Missoula Sentinel

A recent article in Hang Gliding Magazine highlighted the saga of Mt. Sentinel, rising 2,000' above Missoula, Montana. The mountain is rich in hang gliding history, dating back to the early 70's. In 2007 University of Montana film student Nicholas Franczyk created a documentary about the history and recent challenges facing foot launched pilots who have flown from Sentinel for over 35 years.

The film is about 30 minutes long, but is well worth the viewing when you have a half hour to relax in front of your computer. Here is the link: http://www.mtnick.com/ *( For some reason, this link is not always allowing direct-click-connection, so, you may have to highlight it, right click, copy, then paste in the address line of your browser - sorry for the inconvenience - I'm sure it is some kind of 'blog author incompetence ;-)

It is informative to the inquisitive ground-bound, with some beautiful in-flight video in Utah and Montana, appealing to veteran pilots as well! Some of the characters interviewed in the film are quite entertaining to boot. He also has some other great shorter movies at this link: http://www.mtnick.com/movies.html

Thanks Nick!

The "Grylling" Truth!

And now, the Rrrrrrrest of the story! (I knew some parts of that show were just a bit too good to be 100% true!)

Published: 2008/03/19 12:23:34 GMT

Grylls apologises for 'fake' show:

British adventurer Bear Grylls has apologised for misleading viewers of his Channel 4 show, Born Survivor.
The show saw Grylls supposedly abandoned in the wild, but a programme consultant claimed the star stayed in a motel and scenes were set up for him.
"If people felt misled on how the first series was represented, I'm really sorry for that," Grylls told the BBC.
The show's producers have promised the next series of the programme "will be 100% transparent".
"I'm the person that takes the rap for these things, even though I'm not always involved in the editing side of it," Grylls said, "but ultimately it is me on screen
"The truth is much less exciting - we film these things over six days and, after filming the night stuff, we're back with a crew in a base camp lodge - whether it's a tented camp in the Saraha or in Sumatra poncho'd up in the jungle.
"The hotel [can be] four walls but not a roof, or a roof with no walls.
"Yes, we had a lot of those but when we're filming the live night stuff, we're out," he added.
The inconsistencies in the show, which is produced by the Discovery Channel and known as Man vs Wild elsewhere in the world, were raised by US survival consultant, Mark Weinert.
He told the Sunday Times newspaper that Grylls spent nights in a motel in Hawaii when he was claimed to be stranded on a desert island.
The Discovery Channel admitted "isolated elements" were not "natural to the environment", and promised greater clarity for the next series which will be screened in April on Channel 4.
A feature-length documentary following the explorer as he prepares to fly a powered paraglider over the summit of Mount Everest, will also be shown later this month on the channel.
The full interview with Bear Grylls can be heard on The Weekender on Friday 21 March at 2200 GMT on Radio 2.
Story from BBC News news:%20http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/7304617.stm

Way 2 Go Dad!

My dad was recently honored at Rotary Club dinner where he was the recipient of the "Paul Harris Fellowship Award". This recognition was for 35 years of fellowship and service in his local chapter and community. Founded in 1905, Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Over 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self" (Rotary.org).

Way 2 go, Dad!

Clobber's Canine Companion

Milli the Mini-Schnauzer came to visit us for the last 3 days!

The first day Clover and her ran around wildly together most of the day.

The second day the excitement and novelty had worn off a bit, but Clover was jealous of any one-on-one attention given to Milli.

Today they are best buds, even taking a nap together, after tiring each other out playing! Roscoe the cat, however, is laying very low right now.

What a (dog's) life!

Savannah Cats!

Alex just posted an entry on his 'blog about some beautiful "Savannah Cats". Check out Alex's 'blog here: http://cloudbaseimaging.blogspot.com/2008/03/savannah-cats.html

I too am a "cat person" at heart, although I do enjoy Canine-Clobberhead - especially as a co-pilot!

RainbowBlogAPalooza

Keri decided to jump on the 'blogWagon as a form of journaling and sharing with family and friends! Way 2 Go Bo-Beri! Her most recent posting highlights our weekend adventures in K-9 babysitting! Check out the fun VIDEO of Clobber and Milli!! http://simplykeri.blogspot.com/2008/03/were-babysitting.html

1,111

I was not going to 'blog today, but my wife strongly suggested that I do - not to boast, but rather to get outside of my comfort zone and share with others. Today I passed a milestone, which oddly - or auspiciously enough, was number 1,111. Although the number was coincidental - and just happens to come right after 1,110 - the fact that I have reached it is by no means a result of luck, chance, or happenstance. It is only a result of doing my best to follow 12 simple steps, and accepting help from people around me. I am not expecting, wanting or seeking, recognition. I choose to use my first name only in this 'blog - not only for privacy, but also because anonymity is a spiritual foundation of recovery. I am just taking a moment to acknowledge this day.

In a recent meeting, the topic was showing gratitude for personal success - even the smallest progress or minor, personal victory. Looking for praise or accolades could be detrimental, but quietly recognizing a success and expressing gratitude can help me get through one more day on the path of recovery.

I suppose the purpose of this posting is simply to give thanks - not only to family and friends who may not even realize how much they have helped me, but also to a Higher Power. After all that I can do - He makes up the difference, and does for me that which I cannot do for myself, in a truly miraculous way.

If I can help someone else on their personal journey, I am more than happy and willing to share. If I can be of any help, please feel free to contact me and I will do what I can. Life is much too short to not open my mouth and reach out to those around me, and to enjoy each day in spite of occasional struggles and challenges -

Just for Today!

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