Harmonizing: Keys to Living in the Song of Life

IBM--Again!--Tops Patent List. Guess how many in 2011

2012-01-11T11:18:00.003-06:00

IBM Breaks U.S. Patent Record;
Tops Patent List for 19th Consecutive Year

IBM inventors received more than 6,000 patents in 2011

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it set a new U.S. patent record

in 2011, marking the 19th consecutive year that the company has led the annual list of patent recipients. IBM inventors earned a record 6,180 U.S. patents in 2011, more than quadrupling Hewlett-Packard's issuances and exceeding by six times those of Oracle/Sun.

More than 8,000 IBMers residing in 46 different U.S. states and 36 countries are responsible for the company's recordbreaking

2011 patent tally. IBM inventors who reside outside the U.S. contributed to more than 26% of the company's 2011 patents.

The more than 6,000 patents IBMers received in 2011 represent a range of inventions that enable new innovations and add significant value to the company's products, services, including smarter solutions for retail, banking, healthcare, transportation and other industries. These patented inventions also span a wide range of computing technologies poised to support a new generation of more cognitive, intelligent and insight-driven systems, processes and infrastructures for smarter commerce, shopping, medicine, transportation, and more.

"IBM's commitment to invention and scientific exploration is unmatched in any industry and the results of this
dedication to enabling innovation is evidenced in our nearly two decades of U.S. patent leadership," said Ken King, general manager, Intellectual Property and vice president, Research Business Development, IBM. "The inventions we patent each year deliver significant value to IBM, our clients and partners and demonstrate a measurable return on our approximately $6 billion annual investment in research and development."

IBM's record-breaking 2011 patent output features many interesting and important inventions, such as:

l U.S. Patent # 8,019,992: Method for granting user privileges in electronic commerce security domains – This patented invention helps IBM WebSphere Commerce software customers reduce administration and resource costs by providing a flexible authentication and authorization mechanism across multiple online stores.

The 2011 U.S. Patent Leaders*

1 IBM 6,180

2 Samsung 4,894

3 Canon 2,821

4 Panasonic 2,559

5 Toshiba 2,483

6 Microsoft 2,311

7 Sony 2,286

8 Seiko Epson 1,533

9 Hon Hai 1,514

10 Hitachi 1,465

*Data provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

The story was published on Thomson ONE.

The answer this info provides is that Mr. Warren Buffet pays attention to leaders; IBM is an intellectual property leader. Mr. Buffet owns a chunk of IBM.

Just think of the $6,000,000,000 IBM spends on patent research. If you've ever tried to submit one on your own, it caused just about that number in frustration. Their process must be as slick and defined as sheet ice.
Cool.

Read: HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life

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HARMONIZING:Keys Change Professional's Life

2012-01-06T15:02:00.001-06:00

A woman professional I know stopped me recently to tell me that reading HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life had changed the direction of her life, and by implication, could change yours.

Her life became one of upheaval when her husband of many years left while her children were in high school. Her life became a struggle emotionally, financially, and physically as her spirit was deflated. She had no structure nor future. She lived in a decrepit apartment complex. An attempt to reach out failed when participating in a sport she was interested in caused a broken bone.

Now she had crutches, too; real ones.

Sometime later, after a meeting, she had to relate how happy she had become after reading my book. She found a key phrase that became her mantra, one of many throughout the book. The one that she most related to was repeating the same things over and over and realizing the same results, so she changed. And her results changed.

The book is full of thoughts, emotions, changes, and strategies buried within stories compiling the edition; all there waiting for change, improve, or find a new life for you.

Why shouldn't you be this happy?

She went out and searched and found a property she could buy with plenty of room, modern appliances, fireplace, bedrooms for when her now post-grad daughter pursuing a career in music and son studying sciences, deciding to pursue a doctorate, come to visit. Her appearance is fresh, her attitude strong, and she is now happier than ever.

Ever.

Losing weight, exercising, money problems, career failings, people who do you wrong . . . there are solutions for everyone if only . . . if only one will read this "Manual for life." Your life. Now.

Here is the Amazon Author's page; go look at it.
For the price of a dinner entree', you can move forward and maybe, just maybe, capture a new future while you're reading my book.
Now that's a HARMONIZING:Key worth having now.

amzn.to/hLfjP9
Check out the bargains, too, at the Publisher where an inexpensive downloadable option is available along with an option for the iphone:
http://bit.ly/ylZpH6

Winterrific Hosts Minnesota State Snowshoe Championships

2011-12-31T13:05:00.000-06:00

The 3rd Annual Winterrific Snowshoe USSSA National Championship Qualifier is also the sanctioned Minnesota State Snowshoe Championship for 2012, the first such snowshoe championship in the state.

Race Director Mike Millonig describes the switchback nature of the woodland Winterrific course

Staged at the Savage, Minnesota, Murphy Hanrehan State Park single-track trails on Saturday, January 21, 2012, the six-mile single-track loop promises to be an exciting challenge as the woodsy switchbacks test endurance and ability.

Mike Millonig leads friend and runner Larry Ochsendorf

(a racer only needs to be a United States Snowshoe Association member to qualify at this race for the DION Snowshoes USSSA National Championship held February 24-26, Frisco, Colorado. One can join at http://www.snowshoeracing.com/ or at the race.)

Also carrying on the retired Northwoods Snowshoe Races of Duluth's tradition of distance snowshoe racing, Winterrific also has separate challenges at 10-mile and 20-mile levels. These two events are not USSSA qualifiers or state championship races.

The Winteriffic 10-Mile and 20-Mile (two loops) extend down to the red arrow and all of the twists in-between. The Six-Mile State Championship and DION Snowshoe USSSA National Championship Qualifier breaks out earlier.

These races will be held regardless of conditions.

Any entrant in the six-mile race regardless of state of residence will be eligible to win the state championship title.

Spnored by Summit Snowshoes and Wilderness Athlete (Where's Your Wilderness?) http://www.wildernessathlete.com/

Wilderness Athlete's Altitude Advantage will give you an advantage in the high country of the Colorado Rockies, home in Frisco of the DION Snowshoes USSSA National Championships February 24-26, 2012

Race Directors Colleen and Mike Millonig look forward to seeing you on race day. Contact them with any questions. To learn more about the special awards and for entry forms to to the Winterrific Web site: http://bit.ly/vMT116

While there, read the history of this race going back to 1986 (!) to understand why proceeds are donated to ALS research.

Read past race reports on the Winterrific Snowshoe races:

http://bit.ly/vUTu0i(course preview article)

http://bit.ly/sW9q4m (2011 race)

ultrasuperior media
phillip@ultrasuperior.com
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

#####

Guy Ritchie's Revolver: A Movie to Teach Your Mind

2011-12-04T10:28:00.001-06:00

". . . But Greed is the only snake that cannot be charmed," Lord John in the mind-blowing psychological twister must-see DVD REVOLVER.

Jason Statham stars with friend Ritchie's Flick

Taking writer and director Guy Ritchie four years to bring the script to the screen, this overlooked gem offers more HARMONIZING: Keys than the Hallelujah Chorus played on a Steinway. Pay special note to the special features with the director's commentary and the REVOLVER concept.

Our hero, Jason Statham as Jake Green offers a soliloquy like this:

"There is something about yourself that you don't know. Something that you will deny even exists until it's too late to do anything about it. It's the only reason you get up in the morning, the only reason you suffer the shitty boss, the blood, the sweat and the tears. This is because you want people to know how good, attractive, generous, funny, wild and clever you really are. "Fear or revere me, but please think I'm special." We share an addiction. We're approval junkies. We're all in it for the slap on the back and the gold watch. The "hip, hip, hoo-fucking-rah." Look at the clever boy with the badge, polishing his trophy. Shine on, you crazy diamond. Cause we're just monkeys wrapped in suits, begging for the approval of others."

Then a viewer will learn the rules of "the game," which No. 1 is:

"The only way to get smarter is by playing a smarter opponent." Referring to the chess metaphor throughout, the rules offer lessons of life.

Original Sound Track with themed cover

And if you can only snag one thing from the fast-paced, exciting blast-fest this movie becomes, it should be Green telling you, "One thing I've learned in the last seven years: in every game and con there's always an opponent, and there's always a victim. The trick is to know when you're the latter, so you can become the former." If you're playing and you don't know who the pansy is, you're the pansy.

I find that distinction often comes too late in many cases.

Find Phillip Gary Smith's books at:

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Visit: http://www.ultrasuperior.com/
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Speakers of the CUBE: Speaking performance espousing themes famously revealed in HARMONIZING: Keys of handling challenges, embracing life, demonstrating ethics, with measurable results from professionals in hour, half-day, or full seminar performances.
Example, one sub-topic: "The 'F' Word in Ethics"
Strong references available.
Contact: Phillip@ultrasuperior.com

How John Force Continues to Evolve like a Champion Funny Car

2011-11-26T11:55:00.001-06:00

Isn't it just like the media, asking 15-time champion John Force questions about his level of commitment to winning another NHRA Funny Car Championship. Here is the single best performer ever in drag racing who by all accounts should be dead several times over, now undergoing post-season surgery to repair a damaged right knee.

Force executing a tire-scorching cleansing of rubber

And one needs to ask, do you have commitment.

He could have scooped them all up and driven them to his magnificent showcase facility, brought out one-by-one his trophies and world title cups. But, a champion is like how an actress described the movie director Brian DePalma once as he entered a posh hotel dressed in loose fitting camouflage khakis. She had never met him but knew instantly it was him. She commented only someone with that much power could do that.

John Force always ready for an interview

That is John Force in drag racing.

A knee now being repaired . . . was that crushed in his horrifying crash at Texas a few years ago? No, from high school football. Go figure.

Following the 2011 NHRA season and NHRA championship banquet, a fest of formality and entertainment that would be far less in impact if Force were not there, he checked into Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles for a procedure to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his throttle leg that he re-injured in a 2007 crash in Dallas, Texas.

Why now? With his innate drive surpassing any, he recuperated by learning to heal through exercise. A casualty was he subsequently aggravated the knee with the harsh exercise regimen he adopted in the aftermath of the crash.

My God; what a lesson in absolute drive.

Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now describes an amazing scene of horror, but his insight wasn't of horror but of the strength of the enemy. "And then I realized... like I was shot... like I was shot with a diamond... a diamond bullet right through my forehead. And I thought, my God... the genius of that! The genius! The will to do that! Perfect, genuine, complete, crystalline, pure. And then I realized they were stronger than we, because they could stand that these were not monsters, these were men... trained cadres. These men who fought with their hearts, who had families, who had children, who were filled with love... but they had the strength... the strength... to do that."

If you reread that, substitute championship drag racing and the name "John Force;" you can then realize he is "stronger than we" because he has "the strength . . . the strength . . . to do that."

Force noted, “This knee never affected my driving, but it became more of a nuisance the past year because I was working out and irritating it. It began to affect my everyday life (so) the timing was just right to get back to normal. I had polio as a kid and then I banged my knee up playing football." This revelation of his youth confirms a favorite theme I discovered long ago: life is all about high school.

In other words, those slights and failures of one that fellow students and teachers are quick to hang around the neck, signs that last a lifetime, reveal themselves in daily activity for decades and decades. Simon and Garfunkel sang it, " . . . with all that crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all." Pink Floyd dramatically filmed students walking off the end of a conveyor belt into the teeth of a grinder, the grinder of education, as they sang, "We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom, teachers leave them kids alone." They were grown men writing those lyrics. They didn't have polio, but the scars are there anyway.

"I had the crash in Dallas and then I started working out,” explained the Hall of Fame owner and driver. “When I met with my doctors, who were the same guys that worked on Kobe Bryant (the LA Lakers All-Star), they said this would get me back to 100%. I told them I still have championships to win and grand kids to chase around and I have to be back in the seat for testing and for Pomona (the season-opening O’Reilly Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway) in February.

I am doing what the doctors are telling me to do. I learned that from my doctors at Baylor (University Medical Center in Dallas, where he spent a month of rehabilitation after the crash). I am getting electro-shock and I am walking around a little. I’m not going to overdo it, but I also see these NFL players get the same surgery and then get back out on the field,” said the 15-time series champion. "All I need to be able to do is drive my hot rod. It’s not like I have to run down the track and tackle Matt Hagan (the 2011 Funny Car Champion) to win the championship,” joked Force.

The 63-year-old icon is re-habbing the knee at his home with special equipment designed to fast track his recovery. He expects to be back in the cockpit of the Castrol GTX HIGH MILEAGE Ford Mustang for official PRO pre-season testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach, Fla., Jan. 20-21.

“I still have a lot of racing in me and I wanted to be the best that I could be for my team and my sponsors: Castrol, Ford, Auto Club, BrandSource and Mac Tools. They’ve been there for the good times and the bad. Hopefully, we can give give them a lot more good times in 2012.”

Although he made the Countdown to 1 playoffs last year, won the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Denver, Colo., and secured his 27th straight Top 10 finish, Force lost more racing rounds than he won for just the second time in 27 years (14-21). He will start the new season four round wins shy of a career record 1,100.

What is important to realize in absorbing his 2011 season, is that the 63-year old kid has single-handedly made championship funny car drag racing THE class to race. His charisma brings money and television attention to his fleet, and competitors, too, of 325 mph billboards that the funny car shell becomes.

In addition to his own car, Force owns the Automobile Club of Southern California Ford Mustang driven by 2009 series champion Robert Hight and the Castrol GTX Ford tuned and driven by Mike Neff. He has left open the possibility that he will add a fourth Funny Car team to the mix in 2012.

John Force Racing, Inc., which operates facilities in both Southern California and Brownsburg, Ind., has won the NHRA Funny Car Championship 17 of the last 22 seasons with three different drivers.

His obligations have exploded with more on his mind than Warren Buffett remembering each of his billion dollar investments. Not set in ways of the past, he continues to reinvent himself and therefore the sport. Everybody else moves within the sphere he creates.

The single most iconic view of his impact with the emotions of big time drag racing? Winning the 2010 championship, an accomplishment beyond imagination as he sat mangled, half-in, half-out of a race car now just fodder for a trash can. Running (with a visible hobble) back down the drag strip after jumping out of the team's vehicle, touching the outstretched hands of the legions of fans, grasping a sign from a youngster and holding it up for cameras and the world to see. The green sign didn't say this, but it might as well have: "John Force is The man."

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CELL PHONES: How to use as an Emergency Tool

2011-11-22T14:36:00.001-06:00

A number of features are hidden in a cellular phone that can be valuable to you in an emergency situation whether at a race track, in the middle of the mountains, on the highway, or snowshoeing a trek day or night in frigid temperatures. I carry my cell as my emergency friend on long distance trail runs and snowshoe treks. Sometimes it good just to check in, other times arrangements can be changed on the go, but I know if I get in danger or get hurt, I have a shot at contacting help. These are in my phone, add them to yours, too:

Along the Superior Hiking Trail, overlooking Lake Superior, Northern Minnesota

ADD this number 112 to your contacts as a Global Emergency Number for use when out of the coverage of your phone. You fall off a cliff, drive into a ditch in a remote area, and can't get a "bar" on the phone . . . Well, pressing this will allow the phone to search for an existing network to transmit. I have not tried this, but it is supposed to be available even if the keyboard is locked.

A Work of Art Disguised as the Energizer Ultimate LED Headlight

HAVING an emergency supply of battery power can be critically important. Imagine yourself lost in the woods, and you come upon a mountain peak (excellent source for connections) only to discover the battery is drained. You will now press *3370# and the resultant boost in battery power can reach up to 50%. Another way to getting battery power from lithium or other 'regular' batteries . . . rub the ends again trousers or rough material. The flash or headlight like the Energizer Ultimate LED Headlight (above) that went out will suddenly work. How long is unknown, but one can repeat the process multiple times. Of course, use the lowest possible beam so the battery drain is lessened.

Using products requiring LED batteries like the Energizer Lithium AA's used with the Ultimate is the way to go because their life is so long even when at top settings. Regardless, they will outdo even the Energizer AA's the Energizer Bunny goes and goes with. It's like the Bunny is on power steroids. Why ever go into the woods with a flashlight if you are on a serious trek or run or snowshoe trip . . . the Ultimate is light, hands free, has no wires to attach to a battery pak on the belt; they're lite on the back of the head, plus at Target stores I find them in the late $30 range. TigerDirect has them for the low $30's.

If a small upstart produced such a light, all the hotshots would carry on to beat the band and happily pay $149. Yet, when a innovative giant like Energizer suddenly leaps over the crowd and offers peak technology for a blue collar budget, why wouldn't the world catch on quicker? I find in the ultra distance running crowd some of the smartest already sport the Energizer Ultimate LED Headlight. Read my report on the headlight at the Wild Duluth 100 KM click here: bit.ly/rtPtju

Star UltraRunner Valerie LaRosa is a confirmed Ultimate Fan

DRIVING along, you need to check if a gasoline station is open ahead on a route you know. There's nothing but empty road between where you are and there, so you don't want to start out and find them closed and become stranded. How nice would it be to have a free phone directory service to use, like the old one offered by Google when their stock price was lower. Well, stop in and have a Big Mac and Shake while you dial because McDonalds provides the service. Put this in your contacts, too:
Directory Service Free (800) 373-3411 that happens to stand for a "Royal and Fries?" No, that's in Europe. Here it stands for FREE 411.

Finding ways to stay safe and methods to get out of emergency situations is all about the HARMONIZING: Keys I write about in HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life. Check it out at:

amzn.to/hLfjP9 . There are topics and subjects covered a reader will never find in a typical volume; and they're valuable, too. Who knows, perhaps a chapter or idea could change or improve your life.

Also visit: http://www.ultrasuperior.com/ for more info.

Twitter @iHarmonizing

Face Book: http://on.fb.me/vXcyoI

Title Hopes Tumble Like Dice at Vegas

2011-11-07T06:12:00.000-06:00

"Tumbling down the track like tossed dice, a qualifying run turned very wrong, Joe

DeSantis and his Suzuki finally rolled to a hard eight stop at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhIIRSuc2SY&feature=player_detailpage

Turns out the Ohio-based elder statesman of Pro Stock Motorcycles, a Metallica devotee, unintentionally set the tone for those dealing for points at the NHRA Countdown to the Championship table: “Sad But True,” it was a wreck.

ESPN selected the compelling DeSantis video to promote the qualifying show during college football preceding the NHRA broadcast – I was with a group spellbound by the images – and open both qualifying and final elimination shows from the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals.

Pain of a different sort wracked the emotions of drivers as their fortunes turned on a dime whether driving through tire smoke thick as an old casino’s air, banging blowers more often than rolling sevens, or passing the pay line
but earning only gut-wrenching losses (continue here bit.ly/t6Opke )"

Phillip Gary Smith's Book:HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life

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Contact: Phillip@ultrasuperior.com for questions, information, or to

add a speaking engagement

Wilderness Athlete's Gnarly Bandit Ultra Series: Last Man Standing?

2011-10-10T07:54:00.006-05:00

Wilderness Athlete's Gnarly Bandit Ultra Trail Series:
Last Man Standing?

18 runners signed up for the 2011 Wilderness Athlete Gnarly Bandit Ultra Trail Series. The gnarly series of five 100 km and 100 mile races kicked off with the Zumbro 100 Mile back in April and will wrap up October 15 with the Wild Duluth 100 Km. One race left to run and one runner remains in contention for the $500 cash bounty courtesy of Wilderness Athlete Performance Products. The Upper Midwest Trail Runners caught up with the last man standing, Adam Schwartz-Lowe, Minneapolis, before he heads back north to run more miles on the gnarliest trail of them all, the Superior Hiking Trail featuring on its southern end the Wild Duluth 100 Km :

(Adam following Garrett Peltonen, Fort Collins, Co at the Sawtooth. Photos Courtesy Londell Pease, Bloomington, MN)

1. When you started out at Zumbro 100 Mile back in April did you feel confident you would still be in the running for the award at this point?

“I really wasn’t too certain if I’d make it. That’s a lot or racing to do, and with the distances involved there would be plenty of chance for injury. I figured if I could take care of myself and stay healthy that I could probably get it done. Running Zumbro as hard as I did gave me a lot of confidence to keep pushing forward, and even though it took me quite a while to recover from that one, I came out of it unscathed and still was excited for Kettle (in June).”

2. What races in the series stand out as memorable?

Wilderness Athlete 1-Day Energy Kit

“Each of the four I’ve run so far stands out in its own way. Zumbro was awesome since I got some redemption from a DNF last year and it was my first ever win of a race at any distance. Kettle was my worst one, though I learned a lot from it. It was really hot this year, and I had gone into it with a plan of what I wanted to do and remained inflexible. I ended up pushing too hard and not taking care of myself, getting dehydrated and feeling lousy for hours. That was a good lesson to take into the Black Hills 100 Mile and the Sawtooth 100 Mile: take care of myself, and then worry about the race.”

3. Which race would you say “went to plan” more so than the others?

“I would have to say Black Hills, hands down. I went into that one just planning to run casual and focus on feeling good. I had no designs on racing it until after the halfway point when I found myself just minutes behind the leader. I ended up running really nice splits with my second 50 two hours slower than my first 50, pretty much a textbook effort. I had one little hiccup during the race when I forgot my electrolytes, but other than that I never really bonked.”

Start of the 2011 Sawtooth 100 as Adam surveys everyone already behind him

4. How was your recovery between the races? Do you feel ready to take on the final challenge just 5 weeks after the Superior 100 Mile race, where you ran hard and placed second ? (See photo below Start Sawtooth 100, Gooseberry Falls State Park, MN)

Altitude Advantage for those times
in the High Country

“My recovery has been all over the place. It took me a long time, 4 to 5 weeks to feel all the way back from Zumbro. I think that was because it was such an early race for that distance, and I didn’t have the miles on my legs yet. I felt pretty much fully recovered from Sawtooth after 2 weeks or so, and am feeling really good going into Wild Duluth. At this point, I’ll be going into WD on automatic . . . it will be nice to do a race in one day this year.”

5. How much of a motivator is the cash prize for this year’s series?

“It’s a nice icing on the cake, but it’s not my motivation. I have a long term goal of doing the Grand Slam (Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville 100 & Wasatch 100 – all within an 11 week period), and this was the perfect opportunity to test myself and see if it would even be reasonable for me to attempt the Slam. I wanted to see if I could keep toeing the line even if I was physically and mentally tired.”

6. What’s on your calendar after Wild Duluth?

“I have a few months off then I’ll be heading down to Hawaii to run the HURT 100. I think I’m due for a couple weeks of taking it easy after Wild Duluth, just to recharge the batteries a bit.”

10 Days to a Healthier You

7. Any advice for runners looking to attempt the series next year?

“I think the best way to approach something like this is to look at it as one big event. You can’t completely spend yourself at any individual event; you have to leave enough to do the whole thing. It’s kind of like taking your race pacing to a larger scale… ask yourself how hard can I run this race I’m currently doing, and still be able to do the next one.”

Jerod Fink, Marketing Manager for Wilderness Athlete Performance Products is particularly excited. “We’re happy the 2011 Wilderness Athlete Gnarly Bandit Trail Series has been the test we hoped for. This mix of down and dirty challenges is exactly where Wilderness Athlete’s performance products shine; this is our foundation, how we evolved. We offer congratulations to all who gave the Gnarly a go, and best to Adam as he attacks the last event, the Wild Duluth 100Km, on the schedule.”

Looking forward he said, “2012 should have new features and a few more surprises. We thank the Upper Midwest Trail Runners and their Board of Directors for allowing us this opportunity to be involved. And, I would be remiss if we didn’t pay our respects to Mr. Gnarly Bandit himself, no doubt out riding ridges and fixin’ fences at this very moment.”

A late message received from the Bandit: “He ain’t finished yet, that Adam guy. What’s all the hub-bub about?” (Editor’s note: please excuse the Gnarly Bandit. He wants the money for himself, is uncouth though he tries hard enough to get along.)

The Upper Midwest Trail Runners is an organization for anyone who likes to run off road. Some of us are serious ultra runners. Others are recreational runners who seldom if ever enter a race. We want to encourage more people to run trails and have fun before, during, and after runs. UMTR activities include sponsorship of a number of fun and challenging racing series, participation in trail maintenance, and promotion of trail resources, races and running throughout the upper Midwest.

Interview courtesy of the Upper Midwest Trail Runners, authored by global ultra runner superior, Helen Lavin. http://www.umtr.net/

Visit Wilderness Athlete’s Product Store: http://wildernessathlete.com/Store.aspx

Gnarly Bandit Trail Series http://www.umtr.net/trail-series/gnarly-bandit-ultra-series/
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2011-09-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Media Matters Article: "Full Force of NHRA Countdown has Begun"
published in Radioactive Drag Racing News

". . . . Warren Johnson delivered one of the best comments of the day after the win. Pointing out “We’ve got a small team comparatively,” he went on to explain an undisputable truism: You can “never have too much money, too much horsepower, or too much loving.” That’s about max for the “Professor’s” risqué scale . . . . " (Full article, click bit.ly/nccx9e )

Phillip's Book:
HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Trails Considerably Further East of Conscious

2011-09-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

Trails Considerably Further East of Conscious

by Phillip Gary Smith

It must have been spirits of “Addicted to Love” writer and vocalist Robert Palmer running with me on the steep rocky bluffs overlooking Duluth; alternatively, perhaps those of Dr Jeff Kildahl, Wellness Editor of Snowshoe Magazine.

With the nighttime moon reflecting off Gitchee Gumee while soaking in the sheer delight of making way on the stupendous Superior Hiking Trails on my own, countless others were doing the same throughout the country and the globe for that matter.

Each sang their own version of surrender to the doctor dirt with lyrics sounding somewhat like this:
“I got a bad case of lovin’ you . . .”

“Doctor, doctor, gimme the news
I got a bad case of lovin’ you

No pill’s gonna cure my ill”

Only time on the trails will. Cure my ill, that is.
On this all-night test I self administered before “qualifying” to enter a particular ultra trail event, a self check-up to determine (more including Sawtooth 100, World Mountain Racing click bit.ly/qSkQ79)

(photo of Larry Pederson, now retired RD of
the Sawtooth 100, a top ten ultra trail event in
the USA)

photo courtesy Ultra Superior Media
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/
phillip@ultrasuperior.com

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NHRA ANNOUNCES 2012 FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE

2011-09-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

NHRA ANNOUNCES 2012 FULL THROTTLE

DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE

Phillip Gary Smith's award winning "Media Matters" Column covers each event at Radioactive Drag Racing News(www.go2geiger.com)

NHRA announced its 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule today, highlighted by a return to Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis, which expands the schedule to 23 races.
“We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region, and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.

A new operator at Gateway International Raceway has made the addition to the 2012 schedule possible. The multipurpose motorsports facility, located in Madison, Ill., just across the river from St. Louis, played host to an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event for 14 years, from 1997 through 2010. The NHRA Midwest Nationals, Oct. 5-7, will become part of the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship and will feature all four professional categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Another significant change to the 2012 schedule is the return of the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals to a winter date, Feb. 17-19, making it the second event on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule and the week following the season opener, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 9-12.

The 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway, March 8-11, will include a special 20th anniversary celebration of Kenny Bernstein becoming the first driver to break the 300-mph barrier in NHRA history. The accomplishment, still considered one of the greatest performance feats in NHRA history, will be celebrated throughout the weekend.

After the East Coast opener in Gainesville, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will head back west for the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 30-April 1, and then crisscross the nation again for the third annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, a spectacle unlike any other in motorsports, at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, N.C., April 13-15.

The 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals will take place April 27-29 at Royal Purple Raceway near Houston, followed by the 32nd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, May 4-6 at Atlanta Dragway. After a week off, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to action with the NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan., May 18-20.

The month of June begins with the 43rd annual NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J., May 31-June 3. Following a weekend off, the teams will prepare for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 15-17 at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway, followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago, June 28-July 1.

What has been positioned to become the NHRA’s ultimate Fourth of July celebration for many years to come, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, has been moved to July 5-8. As a result, and going forward, the event will be billed as a Fourth of July extravaganza, as it will be held on or around the Independence Day holiday.

As in 2011, the famous Western Swing will begin with the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Denver, July 20-22, followed by the 25th annual FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals, July 27-29 in Sonoma, Calif., and conclude with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Aug. 3-5. The 31st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., will be held Aug. 16-19.

The final race of the regular season and the event where the fields will be set for the six-race NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship is the tradition-rich Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-Sept. 3. The nearly weeklong event, the longest-running and most prestigious NHRA event on the circuit, will take place at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and celebrate its 58th anniversary.

The six races that make up the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship are the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, Sept. 14-16 at zMAX Dragway; the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, Sept. 20-23; and the 28th annual Uni-Select Auto Plus NHRA Nationals, Sept. 27-30 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa.

The teams will gradually head to the west for the final three races of the season, the first stop at Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, Oct. 5-7. The circuit heads to Las Vegas for the 12th annual NHRA Nevada Nationals, Oct. 25-28, and will be followed by the season finale, the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Nov. 8-11.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will compete in a 16-race schedule, with six of those races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship.

ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, a part of the ESPN network, the worldwide leader in sports, will again provide exclusive television coverage, on a same-day basis, of all NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events featuring action from qualifying rounds on Saturday and Sunday’s race.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011. As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 22 national events featuring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17. In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; National Trail Raceway in Ohio; Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For more information, log on to NHRA.com or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Schedule

52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals Feb. 9-12
Pomona, Calif.

28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals Feb. 17-19
Phoenix

43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 8-11
Gainesville, Fla. (PSM)

13th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals March 30-April 1
Las Vegas

Third annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals April 13-15
Charlotte, N.C.

25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals April 27-29
Houston (PSM)

32nd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals May 4-6
Commerce, Ga. (PSM)

24th annual NHRA Summer Nationals May 18-20
Topeka, Kan.

43rd annual NHRA SuperNationals May 31-June 3
Englishtown, N.J. (PSM)

12th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals June 15-17
presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers Bristol, Tenn.

15th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals June 28-July 1
Chicago (PSM)

Sixth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals July 5-8
Norwalk, Ohio (PSM)

33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals July 20-22
Denver (PSM
25th annual FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals July 27-29
Sonoma, Calif. (PSM)

25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals Aug. 3-5
Seattle

31st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Aug. 16-19
Brainerd, Minn. (PSM)

58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil Aug. 29-Sept. 3
Indianapolis (PSM)

NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship

Fifth annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals Sept. 14-16
Charlotte, N.C. (PSM)

27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Sept. 20-23
Dallas (PSM)

28th annual Uni-Select Auto Plus NHRA Nationals Sept. 27- 30
Reading, Pa. (PSM)

Inaugural NHRA Midwest Nationals Oct. 5- 7
St. Louis (PSM)

12th annual NHRA Nevada Nationals Oct. 25–28
Las Vegas (PSM)

48th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals Nov. 8-11
Pomona, Calif. (PSM)

(PSM) - Event will include Pro Stock Motorcycle

Wilderness Athlete's Gnarly Bandit Ultra Series: Gnarly Talks!

2011-08-29T05:40:00.000-05:00

"These here floods tried to wash away my Ponderosas through the Midwest, but didn't get 'er done. In the Wilderness Athlete's Gnarly Bandit Ultra Series, you know, the one I went and created, nastiest ultra series in the land, just right to beat you down, heat over there in Wisconsin to just about every weather imaginable attacking my troops in the Black Hills 'Hundert just about did us in. But, I'm a-reportin' two are alive and ready to assault Sawtooth, that dastardly Ultra-terior up in Northern Minn, while waving the Wilderness
Athlete's Flag, chasing after their Pot-O'-Gold.

According to that Smith guy's records, and I can a-tell you he ain't so good at that stuff--in fact, he ain't so good at nothin' if you're a-askin' me, you can call home and ask his wife--two remain in the hunt to share my $500 bounty:

Daryl Saari, Rochester, Mn.
Adam Schwartz-Lowe, Minneapolis, Mn.

All of you who entered the series can be a-mailing that Jerod fella at Wilderness Athlete, letting him know you appreciating their contributions, and lettin' him know what you can use. You might be surprised what you get in the mail.

With that new guy taking over in Northern 'Sota, and Larry the-bearded-one now providing sage advice, much like me the Gnarly Bandit, there might be a sneaky surprise of weather up there in Superior; you know, the spirits of them mountain tops enjoy messin' with all who walk on their sacred grounds. I'll be a-watchin' behind some trees.

If somebody got left out in this listin', well, go write that Smith fella, don't tell me. I'm too busy ridin' ridges, fixin' fences, playing Desperado, buildin' bridges.

Or something like that . . . .

Well, I'm gonna rock back in my chair now and take a sip of 'shine I brought back from them Hills in ole Tennessee. There's some mighty good folks down there, way, way back in those woods where little steamy tanks take corn and create magic, also known as headaches. Later I'll use the same stuff to clean carburetors on the ole John Deere, too.

You athlete-type folks just keep a-using that Wilderness Athlete stuff; that's the winning ticket. And even if you're out of the series, still be-a-enterin' that Sawed-tooth and the Wild Duluth, referin' to a night out with that Holak feller.

'Til later,
The Gnarly Bandit Hisself"

Visit:
http://www.wildernessathlete.com/

The Phillip Gary Smith author's page:
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Website:
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Twitter: @iHarmonizing
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Living Forward to the Present

2011-08-15T06:35:00.000-05:00

Turning back the clock; if only it were this easy . . . .

Or, if only one really wanted to do that.
Isn't living the future more important than re-living the past;
besides, I theorize life is really about high school anyway, so with reasoning in that vein, one is always affected by the past.
You don't have to re-live it. You're living the past just now because it molds us, shaping our beings.

Not necessarily like the movie "Ground Hog's Day," where the same day in the past is repeated, well, daily.
But certainly the past influences how we live now, react to others, 'see' things, our perspective from our own perch.

So maybe I'm just moving time forward in this image;
forward to the present.

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Phillip's Author's Page

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Phillip's Webpages, links, articles, and free downloads

Book review: "TV" Tommy Ivo: Drag Racing’s Master Showman

2011-07-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

From the book review I wrote about the book "TV" Tommy Ivo: Drag Racing's Master Showman in my Media Matters column of Radioactive Drag Racing News:

"The movie "Mulholland Drive" opens with a shady character describing another’s personal black book as "the history of the world...in phone numbers.”

From this book of dragsters and hot rods conceived and built over the decades by "TV" Tommy Ivo, the reader traces the history of the world...in drag racing. From a book reading like a movie, Ivo’s creative mind comes alive through his memories and a vast collection of explosive photographs documenting his life story . . . (click for photos and the remainder of the article) bit.ly/qfnq2j

email phillip@ultrasuperior.com
visit: http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

ESPN Covers Karamesines at Golden Greek's Bristol Day

2011-07-10T06:08:00.000-05:00

"ESPN Shines Through Rainy Day" Award Winning Media Matters Column at Radioactive Drag Racing News: . . . None was more enduring to fans than the senior citizen of drag racing, Chris Karamesines and the Strange Engine dragster, winning his first round of racing in decades, prompting Paul Page to exclaim, “The Golden Greek takes a win!” He added, “I told you it was going to be a great day,” while Mike Dunn chimed in the win was “pretty good for a mid-80’s racer.” Pretty good indeed.

The broadcasters explained Karamesines’ volunteer team using hand wrenches vs. pneumatic guns might not make it out for Round 2; the images showed that sad possibility just as well. One can get a little rusty in the 93 events since they had to prep for a quarter-final round. Karamesines lamented, “We might not make it! (to discover more click here now)

http://bit.ly/rtsAfn

Phillip Gary Smith writes "Media Matters" after each NHRA National Event plus reviews books, movies and DVDs on the sport.

Phillip is the author of HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life a manual for living.
amzn.to/dIdqQw

CUBE Speakers was formed by Phillip to espouse the ideas key to HARMONIZING. Email to contemplate the group delivering their compelling message sure to startle your audience into action phillip@ultrasuperior.com

Twitter: @iHarmonizing
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Antron Brown, NHRA Top Fuel Driver, with Bristol's Neatest Fan

2011-06-19T05:38:00.001-05:00

Antron Brown, arguably the coolest Top Fuel driver in NHRA spends time at the Bristol, Tenn., track with the most charming fan on the premises, Roz Robinson. Robinson enjoyed the qualifying in the Bruton Smith suites high above the racing surface in these famed Thunder Mountains.

Brown is particularly honored as the legend, Shirley Muldowney, picked him as her favorite driver. He qualified 5th for the eliminations at Bristol, June 19, 2011, with a pass of 3.864 seconds at 317.12 mph. at the 1000 ft. distance. He meets Bob Vandergriff in the opening pairing.

Brown had strong qualifying runs until the fourth and final round late Saturday where conditions improved markedly because of a three-hour rain delay. A throttle fitting failed on the line so he did not get a run in the prime conditions; otherwise he was a candidate to challenge for the pole.

With the strength of Schumacher racing for the Aaron's team, he is a contender for the win. It is drag racing, which means anything can occur and anyone can win, but his qualifying performances means they have a good shot of winning Bristol's Top Fuel Wally.

Read Phillip's award winning Media Matters columns at Radioactive Drag Racing News http://www.go2geiger.com/
Visit his author's page: amzn.to/dIdqQw
with his books, HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life and Ultra Superior available
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

It Fits!1982 Grandma's Finisher's Marathon shirt:

2011-06-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

The 1982 Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, Minnesota remains a legend in our family for several reasons besides me racing and finishing my first distance of that length. My wife was pregnant with our first daughter, born in November. She reminded me when I put on this shirt that I was more than slightly apprehensive -- a nice way of saying irritable -- the night before the race.

Then her sister met us to 'help.' But she stepped in a hole somewhere and sprained/broke her ankle. I ran the marathon again a few years later but rediscovered the northwoods by taking up trail running that enhances the whole feeling of Lake Superior.

My time? I don't remember.

Fast Fashion Photos! The 2010 NHRA Awards Ceremony, Hollywood

2011-06-14T12:23:00.001-05:00

Men wear tuxes, but the women of drag racing show the style and glamour. No time for drinks or cocktails, there were too many couples and styles needing recognition on this day and night of the NHRA Awards. Attending both Sportsman and Professional Awards ceremonies, along with the cocktail parties preceding both, I found gorgeous looks and outfits proving one thing: drag racers, spouses and their crews clean up as well as movie stars. No shortage of glamour, these were stylish crowds enjoying their moments of glory. These are only a few examples; attend next year’s event and see for yourself.

Photo at top, a dazzling Charlotte Lucas was sharing some of her Super Comp secrets with Jill McKenna, Wendy Caliendo, and Michele Manzo.

Morgan Lucas (Below) gave me thoughtful remarks about the success of the Lucas Oil Series. He is a well-spoken representative of the sport.

Rick Green of Summit FastNews wore a dandy pink tie (below). Read his round-by-round summaries at Summit’s FastNews. Best instant written description of a lap of drag racing available.

The most amazing discovery of the night? Meeting and talking with the infamous Linda Vaughn of Hurst Shifter fame going way back in time. She remains an elegant presence.

NHRA Marketing and Educational Manager, Brett Lyons with Jamie Carl, took time from official duties to show off their sharp red combos (below)

Melanie Troxel (above) slowed down for the first time this year -- looks like she is ready for 2011 to compete in both Funny Car and Pro Mod professional classes.

A California quartet of (L to R) Leah Imerti, Cassidy Putnam, Alex McClanaham, and Susan McClanaham were highlights at the Sportsmen reception.

Writer, Kelly Wade, (below) flanked on the left by NHRA writer, Brad Littlefield, and Matt Levonas, NHRA West Assistant Director.

ESPN’s Lewis Bloom was gathering new stats at the Sportsmen Award Show. Later he attended the Professional Awards as did all of the Sportsmen crowd.

Handsome couple above, NHRA’s Charlie Neilson and Jean Neilson, mingling after the early Sportsmen awards program.

Brad Burton, Stock Champion, made his mother, Diane, famous while receiving his trophy. He called her a ‘howler,’ meaning she was his most exuberant fan at the races and during the program.

Brian McClenahan in a royal blue tie showed his pride in the Private Ryan Super Stock, the 2011 Lucas Oil Champion for the class.

Jane Tasca (L) and Pam Johnson, whom I stole away from Allan for this photo, were gathered in a crowded lobby of the hotel. Many teams and notables chose to mingle
here -- it was jammed -- rather than the reception area just outside the Banquet and Awards hall on a lower level.

Diana Peters (L) with Pro Stock Motorcycle racers, Angie Smith and Karen Stouffer, were stylish for the gala.

Aerospace Components’ Kim and Alan Kossy leave St. Petersburg and their racecar company to attend the NHRA Awards Banquet.

Prettiest girl of the night, young Cecily Pedregon, the pride of Tony Pedregon, paused long enough to share her beautiful smile.

Mrs. John Force looked stunning and nearly as young as daughter Courtney Force who graduated with her college degree June, 2011.

Table 80 was the best in the room, and I got to sit there. All photographers along with Rick Green and his wife enjoyed the nice dinner and good sight lines. Another plus: no one left the room without me noting them -- Don't worry, it's our secret.

Phillip writes on NHRA drag racing through his Media Matters column found at Radioactive Drag Racing News http://www.go2geiger.com/
This is believed to be the first fashion focused article published from the scene. He has written about each past year's awards banquet from the television (media) coverage. What makes him an expert on fashion? Happily raising two beautiful, high maintenance

figure-skating daughters with their equally gorgeous mother.

Read his book HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life
visit his author's page: amzn.to/hLfjP9

Hot Lawyers

2011-06-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

First, graduate from Oxford's University of Mississippi Law School.
Next, prepare to write best-selling novels like one who went before them in the school's famed Grove: John Grisham

Practice poses sure to impress the judge and opposing male attorneys to favorable, albeit large, settlements; lowering their opposition's defenses in no way undermines the cunning and clever brains these women possess.

No. 1 Mamaw Sizzles

Behind success is always support such as a good sturdy study-partner,
a No. 1 blonde bombshell sister
and then a personal bodyguard who conveniently happens
to protect the both of them.

Education and beauty have a cost. But there are lessons in both. Learn about many keys in life from the book, HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life at Phillip's author's page: amzn.to/dIdqQw

Read Phillip's trail and snowshoe articles published at Snowshoe Magazine at: http://bit.ly/lBNRzX

Read Phillip's popular NHRA National Drag Racing Articles at Radioactive Drag Racing News' Media Matters column at: http://bit.ly/mG5WoY

Drag Racing at the World 600! Worsham Shows 'Em

2011-05-30T04:17:00.003-05:00

(I wanted this photo as large as possible since it is a great scene, so it bleeds over a little. It's worth it.)

(I've interview Del Worsham when he had his Funny Car team. He was quite articulate, fun, and pretty high strung at the time since he wore multiple hats with the family team.)

NHRA Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham wowed the Coca-Cola 600 crowd with a pre-race burnout at Charlotte Motor Speedway today. Approximately an hour before the green flag that started the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600, Worsham rolled his Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel dragster through a puddle of water on pit road (This is the standard practice at a drag race) and did an extended burnout with a huge tail of smoke following the car (It's even better with two dragsters or funny cars. At the Charlotte Zmax drag strip, there four dragsters lining up together creating a spectacle like no other.) When the California driver ended the burnout, NASCAR fans in attendance roared with approval.

“It was amazing the amount of people watching,” Worsham said. “It was different than a standard burnout because at one of our NHRA races, no one even cares or pays attention to the burnout; it’s the run that matters there. (I disagree that no one cars about the burnout at a NHRA event. As a fan and writer on the sport, I watch them all with fascination just like the crowd. Spectacular ones get noted there, but because of TV there isn't a lot of time for them.)Here, the entire place is staring at you just to see your burnout. I looked down pit road, and I saw all of the cup teams watching. It was exciting, it was exhilarating and it was crazy. You can’t prepare yourself for something like this because you don’t practice burnouts especially on a surface like that.

“I think it turned out great, though, what an experience. I almost backed the thing up and did it again because I didn’t think I had even smoked the tires much, and I thought, ‘I can do better than that,’ but now I know it looked pretty cool. We came here to do a burnout to entertain the fans, and I hope everyone enjoyed it because I did.”

Worsham joined the Al-Anabi Racing team when it was founded in 2009 after driving for his family-owned Funny Car team since 1990. In 2009 and ’10, Worsham drove the Al-Anabi Racing Toyota Funny Car but joined his teammate in Top Fuel prior to the 2011 season. He competed in 22 races as a Top Fuel driver between 1993 and ’95.

Al-Anabi Racing operates out of multiple locations in both the United States and Qatar. In the United States, the Brownsburg, Ind.-based operation is a two-car NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series team that is managed by Alan Johnson Racing. At the forefront of this team is His Highness Sheik Khalid Al Thani’s goal to promote the domestic and international awareness of Motorsports in the nation of Qatar. Alan Johnson is a 13-time NHRA champion in various capacities including crew chief, team owner and team manager.

Phillip Gary Smith is Senior Columnist, Media Matters, for award winning Radioactive Drag Racing News http://www.go2geiger.com/

Get his book, HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life, at http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

# # #

John Force Going to Indy 500 for his First Time! Read Why

2011-05-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

JOHN FORCE ROAD SHOW TO MAKE INDY DEBUT AT 500

“I have never been to the Indy 500 but I know it is unbelievable. I can’t wait to get to The Speedway and check it out,” said Force,

In January John Force announced he was going to take a page from the PT Barnum book on promotion and start spreading the gospel about the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series as well as other major forms of motorsports. This weekend Force will have his John Force Road Show on display at The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the 100th annual Indianapolis 500. The John Force Road Show will be open during normal spectator viewing times and will be positioned at the corner of 16th Avenue and Georgetown across from The Speedway Administration building.

Force's wife and daughter, Courtney, at the 2010 NHRA Awards Banquet, giving a clue to the reason to stay home occasionally

“I have never been to the Indy 500 but I know it is unbelievable. I can’t wait to get to The Speedway and check it out,” said Force, a 15-time Full Throttle NHRA Funny Car champion. “We’ll have our John Force Road Show right beside the race track talking about all kinds of motorsports. People want and need to be entertained in these tough economic times and there isn’t anything more entertaining than two race cars racing down a drag strip or going three-wide into turn four.”

“The John Force Road Show is about educating people about all forms of racing. I know drag racing, of course, and we are reaching out to all our friends in NASCAR and Indy Car to have them provide us with photos, videos and interviews so when we go to malls, airports, state fairs or wherever, people see all sort of information about racing. I want people to walk away the John Force Road Show excited about going to a race the next time they see a commercial on TV or ad in the newspaper.”

The John Force Road Show will consist of two 18-wheelers with dual side awnings. Under the “big tops” will be a variety of John Force Racing Funny Cars as well as video screens showing race footage. Plans are in the works to add representative race cars from NASCAR and Indy Car.

I write about John Force and his escapades in my “Wilderness Athlete Presents Media Matters” Column for Rob Geiger’s Radioactive Drag Racing News. www.go2geiger.com and click my Media Matters archive link on the home page.

John Force is part of my book, HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life, where he gives advice that can be helpful to you achieving your goals as he has with 15 Full Throttle Funny Car Championships. Go to:
amzn.to/hLfjP9

Write me: phillip@iHarmonizing.com

Photo courtesy Ultra Superior Media

Queen of England's Photos with US Presidents: The History of the World

2011-05-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

The Queen of England recently celebrated the wedding of Kate and William, a grand day of refreshing happiness. She has met every President since Truman except one. See if you can spot who that is.

All indications are the exception wasn't due to politics or policy, but rather family and the times. That President did meet Prince Philip, however.

Her beauty as a young woman remains in her mid-80s. First, we should make it that far. Second, we should look so good.

Post your comment below on your favorite image. Mine? Ronald Reagan enjoying a laugh, likely at his expense, during a state dinner with the Queen.

Get Phillip Gary Smith's
HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Keys of Life
at Amazon's Authors Page: amzn.to/hLfjP9 or
visit www.UltraSuperior.com
Phillip authored Ultra Superior, the first book about the Superior Trail ultra races staged in the Superior forest, Minnesota.
He is senior editor, Snowshoe Magazine (http://www.snowshoemag.com/), Senior Columnist "Media Matters" at Radioactive Drag Racing News (http://www.go2geiger.com/), Senior Columnist at Midwest Events Magazine, and founder of Cube Speakers, a group espousing the themes uncovered in HARMONIZING.

Wilderness Athlete's Chocolate / Peanut Butter Swirl Moves Mood to Unfurl

2011-05-01T08:07:00.000-05:00

Covering trail at 3:00 AM on a Sunday morning, a southwest wind kinda howling out in the woods, the feeling is fallish even though the calendar says, "Hey, you, Whoopi Cat, it's the first day of May."

On bluffs overlooking the still flooded Minnesota River, creating a black glass reflecting the ambient light from Shakopee, I turn to continue moving. I'm working on solving a Prickly Pear, which I defined in HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life, but just in case you havn't read it yet . . . a Prickly Pear of life is a type of issue that doesn't necessarily need naming, often you don't know what it is, but you know something is troubling, taking attention. In this case I know what it is, but I need to solve it. No better place to do it than on the trail.

I used the green-wrapped Chocolate and Peanut Butter Swirl today

My enthusiasm is fading, so I reach to my pocket and take one of the new-look Wilderness Athlete Performance Bars with their quick, easy wrap covers that come apart easily and quickly after a pull. Looking down with the Energizer Ultimate bright headlamp I always wear, with its locomotive-sized beam, I can see the snazzy logo that now matches the award winning taste of my chocolate / peanut butter swirl bar before unpeeling it, stuffing the wrapper safely away in the hip pocket.
Shortly, with the combination of the energy from WA's Performance Bar adding to my day and the influence from the spiritual influence of these paths -- there are Indian burial grounds throughout these forests -- my mood picks up as I am propelled with the energy of new ideas and focus, things I must and want to do, solving problems that just would not get solved behind a desk.

Later, preparing to make one last loop before landing at the hot rod, my favorite characterization of the black Mercury I run around in, I drink down some Blaze, a combo I use from WA. This is a mix of a scoop (these are small scoops, the mix is potent) of their Energy & Focus combined with a like scoop of Hydrate and Recover. It got named Blaze by us because . . . well, it fits, and sometime when we're out on the trail I'll get into it.

Driving now to the office, light late in coming with heavy clouds overlaying the region, I'm full of solutions and ideas.

I'm particularly happy I made it up and out the door after the way-too-early alarm stirred me from the house just so I could have this time on trail. My mental state, much less the physique, needed it.

What did I learn? Well, the solutions to the Prickly Pear I'll keep to myself as that is one of the Prickly Pear rules, but what I did learn was intuitively already known by me; however, there's nothing like time-on-the-trail to remind ones' self that good nutrition combined with exercise is one of life's great elixirs. It felt good being in the wilderness as an athlete.

Get HARMONIZING:Keys to Living in the Song of Life at http://www.amazon.com/, other online providers and http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Do You Know These Quotes?

2011-04-25T07:35:00.000-05:00

Friend, Wayne Robison, forwarded these to me.
See what you think of them.

Have an Iphone or ?
Check out Robison's new gadget:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM3j-mjWzec

If we are to achieve results never before accomplished,
we must employ methods never before attempted.

Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

A man does what he can to change his destiny until his destiny is revealed.

If you are not scared, you are safe.
If you are safe, you are not at risk.
If you are not at risk, your rewards cannot be great.

The best crops are harvested from the richest environments.

Definitiveness of purpose has no equal if success is your goal.

Dream as if you'll live forever.
Live as if you'll die today.

Appreciate everything, expect nothing

Review says, "Read this book 1001 Times"
HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Ron Daws 25 Km 2009: "30th EDITION OF GLORIFIED TRAINING RUN"

2011-04-16T14:16:00.000-05:00

by phillip gary smith http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

http://www.rondaws.com/
phillip@rondaws.com

Some of the best in elite road and trail racing gathered early in the morning of April 4th at the Cross of Glory Baptist Church gymnasium to honor the memory of this iconic athlete before taking off on the roads and paths that Ron Daws once covered for his own training. Race Director, Jeff Winter, even has a name for the workout required to finish one of Ron’s jaunts: Daws-ion Training. This means hard work, especially on hills, and harder still the next time around the meandering two loop course in and around the roads and paths of his old stomping grounds.

Because of the significant growth in the Hopkins area from the first times in the 1970’s a group of runners including Ron, Jeff, Steve Hoag, Garrett Tomczak and Bruce Mortenson ran these hills, major road construction on Shady Oak Road detoured this course for the memorial year of the race. Surprisingly, and unintended, an added loop to make up the detoured distance to and in the vicinity of Bryant Lake Regional Park helped make the course more retro and in tune to the locale the runners used to cover in the old training days. “Today’s course was amazing,” said Jeff. “While posting the race route I saw a covey of wild turkey and herd of deer just like we would have seen 30 years ago.”

TO AN ATHLETE DYING YOUNG
The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

A large display of all things Ron Daws was available for viewing including copies of the old Playboy Magazine article featuring him. “It gives a great overview of running back in the late sixties and early seventies,” noted Jeff, “when running race fields numbered 8 to 20. The original MDRA 25km, since renamed the Ron Daws 25km, was and continues to be conducted the way races were at that time -- running without frills at a minimal cost.”

An elongated 30 minute opening ceremony for this year’s event allowed several special guests to give some particularly potent memories of Ron. No sugar coating here as Lorraine Moller, co-founder of the Lydiard foundation and Olympic Marathon Medalist, and Mary Hanson, television personality with the longest running program in the Twin Cities, both married to Ron in consecutive order, offered some poignant tales.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Lorraine said “Ron pushed me to limits I wasn’t even aware of. His legacy to me was as a catalyst to becoming a world class marathoner.” One racing tip she recalled was his mantra that “seconds saved at the beginning are worth minutes at the end,” meaning not to go out too fast.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay,
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Mary’s interview of Ron in a much earlier edition of her television program, the country’s longest running cable show, reeled silently on the large screen as she talked about the heart disease that took his life. “He would have died 15 years earlier if he had not been a runner, an athlete.” She explained his physical fitness masked the clotting in his arteries, making the stress test faulty in identifying the blockages. The lesson for all, particularly this assembled record group of 200 high test athletes and the readers of ‘RunMinnesota,’ is with advantages of new technology and tests since his death in 1992, discoveries can be made that wouldn’t have been available then . . . avail one’s self to them because fitness might conceal deadly health problems.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:

Steve Hoag, Marathon Sports founder and decorated runner, explained “Ron used one hundred percent of his capabilities when even the elite could get only eighty or ninety.” Steve brought a knowing grin to the room when he noted the miniscule $4 fee for this understated race “would have seemed an outrageous sum to Ron.”

Winning the Women’s class with a sterling 1:42:37 finish, Melissa Gacek, White Bear Lake, was here today for the first time in eight or nine years. What a comeback – “It was beautiful . . . I was all by myself at about halfway. I do a lot of treadmill work so getting outside was particularly fun. I felt like I was just chillin’.” Heidi Keller Miler added, “Melissa Gacek is a very accomplished runner, making the 2008 Olympic Trials for the Marathon.”

2008’s winner, Kimberly Anderson, Chanhassen, took second in 1:47:54. “I liked my pacing today. It was nice to get on the trails.” Pam Nielsen, Minnetonka, won bronze at 1:52:02.

With a big lead on the entire field, overall winner, St. Paul’s Ed Whetham, was the only finisher today under 90 minutes with his 1:29:23 clock, leading the whole way and repeating his win of 2008. There was a small group who early in the race got off course somewhat, trimming the distance. Although Heidi Keller Miler, pacing on her bicycle guided all to a good finish and ‘fixed’ the problem for the errant strays, Ed still passed them by mile nine. His shared his view of the new route, “I thought the long and gradual paths on the hills around Bryant Lake were worse than Puke’s Peak,” referring to that signature feature of the traditional course, a particularly long climb with a well earned name.

That portion was rerouted out of this year’s due to the road widening project. Asked why he races the Ron Daws 25km, Ed, giving a key to his championship ability, exclaimed, “It’s tough, that’s why I run it.” Heidi had an interesting perspective on his gait from her bike, “It was fun to watch Ed run so smoothly, he really has a quiet footfall; I could barely hear him back there. I did chat with him a bit and inform him of obstacles such as ice, pot holes, and so forth -- But he was just clicking along pretty good.”

Josh Metcalf, Glencoe, scored second finisher at 1:32:08 on his first try for this race course. Referring to the calm, 31 degree, mostly light overcast start, Josh said, “It was perfect racing weather.”

Jason Minnick, St. Louis Park, won third about a minute later and indicated the race lived up to its billing, “It was a good training race for me.” This was his first time back on this race course in eight years or so.

Heidi stayed out on the course until all had cleared the last aid station. Her thoughts from the years of helping Jeff with the race, “The field is always pretty strong as many good runners use it is a training run for Boston or some other spring marathon. There were some other interesting angles today – for example, there was a group running the race together to celebrate a bridal shower later in the day.” Last year, a wedding was setting up in the church as runners were finishing.

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

Finishers wandered back down to the gym as they have since the first affiliation with Cross of Glory in 1980; no hurry, plenty of companionship and friendly banter, snacking on the Great Harvest Company buns and chocolate chip laced oatmeal cookies baked in monster size.

So set, before the echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

Jeff Winter’s labor of love is the Ron Daws 25km, having been the race director since its founding 30 years ago. “This year’s course required a lot of effort on his part,” noted Heidi, “with the new layout and measuring to insure its accuracy.” Many don’t realize the history of the noted City of Lakes 25km is intertwined with this event -- The Ron Daws was its precursor.

Lorraine Moller talked to me about the1992 Barcelona Olympic Marathon. In an extraordinary happenstance she was casually informed the night before that race that Ron had just died. Died! Not really having contact with him in the prior ten years, the cross-current of emotions hours before the biggest athletic event of her life had to be . . . complex. Interestingly, she used one of the traits Ron perfected in races – “He didn’t care what anybody thought. He had such a single-minded focus, which I incorporated for the Olympic marathon, and shut out the shocking news.” Using those traits he taught, she won the 1992 Olympic Marathon Bronze Medal.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl's.

Ron Daws could well be the perfect Minnesota runner – and that’s not taking anything away from notables like Dick Beardsley, and his and other’s achievements and success. “He did more with less and accomplished levels that those with talent exceeding his did not,” is Steve Hoag’s view. Ron ran in rain storms, deep snow blizzards, no matter the conditions, the perfect attitude for this state. He was physically a beautiful guy; he had passion about his activities and could bring the same focus Lorraine spoke of to his varied interests. Like all, he had his imperfections – but as Jeff called him, “an icon of Minnesota running,” and Steve recalled that he was “the only one who could make a 30 mile run fun by telling stories,” one has to relish the life he lived. And the lessons he left behind.

Additional Information:
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

http://www.rondaws.com/

http://www.runmdra.org/
Thanks to Norm Champ who took special effort to provide the full copy of the A. D. Housman Poem “To An Athlete Dying Young.”

New History: 2011 Ron Daws 25 Km on Perfect Hopkins Day

2011-04-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.snowshoemag.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=901

" With another new layout from the wily mind of founder and race director, Jeff Winter — this time not from Shady Oak Road construction, but rather plowed snow covering its sidewalks — the 27th version of this unique spring distance tune-up produced history with two 27-year-old athletes leading the way.

For the first time in records and the mental recall of all, Jennifer Houck with her elite feet stepped high for . . ."

Jennifer ignites the day at the Ron Daws 25 KM (photo from 10/2006, courtesy her FB)

Jeff Winter slows down now the race is over. His cruising truck is a fixture driving the course

Miss do-it-all, Heidi Keller Miler, shows the course map to Fred Kurz Memorial 10 Mile RD

Gale Marchon celebrated a happy finish with a smile that just would not stop

Photos 2,3,4 courtesy: Ultra Superior Media

USSSA 2011 Championship Results & Unique All-Winner's Photo

2011-03-13T05:59:00.000-05:00

Here they are, the Senior National Teams and Junior National Teams all together for this one moment during the rousing awards ceremony emceed by Sports Director, Mark Elmore,at the Lakewoods Resort, Cable, Wisconsin. Taken on the afternoon after the races concluded, this is a unique photo.

Go here for race articles as they are published:
http://www.snowshoemag.com/

Go here for full results of the 2011 USSSA National Championship Events:
http://www.snowshoeracing.com/

Go here for information on the book
HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life
authored by Phillip Gary Smith, Sr. Editor, Snowshoe Magazine, Senior Writer, USSSA:
http://www.iharmonizing.com/

NHRA WINTERNATIONALS WRITES OWN SCRIPT AT POMONA

2011-03-09T10:47:00.000-06:00

http://bit.ly/gZRCvb (Click now to read my award winning column, Media Matters, at Rob Geiger's Radioactive Drag Racing News)

One of my favorite passages of this column was about Erica Enders:
"Her Cinderella shot of advancing far into eliminations shockingly stalled in the second stanza burnouts when the ZaZa Energy Cobalt, as she described, “sounded wounded.” Then in a great piece of television, already this year by the ever-astute ESPN cameras, Enders turns in utter frustration. Why? Standing behind the wall at the line, she watched her opponent Ronnie Humphries hit the clutch a moment after his free pass began. It was just the shortest of clips but in true Sam Peckinpah manner, ESPN showed us deep human emotion like the fabled director could do with just the dipping of a hat."

This beautiful signed piece, purportedly by Erica, is available, I discovered, on Ebay.

USSSA Snowshoe National Course Preview: A Go at Lakewoods Resort This Weekend

2011-02-17T13:36:00.000-06:00

This Great News from PC Rasmussen, owner Lakewoods Resort, Cable Wisconsin on this Weekend's Course Preview:

The Three Phil's: PC Sr., PC the Chief, and 'Snowshoe P' Inside the Historic Lodge. My Shirt Shows Their Heart Balloon and Snowshoe Race

"Course is snow covered with temps falling. Things should freeze tonight with snow forecast tonight and Friday and possibly extending through the weekend. The current plan is to preview the whole 10 km and 5 km USSSA Nationals course. Snowshoers can pick the distance they want to travel. If conditions warrant, changes will be made, but I don’t anticipate problems other than the course may be icy in some areas. We want athletes to stay on the course itself to keep down confusion. You may preview on your own or we will have guides to help show people around and answer questions. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and race information provided.

It’s a good day stop for racers and their families as well. We have out fantastic Crab Leg Buffet running from 11 AM to 3 PM plus serve breakfas,t lunch, and dinner. So people can stop out and enjoy a great meal when finished. Good chance to stretch your legs after the Book Across the Bay, too."

Go to their webcam, too:
http://www.lakewoodsresort.com/resort/webcam

I'll have a limited number of HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life books with me that saves $10 per copy plus no shipping. If you like, I will be happy to personalize the copy. See my Amazon Author's Page:
My favorite chapter? Well, how about . . .
"Can God Pay Your Visa Bill?"

http://www.amazon.com/Phillip-Gary-Smith/e/B003FJCFM4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1297971123&sr=1-1

See you there.
Say "Hi" as you pass me . . . .

Test layout at DION Snowshoes 2011 USSSA National Championship Course, Cable, WI

2011-02-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

Hearts Balloon and Snowshoe Races, Cable, WI

It is absolutely FREE to preview theU.S. Nationals Championship Course of all National Races: 5 km, 10 km, and the 10 km relay.
Save the date: Sunday February 20, 2011 at the Lakewoods Resort, Cable, Wisconsin.
Register for the Hot Air Citizens Snowshoe Race

Braveheart will be at the Championship Races

Guided Tours Starting at 9A
Or, Go At Your Own Pace Anytime All Day

Expect the course to have as much snow as the Pazzos Eagle in 2009

Free Hot Chocolate compliments of Lakeswoods Resort

A Fabulous Crab Leg Buffet 11-3 Sunday

For additional details:
715.794.2561
http://www.lakewoodsresort.com/
Lakewoods Resort & Lodge Cable, Wisconsin

Photo Courtesy TC Worley: Brad 'Ambassador' Canham showcasing Midwest Snow

Home of the 2011 Dion Snowshoes USSSA National Snowshoe Championships
March 11-13, 2011

Read HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life by Phillip Gary Smith
http://www.iharmonizing.com/

United States Snowshoe Association: http://www.snowshoeracing.com/
Snowshoe Magazine: http://www.snowshoemag.com/ (free email subsciptions)

SPECIAL K PROTEIN MEAL BAR SUPER OK FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES

2011-01-31T06:33:00.001-06:00

Snatching supplies for the Winterrific 10-mile snowshoe race and its maze of climbing switchbacks, I was searching for portable food to keep my energy tank full, something that would be anticipated when one doesn’t want to eat, where the only focus when the time in snow gets long in the tooth is to hurry up and finish. However, to cross the banner line with power and verve versus a zombie snowman’s gait, you gotta eat. And you won’t if you don’t anticipate and long after those power calories stashed away under layers of clothing somewhere; they’ll stay right in the pocket. Then one begins a slow circle of failure. One may finish, but not with the time and feeling wanted.

At my personal Target store, at Knollwood Mall, Minnesota

So I round a corner at Target, my personal store, the one known as Knollwood in Minnesota, where the athlete and sports foods at located. You know, close to the pharmacy in case one needs healing for this endurance deviance addiction, near the pills for aches and pains that crop up after hours on the trail, just like anticipated for the Winterrific. The weather was promising bright sunshine mated with below zero temperatures for the duration, and if we’re lucky, some wind just to stir things up.

At the end of the aisle is a display, and I noticed it is a Special K Protein Meal Bars promotion. What did I discover on those shelves? A key secret in those bars makes them a perfect addition for endurance endeavors, but you’re not going to find it easily, so that’s why I am going to do it for you.

They’re called protein meal bars because, in fact, they provide 10 grams of that vital biological molecule. In addition, for that energy, they contain 185 calories. Great! Why great? “I’m on a diet, I don’t want no calories” you say. How wrong is that . . . I’ll explain in a moment because, first, here is the secret element I’m revealing, hidden on the wrapper’s nutrition facts summary on the wrapper, the reason I grabbed my first box. That is “Total Carb. 25 g,” meaning there are 25 monster grams of carbohydrates driving those calories, 25 carbos that will propel legs up snow crusted trails when the mind is yelling, “If only you could go sit in the car, turn on the heat; go ahead, fail, it’s okay, it’s cold. Stop now, you’re not fit, you hurt.” That energy coming from a bite on a Special K Protein Bar is like Popeye squeezing a can of spinach in his mouth, pumping up his muscles looking every bit like balloons.

For winter athletes, they can push snowshoe-ladened legs up dastardly hills with renewed enthusiasm and power, tossing away that negative-speak like Popeye tosses Bluto.

At the Winterrific Finish

Carbohydrates -- your endurance mates.

The trick to maintaining a healthy body isn’t by depriving oneself of proteins or carbohydrates. The magic is using them, revving up the body’s infernal internal furnace, finding activities appealing to you, and then entering events testing your skills. It’s not about winning and ribbons and awards, though they’re nice and will come, it’s about doing, showing up, participating. Be, Do.

With Race Director, Mike Milliong, at the finish line of the Winterrific

Need to find some ideas, can’t think of them on your own? Then check out the President’s Challenge, a national registry where you receive points for about 100 different physical activities -- even fishing! I’ve been chasing their coveted Platinum level for four years, after first reaching silver and gold, and now am within a week of achieving that physical goal. The real winning, though, has been, and will continue to be the exercise and contentment in achieving their points. That’s what will propel me to double platinum, an even rarer occurrence.
Endurance athletes know a combination of protein and carbohydrates, like love and marriage, are keys to success whether competing at the Dion Snowshoes United States Snowshoe Association National Championships, cross-country ski racing at the American Birkebeiner, or competing on dirt trails in the heat of summer at the Sawtooth 100 mile trek on heartbreaker trails. The Special K Protein Meal Bars provide love for these tests of self by providing carbos, proteins, and appealing tastes, all in a little package. They truly are special.

With a texture that is easy to take while on the move, and flavors that make them seemingly jump out of a zippered pocket and into your mouth, one can say “Oh, K for me!”

My book on the Sawtooth Races: Ultra Superior
My book on HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life

Available at this Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/PHILLIP-GARYSMITH/e/B003FJCFM4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1296476287&sr=1-2-ent

If Thomas Jefferson Were Giving a Press Conference Today

2011-01-20T11:34:00.000-06:00

First, a short background on who is giving this news conference:
Thomas Jefferson, a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.

At 5, began studying under his cousins tutor.
At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.
At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.
At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.
At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

At 23, started his own law practice.
At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America " and retired from his law practice.
At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence..

At 33, took three years to revise Virginia ’s legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.
At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.

At 40, served in Congress for two years.
At 41, was American minister to France, negotiated commercial treaties with Euro nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams .
At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington .
At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.
At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.

At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .

At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation’s size.
At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

At 65, retired to Monticello .
At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.
At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence along with John Adams

Thomas Jefferson was knowledgable about governments because he studied the previous failed attempts. He understood history, the nature of God, His laws and the nature of man. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past confirms this:
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Imagine a press conference, you don't need the questions, you will be able to tell what was asked by the answer:

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe , we shall become as corrupt as Europe . Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson would conclude today's his press conference, as he first said this in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property, until their children wakeup homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

Please rise as the President leaves the room . . . .

Subaru Digs Snowshoeing

2011-01-15T11:00:00.000-06:00

http://www.drive.subaru.com/Win11/feature.htm

SNOWSHOEING by Subaru

WINTER WEATHER – SNOW, IN PARTICULAR – AFFORDS EXPERIENCES THAT HELP TO PUT LIFE INTO PERSPECTIVE. NEWLY FALLEN SNOW MAKES THE WORLD NEW AGAIN. EVERYTHING IS CLEAN AND WHITE. WHEN YOU’RE THE FIRST TO CROSS ANY OPEN AREA, YOU FEEL LIKE AN EXPLORER AND A TRAILBLAZER, MARKING THE WAY FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.

“It’s so versatile that … you can go out wherever you would like to go that’s covered with snow. That’s what’s great about the sport.” – Ryan Alford, founder of Snowshoe magazine

“It’s never too late to start. Running or walking on snow is extremely forgiving on the legs, the body, the knees. It’s the perfect sport for all ages.”
– Phillip Gary Smith, senior editor, Snowshoe magazine

Animal tracks and markings left by blowing grasses and other vegetation that remain from warmer months serve as messages: They are singular signs that humankind is not alone and that we share the planet.

Snowshoeing on a new layer of snow gives you the opportunity to contemplate that relationship.

Outdoor winter travel does not need to be at speed. There’s an alternative to using skis, snowboards, or ice skates to cross the season’s frozen surfaces. With snowshoes, you can enjoy winter at a different pace, whether for overland travel, recreation, communing with nature, serious exercise, community building, seeking isolation, or competition.

Snowshoeing has enjoyed a renaissance the last few decades. Once necessary footwear for enabling members of native tribes to mobilize during winter months, snowshoes are just as useful today as they were as many as 6,000 years ago.

The concept behind snowshoes is that they spread out a person’s weight across a wide area so the snowshoer doesn’t sink like he or she would if just wearing shoes or boots. As an early human invention, snowshoes have a long history.

A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

In his book Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master, author Gene Prater claimed that the invention and development of snowshoes were as important to humankind as the invention of the wheel. The 6,000-year history of snowshoes places their origination in central Asia, probably as crude slabs of wood. One theory is that both snowshoes and skis developed from this technology. As it spread to the west, the wooden slabs became skis in what are now European countries. To the east, the slabs were taken across the Aleutian land bridge from Asia to North America and became snowshoes.

“Behind all the fun of being out on the trail, I get to reboot my mind. And one finds their favorite area, and there is a point where those endorphins kick in, and the most amazing solutions come to you. You find your inspiration hill.”

– Phillip Gary Smith

North America’s Native American tribes further modified snowshoes to the point of their being crucial for survival. They were used extensively from the northwest across the plains to the northeast.

Usually, snowshoes were made with wood frames that had leather cords crisscrossed from side to side. Footwear was bound to the leather webbing and/or frame.

Snowshoes played important roles not only in daily life, but also figured prominently in war, enabling troop mobility in winter months that was far superior to that of non-snowshoed enemies. European settlers adopted Native American snowshoe technology, finding it just as necessary for transportation as the natives did.

Designs reflected application – that is, form followed function. Long snowshoes with emphatically turned-up toes were developed for use in powder snow in open country. Snowshoes that were narrow in front were for pushing through brush as well as for reducing the amount of snow that accumulates on the tips. Shoes intended for climbing had wider, flatter fronts.

Native American snowshoe designs have carried into the 21st century, and basic traditional snowshoe shapes used for walking through different environments often carry the names of tribes. For example, among the basic snowshoe shapes are Huron, Yukon, Ojibwa, and Cree.

Snowshoes became a part of winter tradition, and what have become social clubs in Canada and in the United States have maintained their use – some for more than 200 years. Snowshoeing clubs have been important to the formation of snowshoe competitive and recreational events.

In the early 1900s, communities in New England organized snowshoe hikes as part of their winter recreation. These community hikes would take participants out of town to nearby farms, where they would stop for rest and refreshments, then back to town again.

“It’s a very healthy sport – healthy pursuit during the winter. That’s what attracted me. I was able to get out there, not spend much money, and have something that allowed me to explore the backcountry.”
– Ryan Alford

CALORIE COUNTER
Estimated calories per hour per pound of body weight burned during exercise at a comfortable pace:
•Dancing, ballroom: 1.6
•Weight training: 1.9
•Volleyball: 2.2
•Golf, walking: 2.3
•Walking, 3.5 mph: 2.4
•Skating, ice: 2.6
•Skiing, downhill: 2.6
•Bicycling, 10 mph: 2.7
•Tennis, singles: 2.9
•Water-skiing: 3.0
•Rowing machine: 3.1
•Swimming, slow crawl: 3.5
•Hiking, hills: 3.6
•Skiing, cross-country: 3.7
•Soccer: 3.7
•Jumping rope: 3.8
•Racket ball: 4.1
•Jogging, 6 mph: 4.2
•Squash: 4.3
•Snowshoe walking: 4.5

For comparison, here are estimated calories per hour per pound of body weight burned during daily activities at a comfortable pace:
•Housecleaning: 1.6
•Chopping wood: 2.3
•Scrubbing floors: 2.9
•Snow shoveling, light: 2.9
•Farming, heavy: 3.2
•Gardening, hoe, dig: 3.2
•Sawing, by hand: 3.3

References:
•“How Many Calories are Burned Doing Various Exercises,” Brett Denton, examiner.com
•Physiology of Sport and Exercise, Jack H. Wilmore and David L. Costill, 2004
•Sports Nutrition Guidebook, Nancy Clark, 1997

SNOWSHOES TODAY

Modern snowshoes were introduced in the 1950s and had another spurt of development in the 1970s. These tested the applications of aluminum and plastics for frames and a variety of synthetic and high-tech materials for the rest. Instead of a toe hole and toe cord for binding, metal mechanical bindings are now a part of many designs.

Through the course of the last 60 years, some of the materials have proven to work better than others, and today’s snowshoes reflect substantial refinement. Contemporary snowshoes are lightweight and durable.

Snowshoes are made for individuals of any size – from children through adults. Wood-framed snowshoes are still available, and most outfitters have snowshoes of different types and materials for whatever your destination and application might be – casual hiking, backpacking, or climbing.

Snowshoe size, materials, and types of bindings can be determined with the help of experienced professionals. The location where you snowshoe as well as the condition of the snow must be considered. Your preferences also should be considered.

Snowshoeing is an activity for just about anyone, provided, of course, you have access to approximately six inches or more of snow. There are no restrictions on age or skill level. Men, women, and children participate in this activity, which has grown by more than 50 percent during the last decade. It is inexpensive and easy to learn. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Plus, barring a misstep off a cliff or into a tree, it is a safe, low-impact activity that provides several health benefits.

THE BENEFITS OF SNOWSHOEING

The bottom line on snowshoeing is that it’s one of the best forms of exercise you can find for burning calories. It’s a relatively safe form of exercise that combines aerobics for cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and muscle endurance.

When it comes to burning calories, snowshoe walking is in league with jogging, racket ball, and squash. Snowshoeing is a little more effective than the other three. Also, snowshoeing burns approximately twice the number of calories as walking at the same speed.

The sport of snowshoe racing is growing along with the overall expansion of snowshoeing. Find information about racing events on the United States Snowshoe Association website at www.snowshoeracing.com.

Although snowshoers easily can exercise themselves to improved health, their contact with the outdoors leads to mental and emotional benefits as well. Plying through the snow on a cold, crisp day and enjoying the surroundings is relaxing, and the experience often is reflective.

That’s especially true if you’re the first to cross freshly fallen snow.

Other Drive articles for those interested in winter sports include one on snowboarding here and another on cross-country skiing here.

TIPS AND RESOURCES

As with any other physical activity, a few considerations will enhance your snowshoeing experience:

•Consult with an experienced snowshoer concerning equipment (consider renting at first)
•Carry a safety kit prepared for incidents in cold weather and isolated locations
•Wear weather-appropriate clothing (in layers)
•Warm up before starting out
•Be ready to experience the beauties of nature

When snowshoeing, follow the seven principles of the United States Snowshoe Association and Subaru partner Leave No Trace:
•Plan ahead and prepare
•Travel and camp on durable surfaces
•Dispose of waste properly
•Leave what you find
•Minimize campfire impacts
•Respect wildlife
•Be considerate of other visitors
Find these principles defined in greater detail at the Leave No Trace website.

If you’re wondering where to snowshoe, all you need is access to approximately six inches or more of snow. Consider these destinations:
•Park trails (city, county, state, national)
•Forest trails (city, county, state, national)
•Golf courses (check for permission)
•Find more locations specific to your area at http://www.snowlink.com/
http://www.snowshoeracing.com/, http://www.snowshoemag.com/

Two resources about snowshoeing:
•Snowshoeing: A Trailside Guide, by Larry Olmsted; W.W. Norton & Company
•Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master, by Gene Prater; The Mountaineers Books
For more information about snowshoeing:
•Web search for snowshoeing will lead to a number of manufacturers’ websites; many have snowshoeing tips and help to determine the best snowshoes for your particular needs
•Try snowshoeing for free at the 16th Annual Winter Trails Day at select locations (www.snowlink.com/wintertrailshomepage.aspx)
•First-time snowshoers can find more information here: www.snowshoemag.com/first.cfm

Miscellaneous information:
•A free snowshoeing opportunity: http://tubbsromptostomp.com/p/about_the_romp
•The snowshoe racing National Snowshoe Championships will be held March 11-13, 2011, at Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wisconsin
http://www.lakewoodsresort.com/
the initial race course layout: http://www.snowshoemag.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=811
Dion Snowshoes National Championships: http://www.dionsnowshoes.com/

Courtesy Subaru Drive
http://www.drivesubaru.com/ featuring the articles and information found in Drive along with online exclusives

Find how beauty morphs into challenge, much as a trophy wife causes an aching old man to suffer

2011-01-08T10:18:00.001-06:00

Dirt-trail running season has slammed to a close like a windblown barn door in MWE land. Snowshoe and snow running is just entering its neophyte term on the calendar, abbreviated as it is in the Upper Midwest. It is this flux of seasons often flummoxing trail athletes.

How should we embrace this change? Easy -- with verve! Wear more clothes, gloves, headgear, and check Midwest Events for races to add to your winter’s entertainment. You need things to do, dates to work toward, and training on which to concentrate your athletic energy. Take Twin Citian Brad Canham, an Ironman and United States Snowshoe Association Championship competitor, who said, “I didn’t do a dang thing this weekend . . . except I put together a detailed training, racing calendar, schedule including snowshoe races that will take me into early March and the USSSA snowshoe Nationals.”

2010 Udder Snowshoe Queen, Athens, Wisconsin, braved the leap, an annual Queenly duty

He is right. A great way to end this winter is right in our backyard, the Snowshoe National Championships in the heart of the Birkebeiner trails with host hotel, Lakewoods Resort in Cable Wisconsin land.

To get ready for bitter cold, ask yourself, “Am I tough enough,” the same question Mr. Gnarly Bandit asks as entrants enter his warped world of fun, the Gnarly Bandit Ultra Series: combining 100 mile and 100 km events through the Midwest. Two can say “Yes, I’m tough enough” in 2010 for sure: Daryl Saary, Rochester, the first ever winner of the Ultimate Gnarly designation and Ely’s Dale Humphrey, winning his Ultra Gnarly award while raising important funding for teens in the Ely Track and Field Club.

A record number of entrants -- seven -- attempted this trail series, an unnatural challenge of life. More should. I have just seen a preview of their awards to be presented at the Upper Midwest Trail Runner’s “Annual Awards Fest” on November 13. Some of the best in creative awards are done in the trail scene by imaginative souls like John Storkamp, Wynn Davis and others. These Gnarly Bandit awards are an example of Storkamp’s vivid imagination.

The SHTA Trail at the Wild Duluth Ultras Often Look like Rock

What about running all night in the (heavy) rain at the Sawtooth 100 on the Superior Hiking Trails? “Lake Superior” and “Shores” are such idyllic words, bringing to mind the beauty, history, and vastness of Gitchee Gumee land. Only when you add “Sawtooth” to the mix does one really find how beauty morphs into challenge, much as a trophy wife causes an aching old man to suffer.

Stepping up to win his first time at the distance, Brian Petersen, Twin Cities, did it and still seemed to enjoy the trail. Watch this name; he will continue to be a factor, just as Dale Gardner is a factor when he enters a race like the Voyageur 50 mile at which he scooted over those tough climbs, power poles and tadpoles, and wins going away. Remember, he won the Sawtooth in 2008.

Sheryl Wheeler, visiting the Midwest after working very hard to train for this event in New York, won by passing leader Val LaRosa, Twin Cities, at the last aid station, the infamous Oberg stop. There, emotions are high as runners arrive, knowing they have made it, they are official as long as they go on for the next seven miles. 102.5 miles is the total distance of the Sawtooth 100 mile race, illustrating the same kind of convoluted calculation the taxman uses when explaining you need to pay more.

The Superior Trail 50 Mile found new local legend, 24-year-old Christopher Rubesch of Duluth, setting a course record at 9:09, winning over Moose Mountain Marathon multi-champion “I’ve done it all there” John Horns, Edina, by just a fistful of minutes and the second best time ever for this version of the 50 mile. I rode next to John on the bus to the start line; one would never suspect he was going to contend for the win against Rubesch, exactly half his age. John with his calm demeanor offered pleasant conversation about his family’s alpine skiing. To demonstrate how these two scorched the Superior mud, the next finisher was over ten hours at the finish banner, great under the circumstances, but indicating the quality of these two runs.

Christopher said in an interview on www.Superior-Performance.Net, “I feel like I have really started to understand ultras.” Wait until he discovers he really does. His coach, Jason Kask, owner of SP, gave this insight: “It is really important to listen closely to your body and be able to use that information in a constructive way.”

Of Course It Is Easier Going UP Hill.

At Voyageur, co-race director and national ultra champion, Kim Holak, Duluth, won the class in 8:30, leading (Dr.) Connie Lutkevich, Duluth, by 14 minutes who caught Angie Radosevich, Appleton, in an exciting race for second near the finish. These women won sixth, seventh, and eight place overall against the regions best: the aforementioned Gardner, then Chris Lundstrom, Twin Cities, Dusty Olson, Duluth, Brian Peterson, Twin Cities, and John Storkamp, Hastings.

The Holaks, Andy and Kim, enjoyed significant increases for their second edition of the Wild Duluth series of 100 km and 50 km races plus they introduced a brand new trail half-marathon. The Superior Trail Races have been subjected to rain in 2010, but this race on the Superior Hiking Trail was a gorgeous autumn day. Temperatures were about 40 F on the start of the 100 km and a breezy 55 F in the afternoon. I do not know which is more thrilling: running down the bliss-stone mountain known as Ely’s Peak (see photo) or riding with Andy while maneuvering his truck around Duluth’s road construction as if he was trail racing.

Matt Aro, Superior, Iron-manned the 100 km distance in 11:35, and looked extremely fresh on the course. Julie Treder, Wisconsin, won the womens class in 14:47. Jakob Wartman, Duluth, had a commanding lead in the 50 km race at one point, but won with a 4:26 over Matt Zak, Eveleth, with just three minutes to spare. Leslie Semler, Hermantown, edged Rochelle Wirth, also by just three minutes, as these two swapped places from the 2009 race finish. In the new half, Doug Jannusch nipped Ananda Bates by two minutes while Christie Haupert won the womens inaugural finish.

Just the week prior -- actually, six days as this race uniquely starts on a Sunday -- the Glacial 50 mile and 50 km, in its 24th year by the Badgerland Striders, competed on a summer-like day. The big news was the 50-mile course record for women established by Colorado’s Cassie Scallon in a sizzling 7:45:12. Cassie gave an indication of her abilities by finishing fourth in the 50 mile Ice Age as a warm-up for this event, if you can call 50-miles a warm-up. She finished second overall, trailing winner Jon Noll, Wisconsin, by only eight minutes. They were the only two who finished under eight hours. In the 50 km, Wisconsin’s David Smith won with a 4:03:27 while a young Meg Rubesch -- 22 -- of Duluth was first woman at 5:10, and 15th overall. She is no stranger to running as part of the UMD track team. Meg also was a factor at the Northwoods Snowshoe Championships USSSA qualifier in February of this year. Christopher Rubesch, 24, took second overall. Their track and trail abilities must run in the family . . . .

The always exciting Big Woods Run Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and kids kicker ends the year for these quick distances in Southern Minnesota. Starting at a graveyard, one appreciates the opportunity to be alive and running and enjoying trails when other alternatives are vividly reminded to one’s immediate right. Just so one does not forget, the finish line is literally at the graveyard, too. A beautiful fallen-leaf run over friendly terrain, coursing throughout the Big Woods State Park, a well-marked and managed race makes for a great winter’s start. Recent catastrophic flooding in the region, filling the banks of the Cannon and Straight Rivers like never before as they ravaged through Faribault, took a back seat for this race. Christian Mihelich, St. Louis Park, won the half with a course record of 1:16. Toni Kolling, Spring Valley, won her overall. There were 375 finishers in this popular event, and winning last place was Julie Jones, Little Canada, in a trooper’s effort.

Kris Miller Displays a Winner's Trophy at an Event for the Braveheart Snowshoe Series

The nation’s second largest snowshoe series, The Braveheart, is located in the Upper Midwest, encompassing all connecting states with races in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

An expected 15 dates will make up the final list; the entire schedule will be announced here in our special 2011 preview edition coming up next. In the meantime, here are some early dates for you to use in your planning:

Rib Lake, Wisconsin, Jan 8, 2011

White Tail Ridge, River Falls, Wisconsin, Jan 8, 2011, a 10 km USSSA National Qualifier

Perkinstown, Wisconsin, Jan 15, 2011 featuring Perky the snowshoeing Porcupine and the unique three-legged snowshoe

Boulder Lake, Duluth, Minnesota, Jan 16, 2011, 8 km USSSA National Qualifier and a 4 km option.

Just in: Jay Punke, Mr. Mountain Man Snowshoe Champion, told MWE both of his Wisconsin snowshoe events, the Badger State Games and Stomp the Swamp, raced on Sundays, will be a part of the Braveheart Snowshoe Series. Great news for solving the winter flumm

PHILLIP GARY SMITH PUBLISHED HARMONIZING: KEYS TO LIVING IN THE SONG OF LIFE NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, LULU, AND OTHER SITES. ALSO VISIT WWW.iHARMONZING.COM

This article appeared in MWE / Midwest Events Magazine. The new edition should now be available at recreation and sports stores for free. The Harmonizing on the Trails Column will feature the Braveheart Snowshoe Series Events.

Shocking Story of the Christmas Tree and the Angel on Top

2010-12-21T11:56:00.000-06:00

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor.

In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Not a lot of people know this.

Jo and Doug Pihl's Throwback Christmas Party, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota

2010-12-19T11:53:00.002-06:00

As Procol Harum would sing, "We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels 'cross the floor . . . . The room was humming harder as the ceiling flew away . . . I asked the waiter for a drink -- he brought a tray."

Too bad I only asked for water.
The Pihls home was golden in warmth and joy and fun.

David Lantz shows the Beauvais's the proper method to build a sandwich

Brent and Michele share very good stories

Michael Beauvais, EMC Software, plots to snatch host Doug Pihl's bow tie

Amanda Beauvais' Kellogs party mix was a hit . . . only crumbs remained

The Star of the night

This was a retro Christmas party. Guess the characters in this photo

Medical Analyst, Ernest Andberg, debates the limit of healthy eats

As the Pihls were in my just published book, HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Keys of Life, Santa gave them a special copy for Christmas.
Amazon.com has copies as does http://www.iharmonizing.com/

Philip and Peggy McLaughlin displaying his coolest jacket of the night

HOLIDAY HARMONY FOR HEARTS Celebrates HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life and Paintings by Jennifer Massoll

2010-12-04T16:48:00.002-06:00

Phillip's Amazon Author's Page

THE HOLIDAY
HARMONY
FOR HEARTS
celebration at Salon Lili, Minnetonka, Minnesota,
was welcomed with a winter wonderland of snow on
a Friday afternoon, December 3rd, continuing into the night. Eight inches in this portion of the metro.

Plenty of fun was had by those venturing out or stopping in while on the effort to get home. Featuring original paintings by JenniferMassoll (top photo) and the introduction of HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life (second photo with master stylist, Jason Brezee and his copy) was the order of the night.

Enjoying great snacks -- the chocolate air smelled so good, it no doubt contained calories -- and collecting Toys for Tots, the beginning with Michelle Poirier of Lili (third photo) who helped arrange the night, were key reasons to be there, too.

Laura Hutchinson of Lili, Edina, handling the front of the house, posed in front of another of Jennifer's works. Laura and our daughter, Angela, shared an apartment while living in Nashville, graduating from Belmont University.

Jennifer's website is:
www.artbyjdm.com

Phillip's Amazon Author's page link at top

"HARMONIZING: Keys to Living in the Song of Life" now available thru Amazon

2010-12-03T10:02:00.000-06:00

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003FJCFM4

FUNNY CAR CHAMPION JOHN FORCE SPEECHLESS FOR FIRST TIME EVER

2010-11-22T04:32:00.001-06:00

15 Times the NHRA Full Throttle Nitro-Powered Funny Car champion, John Force was presented Saturday, November 20, 2010, with the Spirit of Ford Award by Edsel Ford II in a surprise announcement at the Ford 400 weekend in Homestead, Florida. The loquacious Force was rendered speechless and he took a few minutes to compose himself before he thanked Ford and all its engineers and motorsports representatives for the honor.

“To be presented with this honor by Edsel Ford and to see the list of previous winners; this is a tremendous honor. Ford Motor Company has been a great partner and I will cherish this award. I want to thank Ford for giving me this honor and I am not going to say much more because I am getting emotional. Thank you very much,” said an obviously overwhelmed Force.

John Force is the world's best in providing instant quotes and exciting dialogue. That he was choked up and unable to respond further just gives an indication of the significance and deep meaning of the honor.

Force had just wrapped up a media session along with fellow Ford champions from a variety of racing disciplines. He was joined on stage by X Games champion Tanner Foust; Rally champion Ken Block and drifting champion Vaughn Gitten Jr. All four drivers talked about the support of Ford Racing in their respective racing series and how being part of the Ford Racing family was a special feeling.

“When I am up here with these young guns it makes me feel pretty good. We have a lot in common and there is a lot of variety up here. You have guys racing everything from a Fiesta to a Mustang. I am proud to be associated with Ford Racing and with these other champions. That is what Ford Championship Weekend is all about. I’m going to try and get some tips from these young guys and see if I can help them too,” said Force.

Force spent time at the Ford Racing display answering questions from fans and signing autographs on Saturday and Sunday. Before Sunday’s Ford 400 Force received the loudest round of applause during the NASCAR drivers meeting. Afterwards he walked the starting grid and chatted up drivers including eventual race winner Carl Edwards and soon to be crowned five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. When he asked what he said to Johnson as the driver was strapping into his Lowe’s sponsored racecar Force replied, “I just told him he has been here before. He knows the game and to just relax and go after it.”

His advice to Johnson is a take-away that all of us can use in our own endeavors when facing a challenge. "You've been here before. You know what is required; just relax and go do it."

What Halloween and Thanksgiving Have in Common

2010-11-09T13:29:00.000-06:00

Can You Answer the Question in the Title Before

Reading the Article?

More photos from the 10 km finish at the Pumpkin Chase 10 km and 5 km trail event, Lake Elmo Park Preserve, Minnesota

Link to article:

http://www.snowshoemagazine.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=745

Perfect Hat Placement

The electronic mat was flattened out after this runner finished

Nice hair, nice glasses, nice outfit -- all in black

A Fast, striding 10 Km Finish

Costumes were the name of the day on Halloween. Same, just different looks, at Thanksgiving

www.ultrasuperior.com

A True Thanksgiving Saturday: Pedersons Benefit Run -- on a Dirt Trail!

2010-10-22T14:11:00.001-05:00

Larry receiving the Founder's Award at the Upper Midwest Trail Runner's Awards Fest.
Larry is the one wearing the watch.

This Thanksgiving, get out on the trails of Minnesota at the Afton State Park to participate in the Pederson Benefit Run, honoring Colleen and Larry Pederson. Victims of torrential rain and the resulting ravaging Zumbro River's destruction through the village of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, the Pedersons have reconstructed and rebuilt and redone virtually every inch of their homestead.

Runners and friends from all over have pitched in and helped out. Now we can pitch in and help out while enjoying the beauty of the Afton State Park trails for the Saturday, November 27th, special run and benefit auction.
Enter -- and more -- at the Pederson Benefit Run blog.
http://pedersonbenefitrun.blogspot.com/

Photo: courtesy Ultra Superior Media

Wild Duluth 100km Trail Race, MN

2010-10-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

At the Grand Portage Aid station, working on getting the mojo to make the cutoff. About a mile later, came upon the Grand Portage trail whose climbs wiped the determination right off my face and replaced it -- with a wimper
(photo compliments Jen Pierce whose husband Zach looked great in his finish.
Jen is quickly becoming the Trail Race Photo Queen)

Paul Page: On Why Racing Needs to Find Big Noise II

2010-08-12T16:33:00.000-05:00

The dean of auto racing broadcast voices, ESPN2's Paul Page, answered the question on why racing needs to find Don Miller's 1972 Nova dragster Big Noise II.
He told me, "Don Miller is one of the truly nice men." And that's coming from one of the classiest who added, "How great would it be to find that car and get it to him."

And progress is being made just to do that. In immeasurable terms, in fits and starts, the country's only hot rod treasure hunt is well underway. An Internet search came up with hundreds of publications, blogs, business sites and other listings covering this story with photos and details from the press release, some with multiple listings so the total exceeds thousands.

None can have more of a target audience than Miller's Time -- A Lifetime at Speed co-author Jim Donnelly. He brought his highly decorated, international racing journalistic talents to the vaulted Hemmings Publishing Senior Editor post. His work for this book, collaborating with Don Miller to craft this phenomenal story of a lifetime in racing achievement, created a seminal event for an author. His creativity in pacing the story, adding key paragraphs from the main players interspersed along the way, uniquely makes the book a treasured read while teaching along the way. Note the story he tells at his posting of the information on the treasure hunt for Big Noise II at Hemming's website:

"We don’t often do this, but when a legitimately historic vehicle goes missing, we often try and find it. Here’s an example. When I was writing Miller’s Time, the book that tells the life story of longtime Roger Penske confidant Don Miller, he mentioned that he’d like to find the race car depicted in this photo, Big Noise II, which he drove with great results before his work with The Captain got him involved in auto racing on a much larger scale.

photo from page 61 of Miller's Time

Big Noise II was a 1962 Chevy II Gasser owned by the team of Warren & Miller and raced through about 1972 out of Chicago, most notably on the UDRA circuit, which Don also served as an official, another reason he got out of driving. It was a killer Gasser in the upper Midwest, with scores of event wins, last powered by a 509-cu.in. big-block Chevy. The car disappeared around 1980, perhaps to Minnesota. Don would like to get it back. If you know its whereabouts and can positively verify its identify, e-mail me at jdonnelly@hemmings.com." Visit the entire article and all Hemmings has:
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/category/automobilia/literature/

WAIT! There's more. From one earnest hunter comes this comment (without identifying him or his location): "I found a Chevy II that looks like the Big Noise on the way to the lake . . . . it sure looked like the car but I'll have to look at it closer." If enough eyes find enough look-alikes, the real Big Noise II will be discovered.

Then one of the great autograph parties commemorating a hot rod will be held in Don's favorite auto museum, The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. The person who takes care of a myriad of details there, and works at the Board level with Don in the Stocks for Tots events, Allison Green, exclaimed, "I'm tickled that I get to join the hunt for Big Noise II project."

To whet the appetite for what awaits us, here is the website: http://www.ncarhof.com/
All we need is the date . . . and a certain 1972 Nova II Gasser.

Read the article at Radioactive Drag Racing News that started it all:
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1655:espn-rises-to-the-occasion-at-turbulent-us-nationals&catid=47:media-matters&Itemid=61

Read Radioactive Drag Racing News coverage of the Lucas Oil NHRA Brainerd Nationals at http://www.go2geiger.com/

What, you don't have your copy of Miller's Time -- a Lifetime of Speed yet? Wellworn, pages folded down, mustard stained as you search, search, search? You don't want your book to look-- well -- "unused" at the autograph party to celebrate finding you-know-what do you? So buy some copies now. Call Cary at 1-877-907-8181 Coastal 181 Publishing. Tell her "Big Noise II sent me."

Contact me: Phillip@go2geiger.com with any info or thoughts or ideas to find Big Noise II.

BIG NOISE II New, Later photo: The Search Continues for Don Miller's Hot Rod

2010-08-09T15:22:00.002-05:00

Found Big Info on Big Noise II from Chicago's Jim Jarolim.

His father was Ralph Jarolim who raced a front engine rail out of Burbank, Illinois. and was friends with Kenneth "Skip" Eich. As a kid, he remembers having a set of slicks in their laundry room from the "Big Noise" along with some roller rocker arms, pictures, even some trophies from the car.

He has been looking for it, too. "I sat in that car for hours and hours and hours while they wrenched on the car. It baby-sitted me. They would put me there when I was about 6 or 8 years old (circa 1073). I would pretend to be driving and remember it to this day.

He's got pictures, too. The first has notable differences:
There is a 'fish scale' paint line along and above the name Big Noise II going bumper to bumper. Look closely, the scales are hard to see.
Notice above the name: 'Eich' is added to Warren Miller in this edition of the car so it reads Warren-Miller-Eich right below the front side window. Skip Eich probably drove it at Union Grove and/or U.S. 30 drag strip.
The car classes as B/GAS and carries #111 on the back window. (I originally read the class as B/EAS, but Jim's younger eyes corrected that)
The white headers appear to be the same as on the original
The hood appears to be cut out around the air cleaner in this picture, something not visible in the original.
A 'concave-type'scoop was later attached. Whether it was available at the time of this picture is not known.
One reason the Keystone decal for the wheels isn't seen may be because, as Jim points out, the wheels are different than the original. See what you think.

I've left the cars surrounding Big Noise, along with the background, in case it helps someone in identifying them, and perhaps providing a lead.

Jim may have a treasure trough of older photos from his grandparents. Big Noise Kudos go to Jim for providing this info. This is just how the Hot Rod is going to be found. Somebody knows somebody who remembers somebody who has the car.

This is the link to the article about the book Miller's Time -- A Lifetime At Speed where legend Don Miller first wrote about wanting to find that car, Big Noise II. There's a big party in store for the person who finds it and those, like Jim, who help with discoveries like this one.
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2321:media-matters-the-search-is-on-for-long-lost-hot-rod&catid=47:media-matters&Itemid=61

Next post I plan to have an update on Don Miller's health and some additional help from a large national racing organization.
email me: phillip@go2geiger.com
Radioactive Drag Racing News

Glitzy Life Time Fitness Pockets Leadville: Paradigm Shift Underway

2010-08-07T11:30:00.002-05:00

Snowshoe Magazine takes a rocky look at the acquisition of one of the Majors in Ultra Trail Running by a large U.S. Corporation under the guise of fitness.

A metaphoric image of the outcome of the news in this article.
Photo from the Udder SS Race, Athens, WI

http://www.snowshoemag.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=689

Bandimere Drag Racers Rock 'Countdown Mountain'

2010-07-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

A unique focus on the Denver race mostly through the women in the professional classes, including 'spicy' Lori Johns and her historic achievement at this track -- back in 1991.

Lori Johns in the Jolly Rancher Top Fuel Dragster

Also have photo of Erica Enders and her race against 'King Kong' Coughlin, Jeg Coughlin.
Not a bad name for a competitor with 51 National Wins.
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2352:media-matters-bandimere-racers-rock-countdown-mountain&catid=2:astory

Radioactive Drag Racing News
http://www.go2geiger.com/
Media Matters Columnist, Phillip Gary Smith

More news coming on:
The Hunt for Big Noise II: Finding legend Don Miller's 1962 Nova II. Join the hunt now.
See previously post or to go the Radioactive website: http://www.go2geiger.com/

The Hunt For Big Noise II: Finding Don Miller's Hot Rod

2010-07-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

Big Progress today: spoke with Dan Luginbuhl who is Vice-President Emeritus of Communications of Penske Corporation. Now have two media contacts (when the email arrives) to contact the top NASCAR stars Don Miller was associated with in the Penske racing organization: Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman.

The goal is to find the 1962 Chevy Nova II by the Lucas Oil Nationals, Brainerd, Minnesota August 12-15.

If you think you know this car (unlikely to look like this today) contact Phillip Gary Smith

The dragster was sold originally in Missouri, and thought to have been subsequently bought in Minnesota.
A substantial prize package awaits the treasure hunter plus the satisfaction of providing an important memento to one of life's great men. Read the book:
Miller's Time -- A Lifetime at Speed

This is the link to the article detailing the treasure hunt:
Media Matters: Search is on for Long Lost Hot Rod
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2321:media-matters-the-search-is-on-for-long-lost-hot-rod&catid=47:media-matters&Itemid=61

Phillip Gary Smith
Media Matters Columnist
Radioactive Drag Racing News
phillip@go2geiger.com
http://www.go2geiger.com/
http://www.ultrasuperior.com/

Go2Geiger.com columnist wins AARWBA award

2010-07-23T09:46:00.001-05:00

Columnist Phillip Gary Smith of go2geiger.com (Radioactive Drag Racing News) was recently honored by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) for his online Media Matters column.

Smith's winning entry was titled "ESPN Rises to the Day." The article recounted drag racing team's pressures and frustrations in securing the 10th and final spot at the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals for the NHRA’s Countdown to 1 playoffs, and how the extended ESPN2 television coverage handled the story.

"Because of the demands of sponsorship along with the innate drive of teams to win, pressures were boiler-high to make the playoffs," Smith said. "The resulting coverage of the various compelling stories of raw human emotion flooded the broadcast with high quality material that kept the viewers involved."

Award-winning journalist, Rob Geiger, founded go2geiger.com with a goal of providing drag racing enthusiasts an unbiased news outlet.

"We're very proud of Phillip," Geiger said. "He's got a column that people really enjoy and it provides something very unique in racing. It's a great example of our work to bring a deeper level of coverage to the sport of drag racing. This honor is well deserved, and not the first time AARWBA has recognized our efforts at go2geiger.com."

Smith writes his Media Matters column after each ESPN2 drag racing broadcast, additionally reviewing books, movies, and videos about racing. A Tennessean now Minnesotan, Smith is an avid snowshoer, writing for Snowshoe Magazine and the United States Snowshoe Association. He published "Ultra Superior" on ultra-distance trail racing, another of his interests. He also works with the investment firm of Feltl and Company.

Founded in 1955 in Burbank, Calif., AARWBA is the oldest and largest organization in the country devoted to auto racing coverage.

Here is the link directly to the article:
http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1655:espn-rises-to-the-occasion-at-turbulent-us-nationals&catid=47:media-matters&Itemid=61

Title: ESPN Rises to the Day at Turbulent U.S. Nationals

At the Office

An Ambitious Goal (Before the World)

2010-07-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

Buzz Aldrin, Hero on the Moon, reminds us of how to profess a big goal to the world and set big objectives that can fail. Commerating Apollo 1, he tells of the plaque on Launch Complex 34 of the disaster that claimed the lives of Astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee:

In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so others could reach for the stars; Ad astra per aspera (a rough road leads to the stars)

Indeed, a rough road leads to the stars . . .

What an incredible reminder to all about the challenges to do anything, but without them, one doesn't make it to the stars.

Drag Racing on Mt. Rainier?

2010-07-16T16:23:00.000-05:00

Read my Media Matters Column at Radioactive Drag Racing News:

http://www.go2geiger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2333:media-matters-drivers-try-to-reach-the-mountain-top&catid=1:pronews&Itemid=17

2010 Afton Trail Runs: Dancing With The Devil

2010-07-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

2010 Race Report and article published at:
http://www.snowshoemagazine.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=677