Category Archives: FSM Editorials

An Adventure into the Wild: The National Parks of Sri Lanka

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Are you a fellow wildlife enthusiast? Then visiting the National Parks is a must when you’re in Sri Lanka. The country is blessed with a number of these jungle-clad areas housing diverse species of flora and fauna. Read on to discover some of the most popular National Parks of Sri Lanka. Our friends from the Travellanka Connection break down the top 5!

Wilpattu National Park

Located 30 kilometers west of Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park has declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905. It was later elevated to “National Park” status. Spanning an area of no less than 131,693 hectares, this is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu National Park has a unique topography; a complex of around 50 wetlands known as “Villus”. Surrounded by open, grassy plains, “Villus” are shallow lakes filled with rainwater. The best time to visit this National Park is the dry season between May to September. One would be able to spot an array of wildlife species including sambar deer, crocodiles, wild boars, wild elephants, and especially the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Yala National Park

Book a Sri Lanka Holiday Package to explore the famous Yala National Park; the second-largest wildlife reserve and one of the first protected sanctuaries to have been established in the tear-drop island nation. This National Park is home to over 31 mammals and more than 124 species of birds. The terrain boasts lush, green environs, and is home to its fair share of reptiles and other lagoon fauna. Embark on a jeep safari to spot the elusive leopard. These safaris are available during early morning and evening hours. Travel Lanka Connection and similar other reputed travel companies will put together carefully curated itineraries to suit all your travel needs – and this can include a safari to Yala National Park as well!

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is nestled on the eastern fringes of Yala National Park; however, it is considered a wildlife hub in its own right. Famous among avid birders and ornithologists, this National Park is blessed with a number of magnificent bird species. A few of the most prized bird species that one can spot here include the rare, black-necked storks, egrets, hawk eagles, godwits, and ibises. The park is also a prime location to spot many wildlife species such as sambar deer and elephants.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is located in the middle of the famous cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. It is mostly famous for “The Gathering”, which is believed to be the world’s largest congregation of Asian elephants. The best time to witness this spectacular phenomenon is during the dry season, which spans from July to October; hundreds of elephants gather around the lake in search of water, creating a majestic scenery for the onlookers. Apart from the elephants, many inhabitants call this relatively small National Park their home, and these include the purple-faced langur monkeys, spotted deer, sambar, and macaques.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Located approximately 225 kilometres away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa National Park is bordered by two rivers – Mahaweli Ganga and Amban Ganga (‘ganga’ translates to ‘river’ in English). The park is dominated by a dry-mixed evergreen forest and is characterized by tall trees such as Weera, Palu, and Burutha. From November to May, tourists can spot large herds of elephants. These gentle giants migrate to the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks during the dry season. Apart from mammals such as purple-faced langur monkeys and wild boars, Wasgamuwa National Park is famous for birds such as the endemic red-faced mal koha, Ceylon jungle fowl, and lesser adjutant stork.

How To Speak The Language Of Disc Golf

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By popular demand, Disc Golf blogger Steven Pease breaks down the language barrier for FSM readers…

Most people who play disc golf know the regular terms and language. There are lots of other words that people use for describing things that happen on the course. Words not in the dictionary, or in the general vocabulary for disc golf. I have gathered some interesting terms from other players, and from what I’ve read that other players use. I will share the common ones, and some better ones that are not common that I have found.

I got a great story sent to me a couple years ago. A player who was new went out to play a round with his dad, there was a reporter and a photographer at the course from the local paper. He asked if you could take a couple pictures for a story they were doing on disc golf; the guy said sure. The photographer got into position about 50 feet up the edge of the fairway; the guy let loose with his drive and hit the photographer square in the chest with his driver.

Very embarrassing and funny now, but no one wants to do that. I love this story because it shows exactly why everyone wants to get better. I put together terms that I have learned over the past 30 years of playing disc golf. Terms that will make you feel that you know what others are talking about. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. One of the main reasons for its popularity is players of almost any age and ability can play.

I play with guys half my age and I consistently beat them. I am 62 years old and in good shape. I know people older that still play. There are no limitations. If you can get around the course, you can play. If you have never played, you should. If you play now, keep on playing. It’s great exercise, and it’s a great way to socialize. As far as sports go, it is also very inexpensive. You can start with as few as three discs. A driver, a midrange and a putter. For just around $30 you can get started. Most courses are free to play.

Common disc golf language

  • Ace Getting the disc in the basket on the first shot
  • Hyzer Releasing the disc with he edge closest to your body highest than the other edge.
  • Anhyzer The outside is higher than the inside edge.
  • Overstable The disc wants to hyzer into the ground when you release it. To make it not hyzer, you must snap it and throw it hard with a slight anhyzer.
  • Understabe Can throw with less spin, less snap to fly straight.
  • Turnover When you throw the disc hard with good snap; it will turn opposite the way it normally will turn. If you’re throwing right hand back hand it will turn to the right.
  • S Curve The flight of the disc starts as an anhyzer, then will hyzer at the end of the flight.
  • Snap The amount of spin on the disc at release from your hand.
  • Driving The throw from the tee box.
  • Approach The shot from the drive to the basket.
  • Putt Throwing the disc into the basket.
  • Grip How you hold the disc when you’re throwing.

Player Invented Disc Golf Terms

  • Dead man When your putt hits the side of the basket and drops to the ground.
  • Chain smoking Several great putts in a row.
  • Bogey Sandwich A scorecard with a par bogey bogey par.
  • Black ace Acing the wrong hole.
  • Cabbage The weeds in the rough.
  • Chastity belt The yellow band on the Innova baskets.
  • Clank The sound that a putt makes when in hits the chastity belt.
  • Hit the nickel A putt that hits the number plate.
  • Horking A huge long throw.
  • Locals route Taking an unconventional path to get you to the basket.
  • Lumber jacking When you’re hitting every tree.
  • Mirkwood Very thick woods.
  • Nickel A score of 5 on a hole.
  • Nuclear shule Very thick rough.
  • Fly by Putt correct height, but sails by the basket.
  • Fluke deuce A two from something very lucky happening.
  • Gaack Missed a short putt.
  • Grenade A shot that is high and falls fast to the ground.
  • Head Banger When your drive lands under the basket and you might bang your head on the basket as you pick it up.

More Disc Golf Terms

  • Paper plate An understable disc.
  • pig putt A putt that’s really bad.
  • Pinball A shot that hits several trees.
  • Pinball Wizard Continually hitting multiple trees.
  • Rooted When the tree root stops you shot from skipping.
  • Saturn A score of 6 (saturn is the 6th planet)
  • Shank Any shot that does not do what you wanted.
  • Shule Heavy weeds off the fairway.
  • Sneak In flight instruction to the disc.
  • Snob A throw with the nose of the disc up.
  • Snowman A score of 8.
  • Spinach Bushes, trees, and undergrowth.
  • Taco To hit a tree so hard it folds like a taco.
  • Tombstone A disco golf disc that hits the ground, and remains standing on the edge.
  • Treefelction The tree gives you a good deflection.
  • Valet service When you park your drive under the basket.
  • CRF Candy fundraiser.
  • CTP Closest drive to the pole.
  • DL Dead last in the order of throwing.
  • FAT When you hit the first available tree.
  • LB Lucky bounce.
  • SED Seeing eye disc.
  • YSA You’re still away.
  • Gust from the Gods When the wind blows the disc way off line.
  • Getting greasy Sneaking through the trees.
  • Lawn dart A disco that has landed partially buried in the ground.
  • Merked When you get hit in the head from someones throw off of a tree.
  • Tombstone For those discs that stick on edge in muddy ground.
  • Helicopter A shot that needs to come straight down at the end without curving.
  • A rip The perfect drive.

The terms in the top section are ones you need to know. These terms will help you understand the game and how to play and how to play better. The rest are just temps other players use when they are playing.

6 Tips for Tracking Your Fitness

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You have decided to bring the body into shape and regular workouts have become your usual routine. Still, after one or two weeks of such physical activity, you don’t see wishful results in the mirror and stepping on the scale just confirms it. For that reason, you give up, abandon set goals and return to a sports lifestyle only when a certain time passes. It is high time to break this vicious circle!

The most crucial thing here is to understand that changes are not a matter of one week. It takes time to achieve progress, so you should gain patience and keep motivated along the way. The best solution for following fitness goals is results-tracking.

Body alterations and how you feel constantly performing physical activities are the greatest motivators for moving ahead. By tracking your fitness, the possibility of reaching goals significantly rises and promotes you working and spending your time yet more efficiently. That way, our key task is to identify what ways of fitness progress measuring are the most fruitful and worth incorporating into the sports agenda. Let’s figure it out.

1. Keeping a Workout Journal 

Tracking your fitness results may be easy as a pie with steady journal keeping. Noting your exercising and meals is not time-consuming, but it will certainly give a clear vision of the advance. Do it the most convenient for you. It can be a usual notebook, notes on your device, or even Excel spreadsheets – it is up to you.

The essential is to be precise with writing down workouts. Try to include what exercises you did with the sets and reps number. If your workouts were of strength type, fix the used weight. In case you did running, record miles and performance time. No less important is the well-being after physical activity. So, point out how you feel after the workout: exhausted or energized, whether it was harsh or easy.

The journal is also perfect for diet tracking. Exercising is requisite, but it loses its sense without proper nutrition. Thus, you will succeed only by blending these two components. Still, you have to be careful since tracking your daily ratio may turn into obsessive calorie counting. To avoid this, we recommend just analyzing your eating habits and based on them, excluding or including specific products in your meals.

2. Fitness Trackers or Apps Appliance

Living in the modern world, we may benefit from various tech novelties, and it also relates to the fitness area. Track your results just in a few moments with smart fitness trackers or apps on your phone. There is a variety to choose from, and X-wrist is the name of one the leading. 

If you still count your steps and manually monitor your heart rate – stop doing this. Currently, such measurements are effortless with the fitness tracker. Select your best fitting application and your workout progress control will become a sheer pleasure. X-wrist is the app empowering you to make healthy choices. Its AI-based building system will allow you to log your meals, set diet goals and plan further nutrition. What’s more, this tracker may monitor your sports activity both at home and in the gym. You can also record workouts and create upcoming exercises routine here. 

So, fitness tracker usage is vital as besides providing info about physical achievements, it helps take care of your health and become the best version of yourself. 

3. Clothes Fitting

As practice shows, an appealing mirror look can be the highest motivation. The best way to get a dose of inspiration is by trying clothes on. For example, find a pair of jeans you have strived for so long to fit into and dress them. Wearing jeans will give an insight into how successful are your sports accomplishments and how far you are from your goals. 

Pay attention to your feelings: whether clothing sits looser or tighter. To attain the most accurate outcome, we offer to pick one specific piece of clothing and measure your progress in keeping with it monthly.

4. Taking Measurements 

Sometimes scale figures may be deceiving, so you should keep in mind that muscles weigh more fat. So it is significant not to limit scaling but to do the measuring to explore gradual changes.

It is worth steering clear of daily measurements. Record your neck, shoulders, waist, biceps, chest, thighs and hips sizes with a tape measure weekly, no sooner. Moreover, the time and conditions of measurements play an extremely important role, so be sure they are the same every time.

5. Blood Pressure Check

Fitness progress means more than an attractive body shape. No matter what goals you pursue: losing weight or gaining muscles, your blood pressure can present you with the overall picture of your health condition. Heart health directly depends on blood pressure that is consequently influenced by physical activity, nutrition and stress levels. 

With regular workouts, both your body and cardiovascular system stand stronger. That way, the blood pressure can be a pointer for diminishing heart and chronic disease risks. A blood pressure watch is the best decision for keeping abreast of your blood pressure indexes.

6. Progression Photos

Some may consider post-workout photos a waste of time. However, it is doubtless a valuable experience. Every day mirror-looking may totally change our body perception. Still, it can be challenging to trace the ultimate progress throughout the path, so pictures will come in handy here. Taking photos weekly will show you incredible differences already in half a year.

All you need to enjoy such contrast over time is to picture within the same conditions, light and angles. Remember that daily weight is floating and the photo taken in the morning will differ from one after the meal. Lighting is also the key point. Poor light can generate shadows and emphasize your drawbacks, hiding the apparent results. In addition, dressing in similar outfits in each month’s photos may confuse and prevent you from noticing differences.

After taking pictures, don’t compare them to two days ago. It makes no sense. The most appropriate checking frames are from four to six weeks.

Final Words

Being fit is not always a synonym for muscular body shape. It is about health, well-being and fulfillment. Regular exercising and proper nutrition will gift you the body of your dream, together with decreasing health hazards and improving mental health. You can’t do without tracking your fitness progress to get this with flying colors. So stick to our tips and the first considerable results won’t be long in coming.

Duck, Duck, Goose! Restored Wetlands Thriving

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(NewsUSA) – As the sun rises in middle America, nature comes to life. Ducks, geese and other birds emerge from a marsh, taking flight into a golden sky, while prairie grasses whisper in the morning breeze and insects begin to hum.     

The growing cacophony of honks, quacks, chirps and splashes is music to Jason Black’s ears. As public land manager of the McPherson Valley Wetlands in central Kansas, they are proof that this habitat is thriving.     

“This is a special place,” says Black. “I get to watch it grow through the seasons, watch the birds come and go. Everything from our state bird, the meadowlark, to whooping cranes to a number of species of ducks and geese and shorebirds when water conditions and migration are lined up just right.”     

These public wetlands were recently improved through a public-private partnership thanks in big part to one of the nation’s largest clean energy infrastructure companies, Williams. The company’s generous contribution allowed Ducks Unlimited to seek matching funds to restore several areas that are critical to waterfowl during spring and fall migrations.     

The wetlands project included restoration of approximately 160 acres of previously drained and cropped agricultural fields. New water-control infrastructure was installed and prairie seeds planted to improve wildlife habitat for quail, pheasants and other grassland birds, along with pollinators.     

The marsh is the first of a series of connected wetlands in the complex and will help improve water downstream. The wetlands in the area provide critical resources for migrating waterfowl and other birds along the Central Flyway, along with outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.     

“We take great pride in being responsible environmental stewards and are honored to support Ducks Unlimited,” says Matthew Baker, manager of engineering at Williams. “Doing what is right for our local communities is part of who we are at Williams, and this collaboration is one of the many ways we aim to preserve resources for future generations while making a positive impact today.”     

The wetland restoration is one of many environmental stewardship and sustainability projects that Williams is supporting along its nationwide footprint. Others include planting seedlings, building hiking trails, developing wildlife crossings and funding intercity marine education programs.     

For more information, visit www.williams.com/sustainability.

Fort Tejon: Get Some Exercise Before Your Final Destination

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California has always had a history of looking after their own. This includes in 1854 when Fort Tejon was established to protect its residents from people looking to do them harm and to crack down on cattle raiding. In 2022, the fort still provides refuge for overheated cars, respite for tired travelers, and tons of cool things to explore.

When driving through the infamous Grapevine on I-5 in southern California, one doesn’t necessarily think to themselves, “Hmm, this seems like a good place to stop.” Nor should they unless they are planning on making a quick stop at Fort Tejon State Historic Park. This hidden gem is located right off the highway and has been a cooling down spot for autos and their radiators struggling to make it through the vine for years. But just behind the wall of trees that line the parking lot lie the remains of a powerful little fort – and a great spot for EXERCISE!

View of Fort Tejon State Park

The beauty of Fort Tejon hits you once you walk past that wall of trees and take a quick turn through a small wooden gate. Multiple structures in various stages of preservation make up the perimeter of Fort Tejon, giving it a weird Melrose Place (the TV show) feel with an open field and a handful of picnic tables acting as the pool/courtyard.

Preserved buildings at Fort Tejon State Historic Park

In addition to taking in some great California history, stopping at Fort Tejon State Park can be good for your health! If you’ve been sitting or driving for a long time, the fields and open areas are a great place to move around to get the blood flowing. Remember that sitting down for too long can be dangerous in certain situations. Road trip veterans may know this but that doesn’t mean rookie mistakes don’t happen once and a while. The Fort offers a safe space for some quick activity and never gets too busy.

Chicken Coop at Fort Tejon

So, when traveling this path, consider visiting Fort Tejon State Historic Park before you reach your next destination for any of the following heart healthy activities:

Individualized Stretch Routine

10 Minute Yoga

Meditation

Easy Hiking / Exploring

Brisk Walking

Running

Sprints

For more info about Fort Tejon State Historic Park, click here.

Michelin Tires Helped Yellowstone National Park Go Green

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Tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park’s famous geyser, “Old Faithful,” will use tires even once they get out of their cars for a closer look. Old Faithful, you see, boasts a porous, clean, flexible walkway made almost entirely of recycled Michelin tires. The “paved” surface, known as Flexi-Pave and manufactured by the company K.B. Industries (KBI), is kinder to the environment than asphalt because the permeable composite material allows for better erosion control and preservation of the natural patterns of groundwater flow. In addition, the walkway surface is highly durable and tolerant of extreme hot or cold weather, and does not leach any oil into the surrounding environment.

“The material used to create KBI’s Flexi-Pave is completely benign and therefore can be used safely with the delicate aquifers here in Yellowstone,” said Kevin Bragnall, CEO and founder of KBI, in a statement. The Old Faithful Walkway Project covers 6,400 square feet and includes 900 Michelin tires. “The path allows 3,000 gallons of groundwater to pass per square foot. It also is designed to diffuse the water’s force, helping prevent erosion,” Bagnall noted.

“The Old Faithful Walkway Project is a great example of what a difference a company devoted to sustainability can make in the world’s first national park,” said Karen Bates Kress, president of the Yellowstone Park Foundation, in a statement. “We are fortunate to have a corporate partner as farsighted, public-spirited and generous as Michelin,” she added. Underscoring how important this project was to the 126-year-old tire company, Michelin flew in a team of employees from across the country to help complete the construction of the walkway. The 10 volunteers were winners of a company-wide contest to participate in the project.

Michelin is a major corporate sponsor of the Yellowstone Park Foundation, with a goal of helping the park curb operating expenses and reduce the consumption of raw materials. To ensure this, Michelin regularly donates and helps maintain thousands of tires for Yellowstone National Park’s more than 800 vehicles, including patrol cars, garbage trucks, snow plows and load-hauling tractor trailers. The tires feature the latest in green tire technology to help save fuel and reduce emissions.

“Helping build and provide material for this new pathway is very much in line with Michelin’s goal of working with the Yellowstone Park Foundation,” said Leesa Owens, director of community relations for Michelin, in a statement.

5 Reasons Why Anglers Should Warm Up to Kayak Fishing

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Are you ready to explore and enjoy an unbeatable fishing experience? Kayak fishing is the way to go for anglers all around the world. Fishing from a kayak helps you access hidden fishing spots that would otherwise be unreachable on foot or on a motorized boat. Plus, kayak fishing is beneficial to your health. Want more convincing to warm up to kayak fishing? Read on!

1. Convenience

Every angler needs to embrace kayak fishing for convenience. Kayaks are easier to haul and transport compared to large fishing boats. You can haul most fishing kayaks in your car just by adding a kayak roof rack. There are also dependable inflatable fishing kayaks that you can carry with you when hiking. Below are some of the ways that kayak fishing offers convenience:

Fishing kayaks are easy to transport and store If you’ve owned a motorized fishing boat, you know this is a big deal. You only need a kayak cart to haul your fishing kayak from the parking lot to the shore. Also, you can transport a kayak on your vehicle’s roof rack, or carry it in the trunk or backpack for inflatables. You also don’t need a lot of space to store your kayak.

You can fish anywhere Every angler needs to experience kayak fishing at least once in their lifetime. Fishing from a kayak will help you access all the nooks and crannies you wouldn’t reach by foot or on a motorized boat. Fishing kayaks are designed for maneuvering in the tightest fishing spots.

Comfort Try kayak fishing if you want to be comfortable as you enjoy catching your favorite fish species. Fishing kayaks are designed for comfort while fishing. You can stand to cast and sit to retrieve fish without worrying about capsizing.

2. Kayak fishing provides better access 

With kayaks, you can access any body of water, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. You can also maneuver in shallow spots and those with sharp corners. Kayak fishing will be excellent if you want to enjoy various fishing conditions.

Since kayaks are easy to transport, you can carry your kayak as you hike and fish in areas that a motorboat wouldn’t access. With a kayak, you can catch various fish species that you wouldn’t access if you were fishing from a pier or on a motorized boat.

Besides accessing remote fishing areas, kayaks also enable you to get to quiet and serene waters where you can enjoy nature.

3. Kayak fishing is economical and environmentally friendly

Who wouldn’t want to save some bucks even when fishing? Kayak fishing is more cost-effective than fishing with motorized boats. With kayaks, you don’t need fuel, and the purchase price and maintenance cost are significantly lower. 

4. Health benefits 

As an angler, you need to warm up to kayak fishing for the health benefits. Paddling your kayak to look for great fishing sports is such great exercise. By paddling, you are working your arms, shoulders, and core muscles.

This exercise strengthens your muscles, helps you burn calories, and increases your energy levels. Kayak fishing is also healthy for your mind. You enjoy the calmness of nature while engaging your mind to balance between paddling and making a catch.

5. Fishing kayaks are customizable 

Most fishing kayaks come loaded with fishing accessories, including rod holders, tackle crates, kayak cooler, and many more. You can also add other accessories that you need for catching specific species. As an angler, you need to try kayak fishing and enjoy having everything you need on your vessel. A well-equipped kayak makes your adventure worthwhile since the chances of making huge catches are higher.

Top Tips to Get You Started Kayak Fishing 

Kayak fishing is becoming popular as a sport and recreational activity. By now, you must have made up your mind to experience this activity with myriad of benefits. Below are some tips to guide you as you start:

  • Always carry the proper safety gear as recommended by the US Coast Guard. Ensure you wear a personal floatation device before getting into the water. Having water, food, and a first aid kit is also advisable.
  • Have a float plan and share a copy with someone you trust. Doing this ensures that it is easier to find and rescue you in an emergency.
  • Have a GPS to help you find your way back to the shore
  • Choose the right kayak; as a novice, you need a stable kayak that is spacious enough to fit your gear and catch
  • Start somewhere familiar; choose an area where you know what to expect regarding fishing, water conditions, and the type of fish. 
  • Wear self-wicking and quick-drying attire that is comfortable and safe

Key Insights & Takeaways

A good fishing kayak needs to be stable and comfortable to stand up on as you cast. It would be best to look for a kayak with accessories that make your experience enjoyable. Some essential accessories on a fishing kayak include paddle and rod holders, fish finders, tackle box, and additional storage compartments. Pro tip: make sure you get yourself a kayak fishing rod as it will make it easier to cast and reel in your catch from your kayak.

Kayak fishing is a fun and calming way to catch fish. If you have yet to try it, you are missing out. Every angler should embrace kayak fishing to enjoy the benefits mentioned above. We hope you’re convinced and ready to experience a new way to wet a line.

Article authored by Ally

It’s California Avocado Month! Here are 6 Sports-Inspired Guacamole Dip Recipes to help you celebrate.

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Celebrate 10 Years of California Avocado Month this June

(NewsUSA) – – Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June officially as California Avocado Month and is excited to continue celebrating this long-standing tradition. As an ode to the past ten years, the Commission has enlisted the culinary talents of Southern California-native Chef Nyesha Arrington to create delicious and seasonal recipes that prominently feature California avocados, which are grown by about 3,000 California avocado growers with groves from San Diego to Monterey.

Arrington has been celebrated throughout her career for using farm fresh, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, which made her the perfect partner to craft customized dishes for this celebratory anniversary.

“It’s hard narrowing down the recipes when California avocados have countless possibilities! However, I love when they are paired with complementing flavors. These California avocados definitely hold their own by leveling up any dish and giving an extra wow factor, making it a California chef’s key ingredient,” Arrington says.

Meticulously cared for and picked at their peak, California avocados are a heart-healthy superfood that provide “good” fats to one’s diet. Inspired by how the bountiful flavor and nutrition pair perfectly, Arrington’s Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad showcases fresh and light flavors perfect for those warm summer nights. The recipe features fresh California avocados and peaches, grilled to perfection, layered on a bed of arugula and crispy quinoa, then paired with a tangy and delicious pistachio-arugula vinaigrette.

To view other mouthwatering creations, including Arrington’s California Avocado Crab & Tuna Stack, or to learn more about California avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

For even more celebration, check out Shop.CaliforniaAvocado.com to grab this season’s newest merch just in time for California Avocado Month

And for FREE sports-themed guacamole dip and avocado inspired appetizer recipes, click your desired mouth-watering link below:

John Salley’s Slam Dunk Guacamole
Nachos with California Avocado Big Game Guacamole
Queso Dip with Easy California Avocado Guacamole
Home Team Guacamole
California Avocado and Chorizo Stuffed Party Rolls with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Ranch Dip
Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Guacamole

In Los Angeles Debut, AEW Delivers the Dynamite!

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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) made its debut in Los Angeles, California last night. The fledgling wrestling organization’s flagship show AEW Dynamite was live from the Kia Forum in sunny southern California and there were definitely some explosions.

The live event came just days after AEW’s Double or Nothing Pay-Per-View which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday at the sold-out T-Mobile Arena. Another town and another sell-out as thousands of fans packed the refurbished Kia Forum (old home of the L.A. Lakers) for 2 hours of what turned out to be darn good show.

The good vibes started in the parking lot. Fans with replica belts and t-shirts from all wrestling eras chatted as they made their way into the Forum. Everyone was excited. Everyone was power walking. This was something new and also something that doesn’t roll through Los Angeles often. The buildup to the 5pm show time felt like walking around the lobby at an All-Ages punk row show.

Then 5pm hit (the event was being broadcast live on TBS superstation) and the magic started. Cult of Personality blasted over the speaker and out came the newly crowned AEW World Champion, the hugely popular CM Punk!

CM Punk would fight in a triples tag-team match with FTR minutes later. Just some good ol’ fashioned technical wrestling to open the program and the fans loved every minute. Admittedly, The Best in The World looked winded and sloppy at times. Perhaps he twisted his ankle early on because it looked like his feet kept giving out on him. There was an instance in which Punk delivered something that resembled a power bomb but that was aimed at the bottom ropes (maybe). It’s quite possible he would have killed one of the Gunn boys had Papa Gunn not been standing on the ring apron to prevent his neck from snapping on the ropes.

Perhaps the most bizarre (yet thoroughly entertaining) moment came next. One of the AEW originals, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, or MJF as he is known, descended to the ring and unleashed a scathing promo, essentially calling his boss a loser and demanding to be fired. The bad blood between MJF and company owner Tony Khan has been spilling over into the public the last few months. In a nutshell, MJF feels he is not being paid what he is worth. Most of us can relate. As a fan watching, it was hard to tell what was fact and fiction. Especially when CM Punk limped out (he was wearing only one wrestling boot and appeared to be hurt both physically and emotionally) to try to calm him down. MJF ran out of the ring and into the audience at this point. That didn’t looked planned. Security wasn’t even looking and it was only after about 30 seconds that they were seen scrambling to find him in the crowd. These were clearly real security guards, not the guys Wardlow was beating up every week. MJF looked like he didn’t know where he was going and they never caught up with him. As a side note, we later found out that none of this aired on live television. Anyway, it’s not hyperbole to say this was a Top 10 live promo in wrestling history.

Things briefly felt weird after MJF’s tirade but the action picked up again and it was on with the show. The matches varied from fast and furious, to technical, to sports entertainment style. This brought great balance to the show. The hungry L.A. fans got a quick fix then were able to settle in. Some highlights from the event included the return of Miro, the debut of Fallen Goddess Athena Palmer, a bonkers 10-man tag match, and 2 Wardlow powerbombs.

The Jericho Appreciation Society was also on hand. Like most Jericho angles, it started out lame but is slowly growing on people. They let Judas go on a little longer than usual, maybe because it was Los Angeles!

The night ended with Jon Moxley and his ruthless aggression and a Chris Jericho run-in. A bloodied Mox helped set the stage for the upcoming Blood and Guts show.  

AEW didn’t hit a grand slam with this event but they didn’t botch it either. If this were a college course, they earned a solid A- and it’s safe to say fans left satisfied. Walking back to the car, there was no negative buzz. Of course, it always helps when a guy like Mox takes the time to acknowledge the crowd after the cameras go off.

It felt like AEW and the L.A. fans left a good first impression on each other. Hopefully that means AEW will be back sooner than later.

Get Outside and Celebrate National Trails Day

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Photo credit: Verónica Miranda

(NewsUSA) – This year, on June 4, millions of people across the United States will hit the trail, any trail, to celebrate the 30th annual American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day.® This year’s celebration focuses on encouraging novice and veteran trail lovers to come together to leave trails and the outdoor community better than they found them. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain and clean up trails and public lands.

American Hiking Society and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their friends and neighbors around the joy of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

“There’s something magical about being outdoors,” says Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society.

“Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail, or even just around the block; there’s nothing quite like it,” she emphasizes. “But today, those trails and green spaces are in dire need of help, and not everyone has access to or feels welcome in these places that can calm and inspire,” Dr. Van Waes explains.

“National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together and make sure no one is left out.”

Not just on National Trails Day, but any day is a great time to commit to keeping the outdoors accessible and restorative for all.

Some ways you can make a difference include:

– Join a local trail event, or start your own. Search the American Hiking Society website for events in your area.

– Take the National Trails Day Pledge, and commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you find them. For example, take a trash bag with you on a walk or hike. Or speak up and tell your Members of Congress to support the Transit to Trails Act. You’ll be entered to win prizes from National Trails Day sponsors AKHG by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-op, Osprey Packs, and more.

– Share how you’ll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them, and tag #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media. Photos and videos tagged on Instagram will be entered into the National Trails Day® photo contest for a chance to win premium gear prize packages.

Visit americanhiking.org for more information and to find events near you.

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors — AKGH by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, and Osprey Packs. federal partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.