Alex Ovechkin is a name that can be  mentioned with the likes of Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and even Bobby Orr. However, he can also be put in a category with the likes of Steve Downie, Steve Ott and Sean Avery.  As you rack your brain trying to connect the dots, think back to Wednesday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres and recall that Ovechkin was ejected for boarding. And there you have it; the three players mentioned above are among the dirtiest in the league.  Now many of you may disagree with that statement, but before you protest, let me present the following evidence:

1. Ovechkin Ejection #1, December 2, 2006 – Ovechkin is ejected after hitting Daniel Briere from behind. Briere hits his head after being a foot or so away from the boards. Ovechkin is challenged for his reckless hit but has others stand up for him.

2. Ovechkin Knee on Knee, May 8, 2009 – Ovechkin takes Sergei Gonchar out of the game and the series with a direct knee on knee hit. He left his feet to make contact with Gonchar. Was it intentional? Only Ovie knows.

3. Ovechkin Ejection #2, November 25, 2009 - Ovechkin hits Patrick Kaleta from behind into the boards, drawing a 5-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct.

These three incidents highlight just the type of player Ovechkin has become known as across the NHL.  The truth of it is that Ovechkin plays with a recklessness that has resulted in injury on more than one occasion. Does everyone remember this past year’s playoffs when the Pittsburgh Penguins complained about Ovechkin leaving his feet to make hits, even before he had taken out Gonchar?

Yes he can score. Yes he is exciting.  However, Ovechkin plays with both a lack of respect for his opponents and the game of hockey.  The sad truth is that he is going to seriously hurt someone if he continues playing this way, yet the league refuses to discipline him.  They wouldn’t dare suspend Ovechkin because he is too significant an attraction to the game and league officials are clearly focused primarily on attendance figures.  I caution Mr. Colin Campbell: If you don’t discipline Ovechkin soon, somebody will take the matters into their own hands, and to tell you the truth, I welcome it.

Yesterday (Thanksgiving), I went to work to check on everything and make sure everything was running smooth, which it was.  Our hotel is full and they were so behaved yesterday and had tuns of fun playing on Thanksgiving.   I spent about 6 hours with the dogs yesterday and enjoyed every minute of it, and I know that the dogs did as well.  On the holidays, we are closed for drop off and pick up, but for the dogs staying over it is just a regular day of play.  Many other boarding places in the Twin Cities have ver limited play hours on holidays, and we did not think this was fair for the dogs (or the customers, since you are paying for it).  We would much rather pay our staff a little more, and make it a regular day for the dogs.  Yesterday,  Ash, one of our managers brought out the bubbles and Jackaroo really got into the fun!  Watch the video below.

How to Choose a Horse Boarding Stable.

Today we spent most of the day making sure everything is ready for the Thanksgiving weekend.  Our hotel is full and we went through today to make sure everything was in place for all of the dogs checking in.  If you are looking for boarding between now and January 1st make sure to make a reservation ASAP, since we fill up fast.

Are you on our email list?  Did you get the email with our Black Friday deals?  If not, they are on our daycare page.  These deals are good on Friday, only.

In the picture, are Duncan (mastiff) and Mila (Australian Sheppard mix).  They took some time out from playing to rest next to each other.

Have a good night.

Now that most major carriers charge to check a bag, passengers are carrying on a lot more than they have in the past, and on mainline this is causing all sorts of problems, from delaying boarding to running out of overhead space for all the flying passengers.  One problem that we at the regional level have is people who try to bring bags on that don’t fit who then soil themselves when we tell them they can’t carry it on.

Since we fly RJs our overhead space is smaller, and bags that will fit on a B737 will not fit on our planes.  Gate agents make an announcement detailing as much, but people don’t listen, and when I tell someone his rollaboard cannot come on he comes up with all sorts of excuses, the most common being, “It fit on my last plane,” not realizing that this is a different plane flown by a different airline with different policies.  Leave it in the jetbridge, Tex.

A lot of people play the I’m-kind-of-a-big-deal card and tell me they have important papers, a computer, and expensive who-gives-a-craps in their bags like theirs are more important, but in my and the company’s eyes, all bags are of the same importance regardless of the contents.  If you’re worried about your stuff, take it out; I don’t care if you have to repack.  I said leave it, Tex.

One of the last two guys to give me trouble about his bag was going to XNA.  I stopped him before he stepped on the plane and asked him to leave his rollaboard in the jetbridge.  He said he would have to repack it, and it would take so long, and he was a gold buyer carrying $100,000 in cash.  He then asked me what I would do if I were carrying that much money, and I told him I wouldn’t be because I’m not stupid.  Already having a bad day and not wanting to get into it with a pompous blowhard, I let him try his bag in the overhead; unfortunately it fit.  My flying partner gave me a hard time because I let him walk over me and get his way when I should have just stood up to him and told him how it was going to be.  She was bang on the money, and I vowed that the next time I faced this predicament I would not bend.

Well that day has come and gone.  I was in PHL, and the guy comes on with his big ol’ bag.  I tell him it won’t fit, to leave it in the jetbridge, and he says he’ll have to repack.  I say OK that’s fine, and he keeps walking down the aisle.  I grab the handle and tell him again that it can’t come on, and he tries to tell me that he’s going to repack on the plane, probably sticking his old, wrinkly hind parts in the aisle completely stopping the boarding process.  No, sir, you aren’t going to repack on here.  What you’re going to do is take it off the plane and repack outside so we can board and leave on time. I’m not trying to be a jerk to the guy; I’m honestly trying to keep the boarding process moving so we can leave on time.  We were running a little behind, and if someone is standing in the aisle trying to repack his bag, then we’re not going anywhere.  If we had departed late, then I would have gotten a call from a manager asking why, and I would have had to tell them because a guy was holding up boarding trying to repack a bag.  I would have then had to explain why he was repacking and then why I let him on with it.  It rolls downhill, y’all.

He gets back on sans bag, and I apologize for making him feel like I’ve purposely caused him undue stress.  Apparently, though, he didn’t “want to hear it.”  Too bad, Scooter; you heard every word I just said, so get over yourself.  You may be a big deal at your local Elks Lodge, but not on my plane.

p.s. Dear Reader, please know that I’m really not a jerk.  I try my hardest to make my flights a pleasant experience for the passengers…just don’t cop an attitude with me.

Currently @ Bangkok airport waiting for boarding call. So excited to go back Singapore! Service & CG!!!

A college hopes cabin crew courses will take off as it turns a classroom into the interior of an aeroplane…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: birmingham airport. The blog is also related to: airport hotels.

A college hopes cabin crew courses will take off as it turns a classroom into the interior of an aeroplane…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: children education. The blog is also related to: teaching.

the bag-carried charms of lonely school-girls

blue crushed dreams drowned at noon-day

vented fortunes melted and re-created

morphed laughters reflected in a magenta pool

shadowy remains of the over-large green lantern

vultured skulls swinging by their guitar strings

music honeyed lions pondering the dancing stars

there a stare – here a smile – everywhere death

paper-thin mannequins feasting on shrimp salads

oceanic largesses buttoned and stored sideways

sun-dried tomatoes drank with overmuch salt

zion led saints proportioning those fairly decked nuns

swing crushed remains – the bread cracks of yore

the vegan induced convulsions of some carnivore

emperor dreamed lords dressed in nakedness

street whispered symphonies overtaken with sun-dried laughters

slithering oysters wrestling with some stranded toe

darling buds gnashing their teeth as they gently kiss those receding winds

suffocated wedding bands recalling past conquests

suffused pleasures desiring a proper vessel

the sweaty palms of boys chained in boarding schools

green sullied roof tops laced in brown jacaranda leaves

death masked violins overran with a craving for strings

there be but a remainder of mats – herded feet whistling their displeasure

overmuch excitement – the sure emblem of lovers at war

gloried bosoms rounder than the fairest august apple

middle apportioned fortunes starved of the seasons fallings

i pose a conundrum – suppose i cared

those circular yearning s teasing the pathetic fortunes of our failings

trombone led bands cowering beneath flute dresses

museum honeyed murals of masters unknown

leather clobbered loins remained upon the chiefest lizard cliffs

shop stewed beans rustling in their metal prisons

willows distantly dancing a fresh of the flowing muds

the punished sounds of choirs hanged at dawn

boot driven passions remained on a plastic plate

a loose lip here – a shoe there – everywhere death

numidian mushrooms sheltered beneath kilimanjaros shoulders

kissed birds overcome with grief

the booked imaginings of shy pupils giggling in rain

pampered lobsters sunbathing in their coffins

oiled thighs standing erect besides michelangelo’s david

yellow scented lusts of husbands given over to theatre

comedy driven longings – the perpendicular stares of wronged lover

the karoo streams – kalahari basins – toureg chants – gorgon encampments

they all be but simple venison servings

table laid charms bottled in salt

how fair are those dancing bears – even the same fur-less devils

suspended aloft that soon disappearing iceberg

night stars rushing purposefully to their deaths

sychellian crustaceans wallowing in grief

the bushveld  tropics leaning gently upon fair mozambique’s cheeks

soon-approaching monsoons announcing their arrival in himalayan chants

train hurried suns murmuring for a lack of attention

the haired touching of lovers stranded at and in the sea

easterly badlands housed in some papal estate

toe-tugged yearnings elegantly decked in straw skirts

of epher’s children – salute them with a gentle tug in either direction

craven red shoes seated upright in some rainy mud hut

of mau mau and his abandoned harlots – whistle only and touch not

burning forests housed wholly in her mouth

olympian straits considered and rejected

righteousness forced upon unwilling saints – they chose sin instead

snow-covered churches overcome with laughter

coat pocketed jealousies of rivals resorting to righteousness – dueling

scorched lands immigrating downward and into hell

cherry scented mustangs awash in fresh aloe

dew carried feet refusing the flung serving of fresh boots

the remaining african horn fed to the nomadics of eritrea

diseased waters bottled and sent to epher’s descendants

soap deprived ankles painted in valley yellow

dark suns prejudiced at the sight of blue oranges

suited bullfrogs desiring an audience with the priest

mournful dirges of some tragic anthem lorded over the plains

serengeti woodlands teaming with overmuch grasshoppers

lateral – dental – palatial

the rice grown hatreds of aphrite’s rude cousins

millet rinsed touchings of loves and lovers clothed in burnings

sight condemned ancients rehearsing their final movements

hurried motionings of sharks harpooned at the high deserts

drunk instructors condemned to the wine cellars

drought moustaches grown arrogant with the occasional brush

ankle dipped hands dancing on freshly painted ceilings

roman centurions sheepishly waiting upon the priests

the back covered lashes of whips crying at dawn

zebra teethed lions lying sideways – the feed was much

meditating monks nightly preaching patience as they doubt its efficacy

rib jointed searchings of parents transfixed upon some tragic statute

guitar stringed understandings of lovers soon to be loosened

hurricane gales refusing freely gifted medications – they instead desire destruction

church chimed machinations – the loud shadows of sarcadortal hems

leather-covered sweaters speaking of soon returning father abraham

marsh covered bibles resurrected to their mournful parents

papered lips pretending to care yet found out

fortuned souls buried in moses’ bosoom

piano starved school children emaciated and in need of fresh cassava

drunk pilgrims desecrating their holy places

curses courtiers given over to overindulgence

pleasured hips forgetting how to dress

earth abused servants despising their hoes

equator neglected bears doubly aggrieved

polluted musics distilled in yellow barley

tomato crushed dreams of lovers separated by war

tributaries of untamed passions spewing from eva’s bosom

tribal instincts of mothers caressing their pops – confused loves

crucified sailors condemned for purity of passions

the yellow ribbons circling about in their blue trousers

bus driven fears of known futures

boiled mannequins cascading in sheltered rage

the oiled ankles of lovers destined to fail

teaming marshes pregnant with the anticipation of your impending hanging

what would shylock do

such purity contained in those unassuming holy loins

not a penny more or less

the weighty pendulums of earthly expectations placed shoulderwise

upon such lowly flesh – pray for his rich poverty

freely consider the run – jonah did

circular chains layered outwardly upon her cheeks

wandering stares of the decomposing tortoise

craged backs of prisoners rejoicing at the sight of a whip

unseemly lovings of the nile priests

snow married rains competing for the mastery

roaming preachers begging for fresh underwear

any recall the simple pleasures of death

hyacinth troubled waters refusing to suffocate

consider the daffodils and their fair cousins – the black mamba

following – continue your runnings

street dancing muses overtaken with giggling willows

haggard poets taking up whistling

layered burnings of victims returned from their nightly flames

the bleached denials of lovers untrained in the art – of lying

caressed lips of saints hanged and burned by the eclipse

green creeks snaking around eva’s proud towers

ever populated with the bagged trifles of smiles sealed and delivered

expected rains falling only the honest sinners

touch not but freely reach

the flasked remains of wars forced upon the innocent

dirt condemned shoulders praying for rain

honeyed nights scribing the moanful chants of reunited lovers

built ruins of some ancient king – god

boot-straped cowboys jeaned and straightwith saddled

onion ringed stairs of pilgrims unfurling their carpets in prayer

stoned devils loosened on an unassuming friday afternoon

the shamelessly chanted charms of choirs rehearsing compassion

free range grains frustrated at the sight of a sickle

garden manufactured sandals covered in cassava peelings

the red vases of fortunes’ train soon approaches

temple plundered riches housed in some temple

boat driven suspenders tugging the wily doe

arabian summers spend it hibernation

square run destinies married to music slithered hands

love-worn seagulls taking up residence on greenland’s beaches

the pilgrim stares of submerged penguins

superfluous gains of tormentors destined to burn

collected unicorns aimlessly peddling their air cycles

terrace covered nakedness of summers spent at the arctic

zerubabel conducted symphonies arrested by the passing eclipse

the retrograde joys of past loves recalled in regret

of pains  known and grown out of – try harder

vase-shaped frustrations – even the same man nurtured

sandals of ambitions dead at birth

any care pass along the rope – how make you a proper noose

how sweet the contradiction daily raping humanity

baleful mourns of innocence hushed in the still of the night

bewildered stares fixed upon the priestly robes of the temple vultures

scavengers given over to overmuch prayer – before consuming their flesh

teeth mapped meats shaking with fear

with love and for love yet always serving self

hades scented saints marching triumphantly towards their sabbath pews

those proper passions gently housed in some harlots bosom

care consider her kind

rude awakenings of skirts hugged one upon another

round fingers – the meandering coins emblazoned with sea fortunes

sword kissed deaths transfixed upon some tragic mount

that they too desire to commune with father moses – any care find him

knee-nursed yearnings of some crawling pop

kettle-whispered lovings of mothers overcome with joy

loves journeyed in darkness only to be condemned by the searching light

some waffled longings of imprisoned cousins – twice removed

fortunes plundered and straightaway surrendered to mightier foes

watched yearnings of those round face anthills

care imitate the socialized hatreds of the sheppard

joyous singings at the news of the stranded winters upon the seas

today be the burial of some tragic figure – some son of three parents

scared remains of lovers burned in love – rather it be love that burned then -

or love caused these burnings – love burned them – in a word: they be dead

the dragon costumes singularly common yet without a mother

companies of soldiers bewailing their blood-muddied swords

pure-bred expectations of fathers married to daily runnings

parisian harlots – even those decadent damsels of notre dame

lamp lighted walkings of some painted corridor

symphonic laughters given over to overmuch prayers

recall the butterfly laced travels of righteous odysseus

the drought peopled apartments quietly screaming for chardonnay

touched purities of priests aggrieved in spirit yet glad in the flesh

palm lined libraries of cairo giddily seated adjacent jerusalem’s famous lamps

summer covered carpets laced with gerbera ferns

nightly runnings of forbidden lovers conspiring their next escapes

apostolic sureties of saint eva – blessed be her musical loins

poems collected in empty wooden wine skins

coerced laughters masked in the lying giggles of the anaconda

prayerful knees of the arabian monk wrestling with an empty sea shell

rehearsed returns of the blue women of the green lagoon

liberian tiles refusing their ordained marriages to cuban cements

any care hear of the loud shrills of the debauched crickets

plimsol expectations of princes ignored in plain sight

the returned piercings of lapped waters dancing in a great danes mouth

restrained sheep recalling their wild histories as dakota mustangs

of sacrifices a dove yet wholly unrepentant

rosy mornings carried in an empty jar

that the sistine chapel was erected by a harlot – aye even eva

that most righteous and upwardly decked saint of the weeping sheets

known of most for her convulsing inducing hands

virgin pilgrims remained upon their store-bought piety

some raisin cured yawns of the whited sepulchers housing her blessed remains

glass layered centuries of accusations returned and loosened

sweet-honeyed chirpings of the wooly mammoth

crane-spoted hyenas jumping rope in the serengeti plains

crowned turtles desiring the company of boiling lobsters

any recall the tearful repentances of proud nabucco

slaves become masters and enslaving their fellow slaves

how that in running – they instead lost themselves

have a care

My Uncle

Simon Aldfrid, my uncle, was a librarian. The best part of having a librarian uncle is that you don’t really have to go to the library to know Charles Dickens or Mario Puzo. Simon Uncle was more than a library himself. He believed that he belonged to the Angles and Saxons. Angles and Saxons had their roots in Germany. They migrated to Ancient Britain in the 5^th Century. And was later conquered by Normans when Hitler rose to power in Germany. Simon Uncle says that his people were forced to serve the British Army and later they were deported to India when East India Company handed over the wealth, power and integrity of the Nation to the Queen. Simon Uncle belonged to that mixed race of Angles, Saxons, Normans and finally Indians.

When Simon uncle belongs to that race, so do I. And he told me I should have at least 3 children and they should each have three and so on. When he said this, his eyes slid an inch and he fell into a trance.

I am Godwin Aldfrid, nephew of Simon Aldfrid.

The Ghosts

Godwin in ancient Angles literature means “a Friend of God”. I never had the chance to be-friend god. But I heard about the Ghosts.

I joined the school where Simon Uncle was the librarian. I was glad that he would be around. I met new friends and learnt to see the life fresh. This was a boarding school. I was happy about it.

There was a difference in my friends at primary school and those at boarding school. In my primary school, parents of my friends would sympathize with me, as I had none. And they made sure that their children are taking a note to realize how lucky they were to have parents. I always ended the conversation saying I have my uncle. In the new Boarding school, there were no parents. But a few confused minds.

There I learnt about the Ghosts. They were some frustrated Dictators re-born as senior students. They were supposed to be the guardians of hell. They were 2 and none really knew them. But they were everywhere. I began seeing them at night. And a friend said my bed is stinking of urine. I was hurt and spend lesser time in bed.

Obvious end of the Mystery

I go to Library when there is nothing to do. I loved to see Simon uncle overseeing the places where each author is supposed to sit. He knew what is there and where it is. He just knew everything my little brain could think of.

When I entered I saw his assistant, all smiles. He is Solomon. And thinks that Angles and Saxons really existed and that they were the supreme race on earth. It sounded like if they were not, he would loose his job.

“Where is Uncle?”

“He is inside with his favorite children.”

Well, I am his favorite. I thought. I could feel my chest pounding until I saw them sitting across a table and Uncle was talking about some thing. May be its Angles and Saxons.

They were 2 of them and were all ears to my uncle. The first guy was lean, terribly lean. He wore a heavy metal bangle on his hand – too heavy that his right side was always low compared to the left. His long fingers told me he could be an artiste. The second guy was dark and bald. He wore an attitude on his face – too much to let Uncle stop and think if this guy knew it better. His physique told me he could be an athlete.

Uncle looked at me. He smiled. Stopped his lecture. And called me to him.

“Well, Godwin. These are my children.”

He pointed to the artiste. “This is Jubith” and then he pointed to the athlete. “This is Sreejith”

Both gave me a cold look. The question was obvious.Who the hell are you?

“And this is my son. Godwin.” Uncle smiled at me. They did not care. May be its just because he calls every one his children. I wished to tell them that I really was his child. I stood close to my uncle.

They got up. Smiled at my Uncle. Gave me that cold look again. Walked out.

“They are good children. Just not the best.” Uncle smiled. Nobody got the certificate except me. And I knew why. I was either Angles or Saxons.

Arun Kumar ran in breathing heavily. Seeing Simon Uncle, he slowed his pace and tried to walk normal. Uncle did not seem to notice. I got up and went near him.

“What’s wrong?”

“Did you see them?”

“Who?”

“The Ghosts”

I felt my throat dry.” No. Where?”

“Arey yaar. They just walked out.”

I was confused.

“They were two. One guy had a heavy metal bangle.”

They are good children. Uncle’s voice echoed and trailed off.

The Crime

I was in 8^th class now. 2 years were long and eventful. It is Diwali and we are all waiting near the parade ground for Ragesh. He had promised us a gift on Diwali. He had said that we would celebrate the day “King Size”. What was that? May be he will come riding in a chariot and take us all to a palace where they served great non-vegetarian food.

He came late. There were no Chariots and he looked like a thief. He gathered us all under a rock and opened the cover he hid under his vest. It was a bottle. A bottle of Beer. Some one said, “WOW”. I felt like a moron sitting under the rock holding the bottle. Everybody drank from the bottle.

I was a team player. I joined the team.

It was dark now and the fireworks blessed the place from heaven. Diwali was in the air and people were gathering in the parade ground to have a glimpse of it.

Ragesh was talking some crap about how-he-got-the-bottle stories. He was blabbering about his local contacts. Everybody was on a high. And everybody got a turn to boast about something. Everybody listened to the speaker with utmost patience. And silently nodded when the speaker concluded. We made no noise to catch the attention of people around. Someone pointed at me. It was my time to boast.

I had nothing in this world to boast about. Except the supreme race I come from. But no one would be interested in that except Simon Uncle. I decided to cook up a story.

“I met the Ghosts.” Immediately I had all the attention, focused.

“I saw them stealing a book from the library. They realized I have seen it when they were walking out. If I tell my uncle about this, they are gone. They pleaded to me. I said I would consider.”

There was a silence. They could not believe what I said. But soon all were glad and clapped their hands loud. I became a Hero. We did not mind the noise. Everybody was relieved of the frustration they were carrying since the day they joined the school. A rocket went up to burst into wonderful flowers. In the light of the fireworks, I saw 2 men standing behind the rock. Their face was barely visible. But the heavy metal that hanged down a fragile hand reflected colors that came from the Sky.

I could feel my sweat running down the forehead. I fainted and collapsed.

MI Room

I opened my eyes. I could not open it fully, though. It hurt. I knew something has happened. The fan had n number of leaves and it looked like it was a complete circle – Like a stretched Kimono. The colors were just the shades of Grey. I am familiar with this place. This is the Medical Infirmary Room – fondly called MI Room.

I could see Simon Uncle sitting next to me holding hands. His eyes were full. I tried to move my hand, I could not; neither could I move my legs. There was something terribly wrong.

“None of your friends stood for you.”

It took some time for me to understand what Simon Uncle was talking about. Was he continuing something that he was talking before I opened my eyes?

“But I can’t leave my son behind for some ruthless…” The sound faded away or maybe, I was not interested. He might talk of the racial supremacy now.

I could see the shadow of the Ghosts in the night lit by Diwali. The heavy metal glare hit my eyes sharper. It felt like I will faint again.

“… And I got them suspended from School. The Ghosts are no more.” It sounded more like an echo.

What did he just say now? Suspended. Did I de-fame the Ghosts? With obvious fear and not love, my eyes were full. My hands and legs hurt worse. There was a hot liquid that was going down my stomach. It accumulated and begged to be free. I did not know what to do. I did not know how my friends would great me. Definitely I would not be given a war hero’s welcome.  I would be labeled a Complaint Box. I did not want to do this. God, I did not want to. Why did you name me as your friend, when you never cared to listen to me?

I could see a pair of eyes coming closer. It was the doctor, examining.

05^th May 1998

Simon Uncle decided that I would join another school. He was thinking of finding another job too. He started to hate the school. Now the Dickens, the Puzo and the Grisham would not have a person to govern them. They would wander like lost dreams all over the library and might escape their imprisonment into the school and might go to meet Simon Uncle in his new job.

But things were clear. I am quitting the school. I walked along the bathroom side corridor of my house. Nobody really cared about me after I was discharged from the MI Room. I realized that everyone loved the Ghosts and it was just not the fear. I wanted to tell something to myself, as no one else cared to do that. So I said

Whatever, my role in this play is over, its time to quit, its time to escape.

I entered the Trunk Room. This is where we keep our boxes when we first enter the school. We enter it again only to take the boxes & leave. I was leaving.

The Trunk room is dark and darker as you get in. I did not care. I saw my box. It should be heavy. I tried to recollect what was there inside it. It is been long – long 4 years. The box was on the top of 4 other boxes, all piled up together. It fell making a huge noise when I tried taking it down. Dust flew away choking me to gasp for breath. It was not normal for any one to enter the trunk room alone. But I was alone since the day we celebrated Diwali.

When the box fell down it revealed a window that had been shut since the box came in. The air around enjoyed the new get away that was discovered. And the light showed up brightening the trunk room. A massive shadow passed over my figure. I turned back to find none.

Huh. I was relieved.

I took the trunk that had fell down and carried it out. It was heavy. But I could manage to drag it along. Suddenly the door shut and I was surrounded with darkness. The window I discovered was far and the light from it formed a white thick line on heavy dark metal boxes. I was growing weak on the knees. The hot liquid that I felt when I lied in the MI Room accumulated again and it slowly started to slip free. My shorts were wet.

A matchstick was lit. A yellow flame grew strong and beautiful and I saw the person holding it.

Sreejith.

He lit a cigarette. Smokes replaced the flame and it all died away. Darkness returned.

I stood like I was expecting him all the while. The box that I was carrying slipped down and the hot liquid flew stronger between my legs. And then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was from behind. I did not have the courage to look back. I did nothing. Then across the fabric I wore, I felt the metal bangle. The sweat started coming back. I felt like I was slipping into a darkness that was worse. Suddenly I could see many – all like in an X ray. Simon Uncle, His Speech on Angles & Saxons, His Library, My friends at Day School, their Parents, My friends here at Boarding, Jubith, Sreejith and then there was nothing.

I belonged here

It was snow white around. And there was nobody else. It should have been 3 – 4 years since the trunk room incident. I don’t remember what happened there. Whenever I try to do that, a pain hit my head. Then I would stop and think of better things. I felt there is a membrane around me that I did not have when I was at Boarding School. The best part of this life was there was breeze all around. There was music. Not the kind of music I use to hear at School Mess. This was quiet, a music that was everything – it was more like the chanting of a mantra. The Aum. I never knew what it was. No one ever told me what it was. Now I know. I could see the water, the air, the earth, the fire and the sky with in me. I felt like an Intellectual. I was never hungry and I never felt taking a leak. I tried to turn my body and I could see the world spin. I could see clouds everywhere, but no human beings. This was absolute tranquility. This was where I belonged. This was heaven.

On 5^th of May 1998, I was killed.

Trycia and I decided to go to her family’s house in Wisconsin for the weekend, since we will not be able to make it there for Thanksgiving because we will be so busy with the Hotel and boarding dogs. Trycia’s mom asked if we could bring some of the Topline Canine shampoo and conditioner with us, so we stopped by the daycare real quickly to pick it up.  I have said it before, but this shampoo is simply the best, and it is made by one of our customers.  When we stopped in on Friday Morning,  our staff was all excited because, Starbuck the St Bernard needed a bath and they were wondering how to get him in the tub. He is a great dog, just HUGE and HEAVY. We worked it all out and Starbuck got a bath!  Oh, if you are wondering if Starbuck is named after Starbucks Coffee, he is.  His parents moved here from Seattle!  One final note, the picture of Starbuck is about a year old when he was a Puppy.
Have a great weekend!
Keith

In this issue:

• New Dawgs
• HSSA Adoption Center Grand Opening Party 
• Can dogs get the H1N1 swine flu?
• Good Dog, Smart Dog
• Holiday Dog  Hazards
• Dawg House Boarding On-and-Off-Site

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It’s New Dawgs Time! Let’s hear it for all the wonderful new members of our pack: Rayne (Lab mix), Nova (Great Dane), Pierre (Poodle – Chloe’s new brother!), Paris (mix), Nation (Pit mix), Quincy (Golden Doodle), Uli (mix), Hairy (Jack Russell), Silver (Siberian Husky), Lizzy (Aussie), Khaki and Onyx (Great Danes), Pinto (Aussie), Carter (Pit mix), Izzy (Yorkie / Maltese), Star (Lab mix), Chaco (Lab mix), and Matti (Cockapoo). WOOF! Welcome to the pack!

 If we forgot you, please let us know!

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The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has been rescuing, protecting, and saving pets in Tucson for over 65 years. Now, for the first time ever, HSSA has expanded with a new satellite location. We are proud to introduce our new Adoption Center and pet merchandise store at Park Place Mall with a grand opening celebration Saturday Nov. 21st.
 
Please join us in celebrating our new location, where fashion and shopping meets furry friendships, at Park Place Mall in the South East corner near Sears. The celebration starts at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. 

Dawg House will have a booth at this event, so come down, support the HSSA and say hi! We’ll see you there.

http://www.hssaz.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5851&security=1021&news_iv_ctrl=-1

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H1N1 and Dogs

So far, there are documented cases of ferrets, turkeys, pigs and a cat who have contracted the H1N1 (‘Swine Flu’) virus from humans. The cat recovered; there was one reported ferret death. There have been, however, no reported cases of dogs with H1N1 yet.

That doesn’t mean they might not get it, eventually, so normal precautions should be taken if you have any sort of illness in your home. Viruses compromise immune systems in all living organisms, so you want to be careful when sypmtoms arise in you or your pets. Many of the sites we visited for research on this topic recommend that at home you should be washing your hands, covering your face when you sneeze and cough, and if you are ill, you should try to keep your pets from sleeping in your room or on your bed (if that’s possible!)

From the American Veterinary Medical Association Website:

So far, there haven’t been any reports of dogs infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Based on what’s been reported, ferrets and one cat – and probably dogs, if they can become infected with the virus – have shown signs of respiratory illness. These signs can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, sneezing, coughing, or changes in breathing (including difficulty breathing).

Keep in mind that dogs currently have their own flu virus, the H3N8 influenza (canine influenza) virus, going around. So far, this flu virus has only been spread from dog to dog. Dogs infected with the canine influenza virus show the same symptoms as dogs with kennel cough – fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, and maybe a runny nose.

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq.asp

Similar information is posted on the ASPCA website:

http://www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/042909-2.html

Here’s a link to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) post regarding dogs and H1N1:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/

And several others:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/b/2009/09/18/can-my-dog-or-cat-get-swine-flu.htm

http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/can-pets-get-swine-flu/

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1934826,00.html

http://www.dogster.com/newsletter/index.php?i=166

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illustration by Ross Macdonald

 A recent article in the New York Times caught our attention. “Good Dog, Smart Dog” by Sarah Kershaw presents a ton of great insight in a short article about service dogs, dog intelligence, and research focused on a deeper understanding of how dogs perceive the world.

“By giving dogs language learning and other tests devised for infants and toddlers, Dr. Coren has come up with an intelligence ranking of 100 breeds, with border collies at No. 1. He says the most intelligent breeds (poodles, retrievers, Labradors and shepherds) can learn as many as 250 words, signs and signals, while the others can learn 165. The average dog is about as intellectually advanced as a 2- to 2-and-a-half-year-old child, he has concluded, with an ability to understand some abstract concepts. For example, the animal can get ”the idea of being a dog” by differentiating photographs with dogs in them from photographs without dogs.”

It’s no secret that dogs have certain senses and abilities that we as humans do not. They see the world in a completely different way than we do, and yet we often judge their intelligence on how it compares to our own. We put very little effort into interpreting the world as dogs perceive it, but how much effort do we make to comminucate with dogs on their terms? How mute we must seem to them sometimes, when we don’t smell what they smell, hear what they hear, or show them the patience in all things that they show us. Dogs are smart, but they are also wise.

More on this article and subject in a recent post from one of our fave blogs:

http://thedogcomeswith.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-dog-thinks-like-2-year-old-human.html

The original NYT article:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE1DC1731F932A35752C1A96F9C8B63

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Holiday Hazards for Dawgs

Each year we try to outline some of the holiday-related toxins that dawgs should stay away from. It’s tempting to give our pets lots of treats (especially when we’re getting so many!), but the fact is, certain people foods (and other holiday items) can be hazardous to their health! 

 The usual dog-toxin suspects we list each year include: 

• Bones (no Turkey bones, Ham bones, Chicken bones etc.)  They can lacerate or obstruct your pets insides–use them for making stock, not as a treat for your pet.
• Animal Fat (undigestable); plus too many fatty, rich or new types of food can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis; two medical conditions that can be painful and even life threatening.
• Gravy / Butter / Dairy (a little turkey broth is OK!)
• Chocolate / Nuts
•  Garbage / Tin Foil / Plastic Bags (always tasty but toxic)–they can also cause a bowel obstruction.
• Poinsettas, Holly, Mistletoe, Cedar (trees) – all toxic
• Alcohol / Coffee
• Onions/Onion Powder (often found in stuffings, will destroy red blood cells and cause anemia 
• Raisins / Grapes contain a toxin that can cause kidney problems in both cats and dogs.
• Also make sure your pet has a quiet retreat during the hectic festivities that may be overwhelming–give him/her a break if they appear stressed.

More detailed info can be found online:

http://www.petclassroom.com/toxictodogs.shtml

 http://www.vetinfo.com/dtoxin.html

http://www.dogster.com/newsletter/index.php?i=167

http://www.nsalamerica.org/pet-tips/thanksgiving-pet-tips.html

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Dawg House Boarding

It appears that Dawg House is FINALLY ready to offer onsite boarding, starting at the beginning of December.  We will continue to offer in home boarding as well, but even our onsite boarding will be pretty cushy. We will limit the boarding to no more than 10 dogs, which gives each dog a lot of specialized attention.

Dogs that are being boarded onsite at Dawg House (we have a WHOLE section of the building that most of you haven’t even seen!) will include the dogs being in daycare during the day, and will stay in a Great Dane sized crate overnight, which should be perfect for them to collapse into after they’ve played all day!

This gives our clients comfort, knowing that they can check in on them during the day on our webcam, and knowing that they won’t be locked up in a run for extended periods of time.

We also will continue to require that you supply food from home, so your pup won’t have any gastroenterological disruption (bad tummy!).  Plus, you are always welcome to supply whatever else you would want your pup to have while he/she is away from you—their favorite teddy bear, their bed, a kong.

We also, of course, will give (or apply) any medications that the dogs will need during their stay free of charge.

The pricing structure for our boarding will be as follows:

For our in home boarding: The price will remain at $35 per 24 hour period, and that includes daycare.  We will continue to only board dogs that we know well (regular daycare clients), and also will continue to limit the number to ensure their happiness and to ensure that we have enough room in our house! 

For on site boarding: The cost for will be: $30.We will board dogs that aren’t regular daycare clients, but because they will be in daycare all day long with our regulars, they will have to pass a temperament evaluation, be spayed/neutered by 6 months of age, and provide full vaccination records. 

If the dogs are picked up before 9:00am on they day they are going home, no daycare rate will apply. After the 9:00am pickup time, the charge will be either half or a whole day of daycare on top of the boarding charge.

We’re really excited about getting this started and we look forward to offering this extension of our services to you all.

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“If you would understand this secret, you must first understand the distinction between training an animal and educating one. Trained animals are relatively easy to turn out. All that is required is a book of instructions, a certain amount of bluff and bluster, something to use for threatening and punishing purposes, and of course the animal. Educating an animal, on the other hand, demands keen intelligence, integrity, imagination, and the gentle touch, mentally, vocally, and physically.”

J. Allen Boone, Kinship with All Life

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Thanks for reading – send your suggestions for future newsletters and posts!

Your friends,

Erica, Christopher, Benjamin and Finnegan

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Today is my tired day. I am on leave now, have nothing to do office job is like a freeman with no stress, but however I and my family has planned to move to next to block since I have assignment to Tembagapura for several years (May God Bless Me & May Family). Move means closer to my wife’s mother and more comfort for my family while I am in assignment.

Boarding house which I will live in is under construction. It has been taking time for 3 days and hope will be finished 1 day more and then I can make another plan to “Selamatan” my fourth month baby and moving stuffs.  “Selamatan” will be on holiday, both of Saturday or Sunday in this week. Wish All The Best.

Boarding with Jeremies
Boarding with Jeremies

Boarding with Jeremies Game
Boarding with Jeremies Game Description : Take the babes to the beach with you. Your charisma increases according to the number of babes on the back. It is possible to take up to six babes at the same time.
How to Play Boarding with Jeremies Game? Use the mouse to balance the motorcycle.

It’s the time of year when we are making plans to get out of town to celebrate with friends and family but what about our furry family members that can’t always come along for the ride?  The main thing to remember is that you have options.

If taking  your pets with you is not an option you can find a reputable in-home caregiver to come and feed and walk your  pets while you are away. Make sure they are bonded and insured and most of all make sure you feel comfortable with having someone come into your home and that your pets will get the care they need.

Another option is leaving your pet with a professional caregiver.  Boarding facilities can be a reliable choice when you are away.  Most places are reasonably priced and well equipped to give the necessary care your pet needs.  It is always a good idea  to check out a few different options  and find one that is the best fit for you and your pet.  Places are popping up all over the country that are not your standard “kennels”.  There are all inclusive pet resorts that can offer training and grooming while they are boarding so you can go on your vacation and when you pick up your furry friend they will be well mannered and looking great!

If you are home for the holidays you may still want to board your pets for a day or two or drop them off for some doggie daycare.  With the hustle and bustle of the season people may be coming and going more than usual which increases the chances of having a lost pet.  Also, there are many poisonous things for your pet to get into such as poinsettia plants, christmas tree water or turkey bones.  When our schedules get hectic our animals sometimes suffer so why not drop them off for some doggie playtime while you’re doing your shopping or entertaining.  Make the holidays fun for everyone including your furry family members!

Jeg må gjøre det. Bare må. Jeg dundrer løs på den røde alarmknappen.

Formiddagen 7. november 2019: Jeg setter meg godt til rette i gyngestolen, legger pleddet over knærne, tar frem det seneste nummeret av “Vi over 60″ på mitt elektroniske lesebrett, men faller raskt i en mild søvn. Jeg drømmer om tidligere tider, om de første årene etter årtusenskiftet. Jeg smiler der jeg sover, inntil ansiktet brått skifter karakter fra det gode til det iltre.

Hva skjer? Jeg har mareritt om det som senere blir sett på som noe av det aller teiteste for reisende da årtusenet ennå var bleiebarn. Jeg er sanndrømt denne novemberdagen i 2019, noe som for så vidt ikke er noen prestasjon siden det ikke er fremtiden, men fortiden jeg drømmer om:

Jeg står på en flyplass høsten 2009, beveger meg sakte fra kø til kø. I hver skranke føler jeg meg som en skoleelev som ikke har pugget sjugangen, og aller verst er det i sikkerhetskontrollen, og her er det ikke bare en følelse at de uniformerte ser gjennom meg. I 2019 ler folk seg skakke av hele greia, og det er tre forhold de synes fortoner seg som mer enn merkelig:

1. Folk ble i 2009 i utgangspunktet sett på som mistenkelige – som potensielle terrorister. Vi var skyldige til det motsatte var bevist.  

2. Ressursene ble brukt på å skanne hele befolkningen i stedet for å bruke dem på målrettet etterretning.

3. Folk fant seg i å bli avkledd hver gang de skulle fly.

Det er kø ved innsjekkingen, ved bagasjeleveringen (angsten for ett kilo for mye bagasje er naglet gjennom de reisende), gjennom sikkerhetssjekken og når vi skal gå om bord. Vi får beskjed om å melde oss øyeblikkelig, og lydige som gutter fra KFUM-speideren stiller vi oss klare med boardingpass og legitimasjon.

Der blir vi stående. I fem minutter. I 10 minutter. Skjermen gir fortsatt ilter beskjed om boarding, men det er en melding uten innhold.. Ytterligere fem minutter går, og fem til, og da endelig løfter nok en mann i uniform blikket og sier at vi kan gå om bord. Det er ingen invitasjon, men en instruks. En ordre.

Skal vi på busstur?

Det skal vi. I 100 meter. Sikkert idiotiske sikkerhetsregler, det også. Flyet står noen steinkast bortenfor terminalen, men det er ikke lov å gå så langt. Derfor blir vi stuet og stappet inn i en buss.

Det er varmt, og det blir hetere. Dette skjer i Sør-Europa, og jeg tror ikke det denne oktobermorgenen var vann nok i dusjene til alle på hotellet som hadde huset et reisefølge fra Sogn og Fjordane.

Vi står der. 100 mennesker i en liten buss. Dørene er lukket. Vinduene kan ikke åpnes, og det er fortsatt sommer i Italia.  Hva gjør vi for å bøte på problemene?

Ingenting!  

Det eksistensielle spørsmål er: Hvorfor finner vi oss i sånt? Jeg ser meg rundt. Forpinte ansikter, svetten renner langs midtgangen, og ved siden av meg står en nesten-pensjonist fra Førde. Han har midtskill, hjertefeil og bittelittegranne tull med prostatakjertelen. Han er adjunkt med opprykk, har faktisk i sin tid tatt en kvartårsenhet i kulestøt ved lærerskolen i Nesna, med et bestekast som nesten nådde til Mo i Rana.  Skulle han ende livet sitt her i Roma, ved en flyplass kalt opp etter verdens mest kreative person?

Det gjelder  å finne på noe her på Leonardo Da Vinci Aeroporto.  

Jeg begynner forsiktig. Banker beskjedent på ruten mellom oss og sjåføren. Han later som om om han ikke hører.

Opptrappingsplan A: Jeg trykker på stoppknappen. Jo, vi står stille allerede, helt stille, men kanskje ser sjåføren tegningen.

Han ser ingenting. Jeg puster inn svette- og hjertefeilluften som fyller det som er igjen av luftlommer. Så gjør jeg det som må gjøres.

Opptrappingsplan B: Jeg må gjøre det. Bare må. Jeg dundrer løs på den røde alarmknappen med alt det jeg har igjen av krefter i en sterkt svekket knyttneve.  

Bussen rødmer og uler.

Jeg ser sjåføren en anelse febrilsk ved rattet. Bussen hans bare synker sammen. Dørene blir åpnet, luft fra den frie verden strømmer tvers igjennom. Folk puster lettet inn,  ser på hverandre og tenker hvert sitt. Jo, dette er bra, men kan det vare?  Når kommer straffen?

Jeg tenker ikke sitt, men mitt. Jeg tenker at jeg er i et land hvor flyplasspolitiet er bevæpnet for atomkrig. Vil de bruke maskinpistolene sine på meg? Oppfattes jeg som en terrorist? En oppvigler? En som ikke liker Berlusconis TV-games?Jeg lurer på om EØS-medlemskapet kan berge meg for den grove forbrytelse det antakelig det er umotivert å trykke inn alarmknappen.

Schengen? Utvekslingsavtale for fanger? Og jeg forbereder mitt forsvar:

1. Det er faktisk jeg som betaler lønna di. Klabb igjen.

2. Behandle meg som en kunde, ikke som en fange underveis til et gasskammer.

Lykken er betydelig bedre enn innfallet og frykten! Så er jeg likevel i romerrettens hjemland, sivilisasjonens barneseng.

Intet skummelt skjer. Ingen represalier! 

Luften fortsetter å strømme fritt, bussen frakter oss smertefritt de 135 metrene til flyet. Flyet går uten ytterligere opphold, og på flyplassen i Oslo står ikke norsk politi for å arrestere meg, og vi blir ikke en gang stanset for kontroll i tollen.

Thank God!

Og  lærdommen?

Det er lov å si fra fra, og dersom det ikke er nok å varsle, må man sparke inn varselknappen så det river og griner.

Drømmer jeg i 2019, som blir en herlig tid. Å ta fly er som å ta trikken om 10 år. Det  er bare å ha klippekortet klart, så går man rett om bord,

ja så fremt man fortsatt ha flyturer til gode på klimakvotekortet sitt da.

God tur!

Manna is defined as (among other things) any sudden or unexpected help, advantage, or aid to success, because as biblical scholars will attest, manna was the food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness during their flight from Egypt.

It wasn’t long after Sammie and I fled Clancy’s backyard to the upscale boarding facility that I was blessed with my own manna from Heaven.  Just two weeks after we moved in, our trainer Meg asked me to reschedule our usual Saturday morning lesson to the afternoon.  The request came a day or two before the weekend, and was preceded by

Did I forget to tell you that Debbie McDonald will be here all weekend for a private clinic, that boarders can audit for free?

Uh, gee…let me think…my dressage idol is coming to teach a clinic, and I can be a sponge and absorb lessons without paying a dime?  I am pretty sure I would remember if you told me that!  Debbie McDonald!  My husband, my non-horsey friends, my relatives, all have been strapped to a chair and forced to watch my DVD from the 2005 World Equestrian Games with Debbie’s famous musical freestyle on her mare Brentina.  Debbie and Brentina have performed that routine numerous times.  I was lucky enough to watch it in person at the selection trials for the 2008 Olympics.  Though I think the 2005 WEG performance was their best, if you haven’t seen it, this video from the Olympic trials suffices to show what a brilliant rider Debbie is, and why I consider her such a dressage rock-star.  (Commentary is by Hilda Gurney.)

Meeting Debbie in person had me all a-twitter.  But watching her teach a clinic over the course of two days?  Pure manna.  If I hadn’t already decided Sammie’s new digs were Heaven, this would have sealed the deal.  Debbie is unquestionably one of the most charming people I have ever met, and her teaching style is awesome.  She maintained a good running commentary for the auditors, gave examples to the riders that helped them visualize the instructions, and helped improve the quality of riding for riders from First Level through Grand Prix. 

As wonderful as it was to be surprised by the Debbie clinic, I learned that such clinics are a regular occurrence at Shadow Ridge.  The barn owner and trainer, Kathy Pavlich, is an accomplished rider and trainer in her own right (she was Grand Prix champ on her fabulous horse, Komo, at our regional championships this year), and brings big name trainers in from Europe (Bert Rutten from the Netherlands and Judy Harvey from Great Britain) every couple of months to train her and Meg, and any boarders who wish to sign up.  I have now had the privilege of auditing clinics by Bert and Judy, who are astoundingly talented.

I just learned that Debbie will be back in April, for the California Dressage Society’s Regional Amateur Clinic.   Last year, the clinic was held at my barn (with a different trainer), and my friend Kristin rode in it.  Watching Kristin ride was my first exposure to this barn, and it feels a bit like kismet that next year’s clinic will feature Debbie.  I am tempted to put my application in, but somewhat fearful that I may actually be selected to ride.  Riding under a top international rider/trainer is intimidating enough, without it being my dressage idol.  But as much value as I get from auditing clinics, I know that the benefits of riding in one would likely be exponentially greater.  I’m still having so much trouble getting consistent, forward, work from Sammie, though, that I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself in front of Debbie, the other riders, and the auditors.  Think of your most embarrassing red-faced bumble from Junior High, and that’s what I’m afraid of.  I was a geeky awkward kid growing up, and a part of that shy girl who was teased by the popular kids resides within me to this day.

What do you think?  Should I risk humiliating myself and just go for it?

click logo above to visit the online picture gallery

LG Freeze 2009

The towers of the Battersea Park power station provided an iconic backdrop for the LG FREEZE 2009, as London hosted this prestigious snowboarding World Cup event for the second year in succession.

The preparations started early on Saturday morning, groomers and piste bashers, ably led by Spencer Claridge took on the gargantuan task of getting the take off and landing zones ready, filling in the ruts created by the previous evening’s “Battle Of Britain” competition and spreading a fresh new layer of snow.

Arriving early I cased out the joint, before the masses arrived, I used this quiet time to shoot panoramic views of the ramp and the power station.

The competition started in earnest at 11am and a flat grey sky had me searching inside by kit bag for an ND Filter, Stefan Gimpl AUT was the first rider in heat one to land his air, stomping a huge 900 to set the bar high, Nate Kern from the UK whipped the home crowd into a frenzy after landing a crazy corked 700, holding his own and relegating some of Europe’s seasoned campaigners to also rans. Benedict Nadig SUI who placed third here last year fell by the wayside, crashing on his first of two runs as did Matevz Petek SLO and Michael Macho AUT. In qualifiying, one run counts, so sketching a landing stacks heaps of pressure on riders, hoping to progress to the final.

Jack Shackleton the other Brit rider in heat one couldn’t match Nates form and after round one languished in mid table.

With their longboat moored nearby, the Norwegian contingent despite the strong urge to loot, pillage and ransack strapped their boards on and instead assaulted the leader board, after round two, three of the five qualification spots were under their firm control Stefan Gimpl AUT and Domen Bizjak did their best to beat back the marauding Vikings joining Sondre Tiller, Gjermund Braaten and Morton Kleivdal in the final.

The second heat saw Ben Kilner and Jamie Nicholls repping for the UK. Jamie’s development into a Worldclass snowboarder continues and an off-axis 720 placed him halfway up the leader-board after run one, while Ben confirmed his status as a top contender with an inverted 720 that ranked 6^th overall, setting him up well for run two, never one to rest on his laurels Ben went all out on his second run and was unlucky not to land cleanly as he slightly over-rotated his landing, a nervous wait lay in store, would his first run score be overtaken ? meanwhile Jamie Nicholls stepped up to the plate, stomping a 900 which although not quite good enough to qualify was enough to lay down a marker.

JAMIE NICHOLLS HAS ARRIVED !

The action in heat 2 was amazing, with the scores tallied, the enormity of the Scandinavian threat was apparent 10 of the top 15 riders hailed from Norway, Finland and Sweden. Unfortunately for Ben Kilner (the UK’s highest placed  rider) most of them were in his heat, beating him down to 14th overall, a superb result and a confidence builder for Ben who picked up a whopping 180 Worldcup points, an established member of Team GB, Ben like the rest of the squad is looking with relish to the Winter Olympics now less than 4 months away.

Gian Luca Cavigelli SUI cruised stylishly and effortlessly to the final with two massive airs.

As the sun went down the crowd grew larger and noisier and the big boys came out to play, Slovenia’s ascent as a force in World snowboarding was bolstered with 2 men in the final, the format this time was three runs with the best two runs scoring, the first two runs saw the bubble burst for the Norwegians as one by one they dropped out of contention , meanwhile Matevz Pristavec and Gian Luca  both stomped monster airs in round one to lead the finals only to sketch out on run two. While Stefan Gimpl the Austrian rider who doesn’t fall down shovelled on the pressure with a second round 1080 that was by far and above the best trick of the day, Domen Bizjak picked up the flag for Slovenia  and landed his 2^nd big trick ratcheting up his score, Gian Luca’s second round air couldn’t match his first, but he was bang on the money in the third round catapulting himself onto the podium with a perfectly stomped 900.

Gian Luca Cavigelli achieved a career best 2^nd place, while the Slovaks through Domen Bizjak took home bronze, but no one could stop birthday boy Gimpl being crowned champion, something this legend of the sport and crowd favourite has made a habit of.

Congratulations and happy birthday Stefan, you are the man !

Skateboarding and Surfing Two Cool Activities that are Worlds Apart

Skateboarding and surfing are two activities that can be equally fun and exciting. The two sports are based on very similar tools boards. However the similarity between the two pastimes ends there since skateboarding and surfing are very much different from each other. If you are not convinced, then you definitely have to read on.

Skateboarding and Surfing Defined

Skateboarding is basically the process of rolling or moving by riding on a skateboard. With surfing, on the other hand, a person also moves while riding a board, but the movement is induced by a breaking wave. So from the very definition of the two hobbies, you can already see that they are quite different from the other. First of all, one is performed on land, while the other is performed on the surface of a body of water. Next, the mechanics of movement in the two are very different as one uses wheels and the other uses waves.

Skateboarding can also be considered a means of transportation, apart from being a sport or a hobby. Many people, kids in particular, can travel using skateboards, especially for short distances. Meanwhile, surfing is not usually considered as a way for traveling as it is only thought of as a hobby and a sport. Even people living along shores cannot travel considerable distances using a surfboard.

History of Surfing and Skateboarding

Although the origin of surfing has not yet been established, the earliest record of surfing traces back to the 1770s when Captain Cook witness people in Hawaii riding boards on the waves. Skateboarding, on the other hand is a fairly new sport and thus its origins are still very much remembered. Skateboarding was invented around the 1950s, when surfing was also becoming popular in the western world. Some say that skateboarding evolved from surfing, which is probably why it was called sidewalk surfing during its infancy.

Surfing and Skateboarding in the form the people of today know, grew popular in parallel times. Their development can thus be thought of as simultaneous. However, the tradition of surfing is more deeply rooted due to the fact that it has been existing for centuries. Nevertheless both sports are continuing to grow in the coming years.

Equipment for Surfing and Skateboarding

As mentioned, the boards used for surfing and skateboarding are very different. Surfing uses surfboards, wave skis, surf mats, kneeboards, and body boards. Boards used for surfing originally used wood, and were thus quite heavy. Eventually, surfers looked for lightweight materials so that they can easily bring around their boards, which is more difficult considering that they do not have wheels. Most surfboards nowadays are made of polyurethane foam, which is quite sturdy but very light.

In skateboarding, skateboards are obviously used. The original skateboards were reminiscent to surfboards in the sense that they were not concave, albeit having wheels. Like surfboards, the old skateboards were made of wood, and eventually of plastic. Nowadays, most skateboards are made of composite fiber and their wheels are made of clay composite or polyurethane.

Surfing and skateboarding are obviously two different sports. However the most important commonality between the two apart from their histories is the fun and excitement the both can potentially bring and the likelihood for both of them to stay popular in the years to come.

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Capture the Perfect Snowboarding Moment Using These Tips

Another growing aspect of snowboarding is photography. Yes! Snowboarding pictures are part of the sports culture. Taking snowboard riders at their best form has created a great interest for photographers. Now if you are newly venturing into this quest, there are three things that you should consider.

Extreme Weather Condition

You should know how to handle your camera in cold conditions. The primary problem that you will encounter with your camera is cold temperature. Batteries most often do not work in very cold conditions. It may also affect the camera’s shutter and your film.

To keep your camera and batteries warm when dealing with cold weather, keep them inside the parka and close to your body. Take them out only when you are prepared to shoot. However, it will be a problem if you have a huge camera. But if you are only taking pictures for souvenir, then a smaller camera will do. Meanwhile, if you are taking professional pictures, then get the best camera you can afford and try to keep it as warm as you can.

Timing and Sharp Focus

When taking a snowboarding picture, you want to capture the agility of the rider and the illusion of speed. To capture that moment, you need great timing and very sharp focus. You have to get yourself in the right position and be in the right location to have a clear visual of the subject and to have a good chance of photographing the moment. However, it will still be very difficult to take a shot without coordinating with the snowboarder. So instead of waiting for the right time, plan the right time.

Have an agreement with the snowboarder about simple signals, location, and the time you will need to set up for the winning shot. Once you have this arranged, agree on what kind of poses you are looking for. It is important to communicate to the subject what you want to capture on film. Before choosing a location, try to survey whether there is enough room for you to move and cover. Meanwhile, when giving signals, it is better to use verbal signs but if that is not possible try to have clear non-verbal signals that both you and the snowboarder will understand.

Pay also special attention on your camera. You have to be adept in using your camera to avoid losing a split second chance of shooting a great snowboarding photo. Run a few shots to check if everything is working. Most importantly check the film. You don’t want to put all your efforts in vain when you find out that your film has been exposed or you simply forgot to bring enough of them.

Film Exposure

Another terrible problem that you might encounter when taking pictures is film exposure. Most often than not, your camera is dealing with too much light. The snow is bright. The sky is bright. Both these elements appear nicely on your film but when you take a picture of your subject, he becomes a dark silhouette. To remedy this problem, you can use a light filter to control the light of the background as well as the subject. This will place light on where you want it to be. You should also you fill flash, this way you will avoid having dark silhouettes on your subject.

You may also encounter having bluish colored pictures especially when you are in a high altitude and surrounded with snow. A good solution to these problems is using a UV filter. It will lessen the blue light. This is very useful when you are taking snowboarding pictures at higher altitudes.

Considering these factors will help you come up with great snowboarding photos. Treat your camera as an extension of yourself by protecting it from cold, so that like your body it can function well. Plan the things that you need to do to capture the moment that you want. Lastly, invest on your camera. Add devices that will help you immortalize the perfect moment on your film.

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For the next several weeks, we’ll look at report cards from around the world.

~ Unpack Your Bag… ~

~2^nd Excursion ~ Sydney~

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Sydney, the largest Australian city and state capital of New South Wales, has a population of about 4.3 million. Known for landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the multicultural city attracts tourists from all over the world. Sydney also boasts a well-established educational system, including public, denominational and independent schools as well as several universities. An Australian degree is recognized and well-regarded around the world.

Report Card Basics

• Type of School: Independent, Presbyterian for boys (day and boarding)
• Academic Year: 2002 (Did you know? Australian schools run January to December)
• Class: 9

Here’s the report card! The blue numbers highlight a few interesting aspects of the report and the numbers correspond to notes below the image.

1. One Class, Three Subjects: English, History and Geography

This school offers Integrated Studies, which combines English, History and Geography in order to develop “essential skills common to all subjects, such as research, note-taking and report writing.” New Zealand and Australia have been revolutionary in adapting this new style of teaching.

A British concept, the House System originally applied to boarding schools, where each house had a name, housemasters (adult caretakers) and house captain. Houses also function as teams for in-school competitions, such as sports days!

2. Words, Words and MORE Words

Where are the percentage grades? Where is the B + and A –? Much like the second grade report card we looked at, this school specifies specific outcomes, for instance, “Identifies, locates, selects and organizes information from a variety of sources.” This student can achieve this outcome on an advanced level. His ability to “demonstrate a sense of place and chronology within the context of 20^th century Australia” is competent. Shown here are 4 of 13 outcomes for Integrated Studies… This is another LONG report card!

3. EXCELLENT Effort, Attitude and Homework

The teacher also assesses the student for soft skills, such as effort, attitude, as well as homework (completion and quality). The teacher may comment on the student as well, “I was particularly pleased with his recent class presentation.” Well done!

4. PDHPE ~ Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

The Australian education system takes physical education seriously, linking physical activity to life skills, such as setting and achieving goals. While this student chance accomplish each outcome at an advanced level, the teacher comments on participation, “He could benefit from participating more in class”—note the positive phrasing of this critique.

5. A Modern Walkabout

The walkabout is an Australian Aboriginal tradition that functions as a rite of passage for boys, consisting of an extended stay in the bush. At this school, all Year 9 students participate in “residential outdoor education program” intended to “discover the tools they need to grow into fine young men.” Activities include climbing and abseiling, camping and canoeing.

The first two paragraphs describe the program. In the final paragraph, teachers assess the student’s effort, social rapport, teamwork and perseverance. I want this adventurer on my team!

6. I believe I have done quite well… I might have been able to do a little better if I had studied more, but not by much.

The Student Self Assessment is a relatively unique aspect of this report card. The student writes about academic success, the Outdoor Education Program, dorm life (I do not really like dorm life…), the fitness program (now I can run 10km), and learning to trust people.

The highlight of the year? “Probably our trip to Canberra, because I had never been there before, and we also got McDonald’s that night.”

See Report Card from: Sydney, Australia, week 1; Dalhousie, India; Kathmandu, Nepal; Soro, Denmark

Report card analysis to look forward to: Palestine, Malawi, Canada, Mexico and more!