The Olympics may just be a sporting event, but it is hard not to read larger messages into the results, especially when you see how China and America have dominated the medals tally. Both countries can - and will - look at their Olympic successes as reaffirmations of their distinctly different political systems. But what strikes me is how much they could each learn from the other. This, as they say, is a teaching moment. ...more

August 26, 2008

With a few strokes of a kayak paddle, Rhode Island's developing Blue Trail offers a new perspective on Narragansett Bay, the watery heart of the Ocean State. ...more

August 24, 2008

This isn't one of those pet-friendly rivers they go tubing on in Ohio and Wisconsin. You don't float this river on your $4.95 Kmart raft with Sparky splashing alongside it. ...more

December 27, 2007

TAMPA In Florida, Santa doesn't need Prancer, Dancer, Donder or Blitzen when he has an Evinrude, Mercury, Johnson or even a pair of oars. ...more

December 5, 2007

A kayaker fought off an 8-foot great white shark with her paddle on Monday after it knocked her off the craft at one of Australia's most popular beaches. ...more

October 16, 2007