Vancouver Sporting Events

There?S No Such Thing As Luck For Material Handlers

Dewitt, NY – February 22, 2010: In honor of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which are now in full swing, the February issue of MHEDA Edge has been dubbed “The Olympic Issue.” The issue features a collection of Olympic-themed articles for young professionals in the material handling industry. To help with this issue, MHEDA enlisted motivational speaker and Olympic luger Ruben Gonzalez to contribute an article. In Vancouver, Gonzalez became the first athlete to participate in the Olympic Games in four different decades when he took to the ice for the Argentinean team. At the age of 47, Gonzalez is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. His story is an inspiration that material handling professionals across the country can learn from.

For this issue, Gonzalez contributed an article entitled “There’s No Such Thing As Luck.”  In the article he tells the story of a 1987 luge event in St. Moritz, Switzerland. “As soon as we got to the St. Moritz track, I noticed something was different. There were only three sleds signed up in the doubles competition,” says Gonzalez .“ Doubles luge is a wild sport. Two athletes share the same sled. They both steer but only the top man can see. The top man gives body signals to the bottom man to tell him when to steer. It takes years to develop the trust, communication skills and teamwork required to do well in doubles. I’d never done it. I’m a singles luger.” That didn’t stop Gonzalez, though. He found a partner and competed in the race. By placing fourth in the race, he earned enough points to be ranked in the top 20 of the world doubles luge rankings that year.

To hear the entire incredible story, check out this month’s issue of MHEDA Edge (www.mhedaedge.org), the online resource for young professionals in the forklift, storage and handling, conveyor and general material handling industries.

For more information, contact Dan Vest, Editor of The MHEDA Edge, (315) 445-2347, email: dan@datakey.org.

2010 Winter Olympics: Curling Odds – Norway Vs Canada

Defending champion Canada is favored in Curling odds on Saturday at 15:00 PST (6:00pm EST) to take the gold medal as they face Norway. Canada is trying to become the first Olympic curling team to go unbeaten at the games since 1924. Britain was the only other team to pull off the feat and it was only a four-team event back then. Curling returned as an Olympic sport in 1998 and Canada is the only team to go unbeaten (9-0) in the preliminary round since that time. Canada is a -450 favorite on the money line at online sportsbooks to win in gold medal Curling odds, -1.5 and -160 on the games line while there is also an option on total points at 12.5.

Canada will have the home crowd edge as thousands of people will be cheering for the Canadians at the Winter Olympics. Canada won the gold four years ago but eight years ago they were beaten by Norway. Nothing short of a gold medal will be tolerated for Canada this time. “I would like to get it not just for Kevin (Martin) and the other two but for your whole country, and ourselves,” Canadian lead Ben Hebert said, we came here to prove something.” Norway understands that the crowd will be against them. “It’s going to be like 5,000 for Canada and maybe 500 for Norway,” Thomas Ulsrud said. “The good thing about Norwegian fans, though, you will recognize them. They’ll have some funny pants on.” Bet Canada -450 as favorites in Curling odds for today’s game against Norway in the gold medal game with up to 155% in total bonuses.

Canada has made very few mistakes in this curling tournament and that is how they win. They make the shots while their opponents make mistakes. Martin is shooting 85 percent for the entire Olympics. Canada took out Sweden in the semifinals and Swedish captain Niklas Edin doesn’t believe Canada will lose. “You can make some mistakes, but not in the wrong places,” Edin said. “It’s going to be really tough to beat this team. They are the best team here.” Martin is 10-0 in Curling odds for the 2010 Winter Olympics and he will be matched up against Ulsrud who gave him one of his only competitive games, losing 7-6. Since that time Martin has won nine games by a combined score of 74-33. Canada does have the pressure to win but they also have the talent. “This team isn’t going to be satisfied unless we win,” said Canada second Marc Kennedy. Watch the Vancouver Olympics and bet the Curling gold medal game with up to 155% in bonuses and a 110% poker instant bonus.

No Such Thing As Luck For Gases And Welding Professionals

Dewitt, NY – March 1: In honor of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which are now in full swing, the February issue of GAWDA Edge has been dubbed “The Olympic Issue.” The issue features a collection of Olympic-themed articles for young professionals in the gases and welding industry. To help with this issue, GAWDA enlisted motivational speaker and Olympic luger Ruben Gonzalez to contribute an article. In Vancouver, Gonzalez became the first athlete to participate in the Olympic Games in four different decades when he took to the ice for the Argentinean team. At the age of 47, Gonzalez is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. His story is an inspiration that gases and welding professionals across the country can learn from.

For this issue, Gonzalez contributed an article entitled “There’s No Such Thing As Luck.”  In the article he tells the story of a 1987 luge event in St. Moritz, Switzerland. “As soon as we got to the St. Moritz track, I noticed something was different. There were only three sleds signed up in the doubles competition,” says Gonzalez .” Doubles luge is a wild sport. Two athletes share the same sled. They both steer but only the top man can see. The top man gives body signals to the bottom man to tell him when to steer. It takes years to develop the trust, communication skills and teamwork required to do well in doubles. I’d never done it. I’m a singles luger.” That didn’t stop Gonzalez, though. He found a partner and competed in the race. By placing fourth in the race, he earned enough points to be ranked in the top 20 of the world doubles luge rankings that year.

To hear the entire incredible story, check out this month’s issue of GAWDA Edge (www.gawdaedge.org), the online resource for young professionals in the gases and welding industries.

For more information, contact Dan Vest, editor of GAWDA Edge, dan@datakey.org or 315-445-2347.

Tourism in Mexico

According to the data gathered few years ago, Mexico was ranked 8th among the countries with the highest number of international visitors, and indeed tourism is an important source of income for the country. The activities connected to tourism produce in Mexico 8% of total GDP, providing employment to almost 2 million people. Many tourists coming from both the Old Continent and any other part of the world decide to spend their holidays in Mexico, renting a house in Cancun or in other cities.

An evidence of the importance of tourism for Mexican economy is also given by the large promotion carried out abroad: the Mexican Tourism Promotion Agency has its offices in many European cities (Madrid, London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt), in the States (Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago), in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal), in South America (Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago), in Tokyo and Beijing. All these “appendixes” are meant to promote Mexico as a travel destination, encouraging foreign visitors to discover the landscapes, the culture, the habits and the typical products of this wonderful land, even the ones that are still hidden and are not well-known yet. To do that the Mexican Tourism Promotion Agency organizes specific information and promotional campaigns as well as events (like the big Aztec exhibition that was organized few years ago in Rome) that can attract the attention of foreign tourists to all that concerns Mexico.

But what are the most popular Mexican travel destinations? Many tourists decide to stay in a hotel in Puerto Aventuras, for example, on the Mayan Riviera, the ideal place if you are looking for clear sea and white and fine sand. Other strengths of Puerto Aventuras are its tropical colours, the possibility it gives you to do various sports, from water skiing to windsurfing, from sailing to jet skiing, not to mention golf, and to interact with dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals. Another notably appreciated destination is Tulum, which is well-known also for its Maya ruins: Tulum is one of the Mexican coastal areas where the ruins of the Mayas are best preserved, and for this reason it is very appreciated not only by those who are looking for sea and sun, but also by those who wish to discover the history and culture of those places. However, sun and sea are certainly not missing in Tulum, and if you decide to rent a house in Tulum you will definitely immerse yourself in a real earthly paradise, in one of those postcard images that everybody would like to see with their own eyes sooner or later, to leave the chaos of the city and the daily routine behind, and to enjoy a really dreamy holiday.

Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 Usatf National Masters Meet

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

The shining star in the prime running events at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet in Spokane (WA) was Kathryn (Kathy) Martin, who won 5 national titles in the 800, 1500, 5000 and 10,000-meter races, and set an American record in the 2000-meter steeplechase. The 56-year-old from Northport (NY) was virtually unstoppable in the 55-59 age-group competition.

The United States Track & Field-sanctioned meet was held Aug. 7-10 at the Spokane Falls Community College track, one of the finestif not the finestdedicated track venues among community colleges in the nation. Most tracks are built around a more popular sporting venue, such as football. At Spokane Falls Community College it is clear that track and field competition is a prime concern.

Kathy Martin won the 5 titles in 4 days battling 90-degree-plus temperatures at Spokane’s 2,000-plus-foot elevation with dry heat and no humidity.

Her closest race was the 800 which she won in 2:38.56 with runner-up Coreen Steinbach of Pompey (NY) less than a second behind. Martin’s biggest margin of victory came in the 5000, which she won in 19:09.20, nearly 2 minutes ahead of her nearest competitor.

Martin’s two signature racesthe 1500 and 10,000left little doubt about who was in charge on the track. She won the 10,000 in 41:13.60, slower than her American age-group record of 39:37.78 set last year. She also holds the current national record of 37:12.23 set in 2004 in the 50-54 age-group.

Martin, who resembles a very fast perpetual motion machine, ran away from her competition in the 1500, winning in 5:13.49 by more than 12+ seconds and with a time less than a second slower than her current American record of 5:12.62 set last year. She also holds the current national record of 4:52.55 set in 2002 in the 50-54 age-group.

The icing on her 5-layer cake came in her apparent first-time try at the 2000-meter steeplechase as she set a national record in 8:23.20, demolishing Marie Michelsohn’s 7-year-old mark of 8:37.7 set in 2001. Kathy Martin is an inspiring running machine who continues to rank as one of America’s top middle-distance runners in masters competition.

Three other competitors, including two American-record holders, were double winners in the prime running events at the meet.

Stephen Robbins of Seattle won the 65-69 age-group 100 in 12.56 and set a new American record in the 200 in 25.36, breaking Paul Johnson’s mark of 25.76 set in 2001. Robbins set the current 100 American record (pending) of 12.37 earlier in August.

Nolan Shaheed of Pasadena, CA (55-59) won the 1500 in 4:44.38 and the 5000 in 17:00.60. Shaheed holds the same age-group American record of 4:20.76 set in 2004. Nolan Shaheed also holds the world masters record of 4:27.9 in the mile for the 50-54 age-group, which he set in 2000.

Don Coffman of Stamping Ground, KY (65-69) was the third double-winner, taking the 5000 in 19:10.26 and the 10,000 in 39:16.00, a full 6+ minutes faster than his nearest competitor.

Other notable age-group performances included:

Aaron Thigpen of Brentwood, CA (40-44) with a 11.00 in the 100. Renee Henderson of Merchantville, NJ (40-44) with a 12.31 in the 100. Lonnie Hooker of Upper Marlboro, MD (45-49) with a 22.58 in the 200. Jai Black of San Diego, CA (45-49) with a 1:02.15 in the 400. Courtney Muhammad of Mesa, AZ (45-49) with a 51.41 in the 400. Neil Fitzgerald of New York, NY (40-44) with a 1:59.51 in the 800.

James Morton of Springfield, MA (50-54) with a 2:04.89 in the 800. Lisa Valle of Albuquerque, NM (40-44) with a 2:20.35 in the 800. Jim Selby of Fallbrook, CA (80-84) with a 3:19.10 in the 800. Kevin Forde of Philadelphia, PA (40-44) with a 4:10.78 in the 1500. Christine Olen of Boise, ID (40-44) with a 4:53.50 in the 1500. Mike Stickley of Winchester, VA (45-49) with a 16:10.70 in the 5000. Susan Empey of Mercer Island, WA (40-44) with an 18:17.47 in the 5000.

Richard Becker of Selah, WA (50-54) with a 34:22.94 in the 10,000. Alyssa Tower of Vancouver, WA (45-49) with a 38:21.83 in the 10,000. Karen Steen of Olympia, WA (40-44) with a 7:24.59 in the 2000 steeplechase. Ronald Pate of Honolulu, HI (60-64) with an 8:44.84 in the 2000 steeplechase. Essie Faria of Miami, FL (70-74) with a 14:37.24 in the 2000 steeplechase. Kevin Stover of York, PA (40-44) with a 10:45.96 in the 3000 steeplechase.

Weekend Getaway in the Gorge ? Portland, Oregon by Marilyn Schwader (c) 2009 Portland Urban Pages

Slicing a wide swath through basalt columns, the Columbia River has carved one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in the world. Starting just east of Portland, Oregon, extending for approximately 50 miles, the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area provides an array of wonders, from waterfalls to stunning vistas, from hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, and world-class windsurfing to hot spring spas, golfing, antique shopping and art galleries. Protected as a national treasure, development has been limited, leaving a legacy for generations to enjoy. Here are just a few of the many wondrous adventures you can find in the Gorgeous Gorge.

Carson Hot Springs

Whether you have just finished hiking the foothills of Mt. Adams, fishing the Klickitat River, or antique shopping in White Salmon, a fun way to end the day is a stop at the Carson Mineral Hot Springs Spa & Golf Resort just outside of Carson, Washington. A scenic hour’s drive from Portland, OR and 45 minutes from Vancouver, WA, these hot springs are a mix of rustic and sparkling new accommodations.

Built in 1892, the original bathhouse is still in use, adjacent to the St. Martin Hotel, built in 1901, where you check in. After soaking in claw-footed bathtubs in mineral water piped directly from the springs, an assistant will wrap you in a cocoon of blankets, purifying and energizing your body as you rest for 20 minutes. Massages are also available with nurturing therapists.

The Hot Springs Rooms are a blend of old tradition and modern look, with no televisions or phones to disturb your rest. The tradition at the spa is to “unplug for awhile.”

If golf is your game, take in a round on the dramatic 18-hole course with panoramic scenes of the Columbia Gorge. The course plays over sixty-five hundred yards and is a par 71.

For more information about the resort and golf course, visit www.carsonhotspringsresort.com

Golf Skamania Lodge Golf Course

Skamania Lodge offers a challenging 18-hole, par-70 golf course with breathtaking views and tranquil greens. The services include a driving range, practice bunker, chipping and putting greens. Nestled on 175 wooded acres, the course also features a golf shop, cart rentals, and PGA Professionals to help you with your game.

Golf packages are available, as well as a golf school with professional instruction for all levels of golfing experience. Starting in March, the lodge hosts several golf tournaments throughout the spring and summer, including scrambles and charity events. Annual and corporate passes are also available.

For family outings, Skamania Lodge Golf Course offers a “Bigfoot Family Golf Program” for Sunday and Tuesday evenings from June through September.

For more information, visit www.skamania.com/portland-oregon-golf.php

Beacon Rock Golf Course

Play the Rock! Is the Beacon Rock Golf Course motto. Built with time, energy, and supplies donated by residents who desired a place to play locally, this 18-hole course offers excellent playing conditions in a beautiful setting just east of Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia River, five miles west of The Bridge of the Gods.

Emphasizing a community feeling, Beacon Rock offers weekly specials that cover the gamut of golf enthusiasts, including packages for juniors, seniors, men, and women. During the off-season, they offer a winter pass for unlimited golf from November through February.

Beacon Rock’s Ye Olde Golf Shoppe Grill, serves natural, organic, and local ingredients in their burgers, hot dogs, salads, and breakfasts. The hours mirror the clubhouse hours.

For more information, visit www.beaconrockgolf.com

Hood River: Hiking/Mountain biking

Eagle Creek Hike

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area is known for its high concentration of waterfalls, which makes the dramatic scenery even more compelling for hikers. From temperate rainforests to cascading rivers, there is everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking. When completed, the Columbia Gorge Trail will stretch for more than 35 miles through the length of the Gorge. Trail planners envision a trail from Portland to the Hood River.

For day hikes, the Eagle Creek trail is a popular 13-mile hike visiting more waterfalls (half dozen) than any other trail in the Gorge. To maintain an easy grade, engineers created ledges blasted out of sheer cliffs. Open all year, the moderate, 4.2-mile trail will take you over a spectacular gorge to one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world, the 30-foot Punchbowl Falls. If you’re up for more, the hike to Tunnel Falls is a difficult, 12-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain (you are in the Gorge, after all!). Be warned, no dogs are allowed, and hikers will be fined if caught with their animals. This is a dangerous trail from four-leggeds.

Read more about this trail and get directions at www.oregon.com/hiking/eaglecreek.cfm

Ruckel Ridge Loop Hike

Looking for a more rugged trail to tackle? Try Ruckel Ridge, a primitive trail that climbs four miles in 3750 feet before descending in an eight-mile loop. Beginning hikers and out-of-shape be warned; this is not for the faint-of-heart. It’s also advised to not bring dogs. Widely recognized as the most treacherous day-hike in the Gorge, you will need good boots, solid route-finding skills, and strong legs. Dry weather is also a must. Like to hike alone? Try another trail. It’s highly recommended that soloists find someone to hike with on this trail.

If you are in reasonable shape, the initial ascent is not bad, just a series of hand-over-hand obstacles at an even pace. Where you will be tested is on the final 1,000-foot ascent to the Benson Plateau and then the descent. The nine-mile loop requires an early start. Plan ahead, as the trailhead is not easy to find. For more information on locating this challenging hike, go to

www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Ruckel_Ridge_Loop_Hike

Post Canyon/Seven Streams Mountain Biking

For a demanding climb, there’s nothing like mountain biking in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Known for the xtreme sports in the area because of the rugged conditions, enthusiasts will find this trail is a grab bag of conditions and difficulties. The trip is 12 miles in distance with over half in gravel and dirt roads, the rest single-track. While the roads are usually in fair condition, there are some areas with large loose rocks. The route has two loops and two out and backs. This is a fun area with multiple riding possibilities. For directions and specifics, visit www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=851

Three Corner Rock

On the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area you’ll find a favorite local ride in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The ride starts on a rough gravel road, steep and uneventful. However, once you hit the singletrack trail, the ride gets interesting. The trail descends rapidly, with some intense hill climbing bursts through a forest until you reach Stebbins Creek. Switchbacks abound, so you’ll be testing your quads and cranking your pedals. Total distance is 7.4 miles of singletrack with 9.5 miles of rough gravel road. For location instructions and accommodations, visit www.mountainzone.com/mountains/detail.asp?fid=3893456

Fishing

One of Washington’s longest free flowing rivers, the Klickitat River, located in Southeastern Washington, flows 100 miles from its source to the Columbia River. With tributaries flowing off the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Adams, this river is renowned for its steelhead and salmon fishing. The deep basalt canyon walls of the river gorge and a beautiful landscape of trees on ridges of rolling hills create a unique environment for fly fishing. A mile upstream from the community of Lyle, the river narrows into a chute where salmon and steelhead fight to journey upriver to spawn each fall.

Native Americans still dip net for these elusive fish from scaffolds built hundreds of years ago. You’ll find Chinook Salmon (King), Silver Salmon (Coho), and the Pacific Northwest Steelhead. Both hatchery and wild Steelhead return each year. This river is nature at its best. For more information, visit www.klickitatriver.com

Romantic Getaway

Carson Ridge

Looking for a private accommodation that offers a treat for the senses, a place to relax in your own private cabin, with spectacular mountain views, a sanctuary of peaceful surroundings, and just 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon? Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins offer all of that and more. Located in Carson, Washington, near Carson Hot Springs, these restful lodgings are the perfect base for exploring Hood River, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and the many waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The Carson Ridge cabins provide a luxurious stay in a rustic setting. Sit in your porch swing and read your book, or sip champagne in front of a roaring fire. A spa tub will soothe your tired muscles, or have an in-room massage to knead those knots out of your body.

In addition to the cabins, the grounds encompass 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the views of the mountains and ridges surrounding the foothills of Mt. Adams. Special romance packages are available. Featured in The Best Places to Kiss and Best Places Northwest. For more information, visit www.carsonridgecabins.com

Vacation/Resort

Skamania Lodge

Skamania is the Chinook Indian word for “swift water”, which describes the many waterfalls near this magnificent mountain resort located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Just 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon on the Washington side of the Columbia River, the resort offers 254 guest rooms, 22,000 square feet of conference and event space, and an 18-hole par 70 golf course.

Built in 1993 in a public-private partnership involving The Columbia River Gorge Commission, the USDA Forest Service, Skamania County, and Grayco Resources, Inc., the lodge was designed with the great lodges of the early 1900’s in mind. Rustic, yet with modern features, the lodge was built with large timber over 100 years old recycled from the BumbleBee cannery in Astoria, Oregon, native stone, and Montana slate to compliment the rock fireplace.

Guestrooms have been newly remodeled with flat-panel televisions, ergonomic desk chairs, and wi-fi & data ports. In-room dining service is available.

This article was written by Marilyn Schwader and published by Portland Urban Pages; an easy-to-use city guide filled with best-of lists, hidden city gems, what to do and where to go in the Portland Oregon metro area.

Copyright 2009 Portland Urban Pages. All Rights Reserved.

Audi: The Philanthropic Side

Audi is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in building high quality, performance cars. Now, the automobile manufacturer is making news outside of the car industry. Recently, Audi has announced its partnership with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and National Promoter of the German National Paralympic Committee (DSB).

This philanthropic activity is nothing new to Audi. In the past, Audi has partnered with sports such as soccer, golf, sailing and the German Ski Federation. By joining forces with the Olympic games, Audi has made a strong commitment to athletic excellence and peaceful and fair competition among nations.

For the Vancouver Olympics set to take place in February of 2010. Audi will provide complementary vehicles for shuttle service designated form German athletes. The transportation service will also be open to guests of the German house, its annex in Whistler as well the Paralympics German House. Audi also has future plans of putting together a string of events designated for the athletes.

Audi has a history of aiding German Olympians. For years, Audi has allowed Olympic and Paralympic teams to use their wind tunnel facilities. Ski jumpers and swimmers have been utilizing these centers with great success. The use of these facilities has allowed athletes to develop better technique and form, which has helped them compete at a higher level. Using these facilities has also allowed researchers to test and develop new gear for the athletes. For instance, Audi has assisted in the development of a new hand-bike technology used for Paralympic athletes, which demonstrates Audi’s continuing commitment to athletic excellence. As a leader in the car industry, Audi has taken a new responsibility through the efforts of assisting in peaceful and fair competition among nations.