Slim

...some <embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/videos/vplayer.swf" flashvars="m=1083347&v=2&type=video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="430" height="346"></embed><br><a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.addToProfileConfirm&videoid=1083347&title=Triumph The Insult Comic Dog Star Wars Premiere">

Thanks for the link. That's an awesome narrative. Amazing.

...I like this at least as much because it features the original audio (of the break), rather than post-production soundtrack. <img src="http://i16.tinypic.com/4bp4thv.jpg" border="0" alt="">

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VgP1AJHgkcU&mode=related&search=

Nice pic, Phil!

Any hydrophobic coating will be compromised by dirt and grit. Car wax has worked for me--and might very well work for you, too. The trick is to keep your topsheet free of dirt and grime (a high-gloss topsheet helps, of course). Clean it thoroughly first. Then apply the wax (or rain x). Buff it occasionally to remove any dirt, film, gunk, particulates, etc. Without these surfaces to cling to, snow will simply slough off the deck. Or at least that has been my experience.

I've found that any hydrophobic coating will help to keep snow off the topsheet. Rain X has worked for me--as has car wax. As the snow tends to adhere to rough spots, dirt, and grime, it helps to regularly buff the topsheet like you would your car (if you wash and wax your car, that is).

I'm no expert, but I think it helps to move the knees (and with them the tib/fibs) independently to control the board. Fore/Aft leveraging: The tib/fibs work as small levers to help distribute pressure along the length of the board tip to tail--and by moving them independently you can better work the board along its length. For example, moving the front knee towards the tip can shoot a bit more pressure there (leveraging with the tib/fib). Vice versa with the rear. Edging: Similarly, you also can independently move the knees laterally to tilt the board on edge. Driving the front knee out over the toe edge will help engage the edge towards the tip. Moving the rear knee out over the toe edge will help engage the toe edge towards the tail of the board. Pressure Control: You need to be able to flex the knees/legs independently to manage forces against the board (such as sequential front rear flexing extending to absorb bumps, ruts, and berms). IMO it helps by giving you two separate 'handles' by which to control the board. What are these gyro effects?

It has been my observation that riders typically get good at riding the available conditions and terrain. For so-called 'ice coasters' this may result in well-developed hardpack and ice skills, but perhaps less developed skills in loose, choppy, and unpacked snow. Does this make them better riders? Maybe on ice, when compared to riders w/o the requisite hard snow experience. But maybe not in pow, glop, slab, or chop. I guess it comes down to what do you mean by better rider. What do you mean?

This was also discussed at some length on the Epic Snowboard forum. I've done carved 360s up a sidehill, using gravity to help on the last part of the loop. Would be stoked to see vids of both heelside and toeside carved 360s. I've never seen figure 8s or 720s, and would be especially stoked to see vids of those. So post 'em if you got 'em.

Please, what would be the waist width? Thanks!

If you'd like to learn more about how/where our food comes from, you might enjoy Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma. Here's a link to the listing on Amazon. The book addresses industrial agriculture, organic industrial, sustainable farming, and hunting gathering. It's wonderfully well written and will cause you to look at ALL foods you eat a bit differently. Best book I've read, so far, this year.

If you enjoyed the IE website, you should check out Ira Glass' coverage of Improv Everywhere on This American Life. Can't link directly to the episode page, but you can access it with a search for Imrpov Everywhere or Episode #286, Act II. The entire show is, as usual, very well done, but if you're looking for improv missions, the IE segment is at 12:21.

That's an interesting statistic, Skatha. Could you please point me to these mags? Thanks!

Gecko, from your posts it seems like you were working with Steve Derrah and Flite in the early days. Were you in on the development of the highback?

Anyone here use Skype? Apparently they are offering a 'call free anywhere in the US and Canada' promotion through the end of 2006. Are there any security concerns? Any other things to be aware of before trying this service? Thanks. 'Preciate any info you might be able to offer.

Sorry. Couldn't resist. Still makes me laugh.

Thanks for the responses. I'm keen to find an image or two of these types of machine-made bumps. Anyone know where there might be some? Thanks again.

Found this while surfing the other day: "...Bachelor doesn't stop their grooming here. The resort also offers great bump skiing with machine-made moguls. Yep - machine made. While many of the mogul runs are left ungroomed to be bumped up naturally, others are constructed by grooming machines with articulating blades. " Anyone ever ridden machine-made bumps?

A bit o' industry news...

If SBX is a race on the 'equipment you are fastest on', why would there be any rules regarding waist width on a board?

In case you haven't yet seen Colbert's White House Press Corps Dinner smackdown on CSPAN.

Here's an offbeat, thought-provoking piece on some Improv Everywhere 'missions' on Ira Glass' This American Life (12:27).

Saw this and thought it would be appreciated by some of the folks here.

If it's not too much trouble, would you please be able to post specs? Thanks.