2004 DTR - Las Vegas, NV

What happens at the Hard Rock stays at the Hard Rock. Believe me--I am not the only one who will stick by this creed. Once again, another trade show in Vegas and another year off my life. Damn, that town is ruthless, but as I said before and to avoid further consequence, let's just say it was pretty mellow, OK. Here is what I can reveal: all of the new gear coming out next year is sick. Just when you think something cannot be improved upon, R&D digs deep and adds magnetic sensors or a boot gremlin, all of which drastically improve your riding. I will also say that Social Distortion rocks! But you don't need me to tell you cuz you've seen them right, ... right? Do yourself a favor and go buy their records and see their shows for a lesson on the meaning of rock and roll. Mucho thanks to Sessions and Scott USA for putting on this concert.

Now I have done some gambling in my time, and I do love to game but let me assure you, I have nothing on Mike Ranquet. I was not aware that the more reckless you play the better your odds. He was throwing chips on the roulette table like you would throw Ping-Pong balls for goldfish at the carny. I might need to reevaluate my technique.

On the craps table next to him a young man named Kazu showed the elusive overhand dice toss, which earned big props from onlookers yet seemed to irritate the dealers. Those dealers, man, they play by the rules don't they. What I want is a game where regardless of the outcome you get a little something, you know, for the effort.

Did I mention it snowed? Just a few yards from the entrance to the casino it dumped enough shaved ice to hold the first High Roller Rail Jam. In this day and age it seemed quite logical to me, having a snowboarding contest in Vegas. I may or may not have seen an attempted backflip to lipslide or Jeremy Jones recieve the first propper beating of the New Year, but who's to say? What I can confirm is that Eddie Wall and Simon Chamberlain treat the ledge slider like a rented mule. However, I am not sure if they are old enough to turn that money into the empire I may or may not have built for myself on the nickel slots.