This past Thursday night in the beach town of Encinitas, CA, Todd Richards introduced the world premier showing of the documentary that tells the story of "a kid growing up on the East coast who was a complete and total nerd who actually made something of himself despite everyone saying that he couldn't."

The movie is "Me, Myself and I", and it tells Todd's inspiring life story, from his first introduction to the barely known sport of snowboarding to his domination of the Winter X Games, to where he now- a family man, industry leader and owner of O'Matic snowboards.

Josh Landan is the award winning director of "Me, Myself and I - The Todd Richards Story". He has directed such films as "Against the Grain- The Tara Dakides Story" and "Flow- The True Story of a Surfing Revolution".

Josh is no stranger to what it takes to chronicle the life of a legend in a full length feature film, and he didn't hold back exposing the trials and tribulations that took place behind the scenes of Todd's high profile career. The documentary touches on sensitive subjects like Todd getting teased incessantly as a pre-teen and even the passing of his father right at the pinnacle of Todd's career. As Todd puts it "It has a lot less to do about snowboarding and it's a lot more of a coming-of-age-thing."

While at times the movie tugs at heartstrings, it also portrays many inspirational and heartwarming messages, like how important it is to follow your dreams and always have fun. Pro rider Luke Mitrani sums it up, "I hope every kid sees that. Especially every kid on [those websites] who just hate on every video. It's like 'It's just snowboarding. We're having a good time.'"

Check out the reaction video of the industry after the sneak peak world premier showing at La Paloma theatre in Encinitas and look for the release of "Me, Myself and I- The Todd Richards Story" in October, 2009.

Wow, I feel like such a prat "reporting" this, but here goes. It is confirmed that Snowboarding's own Louie Vito will be on this fall's season of "Dancing With the Stars".

Some fun facts about this situation:

• Todd Richards, snowboard legend and owner of Vito's board sponsor company O'Matic Snowboards, broke the news to the industry via Twitter this morning.
• According to Louie's "Official Website" (www.louievito.com), Louie CAN'T dance
• Also according to his website, Louie has never even seen the show
• The show premiers live on September 21st.
• Louie is asking his fans for all the support he can get. "Please vote and vote often"

Admittedly I just requested tickets to the "live taping" in L.A. Looks like there is a wait-list, but either way you can be sure you'll hear more on this.

Also, big props to Vito for landing the first ever frontside double-cork 1080 in competition this past weekend at the Burton New Zealand Open during Semi's. Louie had the top score going into Finals but was ousted by Shaun White's back-to-back double-corks.

The 10th stop of the Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour looked sicker than
ever. Held at UCSD in La Jolla, tons of kids came out to support their
local shredders. As the sun set, everyone continued slayin' it while
the Galvanic Design crew got some awesome night shots of the riders
hitting their set up. The last stop before the Portland finals is at
Oregon State this Thursday, May 21st.

Folow up story courtesy of Taylor Murray:

With 70-degree weather, Red Bull flowing, and Swine Flu in the air, the conditions were perfect for the rare breed of shredding that is the Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour.
Mother nature was able to sit back and rest as the crew brought in a
massive ' margarita maker' to blow 25 tons of pearly white flakes onto
the setup. By the time the machine was near finished grinding the huge
ice blocks, a massive sea of people had already gathered around the
setup to peep the scene and get their photo taken at the ELM company booth. Cricket Wireless was giving away tons of free shirts and stoking out the crowd. Big ups to Cricket for making it happen!

60 local shreds came out to terrorize the rails and throw down for
their shot at some skrill and assorted products from all the fine
sponsors. Knife Show' (TM)s
own Casey Wrightsman took home the win for the men' (TM)s snowboard division
and walked away with the cash and an invite to the Portland finals.
Second place finisher, Colt Morgan, flew down from Tahoe just to
qualify for the finals, and that he did! Colt also walked away with a
crisp new Omatic board to beat all the babes off him. Eric Singer is no stranger to the Tour, and finished in third with some Skullcandy gear.

As for the ladies, Nirvana Ortanez took home the W and the infamous
jackalope trophy. So sick. Monica Thatcher finished in second and got a
ticket to the finals. Congrats ladies!

Let' (TM)s talk about some skiing. The San Diego skiers are some burly
dudes, they simply don' (TM)t give up. Bloody gashes, smashed limbs, no big
deal. The two plankers put on a great show for all the UCSD students
and walked away with big smiles despite their injuries. Andrew McDowell
stole the judges' (TM) hearts and scooped up some cash and a first place
spot on the podium. Robert Thorpe came in a close second and took home
some killer Boone
skis after getting wild on the Red Bull box. Lars Johnsgard Jensen
rounded out the pack in third and was rewarded with some sick Spyder outerwear and an invite to the Portland finals on May 30th!

When the sun had set and the winners had been crowned, the crew got
their hands dirty and tore down the setup in record time to make it to
the after party in Pacific Beach. 50 shred rats in a bar full of bros
always makes for a good/interesting time. Now that UCSD is in the
books, the Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour
is back in Oregon to host one more event on their home turf, before the
final showdown in downtown Portland on Saturday, May 30th. Keep your
eyes peeled on www.campusrailjamtour.com for a live webcast from REELcomp!