Venice Pier Surf Report April 18 2007 / Not feeling It today

A strong quartering offshore breeze is making what would be a rather mediocre morning surfable. Maybe a slight bump in size to waist high, but the wind is holding everything open for a little while and giving you a chance to make the section. Bring the booties, gloves and surf hat today, though; it is cold and windy.





I can't remember if I ever posted this before, but here is an article I wrote when Survivor did the "racial" tribes theme (i.e. Blacks against Whites, Hispanics, Asians) and posted it on the Swellmagnet site. It pissed a LOT of people off and since I am feeling poorly today we will dip into the reruns. Enjoy!


There has been a lot of speculation concerning tonight’s premier of the new season of Survivor, in which the teams will be divided along racial lines. Included will be “tribes” of Whites, Blacks, Asian-Americans and Hispanics.

Here at Venice Surf Report we have been given a rare inside peak at some of the challenges the tribes will face. We took these challenges to famous Las Vegas Sports Handicapper “Vinny the Wop” and he has set the line for each challenge along with his takes on the picks. Enjoy.


Challenge 1: Get your firstborn child into Harvard

Vinny: “This one is gonna be a real nailbiter. At first glance you gotta give the early edge to the Whites ‘cause we all know that money and influence can play a huge part in gettin’ your kid into the Ivory League, and let’s face it, not many of the other tribes prolly got the do-re-mi to donate a library or a dorm. But this is one of those events where a ringer might tip the scales – if the Blacks got a Valedictorian or a Class President up their sleeves this could be over before it starts. Plus, some of these Asian kids are wicked smart and a 1600 on the SAT is just about a lock to get you in.”

Whites – 3:2
Asians - 4:1
Blacks – 7:1
Hispanics – 40:1



Challenge 2: Ice Skating Competition

Vinny: “ This one will come down to the Whites and the Asians, no doubt about it. The Whites will most likely have the edge as the age of the contestants, being in their late twenties and early thirties, tends to favor those who have actually skated and the Asians are really better at forcing their kids into this type of activity, but it’s possible one of them had a pain in the ass Dad like Yamaguchi did.”

Whites - 4:1
Asians -11:2
Blacks – 15:1
Hispanics - 300:1




Challenge 3: Obstacle Course

Vinny: “I got three words for you: United States Border Patrol. Hispanics going away. ”

Hispanics – 2:3
Blacks – 5:1
Asians – 50:1
Whites – 60:1



Competition 4: Dancing

Vinny: “ I like this event ‘cause I think it comes down to what type of music they choose for the contestants. Hip-hop and R&B definitely gives the Blacks an edge, but if they play anything with an accordion in it the smart money goes to the Hispanics. There’s even an outside chance of a waltz in which case the Whites could be there at the end. Needless to say the Asians don’t even need to show up for this event.”

Blacks – 3:2
Hispanics – 4:1
Whites – 5,000,000:1
Asians – No line




Competition 5: Disciplining your child

Vinny: “ The crowd will chase the favorite in this event, the Blacks. After all, if you’ve ever seen a Black woman catching her kid getting’ outta line at the grocery store you know what kind of whomping is standard issue in these families. But I actually like the Asians here. These people thrive on making their kids behave by withholding love and affection from their kids and I think this makes them so pliable that they can get maximum results with minimum effort. The Hispanics are a longshot and unless “disciplining” means begging and pleading with your kids to please be good and you’ll buy them something if they do, the Whites don’t stand a chance.”

Blacks: 3:1
Asians 10:1 * Vinny’s Pick o’ the Week
Hispanics 17:1
Whites: 5,000:1