American Shaolin
Matt Polly
Chinese kung-fu is one of the most glorious examples of obsessive-compulsive behavior in the history of human culture.
There is a certain type of person who needs something to hang onto, make their own and Focus On (yes, with caps). For some reason, martial arts (and religion) seem to draw these folks to them. Polly is a kind of uber-obsessive in that he actually moved to China to study kung-fu at the Shoalin temple. Like anything portrayed in Hollywood movies it is both completely different and yet exactly as portrayed. Polly’s outsider exuberance and overwhelming desire to fit in is at times rather sad and pathetic. Yet I can’t help admire him for giving his all and truly immersing himself in his quest for knowledge. He ...
The Surfboard – Art, Style, Stoke
Ben Marcus
Have I ever surfed? No. Will I ever try? Maaaaybe. But gosh darn these surfboards are beautiful. Along with a pretty interesting history of the sport, major surfers and the evolution of design and materials and numerous gorgeous images of boards. Everything from the earliest all-wood boards to shimmering fiberglass. MMmmmm, shiiiinyyyy.
Roller Girl – Totally True Tales from the Track
Melissa – “Melicious” Joulwan
Melicious’ book is a a must read for any derby fans or aspiring derby girls. Covering the early days of the Texas Roller Girls (the modern mothers of derby) Joulwan talks about her discovery of derby, addiction, the politics of the early team, dissolution of the old group and the formation on the current democratic derby teams and leagues. Interspersed with the usual derby fun, bruises and bashing and back-stabbing politics, are accounts of more memorable bouts. Here and there are mentions of our local league – The Mad Rollin’ Dolls. Not a fan of derby? You may want to...