If you read the news post for the new trick tip video that was posted up yesterday, then you already know that theProgram’s own Matt Ballard just left town to do big things with bigger people for the next 3 months.  Well, I can already tell that the good life has changed him because he’s started his own blog to document his travels.  So, if you care about what he’s filming, where he’s filming it at, and who he’s filming it with, you can keep track of it there.

Bank spots (well, banks worth skating) are few and far between in Louisville.  Collins knows  two good ones within 50 feet of each other, so we went out and skated them on the worst possible day.  Probably the hottest day of the year so far and the black top made it that much more unbearable.  Ignoring the heat Andy handles his business…now its time to go get that kickflip…

 Andy Collins. Nollie into Bank. Louisville, KY

The new issue of Absorb is called Jovontae.  It’s apparently the season finale, but I don’t really know what that means as far as new issues goes.  Plenty of ripping in this one, including an amazing looking industrial spot.

The second photo that didn’t make the cut for the Derby City article did so because to the best of my knowledge, Mikey never went back and made this ollie.  He landed on it several times that night, but it just got too dark for him to see and be able to absorb the impact correctly.  The setting sun made for a nice backdrop though.  Go back and get this Mikey!

 Mikey “Mike” Roges, ollie.

The super homey Matt Creasy just put me onto his latest video project called “It’s a Crazy World.”  Looks like it’s going to be a series of shorts, but that’s just what I’m guessing from this promo.  Stoked to see what Creelo’s got up his sleeve.

When the news post about the Derby City article I did for SLAP Magazine went up, we got some comments from some of you saying that the article didn’t feature certain people that you felt were important pieces in the Louisville scene.  Well, some of those guys I’ve never shot with, but some of the others had photos that just didn’t make the cut for the article, so over the next few days, I’m going to throw some of the cut photos up here on the site.

We’ll start with probably my favorite photo that got cut;  Chaney Given’s back tail over the gap at alley banks.  Unless something has happened recently that I’m not aware of, this is hands down the gnarliest grind or slide trick that’s been done across the gap.  The section after the stairs is like sliding on a razorblade and the angle is just jacked.  Especially with a photographer laying in your path.

Fans of Post 22, myself included, have been long awaiting a new issue from James and the gang, and I’m pleased to announce that the world was blessed Issue 19 today.  Amazing visuals and even more amazing maneuvers with a special encore from the one and only Mr. Horn.  I’ve been jealous of the scene down there since day one.  You guys got a special one down there Mr. Tupper.

Part of the DC Shoes team is posted up in Nasvhille this week.  They’re 3 days into a 9 day stint in the Country Music Capital of the World, so keep your eyes peeled for loads of rippers at the good spots down there.  Looks like they’re gonna be uploading videos everyday too.

Louisville is all over the place right now.  Resident artiste de fanastique and all-around stand-up fellow, Patrick Jilbert has an interview up over at Dave Carnie’s King Shit.  Loads of great drawings and a small glimpse into the man that brought you the Surf Yeti.

Weather has been warming up quite nicely here in Minneapolis, and much of the midwest. Bossman and CEO of Handjob Inc, Eric Vermilyea has got a nice ramp in his backyard that when the threat of snow has seemingly passed, he has a crew over to crestin the ramp with a backyard season opener.

We may have all lost our minds over the winter, but, thankfully, Eric didn’t lose his buttery backsmiths.

London Luke gets cheeky with a nice back tail. Well done mate!

How hyped would you be if your realtor could do Japan Airs to fakie like Andy Pauslon? Selling houses by day, ripper by later in the day.