

To cover up the initial place of leaking, the cost to BP said to be, 300 million dollars. The oil slick is 600 square miles, and could reach up to Louisiana shores. Not only is this extremly costly, but our wildlife is being effected as well. Whales, tuna and shrimp; dozens of species of birds; land animals, and amphibians are being threatened by this oil spill.

Oil booms are being used to clean up some of the mess. The booms are nylons stuffed with hair and fur that are tied together and used to surround and prevent the oil from further spreading. Over 750 vessels are involved in the response effort, including skimmers, tugs, barges and recovery vessels. The are taking the oil that has reached sea level and in-situ burning it, In-Situ is a process that consists of corralling concentrated parts of the spill in a 500-foot-long fireproof boom, moving it to another location and burning it.

When I first heard about this oil spill, was bout early last week. I could not believe I had found out so late. More importantly, i could not believe that this was not being talked about amongst people around me? I began to talk about it at work, and how scary this situation really is. When you look at the big picture, you can find it easy to notice several parts of the economy just decline even faster. Not only is our wildlife at risk, but so is our economy. Forty percent of all fish harvested in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which now contains an oil slick visible from space. Another major concern is if the oil flows into estuaries and oyster beds, which will cause a major negative effect to wildlife and the seafood industry. I can see the prices rising on sea food, and illness as well if seafood providers are not taking extra precautions.