by The Editors on January 16, 2009
We don’t know exactly what “junk territory” means out on “the street” but we’re guessing this probably isn’t good news.
Moody’s downgraded retailer Quiksilver Inc. deeper into junk territory Thursday, saying the chain’s weak fourth-quarter performance and reliance on short-term debt makes it especially vulnerable as consumers cut spending.
Then again we always remember what Bob McKnight’s once said: “Analysts: there’s only one letter separating them from what they really are.”
[Link: MSNBC.com]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
If you haven’t read the press release already, check the jump for all the “official” details.
[click to continue…]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
It’s the same old story but we fall for it every time (especially when it’s in the New York Times): the world’s most core surfers hit the icy waves of Lake Superior and make anyone who has ever complained about surfing in a wetsuit feel like complete, whinging pussies.
It was a Sunday morning north of Duluth, Minn., and a blizzard had overtaken the region. The surfers — apparitions in black neoprene, floating in mist far offshore — paddled and stood when a wave began to break. . . . “It’s warmer in the water,” said Markus Barsch, 21, a tree trimmer from Ashland, Wis., and one of a dozen surfers who had shown up to shred on a 20-degree day.
Yes, we’re all really inspired here in Sunny SoCal. But we always have one question after reading these stories: if you’re that serious about surfing, why not move to Hawai’i?
[Link: The New York Times]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
The hype swell is hitting Hawaii, but it’s not exactly what forecasters were hoping for. There was no Eddie yesterday and it’s not looking good for at least a couple days. The surf was up over 20 feet, but with strong Kona winds it was a little too ugly out there according to The Mountain And Wave.
[Link: The Mountain And Wave]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
The city of Dillon, Colorado has had so much trouble with snowboarders riding their urban locales that they’ve adopted a “zero tolerance” approach and are “confiscating equipment from those riders caught sliding down handrails and concrete barriers around town,” according to a story in the Summit Daily.
“We’re hoping this gets the message across that this wont be tolerated,” Dillon Police Chief Joe Wray said. “We have tried numerous things in the past to discourage it, but now the message is: If you get caught, we will now go for your pocketbook.” . . . Those caught riding rails were fined $100, plus $400 in advance should they break the same law again in the next 12 months. The individuals filming the stunts were fined $150 plus $350 held in advance. . . . Filmers were charged more because their actions are viewed as an attempt to profit from a criminal act, according to Wray.
Apparently, there’s not enough real crime going down in Dillon to keep the 5-0 busy.
[Link: Summit Daily]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
Kelly Slater is on the list of celebrities to play in the AT&T National Pro-AM at Pebble Beach February 9-15, 2009. He’s joining Bill Murray, Carson Daily, Greg Kinnear, Kenny G, on the most beautiful course on the continent.
Seems like it would be pretty hard to concentrate on the game knowing that Ghost Trees is firing and no skis are allowed in the water. But Kelly is good that way, and what better way to rest up for the 2009 kick off event on the Goldie which begins February 28.
[Link: AT&T National Pro-AM Photo: Daylife]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
At New Zealand’s Karitane Beach today surfers got out of the water in a hurry after spotting a shark according to a story on Stuff.co.nz.
Constable John Paul Tremain said it was a very large shark and one of the surfers chased out of the water was a veteran surfer in the area. . . .”So for him to bail out of the water it means that he’s frightened enough obviously to get out so it’s fairly serious.” . . .At this stage it was unknown what type of shark it was.
“I don’t know if it’s a white shark or a mako or a tiger – its lurking in the surf and in the inlet.”
We think it odd that anyone would think any surfer would stay in the water after seeing a large shark. But it’s nice that the reporters think “veteran surfers” are gnarlier and more likely to stay in the water if it’s just a small shark.
[Link: Stuff.co.nz]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
Three-time national amateur surfing champion and former WQS ProMike Reilly has set up a new non-profit organization to “provide children of global action sports destinations with tangible items that will help enrich and save their lives.”
“Through my travels, I’ve seen first-hand how the basic needs of children in our favorite surf destinations just aren’t being met.All 4 the Kids is committed to finding exceptional causes each year and producing events to support them,” said Reilly. “By operating without any overhead, partners and supporters can feel confident that their donation will be directly applied to the cause of bettering or saving a child’s life.”
The first event, Nets For Life is March 21, 2009 at the Kona Cafe in Huntington Beach and will be raising money to buy mosquito nets for kids in Sumatra. Follow the jump for more info.
[Link: All 4 The Kids] [click to continue…]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
K2 Sports has purchased Zoot, the Kona, Hawaii based maker of triathlon apparel according to a story on Bicycle Retailer.
“We are excited to welcome Zoot to our family,” said Robert Marcovitch, chief executive officer of K2 Sports. “Zoot is a fast-growing brand whose shared dedication to innovation and quality make them a terrific fit for us and we look forward to their continued growth and expansion into new product categories and geographies.”
Apparently, this is another attempt by a seasonal company to break into a opposite season market. Maybe this one will work.
[Link: Bicycle Retailer]
We don’t know exactly what “junk territory” means out on “the street” but we’re guessing this probably isn’t good news. 
