As August winds down, the deadline approaches for State Farm cancelling Cary Jackson’s homeowner’s insurance policy because of the skateboarding ramp in his backyard. Last week, Cary Jackson took strong defensive actions to protect his plywood and steel monstrosity, the Death Star. After skating his ramp with Dan Drehobel, Cary decided he couldn’t let State Farm succeed in its campaign to dismantle the ramp.

Cary had been worried that applying for coverage from a different company would result in a similar confrontation over his ramp. So he had originally planned to capitulate to State Farm’s demands and destroy the ramp. Then on a whim, he sent out a distress call over the internet. He filled out a form to get a quote from an insurance broker and his cellphone started ringling like crazy. A virtual fleet of tie-fighters came rushing to Cary offering to protect his house from whatever foolhardy X-wings might attack. None of them demanded to see what’s in his backyard, either. So, for now, the Death Star continues to draw skaters in with its powerful tractor beam.