SOAR Blog

Me (the one who looks excited), a crew member and my King Mackerel

Though I’m not exactly new to the SOAR Blog, (having been featured and/or mentioned here, here, here and here), I’ve never actually written a post–hence me thinking a small introduction is warranted. I’m the lone Canuck on staff at SOAR communications, actually working for Politis Communications–sister agencies–but working on a few of SOAR’s accounts, from time to time. I grew up immersed in sports and athletics, but mostly enjoyed swimming and playing soccer and rugby, which I played for my high school, and pick up games of basketball till the wee hours of the morning (at least in the summer). That said, I’ve dabbled in everything from winter skiing to water skiing and canoe trips to snowshoeing.

Well, enough about me and onto the purpose of this post. It’s been a few months now, but back in November I went deep sea fishing off the coast of Miami for one of my best friends bachelor party. About 20 of us jumped on one of the Reward Fishing Fleet’s largest boats and set off for four hours of fishing fun. It was my first fishing major fishing adventure in an ocean (Poppa P showed me the ropes of small lake fishing last year!)

About 20 minutes into our voyage the skipper yelled, “they’re biting!” Within minutes beers were exchanged for fishing poles, and lines were dropped into the Atlantic as we trolled across a school of dolphin-fish (also known as mahi mahi, dorado, calitos, maverikos, or lampuki). Within about 45 minutes 90 percent of the guys had caught their first fish. Several had caught a few, including some sharks (catch and release) that were hanging out trying to get some food themselves.

Matt, the bachelor, and his first Mahi Mahi

It was an experience of a lifetime and one I will not soon forget… specially since today I received my way-too-expensive mounted fish (for those wondering and who may not know, they don’t stuff the real fish anymore. Nowadays, they send you a fiberglass replica of the fish to hang on your wall.). Sure, I was also lucky enough to catch a red snapper and a king mackerel before the day was done, but none will look as cool on my wall as the 34 inch mahi mahi I was able to haul in!

If you’ve never been deep sea fishing I highly recommend it. And if you’re looking for a company to take you, out of the hundreds available, I’ll gladly recommend the crew at Reward Fishing Fleet (not a paid client or endorsement–this one is from the heart!). The rates are very reasonable and they’ll work their butts off to see that you and your group have a great time. Happy fishing!

The trophy has arrived!

There’s a fascinating story out on the wires written by John Branch of the New York Times that suggests that belies old adage about winning basketball teams make their free throws.

Time lapse photo of basketball going into a hoop

In fact, Branch points out that only one team currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 ranking (the North Carolina Tar Heels, presently ranked #2) is also in the top ranks for free throw percentages.

The average percentage, NCAA-wide, for made free throws is about 69 percent year after year. It’s a bit

higher in the National Basketball Association, but not much, coming in at around 75 percent.

Again, a very interesting article for any B-Ball junkies out there.

Here’s the link to “For Free Throws, 50 Years of Practice Is No Help.”

Life is too short to be taken seriously all the time.

In that regards, major kudos to Sean Sullivan, the 215-pound senior wrestler from Wasatch High School in Heber, Utah, who strode into the spotlight on Saturday prior to the finals match at the state wrestling championship tournament held at Utah Valley University wearing a luchador mask. (And yes, Sullivan won, pinning Delta High School’s Spencer Nielson in the first period to win the title for the second year in a row.)

According to Dictionary.com, luchador is the Spanish word for a wrestler, and it takes its name from the spanish term “lucha libre,” which means, literally “free wrestling.” Lucha libre defines the high-flying form of professional wrestling made popular in Mexico and parodied in the 2006 Jack Black film Nacho Libre.

Thanks to award-winning photographer Trent Nelson for sending me a copy of this photo to use in this blog post. Trent works for the Salt Lake Tribune, and more of his work can be on the SLTribune’s photo blog here. You can also check out Trent’s Fly on the Wall blog here or The Click, Trent’s personal blog about photography here.

So from one wrestler to another (105s and 115s in 1972 and 1973 at San Carlos High School in California), congrats Sean.

No – you really can’t make this kind of stuff up.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. (PST) today, Lance Armstrong wrote the following microblog post on Twitter (see www.twitter.com/lancearmstrong),

Whoa!! They just came to my room and said our truck was broken into and someone stole my time trial bike! Wtf?!? APB out to the twitterati.

Here’s a picture of the stolen bike:

Moment’s later, @lancearmstrong tweeted that thieves had also stolen three other bikes from his race team’s truck.

The fact that this happened hours before today’s time trial is nuts.

The fact that the stolen bike is a one-of-a-kind that belongs to Lance Armstrong makes this stop-the-presses, front page, lead the newscast, type of news.

Crazy. Just. Crazy.

We at SOAR Communications have been working with Schwinn Bicycles since this past summer on the anticipated Spring 2009 launch of its latest electric bicycle, the Tailwind.

The Tailwind electric bicycle from Schwinn Bicycles: the fastest-charging eBike in the world

In addition to the topnotch manufacturing one expects from a Schwinn bike, I believe there are two points that really set the Tailwind apart.

One is the fact that it can be fully recharged in 30 minutes, a mere fraction of the 3-4 hours or more most eBikes take to recharge.

Two, the Tailwind’s battery (developed by tech leader Toshiba) also carries a 2,000-charge cycle guarantee (that’s the guaranteed number of times you can recharge the battery before it needs replacing, and for most eBikes that number is 1,000 charges).

Jay Palmer, senior editor of Barron’s,spent some time with one of the first Tailwind eBikes to roll out of Schwinn, and he wrote about his experience in his November 24, 2008 Gadget of the Weekcolumn. (NOTE: Palmer particularly liked the fact that the Tailwind motor was hidden in the front hub, but all Schwinn eBike models use the same format.)

In addition, Palmer captured his thoughts and some of his riding experience on this video segment below.

Jay Palmer, senior editor of Barron’s, provides a video commentary and review of the Schwinn Tailwind electric bicycle (eBike)

Congrats to the team at Schwinn Bicycles and everyone at the Cannondale Sports Group (part of Dorel Industries).

NEWS: SEC Files Insider Trading Charges Against Mark Cuban.

QUESTION: Will Mark Cuban go to prison?

Mark Cuban hides his face during a Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff game on May 1, 2007 (Reuters, Jessica Rinaldi photographer)

ANSWER: If the SEC has anything to say about it, YES! No. The action taken by the SEC against Mark Cuban is a civil matter and does NOT carry jail time as a possible outcome.

As outlined earlier this morning in my post on TheBettyFactor.com (“Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks Owner and Billionaire, Charged with Insider Trading by the SEC“), Cuban has been charged with using insider information to knowingly sell shares in a publicly traded company before the firm publicly disclosed such information to the public at large. As a result, the SEC alleges Cuban prevented a personal loss of more than $750,000.

Cuban’s assertions of innocence notwithstanding, my observations are that the SEC is very hesitant to move forward in insider trading actions unless it is quite confident that it can win such cases. This is even more so in high-profile cases. (Witness the SEC’s winning case against Martha Stewart.)

And at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about. The SEC wants to put the fear-of-God into any and everyone who buys and sells stock within the good ol’ US of A.

In that regard, the SEC message is quite clear:

“This case demonstrates yet again that the Commission will aggressively pursue illegal insider trading whenever it occurs.”

Linda Chatman Thomsen, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement

Although I had already blogged about this news earlier today, I believe this story also belongs here on the SOAR Communications blog because of Cuban’s role as owner of the Mavs, as well as his recent efforts to purchase the Chicago Cubs.

Personally, I hope Cuban beats the rap. He’s a breath of fresh air in the circle of owners/shareholders of major league sports franchises.

Unfortunately, I think Cuban’s got an uphill battle at best. And if he loses the court case, there’s no question about it: Mark Cuban will NOT do jail time.

The ONLY way Mark Cuban could go to jail for his alleged insider trading is if he is proven guilty of another crime, such as lying about his activities.

It was lying about her “insider trading” activities that tripped up Martha Stewart and sent her to prison and NOT the “insider trading” alone.

Point-of-the-Mountain Paraglider Above I-15: I wouldn't blame him for pointing and laughing at the motorists below.

Every morning as I ride along Utah’s I-15 towards a new day at SOAR Communications, I see people who are actually soaring. They’re paragliding- at 8:30 in the morning. I wonder, “Shouldn’t they be at work or something?” It wasn’t until I did some digging at the agency that I realized that some of the figures floating in the distance might actually paraglide for a living. The Point of the Mountain Flight Park that I drive by during my commute is only a few miles away from a handful of paragliding schools and the Utah Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (UHGPA). These destinations and businesses are all ironically close to SOAR’s office.

I had no idea that Utah was such a glide-friendly state. The UHGPA website (www.uhgpa.org) indicates that there are nearly 20 different gliding launch points in Utah. Enthusiasts have the opportunity to participate in the association’s Utah Cup, a yearlong cross-country soaring competition. The full-time members of the UHGPA participate in this low-key competition where the only prize is a plaque, peer respect and the satisfaction of flying. The association uses the honor system to verify the pilot’s distance traveled.

I’ll admit that after my web search of “Point of the Mountain paragliding,” I’m tempted to stop my ride to work short so I can soar with the rest of them. Or maybe I’ll start commuting by paraglider, flying as the crow does, instead of driving or busing the curvy highway. In fact- David, Chip- I think a paragliding outing would be a fantastic opportunity for the SOAR staff’s professional development. What do you say?

Elizabeth modeling in the Interbike 2008 Urban Legend Fashion & Art Show

When I volunteered last-minute to model urban cycling wear during the Interbike 2008 Urban Legend Fashion & Art Show, I didn’t realize how much Momentum Magazine had reinvented the fashion show wheel.

The show was completely fresh from its format to its philosophy. Models wearing fashionable and bike-able outfits toured a circular, ramped runway with hip bikes ranging from electric to stone-age inspired, from foldable to recumbent. This show was about having fun and being confident, unlike most modeling gigs that demand you adapt the personality of a hanger. The congeniality of the predominantly Canadian modeling and styling team made this show as much fun backstage as it was on the runway. Ron, along with several other super-friendly bike technicians, stayed backstage before and during the show to make sure the models’ bikes fit their heights, accommodated their outfits and were poised for riding.

The models were to showcase the fun and simplicity of cycling life. However, I was one of the few in this production who hadn’t made cycling part of my lifestyle. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could maintain momentum enough to get around the runway in my athletic look let alone my opera get-up with stiletto heels. For me, walking a runway feels much more like “riding a bike” than does actually riding a bike. As impossible as the notion seemed to a girl who was reared in urban sprawl, I admired those around me who had consciously decided to make cycling their way of life.

After spending the better part of an hour whirling around in sweet clothes on cool bikes and maneuvering kickstands, I realized that I could make the cycling lifestyle part of my own. A few minor adjustments would allow me to express my inner cyclist without making it impossible to navigate Utah Valley. Momentum pushed participants like me to make cycling a way of life, even if we need start off with training wheels.

[UPDATE: This post was re-purposed in Momentum Magazine, "Momentum Rocks the Runway at Interbike."]

In what I believe is a new record, 45 total companies from Utah are exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this year.

To the best of my recollection, the most number of Utah companies to ever exhibit at OR in previous years was less than 30. So if my memory serves me correctly, this year’s turnout of Utah-based companies exhibiting at OR Summer Market marks a BIG jump from past years.

Shown below is a list of all the Utah-based companies that are exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008. [NOTE: Companies are listed in alphabetical order, followed by booth number at OR-SM, city where each is located, their Web address (unless none is available), and a brief description of the products/services offered.]

1. Adjust-A-Grill, #BR851, Sandy, http://adjustagrill.com/, adjustable campfire grills
2. Backside Group, #36209, Salt Lake City, http://backsidegroup.com/, outdoor camping gear
3. Black Diamond Equipment, #8026, Salt Lake City, http://www.bdel.com/, mountain-climbing, skiing & camping gear
4. Camp Chef, #38044, Logan, http://www.campchef.com/, outdoor cooking gear
5. Cataract Oars (Advanced Composites), Salt Lake City, http://advancedcomposites.com/index.aspx, Cataract Oars makes wound composite oars
6. Chums-Chisco, #13019, Salt Lake City, http://chisco.com/, performance sports accessories
7. Dickies (NOTE: This is a Utah-based dealer for Dickies), #40181, Springville, http://www.dickies.com/web/default.asp, clothing manufacturer
8. E.K. Ekcessories, #32043, Logan, http://ekusa.com/, outdoor and motorsports accessories
9. Easton Technical Products, #38057, Salt Lake City, http://eastonsnowshoes.com/, snowshoes & other winter gear
10. Excalibur DMM, #5043, Sandy, (no Website), a distributor of climbing gear
11. Field Sanitation Solutions, #ESA334, Orem, (no Website), portable toilet products
12. Gator Sports, #56013, Salt Lake City, http://gator-sports.com/, cold weather clothing & accessories
13. Go Towels (White Towel Services), #BR613, Salt Lake City, http://wtowel.com/, pre-moistened cotton towelettes for outdoor use
14. Hammaka Hammocks, #BR536, Kaysville, http://www.hammaka.com/, hammocks & chairs
15. IDFL Institute, #155-224, Salt Lake City, http://idfl.com/, the International Down & Feather Laboratory & Institute
16. Kahuna Creations, #34143, Ogden, http://www.kahunacreations.com/, surfboards, longboards, snowboards & more
17. Kapitol Reef Aquatics, #32219, St. George, http://kapitolreef.com/, snorkeling gear
18. Kuhl, #16027, Murray, http://www.kuhl-usa.com/, outdoor clothing
19. Kuru Footwear, #32549, Salt Lake City, http://kurufootwear.com/, a new mountain footwear company
20. Ledge Sports, #BR747, West Jordan, http://ledgesports.com/, sleeping bags & other outdoor gear
21. Liberty Mountain, #10027, Salt Lake City, http://libertymountain.com/, outdoor & climbing gear
22. Lifetime Products, #68000, Clearfield, http://www.lifetime.com/, basketball standards, trailers & more
23. Liston Concepts, #10051, Salt Lake City, http://liston.com/, lunastix juggling sticks
24. Mutts It To Ya, #86071, St. George, http://muttsit.com/index.htm, a clothing company that supports homeless pets, particularly dogs
25. NOAA River Forecast Centers, #BR340, Salt Lake City, http://www.cbrfc.noaa.gov/, (NOTE: This is the URL for the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center)
26. Ogden City, #32052, Ogden (Duh!), http://ogdencity.com/, one of Utah’s largest cities, Ogden is working to position & promote itself as the top city in the U.S. for outdoor manufacturers looking for a new location
27. Peak UK, #32229, Salt Lake City, http://peakuk.com/, paddlesports clothing company
28. Petzl, #5014, Clearfield, http://en.petzl.com/petzl/Accueil, rock climbing, mountaineering & ice climbing gear & techniques
29. Powerex, #86022, West Jordan, http://powerexmasts.com/, windsurfing gear
30. Probar, #BR537, Heber City, http://theprobar.com/, energy bars
31. Red Star Marine, #68014, Salt Lake City, http://redstarmarine.com/, inflatable marine products
32. Revolution Climbing, #2051, Salt Lake City, http://revolutionclimbing.com/, climbing gear & products
33. Rock Exotica, #BR849, Clearfield, http://rockexotica.com/, climbing gear for expert climbers
34. Rocketship Design, #86062, Provo, http://rocketshipdesign.com/, a product development & design company
35. Rossignol, #38189, Park City, http://www.rossignol.com/, outdoor clothing, ski, snowboard & gear company
36. Salomon USA, #32201, Ogden, http://www.salomonsports.com/us/#, outdoor clothing, ski, snowboard & gear company
37. SanSegal Sportswear, #38197, Sandy, http://sansegal.com/, a private label sportswear company
38. seven2, #38140, Salt Lake City, http://seven2.com/, carbon fiber kayak paddles
39. Spectator Blanket, #86085, Salt Lake City, http://spectatorblanket.com/, blankets for the outdoors
40. Spiro-Sport Foods, #BR336, Park City, http://spirosportfoods.com/, natural beef or turkey sport snacks
41. Suunto USA, #20015, Ogden, http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/index.jsp?bmLocale=en_US, outdoor instruments ranging from watches, heartrate monitors, compasses & performance devices
42. TXT 89800, #86120, Kaysville, http://txt89800.com/, text message marketing company
43. Watchful Eye Designs, #34069, Park City, http://www.watchfuleyedesigns.com/index.cfm, protective storage products for outdoor & home use
44. Whitewater Research & Safety Institute, #33119, Salt Lake City, http://whitewaterhelmet.com/, protective helmets for outdoor use
45. Zeal Optics, #164, Moab, http://www.zealoptics.com/, outdoor eyewear

Taken in concert, this is a great group of companies, but nowhere near to the total number of outdoor manufacturers or related companies from Utah.

Hope this list is helpful to you. And good luck at OR Summer Market.

Jay Adamson, husband, father, outdoorsman and friend

A day-and-a-half after his family reported him missing, Jay Adamson’s body was found at the bottom of a rocky cliff, the apparent victim of an accidental fall in the Lakeside mountain range approximately 50 miles west of Salt Lake City.

The 40-year-old Draper, Utah man leaves behind his wife, Marcie, and six children between the ages of 19 and six, including son Riley, who arrived in Stockholm, Sweden last Monday as a full-time volunteer missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

As a former next door neighbor, I knew Jay as a true friend who would drop everything to help out anyone, including me, his mechanically challenged neighbor.

An avid outdoorsman who liked to hike and hunt in the Lakeside mountains on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake, Jay had enrolled at Brigham Young University last fall to obtain a bachelor’s degree and improve his wage-earning potential beyond the revenue-producing capabilities of Glow Tec, Inc., the family business.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a college fund for the Adamson children. An account will be opened tomorrow for such donations at America First Credit Union.

Jay’s funeral is now set for 11 a.m. (MDT) on Wednesday, August 6, at the LDS Stake Center at 1187 E. Draper Parkway in Draper, with a viewing also scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Rest in peace, Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with Marcie, your children and your family.

And vaya con Dios, my friend. Vaya con Dios.

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For more information, please see http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3918823 and http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10079909.