Suffrage the joy

It hit me watching Zero’s mildly psychedelic new offering “Strange World” that a company concerned with some of the more macho aspects of skate endeavors has drawn into its orbit two bookends of female street skating, that is, mid-90s Toy story Elissa Steamer and new blood Marisa Dal Santo, who seem to share a similar sensibility if not on-board choice of terrain. The possible reasons are as varied as the public projection-fed interpretations of Jamie Thomas’ motivations. Those inclined to believe in the coldhearted capitalist caricature may see this as Black Box’s calculated maneuver to corner the burgeoning female skateboard market. Or perhaps it’s an outcropping of Christian charity, in this the Xmas season. The favored explanation around this blinkered corner of the internet is that Jamie Thomas is a sex maniac and having more women in his employ is one means of expanding his sizable harem.

If the aim is dredging out double X chromosome-tinged photos and footage though, the notoriously slothlike and often laid-up Elissa Steamer may be a shallow reservoir. Her trick count comes up kinda short in what was pitched as her Zero board-earning debut and while it’s possible she’ll have more stuff in Nike productions still to come, you’re kinda left wondering what coulda been. The tailslide and frontside boardslide shove-its are cool tricks and incorporating hill bombs is a good way to up the gnar factor, maybe they need to send her back to SF and get her back on a program with Brian Anderson or something.

The new lady on the scene Marisa Dal Santo brings the heat however, cribbing well-advised moves from the likes of Fred Gall, Donny Binaco and Mike Ruscyzk in ways that put to rest concerns that the Chris Nieratko makeover might see her embrace a more polished and feminine persona. With Steamer’s Toy Machine rise as the benchmark for successive challengers to queen-bee status (Torres, Sablone, Caron) Dal Santo does her share of envelope-pushing and bar-raising via the kickflip f/s boardslide, a fairly major varial heelflip and the 14-stair frontside boardslide. There were several times I jealously muttered “damn” watching this and afterward I pondered briefly whether she ever imagined one of her video parts leading into Jamie Thomas’ section.

We are about to be a decade deeper into this mess, and the debate over girl skateboarders rages on. To wit:

I’m just saying skateboarding is based on skill. So if girls are not as skilled, I don’t think they should be getting magazine articles, pro boards, pro shoes, and the likes. What’s next? Someone getting a pro board because they’re fat and it’s way harder to skate when you’re fat instead of skinny?

A fair point, even if it risks wandering into some kind of affirmative action bar fight, but there may be broader implications here than just whether or not a video is entertaining. Photos, footage etc help establish what is possible and relevant, showcase progression and build the foundation for what’s next – in this respect we’ve traveled from tripping out over even seeing a girl in a video to the first womanly Mctwist. Are the chicks supposed to progress in secret, or some type of separate-but-equal feminine sphere, akin to “international” board/shoe teams? If women are to achieve the same parity with men they have found in basketball, NASCAR and international warfare they need at least the chance to act on the same stage. After all, look what the critically acclaimed documentary “Most Vertical Primate” did to break ape skating out of the underground, and indeed, Ryan Sheckler is now a well-known aerosol deodorant pitchman. It makes you think.

This is part is really sick. Makes you want to go skate.

I noted this recent Thunder ad a while ago and meant to post it up and remark on how the ballcap, faded jeans and t-shirt ensemble could’ve placed this Jamie Thomas trick back in the Toy Machine days, certain advances in graphic design aside. The trick’s in the “Strange World” video and it’s fairly gnarly as you might expect but toward the middle of the video I started noticing a lot of throwback spots as well – Dane Berman skates what looks a lot like a gap utilized by Thomas for the “Thrill of It All” section, I’m fairly certain Donovan Piscopo walked the barrel-laden path of Ronnie Creager and Kareem Campbell, and I think somebody skated the Neal Mims rail from his Transworld cover. BTW, to bring all this shit full circle, there’s a pic in the new Skateboard Mag photo annual of Neal Mims grinding a tank, of all things. It shall take its rightful place on my militaristic wall in between Berra backside flipping that plane and Tony Hawk doing a handplant on a Jeep Cherokee.

THIS SONG WAS USED IN THE FALLEN FOOTWEAR SKATEBOARD VIDEO.  ITS RAD TO SEE THESE GUYS PLAYING IN THIS VIDEO…

Cara, esse trabalho tá me matando… No meio de tanta hora extra, o caraio, tá foda! Perdendo altos rolês impredíveis!

Ontem, rolou em Sampa, uma premier num cinema para ver o vídeo novo da Zero. A Zero Skateboards, tem uma equipe muito foda. Eles sempre ganhavam como equipe do ano os vídeos da Thrashers, os King of The Road, que rola anual na gringa.

E a Maze Skateshop (a skateshop mais cabrera do Braza), fechou com a Zero para exibir a premier do vídeo novo dos caras. Muito foda! Rolou no Museu Brasileiro da Escultura, MuBE, na Av. Europa, em primeiríssima mão a premiere do novo video ‘Strange World’.

Se liga no trailer, bem Zero style! SKATE+GORFO!

O flyer do evento…

Os caras ainda sortearam produtos da Zero! AAAAA CU DOS INFERNO!
Enfim, perdi o rolê! Mas tô firmão, outros virão… Só num pode lesar, né irmão, se não, fode!

Ah, uma track para esse post! Bem o a cara a Zero, uns punk sujo do esgoto de LA!

Valeu PUTADA! Noix de novo!
Se tiver numas, comenta ai caraio.

Aquí tenéis el video presentación del fichaje de Jamie Thomas por la marca de ropa Insight clothing. Visitad la web de la marca para más info.

Had some leftover footy from the premier night. Tossed it all together instead of letting it go to waste. (sorry Blair, still can’t find that clip of you)

(picture Burnett shot in the video)

This video is all your favorite skaters, talking about their favorite skaters. It’s always pretty cool to see Pro skaters talking about who hypes them up. Cuz after all… We are all fucking skateboarders!

ALSO:

Things that ruled about this video in no particular order:

• Marisa’s part was fucking awesome.
• Lil’ Fucky ripped it so hard, well deserved last part.
• Keagan is Pro now!
• Rap in a ZERO video! so tuff… even made Chris Cole watchable.
• James Brockman’s super serious slo-mo heavy part, so gnarly. (only after black hammer in the whole video)
• Girls on skateboards shredding (oh and Elissa was lookin’ kinda hot at the premier, is that weird to say?)
• Baby Jamie aka Lil’ Fucky yelling “fuck the police!!” when he is getting tackled and arrested.
• It was short, raw, and hype as fuck. For sure the hype-up video before your next session.
• Oh yeah, the intro’s to each part were so tight. Loved the projector and crazy bugs and lightning and shit for sure!

Things that sucked about this video:

• Jamie Thomas filming his part in two days in a warehouse in the Salton Sea. Shit is lame. Like Chet in the Label vid. I just don’t get the concept. No disrespect to either of those dudes cuz they are both huge influences on what skating is today (and to me), but the shit woulda been sicker in one of the montages.
• James Brockman didn’t have last part.
• Not alot of Elissa or Gilley footy… which bum’s me out. Jamie gave them a big chance…
• Garrets hair was right in front of me the whole time so I could barely see. (see video)
• Steve Clare making me walk in the frigid SD cold to Capitan Keno’s then leaving after I bought him a beer

First off this video was rad.  Short and sweet. Around 25 mins. No filler crap that killed the Flip video, just raw skateboarding.

Starting the video off was Garret Hill. You can tell he has been skating. I used to not really back him I thought he had a weird style, but after this video I back him 100%.  He was doing super tech and gnar with ease.  Check his bangers when you watch this and you will see.

I don’t remember a lot of the video but I do remember Marisa having the gnarliest part any girl has ever had. She gets down. That girl is taking out half the am dudes out there. So next time your hating on some chic trying to skate at the park, stop and think about it she may end up taking you out in a few years.

Jamie Thomas part was a let down. He just skated a warehouse I would have rather seen him shred black box park.

Chris Cole backside three flip Carlsbad.  Insane.

Tommy Sandoval, went and shut down Silver Gate.

But the 2 parts the kill are Jamie Tancowny and James Brockman.

Jamie has the last part. It was insane he went back to the gap Jamie Thomas ollied in Heavy Metal for his ender and Kick Flipped it.  Everything this kid did was insane. He will be the next big name in a few years.

James Brockman, hands down the gnarliest part in the video. I have no idea why they didn’t give him the last part.  Back 5.0 Patrick Henry middle rail, Front Blunt Mission Valley hubba, etc…………….

This video will be in skate shops around Thanksgiving. Be sure to pick it up. It is going to be around $10. Great price for a ripping video.

- Jamie Thomas
- Jimmy Carlin
- Billy Marks

Here is a link to San Diego’s number 1 artist Brian Clinebell.  He has done graphics for Fallen Footwear, Pacific Drive Skateshop and tons of shows.

Brian Clinebell

Hailing from Virginia, Brain Clinebell came out to San Diego 10 years ago and has been skating and steadily churning out amazing art ever since. He’s secured his place doing graphic design for companies such as Fallen, Pacific Drive and has been doing art shows at places like SDSU, Overload Skateshop, Pride Skateshop, 504 Gallery, SB Showroom, Disconnected, Kate Ross Boutique, Paper Rock Scissors, Ken Cafe, Bluefoot Bar and Lounge, The Whistle Stop and ASR.

Ah, come on in, son.  Sit on down here a minute. Can I get you anything?  All right.  Look, I wanted to tell you something. In this life, you win some, and you lose some. Know what I mean? It’s not how we face success that matters, but how we face adversity. Winning isn’t everything in life.  There are plenty of fish in the ocean. Understand? A stitch in time? Well, you know what they say. It saves nine. Forewarned is forearmed. You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. A penny saved is a penny earned. The future is not set; there is no fate but what we make for ourselves.

What I’m driving at here, son, is that you’re cut. You are cut from this football team. Bet you wished you’d finished up that communications degree, eh? Looks like you’ll be retrofitting bathrooms for assisted living facilities in no time flat. I’m sure that’s fine work. If you haven’t cleared out your locker in 20 minutes, we’re legally authorized to shoot paint balls at you. Only the balls aren’t filled with paint. They’re filled with the powdered form of a low-grade nerve toxin. So go on, son. Git. Git your stuff. I’m sorry this had to happen. You played your tail off. Just think of this as the end of a dream. Does that help? I’m not much for speeches. Just try not to commit suicide while you’re still on team premises. That’s messy work, both legally and janitorially. I know you don’t want to put our general counsel, Phil, through that. Not to mention our head custodian, who is also named Phil. Okay, then.

A lot of would-be NFL rookies heard this same, exact speech — or surely a very, very similar version — last Saturday, when all teams trimmed their rosters to 53. How did the former Terps fare who were on the roster bubble?  Let’s take a gander:

• Edwin Williams, C/G: Made Redskins roster as a backup O-lineman, mainly because of his ability to play guard as well as center. Edwin is a lifelong Skins fan, which probably means he is about to be sued. Current starting center Casey Rabach among league leaders in suckitude. Stay tuned.
• Dan Gronkowski, TE: Slight disappointment here. Tight end drafted in seventh round by the defending 0-16 Lions impressed in preseason, and was signed to Detroit’s practice squad. Okay, Dan. I heard the Viking tight ends run something called a “screen” route. Think you could help us re-create that this week?
• Moise Fokou, LB: The former Maryland walk-on had a monster camp with the Eagles, recording 24 tackles in three preseason games. He’ll back up Chris Gocong this season at strongside linebacker. Great story and huge ups for Fokou, whose jersey could be a hot seller among Philly fans, long noted for their sophisticated, family-friendly sense of humor.
• Jamie Thomas, OT: Made Colts practice squad.
• Jeremy Navarre, DE: Made Jaguars practice squad.
• Chase Bullock, LB: Released by the Cardinals. I’ll admit it — I’ve never heard of Chase Bullock. But he went to Maryland (apparently he was injured a lot).
• Dave Philistin, LB: Waived by Seattle.
• Scott Burley, OT: Waived by Redskins.
• Dane Randolph, DT: The subject of an interesting miniseries in the Post about life as an unsigned NFL rookie seemed to be at least mildly impressive at camp, but unfortunately didn’t make the regular or practice squad roster.
• Trey Covington, LB: Invited to Jets camp, apparently didn’t survive very long.
• Isaiah Williams, WR: See above, replace Jets with Ravens
• Dean Muhtadi, DE: See above, replace Ravens with Packers

We kid, but seriously, congratulations to all of them for just getting a shot, which makes them athletically superior to about 98 percent of the population. Good luck to all of them moving forward. They’re all Terps for life, and will always have that going for them.

(Photo credit: Clem Murray, Philadelphia Daily News)

Was doing anything to avoid dissertation reading and started looking up old skate videos…

Jamie Thomas does the Leap of Faith back in ‘97 only for his board to break in half.

This is what happened when a blader tried the same thing.

A couple Fallen shoes related items recently crossed the boil the ocean desk, firstly, the new ad featuring Brian “Saul Hudson” Hansen which gave me serious “oh-shit” pause whilst flipping through the Appleyard TWS last week. The sequence of course doesn’t really do justice to the trick, partly because of the speed required, but also because it’s a super-high ledge… Marius Syvanen also took a shot at it this month, hopping onto the little block before jumping the gap to backside 50-50, but this backside tailslide is a monster with form. Due to my substandard scanning abilities I’m leaving out a few frames, but consider this a protest song dedicated to the fact that the Black Box ad archive isn’t updated on a daily basis.

Anyway, on the topic of form, again-hairless Black Box honcho Jamie Thomas turned in his edition of the ongoing “10 tricks” series, after a false start, and it includes this beauty of a frontside k-grind with the classic executioner pose:

Meanwhile, apparently some of these dudes skated the Maloof contest this weekend

Torey Pudwill and Jimmy Carlin Pre-Game Interview

Click the link below to see both matches and more

Torey Pudwill v. Jimmy Carlin

Stefan Janoski v. Peter Ramondetta battle with Pre-game interview

In my predictions so far, I am 1/4. One of the losses may damage a good chunk of my bracket so I may have to do some rearranging.

To see the predictions click here.

Previously
Chris Cole v. Mike V
Jamie Thomas v. Dennis Busenitz

In 1988, pro skateboarder Mike Vallely revolutionized the skateboarding sport

My pleas to let anticipation and tension build ahead of the inevitable BATB Round 2: Daewon Song’s Revenge having fallen on deaf ears, exhaustive coverage of the first quadrant is already under way so I suppose I ought to post my picks for posterity, seeing’s how I’m already 1-for-2 or however it’s termed in actual sporting phrasology. After hanging tough in one of those Es games of skate a few years back and that surprise caballerial kickflip last time around I thought Jamie Thomas had a little bit more in him, but as millions of kids 15 years younger than I already know, he did not. Perhaps chomping too many frontside k-grinds. BTO fared a bit better in the Cole v. Vallely matchup, but just barely, as the Colester’s good-natured agreement to bend the rules in favor of ’80s Skate Rags maneuvers produced probably one of the most fun to watch episodes thus far. Honestly I thought Mike V was pretty amiable about the whole thing and it would’ve been amazing to see one of these with Eric Koston or Mike Carroll. Let this stand as a warning, kids, a cautionary tale of what can happen to your switch heelflips if you choose to focus your energy on quasi-celebrity hockey blogging and acting in Kevin James vehicles.

Pre-game interviews

Continue reading the post for the battle and more.

OhioSkateUniv Predictions Correct : 1/2
Only got the first one right so far. I was disappointed but I was going to have him lose at some point and I still think Chris will be on top next round.

For the rest of the predictions click : http://ohioskateuniv.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/battle-at-the-berrics-2-predictions/

For the first battle click : http://ohioskateuniv.wordpress.com/2009/06/27/chris-cole-v-mike-v/

Pre-game interview

Continue reading the post for the battle

Predictions Correct from OhioSkateUniv = 1/1
click link for the rest of the predictions

BATB2 Bracket

I’m going to explain my picks for the battle at the berrics for each game of skate.

Left Hand Bracket 1st Round

Chris Cole v. Mike V = Chris Cole. I’m picking Chris Cole for the fact that he won the 07 eS game of skate (the previous battle winner, mike mo, didn’t fair well) and the fact that Mike V won’t have use of his hands.

Jamie Thomas v. Dennis Busenitz = Jamie Thomas. In the 1st battle at the berrics he was apart of Chris Robert’s legion of doom. During one of the tricks, he is told to do it and that he can and Jamie replies “I’ve done two in my life”, and then makes it. He also is nicknamed “The Chief”, you don’t come by a title like that easily.

Lizard King v. Heath Kirchart = Heath Kirchart. Lizard doesn’t seem like the type to care too much for competition and Heath has been killin it for a minute. He also rides for Alien Workshop which just so happens to be in Dayton. I’m just saying…

Corey Duffel v. Rick Howard = Corey Duffel. I’m picking Corey to win this because he has been getting a fair share of coverage over the past couple of years and has a spot in the next transworld video and seems to be working towards a great part. I haven’t seen it yet, the link says it premiered this past weekend.

Chris Haslam v. Nick Dompierre David Gonzalez= Chris Haslam. Nick has also been getting good coverage but Cheese and Crackers is still in the back of my mind…

Torey Pudwill v. Jimmy Carlin = Jimmy Carlin. He might not be too familiar of a name but has Blackbox ever thrown us a dud?

Josiah Gatlyn v. Cairo Foster = Josiah Gatlyn. He’s got a cosign from the berrics, plus I don’t think he is pro yet so that might give him a little extra hunger.

Guy Mariano v. Cesar Fernandez = Guy Mariano. This was a tough one to pick but I will have to give it to Guy because he has been around for a minute and his part in Fully Flared was one of my favorites. Cesar might get him though.
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Right Hand Bracket 1st Round

Cory Kennedy v. Josh Kalis = Cory Kennedy. He is another with the berrics cosign and is coming up. Josh Kalis shouldn’t be slept on though.

Lucas Puig v. Greg Lutzka = Greg Lutzka. The guy is a competition veteran. Plus, he won’t have to be distracted by Reda insulting his homeland.

Stefan Janoski v. Peter Ramondetta = Stefan Janoski. He skates switch better than most people skate in their dreams. I’m sure he will also be comfortable in his new pro shoe.

Mark Appleyard v. Ben Gore = Mark Appleyard. All of the coverage I have seen from Mark lately is a variety of tricks I have a limited comprehension of. Ben Gore is sponsored by Stereo, who is sponsoring the event, he might have a little more to live up to.

Paul Rodriguez v. Kelly Hart = Kelly Hart. Former eS skater P-Rod against present eS skater Kelly Hart… Paul is a vet but Kelly Hart has a mean set of tricks, don’t count him out.

Gilbert Crockett v. Kerry Getz = Kerry Getz. Gilbert is an up and comer from Blackbox but Kerry Getz has been holding it down for years over at Habitat (sibling company of AWS). And, his video parts aren’t too shabby.

Nick Trapasso v. Silas Baxter-Neal Danny Garcia = Silas. Coming seemingly out of nowhere and picking up Habitat and eS as sponsors, Silas is looking like a competitor. He also won Thrasher’s SOTY in 08. Nick isn’t a lame duck though, it will definitely be a good game.

Jerry Hsu v. Raymond Molinar Kenny Anderson= Raymond Molinar. His part in inhabitants was pretty strong.
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Left Hand Bracket 2nd Round

Chris Cole v. Jamie Thomas = Chris Cole. This was a tough one to pick, Chris Cole is a game of skate champion and Jamie is a self-made mogul and still puts out video parts that make you jealous. Jamie did fine craft Chris Cole, so he may become Dr. Frankenstein and wish he never did.

Heath Kirchart v. Corey Duffel = Corey Duffel. This was another tough one, I’m picking Corey because he should be in good skating shape from all the filming for transworld. Heath is still a beast so don’t take him lightly

Chris Haslam v. Jimmy Carlin = Chris Haslam. Watch…

Josiah Gatlyn v. Guy Mariano = Guy Mariano. I originally has Josiah as the winner but I feel like Guy could pull a few tricks out of his sleeve that can leave this new guys in the dust. I could be wrong.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Right Hand Bracket 2nd Round

Cory Kennedy v. Greg Lutzka = Greg Lutzka. Have you watched this guy compete on tv?

Stefan Janoski v. Mark Appleyard = Mark Appleyard. This is the one that has taken me the longest to decide so far. Stefan can move both ways effortlessly and Mark can lay down bangers with ease. It’s a tough call but only the real game can decide.

Kelly Hart v. Kerry Getz = Kelly Hart. I have seen video of him putting down double flips as easy as I’ve seen Getz do them.

Silas Baxter-Neal v. Raymond Molinar = Silas. He was named SOTY…
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Left Hand Bracket 3rd Round

Chris Cole v. Corey Duffel = Chris Cole. This is another tough one, and despite their tight pants and rocker flair, they skate better than you or I. Chris Cole has the bs 360 kickflip down pat though and that 360 doubleflip at the X games….

Chris Haslam v. Guy Mariano = Chris Haslam. Guy is a force of nature but Chris has spent way too much time with Rodney and Daewon. Sorry Guy! Find a legion of doom that includes Rodney and Daewon.
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Right Hand Bracket 3rd Round

Greg Lutzka v. Mark Appleyard = Mark Appleyard. I was going to put Greg but I think Mark can hold his own with Greg.

Kelly Hart v. Silas Baxter-Neal = Kelly Hart. Two eS teammates put against each other. Kelly Hart is looking like a strong competitor from what I have seen.
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Final Four

Chris Cole v. Chris Haslam = Chris Cole. The guy has won plenty of competitions against heavy contenders, this is no different. Who could really predict anyways?

Mark Appleyard v. Kelly Hart = Kelly Hart. Everyone likes an underdog story right? Speaking of underdog, didn’t Jason Lee do the voice for the movie?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Finals

Chris Cole v. Kelly Hart = Chris Cole. I’m not entirely sure on this one but Chris has the reputation and ability to back him.

Third place match – Mark Appleyard v. Chris Haslam = Chris Haslam. He’s good, alright?

David Dunham at CaPC poses the question “So is the judge making an example out of her or does this seem like a reasonable price to pay?”

I started commenting but realised it was too long and so I’ve moved my response here.

Let’s start by saying that these fines are supposed to be representative of lost sales.

Forget the fact that many people who download music tracks wouldn’t buy them anyway (and – shockingly – might even delete the crap ones).

What I think the lawmakers have glossed over is the fact that if you fine one person for *every* *lost* *sale*, then there should be no-one left to pursue for the downloading of those tracks she shared. Ie. if I had downloaded those 24 tracks from Jamie Thomas, it’s OK because she is already paying for *my* lost sale – as well as – literally – millions of others.

I’m pro-filesharing and I file-share.

I look forward to the day that these media companies grovel in the dirt – I’ll make no bones about that fact. Increasingly I’m ‘coming out’ to many friends and people I wouldn’t have before, because I see it as a revolution, a cold war, where as many people need to be recruited as possible.

I look forward to the day that we look back on these events in history and marvel at the ignorance of the politicians and industry that supported this 21st Century ‘House of Un-American Activities’.

I see filesharing as the future – setting knowledge, information and arts free – like they used to be before the 20th Century. Perhaps it’s not ‘the future’, perhaps it’s simply restoring values of the past.

Did any of those black slaves or their families who worked in the cotton fields see a ‘dime’ for their musical contribution to the blues? Intellectual Property is about as anti-creativity as I can imagine.

How do you prevent new ideas and human progress? Introduce ownership of ideas by long lasting corporate bodies to buy up and own *ideas*, then sue anyone who independently thinks up, tries to share or improve that idea for an arm and a leg.

Technorati Tags: jamie thomas, filesharing, copyright, christ and pop culture, morality, ethics, mafiaa, riaa, download, revolution, music, freedom, future, past, slaves, truth, corporates, progress, ideas

New Skateboard Graphics celebrates the best in contemporary skateboard design with over 400 full-color illustrations, ranging from the skulls and splatters of zero to the NYC grit of Zoo York and 5Boro to the sketchy lines of Evan Hecox’s designs for Chocolate.  This book also features visual retrospectives of now defunct brands such as Bueano and Popwar, Michael Leon’s work for Rasa Libre, and more than twenty interviews with today’s skateboard artists, such as Matt irving, Michael Sieben and pro skater Jamie Thomas

Via Colette