Wizards of the Coast announced a variety of new and returning cards for Magic: The Gathering in its upcoming set release, Dominaria United, on Thursday. Among these cards are six returning pain lands, a nickname theyve acquired for doing a point of damage to their controller anytime they are tapped for a color of mana.

Three of these six lands are entering Magics Pioneer format for the first time, signaling a new level of balance to the power level of three popular color combinations that have had to manage with a resource disparity since the formats inception in 2019.

Pain lands have existed in Magic since 1995, when five of them were introduced in the Ice Age set. Five more were printed in 2001s Apocalypse set, completing the land cycle for all 10 color pairs. Over the years, these lands have been reprinted periodically in various sets, sometimes all at once, other times in smaller groups, but have often remained a useful if not beloved resource for fans of two-or-more-color decks to smooth out color requirements at the relatively modest cost of one life per color of mana.

Although these lands have been around long enough that all 10 are legal to play in Magics bigger formats, such as Modern and Commander, thats not the case for all competitive players. Especially those playing Pioneer or Explorer.

To fully grasp the disparity in Pioneers available lands, it helps to understand a concept in the game called the color pie, a design philosophy that dictates what each of the games mana colors are able to do in various cards. The five colors form 10 pairs, and these 10 pairs are often separated into two groups enemy pairs and allied pairs. For instance, the allied pairs sit next to one another on the pie: white/blue, blue/black, black/red, red/green, and green/white. The remaining combinations, the enemy pairs, sit across from one another on the pie.

The last time pain lands were printed in a Magic Standard set was in the 2015 set Magic Origins, which only included the aforementioned enemy pairs. The remaining allied pairs havent seen a Standard reprint since 2007s Tenth Edition a full five years prior to Pioneers available cardpool, which starts with 2012s Return to Ravnica. In effect, this gives Pioneer decks built around the five enemy pairs a built in advantage over allied color decks, since the enemy pairs have more lands to choose from when looking for mana sources.

To make matters more difficult, even setting aside pain lands, the enemy color pairs have more lands to choose from because of other disparities among nonbasic lands available in Pioneer. Although Wizards has done a good job of representing all 10 color pairs in recent years, some of the sets that were released before Pioneer existed also contribute to this resource imbalance.

The other big example of this issue is seen in 2016s Kaladesh, which featured a cycle of five enemy dual lands known as fast lands, which earned their nickname because they enter the battlefield untapped if there are fewer than three other lands already under the players control. The five allied fast lands do exist, and were introduced in 2010s Scars of Mirrodin, but they havent been reprinted in a Standard set since, making them ineligible for Pioneer play. As a result, while most of the other popular dual land cycles that see Pioneer play are available across every color pair, its the absence of these 10 allied dual lands that give enemy colors an inherent advantage and can impact the competitive viability of nascent strategies that dont have access to these crucial resources.

Thats where Dominaria United comes in. Three of the five missing pain lands are finally entering the format, providing the red/black, blue/white, and red/green color pairs a new level of flexibility that can potentially introduce new decks to the format that previously struggled to keep up, or reinforce existing decks that had to make do with imperfect mana.

One way to predict the implications of these three new lands is comparing their color pairs against specific deck styles that dont currently exist in the format. For example, Pioneer has never had a consistent red/green ramp deck, sometimes known as red/green monsters. These types of decks are traditionally defined by cheap green ramp spells, including 1-mana green creatures, which produce extra mana early in the game that then accelerates the decks ability to cast bigger and more expensive red creatures that outclass an opponents strategy.

Since Pioneer has been so limited in red/green dual lands that can tap for both colors early and late in the game, a traditional monster ramp deck hasnt existed in these colors in the format. But the addition of Karplusan Forest in Dominaria United could finally change that, providing a new home for something as classic as Llanowar Elves to coexist with new Dominaria cards such as Squee, Dubious Monarch or Shivan Devastator in one aggressive deck.

In addition to the lands, theres one more iconic reprint in Dominaria United thats likely to make a big splash on Pioneer and to a certain extent, every format where its playable Liliana of the Veil. Over the years, this 3-mana planeswalker has been a dominating presence and staple across a variety of formats, but until now hasnt been available to Pioneer players.

Historically, Liliana fits into grindy and disruptive strategies known as midrange decks that prolong games with a steady stream of removal spells, hand disruption, cheap creatures, and sticky planeswalkers. When she appears in Modern midrange decks, she functions as the glue that provides a little extra support for whichever angle of attack the deck needs most to take over the game. Her +1 loyalty ability keeps cards out of opponents hands, her -2 helps keep the board clear, and if she sticks around long enough, her ultimate -6 ability essentially resets the game, making it near impossible to ever recover.

Midrange players will be particularly thrilled by her reprint since Pioneer already has a powerful red/black midrange strategy that most players agree is one of the top decks of the format. Liliana, coupled with the new red/black pain land, are easy additions to the red/black midrange deck thats currently dominating Pioneer and Explorer play. Of course the classic question that always comes up in these situations is, What do you take out to make room for Liliana? But theres very little room for doubt that she belongs in the deck and will be a new powerhouse in the format.

Dominaria United goes live on Magic: The Gathering Arena and Magic: The Gathering Online Sept. 1, followed by its paper release Sept. 9.

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Pain lands are back in Magic: The Gathering, and fans are pumped up - Polygon

A general Galaxy Deck for Rush Duels and Dark World + Fabled, without Raven!

[RUSH DUEL] Galaxy Deck

3 Galactica Oblivion3 Milky Wave Neo2 Cosmo Titan3 Transamu Yeray3 Transamu Klein2 Transamu Ephyrai2 Galactica Jaime Vu3 Transamu Rainac3 Bright Sentinel3 Voidvelgr Pale Rider

2 Magical Stone Excavation2 Meteor Charge1 Galactica Force1 Galactica Repulsion1 Graceful Charity (LEGEND)1 Parallel Birth Gate2 Secret Order

2 Vacua Annihilation1 Demolition Wyrm Roar

New Product Deck: Dark World + Fabled Deck

3 Fabled Grimro2 Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World1 Reign-Beaux, Supreme Overlord of Dark World3 Fabled Marcosia3 Genta, Gateman of Dark World3 Snoww, Unlight of Dark World2 Fabled Kushano2 The Fabled Cerburrel3 Fabled Krus2 The Fabled Abanc1 Ceruli, Guru of Dark World

3 Pot of Avarice3 Dark World Dealings3 The Gates of Dark World1 Stairway to a Fabled Realm1 Card Destruction1 Dark World Accession1 Dark World Library

1 Fabled Treason1 Dark World Punishment

2 Fabled Leviathan1 Ravenous Crocodragon Archethys1 Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier2 Fabled Valkyrus1 Chaos Ruler, the Chaotic Magical Dragon1 Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon1 Fabled Andwraith1 Stardust Charge Warrior1 Fabled Ragin1 T.G. Hyper Librarian1 The Fabled Unicore2 Grapha, Dragon Overlord of Dark World

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The Organization | [Deck Recipes] August 19th, 2022 - YGOrganization

Charlie Donadio, the president and owner of Rhode Island Fast Ferry, is making a Mayday call for help, but his vessels need employees, not a rescue.

We have immediate openings, Donadio said. We are looking for anybody with experience in boating, sailing, offshore fishing, or any type of maritime experience. This is a great opportunity for retirees, or for anybody who just likes working on the water.

His company provides high speed ferry service from Quonset Point in North Kingstown to Marthas Vineyard; offers Lighthouse Cruises and Newport Harbor Tours on Narragansett Bay; and Atlantic Wind Transfers, an offshore wind commercial services arm, operating crew transfer vessels for technicians and equipment servicing offshore wind farms all along the East Coast.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry is looking for seasonal (May-October) deckhands, deck bartenders, and mates for the Quonset to Marthas Vineyard fast ferry, and it has year-round openings for deckhands and mates on the crew transfer vessel that transports technicians to and from the Wind Farm off of Block Island.

We are struggling to find people to hire, just like many other businesses across the country, Donadio said. We are looking to train people who may want to grow with the company.

The company is offering a $300 sign-on bonus, he said.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry is the fastest growing marine transportation company in New England, Donadio said, operating three high-speed ferries and two offshore wind crew transfer vessels, with plans to expand. The company also charters their fast ferries to other ferry operators throughout the country and owns a Rhode Island PUC License to provide a new ferry service from Quonset Point to Old Harbor Block Island, although it has not started that service yet.

Anyone interested in becoming a crew member or working for Rhode Island Fast Ferry may visit their website at http://www.fastferry.com to fill out an online application.

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All hands on deck as Ferry owner looks to hire additional employees - The Independent

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Can Storm Smith Step Up to the Plate as Bosun?

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Storm admits he's nervous: "The last Bosun got fired."

In a first look at the August 22 episode ofBelow Deck Mediterranean, Storm Smith admits that hes definitely nervous following a docking incident he was involved in after he was made a provisional bosun by Captain Sandy Yawn earlier this season.

Storm was named a provisional bosun afterRaygan Tylerwas fired, and hes feeling the pressure in the above clip, noting that the last bosun got fired. As fans will recall, Raygan was let gofollowing some issues she had calling out distances for Captain Sandy. You can preview how things turn out for Storm by pressing play on the video above.

In the August 15 episode ofBelow Deck Med, Storm opened up about the new position Captain Sandy gave him (see the show highlight below) asthe crew welcomed a familiar face to the team, Courtney Veale, who appeared on Season 6 ofBelow Deck Med.

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Chef Dave White Moves Out of the Cabin He Shares with Chief Stew Natasha Webb

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But thats not the only drama taking place aboardHome. With the new charter guests settling into their trip, an ambitious dinner service causes some chaos for the crew as they try to make it all happen as seamlessly as possible. And as you can see below, its not all smooth sailing.

Meanwhile, stews Kyle Viljoen and Natalya Scudder are feeling some tension with each other, also below.

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Kyle Viljoen to Natalya Scudder: "Just Shut the F-Up"

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Alas, it turns out that even a night out leads to even more drama in the upcoming episode, airing Monday, which you can preview below.

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Chef Dave White Is Over Chief Stew Natasha Webb: "Sort Your Sh Out"

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WatchBelow Deck Medon Bravo Mondays at 8/7c and on theBravo app. Catch new episodes one week early onPeacock.

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The Daily Dish is your source for all things Bravo, from behind-the-scenes scoop to breaking news, exclusive interviews, photos, original videos, and, oh, so much more. Subscribe to The Daily Dish podcast, join our Facebook group, and follow us on Instagramfor the latest news hot off the presses. Sign up to become a Bravo Insider and be the first to get exclusive extras.

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We Have an Update on Where Things Stand with Storm Smith After the Docking Incident - Bravo

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a son of dual group winner Heartache (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}).

16.45 York, Mdn, 80,000, 2yo, 7fTAidan O'Brien trainee SALT LAKE CITY (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), a son of G2 Queen Mary S. and G2 Flying Childers S. victrix Heartache (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) loaded up with Group 1 entries, makes a quick reappearance after running second on debut at the Curragh earlier this month. His 18 opponents in this renowned Convivial Maiden include Martin Webb Racing's hitherto untried Ubettabequick (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a daughter of G3 Zukunfts-Rennen placegetter Above (Fr) (Anjaal {GB}) who was the joint highest-priced filly at last year's Arqana October sale when knocked down for 350,000, from the Nigel Tinkler stable; Paul Hancock's Kevin Philippart de Foy trainee Sigmund (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), who is a half-brother of G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern-winning stakes producer Temida (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}); P D Smith Holdings Ltd's Richard Fahey debutant My Harrison George (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who is a half-brother to G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and GI E.P. Taylor S. heroine Just The Judge (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}); and Jaber Abdullah's fellow newcomer Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), who is a Kevin Ryan-trained son of G1 Sun Chariot S. winner Majestic Roi (Street Cry {Ire}).

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This story was posted in Europe, Shared News Europe and tagged Awtaad (Ire), Convivial Maiden, Galileo (Ire), Heartache (GB), Kodiac (GB), Lope de Vega (Ire), observations, Wootton Bassett (GB), York.

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Son Of Heartache On Deck In York's Convivial Maiden - Thoroughbred Daily News

A new dating app is launching on the premise that "other dating apps have gone woke" and tech billionaire Peter Thiel just wrote a $1.5 million check into the startup.

The Right Stuff, a conservative dating app founded by Trump administration staffers John McEntee, Daniel Huff, and Isaac Stalzer, came out of stealth last week via a video posted by the company's spokesperson, Ryann McEnany, on Twitter.

The startup, which will launch in September, was founded as an antidote to "wokeness" that conservatives face on mainstream dating apps like Tinder and Hinge, McEnany said in the video.

McEntee, one of the cofounders, told Insider in an interview that the app is an opportunity to break into the massive dating-app market and cater to a population that he said is underserved by current offerings.

"We talked to our other conservative friends and then looked at it from the business standpoint that dating apps are super popular," he said. "They've only been growing and all of these different markets are being served, but one that's being underserved, obviously, is one that caters to conservatives. It hasn't been really tried before, so we're really excited about it."

On The Right Stuff, users can only identify themselves as male or female, or view profiles without pronouns, according to its site. Women on the app can earn a premium subscription by inviting friends to the platform, while men have to pay to access premium features, such as viewing more profiles, sending more likes to other users, and seeing all of their likes at once, McEntee said.

The company is helmed by a bevy of former Trump administration officials. McEntee served as the director of the Presidential Personnel Office towards the tail end of Trump's presidency. Daniel Huff was Trump's appointee to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, The Hill reported.Isaac Stalzer served as a senior advisor to the Small Business Administration under Trump, according to his LinkedIn profile.

McEnany, meanwhile, is the younger sister of former Trump press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.

Amid the presidential elections of 2016 and 2020, dating apps started to cater to the political beliefs of users. Bumble, for instance, launched an election-themed filter in advance of the 2016 presidential election which allowed users to signify which candidate they were supporting.

The Right Stuff is the latest dating app catered to conservatives that has cropped up in recent years. Others include Righter and Donald Dater.

McEntee said that he and his cofounders had ambitions to create some sort of app after leaving the Trump administration, but that it was "extremely difficult" to connect with investors until they conceived The Right Stuff thanks to conversations with conservative women, and later partnered with Thiel.

Thiel has a long history of investing in startups that align with conservative values, which include Rumble, an online video platform popular with right-wing viewers, according to PitchBook data.

Here's an exclusive look at The Right Stuff's 11-slide pitch deck:

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The Pitch Deck Dating App the Right Stuff Used to Raise $1.5 Million - Business Insider

Dr. Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942) was a genuine scholar of occultism whose published works include The Holy Kabbalah and The Key to the Tarot first issued in England in 1910. Waite utilized symbolism as the key to the Tarot pack. In The Key to the Tarot he writes: The true Tarot is symbolism; it speaks no other language and offers no other signs. What are the Tarot cards about which Waite so skillfully writes? What is the message of each card and when and where did these fascinating cardboard symbols first originate?

The precise origin of Tarot cards in antiquity remains obscure. Court de Gebelin writing in Le Monde Primitif in 1781 advances the theory that Tarot cards derived from an ancient Egyptian book, The Book of Thoth. Thoth was the Egyptian Mercury, said to be one of the early Kings and the inventor of the hieroglyphic system. Gebelin asserts that it is from the Egyptians and Gypsies that Tarot cards were dispersed throughout Europe.

The emergence of Tarot cards in Europe predates by over five centuries the work of Waite. A German monk, Johannes, describes a game called Ludas Cartarum played in the year 1377. Covelluzzo, a fifteenth-century chronicler, relates the introduction into Viterbo of the game of cards in the year 1379.

In the year 1369 playing cards are not mentioned in a decree issued by Charles VI of France against various forms of gambling; however, 28 years later, the Prevot of Paris, in an ordinance dated January 22, 1397, forbids working people from playing tennis, ball, cards, or ninepins excepting only on holidays. It is generally accepted that playing cards emerged in Europe in the latter half of the fourteenth century, probably first in Italy as a complete 78-card deck or some inventive genius subsequently combined the common 56 cards known as the Minor Arcana with the 22 esoteric and emblematic Tarot cards known as the Major Arcana to form the 78-card pack.

During the fifteenth century Tarot cards were generally drawn or hand painted for the princely houses of Northern Italy and France. Subsequently, the card packs became more numerous because they were reproduced by techniques using woodcuts, stencils and copper engraving. By the sixteenth century a modified Tarot pack called the Tarot of Marseilles gained popularity.

There exists today, in the archives of the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, 17 Major Arcana cards generally believed, probably erroneously, to have been hand painted about the year 1392 by Jacquemin Gringonneur for Charles VI of France. These cards are likely of later Venetian origin, possibly mid-fifteenth-century Tarocchi of Venice cards.

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Rider Waite Tarot Deck | Tarot.com

The summer Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida is now selling skateboard decks by The Hundreds inspired by the hoverboards in Back to the Future II.

There are two decks. One is pink, inspired by the Mattel hoverboard Marty uses. The other is black, inspired by the Pit Bull hoverboard used by Griff Tannen.

This deck is shaped like a standard skateboard.

Its pink, with a dotted background, and solid stripes across it.

The stripes are yellow, green, pink, and white.

The Hundreds is across the yellow stripes in the center, instead of hoverboard. There are two red bombs pictured against the background.

Circles resembling the hover tech are on the bottom of the deck.

Wheels can be installed at the center of the grey circles.

The Back to the Future and Amblin Entertainment logos are on the bottom, too.

This deck is black, with an angry pit bull pictured in the center.

The back of the deck is rounded, while the front comes to a point. It has indents along the sides.

There are silver designs at the back, resembling the rockets on the movie version of the board.

Instead of Pit Bull, it reads The Hundreds in red and white lettering. The dog is wearing a spiked collar and is pictured with a reddish tint.

The rocket design continues on the bottom.

It also has circles where the wheels can be installed.

Will you be using one of these Back to the Future skateboard decks? Let us know in the comments.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

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New 'Back to the Future' Hoverboard Skateboard Decks at Universal Studios Florida - WDW News Today

Cats are a lot more scrappy and resourceful than we humans ever thought -- and the evidence is right here ... a whiskered warrior that wouldn't let a coyote get the best of it!

Check out this insane video of a house cat being chased around a beach house deck in Surfside Beach, TX -- where it's about to be torn to pieces by a wild canine that made its way onto the property ... which belongs to a guy named Tony Gray.

In his original post, he writes ... "Someone almost lost a cat." Keyword there is almost -- because this kitty put up one hell of a fight to survive. And, in the end, it won.

Watch how the feline outsmarts its opponent. It uses a foldable chair to its advantage and successfully evades the critter. After a lot of back and forth -- and some close calls -- the tabby goes all Sly Stallone on a nearby wooden beam ... hanging on for dear life.

It seems the cat might've ended up with a few bite marks here and there ... but it lived to fight another day, as the coyote trots away. Garfield here wasn't taking any chances though.

There's one life gone ... 8 more to go.

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Cat Fights Off Coyote on Deck of Texas Beach House - TMZ

Collecting skateboards is a pain in the ass. Boards are heavy, you need a lot of space to store them, and they will happily catch fire if your house ever burns to the ground. But that hasnt stopped a small group of hardcore collectors who have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours finding and preserving iconic boards from the past. Were not talking about your average skater who has a couple of old scratched-up decks lying around in the garage, were talking about the big fish the guys who could put a downpayment on a house if they were to liquidate their collections.

As we have very little experience ourselves collecting decks at that level, we hit up three collectors to learn the basics and how they found themselves deep down the rabbit hole. If you ever wanted to reclaim a piece of your childhood and cop that elusive Muska deck or Think board you saw in a CCS catalog, hopefully, this guide will be a solid place to start.

Happy Hunting!

How long have you been collecting, and how much have you spent on decks so far?Ive been collecting seriously now for the last six years, but my love for certain graphics started when I first started skating. I dont really like to talk about money but hey, this is Jenkem, right? So lets just say I have over 600 boards. Most of them are worth over $400, some a $1000, and I didnt pay anything close to that for any of them. Also being single with no kids at 42 allows me to indulge more than your average collector.

If someone were to get into collecting decks, where would one start?Some people hate eBay but Ive had nothing but amazing luck on there! The thing is, you have to check every day, even twice a day. I also love Facebook collectors groups because you are dealing with fellow collectors who are not looking to get rich off each other.

How do you figure out deck pricing?Getting to know the right prices is just like anything else, it takes a little time and observation. It usually breaks down to rareness, age, artist, rider, and company. Any combination of those variables will produce desire and value but it also changes from collector to collector. For example, I collect boards that give me a feeling of nostalgia for the time I started skating in the early 2000s. Because a lot of my guys feel the same way it makes these boards highly collectible and therefore valuable, at the moment.

Are there one or two whale collectors that everyone knows about?Oh for me its Tim Anderson, aka Bobshirt. Him and his amazing wife started the charity Deckaid. His collection is so huge and amazing that they put on traveling gallery shows with his boards covering the walls. It was at one of his shows that I knew I wanted to start collecting. So to me, it gets no bigger than Tim hes my Yoda.

How many buyers and sellers do you think are actually out there?Oh wow, thats a tricky one because just when I think I know everyone someone pops up with an amazing collection Ive never seen. That being said Id say the scene is less than a quarter of the number of people who skate, but almost every skater has a favorite pro and they might have one of their boards on their wall that they can bring to market at any time. So its tricky, dude.

What do you focus on collecting most?I focus mainly on my favorite artist and brands from the early 90s to around the 10s. I love Chocolate, Girl, and Anti Hero because the art direction and artists they used during that period were just amazing. They just drip with those nostalgic vibes to me. Artists like Evan Hecox, Tony Larson, Andy Jenkins, and Todd Francis combined with style masters like Gino Iannucci, Paulo Diaz, Stevie Williams, and Keenan Milton just spark memories, and inspiration that says so much without saying a single word.

What are the most expensive or sought-after decks? Whats the holy grail?Lately, its the boards and series that are done by artists like Evan Hecox and Don Pendleton that have been bringing in the highest prices. A seven-board series was selling in the high four-digit. Ive talked to people paying these prices and they say its all about that nostalgic feeling for them too.

Do you ever worry about rare decks being re-issued and their value going down?[laughs] Yes at times I have, but with most collectibles, having the first edition of anything is always going to bring the most value. This is why collecting for the love is better than for money, but I wouldnt want them to just reissue everything because the hunt for these rare Holy Grail boards is my favorite part of collecting.

Whats something for a first-time collector or buyer to look out for? Any tips?I always tell new collectors to make sure its not gripped thats like a sticker on a Ferrari. Get plastic storage bags. I actually have a saying, Wood 2 wood: no good! Wood 2 Plastic: FANTASTIC! The only time you will get scuff marks is when the boards have direct wood-to-wood contact.

I find that starting with a goal or focus will keep you from buying just to buy and then regretting it later. If a price seems off but youre not sure just ask an experienced collector for their opinion. Im always down to help fellow collectors find their footing.

How do you store decks?I keep my boards in a dry place in plastic bags. Some are in boxes but most are stacked. I dont worry about the boards warping a little because Im never gonna skate them, so none of that matters. If you store or display them in direct sunlight they will fade, so be mindful of that.

Other than that, buy what makes you happy and have fun.

How long have you been collecting, and how much have you spent on decks so far?I have approximately 400 complete skateboards in my collection. I couldnt exactly tell you how much Ive invested in my collection, but my ex-wife certainly could guess [laugh].

Ive been collecting boards since about 2004, so over 18 years so far. You guys interviewed me in 2015 when I used to live in NYC. I am lucky to still have my first professional skateboard which is a 1988 Powell Peralta Lance Mountain. Ive saved some other decks Ive skated growing up, but not many, I wish I saved them all.

If someone were to get into collecting decks, where would one start?eBay is still the best place to get started on collecting vintage boards. You can still find deals on things if you stay glued to your screen, and always know what is ending and what is newly listed.

Facebook and Instagram are also good for finding decks. Putting feelers out and asking questions about boards you like can lead you to other collectors and lead you to boards you might not know about. Finding other collectors and keeping up conversations helps, because you kind of look out for each other when boards of interest pop up.

How do you figure out deck pricing?Looking at completed listings on eBay is a good indicator of current market prices. A lot of sellers really gouge their prices with really high Buy It Nows, but they rarely get bought at that price.

Are there one or two whale collectors that everyone knows about?I know collectors that own jaw-dropping, totally bonkers rare decks. For some people, they started collecting in the 90s, and have held onto their hoard since. They wouldnt want me blowing them up so I wont. I can tell you about fellow Canadian, James Lamb, who has a very thorough 80s collection. He proudly displays his skateboards in shadow boxed picture frames organized wall to wall inside his two-story classic car mechanics shop. He built a bowl inside as well. Hes got some rare boards for sure.

Also Chris Rice, aka @destroyedwood. Hes a pal and the best dude with a fantastic collection of very rad professional personal riders of the 80s and 90s that would melt your face off. Personal riders [boards that were skated by a pro] are the sickest decks to own, in my opinion.

How big is the market, how many buyers and sellers do you think are actually out there?The market is exponentially huge. I have no idea how many buyers and sellers there are. How many life-long committed skateboarders do you think there are in the world? Most skateboarders have a collection of some type naturally, but they wouldnt call themselves collectors. Collecting relates to the nostalgia and to the physical history of that love of skateboarding.

What do you focus on collecting most?I have boards from all eras of skating, but I tend to focus on the 80s. The discovery and development of so many varieties of deck shapes were so experimental and magical and important. Also, the board graphics were pretty fresh too.

What are the most expensive or sought-after decks? Whats the holy grail?Generally, there are three ways to distinguish the most expensive and wanted decks the condition of it, what pro is it, and how rare is it. The best condition boards get the most money. The sickest pros get the most money. And if its low production numbers its worth more money.

Do you ever worry about rare decks being re-issued and their value going down?Nothing beats the original artifact. Im not too concerned about reissues. They have been making reissues of boards for over 20 years now. Some people only collect reissues- let them do their thing. I think it brings up the value of the original. Fakes and reissues that are sold as originals are lame as hell- newbie collectors have to be wary of this.

Whats something for a first-time collector or buyer to look out for? Any tips?Its always best to do research to see if a board you are interested in was ever reissued. For example, a skated reissue that might be five years old and left out in the shed might look like a 35-year-old vintage board when its not. The seller might not be telling the truth or might be misinformed themselves.

How do you store decks?You do need to be aware of how you store your decks. I store my extra decks in plastic sleeves, then in cardboard boxes that hold about six decks each. Then I stack those boxes neatly on industrial shelving in a heat-regulated room. Cold or heat changes can warp your decks. Hanging decks on the exterior wall of a house, hanging decks on uneven walls, and hanging decks in direct sunlight, can all cause warping.

How long have you been collecting, and how much have you spent on decks so far?I have around 500 decks. The majority of my collection was collected from 1996 to 2003. I have no idea how much Ive spent, but Im really fortunate that the majority were picked up for $15-$200 bucks. @TheSkateBoardMuseum is my Instagram, and I also make decks the old-fashioned way with Sean Cliver over at StrangeLove Skateboards.

If someone were to get into collecting decks, where would one start?Facebook collector groups are where a majority of the networking goes down. Instagram too, of course. When I started I went right to the source skate shop owners, ex-pro and AMs, company dudes, skate mag employees, and artists.

How do you figure out deck pricing?You really dont. Especially these days. You can follow online auctions and discussions in collectors groups, but a deck is worth what someone is willing to pay. Most collectors still skate or consider themselves lifers. Just start talking and networking. Collecting skate decks comes from a place of love. Its a part of the passion of loving skateboarding. Dont be scared. There are a few antique dealers out there though. Beware of the money lovers.

Are there one or two whale collectors that everyone knows about?Of course. Brian Flynn is known for his early 80s decks and impressive Powell Pig collection. James Lamb is the dude with all the Vision stuff. Ed Moncanda has amassed one of the nicest 90s collections Ive ever seen. Tim Anderson has a great collection of art and decks support DeckAid when it comes through your town.

How big is the market, how many buyers and sellers do you think are actually out there?A whole bunch, but how many are bat shit fanatics? Theres a small group of 75 or so that communicate with each other often. There are new collectors every day. Especially as the 30-year-olds get more financially comfortable and want their first deck or that deck that Santa never got them. Start gobbling up those Wet Willy, Birdhouse, and Shortys decks now folks.

What do you focus on collecting most?It changes every year. My friends pro models are what I get really excited about these days. Thats really how I got started collecting. Most often its the stuff from 89-96. I get really stoked on the 90s DLX stuff. Original art created for decks and tees has been my focus. That stuff was easier to find than decks for the last 20 years. People are finally getting hip to collecting that as well.

What are the most expensive or sought-after decks? Whats the holy grail?Theres a Stereo team board thats #1 on the list. A purple Gonz and Roses would be an incredible find. Everything is expensive lately. I cant even afford to buy anything anymore.

Do you ever worry about rare decks being re-issued and their value going down?Not at all. There are a lot of reproductions floating around. They are fairly easy to spot. Its great that you can ride your first deck again. Skate those things because they are tomorrows Beanie Babies.

Whats something for a first-time collector or buyer to look out for? Any tips?Collect what you love. The world is about to end and we will all be fighting for water and gas. If youre collecting for the money youre about to be seriously bummed. Hoard bearings. They will be currency once the apocalypse comes.

How do you store decks?Climate control storage is a must. Mine are carefully packed away and protected by an old Greek curse. Oh, for gods sake, take the shrink wrap off any decks youre hoarding. That cheap plastic does funky stuff to paint and transfers.

Interviews by: Ian MichnaIllustration by: Jeff WheelerPhotos courtesy of Nick Halkias, Dave Skoot & Colin SussinghamShare this with a beanie baby collector on FacebookReport this as a reissue on Instagram and Twitter

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THE INS AND OUTS OF DECK COLLECTING - jenkemmag.com