Mail drop.

Confront all stunts, grunts, and suspect noseblunts at: Mail Drop c/o THRASHER PO Box 884570 San Francisco, CA 94188-4570

DUST EM

The September issue was incredible! Add another to my increasingly large permanent collection. What really blew me away was the Kris Markovich interview--completely unexpected and a true gem. Thank you Thrasher, Mr Markovich, and Mr Burnett. Hopefully the younger skaters didn't just look at the pictures and skip over the text, they could really learn from what he had to say. It'd be a bit of a history lesson too. Kris gave us a glimpse of the '80s, a good summary of the '90s, even some thoughts about what the future might hold for him and his endeavors. I was truly amazed by the depth of his answers, and how down to earth and honest he seems; definitely what skateboarding needs right now is more honesty Or more skateboarders being honest with themselves, at the very least.

There seems to be to me a pattern forming of Thrasher running retrospective interviews, first with Templeton, then Drehobl, now Markovich. If the pattern is going to continue I'd love to see interviews with the following: Julien Stranger came to mind first. I think it was SLAP who called him an enigma, and that's the truth of it. The last interview with him that tread was in Thrasher back in '93 or '94. Karma would be great, he's too far underground. Jason Jessee is a hall of famer without a doubt. He's making moves again, and even if he wouldn't do a serious interview I'm sure he'd be entertaining nevertheless. Ricky Qyola would be another good one, especially now that LOVE is being "remodeled." Here are some up-and-comers who could all benefit from the good interviews: Frank Gerwer, under-appreciated as a skater, a funny-ass dude, and he's got heart. Cairo Poster has been killing it, and still no interview. Why not show Carolina some love by running a Scott Bourne feature? He seems like an intense guy, I'm sure you'd get some interesting views. Alright, everybody keep breathing and keep skating. One love.

Erik Linder

Wilmington, North Carolina 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. T-ed

SOUL DOUBT

I want to start off by saying that I'm glad skateboarding is growing and there are more people skate-boarding than I even knew. But right now I'm drawing the line. I was flipping channels and saw Rowley skating on MTV-on fucking MTV! Then Bastien Salabanzi and Evan Hernandez come on and it ends up being one big Vans ad at the end. It's fucking disgusting to see three of the best skaters around and one of the best shoe companies there ever was being pulled into the mainstream. While Vans could be putting their ads in Thrasher, Transworld or 411 videos, they're advertising their stuff to all the preppies out there waiting anxiously for N'Sync to start their concert. This is where skateboard growing changes into skateboarding going corporate. The one thing to blame for this, I think, is that fucking Tony Hawk video game. It's got little seven-year-old kids playing with finger boards and saying that me and my friends suck at skating because we can't launch off 15-foot vert ramps or do 900s. The worst part is the jockey companies--Adidas, Nike--are making skate shoes now! Soon, jocks are going to be dressed up for a baseball game skating over to play baseball with their spotless Nike shoes on. Unless we go back to the way things were, skateboarding as we know it will be dead. Remember one thing: Live to skate. Skate or die.

Brent Siegel

Bayside, New York 

The wave has crested and we're headed for the beach. T-ed

MY PAL

I feel like I am writing an old friend. The advice provided by you [T-Ed], Dr Rick, and others has really been indispensible in realizing all of my dreams and goals for over two decades. Mail Drop, Ask the Doctor, the step-by-steps, and all the advice and wisdom imparted in the hallowed pages of Thrasher magazine have at times enraged and inspired me. I was indebted to you to a point, but as of now I am deeply pained.

My life has become a living hell since your July 2002 issue. Cured of my affliction, I shred no longer like I did. Had I known my stank foot preserved me from a life of carnal torment, I'd have never attempted the change, but now that I can really skate the ladies have finally noticed. This significant little article ("This doesn't change anything," the Contents said) has wreaked havoc on my world--a world of heretofore peaceful and trick-filled--and has now become a nightmare of forbidden pleasures with ladies of many persuasions.

As a long time reader and first time writer to Thrasher, I was compelled to share this warning to save some from such a fate as mine, endurable as it may be. All those stanking front-foot pushers might just leave well enough alone if they value the time they spend skating. The choice is clear: correct this debilitating habit, thereby increasing shred potential and simultaneously reducing actual skate time for the action from the ladies, or just mongo push for the remainder of your useful days free of carnal troubles. Go #*@% or go skate. Choose wisely.

Daniel Downey

Long Beach, CA

If we're such bros, how come you never call me on my birthday? T-ed

RIP IN PEACE

I write in regards to the death of Rory Ably. I heard today that Rory hit his head and died skating Ashland. I am greatly saddened by this, as I know many others are. I only knew Rory for a short time, but I feel a loss, not only for the friend I had but the good friend I could have made over the years. Rory was a ripping skater and great guy to hang out with, always good for a laugh. Not to mention puffing us up at his house whenever we'd come up. From me and Brigham and Rod and everyone else down here who had the pleasure of knowing you, rest in peace brother. We'll miss you. By the way, how are the pools in heaven?

Joel Lemos

Truckee, California

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS

This is a letter to Sam Cross of the August 2002 issue. Dude, what gives you the right to criticize peoples' lifestyles; not only that, but straight out dog a skate company? I personally do not believe in God, so are you saying I'm going to hell? Or would you go down the street with a shirt on sayin' "If you don't believe in God go to hell?" Skateboarding is a way of expression and is a lifestyle, or at least to me it is. And to criticize a company because of the way they express themselves? It's their choice to not believe in God, not like they are ramming it down your throat. Shit, I like Jamie Thomas. I got nothing against him 'cause he's Christian. Skateboarding is not to become another place for you small town people to censor--like music, it's expression. But when you POD-listening, church-going dudes start whining about graphics on decks it makes me sick. I gotta stop or I'm going to go ape shit. Skating is life.

Albert Chavez

Sylmar, California

God skates pools and Satan skates rails. T-ed

CRUST TIME

Last month I was reunited with my skate buddy from back in the day (early '80s). It had been at least 15 years--we are both 35 now. Neither of us had changed, still skatin,' stlll punkin' out. We got to talking and remembering how much your mag had meant to us then and now (D4 are feckin' brilliant, although I could live without another rail or stair picture). Living in backwater Northern Ontario, Canada, we were pretty much outsiders (in those days we would have been outsiders in LA)' nobody skated (of course) and certainly nobody was into '80s hardcore. They figured 'cause we were punk we listened to The Cars or the feckin' B52's. Anyway, on a trip to SF I discovered your magazine and it was like a message from the Godz themselves. I am not sure if words can describe how we felt and how Thrasher had became our salvation (even just for mail order information, is Tom Thumb still around?) After getting chased and threatened and insulted it was beautiful knowing that we belonged somewhere in the world and it ke pt us going. It was a huge part of our staying sane, being feckin' more hardcore than anyone else (especially when those day-glow Transworld/Airwalk pussies who came onto the scene later on), and of course entertaining us through our long winters. If I ever get the chance, the beers are on me.

Marko Othmer

Ontario, Ottawa

TWS stands for Tony and Willy and Steve. T-ed