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Found this interesting old thread from another Forum for discussion here.
What do you think? Comments? Opinions?http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index. ... ost&p=4584
of Western Dharma
by Lama Surya Das
For a number of years now, I have been observing religious trends and the transplantation of Asian Buddhism into the fertile fields of the Western world. From my particular vantage point, I observe what I call trends in Western Buddhism or American Dharma.
Speaking of the emerging Western Buddhism, there are many colorful, smaller threads woven into the larger tapestry. There seem to be groups variously emphasizing monastic Buddhism, lay Buddhism, ethnic Buddhism, meditation Buddhism, chanting Buddhism, ritualistic Buddhism and bare bones Buddhism; there is mystical Buddhism and practical Buddhism, academic Buddhism, therapeutic Buddhism, intellectual Buddhism, as well as anti-intellectual, no-mind Buddhism.
Some people are attracted to hermitage and retreat Buddhism, congregational Buddhism, socially engaged Buddhism, missionary Buddhism, health and healing oriented Buddhism, upper-middle path Buddhism, Jewish Buddhism, Christian Zen Buddhism, vegetarian Buddhism, pacifist Buddhism, tantric Crazy Wisdom Buddhism, to name a few.
The Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh said, "The forms of Buddhism must change so that the essence of Buddhism remains unchanged. This essence consists of living principles that cannot bear any specific formulation."
In The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhism and Western Culture, Stephen Batchelor writes, "Buddhism cannot be said to be any of the following: a system of ethics, philosophy, or psychology; a religion, a faith, or a mystical experience; a devotional practice, a discipline of meditation or a psychotherapy. Yet it can involve all these things."
Like him I know there is really no such thing as Buddhism; there are only Buddhists. When I speak of the ten trends on Western Buddhism, I therefore do so with certain reservations, not the least among them that I am primarily emphasizing meditation practice groups. Remember, these are emerging trends and there is still a way to go to fulfill this vision.
Trend #1. Meditation-based and Experientially Oriented
As Westerners, we typically come to Buddhism for meditation and contemplation in an attempt to improve our quality of life. We want to bring more mindfulness to what we do. We are usually attracted to Buddhism not through academia but because we want personal transformation, direct religious experience and compassion into our daily lives. The Dharma is not just something we believe in, but something we do.
Trend #2 Lay-Oriented
Although there is certainly room for traditional monasticism -- both short - and long-term -- Buddhism in the West is obviously much more lay-oriented than it has been historically. Practitioners are now bringing personal issues of relationships, family and work to the Dharma center in an effort to make more sense out of life.
Trend #3. Gender Equal
In an effort to go beyond traditional patriarchal structures and cultures, we have already make great strides in supporting women as well as men in teaching and leadership roles. There are more and more women teachers, and they are providing some of the finest teaching. Gender equality remains an ideal, but one that seems reachable. We all -- male and female -- have an opportunity to refine our more feminine aspects and practice a Buddhism in which we keep the heart and mind balanced, respectful of both body and soul. We are trying to learn from the past so as not to unwittingly repeat the mistakes of others.
Trend #4. Democratic and Egalitarian
Western Buddhism needs to evolve in a much less institutionalized, less hierarchical and more democratic fashion. Almost by definition, personal growth and the purest interests of the individual are going to be stressed more than institutional preservation and growth.
Trend #5. Essentialized, Simplified and Demystified
For the most part, noticeably absent from Western Buddhism are the complex, esoteric rites and arcane rituals designed for initiates only. Western teachers generally stress essence more than form, as well as teachings that are tolerant for daily life. It is thus practical and this world oriented, rather than otherworldly and hermetic, with great emphasis on integrating Dharma practice via mindfulness and compassion into daily life.
Trend #6. Nonsectarian
Most Westerners seem to have a true appreciation for many different meditation techniques and traditions. We have seen how politics, the quest for power, and sectarian bias have created chaos within various religious communities. We understand it is essential that we strive diligently not to fall into those same traps. As practitioners, we are generally interested in broadening and deepening our experience of the various different Buddhist spiritual practices. I think it is safe to say that there is a true appreciation of the benefits of nonsectariansim, ecumenicism and cross-fertilization. In fact, many teachers are already synthesizing the best of the various traditions. American karma is our great melting pot. We have to live with that and make the most of it.
Trend #7. Psychologically Astute
There is a growing appreciation for explaining Buddhist principles within the idiom of transformational psychology. Faith and devotion are important and useful for some, but the larger appeal is to the individual's spiritual development and psychological and emotional well-being. Dharma students are encouraged to bring spirituality into their lives as opposed to using spirituality as a way of avoiding personal issues. We are working on ourselves and there are any number of interdisciplinary tools and methods. Psychotherapy and Buddhism are most often taken as complementary.
Trend #8. Exploratory
In line with our scientific and skeptical upbringing, questioning and inquiry are encouraged. We are striving to be dynamic and forward-looking. I see contemporary Dharma as basically a non-dogmatic Dharma, which is inquiring, skeptical, rational and devoted to testing and finding out for ourselves. Western Dharma is trying to stretch beyond dogma, insularity, isolationism and fundamentalist thinking.
Trend #9. Community Oriented
Through our shared spiritual, ethical, and educational interests, we are strengthened and building our spiritual community as well as our connections to each other. There is a great emphasis on the needs of the Sangha in the sense of the larger community instead of individual priests and leaders. One day, Ananda asked the Buddha, "Is it true that the Sangha, the community of spiritual friends, is half of the holy life?"
Buddha answered, "No, Ananda, the Sangha community is the whole of holy life."
Spiritual friends, spiritual friendships and simple friendliness -- this is the holy life. Here in the West where more and more people are expressing their personal needs for spiritual growth, it is the challenge of the Sangha today to provide spiritual encouragement for generations to come.
Trend #10. Socially and Ecologically Conscious
Gandhi once said, "Those who say the religion has nothing to do with politics do not understand religion." Increasingly as Buddhists we are attempting to extend our sense of social and moral responsibility to include others, particularly those who are suffering from various injustices and deprivations. We are also searching for ways to express our deep concern for the natural world. The contemporary lay Sangha is like an interdisciplinary "Lobby for Wisdom and Compassion."
The Dharma is very suited to a Western way of life. It need not be complicated, mysterious or fancy. Buddha Dharma is ordinary life including everything from meditation to relationship yoga and parenting practice. Among other things, it involves itself with the body-mind connection, which might well include suggestions like eating right, exercising right and having a sense of humor. One of my teachers, the late Dudjom Rinpoche, once said, "The Dharma is not fancy. It's like blue jeans: good for every occasion, every day. It's good for work. It's good for school. You can wear blue jeans to a wedding, to ride horses, anytime."
(Note: this is strictly not a thread to discuss anything on Lama Surya Das or his activities but solely on the points he raised as brought up by the poster of that Forum)
Namo Amitabha Buddha!


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A Trenton man was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and careless driving after he drove through the front of the Dollar General Store on U.S. Highway 19/98 in Fanning Springs on Monday evening.
Kenneth Wayne Messick, 48, was attempting to back a 1994 Acura sedan out of a parking space when he put it into drive instead of reverse, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. The car crashed through the front doors and traveled approximately 30 feet inside the business.
Messick and his passenger, Joe Randall Messick, 47, were not injured.
The first 11 years of David Viker's life were spent in suburban New York. And he fell in love with the outdoors while camping with his family in the Catskills Mountains.
Then came the change that would determine his destiny; a divorce transplanted his family to Bronson.
"The things I liked most about the outdoors in New York, I liked about Florida," Viker said in a telephone interview from his office in Atlanta, Ga., where he oversees 130 refuges in 10 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with 750 employees.
The owner of a Tavares sales display company is still insisting that the City of Chiefland make good on a three-year contract to rent Christmas lights.
Attorneys for Lee Clark, president of Clark Sales Display Inc., sent a letter to City Attorney Norm Fugate Aug. 15 stating, "There is no just cause for the premature repudiation of the contract."
A Trenton farm could help alleviate pollution that could potentially make its way into Fanning Springs due to a new wastewater treatment plant proposed for the Town of Fanning Springs, area officials and representatives said at a meeting last week.
The storm that passed through Chiefland Tuesday evening spawned a tornado that left a family of four homeless after ripping off three-fourths of the roof of a single-wide mobile home.
Levy County Sheriff's Lt. Scott Tummond said no one was injured. Tummond said the home was at Northwest 130th Street.
Chiefland Fire Chief James Harris, whose department responded at about 6 p.m., said two tree tops were taken out.
To help, contact Casey Schmelz at 352-281-5180.
Although city budget matters will officially be voted on next month, it looks like Chiefland residents will once again see a decrease in the amount of property taxes they owe for the upcoming year.
At a budget workshop Monday night, City Financial Coordinator Laurie Copeland told the commission that the city's general fund, accounting for a proposed millage rate of 4.75, is in balance. The budget for the upcoming year's fund is $2,262,060.29.
J'Mia McNeil sits at her desk on the first day of school at Chiefland Elementary in Mrs. Kamala Reidy's second grade class. See more back to school photos on page 10A.J'Mia McNeil sits at her desk on the first day of school at Chiefland Elementary in Mrs. Kamala Reidy's second grade class.
Levy County Emergency Management Director Mark Johnson said Wednesday morning that Hurricane Irene poses no threat to the county at this time.
Johnson had been watching the storm, prepared to brief county and municipal officials should it take a turn toward Florida. Instead, the storm that has left devastation in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean, is tracking out in the Atlantic Ocean and will only affect Florida's east coast, he said.
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Some community choruses would appear to perform "The Messiah" practically every Christmas. It is a linchpin of the choral repertoire, it's in English, and it tells the story of Christmas in a compelling way. Yet performing it so frequently turns the piece into something of a ritual for singers and audiences alike, and we should be grateful that our local Choral Society of the Hamptons sponsors more diverse programming. How much better to pull "The Messiah" out only occasionally, so that in hearing it again we are actually surprised by its greatness.
Is there another piece of music in the classical canon that begins as stunningly as Handel's "Messiah"? On Sunday afternoon, the Choral Society of the Hamptons had me thinking no. First comes the sublime recitative "Comfort Ye," followed by the vocal flourishes of the aria "Ev'ry Valley," both delivered here with poise by the tenor soloist, Nils Neubert. Then the chorus enters strongly with "And the Glory of the Lord," quickly rising to full volume, and completing a trio of pieces showing unparalleled beauty, energy, and power.
The chorus was well prepared and delivered Handel's many intricate passages gracefully and crisply — no mean feat. Its director, Mark Mangini, also brought out nicely layered dynamics in the voices. "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" was especially good, with changing dynamic shapes giving pleasing variety to the repetitions in the music. The rich tone of the baritone soloist, Mischa Bouvier, on "The People That Walked in Darkness" matched well with the striking, sinuous melody. The mezzo-soprano Suzanne Schwing and soprano Rada Hastings's duet on "He Shall Feed His Flock" was a true highlight, particularly Ms. Hastings's voice on Handel's achingly beautiful melody to the text "Come unto him, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and he shall give you rest."
The chorus was accompanied by the South Fork Chamber Ensemble, which showed forth admirably on the instrumental movements, especially the "Pifa," Handel's musical introduction of the shepherd's abiding in the field. Also nice were the light string passages in the aria "But who may abide the day of his coming?" If space constraints were not a factor, additional strings might have solved minor intonation problems that afflicted the small ensemble at times.
"The Messiah" is composed in multiple sections. While the chorus performed primarily Part One, or the Christmas portion of the piece, some movements from Part Two were interpolated in. The near ubiquitous "Hallelujah" chorus, as Mr. Mangini pointed out in his program notes, is actually from Part Two, the section that pertains to Easter. However, he also allowed that you can't really leave it out of any performance of the piece, and so we were treated to it. And, perhaps because it's been a while since the Choral Society performed "The Messiah," initially very few audience members remembered to rise for the "Hallelujah." Slowly, people caught on and got to their feet. That so many had forgotten this age-old custom I took as a good sign: this "Messiah" was no ritual, but rather a fresh and excited performance of a masterpiece.


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'Manage Policy' lets you modify your JetProtect Travel Insurance Policy online on jetairways.com.
You can also download a claim form.
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Reviewed by Ian W. (age 8)
I like this book, because it is non-fiction. I liked the character Stomach Acid, because he was funny. The story reminds me of The Magic Schoolbus- The Human Body, because they go into stomach acid. I think it is the best book I've ever read! It's a great book, it's non-fiction, it has great illustrations.
I recommend this book to the whole school. First through fifth grade would lik this book.


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A nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical Center regularly provides a guest post. This week, Mindy Athas weighs in on apples.
Finding fresh, local and tasty ripe apples in the fall is easy. May some apple wisdom fall upon your head.
Apple Appeal: Part of the rose family and related to plums, peaches and almonds, apples are one of the oldest and most widely cultivated tree fruits. Originating in Asia and later in Europe, apple trees were brought to North America by colonists in the 17th century (the only native versions are crab apples). After oranges, apples are the second most profitable fruit grown in the U.S.
Adam's Apple: The apple has been documented throughout history and is associated with religion, symbolism and mythology. It was esteemed as a dragon-guarded gift from the gods to make us beautiful and fertile, to heal wounds, and as a symbol for knowledge, immortality, temptation, the fall of man into sin, and sin itself.
Apple Architecture: An average apple contains about 95 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 25 grams of total carbohydrates (1 cup chopped is about 65 calories, 3 grams fiber and 17 grams total carbs.) Apples may help with satiety, or fullness, especially after eating them whole. Satiety can help with portion control and weight management, so think of apples as a weight-control tool. Aim to eat apples in their least-processed state: fresh, whole apples rather than applesauce or apple juice (the most processed and least nutritious version), and keep the nutrient-rich peels in recipes.
Apple Me This: Apples may confer health benefits as part of a plant-based diet, including a decreased risk of chronic disease. Like most fresh fruits, they are free of sodium, fat and cholesterol. Rich in antioxidants, including flavonols (also in red wine and cocoa), polyphenols (which may improve blood sugar) and catechins (also in tea), apples are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Pectin, part of the soluble fiber in apples, is considered a prebiotic, has anti-inflammatory properties, aids in bulking up the stool and easing digestion, and may lower blood cholesterol. Pectin is also used as a gelling, thickening and stabilizing agent in canning and food preservation. Apples can act as a toothbrush, cleaning teeth and killing bacteria in the mouth, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay. Affordable and readily available, try an apple instead of your usual morning coffee: you'll be surprised at how they energize your a.m.
Apple Arithmetic: There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples; 2,500 are grown in the U.S. (in all 50 states), and 13 are grown in Maryland. See orangepippin.com/apples for a list of all varieties. Go to local orchards to pick them yourself or buy just-picked fruit as well as apple cider and other tasty apple items at: pickyourown.org/MD.htm.
An Apple a Day: The versatility of apples is unmatched. Use them in place of firm vegetables in stir-fries, mash them into casseroles and quiches, or blend them into soups. Eat them as a snack with peanut butter, slices of cheese or a side of caramel dip. To prevent browning, place apple slices in a bowl of cold water and some lemon juice; pat dry and place into baggies for lunch. A medium-size apple or a cup of chopped apples counts toward 50 percent of your daily total of two cups of fruits for most adults.
Bobbing for Apples: There are endless ways to use apples besides the usual pies, tarts, muffins and cakes. Consider apple sangria, salsa, slaw, soup, pizza or chutney. For breakfast, add apples to yogurt, hot or cold cereal, or atop toast, waffles or pancakes; or try baked apple and cinnamon oatmeal (see recipe at http://www.bettycrocker.com). For lunch, slice apples into sandwiches or salads, with cottage cheese or sample curried apple chicken salad (go to http://www.myrecipes.com). For dinner, braise apples and cabbage, chop into stews and sauces, bake into casseroles, or try Hungarian apple soup (www.eatingwell.com). Dessert is easy: Saute apples and cinnamon, make an apple flambée, apple cake or muffins (add nuts for more fiber and protein), fresh apple pie (with the skins on), or simply drizzle them with honey. For more apple recipe and snack ideas: fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/top-10-ways-to-enjoy-apples.
Apple Ante: Other ways to get your apple fix include dried apples, apple crushers or sauce, apple butter or jam. Plan ahead to freeze or can apples now to enjoy all winter. When home canning, use very fresh apples and practice food safety techniques: foodsafety.gov/blog/home_canning.html. To freeze fresh apples: http://www.simplycanning.com/freezing-apples.htmlhttp://www.simplycanning.com/freezing-apples.html. Or dry them with or without a dehydrator.


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> Aikido
Related terms
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Related Terms
Gendai budo, kanji, kata.
Aikido is a form of martial arts, which combines philosophy, mental training and physical fitness. This particular martial art stresses an awareness of energy and whole-body coordination in combat.
Aikido is a word that is comprised of three Japanese characters: ai, or joining; ki, or spirit; and do, or way. Used together, these words convey the principle of two bodies in combat moving to redirect one another's blows.
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba over a period of three decades, beginning in the 1920s.
Aikido is not primarily a form of combat technique. Training and working within the aikido also involves a strong spiritual component. Although aikido instruction does focus on the development of physical strength, this practice goes hand in hand with the development of the spiritual self. The English translations of aikido are "the way to union with universal energy," "the way of spiritual harmony," and "the way of peace."
There is a lack of available high quality studies that evaluate the efficacy of aikido as a means of achieving physical fitness or treating any medical condition.
Aikido is a relatively well-known form of martial arts in the United States. As a practice combining spiritual development with physical activity, aikido has become more popular in recent years.
Theory / Evidence
Like all martial arts, aikido training focuses on an awareness of the body. Correct breathing and attack patterns are developed as a means to maximize the flow of energy, or chi, into and out of the body.
A 1995 study conducted by Delva-Tauiliili trained 21 youth who were identified as lacking self-control in the beginning principles of aikido. The outcome of the study was inconclusive.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Aikido Online.
Aikido Journal.
Delva-Tauiliili J. Does brief Aikido training reduce aggression of youth? Percept Mot Skills. 1995 Feb;80(1):297-8.
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Aikido training combines mental and physical aspects. The focus of physical training is on endurance, flexibility and controlled relaxation, rather than just physical force. Whole body coordination, balance and movement are considered important aspects of aikido.
Aikido training is based on practicing pre-arranged forms, called kata, with a partner. One partner initiates an attack against their opponent, and the opponent attempts to redirect the attack. The role of attacker and opponent are considered equally important in training.
Training in combat technique occurs as students learn different types of strikes, throws and pins. Because aikido was derived in part from sword fighting, students may practice with weapons to gain insight as to the origin of the technique. Some schools of aikido incorporate weapons into fighting while others do not.
Mental training in aikido occurs by awareness of "chi", an ancient Asian term used to denote the "vital force" thought of as inherent in all things. The unification of mental and physical intention is considered crucial for attacking with correct timing and for the ability to relax even in the most stressful situations. In some schools of Aikido, students receive ranking in their development of chi, independent of their skills in physical confrontation.
Expertise in and mastery of aikido is determined by a progress of promotion. Students ascend a series of what are known as grades followed by a series of degrees. Promotion is determined through a number of formalized testing procedures.
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The Dreamer Hostel
The Dreamer is the closest hostel to famous Tayrona park, the coffea town of Minca and the best beach in S.Marta city, Concha bay.
Don't you want more from a hostel?
The Dreamer is brings to Santa Marta a new concept in quality budget accommodation, offering the travellers the possibility to indulge in a bit of luxury at backpacker rates.
Some facilities that ours adventurers loves:
Big garden and swimming pool, Basketball court in front of the hostel.
The Coelho's Bar open every day, pool table, Italian restaurant (homemade pasta) open for breakfast, lunch and dinners;
For those who like to make their own food we have a fully equipped kitchen open all day, 2 dining areas, BBQ and a nice TV lounge with Cable TV and DVD; Check in is open 24 hours and WIFI internet is free.
We also offer a wide range of accommodation from comfortable and spacious dorm to twin and double room in suite (air con available)
We provide info and organize tours to the main attraction in the region as the Lost City or the dream destination of San Blas and Panama for those who want to continue travelling to central America.
People from all walks of life are welcome
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
Hostel Facilities & Policies
- 24 Hour Reception
- 24 Hour Security
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Bicycle parking
- Board Games
- Book Exchange
- Breakfast Not Included
- Cable TV
- Café
- Ceiling Fan
- Common Room
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Currency Exchange
- DVDs
- Free City Maps
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Games Room
- House Keeping
- Internet Access
- Self-Catering Facilities
- Late check-out
- Laundry Facilities
- Linen Included
- Security Lockers
- Luggage Storage
- Meals Available
- Microwave
- Mini Supermarket
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Terrace
- Parking
- Pool Table
- Reading Light
- Reception (limited hours)
- Restaurant
- Safe Deposit Box
- Swimming Pool
- Taxes included
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Towels Included
- Wi-Fi
Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 2 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
Must-Read Hostel InfoThis property has specific Terms & Conditions.
Cancellations must be reported by email only 48 hours on the arrival date ( arrival time will not be considered for this purpose )
Please note: we may pre-authorize cards in advance
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
The hostel is a 5 minutes taxi ride from bus station, cost 5000 pesos ( around 2 dollars)
The bus stop to the amazing Parque Tayrona is accross the street and very cheap pubblic transport to Quebrada Valencia, Minca, Rodadero and Taganga are just 2 blocks away from the hostel.
Located Near
The Dreamer Hostel is the closest hostel to the main attractions of Santa Marta, the Tayrona Park and the Sierra Nevada mountain where the lost City is set.
Located in the safe and quiet residential neighborhood of Mamatoco, only a short walk from supermarket, cinema,ATM, shopping center. You can even visit the beautiful Simon Bolivar house museum, one of the most important cultural sites of Colombia, at the top of the street or play basketball on the court just across the road.


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Plum Crisp
My contribution to a pot-luck dinner hosted by a colleague. The other items on the menu: an apéritif made with homemade ginger syrup and soda water, white bean & kale soup, a rustic loaf of wholegrain bread, and a salad of mixed baby greens, sweet bell peppers and pecans. Did we eat with abandon? No, I wouldn't say that. But we did eat with freedom, enjoyment and gratitude.
Plum Crisp
Makes one 1-quart crisp
2 cups frozen, pitted plums, thawed and cut in quarters
1 cup frozen apple-and-pear sauce, thawed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar (use more or less depending on sweetness of fruit and your taste preference)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1. Make the topping. Place flour, cinnamon, salt and brown sugar in a medium-size bowl. Stir together until blended. Add the butter in small chunks. Work the butter into the dry mixture with a fork or your fingers until it is in small, sweetlet pea-like bits. {Make mental note to self to try Heidi's recipe for crumb topping next time.} Add the rolled oats and stir to combine.
2. Set topping aside. {Take a break to give some love and a treat to any pet who knows some kitchen goodness is happening, a crumb or two may fall, and so is leaning heavily against your lower legs while you stand at the sink.}
3. Position a rack in the centre of the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Make the filling. Place the plums and apple-pear sauce in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and sugar until blended. And the cornstarch and sugar to the fruit. Toss gently to combine. Transfer the fruit mixture to a shallow baking dish. {I used a quiche/flan pan.} Drizzle the maple syrup on top of the fruit.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit but do not pack it down.
6. Bake the crisp until the fruit juices bubble up around the edges of the baking dish and the topping turns golden. {In my convection oven, this took about 30 minutes.} Let the crisp cool slightly before serving it warm.
Adapted from a recipe for Summer Berry Crisp, Food to Live By: The Earthbound Farm Organic Cookbook, page 346.


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The Workers' Compensation Board (Board) is currently administering claims of an insolvent Group Self Insured Trust. Pursuant to statutory authority, the Board is now seeking to transfer these claims to a private carrier via an Assumption of Workers' Compensation Liability Policy (ALP). Therefore, attached please find an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the Elite Contractors Trust of New York. You will be provided with access to all relevant information once a signed disclosure form is received via email. Upon receipt the following information will be made available for your review:
Thank you for your consideration. Please see the Invitation for Bid for procedures regarding questions about this IFB


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iBobber needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 16 designs submitted by 9 freelance designers.
CaptainNibble.com (under dev)
We are in the process of setting up our own iPhone development studio. We will do business as "Captain Nibble" (aka the iPhone development super hero). Therefor we are looking for a comic style illustration that will bring our superhero to life.
For us. And for anybody that will visit our www. It should immediately give iPhone-fans a "wow cool" feeling and a "I want that on my screen/shirt/body ..."
We would like to have a "computer nerd"-like comic figure (see attachment hero.jpg) that is surfing (see attachments SurfRound.jpg and SurfScreen.jpg) on top of an iPhone (front side of iPhone facing up but direction of iPhone going down as in examples) with his shirt open (see attachment shirt.jpg) to display his supernerdhero-sign. The sign looks like this:
So a 1 and a 0 on the first line, and a 0 and a 1 on the second. You can choose to put it either within a circle or other container.
The result must look like a large circle with our superhero doing his surf-thing (see attachment arm.jpg and dog.jpg). At the bottom the "iPhone-surfboard" should stick out a little bit, and possibly also a hand from the superhero.
Last but not least we would like to see "CaptainNibble.com" on top of the outer circle.
Design must work well on white and black background.
We hope you have some fun with it and can't wait for the results.
We will provide continuous feedback while in progress.
PS: All attachments are as example only and should not be copied in any way but merely be used as examples!
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Included in:
A discounted pack featuring multiple tracks in this style.
Description:In summary, a loud bombastic fully orchestral (winds, brass, strings, percussion) action track with a soft ethnic section featuring the Armenian duduk. Particularly well suited to trailers and video games but could also be cut to a film clip.
The track is divided clearly into 3 sections.
00:00-01:18 – Ominous battle-like action scene. Suitable for 'grand' battle scenes, rather than individual or close-up scenes.
01:18-01:45 – Breakdown section. Features ethnic instruments and a complete change of pace.
01:45-02:45 – Grand buildup towards the end of the piece at 2:22 with all sorts of apocalyptic orchestral effects.
Contains both WAV and MP3 file.


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About .DIRECT Domain Names
The .direct domain name is vast in scope, and can encompass such concepts as giving directions, providing direct guidance, directing a program or process, or literally just being direct. The .direct extension will serve as an umbrella domain for multiple different topics and business ventures.
The .direct domain extension is managed by the Donuts registry. To learn about the regulations and pre-registration information that apply to .direct, see About Donuts Domain Names.
For information about Donuts' registration process, see Registering Donuts domains.
For .direct pricing, click here.


text:
Jaime Keenan necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 88 diseños de 18 diseñadores freelance.
Sparked Marketing
I'm Jaime, marketing girl turned startup entrepreneur. I'm now starting my 2nd business, a small marketing agency for startups and small businesses. I have been involved in some succesful start ups myself and so feel I'm in a good place to help. I'm very easy going, liberal, love to chat and make friends.
Into cooking, music and festivals. My favourite place is Brighton and I like anything ecclectic and arty.
I'm a London girl, fashionable into vintage and retro but never stuck up or into myself. 1980's styling mixed with Chanel geek chic. I'm quite girly but also a force to be reckoned with in the sense that I know what I'm talking about but will always deliver things succinctly and diplomatically. I'm not one to go barging in and am quite sensitive and tactile.
Young, cool startups - or startups that don't necessarily have the edge but know they need it e.g. technology startups.
Also would like to appeal to small business owners so they may not be familiar with latest marketing techniques so brand needs to be approachable and not stuffy in any way.
I am looking for a logo that uses the name of my company but also has a cool graphical element to it. The company name is 'Sparked Marketing'
In a way although the word 'Sparked' is quite a masculine forceful word, would be happy for it to also be quite approachable and warm in style.
I want this to look very contemporary and cool - no stuffy corporate logo's please.
Be great to have some reference to something sparky in the graphic e.g. dynamite, lightbulb etc use your imagintaio but keen for this not to be too cliched or blokey so simplicity the key. Would like there to be some softness too so its clear that theres a woman behind it - that feminne touch.
Ideally a logo that symbolises that by working with me its easy, but I can deliver really powerful results.
I like vibrant and on-trend colours - see http://www.colourlovers.com for some inspiration (like pinks, olive and mint greens but please don't feel restricted by this) I don't like reds yellows or dull colours too much so avoid where possible.
Need the logo although modern to be a classic design so nothing thats going to date tomorrow.
Whatever, whatever, whatever I do not want anything corporate or stiff. Think warm, fuzzy, light, approachable yet powerful.
Would also like there to be consideration for a strapline to fit within the logo.
Preferably I would like the logo to be able to be used in a number of formats e.g. one version on white background, one for when I need a more vibrant impact, black version for simple stationery etc.
Some really good designs so far but I'M GETTING A BIT BORED WITH THE SAME LOGO and COLOUR VARIATIONS NOW I know I said in the brief I like neon pink and the dynamite image (have removed now for anyone new reading this) but really keen to see a good variety of logo designs and colours. Some hints and ideas for what I mean by on-trend colours:
Blue Meeny: http://www.colourlovers.com/color/3
Sexual Addiction: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette
Cherry Cub: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette
A lovely jest: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette
Lucky bubblegum: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette
This pink is lovely too http://www.colourlovers.com/color/D
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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From a radio perspective, point-to-point links are very straightforward to set up. You should always follow more or less the same steps when evaluating the possibility of a link:
Establish that you have line of sight from end to end.
Measure the distance between the points and calculate the path loss.
Add in the capabilities of your equipment to determine your link budget.
Go out and hook up your gear.
If you intend to make a long-distance point-to-point link, first find out the latitude, longitude, and altitude of each end point. You can find this by physically going to each site and marking the coordinates with a GPS, or you can estimate using topographical maps or software (see Chapter 6 for some examples of how to do this). With the coordinates and altitude of both sites, you can calculate a bearing and tilt angle, so you know roughly where to point the antennas on each end. A decent GPS can help here by giving you a bearing to and from each point. You should also check out the online wireless design CGIs at http://www.qsl.net/n9zia/wirelesspage09.html for help with many of the calculations you'll need to perform.
Obviously, if you can see the other point through binoculars or a telescope, this is a good first step. Ideally, there should be very little on the ground between the two points. The closer the path is to an actual valley, the better. Take a look at Chapter 6 for details about how to calculate the path loss and link budget for your link. I've mentioned it before, but here it is again: keep your antenna cable as short as possible! On a long-distance point-to-point link, every few decibels count.
Now that you're ready to hook up your gear, the question remains: what gear do you want to use? That depends on your (fiscal) budget and how you plan to use the link. As we saw in Chapter 5, it is very simple to set up a Linux gateway in IBSS or Host AP mode. This is a popular and flexible way to go, but setup can be a little complex if it's your first link. If you already have a hardware access point, you can use it for one end of the link, and have a computer using a client card on the other. Another alternative is to use an access point that will bridge over the air, such as the Linksys WAP11 (although there are varying reports of success and stability with that particular model). Keeping your WAP11 firmware up to date seems to be the best move you can make toward greater operating stability. Finally, it is also possible to use client hardware (such as the Orinoco Ethernet Converter or Linksys WET11) on one end of the link to talk to an access point on the other end. People have had different experiences with these devices, but, generally speaking, firmware updates seem to resolve most issues.
The farther apart your points are, the harder it will be to aim your antennas. At distances up to five miles or so, this is rarely a problem (as long as you have enough total gain to overcome the path loss). At greater distances, getting the antennas pointed directly at each other can be quite tricky. Here are some techniques that might help you get your dishes pointed in the right direction:
Use cell phones or radios to maintain communications between the two points while you're aiming the antennas. It helps to have at least two people at each end (one to manipulate the antenna, and another to coordinate with the other end).
Set up all your network settings ahead of time, so there aren't any variables once you get to the remote site. Check all gear, ping each box, and even transfer a file or two to be sure that your equipment works at close range. You don't want to question it later if you have problems getting the link going.
Use a tool such as the Lucent Link Test meter (which ships with the Windows driver for the Orinoco card) or any of the other tools mentioned earlier in this chapter to show the signal strength and noise readings in real time. This kind of tool is your best friend, short of an actual spectrum analyzer.
Work on one end of the link at a time, slowly changing one variable at a time until you see the maximum signal strength and lowest noise at each end of the link.
If you have one handy (and your link budget permits it), first try an omni or sector antenna on one end of the link. Once you find the other end of the link, replace it with your dish or yagi, and tune it in.
Sweep slowly, and don't be afraid to go beyond the best perceived signal. Most antennas have smaller side lobes that appear as a false positive. Keep moving until you find the main lobe. It should stand out significantly from the others, once you find it.
Do not touch the actual antenna when taking a reading. This is particularly easy to overlook when using tube yagis, like the Pringles can (see the later section). Resting your hand on the antenna tube will interfere with the radiation pattern and drain your signal very quickly. Take your readings with all hands clear of the equipment.
Don't forget to compare horizontal and vertical polarization. Try the antennas in both positions, and use the one that shows the lowest noise (see Section 7.5 later in this chapter).
Once your link is in place, consider using WEP to discourage others from attempting to connect to it. If you want to provide wireless access at either end-point, set up another gateway, preferably with caching services (such as caching DNS and a transparent web proxy, like Squid). This helps reduce the amount of traffic that goes over the long link, helps cut down on network collisions, and generally makes more efficient use of the link.
It can take all day to properly align antennas at a great distance, but it can also be a fun time with the right group of people. Just take your time, think about what you're doing, and be sure to leave time at the end of the day to celebrate!
There is something I must mention here: I know you're probably excited about getting your link up and running, but never neglect attention to safety. Mounting antennas on roofs or poles can be hazardous, particularly if you are preoccupied by thoughts of link budgets, pigtails, and signal strength meters. In February of 2002, I nearly lost my own life when I fell from a friend's roof while working on a point-to-point link. I had been on many, many roofs at that point, and carelessly went out on a roof after sunset. I remember thinking, "It's getting dark, but we're almost done. I'll just go out and finish up." In the next minute, I stepped off of the roofline and ended up in a hospital for the next week (and recovering over the next several months).
When working on a wireless project, take your time, make sure you have plenty of light, and always work with a friend if you're doing anything precarious. Pay attention to power lines. Whenever possible, you should wear a harness when working on a roof or other high place. Remember that the problem will always be there for you to solve . . . tomorrow. Building your own network is tremendously rewarding, but no link is worth risking your life.


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The WA Cricket Association has been dealt another blow this morning with the resignation of Warriors and Perth Scorchers head coach Lachlan Stevens.
Stevens this morning announced today's one-day match at the MCG would be his final game in charge.
The resignation comes a little more than a week after captain Marcus North stepped down from his top posting with the side, following a controversial night out in South Africa that saw Mitch and Shawn Marsh lose their spots in the Scorchers side.
Stevens has advised the WACA of his decision now to not seek re-appointment for both roles when his contract expired at the conclusion of the 2012/13 season and has decided to resign immediately.
According to a statement from the WACA, Stevens will be returning to his native Queensland.
"It was humbling to be given the chance to coach the Warriors and Scorchers and I thank the WACA as well as the players and staff for their support during my time here, especially in the past 12 months as head coach," Stevens said in a statement.
"I was fortunate to come to Perth two-and-a-half years ago to assist Mickey Arthur, and I could not have asked for a better mentor. It was an honour to work alongside him and I cannot thank Mickey enough for his guidance and friendship during our time working together.
"It has been terrific to work with Christina Matthews and Ben Oliver from an operational point of view and I thank them both along with Adam Griffith, my assistant coach for the past year. I have really appreciated his input and work ethic.
"From a cricket point of view, I also thank Sam Gannon and Dennis Lillee for their personal and professional support during my time at the WACA. They have both helped me tremendously while I have been in Perth.
"While the start of this season has been extremely challenging for all involved with the Warriors and Scorchers, I believe the past couple of seasons have been very rewarding and feel confident that we have laid foundations for a bright future. A fresh coaching structure and new programs will ensure a greater depth of State squad going forward.
"The timing of this announcement is not ideal during a season, but it was only fair for the WACA to begin the search for a permanent replacement since my future intentions have become clear.
"I am indebted to the WACA for the opportunity I have had at the helm of WA cricket and I wish everyone involved great success."
WACA chief executive Christina Matthews thanked Stevens for his dedication to WA cricket in his nearly three years in the state.
"The WACA appreciates the manner in which Lachlan has conducted himself in regards to his intentions for beyond this season and we wish him all the best for the future," she said.
"We will begin the task of assessing options for the position of head coach with both the Warriors and Scorchers as a matter of urgency."


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The U.S. national soccer team is assured of playing three matches in the World Cup. There is Monday's Group G opener against Ghana in this surf-and-sun destination on the northeast coast, then Portugal in the heart of Amazonia and Germany in the port city of Recife.
It is a journey cast across an enormous expanse over 11 days, marked by charters in and out of Sao Paulo and the rich embrace of a country where futebol is hailed and treasured.
For all practical purposes, however, the American experience — and the hope of extending their stay in Brazil — hinges on the events that transpire over 90 minutes Monday evening at Arena das Dunas, a 39,000-seat stadium designed to reflect the area's white dunes.
Thousands of U.S. supporters arrived in rainy Natal the past two days — Americans purchased more tickets to the tournament than any other country, aside from Brazil — and will provide a backing more typical of a crucial home qualifier.
Anything short of victory, though, would leave Jurgen Klinsmann's squad in a precarious situation heading into daunting matchups against the group favorites. A loss would not extinguish hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. Nor would a victory secure passage.
In reality, though, "we need to beat Ghana," Klinsmann has said repeatedly since FIFA conducted the draw in December, one that placed the Americans in the so-called Group of Death.
The Americans failed to beat Ghana in the previous two World Cups, a pair of 2-1 defeats that sent them home. In 2006, the Black Stars closed the U.S. team's winless account in the group finale in Germany and, four years later, inflicted an extra-time setback in the round of 16 in South Africa.
With global ambitions, the Americans are facing increasingly higher expectations. And that means beating Ghana, a 2010 quarterfinalist.
"Over time, you want to see progress happening with the team," Klinsmann said. "With the whole game in the country, we see levels of progress. Now this is just an awesome moment, this is the biggest stage you can have, where you want to show you improve."
The Ghana match is the culmination of not just four weeks of rigorous preparation, but the apex of Klinsmann's three-year tenure. He has introduced new players, turned to more German Americans — he is a former German superstar — and ushered out several veterans, most notably Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson and Carlos Bocanegra.
He has challenged the players by emphasizing greater possession, creativity and pressure. The transition hit rough patches, increasing scrutiny of Klinsmann's ways, but he and the players believe they have rounded into form at the right moment.
"It's important we have that pressure on us in the first game," said goalkeeper Tim Howard, who played in the 2010 encounter. "We want to get three points in the bag."
With Portugal and Germany looming, the pressure to bag those points is heavy.
"This is step one. And then comes Portugal and then comes Germany and then we'll see," Klinsmann said. "Expectations now in the United States are high. Every area of the game is growing, so we want to drive this as the locomotive — the locomotive is the national team. We embrace that. We want to go far."
With a sly grin, he added that "I booked my flight [home] after the final."
The Americans will have to cope with Ghana's speed, power and technical ability — traits that caused trouble in the 2010 match.
"They pose a lot of different threats," said center back Matt Besler, a regular in the U.S. lineup for only 15 months. "They're unpredictable. As a defender, you are going to have to be ready for everything."
Although they will not talk about it openly, the Americans feel they can prevent Ghana's lethal counterattacking and disrupt possession. They also sense weakness in the Black Stars' back line.
Still, though, the U.S. team has that inglorious history with Ghana.
From the U.S. perspective, "not a word's been spoken" about the quadrennial rivalry with the Black Stars, Howard said. "It's ancient history. This is a different team with a different mind-set."
The Black Stars look at it differently.
"They are coming for revenge," said Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 meeting. "Mentally they don't want us to beat them for the third time."
These teams are much different than they were four years ago. Ghana retained seven players from the 2010 squad and is the youngest squad among the 32 participants; the United States brought back six players. Both sides are operating under new management, Klinsmann and James Appiah.
"We love the pressure of playing in a World Cup," midfielder Michael Bradley said. "We know it won't be easy but certainly we feel like if we step on the field and are sharp and are able to play to the best of our ability, we can have a really good World Cup."
After watching the first four days of the tournament, the Americans are eager to begin a campaign they hope to extend into July.
"It's been such a long road," midfielder Graham Zusi said. "I'm excited along with 22 other guys to get on the field now."
This article was originally posted on the Washington Post


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Marc Kaplan necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 155 diseños de 45 diseñadores freelance.
Save Rite Medical SaveRiteMedical.com
Save Rite Medical (http://www.saveritemedical.com) is our newest ecommerce store. We are currently working on developing the website so it is not up yet. We sell a wide variety of medical products on our online storefront.
Here are some links to similar company logos that we really like. Please do not copy these.
We like typography logos with a play on the letters as you can see from the samples. We do not like characters or mascots or any clip art symbols. We would really like to see logo samples in similar concepts to the links above or any creative ideas you might have. We also like badge like logos and would prefer a nice clean looking one that is not a bunch of clip arts thrown together.
We will require any source files and fonts used in the logo including but not limited to photoshop and illustrator.
Professional clean corporate unique design
Should be easy to read
Source Files (PSD, IA)
Fonts included in the logo if any
web 2.0
a design that is busy or complicated
anything that is considered "pretty" or "cute"
any characters or mascots
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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In the absence of Shimano's still-anticipated release of an off-road version of their fantastic Dura-Ace Di2 electronic transmission, several companies and retailers have taken it upon themselves to create their own modifications.
Most of the ones we've seen have been very clever, if not downright brilliant. Arizona-based shop Fairwheel Bikes have crafted the best example yet.
Sure, it's light and it's pretty with lots of anodised aluminium bits, but the key feature is Fairwheel's custom designed electronic 'brain' that turns the 2x10 setup into a trick sequential shifting system using just one shifter.
In terms of user interface it's as simple as could be when set in 'race' mode: simply tap one button for an upshift and the other one for a downshift. According to Fairwheel's Jason Woznick, the custom brain calculates the gear inches and then shifts the front and/or rear derailleurs as needed to achieve the next logical ratio.
Duplicate gears are ignored, and Woznick adds that the programming is designed to minimise cross-chaining and front derailleur shifts as well. "As the bike sits, it's completely linear: two shift buttons, one for up and one for down," he said. "It can go from the 29/32T to the 42/11T, hitting all 13 equally spaced gears with only one front derailleur shift and without cross-chaining."
The single shifter and internal wiring make for an unusually clean looking cockpit
Alternatively, 'trail' mode allows for manual front and rear shifting as usual and full gear access across the entire range. "When in manual mode, the two shifter buttons control just the rear derailleur, shifting it up and down as a normal Di2 system," Woznick told us. "To shift the front derailleur, push both buttons at the same time.
"Since it's a double there's no need to tell it up or down, but just to shift. [Trail mode] isn't really that practical but it's still something we wanted as a possibility." In fact, project software engineer Jeff Roberson says that, "really anything you can imagine is possible".
The system is connected to a PC via a standard USB cable and from there, Roberson can load as many modes as he wants and can also program any button combination to swap in between them. The execution is well done, too, with mostly internal wiring, a custom battery pack that resides inside the frame, and the custom brain built right into the inside of an Enve Composites carbon stem. Luckily for Fairwheel, Shimano's latest satellite shifter is already appropriate for the application.
The custom brain is tucked right inside the Enve Composites carbon stem
The rest of the bike is nothing to sneeze at, either, comprising a custom Titus titanium 29er hardtail frame, a Cannondale Lefty fork, Enve Composites tubular rims and fat Dugast tyres, plus a wealth of lightweight goodies from Tune and KCNC. Claimed weight as pictured is just 7.3kg (16lb) and Woznick says it was built to be ridden, not just for show.
"After Interbike, I plan on switching to a set of Enve clinchers for daily riding and using this bike a lot," he said. "I think endurance events are a great place for something like this as you don't have to think about shifting when mental fatigue sets in. The other place we see this as a big step forward is for people who have the use of only one hand."
Potential buyers had better be prepared to write a hefty cheque. According to Woznick, the price for just the bike itself is estimated at between US$12,000-13,000 and the costs surrounding the custom brain are almost innumerable.
The tuned Di2 rear derailleur moves the KMC chain across a SRAM XX cassette
"I can't really answer the price on the brain as it doesn't have a real price," he said. "The fabrication part was the small cost – paying someone to engineer, design and write the software that controls it as well as how to wire it into the system would be the largest part of the brain expense.
"We don't really have any solid plans on making these available because it isn't just plug-and-play. There really is so much customisation that goes into something like this. Everything from figuring out how to wire it together without using the stock plugs from Shimano to setting up chainlines and building custom batteries that fit inside the frame. It's not something that could easily be put into a package and sold."
Fairwheel will have a number of other choice items on display at their Interbike booth this week (though we'll have to wait until then to shoot images first-hand), including a semi-wireless Di2 system, a 2.85kg (6.28lb) road bike and a custom three-speed internally geared fixie with Ashima hydraulic brakes. Vegas, here we come!


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Tutoring Services
Having trouble with one or two of your courses? Can't seem to grasp a concept? Tutoring Services is here to help.
Did you know that tutoring is available for most introductory and upper level courses at Widener? It's true! A trained staff of Widener students is available throughout the academic year for one-on-one tutoring at the student's request.
For some courses — like physics, biology, and statistics — group sessions are held to foster collaboration and group learning. Students can sign up for tutoring in one of the following ways:
- Visit 522 E. 14th Street (Pineapple House) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday to complete a tutor request form.
- Call or send an e-mail to Tutoring Services at 610-499-1266 or email@example.com.
- Send an e-mail to one of the tutors listed on the Fall or Spring Tutor Schedule, available on the Tutoring Services virtual office page on Campus Cruiser.
Once your request is in, you will be contacted by a tutor or staff member within 24 hours— excluding holidays and weekends.
For assistance with mathematics or essay writing, you can also visit Widener University's Math Center or Writing Center. All of the above services are included within your tuition so there are no additional fees.
Students say...
"(Tutoring Services) was very helpful and if I ever need help again I would not hesitate to call."
"He takes his time explaining the problem to me. He doesn't just give me the answer. He shows me how to get to it, which really helps me."
"Tutoring services were very helpful in helping me raise my grades in anatomy and chemistry. My tutor was extremely knowledgeable and helpful."
"I appreciated how fast the staff got back to me about tutoring sessions."


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Welcome to my blog and the place where I will post my photos and musings from my life as an ultrarunner. My nickname "Shining" was given to me by a group of very special students after I finished my first 100-miler, the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100. They were the inspiration that enabled me to finish this awesome race, and I try to live each day with a "shining" attitude!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Terrapin Mountain Half Marathon and 50K: Paying It Forward
The Zealand Cousins helping me at the finish line
photos by Keith Knipling
I was really pumped for my first race of 2010, the Terrapin Mountain 50K. The weather forecast was calling for temps in the 30s at the start with a high in the fifties, bright sunshine, and I love running this course! It uses parts of my favorites trail races---Hellgate 100K and Promise Land 50K-- as well as very tough and technical sections of Terrapin Mountain. It combines sweet single track, dirt roads, old horse trails, billy goat climbs, rocky outcroppings, and slippery rocky downhills for a perfect early spring test of fitness.
But this year's race was extra special for me because my friends from Charlottesville, Hallie and Eliza, were attempting their first big trail challenges: Eliza was running the Terrapin Half-Marathon, her first mountain trail race, and Hallie was going for her first ultra finish in the 50K. We had been running off and on together all winter (weather and trail conditions permitting), planning and plotting for this event. After running a 12 miler along the AT with Eliza in November, I knew that not only would she challenge for the women's win in the Half, she would also be a contender for the overall win. She is very fast, comfortable on rocky trails and a very strong climber, three skills necessary for a podium finish in this race.
Eliza arriving at Camping Gap in first place
Hallie had her eye on Terrapin ever since finishing 27 miles of the Martha Moats Baker 50K on the trails near the White Oak Trail and Grindstone 100 courses. She, too, is an excellent climber and is a former 24-hour mountain bike racer, so she has the ultra mindset dialed in. She also had finished parts of some tough training runs---13 miles in cold rain on the SMUT course in the southern Massanuttens, 18 miles of Afton to Humpback, and 27 miles on a snowy Catawba course just three weeks before race day. Her ankle had been giving her fits leading up to race day, so she came into Terrapin with a "nothing to lose" mindset and desire to enjoy the experience and just finish.
Hallie at Martha Moats Baker last August
We arrived at the race start/finish with 30 minutes to go before the starting gun---a little stressful but enough time to hear the pre-race instructions from RD Clark Zealand, debate clothing choices (Eliza went for the boy shorts while Hallie and I sported our favorite skirts---gotta look good in the mountains!), get our nutrition ready, and pin on our numbers. Eliza was going without gels or water as she was expecting just a 2-hour-plus run, but Hallie and I were bringing handhelds of Perpetuem Cafe Latte, Clif Bloks, and gels. I greeted my VHTRC friends and high-fived David Horton, who was just two days out of meniscus surgery but in great spirits. I told him that Eliza was going to go for the overall win in the Half, and he looked doubtful. "Does she know how to run the really rocky section?" he asked, and I said, "You'll see!"
Minutes later Clark yelled "Go!" and we were off into the mountains. It was beautiful out there---the rivers and creeks were rushing and high, and views were spectacular and the trails were in excellent shape. My goal was to finish near or faster than last year's 5:43 time, but I was lacking in mountain training from the snowy weather we had all of January and February, so I had no idea how I would do---except that the weather was in my favor and I was thrilled to be racing again! I saw Eliza take off at the start and knew Hallie was behind me somewhere, so I settled in with my usual racing pals, Rick Gray and Marc Griffin, and hammered as hard as I could.
We climbed up to Camping Gap in about 52 minutes, right on last year's pace, and then took off down the other side for a 5-mile downhill on dirt road. This was a total blast and my legs felt great, and I was loving my inov-8 Flyrock 284s. They were perfect for this race with the muddy sections, technical scrambles and road sections. We ran a bit on the early parts of the Hellgate trails, climbing back up to Camping Gap AS and then headed towards a 6-mile lollipop on the Promise Land course. I was feeling a bit light-headed at this point and later realized that I was getting behind in my electrolytes and scrambled to catch up with Nuun and more salty foods. It was too little, too late because as I climbed up and down the most technical sections on Terrapin, my calves started seizing like crazy. More salt and a little self-massage later I was back in business but I had lost some time and was now just holding on for a cramp-free finish.
Coming into Camping Gap before the big climb up Terrapin, mile 22.
My finish time was 10 minutes off last year in 5:53 but I was pleased with my placing--fourth female, first master--and my rebound from the cramping episodes (at one point I was negotiating Fat Man's Misery, a tight slippery crevice that rivals Old Rag's rocky obstacle course, and I was cramping so badly I thought I would be stuck in there forever). The cool weather was deceptive--while talking later on the phone to Bill Potts as he was crewing our friend Bill Gentry at Umstead 100, he reminded me that the dry air made it feel like I wasn't sweating but in fact I was, probably more than normal given that it was the first hard effort of the year. I should have alternated Nuun and Perp bottles and taken in more salt early on---another lesson in nutrition, and a good one at that.
Rebekah, me, and Jenny
photo by Keith Knipling
As soon as I finished, Jenny Anderson and Rebekah Trittipoe came up to me to tell me that Eliza had been in the overall lead in the Half before getting passed on the last technical section by local favorite son, Jared Hesse. The word out on the trail was that there was a freakingly fast woman in boy shorts who beat everyone to the top of Camping Gap--my fast VHTRC 50K friends Keith Knipling and Bobby Gill told me later that they were relieved when they saw she wasn't carrying a bottle, as it was the clue that she was in the Half and not a threat to their race. Hilarious! Eliza went home after finishing (she is a mother of three young daughters), but I was thrilled that she had such a great day and was the "talk of the race!"
Hallie ended up have an equally awesome run, finishing her first ultra in 6:47 feeling good and loving the trail. Her ankle held up and unlike me, she had no cramping issues at all. Awesome!
The post race party was low key with yummy BBQ and a great reunion of my VHTRC friends. It was very gratifying to see so many people come into the finish with big smiles, and I was particularly thrilled that Hallie and Eliza had such positive and fun experiences out there. I remember vividly my first ultra finish at Holiday Lake 50K back in 2002, and the excitement in David's voice when I came across the finish line. "Sophie Speidel, finishing her first ultra!" he yelled. I cried. What a feeling it was to finish the first one. And, when I looked at the smile on Hallie's face as she crossed the Terrapin finish line, I knew exactly how she felt.
Congratulations Eliza and Hallie!!
VHTRC friends at the Terrapin finish line
Half Marathon Results are here.
50K results are here.
UPDATE: Bill Gentry finished his 10th Umstead 100 in 25 hours and some. Woooo-hooo!
5 comments:
- Marlin Yoder said...
Wonderful run Sophie! Enjoyed reading your report. You're always an inspiration!
- March 28, 2010 at 5:29 PM
- Rick Gray said...
Sophie, You rocked girl! What a great way to shine for Team Inov-8. I stayed with you as long as I dared. It was a perfect day to run around the mountains with so many wonderful friends. My congratulations also go out to Eliza and Hallie. Way to go ladies. Rick
- March 29, 2010 at 8:30 AM
- And Miles 2 Go said...
Nice work, Soph!!! Love the photo of you in full flight!
- March 29, 2010 at 10:11 AM
- ultrarunnergirl said...
Great race Sophie! This winter certainly put us all behind in our training. Way to get back in the groove!
Glad you like the Inov-8 Flyrock 284's. I was debating which model to order (last pair was the Terroc 308s) so your shoutout was enough to make up my mind.
- March 29, 2010 at 1:36 PM
- meredith said...
Congratulations on a great race for you and your friends! It sounds like a great day all around.
Your note definitely brought back incredible memories at MMT. Honesly, it is still my favorite fall event. If you are really going back this year, then I will put it on my plan :)
I look forward to following your spring/summer racing and hope to see you this fall!
- March 31, 2010 at 2:06 PM


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The Patriots Day Parade Committee wasn't making a political statement when it chose "All Together Now" as the theme of the 2013 parade on March 2.
"We selected the theme well before the national election in November without knowing its outcome," said committee President Edward Hanke at the annual Honorees Brunch on Feb. 3 at Tivoli Terrace. "We respectfully suggest that 2012 be a time we all work side-by-side toward common goals that we aspire to as a united people."
Thurston Middle School student Hannah Levenstein read her winning essay on the theme at the brunch, which can be found in the parade program with its cover art by Laguna Beach High School student Aspen Rocha.
Committee Vice President Charlie Quilter also spoke about the theme.
"The goal is to keep moving forward," said Quilter, perennial master of ceremonies for the brunch. "Our aim is to remind people that love of country takes many forms. Showing respect for one another is a good way to start."
Laguna is fortunate to have a deep pool of individuals worthy of commendation by the parade committee, Hanke said.
"We are honored to have Capt. Jason Ehret as our Grand Marshal," Quilter said.
Ehret is a SEAL, the acronym for Sea, Air, Land Teams. He is permitted to wear the coveted gold trident SEAL badge among his many other decorations, of which he would rather not speak, said Quilter, himself a decorated U.S. Marine pilot and past Patriot of the Year.
Ehret's decorations include three Bronze Star Medals for valor and nine Navy Commendation Medals, including one for valor. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other locations that are still classified.
Laguna is proud to call Ehret one of its own, Quilter said.
He grew up here, attended the now-closed Aliso Elementary in South Laguna and participated in Patriots Day Parades. While a student at Laguna Beach High School, Ehret captained the water polo team and for 11 summers served as a city lifeguard, eventually as a supervisor.
After graduation in 1983, Ehret went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, earning a degree in industrial engineering.
An interest in engineering may be a characteristic of overachieving LBHS students. Junior Citizen of the Year Brock David Csira, who has a 4.6 grade point average, plans to study mechanical engineering in college.
Csira is president of the LBHS Solar Club, currently equipping the boat club members built with solar power for a race against more than 35 other schools, while still finding time to tutor Thurston Middle School students.
Female Junior Citizen Michelle Brown also has a 4.6 GPA, tutors fourth and fifth graders in math and captains the Sunshine Readers at the Laguna Beach Library, among other community services.
The Senior Citizens of the Year need little introduction beyond their names: Bonnie and Arnold Hano.
The Hanos have been active in community affairs since they moved here from New York in 1955. They battled policies in town at a time when no barber would cut a black man's hair, helping to found the Laguna Beach Inter-Racial Committee. But their big guns have always been trained on those who would change the character of Laguna by rampant development, Quilter said.
She serves on the Heritage Committee. Both are founding members of Village Laguna, an outgrowth of the successful 1970s effort to limit building heights in Laguna that preserves public views of the ocean.
And anyone who follows LBHS Sports knows the name of football star Drake Martinez.
"He is the most exciting player at the school in a half century," Quilter said.
The team went undefeated in league play and made it to the third round of the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs.
"This was a remarkable achievement for a school of only 750 students that on a good night gets 30 players in uniform, some to play both ways," Quilter said.
Martinez was honored as the league's Most Valuable Player, even though his team did not win the championship and as an All-CIF offense player.
The 2013 Patriot of the Year fought his battles differently than most of the military, Quilter said. "Many heroes of our Armed Forces are often unsung, even those responsible for saving lives," Quilter said. "Dr. Joe Pursch is one of them."
Pursch was commissioned in the U.S. Navy as a flight surgeon in 1960, during which time he became aware of the stress of duty aboard a carrier, often leading to drug and alcohol abuse, for which he looked and found solutions.
Pursch created effective programs that returned afflicted personnel to full duty status, later teaching other physicians the art of substance abuse treatment that has become standard in the field.
"In recognition, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal," Quilter said.
Medals for outstanding service to the city might be appropriate for the volunteers who produce the parade every year.
Among them: committee officers Sandi Werthe and Kathy Hanke; Jack of all trades Joe Jahrus; Hospitality Chair Sande St. John and assistants Jean Law and Elizabeth Tomlin; American Legion liaison Richard Moore; vehicle chair, Don Black, car judge Mike Morrison, and no parking teammates Marvin Johnson and Boy Scout Troop 35, who all keep the motors running. Explorers help control traffic.
Jim Rue is the web master, Howard Levin the parade starter. Barbara and Jim Pemberton greet entrants on parade day; Michael Lyons, Deborah and Dylan Bryant, Ellie Levin, Pam and Perry Valentine and Anne Wood keep them in order.
Gene D'Isabella, who drives the city's pumper engine in the parade, also helps set up the reviewing stand. Jay Andrus controls the dispersal area.
Patrick Quilter and Jerry Ford assist the Larson Lighting and Audio Team in setting up the public address system, used by parade announcers Rue and John Kountz. Doug Miller is the official photographer.
The city is represented by Ben Siegel, Kristin Buhaglar, Tom Toman and Sgt. Bob Rahaeuser.
OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Call (714) 966-4618 or email firstname.lastname@example.com with Attn. Barbara Diamond in the subject line.


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Capcom Videos Detail Balancing Changes Made in Ultra Street Fighter 4
Capcom has let us in on the numerous tweaks being made to the Ultra Street Fighter IV roster in this latest series of balancing changes.
Capcom has released its latest batch of gameplay videos that highlight the changes made in order to balance out the roster of Ultra Street Fighter IV. These videos detail the original ways in which the characters' moves performed, why Capcom decided to change them and in what manner. For example, Makoto was enhanced due to the her lack of effective methods of countering fireballs along with her relative difficulty with engaging opponents from a distance.
Ultra Street Fighter IV will be released first as a digital expansion for the regular and Arcade Editions of Super Street Fighter IV on June 3 for PlayStation 3 and on June 4 for Xbox 360. The standalone version (both digital and physical), of Ultra Street Fighter IV will launch on Aug. 8.


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Luxuriously soft and warm, this 7 layers of warmth™ heated micro flannel® quilted comforter/blanket is made by enclosing soft wire technology between specially crafted electrical dampening cloth, wrapping a layer of very soft down alternative polyester on top and bottom, and then another layer of our wonderfully soft micro flannel® fabric on the face and back. Then all is quilted together and a stylish satin hem is added as a finishing touch.The oversize dimensions and the 'look' of this quilted and heated comforter/blanket add elegance and style to any room.
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Admin21 needed a new twitter background design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 40 designs submitted by 17 freelance designers.
Top Wedding Sites, Inc.
Wedding related guides. In business almost 11 years online. topweddingsites.com, topweddingsites.co.uk, teamwedding.ca, idotaketwo.com and popthequestions.com
Young women, aged 21 - 35. informed, pretty, modern, couture, attractive, classy
Please use website topweddingsites.com for a guide and the old twitter background for topweddingsites. Want a cool, slick update. Pretty simple. Current BG is grainy and boring.


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Rep. William Carson will face off against Republican challenger Chris Sylvester for the 28th Representative District seat in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 General Election.
The 28th Representative District spans the eastern portions of north and central Kent County, and includes the towns of Smyrna, Leipsic, Dover, and Little Creek.
The polling locations for the 28th Representative District are as follows:
01 – Smyrna Middle School02 – Levin Center, Main Street in Smyrna03 and 06 – Citizens' Hose Company04, 05, and 12 – Sunnyside Elementary School07, 08, 13, and 14 – Leipsic Fire Hall09 – Delaware Tech Training Center10 – Towne Pointe Elementary School11 – Little Creek Fire Hall


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ATAK brauchte ein neues Logo Design und hat einen Wettbewerb auf 99designs gestartet.
Aus 134 Designs von 38 Designern wurde eine Gewinner gewählt.
We need a new, more modern logo for our company. Basically, we have been around a while now and we need to upgrade our brand. The logo is the first step. Then a web site upgrade, new print materials...and more.
ATAK Interactive
ATAK Interactive,
Inc. wants to modernize/upgrade the company's existing logo. We still want the
panther, or aspects of the panther included (most likely), but we want more
modern design, more aggressive, more beautiful, more web 2.0/3.0. We just want
a cooler logo… If it works for us we will redesign company image around
it. We don't want to completely abandon our look, but rather show a progression
of the company. The current logo is a few years old and ATAK Interactive wants
to show maturity and improvement in design and quality of company. We would
like this vector so we can use across many different mediums such as print
materials, posters, whatever.
Colors/Fonts: We prefer our current colors which is deep red, black, grays, and
white. You may use some, or all of these. BUT, this needs to look
good on a WHITE, BLACK, and GRAY background. Change font and remove circles is
required. We do not want any circles anymore and we want and edgy and
interesting font .
Reference URL: Our web site is http://www.atakinteractive.com but the quality of logo we are looking for
is at http://www.injectiondesign.com/portfolio/logo/ because of impact. You can read about who
we are and what we do at our site so you know about us.
Theme: Aggressive panther. Our slogan is "Aggressive Strategies. Bold
Design. Personal Service." We are a creative agency, so design is very
important. The logo can have parts of a panther (like just the head, or a piece
of the head) or a whole panther…whichever you can come up with creatively. We
like the aggressive look of our company. Theme should be aggressive and hard,
but very modern and refined. We want shine, we want appeal, we want customers
to look at this and say "DAMN! I WANT THIS COMPANY TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP FOR
More info: We started a new logo at http://www.atakinteractive.com/atak…astart.jpg but we did not finish. The face was
not aggressive enough, and we wanted to communicate the feeling of ready
to ATAK. This did not reach a level we were pleased with when we learned
about this contest and decided to give it a try. We really want
something cool here; on par with Apple, but more aggressive, like our panther.
We want to come off as CUTTING EDGE, ELEGANT, SLEEK, AND AGGRESSIVE IN
STYLE...much like a panther's characteristics. We want to look as big and
modern as Sony, Apple, HP.
We love this designer and if you look at the apple valentine one in red, this is
the style I want to go for with our new site if logo permits…this type of red
but obviously more mysterious versus nice and flowery: http://www.cesarvillegas.com/ I like the whole silhouette effect with
them as well as with http://www.jamessoncreative.com/ and will try and take elements like this
into new site design. I like all the apple stuff he did and I really like the
"tunedinSF" one. (I kind of want a jungle theme but in dark, mysterious
silhouette). Obviously the new logo will guide our new direction. Try to keep
dark and mysterious and not bright and fruity.
Other inspiration sites for style, fonts, and details (level of design we are
looking for):
Let me know if we
can provide you any more direction. We will be as helpful as you need us to be.
- Vector
- Panther as base of theme unless we are blown away by other idea
- We do use a tag line: Aggressive Strategies. Bold Design. Personal Service.
- Tag line can be included it would be nice but also needs to look great without. We may also change this tag line.
- I want to look atop of our industry and "UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS COOL!"
- Unique would be nice...but needs to look HIGH END, EXPENSIVE. We are not a cheap company and must look very BIG.
- Must look good on different background colors.
- I dont want a logo that is unimpressive.
- I dont want an old looking logo
- I dont want something expected
- I want it to be powerful
Finden Sie heraus, wie ein Designwettbewerb funktioniert, oder lernen Sie mehr über unsere Logo-Design-Angebote.


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Beautiful Rivers & Streams
This gallery is composed of photos taken of a few of those beautiful rivers and streams, and their environment, that flow in the Pacific Northwest. They are also the rivers and streams my wife and I have flyfished for trout and steelhead for more than 25 years. (For me it is over 40 years) So, it is no wonder they hold a very close and intimate position in our hearts and memories.Read More
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Deuce Court: Rafa's Rambling Presser
3 comments:
I think Rafa may have been feeling some lingering effects from eating the bad fish. Food poisoning can drain anyone for days. But, he's too nice of a guy to give excuses for losing. The Davis Cup final has to be weighing heavily on him now, so I won't be surprised if he doesn't win the title in London.ReplyDelete
All things considered, he sounds pretty positive. He's gonna do what he always does: try his best and "we'll see"...so, we'll see.ReplyDelete
- Sunny nineNovember 23, 2011 at 6:23 AM
There's always an excuse when Rafa loses badly. What was Roger's excuse for the blitz in 2008 RG? Fed's win yesterday had nothing to do w Rafa's problems-there were just too many balls a well Rafa could not have gotten to. Why is it so difficult to believe that Fed can blitz Rafa, especially on a fast court? Rafa has to take a good look at himself. The practice regimen that he has set up for himself is crazy. As he says in his book, he is a tennis machine, an automoton. This may not work for his body. He does not need to play Monte Carlo(not required), does not need to play Barcelona. The whole season can't be tailored to him nor the rankings which is the new thing he has come out with to help the TOP players not have to work so hard to keep their points. How about all the under 10 players trying to make it up? Murray pushed himself this fall. For a person who complained about the length of the season he sure got a lot out of it. Novak's problems has to do with his year-some people can't have that kind of year without problems. Remember he had shoulder problems in the summer. So when you look at the top players-Murray pushed himself in the fall, Novak's been injured since the summer and Rafa is always injured or sick. No one takes note of the fact that Federer has always stayed with his own schedule to keep up his body. And whether he wins or loses, no one recognizes Federer's illnesses or injuries-he has had a back problem for some time now and his mono was practically laughed at by the media. I like all the top guys and the season could be shortened a couple of weeks-but they all didn't break down in the fall and they need to manage their schedules AND practices better.ReplyDelete


text: Continuum is a Candanian time-travel based SciFi television show that airs in Canada on Showcase and on SyFy in the United States. Continuum returns for it's 13 episode second season on May 23rd, 2013 on Showcase and on June 7th, 2013 on SyFy. This thread is dedicated to discussing all aspects of the show. There will be episode-by-epsiode threads started once the show airs. Spoiler tags will be used and all aspects of the show up to that specific episode can be discussed. As general series-spanning topics evolve We can start different threads for those topics as well. I intend to re-watch all 10 episodes of the first season and posting episode specific threads for in-depth discussion as well much in the way GWC went back to discuss previous episodes during the first long haitus in 2007. Please join in the discussion for Continuum and have some fun!


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Tiger Woods' alleged mistress #1 -- Rachel Uchitel -- has flipped out after learning how many women now claim to have had unprotected sex with Tiger, and she is telling friends she will get screened for sexually transmitted diseases, stat. In short, she's doing the right thing.
Friends say Rachel is particularly upset that Tiger allegedly slept with two porn stars.
Probably a good precaution.
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Some things will inevitably change in content marketing over the course of the year as trends come and go, social platforms continue to evolve and new statistics emerge that will influence content strategies.
But there are some patterns that won't change in 2015. Here are a few things you can count on to remain constant as we prepare to embrace the new year in content marketing:
1. Spending on content will increase.
Wondering about whether other companies are pumping money into their content programs? Research from the Content Marketing Institute shows that 55 percent of B2B marketers plan on increasing their content marketing budgets during the next 12 months.
For four consecutive years a majority of B2B markers have answered that question with either "increase" or "significantly increase."
Why are companies continuing to increase their marketing budgets? Because simply creating content is not enough anymore to attract readers to your site, and to keep them coming back for more; now the focus is on improving content.
And improving content costs money, as it requires either hiring in-house quality producers and editors or partnering with a content marketing vendor, and employing cutting-edge research and data-driven strategies.
2. Email marketing will continue to dominate.
Email marketing will continue to be the preferred way that B2B marketers send and receive content. As Kapost shows, 69 percent of B2B marketers prefer to receive content via email, while 78 percent choose email as their preferred vehicle for sending content.
Percent of B2B Marketers Who Prefer Email for Content
B2B marketers love email marketing because email provides critical tools for registering feedback. Open, bounce, forward and delete rates can all be tracked and logged over email, providing plenty of transparency. Marketers can use this data to assess programming effectiveness and to experiment with different tactics to reach their target audiences.
3. Content styles will remain mixed.
According to Kapost, B2B marketers are sharing a mix of both "data heavy" (63 percent) and "playful and fun" material (67 percent). This trend will likely show itself in the type of content these marketers produce as well.
What kind of content do B2B marketers share?
A mix of different types of articles on your site, therefore, will be right in line with other marketers' production habits. This makes sense, as balancing fun, conversational blog posts with highly technical articles, such as white papers and case studies, is a great way to connect with audiences and still provide a backbone of hard-hitting content.
As we head into the new year, keeping trends in mind can help as you develop your strategies and visualize your goals. They may not necessarily jive with your current strategy, but it's important to know what the majority of other marketers are doing.


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Numbers of hunters, anglers on the rise
Here in Southeast Texas, hunting and fishing rule. We have some of the best deer and duck hunting that can be found in the state, even the nation. And fishing is excellent just about any time of year. If you don't like fishing inland lakes like Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend for bass, crappie and catfish, head to the coast where you can catch trout, reds and flounder. Meanwhile, all of our hunting and fishing activity not only keeps us entertained, but also puts big-time bucks into the local economy. For example, go into any Academy store and you'll see a whole lot of hunters shopping for and buying anything from corn to camouflage clothing.
I was at Leger Shooting Range the other day and there was not a slot open on the range.
"With hunting seasons right around the corner, business is picking up," said Randy Leger. "We're selling lots of guns, scopes and ammo. Our sales will only increase from now through Christmas."
On the boating scene, Mike Hebert, who owns Texas Marine in Beaumont, says their boat sales are through the roof.
"We sold over 90 boats at a recent show in Houston," said Hebert. "We're having a record year for boat sales."
Just recently, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey found some very good news. In the world of outdoors, it's always good to hear that the numbers of hunters and anglers are on the rise. That not only increases business for companies like Texas Marine and Leger but also usually results in the hiring of more employees.
Noemi Perez, a spokesperson with the FWS, says Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that the results of a national survey of outdoor recreation show a significant increase in hunters and a double-digit increase in anglers over the past five years.
"Seeing more people fishing, hunting and getting outdoors is great news for America's economy and conservation heritage," said Salazar. "Outdoor recreation and tourism are huge economic engines for local communities and the country, so it is vital that we continue to support policies and investments that help Americans get outside, learn to fish or go hunting. "
Perez said that the Fish and Wildlife Service's 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation found that hunters nationwide increased by 9 percent while anglers grew by 11 percent.
"Nearly 38 percent of all Americans participated in wildlife-related recreation in 2011, an increase of 2.6 million participants from the previous survey in 2006," said Perez. "They spent $145 billion on related gear, trips and other purchases, such as licenses, tags and land leasing and ownership, representing 1 percent of the nation's gross domestic product."
The Fish and Wildlife Service is dedicated to connecting people and families with nature, according to Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the states, non-governmental organizations and additional partners to help keep recreational fishing, hunting and wildlife watching going strong for people across America's great outdoors," said Ashe.
At the request of state fish and wildlife agencies, the Fish and Wildlife Service has been conducting the national survey every five years since 1955.
"It is viewed as one of the nation's most important wildlife-related recreation databases and the definitive source of information concerning participation and purchases associated with hunting, fishing and other forms of wildlife-related recreation nationwide," said Perez.
"State agencies, hunters and anglers are the key funders of fish and wildlife conservation through their license and gear purchases," said Dr. Jonathan Gassett, commissioner of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. "An increase in participation and expenditure rates means that agencies can continue to restore and improve habitat and fish and wildlife species, bring more youth into the outdoors and provide even greater access to recreational activities."
During this survey, Perez says that the U.S. Census Bureau interviewed 48,627 households across the country to obtain samples of sportsmen and women and wildlife watchers for detailed interviews.
Robert Sloan can be reached by e-mail at sloan288 [at] aol [dot] com.


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By Kevin Fedarko
In the annals of wilderness conservation, Martin Litton is a singular force of nature—a Category 5 hurricane of eloquence, passion, and pig-headed obduracy quite unlike anything that has ever blown across the American landscape. Born in 1917, he spent World War II crash-landing gliders across Western Europe, then returned to California and started raining his fire down on U.S. industries and government agencies bent on ravaging the country's wild places during the boom years of the 1950s.
In his roles as a freelance writer for the Los Angeles Times, an editor at Sunset magazine, and the only commercial outfitter to ever guide the Grand Canyon exclusively in wooden dories, Litton elbowed into the front lines of some of the most important environmental battles of his day. He wracked up a number of impressive victories and an even longer list of painful defeats, but the greatest of his crusades took place inside the grandest canyon of all, where he helped to spearhead a battle against a trio of hydroelectric dams that were designed to drown the unearthly paradise at the bottom of the abyss and to still the river running through it.
The key to that campaign involved Litton's decision to join forces with another ex-soldier—a veteran of the Army's 10th Mountain Division by the name of David Brower—who working as the executive director of an obscure group of alpine picnickers in San Francisco known as the Sierra Club. The story of how Litton, Brower, and their friends whipped the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is one of the best river legends we've got—and the consequences of their victory are still reverberating today.
And while the Sierra Club transformed into America's most iconic conservation lobby and Brower was heralded by Life magazine as "his country's number-one working conservationist," it's the old dory captain that Brower once called "my environmental conscience" who, at age 91 [now 95, eds], remains one of the nation's greatest unsung conservation heroes.
This story first appeared in the March, 2009 issue of Canoe & Kayak, as part of our "Heroes" feature.