Like many in this network I was pretty deeply disappointed in the recent Toys 'R Us ad pitting "trees vs. toys", highlighted in the C&NN media update.  Like many of you Toys 'R Us has been a part of our gift giving and, to be honest, I still enjoy exploring the canyons of toys in the aisles myself.

Nothing conveys our disappointment more effectively to Toys "R Us than the power of the purse: not buying from them - and letting them know that.  If you are unhappy with their…

I recently went hiking with a friend in the Angeles National Forest.  We manage to get together on the trail about once a month.  Our hikes are a great way to get out into nature – and to catch up, socialize, and solve the world’s problems.  It was a perfect morning and we picked a great trail – a 10 mile out-and-back that promised spectacular vistas, pine forests, mountain geology - postcard quality stuff.

We were well along on our hike when we reached a signpost noting that we were…

Along with the “day job” and working to get kids and families connected to the outdoors, I am also an avid martial artist.  I practice a number of styles, to include tai chi.  I call it a passion.  My wife Lori calls it an obsession (I’m a stereotypical German so there may not be a difference).  I’ve been fortunate to train with some of the best teachers in the world.  I now have one more teacher: the Potomac River.

The afternoon before the opening of the 2012 C&NN…