Thomas Edison would have loved YouTube. I feel sure of this ever since learning via kottke that in 1899 Edison used his kinetograph to film a bunch of gnarly bicycle tricks.
Of course, Edison’s short films lacked a soundtrack. Also they lacked a Danny Macaskill.
Personally, I prefer the rhythm and motion of skateboard videos. I enjoy the juxtaposition of the skater’s awkward stance in contrast to their impossible athleticism.
Like the beginnings of plant life in WCW’s “Spring and All” skaters are All along the road the reddish purplish, forked, upstanding, twiggy stuff… Lifeless in appearance, sluggish dazed and yet perpetually they ride upon that moment as if it were a railing, that moment of now the stark dignity of entrance.
Now the grass, tomorrow
the stiff curl of wildcarrot leaf
Photo “Spring and All” by flickr user shaletann.
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