Falling Water(s)

Photo: Tom relaxing in the middle of the Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite college trip locations - Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River - happens to be exactly between my brother Chris' family's house in Akron and my place in D.C. (just 3.5 hours each), which led to a fun-filled camping/river extravaganza meet-up this past weekend.


Photo: Youghiogheny River

Chris brought a friend and I brought Tom, and we pretty much played in the river for 10 hours within two days, which is what you're supposed to do in August, I think.


We took a 5 hour rafting trip on the Lower Yough. The four of us in a guide-less raft made it through class III-IV rapids with names like "Dimple" and "Bottle of Wine." Tom was our Captain, calling the turns.

July 2010 Backpacker featured an article on the "Top 3 Natural Waterslides," which included the slides at Ohiopyle State Park. Convenient for us that we already had a trip planned there! The slides were a blast.

Photo: Natural waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park

When we weren't rafting, sliding or relaxing in the river, we visited river-themed "high-culture," i.e. Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, the aptly named "Fallingwater" house.

Photo: Tom and I at Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Notice the stairs descend into the river, and behind us the water cascades into a waterfall.


Photo: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Built for the Kaufmann (department store) family. Wright designed it in 1935. The house made the cover of Time and it is listed among Smithsonian's Life List of 28 places "to visit before you die."

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

The most memorable book I've read this year so far is a book about making life more memorable.

I highly recommend Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, because of Miller's vivid account of his life as he takes new risks, reflects on the art of the story, and lives out the theme that "making life more 'story-like' will make it more memorable."

It's a bit of the theory that "life imitates art," in the sense that "life imitates the story we're playing out," and if we want a better life, then we need to change the themes of the story we're in.

Miller does this in form of climbing Machu Picchu, biking across the country, kayaking at night, and other adventures I won't spoil. During this span of his life, film producers follow him around in an attempt to create a movie about his autobiographical best seller Blue Like Jazz, which propels him into more introspection on "life as a story," both in how we tell what has happened in the past and how we create what's going to happen next.

He defines a story as "A character....who wants something....and overcomes conflict...to get it," and frames his reflections around each of these ideas.

He takes the famous screen-writing class that Nicholas Cage takes in Adaptation, taught by Robert McKee.

His friend teaches him the "save the cat" principle (one of my favorites).

I liked this book because I enjoy thinking about the story-theory, i.e. the arc of the narrative and other principles. This book is far from a theory book, though, because Miller presents his thoughts by recounting his own adventures and describing the actions of others who are leading inspirational lives. The book compels me to live a better story.

Bay Swimming

Tri-training. Open swim practice in the Chesapeake Bay
Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis
In background: 4.3 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Maryland's Eastern Shore

Seersucker Style

Summer in D.C. Time for the seersucker suit.

July on the Hill is a flurry of hurried legislation, right before the long August recess. Yesterday I attended a markup at the House Natural Resources Committee. The bill covered oil spill and conservation issues.


I hoped the nearby "We, the Pizza" restaurant would be open - run by Spike Mendelson of Top Chef 4 fame, but, alas, I'll have to wait until next week. Instead, I went to his other joint, Good Stuff Eatery, where they have "farm fresh burgers" and the best toasted marshmallow milkshake.

Shark Week

Shark Week. Discovery Channel Building. Silver Spring, Maryland

I Lived Next Door to Russian Spies

"On Monday, federal prosecutors accused 11 people of being part of a Russian espionage ring, living under false names and deep cover in a patient scheme to penetrate what one coded message called American 'policy making circles.'" - New York Times

In my first townhouse in D.C., I had the worst living situation. I won't go into the details, because they are haunting.

This week I found out that I ALSO LIVED NEXT DOOR TO RUSSIAN SPIES!! Officially the WORST living situation in the world!

The NYT quotes my old landlord (who also lived in the townhouse) about her observations of the Russian spies, which is how I found out. I would post more links to this, but I am paranoid. You can read the news.

I am glad I moved!

Photo: Spies enjoying an American-style picnic. These aren't the spies that lived next to me, but this is an adorable photo of other spies! They are in New Jersey. Credit: Mail Foreign Service

There are Beaches in Ohio

Mainly, I just wanted to post a photo of my entire family burying Tom in the sand, which occurred about 2 hours after they met him.

Humanitarian Manute Bol Dies

This story is from DCist.com and the sites it linked. I didn't really know about Manute Bol's humanitarian work, and it's too bad it took him passing away for me to find out. Read below about the generosity of his life - kc

"Some sad news ... Manute Bol, the iconic 7 foot, 7 inch big man died today. He was 47. Bol was, quite literally, one of the more visible players in the NBA during his ten-year career -- especially when he teamed with the diminutive Muggsy Bogues (see right) to form one of the most vertically disparate duos in NBA history. Bol remains the only NBA player in league history who averaged more blocks than points per game in his career.

But it is Bol's humanitarian work in his native Sudan which is the stuff of legend, and what he will surely be remembered for long after he is gone:

According to reports, he made nearly $6 million in his career, and, aside from a few American comforts, spent it all trying to save lives and educate children back home. He has given so much and received little in comparison. He was once lured back to his home country with the promise of a cabinet post, only to find out he would be required to convert to Islam. When he refused, he was stranded for nearly five years. His trust and good intentions have been abused so many times. Even while playing, he went into war zones to help the Lost Boys and other refugees. Sometimes, those visits were interrupted by bombings from warlords who viewed Bol as a threat. His family was wiped out by Darfurians, but when that country became victims, Bol was one of the first Sudanese to speak out in support.

But despite the severity of his cause, Bol wasn't above pulling a publicity stunt to earn the public's attention, such as the time he boxed William "the Refrigerator" Perry, earning the title of the "world's largest jockey" or playing in an ice hockey match.

Bol had been helping to build a school in the southern region of war-torn Sudan when his health took a turn for the worse. Bol was hospitalized in mid-May, suffering from kidney failure and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, an incredibly painful skin affliction which often required large doses of morphine. A Facebook page set up in the wake of his hospitalization is overflowing with words of remembrance today; in a time where the headlines seem to be dominated by athletes with relatively ludicrous problems, Bol was certainly one to emulate."

Grant the Plant

As the godmother to my new nephew Grant, I wanted to bring him a lasting gift. I racked my brain for ideas for a creative present for a little boy. I thought about something "Presidential," but an Ulysses S. Grant theme gift did not seem like a fit.

My next train of thought was to rhyme his name. "Grant the Plant!" I decided to buy him a tree.

I'm excited to watch Grant and his new liberty apple tree grow.

Here he is holding a lil' apple!

Welcome to the world Grant, our newest Cotter environmentalist!

You have already offset your baby footprint.

Georgetown Time Warp

Felt like I was back in time during a bike ride across the bridge of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Georgetown canal the other day.

Hipstamatic Cotters

A new iPhone photo app.

Photo: Paul Cotter


Photo: Mary Clare Cotter


Photo: Owen Cotter


Photo: me :)

Location: Chris and Cathy's new house in Stow, OH

Google Maps - Favorite Features

I've been glad about three new features* on Google Maps:

1. Google Earth button. It's on the right side of the screen. As someone who looks at maps a lot of the day and is too lazy to open the Google Earth application, this button is awesome! It also prevents using extra computer energy on opening a separate application. Once in Google Earth view, it's fun to slant the angle to see an altitude perspective. For instance, I like to fly over the Grand Tetons in Wyoming and the Snake River in Idaho. I really like the "Terrain" feature under the "More" button, too.

2. Live Traffic Button. Also on the right side of the screen. I just realized today that Google Maps shows live traffic status. Pretty helpful.

3. Biking Directions. Launched last month, the biking directions option has been added on the left side of the screen. Now you can choose between directions by car, public transit, walking or BICYCLE. In a city like D.C., and a lot of places, this feature is very helpful.

It looks there are mountain biking trails posted, too. See this site for more info.

If you have other features you like and use, please share! I am especially interested in creating "tour videos" through GoogleEarth or GoogleMaps and I can't figure out how. I think I have to have an upgraded version of the programs. Any tips would be useful.

* I think most of these features are new. At least they are new to me, so I thought I'd share.

USA v. England World Cup Game Re-enacted with LEGO players

Courtesy of The Guardian and http://www.legofussball.eu/

Watch it on mute. Very cute!

Time For Boating

Photo: Lowering the sailboat into the water via large pieces of webbing.

Tom's boat is in the water and it's time to sail!

Named "the Argo" after Jason and the Argonauts

Mainly, I am THRILLED about the fact I needed to buy BOAT SHOES in order to sail. Look at my boat shoes! I bought them in Portland, Maine. So Legit.

Yes, they are KEDS, and I wear them unironically. Keds rule the boat shoe world.

Here is a photo of the sail. Maybe I will blog another time about how terrifying sailing was the first time I went out on the Chesapeake. I have a lot to learn.

BOAT SHOES!

Go Royals

Photo: Paul Cotter

One of the things the Royals are good for is making kids look cute in their team-sponsored hoodies. I like to call this photo of my nephew Paul "Coach Cotter." My Dad, however, was quick to point out that baseball coaches don't use whistles, so this photo is inaccurate. Good thing Paul is too little to know he would be a terrible baseball coach right now. Get it together, Paul.

Photo: Grant Edward Cotter

Speaking of nephews, WELCOME TO THE WORLD GRANT EDWARD COTTER, new son of Chris and Cathy, born April 28 (my brother Kevin's birthday, as well).

Photo: Owen and Grant.

Grant joins his almost-two-year old brother, Owen, laying here with him on a blanket.

Photo: Owen, 2 weeks. Next to Ohio Bar book (Chris' pastime that summer, along with Owen)

Owen used to lay next to law books, so I am glad he now has a new brother to play with. Law is fun, but Owen is probably ready for a break from Ohio Bar prep.

Photo: Lisa and Mary Clare

And no nephew blog-post would be complete without a few photos of my favorite niece, MARY CLARE! Also looking cute in her Royals hoodie.

Mid-Atlantic Kayak Festival

Spring means the Mid-Atlantic Kayak Festival near Annapolis! The free demo day takes place at a camp in Edgewater, Maryland.

Some friends and I enjoyed paddling around waters near Chesapeake Bay.

Photo: Jodi and Megan

I have no ambitions of purchasing a multi-thousand dollar sea-kayak, but I'm totally willing to enjoy touring the waters for free on a sunny Saturday. A great way to start the boating season. I was looking forward to a crab bake, like last year, but they didn't have it. We enjoyed crab-infused meals at the nearby Bayside Inn.


Photo: Sarah. First kayak lesson. She looks like a pro!

I forgot to go to the Earth Day concert and I'm sad about it

Sting (Photo by Martin Locraft // www.mjlphoto.com)

Last Sunday the noon sunshine was surprising and distracting. With such weather, I decided to ride my bike 7 miles from Rosslyn to Bethesda, a peaceful trek along the river.

The trouble was I completely forgot STING was playing a free concert on the Mall for Earth Day. So sad. I missed it.


I heard the free PASSION PIT performance was amazing, as well. As far away as the Washington Monument, the crowd could be heard singing along.

White House Farmers Market

This season's opening day at the White House Farmers Market meant free paella! Made by local chefs: Jaleo & ThinkFood Group.


Photo: Fresh Pro-biotic yogurt and honey drink. A great afternoon eating fresh food and walking by the White House.

Story about Michelle Obama's role in creating a farmers market at this location at this link.

National Parks - Owner's Guide

Free download available of the National Parks Owner's Guide - a helpful, well-designed guide to ALL of the National Parks, sorted by region. It's fun to look at, whether you visit the Parks or not.

Find the document here, and check out the National Park Foundation's website for other great resources.


I also read the National Park Traveler blog as a guide. It's very thorough, and the front page contains a bunch posts, but you can search the site for information on a certain park. It's a bit easier to read through its RSS feed, which is found on the right column, a few sections down.

Seneca Rocks!

After wanting to go for over a decade, last month I finally made it to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, an amazing climbing destination in the East.

We didn't climb, but we hiked, rode bikes, explored a cave, camped and enjoyed the view. It was a scouting trip for a potential climbing excursion next time. Now that I only live 3 hours away, hopefully I will return sooner than 10 years!

We also traveled up to Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, visited Blackwater Falls and hiked to a few overlooks.

The Mountain State did not disappoint!

Annmarie Gardens, Solomons Island, Maryland

Tom and I rode our bikes around the neighborhoods near Solomons Island, Maryland, a few weeks ago, and were surprised to find a Smithsonian satellite sculpture garden hidden on a country road in this small town over an hour from D.C.


We rode through the gates to find an array of sculptures greeting us in the front drive - see Chesapeake Waterman photo, below, as well as a newly built art center with warehouse sized experimental art, sitting on a campus of a sculpture art-walk through the tall Maryland forests.



A fun find! I recommend visiting. Annmarie Garden link here.

Goldman Environmental Prize

Photo: Małgorzata Górska of Poland

Last month I attended the Goldman Environmental Prize receptions at the Natural History Museum and the Capitol. It's one of my favorite events of the year, and one of the most inspirational.

The Goldman's award a cash prize to one person from each continent who has shown outstanding grassroots environmental work. The recipients are often unknown outside of their communities, and it is amazing to see them rewarded for their valuable work that benefits the environment well-outside their communities. The winner for the "Island-Nations" practically thought of a strategy to feed all of Cuba. The winner from Asia convinced the crowd to help elephants and the winner from Central America warned us about the ongoing dangers for sharks, due to the delicacy of shark-fin soup. Sharks need protection, too!


The North American winner was amazing, too. Family farmer Lynn Henning exposed egregious polluting practices of livestock factory farms in rural Michigan, gaining the attention of the EPA.

I was most inspired by the European winner, Małgorzata Górska, a Polish woman who worked to protect one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. She implemented strategies with both the European Court of Justice and the Polish courts in order to stop a highway being built through the wilderness. I think it impressed me the most because the tactics seemed more like a legal hypothetical and I was amazed that she succeeded in bringing the weight of environmental law to reality. Full story here.

Video below. Narrated by Robert Redford!

For a re-cap of last year's award winners, see this post.

Shark video below.

Richard Simmons Passed a Bill

Saw Richard Simmons on the Hill the other day. He was wearing a purple blazer, Willy Wonka style, and telling the international environmental prize-winners I was with that his bill had just passed. No, he was not wearing exercise shorts.

His bill, the FIT Kids Act, passed the House on April 21, 2010, according to his purple-fanatic website. FIT stands for Fitness Integrated with Teaching. The Act seeks to build better physical education programs in the country’s schools.

"Parents and kids that sweat together live longer together!" Simmons shouted.

Congratulations Richard Simmons! Motivational for me passing a bill in the House...and for exercising :).

Plastics

Photo by: 2nd Green Revolution

Thought I would highlight D.C.'s effective strategy to reduce the use of plastic grocery bags.

After DC imposed a 5 cent tax on plastic bags this January, the number of plastic bags in supermarkets and other establishments dropped from a monthly average of 22.5 million to 3 million in January.

The tax generated $150,000 in revenue, which will be used to clean up the Anacostia River. The main story is the reduction of the trash heaps of plastic bags, keeping pollution from the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

22.5 million to 3 million! Phenomenal impact!

Full Washington Post story here.

Greensburg: Kansas Town Destroyed By Tornado Is Using “Green” Strategies To Rebuild Everything In Town

CNN posted a feature video with an update of Greensburg, Kansas’ work to rebuild its town to “green” (environmentally sustainable) strategies, after the town was destroyed by a tornado in 2007. See also my blogpost from last year (second story).

The tornado was 1.7 miles wide and pummeled directly through the 1.5 mile wide Greensburg.

The video showcases some of the amazing ways Greensburg is rebuilding itself as a model of environmental sustainability – designing buildings to maximize natural light, using wind turbines to power the hospital, utilizing salvaged wood to rebuild, capturing rainwater drainage for landscaping water needs, plus other techniques.

Link to video: http://tinyurl.com/2dzp3fk