Published: Wed Oct 24, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

With less than a week to go to the World-Cup Opener in Dsseldorf, the organizers are working hard to prepare a perfect ski trail. This is no mean feat in October. So how is it possible to have snow this early in Central Europe?

We did a bit of research and found out that it is the result of a high-tech operation involving a climate controlled dome, snow science, and a lot of manpower. The organizers are touting the environmentally friendly nature of the operation. We certainly applaud them for their efforts in this regard, but it is important to note that even with such efforts, this is nowhere near a carbon-neutral undertaking.

The Snowmaking Process
Only a few other cities offer a 100% snow-guarantee. At the end of October there WILL be snow on the banks of the Rhine River. Since Mother Nature cannot be counted on, Mr. Snow has been hired for the event. Mr. Snow, also known as Peter Promegger, the chief-technician of the ski dome Neuss (Jever Skihalle), is responsible for the entire snow-making operation and the preparation of the ski trail.

The World Cup snow is made 14 meters above the ground inside the climate controlled ski dome. Installed at this height are twelve snow cannons that produce extremely fine fog from pure drinking-water (no chemicals added). Supported by the air temperature of the ski dome (-4 Celsius), the fog crystallizes to fine snow when it falls to the ground. To keep a high snow quality in the ski dome, the floor in Jever Skihalle Neuss is cooled by a cleverly designed system of pipes that ensures a constant snow temperature of -17 degrees. The result of all this is a snow that forms and falls in a manner that produces a more “powder-like” snow. This unique snowmaking system is relatively eco-friendly regarding energy consumption energy usage is comparable to that of a swimming pool.

The most challenging part of the process is transporting the snow to the race site Dsseldorfs Old Town. Snow is first transported outside the ski dome using a snow cat and then loaded into trucks. Starting on Thursday the 25th, five trucks will shuttle snow from the ski dome in Neuss to the banks of the Rhine River. Only trucks with the latest emission technology are used all are fueled with bio-diesel. The 3,000 cubic meters of snow are made from 1,500 cubic meters of water, which corresponds to the capacity of a 50m swimming pool.

Upon arriving at the race-site, the snow is delivered to intermediate stores, the so-called snow depot, at the lower waterfront. Covers protect the snow against rain or direct sunlight. Starting on Friday, Snow Cats will spread the snow across the entire World Cup course, where snow technicians and instructors at the ski school will assist with the manual preparation of the trail.

Another important aspect is the drainage system. It was developed by the technicians from the Jever Skihalle Neuss to avoid puddles on the World Cup track if the weather conditions are unfavorable. Pads with holes are placed underneath the snow layer to ensure that melting water drains off during high temperatures. Without this precaution, the water would cause even more snow to melt.

Good Snow = Good Skiing = 100% Guarantee
When the snow leaves the ski dome, it has a temperature of -10 to -14 Celsius. Due to this cold temperature, the fine structure, and a very high compression after the completion of the course, the snow insulates itself. This effect is magnified by the final snow-pack depth of 30 cm. Even at high temperatures the snow melts slowly. The FIS World Cup Opener in Dsseldorf is one of the few snow-safe venues on the World Cup calendar. The snow-safety in Dsseldorf is so high that we did not have to name an alternative venue in the contract with the International Ski Federation (FIS). Normally, FIS requires a second option in case of snow shortage says August Pollen, head of the Dsseldorf organizing committee.

On Sunday evening, when the World Cup races and the snow events are over, the snow is piled next to the Rhine. The melting water is free of chemicals as the snow consists of pure drinking-water.

Source: schnee-in-duesseldorf.de

(Photo Credit: schnee-in-duesseldorf.de)

Rocco and Jake are real-life lovers, and they’ve appeared several times on UK Naked Men. In both videos and photo galleries, these two horny men leave no doubt that their sexual relationship sizzles. In this recent episode, Rocco lies back on a sofa while Jake licks and teases his big cock. Rocco’s got a formidable piece of meat. It’s about 8 inches long, it’s super fat, and it’s sporting a pretty wicked curve. But whether Jake is sucking or fucking his lover’s cock, he has no trouble handling it. Likewise, Rocco loves his boyfriend’s big uncut dick. Jake gives Rocco a helping hand, shoving his head right down to the base of his thick pole. And the guys even get into a big of toe sucking. While I like them both, Rocco is definitely my favourite. He’s good-looking and has an amazingly strong and muscular body. Covered in tattoos and sporting a bit of chin scruff, Rocco is definitely one hot package. You can watch these two horny men going at it in several videos on UK Naked Men, and you’re not going to want to miss Jake bending over and making Rocco’s cock disappear. Read the rest of this entry »

By Ben Sim
Published: Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:32 PM MDT

Australias Pub to Pub race is a pretty unique event. Take a 5km cross-country ski race, add in five beer stations, and 400 other people in fancy dress. At one time it was Australias biggest cross-country skiing event, attracting over 1000 skiers. Now, after a bit of a lull in the late nineties when the beer drinking was briefly taken out, the numbers are building again. The following 2007 Pub to Pub race report was provided by Ben Sim.

If you didnt turn up to Smiggins in the worst clothes/outfit you could find for the 25th anniversary of Perisher Blues Pub to Pub, you werent welcome. This year the theme was 80s, but members of the Australian team chose 70s: most of our fashion is 10 years behind anyway. My favourite outfits for the day were my old buddy Jake Molkentin and his friend each dressed as Borat in a swim suit.

The race started at the Smiggins Hotel with a 2km ski to Perisher (a downhill ski resort), and the first pit-stop was at the Sundeck Hotel (which incidentally is the biggest single fund-raiser for the Australian cross country teams XC Towards 2010 project, donating $5,000 this year). The first beer was downed, and then 400 XC skiers raced down Perishers front valley in peak-hour alpine skier traffic to The Pub. The crew gave us each a schooner of beer, which wasnt easy to get down, especially considering the Sundeck beer we drank only 30 seconds earlier.

The skis came off and we ran across the road for beer number three at The Man From Snowy River. Tearing ourselves away, it was back across the road to stop number four at Jax Bar. This was the last drink in Perisher before the somewhat hard but entertaining ski back to Smiggins. On the way home, the leaders pass most of the competitors still just heading towards Perisher. Upon arrival in Smiggins, the final beverage was finished and just in time after 5 beers and 25 minutes the side effects started to kick in.

My NSW team-mate Chris Darlington led all the way to the first drink station, but I was able to get away through the middle of the race and hold on at the end for the win. Second place went to Darlo, followed by the old war-horse Anthony Evans. Esther Bottomley was the first woman, followed by Michelle McFarlane and Sally Cunningham. I have to say thanks to Alan Barney Davis from Perisher Blue for organising the race, and also to Vodaphone as Esther and I received some pretty sweet mobile phones as prizes for first place. Heres looking forward the Pub to Pub in 2008!

Chris Darlington leads up the first hill

The pack follows

Borat double hot in contention for best costume

Race winner Ben Sim at the second drink station

Published: Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Tue Oct 23, 2007 8:52 AM MDT

NENSA BKL clubs can now purchase equipment in bulk orders with a Buy One, Get One Free” deal for any club interested in starting a new, or growing an existing, ski lease program. TD Banknorth's $10,000 grant was a huge boost to the program and is allowing clubs to get twice the equipment they'd normally be able to afford. It is our sincere hope that this program will directly enable hundreds of kids to get a start in this great lifetime family sport. says NENSA Executive director Pat Cote.

This program was based off the model that Maine Winter Sports Center developed. Several clubs in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont were utilizing a similar model. The development of such a program within the wider New England region was an important step in removing the financial barriers for youth to participate in nordic skiing. We had heard over and over again that the initial investment in equipment was an obstacle faced by our BKL youth clubs; something that was limiting their ability to attract new families. For several years we've wanted to do something and we're thrilled to have the program up and running now Cote added.

Once the clubs have purchased their equipment, the program becomes self-sufficient. Clubs lease and maintain their equipment, then over about 4 years they will have generated enough revenue from lease fees to purchase replacement equipment. Everyone wins!

This program was the result of the cooperation and hard work of
TD Banknorth, NENSA, Alpina Sports, Atomic, Rossingnol, and NENSA BKL clubs. Each has played a strong role in making this program a success.

The future of cross-country skiing is dependent upon the health of its youth programs. The BKL program is the foundation upon which our sport is built. The stronger we build that foundation, the higher we can go. The Ski Lease Program could have a huge impact on the level of youth participation in the sport of cross-country skiing in New England, and if it does, it will strengthen the whole sport all the way to the top.

Mary Ann Levins, the Bill Koch Committee Chair said Through the hard work of the NENSA staff and BOD, our dream of an affordable ski lease program for the BKL clubs of New England has become a fantastic reality. Over the years our clubs have worked hard to make sure every child has access to equipment, but financial resources and availability have made this difficult at times. Levins added The NENSA/Banknorth BKL Lease Program brings new life and energy to all of our clubs. We can welcome new skiers with the confidence that we will be able to outfit our new members with excellent equipment for years to come. On behalf of the youth nordic ski community of New England, present and future, thank you NENSA, thank you TD Banknorth.

Any BKL clubs interested in taking part in the ski lease program should contact Stuart Kremzner at stuart@nensa.net.

Photo Chris Dobe

Once again, our friend Jaume Soler has interesting news concerning the Club Nautico Espaol de Vela (CNEV), the newly-formed yacht that challenges Alinghi in the 33rd America’s Cup.

The CNEV being the Challenger of Record has the obligation, according to the Deed of Gift, to organize an annual regatta. Once again, we will not argue whether the regatta must have been held before the challenge was filed or if this can be done at a later stage. This is the core issue of the litigation in New York and Judge Cahn will rule within a couple of weeks. Read the rest of this entry »

http://www.nylonkex.com/

Amateur collection of hot shots of guys in shorts, lycra and all that underwear stuff. Be careful, it is sometimes slow but if you are into underwear shots, it has some interesting galleries.

No thumbnails, but it is rather fun clicking and seeing different guys, with different undies on. Kind of a underwear fashion show really.

The site is in frames too, which can be a real bitch, but the underwear shots are not bad. Best to view too in Internet Explorer, rather than Firefox.

Some of the pictures are from visitors to the site, some are self pics. There are some stories too, about the fetish. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

This winter the J1 Scando Cup Championships will take place in Otepaa, Estonia on February 1-3. Coaches who wish to attend should have experience coaching and managing young athletes, an in-depth knowledge of waxing, a great attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make this a great trip for the athletes. The trip will be lead by Sun Valley coach Abi Holt. Officially, there are two specific positions to fill (Assistant Trip Leader and Head Wax Tech); unofficially, we'll all be herding kids and waxing together until the job gets done. The Assistant Trip Leader position is a two-year opportunity that will train the coach to become the Trip Leader for the following winter. If interested in either position, please send a resume and cover letter to mwhitcomb@ussa.org by October 25th. The staff will be selected by November 1st.

Selection criteria for athletes are posted at www.ussa.org - go to cross country, selection criteria.

Rough Trip Dates: Jan 25 Feb 11th, 2008. The likelihood exists that this J1 team will train for an additional week after the championships to cheer on the US Ski Team in two World Cup races in Otepaa on February 9th and 10th!

Published: Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

We are looking for three coaches to join the US Ski Team Continental Cup Team staff for the World Junior and U23 championships in Poland this winter. Coaches who wish to attend should have an in-depth knowledge of waxing, be very hard working and able to organize and manage, have experience with junior and or U23 athletes and be able to maintain a positive attitude throughout seven consecutive days of racing. Coaches must also be fit enough to test wax and skis.

We encourage all coaches to apply for Junior World and U23 coaching positions. This is a great experience that will be rewarding in many ways.

Please send a resume and cover letter to mwhitcomb@ussa.org by October 25th. The staff will be selected by November 1st.

Selection criteria for athletes are posted at www.ussa.org - go to cross country, selection criteria.

Rough Trip Dates: January 24th Feb 11th

WJ / U23 Championship Website: http://www.beskidy2008.pl/?catid=1&ver=2

WJ / U23 RACE SCHEDULE
04.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Qual M WJC
04.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Final L WJC
04.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Qual L WJC
04.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Final M WJC
05.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Qual L U23
05.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Final L U23
05.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Qual M U23
05.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL SP 1 km F Final M U23
06.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 10 km C M WJC
06.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 5 km C L WJC
07.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 10 km C L U23
07.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 15 km C M U23
08.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 10 km M Pursuit L WJC
08.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 20 km M Pursuit M WJC
09.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 30 km M Pursuit M U23
09.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL 15 km M Pursuit L U23
10.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL Rel 4×10 km M M WJC
10.02.2008 Szczyrk-Wisla POL Rel 4×5 km M L WJC

Imagine you wanted to join the yacht club whose privilege is to be the Challenger of Record in the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing competition in order to show off at your friends and boast about over dinner talk. According to the story that Jaume Soler’s blog runs today, this is next to impossible.

Macarena Lainez, a well-known sailing journalist in Spain and director of the monthly magazine “Barcos a Vela”, wanted to write an article on the required procedure in order for someone to become member of the CNEV (Club Nautico Espaol de Vela) and inform the general public about the organization, activities and services of the yacht club that challenges Alinghi in the 33rd America’s Cup. Read the rest of this entry »

[Source: Golden Gate Yacht Club] The Golden Gate Yacht Club will agree to comprehensive new compromises to get the Americas Cup back on track for Valencia in 2009 if the defender will disclose its rule for the boat’s design.

We are looking forward to putting this dispute about the rules behind us and racing for the Americas Cup in 2009 in Valencia as planned. Thats what we want, and thats what all the challengers want, Larry Ellison, syndicate head of the clubs Americas Cup team, BMW ORACLE Racing, said today.
Read the rest of this entry »