The Latitude

THE

LATITUDE

S P R I N G 2010 May 2010

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Welcome to the first issue of The Latitude. We, the staff of The Latitude, are here to bring you another side of life, nature. It is our goal to make you enjoy the side of nature you try to avoid. It is our goal to help you overcome your preconceived notions about nature and the outdoors. We hope to show our readers the experiences that nature provides. The Latitude will cover a wide variety of subjects that have to do with the outdoors and nature as wells as provide readers with a daily dose of fresh writing. The Latitude’s goal is to motivate our readers to go out and have fun while staying green and helping out the environment. Thank you for reading this first issue of The Latitude.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Letter F rom the Editors Table o f Contents Meet th e Writers Eco - War rior An Outdoor Calling Rise of the Knobbies Kayak Polo Global War ming Outdoor Austin How to Pitch a Tent 8 Things Not to do While Camping Kenya: A Blackout Poem Lights, Camer a, Na tur e Quiz: Your Persona Runs of Austin Danger on the Tr ails Bar efoot Running Bananas for Bar ton Springs Gym Ha te

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Meet The Writers Hello I’m Paul H. In my free time I enjoy playing the oboe.

I dine regularly at Torchy’s Tacos and P.Terry’s. I play Lacrosse for the LBJ Varsity Lacrosse team and also run cross-country in my free time. I just completed the Austin Capital 10K. I’m an avid outdoorsman and go camping frequently. This has helped me greatly when writing articles about the outdoors.

Oh, hello. I didn’t see you there. I’m Mason S. If you’re reading this, you’ve just bought our magazine, the Latitude, and you probably have a lot of questions. Let me tell you a little but about myself. All you need to know is that I’m ranked 3rd in the state of Texas in mountain biking and am also a boy scout.

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My name is Matt G. I’m an ambitious guy that loves to read while listening to music. A big part of my life involves Judaism. I play on the LBJ Varsity Lacrosse Team and play for the LASA Quiz Bowl Team. I enjoy the outdoors which has lead to my writing for the Latitude.

My name is Cesar G. I’m a laid back chill guy who listens’ to music constantly and plays sports out of school. My moto is God and family first. I enjoy kicks (shoes), sports, music, food, basketball, rest, and hanging out with friends. You can usually catch me hungry, eating, chilling, or relaxing.

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Stac yHamburg (thi r d f ro m t h e left) and colleague s i n f ro n t o f a waterfall near th e v i l l a ge o f the Havasupai, and i n d e ge n n o u s group living in the G ra n d c a nyo n water shed.

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Eco Warrior STACY HAMBURG’S FIGHT TO PROTECT NATURE

By Matt G.

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FEATURES

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limbing down the st e e p c l i ff s i d e , S t a c y H a m b u rg w a t c h e s f o r loose rocks while n a v i g a t i n g . S h e a n d h e r f r i e n d s r e a c h t h e bottom of the Grand C a n y o n a n d s e t o u t t o f i n d t h e i r n e x t w a ter source. What so u n d s t o s o m e l i k e a s u r v i v a l i s t e x e r c i s e , H amburg considers a recre a t i o n a l h i k i n g t r i p . T h e G r a n d C a n y o n i s H amburg’s domain, and it i s h e r j o b t o p r o t e c t i t .

I n c o n t r ast to her suburban upbringing, H a m b u rg h a s grown up to be an environment a l a d v o c a t e t hat protects indigeno us tribes a n d w i l d l i f e i n the Grand Canyon eco-region.

S h e h a s a c c o m plished all of this in part with t h e h e l p o f t h e Sierra Club, a nationwide nonp r o f i t e n v i r o n mental organization.

to endorse and sign petitions i n s u p p o r t o f the environment. Her lifestyle ch a n g e d t o f i t her new attitudes. In time, this w o u l d l e a d to Hamburg’s founding of Cam p u s C l i m a t e Challenge, an effort to make coll e g e c a m p u ses more carbon neutral. After f i n i s h i n g h e r four years at McGill, Hamburg jo u r n e y e d o u t west. During her travels, she v i s i t e d I d a h o ,

I t w a s during her childhood years in New Mexico, and worked a stin t a s a n o u tt h e s u b u r b s o f Long Island, New York that door environmental educator in t h e B i g B e a r H a m b u rg b e g a n to dislike her urban setting.

Mountains of California. After th i s , H a m b u rg

“ I g r e w up in New York in suburbia and attended graduate school in Nor t h e r n A r i z oa l w a y s t h o u g h t there must be something bet- na, earning a degree in political s c i e n c e . B y t e r. I g u e s s I h ave a personality where I don’t this point Hamburg knew she wo u l d b e w o r king in environmental policy and s o u g h t a j o b l i k e m a l l s o r excessive development working for the Sierra Club.

“ I g r ew u p i n N ew Yo r k in

“Organizations like Green p e a c e o r t h e s u b u r b i a a n d a l way s t h o ught Sierra Club really want to see t h a t y o u ’ r e a t h e r e m u s t b e s o m e t h i n g betcommitted activist before they h i r e y o u , ” e xt e r.” s a i d H a m b u r g plained Hamburg.

PHOTGRAPH BY: Stacy H.

Hamburg attributes being h i r e d b y t h e Sierra Club to her prior enviro n m e n t a l a cA f t e r h e r h u m drum adolescence in New York, tivities. After finishing graduate s c h o o l , t h e H a m b u rg d e c i ded to spend her college years Sierra Club provided the perfect o p p o r t u n i t y i n C a n a d a , a t McGill University. It was at McG i l l t h a t s h e b egan to read books such as Ang l e o f R e p o s e by Wallace Stegner, Is hmael by D a n i e l Q u i n n , and assorted writings of John M u i r, a S i e r r a Club founder, that that matched h e r b u d d i n g e nvironmental sentiments. These n o v e l s i n f l u e n ced Hamburg to become more i n v o l v e d w i t h environmental activities. The I n t e r n e t p r o v e d an ideal place for Hamburg’s b u d d i n g e n v i r onmental sentiments to transl a t e i n t o a c t i on. Online, Hamburg was able

H a m b u rg r a f t i n g o n t h e C o l o r ado River

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fo r h e r t o h a v e a n unconventional and fulfill- use of lead bullets in condor territ o r y t o p r ein g j o b a s t h e r e sident director of the Grand vent any future declines in populat i o n .

C a n y o n e c o - r e g i o n.

Despite working on such insp i r i n g p r o j I n e v e r w a n ted to have a regular kind of ects, Hamburg laments that worki n g f o r t h e jo b , ” H a m b u rg s a id. “My job is diverse and I Sierra Club has not been perfect. ge t t o b e o u t s i d e helping people.”

“Sometimes working for a n e n v i r o n M o s t o f H a m b u rg ’s time is spent reading gov- mental organization you just spen d a l o t o f er n m e n t d o c u m e nts, environmental reports, time fighting bad projects. You fig h t n u c l e a r an d w r i t i n g h e r o wn reports. Groups like the power plants; you fight uranium m i n i n g ; y o u Si e r r a C l u b r e l y on people like Hamburg to fight to stop a lot of bad things an d d o n ’t g e t do m u c h o f t h e r i gorous policy work involved to always spend a lot of timing w o r k i n g o n in e n a c t i n g l e g i s lative change. Hamburg has creative solutions,” she says. ta k e n h e r p r o t e s t of “bad projects” to stag She laments that a dispropo r t i o n a t e o f ge r i n g h e i g h t s b y using the law and rational arg u m e n t s t o r e b uff corporations. However, it her time is spent working on the c o m p u t e r. is t h e t i m e s s h e spends outdoors, overseeing The best way to fight “bad project s ” a n d b a d vo l u n t e e r s a n d e ducating people outside that companies is to take legal action wh i c h , a s a n y lawyer will attest to, requires lots o f p a p e rsh e r e l i s h e s . work and lots of time on the comp u t e r. H a m “ I f t h e r e ’s a bad project or bad industri- burg acknowledges that her compu t e r w o r k i s al p r o p o s a l f o r t he Grand Canyon eco-region one of the most effective means of c o m b a t i n g th a t w e f e e l w i l l compromise the environmen - “bad projects”. However, she wishe s s h e c o u l d ta l i n t e g r i t y o f t h e area, then we fight back.” spend more time outside working o n “ c r e a t i v e H a m b u rg s a i d . solutions”, instead of the monoton o u s r e p o r t s she writes. Despite the downsides , H a m b u rg

H a m b u rg i s currently working t o stop loves her job and will continue pe r f o r m i t t o ur a n i u m m i n i n g that has been proposed on the best of her abilities. pu b l i c l a n d s v e r y close the Grand Canyon Natio n a l P a r k a n d within the larger Grand Can- “I feel that there’s nothing m o r e s p eyo n w a t e r s h e d . The Sierra Club is working cial, more important to personal w e l l b e i n g w i t h l o c a l t r i b e s , specifically the Havasupai, and happiness than clear air and h a v i n g e a s y to f i g ht a g a i n s t mining near their homeland access to mountains and hiking,” H a m b u rg an d s a c r e d s i t e s . Hamburg and the Sierr a Club said. ar e t r y i n g t o s t o p new mining from happening Hamburg’s work with the S i e r r a C l u b th r o u g h l e g a l m e ans via several lawsuits. The la w s u i t s a r e u n d ertaken with legal direction has resulted in lasting positive effe c t s f o r t h e fr o m H a m b u rg . Hamburg and the Sierra Club Grand Canyon eco-region. Her phi l o s o p h y i s ar e a l s o w o r k i n g to secure long-term protec- that all humans have the natural rig h t t o c l e a n air and a pristine environment. It i s i n a c c o rtio n s f o r t h e s e l a nds through various m eans. dance with this philosophy that Ha m b u rg h a s

R e c e n t l y, much of Hamburg’s time has fought so hard to protect the enviro n m e n t . To be e n sp e n d e d u c ating the public about the find out what you can do for your l o c a l e n v i im p a c t o f l e a d b ullets on the region’s endan- ronment, visit: ge r e d c o n d o r s . E fforts to save the condor have su ff i c i e n t l y r e c o v ered the species to approxim a t e l y 3 5 0 i n d i v i duals. The Sierra Club, with CONTINUED ON PAGE 15.

H a m b u rg a t t h e helm, is working to ban the May 2010

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FEATURES

An Outdoor Calling BOTH DAY A N D N I G H T

By: Cesar G.

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a y i ng down, looking at the stars. Listening to the wind blow and b a r e l y h e a r i n g t h e small waves of the lake nearby in the background. This is how B e r n i s D a v i d s e n j oys spending his weekends. Away from the comfort of his bed and h i s t w o s t o r y h o use, he lays outside, nearly 1 am, enjoying nature. Bernis David s , a f t e r g o i n g c a mping for the first time in the winter of 2007, got hooked and had t o g o c a m p i n g a t l e a s t t w i c e a month. Davids tries to go camping at different locations but en j o y s c a m p i n g a t Wi l s o n H . F ox Park the most. He usually goes with his family and sometimes t a k e s h i s d o g as well.

Even did. said.

B e r n i s D avids, born in 1995, moved from California to Austin in 1999 whe n h e w a s f o u r. s i n c e h e was young, he wanted to go camping, to see how it was like and th e n , h e f i n a l l y “ I c a n ’t quite remember the exact date but it was in December, two years a g o , ” D a v i d s D a v i d s ’ first time camping was in the winter of 2007 with his family. “I r e m e m b e r t h i s PHOTGRAPH BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Granger Lake Office

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trip s i n c e i t w a s n ear Christmas time and it was one of the most memorable trips, a l s o o n e o f the c o l d e s t t r i p s . ” He said this trip was memorable since it was, “Very cold and c h i l l y, ” a n d sai d w i t h a s m a l l l augh on his face, “It was a good thing we took extra blankets jus t i n c a s e . ” Da v i d s , s i n c e t h e n, has been camping for 2 years dating back to the December of 2 0 0 7 . H e sta r t e d o f g o i n g e very once in a while but then started going camping once or twic e a m o n t h if h e c o u l d . H e s a id he tries to go as often as possible but with school going on, h e h a s o n l y bee n a b l e t o g o o n ce a month, but sometimes, he said he’s able to go twice a month d u r i n g t h e we e k e n d s . D a v i d s has camped at different parks, camping sites, and different areas b e f o r e , b u t say s h e e n j o y s g o i ng to Wilson H. Fox Park in Taylor, Texas, near Granger Lake, th e m o s t .

“ Ve r y cold chilly”

and

“ T h i s o n e t i me I went camping with my fam i l y a n d m y t w o cousins and we stayed in sid e a t e n t o u t s i d e . Well around 2 or 3 am, my two c o u s i n s a n d I woke up due to a noise we hea r d o u t s i d e t h e tent,” Davids recalls. “First we h e a r d n o i s e a nd then I saw a small creatur e m o v i n g t h e t e nt. Then we all saw some of the m o u t s i d e a n d we were all wondering what

they were. We then, accidentall y w o k e u p my dad as well. My cousin had to u s e t h e r estroom so I told him, ‘Ay, you sh o u l d c h e c k it out anyways since you’re leavi n g t h e t e n t in a few to do, umm, your busines s , ’ ” D a v i d s goes on. “So he exited the tent o n l y t o t e l l us they were armadillos before le a v i n g . A n d then everybody else in the tent w o k e u p a s well since we were being kinda l o u d b u t n o t loud enough to scare the armadill o s I g u e s s , ” Davids said. “Me and my other c o u s i n , t h e one that was still in the tent, we w e n t o u t s i d e to get a better look at them. They w e r e s m a l l

PHOTGRAPH BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Granger Lake Office May 2010

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a n d l o o k e d l i ked a ‘ s m a l l a n i mal/ c r e a t u r e t h i n g,’” D a v i d s s a i d a s he c h u c k l e d . “ T hey l o o k e d l i k e they d i d i n a p i c ture w i t h t h e i r s h e l l or w h a t e v e r. T here seemed to be a r o u n d 5 o r 6 of t h e m b u t t h e n my c o u s i n , s o m e how f o r s o m e r e a son, d e c i d e d t o t h row a r o c k a b o u t half t h e s i z e o f a golf b a l l a t t h e s h e ll of o n e o f t h e m . He t h r e w i t a n d i t hit t h e t i n y c r e a ture s t a r t l i n g m o s t of t h e m a n d h a v i ng them run a way. He told me, ‘ h e w a n t e d t o see if the shell was really as h a r d a s h e h e ard it was,’ but he only ended u p s t a r t l i n g most of them. By the time my o t h e r c o u s i n r eturned, there were only about t w o a r m a d i l l o s left and they were about their b u s i n e s s , l e a v ing to another place, but just b e i n g a b l e t o see an animal that you wouldn’t n o r m a l l y s e e every day was pretty cool,” Davids described.

“ I t i s f u n, going to the outdoo rs, to see h o w t h e p l a n et Earth works and helps us,” D a v i d s s t a t e d and said “The overall outdoors, n o t j u s t a s p e cific thing about the outdoors, b u t t h e o v e r a ll outdoors, like, everything a b o u t i t i s w h at I like about it.” Davids usu a l l y s t a y s t h e re for two days. Th e day he g e t s t h e r e , t h e night, and then, the next day i n w h i c h h e t hen leaves for home, later on. “ I us u a l l y a l w ays take a First Aid Kit, water, n o r m a l c a m p i ng supplies, etc,” Davids spoke a s h e t h e n s a i d “We take tents unless we dec i d e t o g o t o a park or camp site the has cab i n s . ” D a v i d s enjoys fishing when camping a n d s a i d “ M y dad takes BBQ to coo k. When

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PHOTGRAPH BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Granger Lake Office

FEATURES

I catch fish, we save them and s t o r e t h e m t o take them home and eat later on . We m a k e caldo, sopa, or just fry them to e a t . ”

Davids then went to say “A n d t h e n t h i s one time, I was fishing, as I usua l l y d o w h e n I go camping but this time, I was f i s h i n g l a t e at night. I was by myself since m y d a d , w e n t to get some more bait back at t h e t e n t , a n d took his time doing so,” Davids g r i n n e d . “ I was sitting there when one of my f i s h i n g r o d s randomly almost brakes, causing m e t o s t a rtle and panic a bit. I then regain e d m y c o mposure and calmed down enough t o p u l l a n d grab my fishing rod,” Davids e x p l a i n e d . “ I then pulled and reeled in this cat f i s h t h a t w a s 11 inches long,” Davids said.

“I’m looking forward to g o i n g c a m p ing again in two weeks,” Davi d s s t a t e d . “ I haven’t gone camping in a while s i n c e e v e r y time we plan to go, something jus t h a p p e n s t o pop up, that prevents us from g o i n g b u t r e s t assure, I’m going camping this S a t u r d a y ” D avids said.

PHOTGRAPH BY: Stacy H.

PHOTGRAPH BY: Stacy H. A canyon in the Grand Canyon e c o - re g i o n

For m o r e i n fo r m a t i o n about the Sier ra C l u b v i s i t : h ttp://www. sier r a c l u b. o r g / To le a r n m o r e a b o u t the wor k of H a m b ur g a n d t h e Sierra Club r ega r d i n g u ra n i u m m ining in the Gra n d C a nyo n e c o - r egion visit: h t t p : / / a r i zo n a . s i e r r a c l u b. o r g / conservation/forest_managmen t / u r an i u m m i n i ng.asp H a m b u rg a b o v e a c a n y o n on a hiking trip

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FEATURES

R ise of the K n o b b i e s THE STORY O F O N E M A N A N D I S H I S B I K E S H O P

By Mason S.

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n t h e e a r ly 1980s thousand of UT c o l l e g e s t udents and Austinites rode t h e i r b i k e s everywhere though at the t i m e H i l l Abell wasn’t one of them.

A b e l l , a c ollege student at UT drove h i s c a r e v e r y where, including Barton S p r i ng s w h e r e h e enjoyed hanging out duri n g t h e A u s t i n summers. On the way back t o c a m p u s o n e day he decided to stop by B i c y c l e S p o r t S hop on Barton Springs road w h e r e f l i p n o t i c s coffee shop now is. Abell f o u n d h i m s e l f coming into the store more a n d m o r e o f t e n and one day saw something t h a t w o u l d c h a nge the rest of his a life, a m o u n t a i n b i k e . To be exact it was the first S p e c i a l i z e d S t u mp Jumper, though it was o u t o f h i s b u d g et he knew he had to get a m o u n t a i n b i k e . Without ever even riding o n e h e w a s h o o ked.

“I saw they (Bicycle Spo r t S h o p ) had a mountain bike and I had re a d a b o u t mountain bikes in the back of out s i d e m a gazine. It was the first specializ e d s t u m p jumper and when I saw that firs t s t u m p e r jumper I said, ‘I need one of thos e . ’ ”

At the time the only bikes th a t e x i s t e d were road bikes and crusiers and w e r e o n l y good for crusing the streets or the h i k e a n d bike trail. But mountain bikes, t h e y w e r e a whole other breed and opened u p e n d l e s s opportunities. Abell went to work f o r C o d y and a couple months later while h a v i n g a beer Abells career path changed f o r e v e r.

“And he said ‘I’m gonna s e l l B S S ’ and so a light bulb went off in my h e a d a n d

PHOTGRAPHS BY: Bicycle Sport Shop

B i c y c l e Sport Shop opened in the e a r l y 1 9 8 0 s a s a shop focusing on single s p e e d c r u i s e r s t yle bikes and beach wear,

perfect for getting around Au s t i n a n d swimming in Barton Springs on t h o s e h o t summer days. At the time mount a i n b i k e s were non existent to most people i n c l u d i n g Abell.

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PHOTGRAPHS BY: Bicycle Sport Shop

I sai d m a n t h a t ’s a pretty cool deal I’d l ike to bikes.” said Abell. own a b i k e s h o p . ” Abell said about the prospect

For Abell and Bicycle Sport S h o p t h e m a rof h a v i n g a b i k e s h op. keting strategy paid off. Soon mou n t a i n b i k e s Abe l l b o r r o w e d s o me money from his mo m and were one of their top sellers. boug h t B i c y c l e S p o rt Shop in 1983. At the time “People would take the mo u n t a i n b i k e Bicy c l e S p o r t S h o p was 26 in balloon tir es, no out for one ride and go “man that’s t h e g r e a tr oad b i k e s o r s k i n n y tires at all for the first four est thing I’ve ever done” and immed i a t e l y w a n t or fi v e y e a r s . to buy a new mountain bike. That’s w h a t r e a l l y

“ T h e r e w a s a nother bike shop in town and helped fuel the growth of bicycle s p o r t s h o p . t hey w e r e a r e a l b i g road shop thought moun- And Austin was the real hot bed f o r m o u n t a i n t ain b i k es w h e r e j ust the goofiest thing they biking because we had the best ri d i n g i n t h e ever s a w, w h o ’ d w ant to ride that heavy slow state.” knob b y t i r e t h i n g ? ” Abell said, remembering

With the beautiful weather t h a t A u s t i n t he s k e p t i c s . generally has year round it was a g r e a t p l a c e for mountain biking to start. There i s t h e e x t e nsive hike and bike trail for you aver a g e r i d e r o r people riding with their kids, and w h e n s o m eone is feeling adventurous they can r i d e i n t h e greenbelt which has numerous side t r a i l s t h a t few people even know about, and t h a t ’s o n l y the trails in central Austin. Travel u p n o r t h o r 45 minutes out of town you have a w h o l e o t h e r selection of trails.

A

b e l l s a w t h e potential in mountain bikes a n d s t a r t e d t o make a market for them in A u s t i n w i t h Bicycle Sport Shop as the “hom e b a s e ” .

A b o v e: Hill Abell pictured wit h a B i c y c l e S p o r t S h o p van.

L e f t : The store on South Lamar i s t h e m o s t p o pu l a r Bicycle S port Shop store o p e n a n d i s c l o s e t o t h e origninal store on Barto n S p r i n g s ro a d .

R i g h t : A mountain bike tire w h i c h a re o f t e n c a l l e d “knobbies” because of t h e k n o b s t h a t t h e y have for traction on loose ro c k s a n d d i r t .

PHOTGRAPHS BY: Specialized.com

“ B a c k t h e n I t hought, what’s a better way t o te l l p e o p l e a b o u t mountain bikes then to rent mou n t a i n b i k e s , s o I started to rent mountain

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FEATURES

Kayak Polo

THE SPORT BENEATH THE BRIDGE

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By: Paul H.

PHOTGRAPH BY: Austin Kayak Polo A k a y a k p o l o g a me in progress.

“It’s a lot of fun” says Nye, an avid participator in It’s a beautiful day down at Town Lake the group, “The sport has always been for fun.” in Austin, Texas and people are out in

scores. There are joggers, bikers, and walkers sharing the gravel, and, below MoPac, a local highway that transverse lake, rowers are rowing and canoeists are enjoying the sunny day.

But there’s another summer activity going on that doesn’t get much attention.

Kayak polo has been going on at Town Lake for about 10 years, but it has gotten little hoopla. The lesser known cousin to water polo, kayak polo, or canoe polo as it’s called in some countries, is a sport where people sitting inside kayaks try to get a ball the size of a volley ball into goals that are suspended a few yards above the surface of the stream.

Adrian Nye is extremely evolved in the club that practices at Town Lake.

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There are plenty of players in the group, but they’re always looking for more members. The group particularly likes the addition of high school students, for their springy youthfulness and abundant energy can help the team in the games that last 29 minutes. Jordan O. from the local science academy high school was introduced to the sport by Nye.

“Exhilarating,” Jordan said, describing the sport.

“It was kayaking, throwing balls, knocking down with paddles. It was something entirely new, and just really different.”

The group isn’t really about training for competitions. Most of the people are there just to have a good time. But when the National Kayak Polo competition, or the nationals, as they are so lovingly referred too, was held

in San Marcos in 2008, they just couldn’t resist.

“I had just started that year, but wanted to just go and have fun,” said Jordan. “It was a lot of fun, we had a great venue, and everyone was very nice and kind, even though I was by far the worst player on the team.”

But this isn’t the team’s first rodeo. The Austin kayak polo team has been going to nationals since ’99, in places as far away as Los Angeles.

“We also went to the world championships in Germany in 2002, and once we even went to a tournament in Canada called the Cup of the North.” Nye remembers.

The Cup of the North is a kayak polo tournament held annually in Edmonton, Alberta. The tournament is held every February where the temperature averages 17

degrees. Luckily the tournament is held indoors at a swimming complex downtown, so temperature isn’t a problem.

“The tournament itself was pure fun,” describes a blogger who has watched the sport from afar. “It was an honor for me to get to play with them [British Team] and they certainly made me look better than I felt.”

All and all, kayak polo is mainly a recreational sport played by many people around the world just for fun.

And not all the fun takes place on the lake. “The best time I’ve ever had with the group was one Monday night after practice we went out to Hut’s Hamburgers and just hung out,” Nye recalls. “We’re all friends.” And that, he feels, is why he started playing in the first place.

PHOTGRAPH BY: wikipedia commons

K a y a k e r s e n j o y t he day.

May 2010

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Global War m i n g W hy I t ’s a G o o d Thing

By Mason S.

PHOTGRAPHS BY: Artic Tale Movie

E

v e r y b o d y wants to live t h e c l a s sic “American D r e a m ” , pretty little t w o s t o r y h o u s e with a white p i c k e t f e n c e ( or the fence s t y l e a n d c o l o r of your choosi n g ) , a b e a u t i f ul wife and a c o u p l e o f k i d s . You want job s e c u r i t y, h e a l t h insurance, l i f e i n s u r a n c e for when the h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e fails you or y o u r w i f e g o e s crazy, a coup l e o f c a r s , p l e nty of presents u n d e r t h e C h r i s tmas tree, and l a s t b u t n o t l e a st a nice vaca t i o n o n t h e b e a c h every couple o f y e a r s t o g e t rid of the red n e c k f a r m e r s t an you have.

B u t t h e w a y w e keep on hav i n g b a b i e s t h e re just won’t b e e n o u g h r o o m for all those w h i t e p i c k e t f e nces, so what d o y o u d o y o u ask. Well you c a n s t a r t b y w a lking out side a n d t u r n i n g o n that Hummer

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cuz that’s the first step for this great little thing that I call GLOBAL WARMING.

Up in till now everybody has been wrong about global warming, George Bush is wrong for saying it doesn’t exist and Barak Obama is wrong for saying that it’s a bad thing, not only is it not, not, not a bad thing, it is a great thing. While everybody else is looking at a high rise condo some where in the middle of a stinky city you could be mov ing into the hear of the good old U.S. of A, just about 5,000 miles north and not actually in the U.S., but you are in the up and coming North Pole. Up in till now everybody has been wrong about global warming, George Bush is wrong for saying it doesn’t exist and Barak Obama is wrong for saying

that it’s a bad th i n g , n o t o n l y is it not, not, no t a b a d t h i n g , it is a great thi n g . W h i l e e verybody else is l o o k i n g a t a high rise condo s o m e w h e r e i n the middle of a s t i n k y c i t y y o u could be moving i n t o t h e h e a r of the good old U . S . o f A , j u s t about 5,000 mil e s n o r t h a n d not actually in t h e U . S . , b u t you are in the u p a n d c o m i n g North Pole.

Have you e v e r w i s h e d you could meet S a n t a C l a u s e ?

Well nows your c h a n c e , s o o n the temperature w i l l b e j u s t under freezing y e a r r o u n d a n d would be the pe r f e c t p l a c e t o own a vacation h o m e t o g e t away from the 1 5 0 d e g r e e heat that other p a r t s o f t h e world will be fe e l i n g . A n d i f you don’t mind t h e c o l d t h e n move on up ye a r r o u n d a n d you could wor k i n S a n t a s work shop, the w a g e a n d h o u r s are good and th e b e s t p a r t i s you get a free C h r i s t m a s i f your one of hi s e m p l o y e e s .

Close your eyes a n d i m a g i n e this for a mom e n t , i t s e a r l y October and y o u r k i d s a r e practically jum p i n g o u t o f their socks waiti n g f o r C h r i s tmas to come, h e i r l i s t s h a v e been done for mo n t h s a n d t h e y want you to mail i t o ff t o S a nta. But you say n o , a t t h a t m oment you may h a v e j u s t r uined their live s b u t y o u ’ l l make it up in a s e c o n d o r t w o , you bend down a n d t e l l t h e m , “why should we m a i l i t w h e n we can hand d e l e i v e r i t ” .

Would that not b e t h e b e s t Christmas of th e i r l i f e ? r emember folks, D R I V E T H AT HUMMER!

O utdoor Aus t i n Top 5 O u t d o o r P l a ces

By Mason S.

Hamilton Po o l

Hamilton pool is a far away gym that isn’t to far away.

The beatiful crystal waters are perfect for swimming in and when there water is flowing theres a beautiful waterfall. Also the sheer size of this place is amazing, to get a idea see that little red dot to the left of the water fall?

Well thats a person.

Bar ton Springs is another jem but this one is right in the heart of Austin. The beatiful green water is a constant 68 degrees allowing the pool to be open year round and even feel warm during the winter months. The pool is almost always croweded so don’t expect it to your self.

BARTO N

Looking for a relaxing Sunday afternoon with some friends HIKE & B I KE but your all dead broke? Take a walk around the hike and TR A I L bike trail, it can take you from Zilker Park all the way to

the Holly power plant in East Austin. Along the way you can stop by P-Terrys or walk around down town Austin

Want some beautiful views and some caves to explore? Well Enchanted rock is your place, a nice hike up to the top leaves you with great views of the surrounding hills. Theres are caves to explore and on the back side theres some pretty steep slopes that give it that ‘danger factor”.

GR E E N BE LT

ENCHANTED RO C K

Tired of Barton Springs being to crowded and noisy wit little kids, want somewhere to hang with your friends or read a book in a quiet peaceful setting? section of the green belt is just the place. Right below the “Hill of Life” at the endof the Green belt this section is usu ally empty with some great views.

PHOTGRAPHS BY: Wikipedia Commons May 2010

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How to...

By Cesar G.

Pit c h a Te n t :

I know people who go camping yet they do not kno w h o w t o p i t c h a t e n t f o r shelter and to sleep in but instead, they stay inside a cabin, not f u l l y e x p e r i e n c i n g t h e i r outdoor adventure. So I’m here to teach you how to pitch a tent y o u c o u l d p o s s i b l y f i n d a t lour local outdoor st oe and if your tent differs from ours, try to a d j u s t a n d f o l l o w t h e t e n t ’s directions and instructions.

1

2

3

4

5

6

y our

2. Spread your base

3. Place rods into ground

F i r s t , g a t h e r y our tent e q u i p m ent a n d c h o o s e the s p o t w h e r e you w i s h t o l a y u p on.

O n c e y o u ’ v e d one t h a t , s p r e a d out your parts.

S e c o n d ly, lay out the base of your tent.

Make sure you are on a flat surface for better results.

Third, you must place these rods into the ground through the holes found throughout the perimeter of the tent for base support.

1. Gather equipment

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4.Place long rods Steps 5 a n d 6 .

Fourth, you must insert the long rods into the outer holes found amongst the sides and top of the tent and into the rods found amongst the the rods in step 3.

For th e f i f t h s t e p , insert t h e o t h e r two lo n g r o d s i n t o the te n t , p r o p i n g the te n t u p . F o r the 6t h s t e p , f i nish s e c u r i n g a l l the pa r t s a n d y o u r finish e d . E n j o y !

Things Not to Do While Camping 8

TIPS TO AVOID THE WORST CAMPING SITUATIONS

By Matt G.

Tw o Ritz Brand crackers, a c o m m o n f o od consumed on camping t r i p s

1 Food

Food Attracts Animals W h e n camping, never l e a v e excess food lying a ro u n d the campsite.

O b s e r vation has shown t h a t animals eat food.

T h e re fore, when food i s l e f t in the campsite a n i m a ls will move tow a r d s the food. To prot e c t y our food try using s t o r a ge bins that mask s m e l l s. If you follow t h i s t ip and remember t o c l e an up all of your f o o d scraps you can p ro t e ct yourself from t h e s lew of wan dering b e a s t s that would be h a p p y to eat your food a n d p erhaps, you.

2 Sense

3 Tents

5 Security

Tents and the Rain

“The Buddy System”

During any g i v e n camping ex c u rsion it is li k e l y that there w i l l be rain at s o m e point. It is c r u cial that you d o not touch t h e rain flap on y o u tent while t h e re is rain out s i d e .

Doing so can re sult in the t e a ring of the f l a p which al l o w s water to leak i n .

Follow this t i p to keep your s e l f and the insid e o f your tent dry.

Camping can be a d a n g e ro u s p u rsuit. Bear attacks, tripping, i n j uries, and running o u t o f w a t e r. A l l of these things can happen when camping. This is why campers employ “The Buddy System”. Should any of these things happen, having a buddy to h e l p y o u i s e s s e ntial. So next time you want to go on t h a t 1 0 m i l e t a ndem hike, take a b u d d y.

4 Outfit

Wearing Proper Shoes When cam p i n g try to wear t h i c k , close toed s h o e s .

Never wear o p e n -toed shoes a s y o u r feet will q u i c kly be injured a n d bruised.

6 Gear

Bring a Flashlight

When camping never go out in t h e d a r k w i t hout a flashlight.

Bringing a flashl i g h t w i l l p re v e n t y o u f ro m i n j u r i n g yourself and keep you safe.

7 Safety

Clean Drinking Water In the woods it can be very tempting to drink g ro u n d w a t e r w h e n y o u a re t h i r s t y. Av o i d d o i n g this unless you know the w a t e r y o u are d r i n k i n g i s s a f e . G ro u n d w a t e r c a n be contaminated with a variety of things that the human eye cannot p e rc e i v e . To a v o i d t h i s bring an adequate supp l y o f f i l t e re d d r i n k i n g water and a water filter s t r a w.

8 Fire

Don’t Play with Fire First time campers will b e v e r y p ro ud w h e n t h e y m a k e t h e i r f i r s t f i re . I t is very important that y o u d o n o t p la y w i t h f i re .

F i re c a n s p re a d r a p i d l y and can cause serious i n j u r y.

Yellow Snow

I f y o u go camping in t h e s n ow, do not eat any s n o w that is yellow. Yell o w s now is most likely t o c o n tain urine.

PHOTGRAPHS BY: Wikipedia Commons

May 2010

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KENYA

A Blackout Po e m

By Cesar G.

B l a c k o u t p o e t r y is when you circle words t h a t s t a n d o u t to you and “blackout” the rest, l e a v i n g a m e s s a g e behind that you created. I f i r s t g o t th e i d e a of doing a blackout poem in c l a s s w h e n w e were discussing sample styles f o r o u r A S F ’ s . I remembered doing some t h i n g s i m i l a r to t h is when I was younger and I t h o u g h t I ’ d g i v e it a try. I found an article o n t h e p o s s i b l e e xtinction of lions in Kenya.

I d e c i d e d t o t r y and make this article into s o m e t h i n g f u n n y t hat the readers could enjoy; b u t t h e p o s s i b l e e xtinction of lions in Kenya is n o j o ke . W e m u s t do what we can to prevent t h i s f r o m h a p p e n i n g, but for now, I hope you e n j o y t h e l a t e s t o f my blackout poems titled, “KENYA...”

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May 2010

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L i g h t s, C a m e r a , Na tur e

By M a t t G .

R

e c e n t l y the film and telev ision ind u s t r i e s have produced a few docum e n t a r ies that have changed the way w e v i e w t h e world around us. With topics r a n g i n g f r o m the loss of homegrown food to t h e i m p e n d i n g global warming crisis, these d o c u m e n t a r i e s highlight important issues a n d s t r i v e t o make Earth a better p lace. Bel o w a r e s u m maries and reviews of selected d o c u m e n t a r i e s.

An I n c o n v e n i e n t Tr u t h

T h i s d o cumentary directed by David G u g g e n h e i m f eatures Al Gore, a former vice p r e s i d e n t u n d er the Clinton admin istration, d e l i v e r i n g a s eries of impassioned arguments f o r r e v e r s i n g the impact global wa rming on t h i s p l a n e t . H is arguments vary from graphs s h ow e r i n g o u r staggering carbon emissions, t o p e r s o n a l s t ories that implore the audience t o h e l p m a k e a difference. Al Gore’s impass i o n e d m e s s a ge is aided by edgy effects and m i n d - b l o w i n g visualization that stun the aud i e n c e . A l G o re’s message is just and I would i m p l o r e a n y r eader to view this documentary.

clips showing nature in its m o s t r a w a n d graphic form. Viewing “Planet E a r t h ” w i l l surely give you some appreciati o n o f n a t u r e .

I highly recommend all readers t o v i e w t h i s documentary.

Life

This 10-part series narrat e d b y O p r a h Winfrey is a sequel to the Disc o v e r y C h a nnel’s magnum opus, Planet Eart h . D a v i d A ttenborough’s BBC returns once a g a i n t o i l l uminate the most remote corners o f t h e E a r t h .

The series shows hours of rare f o o t a g e i n stunning quality. The directors o f t h i s s e r i e s have gone to extraordinary lengt h s t o g e t m aterial for the show. For instanc e , a d i r e c t o r underwent a day long adventur e d e e p i n t o the jungle to photograph a plant c r a w l i n g u p a tree. The resulting footage is d i s p l a y e d i n under a minute in the series. I t i s e x t r a o rdinary efforts such as these tha t m a k e L i f e such a wonderful series. If you e n j o y e d P l a n et Earth I would recommend w a t c h i n g t h i s documentary.

Food Inc.

“ I t i s n ow clear that we face a deepenThis documentary directe d b y R o b e r t i n g g l o b a l c l i mate crisis that requires us to Kenner exposes the influence o f m u l t i n aa c t b o l d l y, q u ickly, and wisely,” said Gore. tional corporations in determin i n g w h a t w e eat. Food Inc. forces the audienc e t o c o n f r o n t Pla n e t Ea r t h the unpleasant and sometimes sh o c k i n g t r u t h

T h i s 11 -part series narrated by Sigour- about the food we eat. Food Inc. s e e k s t o d en e y We a v e r f eatures nature in its most ex- stroy the common stereotype of a l a rg e f a r m o t i c f o r m s . T h e producers of this series spent with rolling green hills and the s u n s h i n i n g . y e a r s t a k i n g elusive footage of rare animal Food Inc. uses all manner of tech n i q u e s s u c h b e h a v i o r s i n the most remote parts of the as night vision filters to expo s e t h e c r u e l g l o b e . F o r e xample, Planet Earth producer treatment of animals, the terrible t r e a t m e n t o f P e n n y A l l e n recounts that “Keeling spend workers, and the frightening rea l i t y o f w h a t d a y s o n e n d i n the Arctic Circle in Greenland, we eat. Food Inc’s stunning film q u a l i t y a n d w a i t i n g p a t i e ntly to capture a musk ox fight vivid musical overlays complim e n t i t s m e so n c a m e r a ” . T his elephantine amount of work sage nicely. This documentary i s a m u s t s e e r e s u l t e d i n 3 0 seconds of footage. Viewers for all audience member. Howe v e r, p r e p a r e c a n l o o k f o r ward to hours of awe-inspiring yourselves for some graphic an d d i s t u r b i n g

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fo o t a g e . T h i s f i l m changed the way I consume fo o d .

The C o v e

T h i s d o c u mentary directed by Louie Ps i h o y o s , a n a t i onal Geographic photograph e r, b r i n g s t o l i ght the issue of whaling in a s e c l u d e d l a g o o n in a remote part of Japan.

Th e C o v e s e e k s t o expose the secret slaughter of d o l p h i n s i n Ta iji, Japan. The crew of The Co v e i n c l u d i n g Ric O’Barry, famous whale tra i n e r o f “ F l i p p e r”, and “an Oceans Elevensty l e t e a m o f u n derwater sound and c amera ex p e r t s , s p e c i a l effects artists, marine expl o r e r s , a d r e n a l i ne junkies and world-class fre e d i v e r s w h o will carry out an undercover op e r a t i o n t o p h o t ograph the off-limits cove”.

Th i s d o c u m e n t a r y details their endeavors to ca p t u r e t h e k i l l i n g in the cove on film while sim u l t a n e o u s l y i nterweaving the history of wh a l i n g a n d i t s c u ltural significance in Japan.

Th e C o v e i s a c a ptivating documentary mixing a m a z i n g v i s u a l effects, cutting edge camer a w o r k , a n d a n amazing soundtrack. Of all the d o cu m e n t a r i e s I have reviewed, The Cove de s e r v e s t h e m o s t praise of all. I highl y rec om m e n d y o u v i e w this documentary.

May 2010

27

ASF This Saturday you were...

Outside, like at a park

Videogames

Inside, far from a window, doing homework

Wha t Kind of Outdoorsman Ar e You? TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT 28

May 2010

By: Paul H.

Mountain biking

Running or training

Relaxing in the sun

Put down this magazine immediately May 2010

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You are carefree and probably a bit cocky. You want to enjoy life to its fullest and you do everytime you get on the saddle.

You’re an overachiever. You are always trying to do better and even though people may make fun of you for it, you persevere.

You are either really lazy, or really stressed out. This Saturday might have been the first time in a while that you’ve gotten to get off your feet and just think to yourself.

Sorry, I shouldn’t have been so harsh back there. You just need to start going outside more and really live life. You’ll never find happiness in the World of Warcraft.

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Runs of Austin.

Your guide to all the famous races

By Paul H. May 2010

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ASF November 25th

Trot Like a Turkey

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T

his race is one of the most famous in Austin. Sponcered by the local paper, it’s the largest 10k in Texas, and the 5th largest in the counrty, so it isn’t unheard of for people to travel from as far as New England to participte because the 6.2 miles it covers really goes the length to fully capture the Austin spirit. The race starts by running down Congress Avenue and hanging a right at the Capital. Along the race route, there are rock bands, folk bands, and even a high school Jazz band all there to help support the runners to the finish. Runners are also encourged to dress up and just be weird. But, like the Turkey trot, this race isn’t all for nothing. The money rased in used to benefit Meals on Wheels, the organization that distributes meals to the elderly or disabled inside their homes. Meal on Wheels must really appriciate the race, because this is the 33rd annual and more than 21,000 people show up the race every year. Just another reason everything’s bigger in Texas.

April 11th PHOTGRAPH BY: Austin American Statesman - Zach Ryall

D

o you ever get that feeling during Thanksgiving dinner that you just can’t eat enough?

As you approach your secound mountain of stuffing, does a hint of fear enter your heart?

The fear that you won’t be able finish the monument of gluttony currently residing on your platter? The Austin turkey trot solves that problem. In addition to benefiting Caritas, a organization that helps feed the homeless, the 5 miles that this historic road race covers will have you feeling less guilty when the holiday turkey meal rolls around.

But lets get back to the purpose of the race. Caritas helps the homeless and the less fortunate by staffing a permenant community kitchen that gives out free lunches Monday through Saturday. Any cause this noble definitely deserves the 15,000 that come annually.

Thats not to say the race is not without its faults. The line to go to the bathroom was egregious and you miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Not that missing the parade is a huge loss; you can always picture that bloated runner infront of you as a large, snoopy shaped dirigible traveling down MLK boulevard.

The Capital 10k

Frost Bank Run Up Imagine running up this...

U

npecidented in Austin, the Frost Bank Run-up will be quite a race to run. Going up 30 stories, this race will definitely live up to its subtitle, the fight for air.

This race benefits the American Lung Assosciation and is expected to raise awareness for the harmful effects of smoking. Unfortunately for me, the race requires and 100 dollar fundraising project, and although the cause in noble, the price is something I do not think I could pay.

This race was probably inspired by the famous empire state building run up, where pros have to climb 86 flights. Thats 1,576 steps or about a fifth of a mile up in elevation.

Anybody able to particpate in the race deserves a little admiration. I know there are some of us out there where make the simple 2 story climb up to the office puts a strain on our quads. This race is a little like that. Only 15 times it.

May 15th

T

May 1st

his races 10k’s attendence hitting the 1900 mark is impressive how ever you look at it, and even more so when you realise that this was its first race ever. Although Bevo was not in attendence, the race still had a UT inspired theme. The race director decided to do away with the whimpy starting pistol and instead upgrade to the canon that goes off every time Texas scores a touchdown (so, often). The runners were stunned for the first seconds of the race as the concussive force of the canon reverberated of the building surronding University boulevard. The lornhorn theme was kept through out the race as “Texas-Fight” chants rang out at every water station and the race concluded on the endzone of the Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium, a venue that can seat over 101,000 people. Unfortunately, none of the seats were filled with the screaming fans or the drunk college students that mark and true UT football game experiance. No, the statium was empty; but it didn’t dampen the fact that I got the run my best 10k by finishing in the same entrance that Colt McCoy would walk out of at the start of every game. This race benfited the students association of the University.

May 2010 33

OPINIONS

Danger on the Trails

Prohibiting Cyclists from Lady Bird Lake

By M a t t G o o d m a n

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ARTWORK BY MIKKO KANANOJA

D

a v i d G . was running on one of Lady B i r d Lake’s trails at 7 a.m., peak t r a ff i c time for the trails. H e turned a b e n d a n d e n tered a narrow sectio n of the p a t h s u r r o u n d ed by trees on both sides. Sudd e n l y, a c y c l i s t turned the corner and noticed D a v i d . F r o m t hirty feet away the man asked D a v i d t o k i n d l y move to the side of the trail f o r a m o m e n t . David, with his headphones o n , c o u l d n ’t h ear the man and contin ued run n i n g . F r o m f i f teen feet away the man yelled a n d D a v i d s t i l l couldn’t hear him. The cyc l i s t v e e r e d h is bicycle sharply to the left a n d m o s t l y a v oided David. However, the bic y c l e ’s r i g h t handlebar caught David in the l o w e r b a c k a nd knocked him over. David

sustained no major injuries, a l t h o u g h h e could not run for the followi n g f e w d a y s .

Accidents such as these occur r o u t i n e l y o n the Lady Bird Lake trails. How e v e r, i f b i k e s were removed from the trails, t h e s e i n j u r i e s would not occur.

As a means of urban tr a n s p o r t a t i o n , biking is energy-friendly, but on h e a v i l y t r a fficked trails serves as a menac e f o r r u n n e r s and joggers alike. The City of A u s t i n h a s a plan to make Austin a “world-cl a s s b i c y c l i n g city” within the next 10 years. M a n y o f t h e new paths proposed by the pla n w i l l b e i n corporated into the already bro a d L a d y B i r d Lake Trail System. As well as e x p a n d i n g t h e

La d y B i r d L a k e t r ail system, the plan will signi f i c a n t l y i n c r e a s e the rest of the citywide bicy c l e n e t w o r k . O n Town Lake cyclists cause di s c o r d , d i s c o n t e nt, and injury. Although this m a y b e i n a d v e r t e nt, it cannot be tolerated.

Th e r e f o r e , c y c l i s t should be banned from the La d y B i r d L a k e t rails.

G r a n t e d , s o me blame can be placed towa r d s r u n n e r s w earing earphones that preve n t t h e m f r o m h earing clearly. However, the Ci t y o f A u s t i n d o es not have the power to ban m u s i c l i s t e n i n g d evices. The incident above wo u l d m o s t l i k e l y not have occurred had Da vi d n o t b e e n w e a ring headphones. Neverthele s s , r u n n e r s a n d pedestrians wearing headph o n e s o n t h e t r ails are a virtual certainty an d c a n n o t b e a v oided. Therefore, blame can on l y b e d i r e c t e d t owards cyclists who cannot rid e s a f e l y i n t r a fficked areas.

C y c l i n g i s an excellent recreational activ i t y. C y c l i n g p r omotes physical fitness and is e n v i r o n m e n t a l ly friendly. Furthermore, th e L a d y B i r d L ake trails are public and it

“ Bic ycles are one perceived c ause of the deterioration o f this gravel.”

is d i ff i c u l t t o b a r recreational activity from its p r e m i s e s . D e s pite all of these points, it is st i l l n e c e s s a r y t o prohibit the use of bicycles fr o m t he L a d y B i r d Lake trails. Cyclists cause in j u r y a n d i n c r e a se the expenses associated wi t h t he t r a i l s . A lthough there is no official da t a t r a c k i n g t h i s statistic, this writer has ob se r v e d a r u n n e r o r pedestrian getting clipped by a b i k e f i f t y p ercent of the time he visits La d y B i r d L a k e . This should provide the City of A u s t i n w i t h r easonable cause to ban the cy c l i s t s . T h e C i t y of Austin has jurisdiction ov e r t h e l a k e a n d its trail and can bar anyone it b e l i e v e s c r e a t e s an unsafe environme nt.

The “Master Plan” produc e d b y t h e City of Austin advocates the exten s i v e u s e o f bicycles for recreation. This will i n d i r e c t l y increase the already vast number o f c y c l i s t s using the Lady Bird Lake trails. C y c l i s t s d i sturb the serenity of Lady Bird La k e a n d t h e experience of nature it provides. W h e n a s k e d why they enjoy Lady Bird Lake, r u n n e r s a n d pedestrians commonly provide the s a m e a nswers. Most say that they enjoy th e l u s h f o l i age, the company of other runner s , a n d t h e soft gravel lining the trails. The a d d i t i o n o f bikes speeding around the trails de t r a c t s f r o m the natural experience the lake pro v i d e s .

As well as detracting from t h e n a t u r a l qualities of Lady Bird Lake, bicy c l e s c a u s e noticeable damage to the Lady B i r d L a k e trails. David G., member of the To w n L a k e Trail Foundation, expressed that “ t h e s o f t gravel covering the main trails s u r r o u n d i n g Lady Bird Lake is one of the pri n c i p a l r e asons that runners use the trails. B i c y c l e s a r e one perceived cause of the deteri o r a t i o n o f this gravel.” The gravel is much e a s i e r f o r runners to run on because it acts a s a d a m p e r when their feet hit the ground. How e v e r, w h e n the gravel deteriorates it must be r e p l a c e d .

More bicycles cause the gravel to d e t e r i o r a t e more quickly, and therefore raise t h e e x p e n ses the city must pay to replace t h e g r a v e l .

By prohibiting bicycles from the L a d y B i r d Lake trails, the longevity of the gr a v e l w o u l d be significantly increased, and th e r e f o r e t h e cost of upkeep would be greatly re d u c e d .

Cyclists clearly cause seriou s p r o b l e m s for the Lady Bird Lake trails and t h e r u n n e r s and pedestrians that use them. T h e C i t y o f Austin’s plan will create multiple t r a i l s a n d pathways elsewhere for cyclists. B i k e s d o d ging in and out of crowds of peop l e c r e a t e a dangerous situation on the trails. T h e t r a i l s are safer and more efficient when t h e r e a r e n o bicycles present. Therefore, bicyc l e s s h o u l d be prohibited from the Lady Bird L a k e Tr a i l s due to the clear and present dange r t h e y c r eate for foot-bound pedestrians like D a v i d G .

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OPINIONS

Barefoot Running

The Rumored Medical Benefits

PHOTGRAPH BY: Heather Cass

By Cesar G.

S

ome call it crazy, others call it stupid and I may agree but some still say they’re just running. Although they are in fact running, they are running bare. Bare footed that is. No shoes, no socks, just their bare feet and their will to go on.

Some consider this taking running to a whole other level but some just say their making things more interesting. Just the thought of tripping or stumbling bare footed and scrapping your toes, feet, and yours nails just seem too much for me. Although I prefer running with my shoes

on, I would not mind trying to run barefooted to see what all the commotion is about. Running barefooted makes you feel lighter on your feet and you feel like you have more freedom.

As stated by Web MD on January 28, 2010, “Running barefoot causes less collision force to the feet than running in cushioned shoes.” You would think that running barefoot

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would be painful and bad for you but it is actually healthy for you. Of course, when beginning you should start slow and steady just to get the feel out if to see if it’s for you. The human foot evolved without padded shoes. Just by themselves for earth’s ground and surface.

Yes, shoes are comfortable with all the padded support and cushion but after a couple of wears,

the insole starts to wear out and so does the cushion. Before you know, some of those shoes become real uncomfortable and hurt or bother just to walk in them.

According to Daniel Lieberman, a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and his colleagues, “Cushioned running shoes, which date back only to the 1970s, may seem comfortable but may actually contribute to foot injuries.” Barefoot runners have a different landing technique than shod runners. Scientists tested using motion and force analysis, proved that barefoot runners who strike on the fore-foot or land on the balls of their feet produce a smaller collision forces than shod runners who strike on the rear-foot or heel of their feet. According to Web MD, “By running on the balls of the feet or the middle of the foot, runners avoid more forceful impacts, equivalent to two to three times of body weight, that shod heel-strikers repeatedly experience.”

Not only does barefoot running cause less collision force to the feet but it also helps build strength in your foot and calf muscles. Without shoes, you activate the smaller muscles in your legs, ankles, feet, hips, and calves which may also result in a better and improved balance. You can also increase your speed, endurance, pace, and stamina by running barefooted. Without shoes, you have less weight on your feet to carry which results in having to use less energy at a time. That means you would

have more energy throughout your

PHOTGRAPH BY: Michael Nirenberg

daily or weekly run and run longer thus improving pain has gone away for the most part. My docyour stamina. With less weight and more energy, tor said it has something to do with my foot’s you can run faster and improve your speed gradu- arch. Since I’ve started running again, about two

ally over time.

You may be considering trying barefoot running but you’re still unconvinced or just can’t handle the fact of your feet running on the rough asphalt roads. Try barefoot running in grass at first or at the beach if you live near one. I personally tried barefoot running last weekend and it felt

or three months ago, my knees have been a little sore since I had not ran for quite a while but it’s been easing up. When I ran “barefooted” (I had socks on) this last weekend, I felt absolutely free and light on my feet. Feeling the wind in my toes and the soft luscious grass under my feet, it felt as if I was running on pillows as my surface. I felt faster, quicker, had more confidence and when I finished running, absolutely no pain. Maybe this weekend I’ll try running without my sock on grass “Running barefoot causes or maybe run on concrete with only my socks on less collision force to the but it shouldn’t just me be running so freely, you feet than running in cushshould go and try barefoot running or at least conioned shoes.” sider it. Try running with only your socks on at first like me. It’s only a matter of time before everyone tries it. There doesn’t seem a reason why great. I wasn’t complete barefooted because I had you should not be out there barefoot running. on socks but it’s a start. I have had knee problems over the last few years and up until this point, the

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OPINIONS

Bananas for Barton Springs

By Paul H.

L

iving in Dallas, the temperature was over 100 degrees for half the summer. Naturally, this made swimming a pastime. Unfortunately, this meant getting used to driving down to the community pool which was way over chlorinated. Dry hair, red eyes, and itchy skin often followed. But now that I live in Austin swimming means natural springs and not feeling bad afterwards. This is Barton springs.

with my community pool in Dallas.

springs almost every day for a month to spend the same amount you would

Another thing I appreciate at the average community club. about Barton Springs is its size. After all, size matters. Barton Springs is Now I know everyone can’t about 10 times larger than any Olym- share my love for these springs. The pic size pool. This makes it easier to lumps of moss and algae floating in train in because you don’t have to the waters can be a turnoff for some turn around as often. Also, swimmers and the natural bottom may feel aren’t encumbered by the presence of strange to those who are not used to pedestrians. With 11 laps at a tradi- it. Some might also freak out when tional pool, you could have swum 2 they discover a school of fish swimlaps at Barton springs. This optimal for ming below them. All of this, I feel, is

Barton springs is such a both the pedestrians and the elite alike a small price to pay and also plays a great place because it doesn’t con- because there is room for the swim- role in the natural beauty of the pool. tain chlorine. Chlorine is often used mers to swim and for people to play. in home pool as a sterilizer. Now

In closing, I’d recommend evthis is ok if used in moderation, but Barton springs is also light on eryone I know to swim Barton springs. some institutions like hotels or com- the wallet, making it a cheap alterna- Hopefully, they will. That way, the munity centers are convinced that if tive to joining a neighborhood club. next time you want to swim, instead of your swimsuit isn’t a couple shades Most community clubs cost 80 dol- driving to your local pool, drive down lighter by the time they’re done lars a month or more. Barton springs to Zilker Park and take a dip in Barton dumping the vast amounts of the poi- only costs three dollars a visit or less springs. Your skin, your wallet, and son into the pool; they haven’t done if you get a preloaded card. That The City of Austin will thank you. their job right. Such was the case means you’d have to go to Barton

Barton Springs helps make swimming the city’s summer pastime

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PHOTGRAPH BY: Trail Foundation

Gym Hate

How Physical Education in Schools is Ineffective

By Mason S.

I

ts free time in gym at LASA High School and what are people doing? Well, the guys are in a heated game of basketball and some of the girls are throwing a Frisbee. The rest of the class is walking around the gym while listening to IPods or talking, some of them even eating Girl Scout cookies. This is a scene that I’m sure repeats around the district, P.E. doing nothing to make us fitter or educate us about fitness. Even during instructional time the same thing is accomplished: absolutely nothing.

Right now in Austin Indepen- I understand why the dent School District you must have 1 and 1/2 credits of gym or 3 semesters to graduate high school. During this time the school district want you to “become educated about fitness”.

This is a futile attempt at getting kids physically active. The kids who come through that gym door can usually be put into one of three groups.

They are either already physically active in a sport outside of school but they can’t get gym credit for it, they don’t do a sport but are healthy and aren’t completely sedentary, or they are overweight, do no outside activities. Regardless of what group they fit into, the chances of them taking something out of gym besides some stinky clothes are almost zero.

school district has to require P.E. In today’s world there is an increasing amount of obese and overweight children and the school district has to promote that they support a active lifestyle. But on the other side of that there are plenty of kids in school that have a above average level of activity level in their life. For example I am a competitive cyclist and train five times a week for a total of at least seven hours a week. While that may not be the 24 hours a week that a varsity football player puts in, it’s more than the three hours and 45 minutes that I spend gym every week. Of that time 15 minutes of a class is spent dressing out so now it’s down to three hours a week of

PHOTGRAPH BY: Google Dodgeball

actual gym class. Then if you add in instructional time that takes out maybe another hour, what you are left with is two hours of activity a week which may or may not get your heart rate over 100 BPM.

AISD should make it easier to get a P.E. waiver and reduce the number of credits required to one as many other school districts in Texas did for this school year. Reducing the number of credits required will allow students to stop wasting their time in gym and actually learn something.

The chances of somebody changing their lifestyle because of a gym class that they were forced to take is unlikely and does nothing to better our education.

The suits at Austin Independent School District Still have memories of their gym class when they were in High School. What they don’t realize is all the rules, regulations, and strict curriculums that they put in place keep the P.E. teachers from fulfilling their actual goal of getting kids in shape and having fun while doing it. Oh, and the fitness grams that they say measure our level of fitness, I’m not sure about you but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a actual runner doing the pacer test to see how he’s improved. Or a boxer doing sit-ups were they only had to get their fingers across a two inch line. If you think I’m wrong how much time have you spent in a P.E. class in the past 10 years?

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