SKATEJAWN VIDJAWN from Skate Jawn on Vimeo.
Last night I missed out on a very impromptu Skate Jawn video premiere. To say the least, I'm bummed but just because I missed out on it doesn't mean you should. Much of my homies can be found fucking shit up in this video and had I not been busy writing reviews, I probably would've tried to get a front nose in this video or something. With the recent uproar of independent film makers, this Skate Jawn video can please everyones musical & skating pallet. It's got everything from The Who to Cam'Ron & anything else you can imagine in it. Watch this & go roll, it's a perfect way to start this week.

Coming this week, The DC Centric S review & coincidentally a blast into the past.

Screen shot of Chris Pierre-Jacques doing our latest video shoe review.

I'm looking to hit you over the head with so many updates this September. We've got the following reviews coming out this month:

• King Foam insoles in-depth written and video review.
• Adidas Adi-Ease review and how canvas is going to be the next trend.
• Supra Skytop 3 shoe review and why you should spend your parents money on it.
• Converse Ka-One video and written review.

At the very top is a photo of 2nd Nature Family and 5boro flow rider Chris Pierre-Jacques ripping up the next video review we're hosting. Any guesses? The video is going to be up this week. Keep posted. On another note, check this out. It's the greatest thing I've ever recorded, totally topping the first steps of my unborn child, without a doubt.



For the full collaborated video, check out Jenkem Mag's article

Peace!

You may remember an article that we had not to long ago, it was called "Lil Chris will fuck you up" featuring one of my closest friends, Chris Pierre-Jacques. I never realized it but I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by many talented friends that rip shit up, on and off the board. This new segment called "Brotha from another Motha" hosts to my talented friends, who I feel, deserve it all.

Sal Puglisi is the nicest and probably the most naturally gifted person I know. I know from seeing him skate in person but digging a little deeper I found out, from speaking to his parents privately, that at a young age Sal's parents wanted him to be able to jump "high as fuck". For no particular reason, they just knew it would come in handy. So, at an early age, Sal's parents would refuse to let him go to school in order to pursue this dream of jumping......"high as fuck". Took him out a school, made him lift weights and when it came time, they released the beast from his cage and into society with his skateboard in hand.

I stated that he is the "nicest" guy I know, I don't mean "YO SON, you NICE". I mean this motherfucker will "help a old lady cross the street and shit" nice, but granted he still does gain the praise of all of the ghetto spots we go to where they echo "YO SON, you NICE". In this day in age, talented skateboarders are a stones throw away from acting like elitist super models. It's like an unwritten rule, if you're better than most kids in your community, you automatically deserve the right to be a dick and still gain praise from all of those kids that are "beneath" you. Not to blab, but it makes sense. 

Think about it, what does it take to be a "talented" skater?

• Confidence - You must be sure of yourself at all times in order to pull off whatever scary shit you're trying.
• Strong willed - You must be determined to/try whatever it takes to get that trick.
• Concentrated - You must have the action and power of focusing on your effort.

That's not all that you need to become the "perfect" skater but in most cases the above 3 create the classic formula of an "asshole & spectacular skater" or the acronym "A.S.S."

Sal has all of the mentioned above but isn't by any means an "A.S.S.". He's the working man's skater. I don't normally appreciate a man's figure but the dude is "brolic". This is from working like a man with his pops and I imagine from getting it in with his baby moms. When he's not tapping that ass, he's skating with precision and just as hard as everyone else. The crazy shit is that he skates this hard after work or before work, without thinking about being tired or fatigued and still holds a smile on his face. I really couldn't go into detail about how good he is but he has one hell of a frontside flip. Be that as it may, that won't be his claim to fame when that day comes. His claim to fame will be from his character, individuality and personality. Sal is your favorite skater's skater, or at least soon will be after they put him on their team. If I could go into detail about Sal's skating, I probably sound like this when I'm most hyped.

To this day, Sal still jumps "high as fuck" and on a more informal note he get's....."High as fuck." Check out TornRetina for some of Sal's footy and be on the look out for him, he's good.

Some way, somehow this is considered throwaway footy. These guys are so good I guess they can afford to throwaway some great clips. I don't really get it but it's TIGHT!


Leftovers from 2nd Nature Skateboarding on Vimeo.

I've found, over the years of meeting many skateboarders, that most are filled with the question "What if?"

It may be before trying a really difficult/scary trick or questioning what's really possible at a spot. Those who question skateboarding don't nearly enjoy it as much and find themselves never trying much at all. Those who throw caution to the wind, resurrect with a overwhelming outcome of pain and accomplishment, a feeling Braydon Szafranski has dubbed "being better than sleeping with three playboy bunnies."

Granted, Armand isn't John Cardiel, he didn't have the same amazing career or accomplish legendary status in skateboarding but they do share the same story. Their willingness to continue on, despite their disability has only given these individuals more character and strength to pursue their goals in life. Allowing no obstacle to discourage them whatsoever makes them the same, giving me not one but two people to idolize.


Armand Brunelle's Story from MARINO on Vimeo.

If you found Armand's story inspirational and compelling then check out his latest film featuring Burton Smith, Brian Brown and the rest of the 2nd Nature team being released (for free) in one week. For more updates, be sure to check back.


Thank you.