Archive for February, 2007
Naked Butt but Not Alone
More interesting is the comment form at the bottom of the page where you can submit your own comments to this non-nudist site.
Do ‘textiles’ really need help filling out comment forms?
4 comments February 27, 2007
SOLV-IT Earth Day Clean-Up – Sauvie Island
Get those calendars out and mark ‘em…! 
ORCOBA teams up with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
for
SOLV-IT Earth Day Clean-Up – Sauvie Island
“Earth Day” - Saturday, April 28, 2007
9:00am – 1:00pm
On Saturday, April 28th, thousands of volunteers will converge on approximately 100 project sites in the greater Portland metropolitan area and work together to SOLV IT.
SOLV IT, presented by Portland General Electric, focuses on cleaning illegal dumpsites, beautifying and enhancing neighborhoods and public spaces, restoring watersheds, and much more. In the past seventeen years, SOLV IT volunteers have removed more than 6,400 tons of debris from illegal dumpsites, neighborhoods and natural areas.
ORCOBA is again joining forces with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for this year’s Earth Day clean-up on Sauvie Island. Last year, our members showed up in impressive numbers and helped to make a record turn-out for ODFW’s annual island clean-up project as part of the SOLV-IT program. ODFW has asked us to participate again this year, and they are excited to have our group’s help again.
During last year’s clean-up, ORCOBA members removed a significant amount of trash, storm debris, and environmental hazards from Collins Beach as well as neighboring Walton Beach and Willow Bar. Of particular significance was the eradication of large amounts of Styrofoam, ranging from piano-sized blocks to small clusters of beads, from the beach and wooded areas. Styrofoam has been identified as a serious threat to wildlife, which mistakes it for food and attempts to ingest it, and has been attributed to the alarming mortality rate of the island’s bird population.
This is a preliminary announcement; further details will be posted soon. But for now, plan on coming out and spending a fun morning making Collins Beach and Sauvie Island a better place than we found it. This is also an excellent opportunity to show the “textile” world just how cool naturists are! The fact that government and non-profit agencies are so eager to work with us is a great testimonial to the fact that naturists are gaining recognition, acceptance and appreciation among the clothed world!
See you at Sauvie on April 28th!
Oregon Clothing-Optional Beach Alliance (ORCOBA)
Add comment February 26, 2007
Able to Leap Tall Buildings with a Single Bound, It’s the Naked Bungee Jumper!
I case you didn’t know, the Bungy Zone (on Vancouver Island) hosts a naked bungee cord jumping event once each year around Valentine’s Day . . . with the entire proceeds going to charity. This years event was held Feb 24th and 25th because of the growing popularity of this event. To jump, you ‘donate’ $25 to charity . . . this years beneficiary, the Schizophrenia Society of British Columbia.
I’d signed up in advance for Sunday, staying with friends on the mainland. The weather could have cooperated more. As it was, it was cold, it was drizzly; and waiting for your turn, sans clothes on a high arch bridge with no shelter from the wind . . . the eventual jump was almost a relief!
As my feet are being strapped in by the attendants I stare at that cord thinking both how impressive the whole thing is . . . and how scary that this band of rubber is all that stands between me having the thrill of my life . . . or dashing my skull apart on the nasty-looking rocks lining the bottom of the Nanaimo River 143 feet feet below me. An employee mans a video camera . . . everyone gets a CD video of their jump if they pay the price. It’s worth it and I can hardly wait to view myself screaming all the way down.
The line of shivering naked hopefuls stretches out behind me . . . all waiting their turn . . . all waiting to see if I chicken out. No one has and neither will I. I stand at the edge, long seconds drawn out. Is everybody staring at me? Closing my eyes I simply lean forward and gravity takes hold. Down I go.
Everyone either screams or tears up when they jump. There is no time for puking. I’m no exception. I fall streaming a doppler-shifted banshee wail and all of a sudden I’m going vertical as the cord takes charge and starts to decelerate me, exerting an insistent, steady pull on my feet and ankles. I can see every ripple and wave of the river surface below me as I approach, slowing almost to a stop before my head dashes beneath.
For a brief moment a frigid rush suffuses my body then the cord rebounds, snatching me out of the water. The bottom team is there to collect me and I begin the climb back up to collect my clothes and rewarm myself.
One of the best experiences of my life and I will definitely be there next year for the 2008 Nude Bungee Cord Jump.
Add comment February 26, 2007
Naked Activities in Europe
For my European friends (and some of my more obscure relatives), here is a well done site with lots of information, including an interactive map of nude venues that visitors can add to, as they desire.
A nicely done Nudism Portal. Thanks for the nice email and the link to my blog.
Click to visit the interactive map
Add comment February 22, 2007
NAC Action Alert: Kentucky House Bill 438
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
http://www.naturistaction.org
DATE: February 22, 2007
SUBJECT: Kentucky House Bill 438
TO: Kentucky Naturists and other concerned Kentucky citizens
Dear Kentucky Naturist:
This is an Action Alert from the Naturist Action Committee concerning an important legislative situation in the state of Kentucky.
NAC has been working with Kentucky lawmakers in an attempt to monitor and derail a dangerous legislative bill. If you are a resident of Kentucky, NAC is asking for your immediate action in the form of your letters, e-mails, faxes and telephone calls to one specific Kentucky lawmaker.
NAC is calling for those who live outside the state of Kentucky to take NO action at the present time.
WHAT’S THE SPECIFIC THREAT?
Kentucky House Bill 438 {link to bill added - Rick} proposes a significant increase to the level of punishment for mere nudity in the presence of a minor, making it a felony for a second offense. More importantly, the bill would strip away the portion of EXISTING Kentucky law that distinguishes benign nudity in the presence of children and protects it from arrest, prosecution and conviction.
Specifically, House Bill 438 would remove a key existing phrase from the state’s existing first-degree indecent exposure law. Section 510.148 {link to text of statute added, PDF file - Rick}, as it presently exists in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, declares that an individual commits the offense of exposure only when it takes place “under circumstances in which he knows or should know that his conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm.”
HB 438 would altogether remove that qualifying phrase, criminalizing ANY intentional adult nudity when a minor is present. No circumstance would be protected. Additionally, HB 438 adds that the very fact of the nudity itself would constitute evidence of intent to commit a criminal act.
Obviously threatened is any form of family-friendly naturist activity in which adults are nude in the presence of children - even their own children, and even in their own homes!
Also at risk are adults, naturists or not, who find themselves in the presence of someone under 18 while they are …
in the locker room at a gym or spa,
in the changing room at a public (or private) swimming pool,
using a urinal in a public restroom.
at home
If House Bill 438 is passed into law, Kentucky law enforcement, prosecutors and courts will be left with no way to recognize or distinguish benign exposure.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
House Bill 438 was introduced last week by Rep. Brandon Spencer, a freshman Democrat lawmaker from Prestonburg. The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, of which Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) is Chair.
The bill attempts to burden the definition of personal indecent exposure, so that it would include images sent by electronic communications. That forces an awkward fusion of two separate legal notions that should remain distinct, and it makes bad law itself. But it is the bill’s proposed removal of existing circumstantial protections that should create the greatest alarm.
HB 438 has been posted in committee, but it has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. We’re trying to make our points concerning the bill BEFORE the matter comes before the legislative committee.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee has engaged an experienced Kentucky lobbyist to act as a legislative advisor.
NAC is issuing a call for a grass roots response from Kentucky residents, as detailed in this NAC Action Alert.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
The Naturist Action Committee is NOT requesting action from those who live outside Kentucky. But if you are a Kentucky resident, NAC is asking you to make a telephone call, send a fax or send an e-mail immediately to Rep. Kathy Stein, the Kentucky lawmaker who is Chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
WHO SHOULD WRITE AND CALL
NAC is asking only residents of Kentucky to write and call. If you live outside the state of Kentucky, NAC is NOT requesting you to take action at this time.
WHOM TO CONTACT
In this instance, phone calls, faxes and e-mails are likely to be the most effective means of voicing your concern. Time is critical. However, if you act immediately, there’s still time for surface mail to reach the key lawmaker from addresses within Kentucky.
Please contact:
Rep. Kathy Stein
Kentucky Legislature
Annex Room 451B
Frankfort, KY 40601
TEL: (502) 564-8100 Ext. 675
FAX: (502) 564-6543 [This is a central fax. Be sure
to show Rep. Stein's name prominently, so the fax can
be routed properly inside the capitol complex.]
e-mail: kathy.stein@lrc.ky.gov
Key points to remember when writing or calling:
(You CAN do both, and NAC recommends it!)
1. Identify yourself. Anonymous phone calls and correspondence are generally disregarded.
2. Please say that you are a Kentucky resident. Rep. Stein represents a portion of Lexington, KY. If you live in the district represented by Rep. Stein (southwest Lexington) - or anywhere in or near Lexington, please also say so prominently.
3. If you call, Rep. Stein may not be immediately available. Be prepared to speak to a legislative aide. That person is well trained to take your information and present it properly on your behalf.
4. Be brief and polite.
5. Say clearly and specifically that you OPPOSE House Bill 438.
6. Voice your specific concerns about HB 438. For suggestions, see NAC’s talking and writing points, below.
WHAT ELSE TO SAY?
Here are some additional talking/writing points to consider. Don’t just copy these or read the list over the phone. Using your own words to express your ideas is far more effective!
1. The bill makes bad law for Kentucky.
2. House Bill 438 removes important existing protections.
3. The bill removes the element of discretion for law enforcement.
4. HB 438 would make criminals of Kentuckians in everyday situations.
5. Facilities with dressing rooms, like the YMCA or a health club, would be forced into expensive remodeling that could be avoided by using a little common sense to reject House Bill 438.
6. House Bill 438 seriously erodes the personal liberties of individuals and families in Kentucky, making them criminals in their own homes.
7. There really ARE some situations that deserve protection. Family-inclusive naturism is one of those. House Bill 438 bulldozes those protections.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information, including the complete text of Kentucky House Bill 438, is available on the Web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select “Alerts” and find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. Fighting bad legislation on behalf of naturists is expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you. Please donate to NAC.
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Bill Schroer
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
Naturist Action Committee (NAC)
- PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Bill Schroer - naturist18a@gmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
Add comment February 22, 2007
ClothesFree FrapprMap
Anyway, it looks like fun to see where some of these nudists are coming from. Anyone can put themselves on the naurist/nudist map, though you do have to have an account (free) to do so. All they ask is to choose a username, a password and provide an email address. Frappr has never sent me any sapm on my email address in the time I’ve been a member, so they seem trustworthy.
While you’re adding yourself to the ClothesFree Frappr map, why not drop by my map and add yourself there as a friend. My Frappr Map is at: http://www.frappr.com/bangedupshins
Add comment February 21, 2007
NAC Advisory: Texas House Bill 1466
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ADVISORY
http://www.naturistaction.org
DATE: February 21, 2007
SUBJECT: Texas House Bill 1466
TO: Texas naturists and concerned others
Dear Naturist:
Texas House Bill 1466 {link to bill added - Rick} attempts statewide regulation of sexually oriented businesses. Of greatest alarm to naturists is the bill’s primary definition that puts at risk all naturist and nudist parks, camps and resorts, as well as any business (like a health club or bowling alley) that might be rented or used temporarily for naturist activities.
IMPORTANT: NAC IS NOT CALLING FOR YOUR ACTION AT THIS TIME
NO ACTION is called for at this time. House Bill 1466 has not yet been assigned to a committee. It is premature for individuals to take action concerning this legislative measure. However, NAC is working on the problem, and you should be watching for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
DISCUSSION
Texas House Bill 1466 was introduced last week by Rep. Bill Zedler, a third term Republican lawmaker from Arlington.
The threat to naturists from House Bill 1466 is simple, obvious and outrageous. To the customary list of sexually oriented business definitions, HB 1466 adds “any other commercial enterprise … whose employees or customers appear in a state of nudity.”
The definition would not only apply to naturist and nudist parks, it would have to include gyms, spas and pools with changing rooms.
Rep. Zedler has a history of sponsoring legislation that reflects his fascinated focus on regulating and criminalizing the bodies and body parts of others. As the late political commentator Molly Ivins wrote {link added - Rick} a couple of years ago, “Zedler’s against pubic hair. We still have a $10 billion deficit.” {HB 2257-Relating to the regulation of sexually-oriented businesses. Rick}
Despite his lawmaking eccentricities, Rep. Zedler has been successful a fair number of times with his legislative measures. Having been elected to the Texas legislature with the help of money from the political action group of discredited former Congressman Tom DeLay, Rep. Zedler enjoys the faithful core support of a significant number of fellow lawmakers who came to the legislature with the same help.
Naturists must take the threat of House Bill 1466 very seriously, and we cannot assume that the broadness of the definition was unintentional. This legislation, if passed intact, would be a back breaker for naturists.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
Immediately after House Bill 1466 was filed, the Naturist Action Committee hired a professional Texas legislative lobbyist for assistance and advice. NAC’s careful and selective use of lobbyists complements NAC’s own expertise and legislative response system. A skilled and properly managed lobbyist can help improve and focus the effect of grass roots action taken by individual naturists, as coordinated by NAC.
The Naturist Action Committee and its lobbyist are presently working with key Texas lawmakers to prevent the damage that would be inflicted on naturists by HB 1466. NAC does not intend to solve the problem presented by this dangerous legislation by seeking fragile exemptions for affiliated individuals or businesses. Instead, NAC intends to derail the bill or rework its basic definition, so that venues for naturist activities will not be considered “sexually oriented businesses.”
NAC is coordinating its action with AANR-Southwest, a regional affiliate of the American Association for Nude Recreation. {links added - Rick}
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is an informational advisory only. It’s important that you know what’s going on, but the Naturist Action Committee is specifically asking that you do not take action at this time. Please watch for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
MORE INFORMATION
You can access additional information on the Web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select “Alerts, Advisories and Updates.” Under Current Advisories, you’ll find the text of this NAC Advisory, along with links to the complete text of Texas House Bill 1466.
PLEASE HELP NAC HELP NATURISTS
As the nonprofit volunteer political adjunct to The Naturist Society, NAC is a vigorous force at work on behalf of naturists.
NAC does not hesitate to engage legislative lobbyists when it becomes necessary. But lobbyists are expensive. NAC relies entirely on your voluntary support. Please donate generously with a check to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or use your credit card to make a direct donation online through NAC’s Web site:
www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you once again for choosing to make a difference!
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
Naturist Action Committee (NAC)
- PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
Add comment February 21, 2007
Boss-Bitter-Canyon Creek Snow Hike
Last Saturday was a great day . . . Sultan temperatures in the mid-50s and sunshine out. Sunday was also my birthday so I gave myself an early birthday present and headed out for a hike . . . a return to the Boss, Bitter and Canyon Creek Road. The road is gated and closed, and parking limited to one space near the gate. Perfect for a nude hike!
I was out of my clothes by the time the Index-Galena Road was out of sight. A little cool at first under the shade of young alder. But hiking soon revs up your metabolism.
The road is level and wide in the lower sections. An easy, slow and enjoyable naked amble. Soon the trail steepens into several long switchback as it climbs the mountainside, crosses over Canyon Creek and then turns back in a northerly direction, snaking back and forth across creeks and waterfalls.
There is a lot of blowdown on this abandoned road, the size of the trees getting progressively bigger the higher I trek. The road is also being reclaimed by young alder shrubs that at times are a challenge to weave through. The nude body takes a few scratches here and there from whipped-back saplings. In some places you wonder if a trail or road is still there. Only the open sky above the hidden roadbed reassures you.
Bitter Creek should have gotten the Canyon Creek name. These are the absolutely vertical shale walls that define Bitter Creek all the way back down to the NF Skykomish River Valley a thousand feet below
Add comment February 20, 2007
Scenic Hot Springs Snow Conditions
While we’re on the subject of conditions hot springs, I recently gave an update of Scenic Hot Springs in my Scenic Hot Springs blog. As the images show, there is still a lot of snow up at Scenic and with this latest winter storm whipping the area, 2-3 feet of additional snow is forecast for the western slopes of the Cascades (including Scenic at 3,500 ft).
While we made it up there without too much trouble (and with the permission of the property owner), this additional snow is going to make the trek up even harder and treacherous.
Add comment February 20, 2007
Goldmyer Hot Springs Conditions
From Beth at Goldmyer Hot Springs
As of February 20, 2007: We’re back into the snow zone at Goldmyer this week. The forecast is for the snowline to be below Goldmyer all week. Have a high clearance vehicle with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. Be prepared with snow tire chains, a shovel (in case you get yourself stuck in the snow), and snowshoes for in case you need them. As of today (Tuesday), high clearance could drive to the river ford, but that could change depending on snowfall. Now that the temperature is dropping, the river’s depth is also dropping.
Add comment February 20, 2007
