tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12490626292514738712024-03-05T06:07:41.124-06:00The Academic NaturistAcademic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-22606691359826530092016-03-08T23:05:00.000-06:002016-03-09T07:43:15.606-06:00Mazo Beach ObservationsNow that Mazo Beach has <a href="https://friendsofmazobeach.wordpress.com/2016/03/08/closed/" target="_blank">officially been closed</a> until further notice, I figured it's a good time to post some documents I authored in 2014 about the crime statistics and how the beach aligned with the goals set forth in the Master Plan. Crime seems to be the hot topic, but nobody (especially the media) actually analyzes the numbers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1zmkwjwRPpKX0ZjRndnT0t1TUk&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Here's a link to the documents.</a><br />
<br />
I believe they speak for themselves. Despite submitting them multiple times to multiple sources in the DNR, and handing them a copy in person, they were obviously ignored. So, I'm making them public here.<br />
<br />
Two addendums though: First is that DNR reports (AP news articles) since 2013 have stated that the crime is "about the same as last year", indicating it's been relatively bottomed out (or lower) since 2013.<br />
<br />
Second, last summer, I spent some time on Ferry Bluff instead of on the beach itself. It's a great spot to see the bigger picture! Not only did I witness naked people (1 single guy, and 1 family) in two different areas miles away from the beach, but I also witnessed over 30 people entering closed areas from the riverway. I witnessed none of them get cited, even though it was the exact same day the DNR were patrolling the beach area. It seems the DNR has very selective enforcement -- all eyes are on the beach and only the beach. Remember that citations get written in the beach parking lot. Beach people park in the beach parking lot.<br />
<br />
Oh, and a return visit during the evening hours will often show people camping on the closed beaches. Do they get cited? No.<br />
<br />
And as a reminder, there's no law <i><a href="http://naturistaction.org/StatesFrames/State_Laws_Frames/Wisconsin_Laws/body_wisconsin_laws.html" target="_blank">specifically</a></i> against simple nudity on state lands. (It's somewhat open to interpretation based on "public" and "indecent".) I've gone freehiking on numerous other trails along the Wisconsin Riverway and other DNR lands, and there's plenty of hidden beaches that I've been meaning to explore. At most, you'll likely face a "disorderly conduct" charge. When nobody else is around, does that really apply? Be careful. If you get it, fight it. I always leave a sign at the trailhead, just to prevent surprises.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-57433654936389477362015-03-17T17:48:00.000-06:002015-03-17T17:48:33.156-06:00Freehiking as a Public Health Issue<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSRnIu9X_0RBpsktUle0VqnzYk7RjmFbqHXQA40ywGW-mh-560if4ilumCeUBZ6-bPFoUmZPkpNv2TVg5y_ifqEbXlJdd_80XFL1Cn8gWyraTK81b9L9msdHPZ4uzkVy0ogfS6ISMIQg/s1600/Lyme_Disease_Risk_Map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSRnIu9X_0RBpsktUle0VqnzYk7RjmFbqHXQA40ywGW-mh-560if4ilumCeUBZ6-bPFoUmZPkpNv2TVg5y_ifqEbXlJdd_80XFL1Cn8gWyraTK81b9L9msdHPZ4uzkVy0ogfS6ISMIQg/s320/Lyme_Disease_Risk_Map.gif" height="253" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }a:link { }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>The
Threat</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Ticks.
If you've ever seen one, that word should make you cringe. Despite
their tiny size, many carry a nasty bite with <i>Borrelia
burgdorferi</i>, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> There
is a lot of mystery, controversy, and politics surrounding Lyme
disease. On one side, there are organizations like the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC), which rely on scientific studies to influence
their recommendations for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. On
the other side are organizations like the International Lyme and
Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), who listen to those affected by
the disease and conduct their own studies.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
CDC [1] and ILADS[2, 3], for the most part,<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
agree on the early symptoms: fatigue, anxiety,</span> chills, fever,
headache, muscle aches, and joint aches. They also agree that a
“bulls-eye” rash or finding a tick prior or during the symptoms
are a tell-tale sign of an infection.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> According
to the CDC, 70%-80% of people get the “bulls-eye” rash. They
recommend performing both the <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">ELISA
scr</span>eening test and the <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Western
Blot test, both of which need to b</span>e positive to conclude a
positive result. If untreated, a variety of neurological symptoms and
joint pain/swelling will come and go. This is called Chronic Lyme
Disease. If treated, 10%-20% of patients still get a similar variety
of symptoms. They call this Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
(PTLDS).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">ILADS
takes a more dire stance. Their res</span>earch indicates that fewer
than 50% of patients recall a tick bite, and fewer than 50% have the
“bulls-eye” rash. The ELISA test produces a false-negative 35% of
the time, and the Western Blot test has a false-negative 20%-30% of
the time. ILADS also believes that treatment sometimes cannot fully
eradicate the disease, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">questions if</span> PTLDS really is something different.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
CDC maintains that the <i>B. burgdorferi</i> bacteria is primarily
transferred through tick bites. ILADS and others believe the bacteria
can spread in similar ways that other bacterias spread. Quite
frankly, there isn't a lot of research on one side or the other.
There is a lot that we don't know about this mysterious bacteria and
the disease it causes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Lyme
disease is often called the “great imitator”. Since the symptoms
vary widely, and are often similar to other diseases, it's often
misdiagnosed. Both the CDC and ILADS suspected that there were more
infections than were being reported.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
CDC originally reported about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease per year
in America. ILADS, citing some studies in the early 90's, believed
that the true amount of new cases was roughly ten times that number.
The CDC conducted additional studies and in 2012 announced that the
number was actually around 300,000. [4] This puts Lyme disease well
beyond more commonly known diseases like HIV/AIDS (around 50,000 new
cases per year in America) and even surpasses breast cancer (232,340
new cases in 2013 in America). It also makes one wonder what else
ILADS and others have right.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Somewhere
between the CDC and ILADS is the truth. It's scary. Living in one of
the high-risk zones, and enjoying wilderness recreation, is what
prompted me to learn all I can about Lyme disease and the ticks that
carry it. What I eventually realized, however, is that the common
advice to prevent tick bites isn't ideal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> In
order to remain safe while venturing through tick territory, you need
the best advice that research can provide. Before that advice,
however, are some details that'll make your skin crawl.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Tick
Life-Cycle</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Ticks
go through three stages in their three years of life: larva, nymph,
and adult. [5] Each stage requires feeding on blood, and o<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">ne
more feeding as an adult allows it to lay eggs.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Ticks
aren't born with Lyme, and receiving a bite from a larva usually
isn't a problem. However, the larva tend to feed on small mammals
such as mice. If the mouse has Lyme, the tick will become a carrier,
and all future targets are at risk.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> As
the tick feeds on a host, not only is it sucking blood, it's also
salivating on your skin. This numbs the skin so the tick can remain
undetected for the 3-7 days it needs. It's also how diseases get
transferred. After removing a tick, make sure to sanitize the area it
was on.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Most
applicable to this article is how they hunt for a host. Many people
believe they drop out of trees at just the right time or somehow jump
onto you. Neither is true. Ticks can sense oder, heat, moisture, and
vibration. If a host is nearby, it'll crawl towards it. Otherwise,
it'll start “questing”.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> To
quest, the tick climbs to the top of a nearby plant,<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
hangs on with its back legs and sticks the rest outward. It'll grab
on to anyt</span>hing that brushes by. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Fur
and Cloth</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Researchers
have been collecting ticks for various studies for a long time. The
best method, still commonly used today, is called “tick dragging”.
[6] A researcher pulls a material behind them. Ticks grab on, and the
researchers stop to pluck them off every so often. The researchers
aren't using the natural choice – fur. They're using cloth.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> With
that in mind, it seems a little silly that we wrap up in cloth to
venture out into the wilderness. Evolution has given us something
better.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> A
2003 publication by Mark Pagel and Walter Bodmer [7] discusses a
unique trait shared by only a handful of mammals: hairlessness.
Excluding the mammals which have fur or have thick, tough skin, only
two species remain; humans, and naked mole-rats.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> How
did this unique trait evolve? Pagel and Bodmer put forth a convincing
hypothesis that ridding our fur is an adaptation to reduce
ectoparasites. (Ectoparasites are parasites which live outside the
skin, like fleas and ticks.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> With
intelligence, fire, and clothing, human hairlessness became feasible.
Since ectoparasites are easily found and removed from hairless
regions, being hairless became an advantage. Finally, sexual
selection promotes hairlessness since having a parasite-free and
disease-free mate is good. Traditionally, males are more selective,
which explains why women typically have less body hair.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Similarly,
naked mole-rats group together in an always-warm underground
environment where ectoparasites are expected to be common. They don't
need fur to keep their body temperature regulated, so they lost it.
Ectoparasites are relatively rare in these colonies, compared to
similar colonies of furry rodents. [8]</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Is
nakedness still to our advantage when ectoparasites are involved? A
different study has the answer, although indirectly.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Tick
Psychology</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Once
a tick hitches a ride on a human host, where does it crawl to in
order to feed? The best study I've found [9] comes from Switzerland.
Although the Swiss ticks aren't the same species as the the ones in
the U.S., they have very similar characteristics, including being a
primary vector for Lyme disease.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
purpose of the study was to measure the effectiveness of a typical
commercially-available bug repellent containing DEET (15%) and EBAAP
(15%) in a real-word setting. The study included 276 volunteer
forestry workers and<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
orienteers, </span>and spanned from May to September, 1999.
Orienteers, by the way, are people who race through any terrain to
finish at a specific spot on a map.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> An
important aspect that isn't detailed in the study is what clothing
the participants wore. The forestry workers were likely wearing long
pants, which were not tucked into their shoes or socks. The study
mentions that the <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">orienteers
</span>typically wore short pants (presumably capri-style) and
t-shirts, but doesn't detail if anything was tucked in.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
volunteers were split into two groups, one got the repellent and the
other got a placebo. They were given instructions to apply the spray
on exposed skin (excluding the face) and the nearby edges of
clothing. They logged all ticks they found on them and where they
were at.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> In
total, the placebo group found 335 attached ticks, and the repellent
group found 202. The percentages were similar for both groups. The
head had the least number of ticks (0.2%-4.0%), with the arms next
(13%-14%). At the other end of the spectrum, the legs were attacked
56%-61% of the time, followed by the torso 23%-27% of the time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Thinking
about how ticks quest, most probably land on the shoes along a normal
trail. If the person is going through thicker brush, they land on the
legs or shirt. From there, they wander around until they find a good
warm spot. It makes sense that the legs and torso are most popular.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
study continues with: “75% of the reported attachments were on skin
covered by clothing, whereas only 14% were on uncovered skin. For the
remaining 11%, it was unclear whether the skin had been covered or
uncovered.” From those observations, they conclude that “ticks
search for covered skin.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Lastly,
their overall conclusion states that the tick repellent “offers at
least moderate protection against tick bites.” Presumably, going
naked with tick repellent is the best protection we can get.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Repellents</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> All
repellents on the market are based on a small collection of
chemicals. There are two chemicals which stand out.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
first is DEET. In July 2010, Consumer Reports [10] found DEET to be
the best repellent for skin. However, remember that it's also toxic,
so more isn't better. Their research suggested that 30% strength is
ideal. Make sure to reapply as directed, and wash it off when it's no
longer needed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> According
to the CDC [11], products which combine sunscreen and bug repellent
should be avoided. Always apply sunscreen first, followed by insect
repellent. The insect repellent should be applied on the outside of
clothing. Don't apply it to skin that is covered by clothing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
second chemical is permethrin, an insecticide applied to clothing.
According to a recent study [12], both the manufacturer-treated
clothing and the home kits are equally effective. However, the
success varied depending on the article of clothing. Treated shirts
made it 2.17 times less likely to get a tick bite. Treated shorts
made it 4.74 times less likely. Treated shoes and socks, amazingly,
made it 73.6 times less likely to get a tick bite. Since most ticks
probably grab onto the shoes, it makes sense that few would make it
to the bare leg alive.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Staying
Safe</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> No
matter where you go to find advice about preventing tick bites, it's
basically the same. Here, the “common advice” comes from either
the CDC [13] or the Minnesota DNR [14]. Combined, they seem to cover
everything. “My advice” is based on the research I discussed in
the previous sections and personal experience.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> The
common advice is to wear light-colored clothing so ticks are more
visible, and to tuck pants into boots and shirt into pants. While
this may be good to keep ticks outside your clothing, it'll be
extremely warm. Sweat attracts more bugs and makes repellent lose
effectiveness quicker. Wearing loose clothing to stay cool allows
ticks to sneak in. My advice is to go naked when weather permits.
This keeps you comfortably cool and gives ticks no place to hide.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> My
favorite bit of common advice is to bathe or shower as soon as
possible after coming indoors to wash off and find ticks. Why not
start that way? From my own experience of textiled hiking, the
commute back home with ticks crawling all over is the worst. It gives
them extra time to find a spot and bite. I believe all of my bites
stem from not being able to get out of my clothes fast enough.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Although
the common advice to do a full-body check, wash clothing, and check
gear is good, my advice is much more simple. Keep your clothes sealed
in a plastic bag or in the car, and do the full-body check before
getting dressed. A shower and a double-check for ticks at home is a
good idea, but you'll already be confident that you're tick-free.
There's no need to rush home, so you can grab some food and continue
the day normally. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> For
optimal protection, the common advice is to apply the minimum amount
of DEET to exposed skin and clothing. I recommend 30% strength, which
lasts up to 7 hours. If trails are nice and wide and you don't brush
up against anything, you could skip the DEET.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Don't
skip the permethrin though. The common advice is to treat everything
you wear. If you're hiking naked, I recommend treating a good pair of
solid boots and some shin-high socks at a minimum. Backpacks and hats
are good too.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> I'd
like to offer a few additional pieces of advice. These aren't
typically found in the common advice, but they probably should be.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Find
a hat that keeps ticks out of your hair. If it has holes in it, ticks
might find their way in. Also, if ticks can hide in your body hair,
you should consider trimming it down.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> It's
best to hike with others. Take turns leading so others can “watch
your back”. I've gotten into the habit of running my hands across
most of my skin every so often. If there are any ticks, they get
brushed off or I feel that they've recently bitten.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> With
Lyme disease impacting such a large number of people, I believe the
best advice that research can provide should be promoted as a matter
of public health. In a high-risk area during the warm months, wearing clothing <span style="font-family: inherit;">significantly increases your chances of getting <span style="font-family: inherit;">Lyme</span> disease <span style="font-family: inherit;">through</span> a tick bite<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>n a growing number of states, a nursing mother can
breastfeed openly in public. Laws allow the “nudity in public”
since public health takes priority. <span style="font-family: inherit;">F</span>reehiking in the
wilderness <span style="font-family: inherit;">s<span style="font-family: inherit;">hould</span></span> someday be accepted on the same basis.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">References: </span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[1]
Centers for Disease Control (2012, Aug. 27). Signs and Symptoms of
Lyme Disease. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[2]
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (2009). Top Ten
Tips to Prevent Chronic Lyme Disease. Retrieved from
http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/lyme_tips.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[3]
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (2006, April 15).
Basic Information about Lyme Disease. Retrieved from
http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/about_lyme.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[4]
Centers for Disease Control (2013, Aug. 19). Press Release – CDC
Provides Estimate of Americans Diagnosed with Lyme Disease Each Year.
Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0819-lyme-disease.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[5]
Centers for Disease Control (2012, Sept. 9). Tick Life Cycle and
Hosts. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/life_cycle_and_hosts.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[6]
Falco, R. C., Fish, D. (1992). A comparison of methods for sampling
the deer tick, <i>Ixodes dammini</i>, in a Lyme disease endemic area.
<i>Experimental & Applied Acarology, 14(2),</i> 165-173.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[7]
Pagel, M., Bodmer, W. (2003). A naked ape would have fewer parasites.
<i>Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biological Sciences, 270</i>,
117-119.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[8]
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Scharff,
A., Burda, H., Tenora, F., Kawalika, M., & Barus, V. (1997).
Parasites in social subterranean Zambian mole‐rats (Cryptomys spp.,
Bathyergidae, Rodentia). </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Journal
of Zoology, 241(3),</span></i></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
571-577.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[9]
Staub, D., Debrunner, M., Amsler, L., & Steffen, R. (2002).
Effectiveness of a repellent containing DEET and EBAAP for preventing
tick bites. <i>Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 13(1),</i>
12-20.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[10]
Consumer Reports (2010, July). Best ways to keep bugs at bay.
Retrieved from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/health/insect-repellent/overview/index.htm</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[11]
Centers for Disease Control (2012, Aug. 27). West Nile Virus Q&A
Insect Repellent Use and Safety. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[12]
Miller, N. J., Rainone, E. E., Dyer, M. C., González, M. L., &
Mather, T. N. (2011). Tick bite protection with permethrin-treated
summer-weight clothing. <i>Journal of medical entomology, 48(2),</i>
327-333.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[13]
Centers for Disease Control (2011, Nov. 15). Preventing Tick Bites.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/on_people.html </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[14]
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (2013). Deer Ticks.
Retrieved from
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/insects/deerticks/index.html</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Comments<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and feedba<span style="font-family: inherit;">ck can go on the <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2015/03/public-health-issues-preface.html" target="_blank">Preface<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-78284911541833344232015-03-16T19:41:00.000-06:002015-03-16T19:41:49.951-06:00Public Health Issues - PrefaceThe next article, to be posted tomorrow, has been a long time coming! It's perhaps one of my best research articles so far, and will hopefully have a positive impact.<br />
<br />
Naturists have always been pushing to expand opportunities. Although "nakations" have been fueling some growth recently, I believe the biggest growth was way back before the 1960's when naturism was <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2011/03/health-movement.html" target="_blank">part of the health movement</a>. Back when doctors would sometimes recommend it as a way to rejuvenate health.<br />
<br />
Right now, naturism is merely a form of recreation that is often struggling to survive. <a href="http://www.tera.ca/" target="_blank">Top-freedom</a> is leveraging "equal-rights" and is gaining ground. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory" target="_blank">LGBT</a> community has done the same too for their acceptance and rights. <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx" target="_blank">Breastfeeding</a> has advanced the most, by leveraging itself as a matter of public health.<br />
<br />
Freehiking, as my research shows, should also be accepted in high-risk areas as a matter of public health. To clarify, I don't mean in a "health movement" type of way; I mean in a "use of clothing greatly increases your risk of contracting a horrible life-long illness" type of way. And the little-understood illness is spreading like wildfire, as the article tomorrow will show.<br />
<br />
This revelation was actually an afterthought, after I was already deep into the research. At that point, I decided that it would be best to get it published as soon as possible, to the largest audience that I could. That didn't happen as I'd hoped. Here's the timeline of events:<br />
<br />
<u>July 2012</u> - A presentation on the subject, along with meeting someone who's been dealing with the health problems, and along with a few prior close-calls myself (some still visible), prompted me to learn a lot more about it and write what I found, especially since I live in a high-risk area.<br />
<u>March 2013</u> - Originally written for the blog, I pitch the article to TNS to get it published there first. They (both Nicky and Mark) say it's something they'd be interested in.<br />
<u>November 2013</u> - After an extensive re-write, I submit it to TNS. Nicky says it's too long, and I re-submit to the specifications.<br />
<u>April 2014</u> - I don't see the article in the Spring issue, so I check in. Nicky says the Summer issue is all-female-written, so it'll be published in the Autumn issue.<br />
<u>Autumn 2014</u> - No article.<br />
<u>Winter 2014</u> - No article.<br />
<u>Spring 2015</u> - No article.<br />
<br />
"High-risk" season is starting right now, and I don't want to go any longer without publishing. The last thing I want is for TNS to kick the can further down the road, so I'm not checking in about it again. If both Nicky and Mark simply forgot about the article, then it must not have been very important to them.<br />
<br />
I decided to publish here. I apologize that the article has 2-year-old or older references. Also, that there's no hyper-links within the article. It was written for the magazine, and I don't want to spend more time updating references and in-lining them into the article. It's magazine quality: concise, informative, important. But it has far fewer eyes on it, a year later than I was hoping for.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-5157135693220491252014-02-21T18:15:00.000-06:002014-02-21T18:15:07.249-06:00A Blueprint for ProgressWe all wish society was more accepting of naturists. We all wish there were more opportunities for nude recreation, without the occasional social and legal repercussions. We all believe that the lifestyle is healthy and natural, and we wish others could understand that.<br />
<br />
Every naturist seems to have their own opinion of what the problems are and what needs to be done to advance our cause. My opinion is quite straight-forward -- do what works. And I look to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community as a good example of what works.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>LGBT vs. Nudist Statistics </b><br />
<br />
There are a lot of parallels between being a nudist, and being gay. (Or part of the LGBT group, more specifically.) There is a period of self-discovery, followed by a duration of keeping a secret, followed by a "coming out". Although we live in an America which is more tolerant of some things, it seems less tolerant of others.<br />
<br />
There are some important differences too. First is that naturism is a choice, and being gay is typically not. Second is that discovering and "coming out" usually occur at very different ages for each group. The LGBT group typically "come out" in their teenage years. Naturists often discover the lifestyle and "come out" much later. Despite the differences, I think there is still a strong comparison between the two groups.<br />
<br />
I <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p7-end-effect.html" target="_blank">previously</a> mentioned a surprising statistic, and asked the obvious question: <a href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/census-lgbt-demographics-studies/how-many-people-are-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender/">8.2%</a> of Americans have engaged in some form of same-sex sexual activity, yet most Americans think <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/05/americans-have-no-idea-how-few-gay-people-there-are/257753/">25%</a> of the population is gay. Per the <a href="http://www.naturisteducation.org/Projects/NEF-Roper_Poll_2006/nef-roper_poll_2006.html">NEF poll</a>,
25% of Americans have gone skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing in mixed
company, yet many Americans think we're a fringe group. Why are these
statistics inversed? For the sake of this post, let's assume that these two groups have roughly the same numbers of people, somewhere between 8.2% and 25% of the population.<br />
<br />
Last summer, a publication caught my eye: "<a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-americans/" target="_blank">A Survey of LGBT Americans</a>" from Pew Research. In the back of my mind, I contemplated what naturists would say to those same questions. (I wish a similar poll was conducted on naturists so that we have a baseline.)<br />
<br />
92% of LGBT adults find America more accepting of them compared to 10 years ago, and expect it to be even more so 10 years from now. Naturists might say the opposite, or say there has been little progress.<br />
<br />
54% of LGBT adults say that all or most of the important people in their lives know that they are LGBT. (Only 14% haven't told anyone.) Do you think that many naturists are open about it? Not only that, but 70% of LGBT adults believe that the biggest help to making society more accepting is "people knowing someone who is LGBT."<br />
<br />
The LGBT adults clearly saw Barack Obama and Ellen DeGeneres as important public figures advancing their rights. Although I <a href="https://twitter.com/AcadNaturist/status/208955341113790464" target="_blank">once tweeted</a> that Obama could fit in as a nudist, we really don't have any public figures that we can proudly point to. LGBT adults also point to the entertainment industry, with 70% thinking it's friendly. Most mainstream TV depicting naturists isn't so friendly, especially the news media. And what do LGBT adults think of the news media? Most think it's friendly or neutral.<br />
<br />
The LGBT adults are active too. 52% have attended a pride event, 40% attended a rally or march, 39% are members of an organization, and 32% have donated to the cause. For naturists, I'm betting these numbers would all be much lower. (For attending an organized gathering or conference, participating in a protest, being a member of TNS or AANR, and donating to support naturist rights.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Blueprint</b><br />
<br />
In order to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Move America in the right direction for accepting naturists.</li>
<li>Make society more accepting to naturists. </li>
<li>Have celebrity support.</li>
<li>Have a naturist-friendly entertainment industry (TV, movies, news).</li>
</ul>
<br />
We need to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Have at least 54% of naturists "come out" to most friends and family, with another 32% or so telling at least someone else. This would have the biggest impact.</li>
<li>Have at least 52% of naturists attending gatherings, conferences, or other similar events.</li>
<li>Have at least 39% of naturists be members of a naturist organization.</li>
<li>Have at least 32% donate to naturist causes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I've helped all of those metrics, and I hope all of you will do the same.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-55799184496736618512013-08-07T21:05:00.000-06:002013-08-07T21:05:46.939-06:00Accidental HiatusIt's been more than 6 months since my previous post. Time goes fast!<br />
<br />
This spring, I labored on a really good article for the blog, and then decided that it might be better for N magazine. Recognizing significant differences in writing for the blog and writing for a magazine, I re-wrote most of it from scratch. It's still a work in progress, and I'm targeting a submission date in the winter months. The article would be ideal for spring-time publication.<br />
<br />
While writing it, I stumbled upon another great article idea. Again, it might be better suited for the magazine. I'm collecting data this summer and through some of the winter.<br />
<br />
Both articles are interesting and applicable for naturists, and academic-style with original research. I plan to publish each here a while after they run in N magazine (if accepted). No spoilers in the meantime!<br />
<br />
My summer has remained busy due to a more personal reason too. My significant other and I are finally, after nearly 11 years, getting married. <br />
<br />
In other blog news, I've decided to stop (or at least significantly scale back) writing about trips and events. I'm the only naturist blogger who has written about ALL of my social naturist trips for the entire 7 years I've been participating. I don't think it has much value anymore. (Unless someone can persuade me to continue?)<br />
<br />
With that, expect the hiatus to continue for a while longer and for posts to be less frequent. I'd like to shift more to quality instead of quantity. Thanks for understanding.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-44755103439687140792013-01-28T18:00:00.000-06:002013-01-28T18:00:08.517-06:00Future Resort SummarySince the Future Resort series is a good start for a business plan, I'll summarize all the best ideas from the Original series (O) and the Redux (R). As I mentioned at the start of the Redux, I'm interested in a business partnership. Contact me <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2007/05/general-feedback.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like to play any part in opening a venue which satisfies this criteria.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I've published all of these ideas already. Anyone can open a venue. I'm not looking for profit from a business partnership. I'm focused on the long-term benefit of having the venues in place. I'm hoping that profits from the venues get wisely reinvested into nudist causes, instead of pocketed for lavish lifestyles. And I'm hoping that anyone who may copy my ideas also copies my philosophy.<br />
<br />
The word "<i>should</i>" indicates a goal to strive for as a best effort. The word "<i>must</i>" indicates the venue needs to have it to earn my support.<br />
<br />
Summary of ideas:<br />
<ul>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> be one of the following:</li>
<ul>
<li>Castle-style, with building(s) surrounding an open lawn. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-future-resort-p2-land.html" target="_blank">O2</a>)</li>
<li>Commercial building. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>)</li>
</ul>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> be located in a city, and <i>should</i> be located in one of the largest cities in the states listed in (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p4-location.html" target="_blank">R4</a>).</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> provide privacy/seclusion and access control. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> be spacious and able to support a crowd. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> provide access to sunshine for sunbathing. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p3-layout.html" target="_blank">R3</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> be easily accessible, and within range of a taxi. It <i>should</i> be along a main road. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> be comfortable. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p2-space.html" target="_blank">R2</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> provide food through an internal restaurant, snack shop, groceries, or selection of delivered food. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p3-layout.html" target="_blank">R3</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> provide both hostel-style lodging and hotel-style lodging. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p6-targeting-youth.html" target="_blank">R6</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p3-layout.html" target="_blank">R3</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> allow more granular "grounds fees", such as charging by the hour. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p7-end-effect.html" target="_blank">R7</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> evaluate the green technologies listed in (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-future-resort-p3-sustainability.html" target="_blank">O3</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-future-resort-p31-water.html" target="_blank">O3.1</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p32-electric.html" target="_blank">O3.2</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p33-heat-and-ac.html" target="_blank">O3.3</a>) and implement any which would be profitable as soon as they can be afforded.</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> diversify using my crowdsourced evolutionary model. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p4-diversification.html" target="_blank">O4</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p5-economics-of.html" target="_blank">O5</a>) Note: Initial projects will likely be a pool, hot tub, games, fitness equipment, and other things nudists like to do.</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> do iterative development. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p4-diversification.html" target="_blank">O4</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> specialize in one or more specific events. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p4-diversification.html" target="_blank">O4</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> consider all ideas from guests, and track the decision making process for transparency. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p4-diversification.html" target="_blank">O4</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> offer chores in exchange for credit, so people can have a cheaper stay if they help out, using the framework in (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p5-economics-of.html" target="_blank">O5</a>) and the suggestion in (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-future-resort-recap.html" target="_blank">O-Recap3</a>).</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> encourage fundraisers, both to fund internal projects (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-future-resort-p5-economics-of.html" target="_blank">O5</a>) and to fund community projects (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-future-resort-p7-community.html" target="_blank">O7</a>).</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> implement ideal resource-sharing methods as described in (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-future-resort-p6-resource-sharing.html" target="_blank">O6</a>). Avoid the main example, however.</li>
<li>The venue <i>should</i> make use of regulars with specific skills who are willing to support side-businesses, fundraisers, and community involvement. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p3-layout.html" target="_blank">R3</a>)</li>
<li>The venue <i>must</i> be open and involved with the community, such as attending meetings, fundraising for community efforts, offering textile "open house" days, and doing good whenever possible. (<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-future-resort-p7-community.html" target="_blank">O7</a>, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-resort-redux-p7-end-effect.html" target="_blank">R7</a>)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Of course, there are other good ideas outside of the Future Resort series. For example, I cover effective use of markerboards <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-improve-any-venue-with-10.html" target="_blank">here</a>, might inspire a venue name and marketing ideas <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2011/03/health-movement.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and might offer a few event ideas <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2007/07/competing-with-life.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-49970157048531655552013-01-25T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-25T17:00:01.913-06:00Future Resort Redux (p7) - End EffectThe venues described in the series aren't entirely revolutionary. There are numerous venues which already fit in to the urban nudist oasis category. N magazine 31.4 talks about <a href="http://www.fawltytowersresort.com/" target="_blank">Fawlty Towers</a> in Cocoa Beach, which is a hotel that recently turned nudist. Another recent addition is <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1388391/The-naked-truth-Inside-Britains-naturist-hotel-spa.html" target="_blank">Clover Spa</a> in Britain, which is more like a bed and breakfast. A commenter pointed out his "<a href="http://www.clothingoptionalhomenetwork.com/" target="_blank">Clothing Optional Home Network</a>" of bed and breakfast venues. (There are many more, including some traditional nudist venues which happen to be at the city's edge.)<br />
<br />
The existing venues basically market themselves as hotels. You go there, pay a substantial sum of money, and enjoy a room for the night. Some go a step beyond and allow guests to enjoy the facilities for a day fee. This is often a substantial sum of money and they feel like they need to stay all day to make it worthwhile. With these policies, the venue attracts vacationers and people who have the day off from work. It becomes a tourist destination and a hotel. Although this can be profitable, my venue would focus on a different market.<br />
<br />
My policy for an urban nudist venue would be to also take the next logical step: charge by the hour. With this policy, the venue would provide dual roles. It can still be a tourist destination and hotel, but it will also become an entertainment establishment. It would compete with things like bowling alleys, skating rinks, gyms (both workout facilities and classes such as yoga), theaters, arcades, restaurants, and bars -- all of which you pay a small amount of money and have some small duration of entertainment or use.<br />
<br />
Think about how much time you spend at vacation destinations. Perhaps a week or two each year? Now think about how much time you spend at the entertainment establishments I listed above. Likely a few evenings each week and most weekends the rest of the year. When people want to get out of the house for a while, or have time to kill in town, they can stop in.<br />
<br />
If anyone is curious, a small fee and an hour of time is all it takes to give nudism a try. (An hour is usually all it takes to become hooked, too.) As people drive by the venue, many will be curious. They'll think about it and talk about it even if they never go. And this would be good for nudism.<br />
<br />
How many nudists do you know on TV? Probably none. Is nudism a talking point in each political election? The obvious answer is "no". However, gay rights are a talking point and I'm sure you know several gay characters on TV. Here are the stats: <a href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/census-lgbt-demographics-studies/how-many-people-are-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender/">8.2%</a> of Americans have engaged in some form of same-sex sexual activity, yet most Americans think <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/05/americans-have-no-idea-how-few-gay-people-there-are/257753/">25%</a> of the population is gay. Per the <a href="http://www.naturisteducation.org/Projects/NEF-Roper_Poll_2006/nef-roper_poll_2006.html">NEF poll</a>, 25% of Americans have gone skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing in mixed company, yet many Americans think we're a fringe group. Why are these statistics inversed?<br />
<br />
I believe that the difference in attitudes is related to the difference in primary social frameworks over the last 50 years. Nudist resorts are hidden away in rural areas, keep to themselves, and in general become forgotten. Gay bars, on the other hand, are in the middle of town. They are seen on a daily basis. They are talked about among the community. They are frequented by a lot of casual visitors, both regulars and the curious. They are a social hub for tight-knit local communities who are actively pushing for change.<br />
<br />
I'm not advocating that we open a bunch of "nudist bars" to mimic the success of the gay culture. (Legally speaking, establishments serving alcohol and offering nudity are heavily regulated, so a "nudist bar" would be very difficult to open and operate anyway.) But if similar facilities -- minus the alcohol and plus the numerous features I've mentioned in this series -- popped up around the country, I believe it would have a huge positive impact on nudism long-term.<br />
<br />
In conclusion, my revised prediction for the future of nudism is within an urban setting. Existing urban venues can be repurposed with casual nudists in mind, in cities which are already ripe with demand. A healthy mix of people will give it a try. Naturally, a strong sense of community will develop. With the increased visual presence, nudism will become a topic of political debate and mainstream media. Change is coming in the next couple decades, and I'm already looking forward to it!Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-71371945853345544292013-01-22T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-22T17:00:00.712-06:00Future Resort Redux (p6) - Targeting Youth<b>Follow the Trend</b><br />
<br />
Many nudists acknowledge a declining trend in youth at traditional nudist campgrounds. Although there is a lot of speculation for why that might be, there is one hypothesis which pertains to this series.<br />
<br />
The National Wildlife Federation, citing several studies, <a href="http://www.nwf.org/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There/Benefits.aspx">presents</a> this conclusion:<br />
"<i>In the last two decades, childhood has moved indoors. The average American boy or girl spends just four to seven minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen.</i>"<br />
<br />
Youth don't go outside as much anymore. (And when they do, I'd bet most of that play time is in urban playgrounds.) As they grow up, they'll gravitate to the city and prefer to be inside buildings. I don't think many have a desire to "escape to nature," especially since many find nature uncomfortable and maybe even a little scary. Why would they want to travel hours away from the city to spend the weekend at a nudist campground? This goes for kids, teenagers, college students, and young adults. The younger generation just isn't interested in nature anymore.<br />
<br />
By having an urban nudist venue, you'll implicitly target the youth. When given the choice, I'm confident that many young adults would prefer a smaller local urban venue over a distant large rustic venue. As time goes on, more and more will choose the urban one.<br />
<br />
Additionally, according to the <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2212.html">CIA World Factbook</a>, about 82% of the total population in the US live in an urban environment and it's increasing by 1.2% annually. Everyone goes to the city -- either by moving there or traveling there regularly. It only makes sense that most businesses would prefer being in the city. That's where the customers are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Leverage Nudist Culture</b><br />
<br />
In the USA, it's rare to find a hostel. In Europe and Australia, they're quite common. Backpackers are often young Europeans or anyone else who wants to take a year off from school or work and travel. As the name implies, they travel with little more than a backpack full of necessities.<br />
<br />
Hostels cater to this group by offering up a bed. From my own experience, backpackers pay between $10 and $20 at a hostel. In return, they get a bunk bed and sometimes a pillow and blanket. The rooms are shared among many different people (mixed gender). They typically aren't even locked. They're dirty and often things are broke, but they're cheap. And many backpackers love meeting new friends through the random room assignments.<br />
<br />
The reason hostels aren't popular in the US, I believe, is due to trust. We're a culture of locking doors and protecting our space with guns. We Americans don't trust anyone. Sharing a room with a bunch of strangers seems absurd.<br />
<br />
Nudist culture is different. At hotel parties, we don't always close/lock doors. We trust leaving our stuff on a table while we make a trip to the room. Everyone becomes a friend. It's difficult to be a <a href="http://nudiarist.tumblr.com/post/40632172152" target="_blank">thief</a> when everyone is naked, trusting, and friendly. In addition, I'm willing to bet a nudist hostel area would remain cleaner than the textile hostels I've been to. Offering chores to reduce cost is always a good idea.<br />
<br />
I suggest including some hostel-style rooms in any urban nudist venue. I believe cash-strapped nudists (especially the youth) would jump at the chance for a $10-$20 bed for the night, sharing a room with a new group of friends. Most nudists don't care if they have a big comfy bed, a door that locks, or the seclusion they get with their own room. Give them the option of their own fancy hotel-style room (at a price), or a cheap hostel-style bed. Nudist culture makes a choice like this possible in the US, and I suggest we make use of it.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-19118708588441851492013-01-18T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-18T17:00:00.271-06:00Future Resort Redux (p5) - Casual CultureIn part 2, I said that "nudism would be casual experience instead of a planned vacation or second residence." This statement can be broken down into three markets.<br />
<br />
The "nakation" (planned vacation) industry is a $400 million and growing global industry <a href="http://www.aanr.com/story-ideas" target="_blank">according to AANR</a>. There are a lot of opportunities for nude cruises and vacations at big resorts all around the world. These take time from work and cost money, especially since travel is becoming increasingly expensive. It's fair to assume that the majority of people taking "nakations" are retired, or middle-aged with the money and the time off from work to be able to do it.<br />
<br />
Many stay at resorts and campgrounds either full-time or as a second residence. Full-timers are almost always retired, or are lucky to work close enough to keep the commute reasonable. The second residence crowd typically have a camper and stay at the resort on weekends. It's fair to assume that these people have the money to buy a camper and pay for the site, which likely means they are middle-aged and have a career. (Purchasing and developing their primary residence takes money and time first.)<br />
<br />
The above two markets are currently the most profitable, and both are geared toward the middle-aged or older since they happen to be the primary customer.<br />
<br />
Young naturists, and cash-strapped naturists, take a more casual approach to nude recreation. They are the ones visiting the local free beaches whenever they have the time. They are the ones bravely freehiking and skinny dipping on public lands. They are the ones going to local hotel takeover parties. They are the ones attending bowling parties, house parties, WNBR, and any other event that happens to be going on. Perhaps "casual" isn't the right word since it takes a lot of work to organize these events, and sometimes a lot of work to participate in them. But compared to buying a camper, membership, or vacation, and dedicating weeks or more at a time to being nude, these cheaper day-long or weekend-long activities are casual.<br />
<br />
Both the <a href="http://www.floridayoungnaturists.com/" target="_blank">Florida Young Naturists</a> and the <a href="http://nudistnaturistamerica.org/" target="_blank">Young Naturists and Nudists America</a> have seen a boom in numbers since forming. FYN's Spring Bash went from 75 in 2009 to 200 in 2011 per N 31.2. YNA <a href="http://nudistnaturistamerica.org/about-young-naturists-america" target="_blank">claims</a> to be "the fastest growing nudist organization and online naturist community based out of the NY / NJ / PA area". The <a href="http://www.chicagofunclub.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Fun Club</a> has seen growing numbers of participants -- they've grown to more than 200 members in the 3 or so years they've been active. These groups have popped into existence with a primary goal of having fun at whatever venues they can set up. It seems that people of all ages are eager to participate in local events.<br />
<br />
I haven't gone to an unsuccessful nudist event yet. The hotel parties are always packed. House parties always attract a crowd. Public events like the WNBR have been growing. Even the <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2010/03/nude-bowlin.html" target="_blank">bowling group</a>, almost in the middle of nowhere, has a good turnout each Winter month. It seems that naturists are always looking for something local to do.<br />
<br />
Just how much demand is in the market? There were numerous people at the bowling party that didn't bowl. I'm sure the WNBR gets it's share of people who don't normally ride bikes. I haven't been to a nude skate party yet, but I'm sure some people attending can't skate. (N 29.1 shows a group photo from a skating event, and a few people aren't wearing skates.) Many people who visit nude beaches never go in the water, and some even avoid the sun. It seems that people just want to be naked in social settings, even if they aren't interested in what's going on. Markets are about supply and demand, and I believe there is more demand than supply for naturist events.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.chicagofunclub.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Fun Club</a> tested the limits of demand this year. The club is one of only a few in the Chicago area, and the nearest resorts are across state lines several hours away. One of the club's events worked out to be an ideal experiment. When Naked Girls Reading was still new, <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2010/05/naked-girls-reading.html" target="_blank">I said</a>: "Naturists would find this event to be one of the most boring things we could possibly sit through." Then, later on, the Chicago Fun Club organized a nude viewing of this event.<br />
<br />
How did it go? Corresponding with one of the members, it was "well attended and much enjoyed". I'd never go watch naked girls read. But, with the opportunity to be in a social naturist setting with friends, I'd be tempted.<br />
<br />
Even with nothing going on, people are still drawn to places. Many like to stop in at the bars, just to see who's there and what's going on. Many like to stroll through the mall even though they aren't shopping for anything specific. People will be drawn to the urban nudist venue just to see what's new, who's around, and to kill some time while being social. They might even bring their curious friends along.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-82907539226165207152013-01-15T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-15T17:00:08.164-06:00Future Resort Redux (p4) - LocationPopulation map, from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USA_states_population_map_2007_color.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNyYl0tbkp9SddB5e9dQWNdpKYCYs_vT-LgmApdc2pAfYsQkMLD9sm3UQuRUMt7XD4MqroIbOcvD5qH1YyftEc1SuDfQhV0IKIlDY6YtHzKt41lDpEO-vJqjrzX5-HCNB_VgrQzrO-P4/s1600/1000px-USA_states_population_map_2007_color.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNyYl0tbkp9SddB5e9dQWNdpKYCYs_vT-LgmApdc2pAfYsQkMLD9sm3UQuRUMt7XD4MqroIbOcvD5qH1YyftEc1SuDfQhV0IKIlDY6YtHzKt41lDpEO-vJqjrzX5-HCNB_VgrQzrO-P4/s320/1000px-USA_states_population_map_2007_color.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Modified map showing the number of nudist resorts in each state, based on the <a href="http://www.aanr.com/aanr-clubs/" target="_blank">AANR club listings</a>: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVgawFJKY0UgawQo8j72vDMSUhj5OIr8HtpZtcTRX0PnRTvVdlFhpVC5gUmkqhVuPhijFDZcfLhhrrTU4cSNadFyUIR1GSdrY31Q9d4TPaRoTX-ThohtCR1T72clN9PYJ9pVWciXnu1M/s1600/1000px-AANR_clubs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVgawFJKY0UgawQo8j72vDMSUhj5OIr8HtpZtcTRX0PnRTvVdlFhpVC5gUmkqhVuPhijFDZcfLhhrrTU4cSNadFyUIR1GSdrY31Q9d4TPaRoTX-ThohtCR1T72clN9PYJ9pVWciXnu1M/s320/1000px-AANR_clubs.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Analyzing the data in the above graphics, it's reasonable to conclude that the following states have a large population and a shortage of nudist resorts (compared to similar states):<br />
<br />
New York<br />
Illinois<br />
Arkansas<br />
Louisiana<br />
Kentucky<br />
Arizona<br />
Tennissee<br />
Virginia<br />
North Carolina<br />
New Jersey<br />
Massachusetts<br />
<br />
However, since this series is about urban resorts, one must also consider the population density maps.<br />
<br />
Population density map from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USA-2000-population-density.gif" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpwmWoPR5zotqs38d3QAVrpLevS9XJ86l7i0IB4FRNvdx8zaty64UJrnfPK6fPTRKS0MAmGwiMHI01poNEe-2DMbBHgaF9CoODPkbwj64BhST-xAXoMgVEkdUbZt_VG1tAYJA7QTq9nc/s1600/USA-2000-population-density.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpwmWoPR5zotqs38d3QAVrpLevS9XJ86l7i0IB4FRNvdx8zaty64UJrnfPK6fPTRKS0MAmGwiMHI01poNEe-2DMbBHgaF9CoODPkbwj64BhST-xAXoMgVEkdUbZt_VG1tAYJA7QTq9nc/s320/USA-2000-population-density.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many of the states which contain no nudist resorts have a low population. But, the majority of the population is within cities. States which have no resorts and have a high urban population density include:<br />
<br />
South Dakota<br />
Iowa<br />
Nebraska<br />
Utah<br />
Nevada<br />
New Mexico<br />
Arkansas<br />
Louisiana<br />
Kentucky<br />
Deleware<br />
Rhode Island<br />
New Hampshire<br />
Maine<br />
Alaska<br />
<br />
If I were to create an urban nudist oasis, I'd put it in one of the states above.<br />
<br />
Many of the states happen to be in northern latitudes as well. Nudist resorts, for the most part, close down during the winter months. Most only have outdoor facilities. Bigger ones have a few indoor facilities, but it's often not worth venturing down slippery backroads just to swim in the nude. An advantage of an indoor urban resort is that it can remain open year-round and provide the same facilities.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-55420142246937685652013-01-11T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-11T17:00:05.210-06:00Future Resort Redux (p3) - LayoutThe venue layout is partly determined by the existing layout, partly determined by how much money and work can be invested, and partly determined by what people in the area want. All I can offer on this topic is advice.<br />
<br />
First of all, make sure the venue will meet my original list of basic requirements. Seclusion, Accessibility, and Space should all be considered prior to purchasing the venue. Seclusion can be improved with things like window coverings after the purchase, but ideally the building shouldn't be all windows.<br />
<br />
The inclusion of Sunshine needs to be considered. Make sure there is a nice flat roof or an area outside that can be made private. A lot of people get hooked on naturism when they feel the sunshine and breeze on their naked bodies for the first time. Many city-dwellers have a difficult time finding a place where they can try this or participate regularly. Although an outdoor space may be difficult to provide, it is a basic feature of all traditional venues. Avoid developing a venue in any building which has no possibility of Sunshine.<br />
<br />
A similar indoor space should be provided as well. When the weather turns cold, sunshine through the windows provides a nice alternative. Consider an area of skylights or replacing part of a southern wall with windows. As an example, here is a place in Wisconsin which tries to <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wN1k5h7ia-CjhWNNxkhE-w" target="_blank">simulate a day at the beach</a> even in the middle of winter. They even have signs posted about sunburning while indoors.<br />
<br />
Successful nudist venues, other types of resorts, casinos, and just about any other place that wants people to stick around, consistently provide customers two basic features: A room to stay in, and food. If these can both be provided in your venue, it'll support a wide range of stays. If these are high in luxury and price, you'll only attract vacationers who are probably older. You'll be competing in a world-wide market too. (I wouldn't go this route.) If the rates are low, it'll support weekend getaways for all ages and support anyone who is traveling on a budget. Others may want it to be a temporary residence while they work in town. Adjust the room rates to be competitive for each market. For food, a variety is always best and make sure it's available whenever people may want a meal. If the hotel rooms have kitchens, or a shared kitchen is available, a mini grocery store would be helpful. If meals cannot be provided, collect menus from local restaurants who would be willing to deliver.<br />
<br />
Give people things to do during their stay. Collect recreation equipment, fitness equipment, and anything else that people might enjoy spending time on. If you know anyone who has lots of free time, give them the task of finding good deals on Craigslist for all this stuff. Make sure to keep people busy with games and events as well. Get people involved and they'll develop a strong relationship with the business.<br />
<br />
It's also helpful to find a Niche. As an example, there used to be a eBay Store in town which would sell your stuff on the global auction site, but it closed. Perhaps a nudist venue could offer this service as a side-project. Test the waters in different areas and see if anything becomes profitable. What are you, or your core members, good at? A stand-alone business might not stay afloat (like the eBay store), but coupling a few businesses together might. Nudists have skills beyond socializing and sunbathing. Put those skills to good use.<br />
<br />
There is quite a lot of variability in how a venue can be laid out and what services it can offer. Don't be afraid to remove things that aren't profitable, and play up things that are. Success depends on how quickly you can find the best balance for the venue.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-60170439830149860902013-01-08T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-08T17:00:04.046-06:00Future Resort Redux (p2) - SpaceCommercial buildings can meet the five requirements in a different balance than rural land.<br />
<br />
<i>Seclusion</i> is satisfied by walls, controlled use of windows, and access control through doors. Many commercial buildings have some level of security designed into them. Whether or not the building is publicly accessible, access is generally limited to specific entry points and a lobby controls access beyond that. Fire exits are locked from the outside. There are no other easy ways into a building. For rural land, a hike through the woods can probably get you in. It isn't practical to put a fence all the way around a large campground or resort. Therefore, a commercial building in a city is better secluded than rural land.<br />
<br />
<i>Sunshine</i> and <i>Space</i> are the most limiting factors with a commercial building. The building has a fixed size, and it has a roof which blocks all or nearly all of the sunlight. However, both can be increased by a fenced in area outside or by fencing in the roof (if it's flat). Consider a green roof for a naturalistic roof development.<br />
<br />
<i>Accessibility</i> is a strong feature of a commercial building. The location can be inside or on the outskirts of a city. Not only is it a short drive for everyone in the city, but there is likely cab service to the local airport too. Everyone in the county (or beyond) visits the city to do shopping, go to appointments, visit friends, and whatever else. They could stop by the venue for a couple of hours if they have time to kill. Nudism would be casual experience instead of a planned vacation or second residence. I'll talk more about this in part 5.<br />
<br />
There is no doubt that buildings are more <i>Comfortable</i> than the outdoors. We go through a lot of effort to build them, maintain them, keep them the perfect temperature, control humidity, keep the air fresh, keep the weather and bugs out, provide lighting, maintain security and privacy, provide clean running water, retain food for long periods of time, provide ways to prepare that food, and have a safe and comfortable place to get a good night's sleep. Traditional nudist venues have some level of difficulty providing all these things and are often at the mercy of the outdoors.<br />
<br />
Recently, I've been imagining what I'd do to convert various commercial buildings into nudist venues. Depending on the building, it might be easier than you think.<br />
<br />
A friend of mine used to live in an old schoolhouse. It was a big square three story building within the city that was developed into apartments. Each classroom became an apartment. They kept the small gym as a recreation area, and added a pool within it. Access to the building was controlled through a single door. It's not hard to imagine this as a nudist venue with the pool and rec. area, and with roomy rentable hotel-style rooms.<br />
<br />
Buying an old hotel can provide the same setup but with less work. Rooms are available to rent and there is often a nice pool and recreation area. Access control is already in place.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of closed factories, stores, churches, and office buildings around. Many have ceilings high enough to not disturb a volleyball game, and many have offices that can be rental suites. Some will be more work than others to convert. Every building is different. Each has it's own layout, it's own maintenance costs, and it's own price tag.<br />
<br />
In the next parts I'll discuss layouts and locations for an urban nudist venue. After that, I'll explain why this alternative approach to nudism might just catch on.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-38292762567000139262013-01-05T08:43:00.000-06:002013-01-05T08:43:59.339-06:00Future Resort Redux (p1) - Intro"If I had a clean slate and some seed money, here's how I would build my future venue." That's how I <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-future-resort-p1-intro.html" target="_blank">started</a> my popular "Future Resort" series four years ago. After some more experience since then, I'd like to offer an alternative approach.<br />
<br />
Going over my list of requirements from before:<br />
1. Seclusion -- So nobody can peek in, and to avoid trouble with the laws.<br />
2. Sunshine -- Just because it makes us happy.<br />
3. Space -- We need room to run around.<br />
4. Accessibility -- It should be easy to get to.<br />
5. Comfortable -- Few bugs, clean air, good weather, etc.<br />
<br />
Last time, I never really contemplated how each of those should be weighted. Is Accessibility more important than Space? Is Sunshine more important than Comfortable? If they are, then how much so? The market will eventually fine-tune the ratios based on the demand. If a venue has a bug problem, they may start spraying them regularly. If a venue isn't easily accessible, people will prefer going to one that is.<br />
<br />
I previously made some assumptions about how, in general, things should be weighted. My starting point was lots of acres of cheap rural land. This made Seclusion, Sunshine, and Space more abundant than Accessible and Comfortable. Although I very much enjoy venues like this, there is a flip-side that may also be appealing.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I didn't elaborate on the importance of Accessibility last time. I was thinking of it more as a measure after the venue is built instead of a driver for where it should be. It was a lower priority item.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I didn't elaborate on Comfortable quite enough last time either. In order to stay at a venue, my basic requirements are a place to sleep, available food and water, and internet. Why is internet on this list? It's not required in order to survive, but many younger Americans depend on it to check in with work or school, socialize, and rely on it as an <a href="http://xkcd.com/903/" target="_blank">information resource</a>. Although smartphones can do a lot, many people don't have them yet and internet typically isn't free from the cellular network. Perhaps that will change in the next 10 years, and my requirement for internet will be obsolete.<br />
<br />
In part 2 of the series, I accidentally limited my scope with the first word: "<a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-future-resort-p2-land.html" target="_blank">land</a>". While I was oogling rural land with lots of undeveloped acres, and dreaming of a nudist tour boat, I was too quick to dismiss another viable option. I'll start part 2 of this redux in this direction.<br />
<br />
Buying up land and developing a resort isn't a bad thing. There are a lot of resorts that have taken this path. The successful ones will keep growing, and the less successful ones will keep dying out. Getting into the market will be increasingly difficult. The big resorts are a little like <a href="http://www.ilsr.org/key-studies-walmart-and-bigbox-retail/" target="_blank">big-box stores</a>, which make it difficult to open a competing successful small business. Let them dominate their market -- it's time for us to start something new.<br />
<br />
I'll be putting my money where my mouth is this time around. If you're thinking of opening a venue which satisfies much of the criteria in this series, I'm willing to help out. I'm interested in a business partnership. (Don't leave comments about opportunities here -- instead please post to the <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2007/05/general-feedback.html" target="">General Feedback</a> page.)Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-25675161708422736372012-12-29T15:44:00.000-06:002012-12-29T15:44:22.924-06:00Fundraiser RecapI tried out two fundraising ideas this year.<br />
<br />
First was advertisements, which I detailed <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2012/03/monetize.html">in this post</a>. In the first 3 months, it raised a whoppin' $3! Then the AdSense team decided to shut off the ads in August (apparently) due to lack of original content. After adding some more content in recent months, I tried to get ads turned back on. They refused, so no more ads!<br />
<br />
Second, as a winter project I built an arcade machine. (I'll have another post on this later.) Then, I took it to VVRC's annual Car Show for the extended weekend. I found that many like to admire it, but few like to play it. (I only asked for donations too -- some played but didn't donate.) It raised $23.25. I chipped in another $20 and sent a check to NAC. Bob wrote a reply saying it was a clever idea and thanked me for the donation.<br />
<br />
The arcade is mostly for personal use (in the rec. room), but I built it for fundraising. At another fundraising event it raised about $125 over two weeks. However, that money was for a non-naturist cause.<br />
<br />
<b>Coming Soon:</b><br />
<br />
My "Future Resort" series is back! After being "in progress" for more than 2 years, I present my bold new expectations for the future. All 7 parts are scheduled through January.<br />
<br />
I also plan to write more about non-nudist projects, like the arcade and some of the other things I've been working on. Maybe I'll bring some non-nudists to the blog.<br />
<br />
Hopefully everyone is having a Happy Holiday!Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-33170888095845031662012-12-07T07:22:00.000-06:002012-12-07T07:22:21.907-06:00Turn Up The Heat!Within a few months after moving in to the house, I started on a quest for home efficiency. There are a lot of gizmos available to audit the efficiency of your home. Some companies and contractors specialize in that. The home inspector said our windows and insulation are all fine -- it's only a 12 year old house -- so I knew the efficiency improvements would mostly come from behavioral changes.<br />
<br />
Last winter, I plugged a $5 webcam into a computer. I was quite excited about it, too. You may be thinking -- so what?<br />
<br />
The webcam is pointed at a couple LEDs near our furnace. The computer runs a program to determine what LEDs are lit up every 10 seconds. The LEDs are as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>Power -- ignored, but could be used to determine if there is a power outage since the computer is on battery backup.</li>
<li>Electric heat -- Used as primary (unless load balanced or gas fails), computer records this. This runs on a cheaper electric rate, so it's cheaper than gas.</li>
<li>Gas heat -- Rarely used, but the computer records this too.</li>
<li>A/C -- ignored for now, don't use it much anyway since we're naturists.</li>
<li>Load Balancing in effect -- ignored, but could be used to detect if gas is failing.</li>
</ul>
The computer also records the outside temperature (from a weather station in town) and a few other metrics (like wind, sun intensity, rain). All this data gets charted and reported daily, and I can process the raw metrics any way I want. This includes giving me a daily cost in dollars.<br />
<br />
This also lets me test a few common myths.<br />
<br />
<b>#1: Setting your thermostat 1 degree colder can lower your heating bill by 1-2%.</b><br />
<br />
One night last winter presented the perfect opportunity to test this. From 11pm to 5am the wind was low, the sun wasn't out, we were sleeping, and the temperature steadily dropped from 32 degrees to -2 degrees. The average furnace runtime steadily increased during this time as well.<br />
<br />
In the end, I calculated that (for our house) there is a 2.36% increase in heating cost for every degree. Note that since it's based on a degree delta from our thermostat setting to the outside temperature, a degree change outside is equivalent to a degree change inside. Lastly, the resulting 2.36% makes sense. We have a bigger-sized ridge-top country home, so I'd expect the percentage to be higher than a typical city home.<br />
<br />
So when the bill normally reaches $300 mid-winter, and my partner wants it 10 degrees warmer so she can run around naked, I ask "Is the extra $80 that month worth it?" <br />
<br />
<b>#2: Turning down your thermostat during the day will save you money.</b><br />
<br />
In my experience, this statement is true. But I rarely do it because it isn't worth it.<br />
<br />
During the day, the sun has a huge effect on your house. Even when the sun isn't shining, there is still heat radiating in. Your windows amplify this effect by acting like a greenhouse, despite most windows having a heat-repelling glaze to minimize summer cooling costs (I wish they didn't). All-in-all, your furnace works way less during the daytime! If the high temp outside is within 20 degrees of our thermostat temp, our furnace normally doesn't run while the sun is shining.<br />
<br />
Changing the temperature has no effect. The time the furnace is off while the house temp drops will be balanced out by the time it runs to bring the temp back up. The savings you get is by reducing the delta. (Inside temp minus the outside temp.) Reducing the delta for 8 daytime hours will save money, but not much. Literally pennies per week. Buying a programmable thermostat to do this will never pay for itself.<br />
<br />
On the flip side, employing the same tactic at night WILL save you more than chump change. Your furnace works the hardest at night, when the temps are colder and there is no sunlight to help out. Throw a few extra blankets on the bed and make a quick dash to clothing when you get up.<br />
<br />
My ideal thermostat would keep the temp at 60 through the night, bump it up to 65 for the morning rush, let it sit at 60 all day, then crank it to 75 some evenings so we can run around naked (but only if it's a reasonable temperature outside -- we can stay clothed on the colder days).<br />
<br />
<b>#3: Open the curtains during the day to let heat in, and close them at night to keep it in.</b><br />
<br />
I
tried this and it didn't have any measurable effect. Windows are
fairly insulated, and once heat gets through them it will stay in.
(Unless you buy a shiny heat reflector to use as your curtains, like
what is used for auto windshields.) At night, the cool breeze goes
right around or through the curtains. (Unless you use blankets as
curtains and tape them to the window frame.)<br />
<br />
If you often have the curtains closed, and the sunlight hits them, it may be worth having two sets. Have a light color for the summer, and a dark color during the winter.<br />
<br />
Another great option that others have tested is the use of <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/bubblewrap.htm" target="_blank">bubble wrap</a>. It's easy and cheap to put in, pays for itself within half of a heating season, lets light in, and also obscures the view. Perfect for naturists! <br />
<br />
<b>#4: Turning up the thermostat more will make it warm up faster. (Especially on a cold winter day.)</b><br />
<br />
For most furnaces, they are either on or off. When they are on, they warm up the house at the same rate no matter what the thermostat is set to. I've witnessed this first-hand. I can measure it if someone really wants me to.<br />
<br />
I say "most furnaces" because I know of one exception. My parents have a geothermal system which has a "low" setting for warming up the house a degree or two, and a "high" setting when the thermostat is further off.<br />
<br />
Lastly, cranking up the thermostat on the coldest winter days is the quickest way to raise your bill. But if you insist on doing this, there better be a party involved. Bodies are wonderful heaters. Having a mid-winter nudist party might be cheaper than you think -- as long as you have plenty of warm guests.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-71167536428171935492012-10-28T15:04:00.000-06:002012-10-28T15:04:34.742-06:00Zombie ApocalypseIt's been a few years since we've attended the <a href="http://friendsofmazobeach.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Friends of Mazo Beach</a> / <a href="http://badgernaturists.org/" target="_blank">Badger Naturist</a> Halloween Party. (This year nicknamed the Zombie Apocalypse.) We had forgotten how much fun it is.<br />
<br />
Being used to the VVRC Mid-Winter Party, the differences become more apparent. The age is a bit younger here, with a few kids and more people our age. We see a different set of faces here that represent Mazo beach and TNS. The facilities include a steam room, sauna, arcade, and large conference room with a kitchen. The pool is perfectly warm. The hot tub is perfectly hot. The hotel itself isn't bigger, but it's better. Same with the party as a whole.<br />
<br />
Percilla and I spent much of Friday helping decorate and paper up the windows. Then we hit the hot tub, pool, and sauna a few times. Saturday, she had to go to class, so I spent much of the day bouncing between the hot tub, pool, and sauna. So much so that I had to visit the laptop and look up the hazards of too much hot tub use. Luckily, I'm not on medication, not pregnant, and not concerned about sperm count. As a fellow hot tub owner, I can say from experience that theirs is properly maintained and the chemicals balanced, so no concerns there either. Back in I go!<br />
<br />
Saturday night was fantastic. Dinner offered an array of great food that fit the Halloween theme. It was the best pot-luck meal I've ever seen. In addition, a live guitarist offered acoustic background music during the meal. (A DJ played background music in the pool area too all evening.)<br />
<br />
After dinner, the spooks crawled out of the woodwork. This year was the most costumes I've seen. Many couples had their own themes: Cowboy and Indian, Devils, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, the Bobbitt's, and many more. Several of the costumes were quite elaborate. All-in-all, a majority won prizes after 13 categories were defined.<br />
<br />
This trip was a basically a last-minute decision, where we didn't have time to come up with a clever costume. Our plan was to "sit this one out". But, as fate would have it, another couple brought along a few "minimalist" costumes and talked us into trying one. They dressed as smartphones, with post-its representing apps. We dressed as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Buttons" target="_blank">candy dots</a>, with those round colored stickers that are usually used in garage sales. It was fun.<br />
<br />
Saturday and Sunday mornings offered a variety of breakfast items, both what the hotel usually offers (bagels, cereal, etc.) and freshly cooked items from the kitchen (french toast, various things with eggs, waffles, and donuts). There was no shortage of things to eat all weekend.<br />
<br />
After yet another dip in the hot tub, we helped with taking down decorations and general cleanup. Another successful Halloween party comes to a close, and we're looking forward to next year!Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-80882928138154212582012-10-15T19:17:00.000-06:002012-10-15T19:17:14.453-06:00Summer of VVRCSince we've only gone to <a href="http://valleyviewrecreationclub.com/" target="_blank">VVRC</a> this summer, I figured I'd summarize the trips in a single post.<br />
<br />
In May, we spent a weekend sharing the family suite with Alice and Bob. (Having the room makes the trips a lot easier!) A fun evening of Karaoke and a fantastic themed supper were provided by VVRC.<br />
<br />
July 4th weekend, Alice and Bob brought a friend. Temps were well into the 90's which is a bit hot even for a naturist. The pool was popular. We had another fantastic themed supper from VVRC.<br />
<br />
Early August, we made a diplomatic day-trip. After the board meeting, they called another quick meeting to hear me out. I pitched the idea of a fundraiser (separate post on that later), and pitched the idea of writing an article for N magazine. They loved both ideas.<br />
<br />
A week later was Car Show weekend, which happened to land on an unseasonably cool weekend (so numbers were down a bit). It was fun as always! I sported a "Press" hat and made it known that there was a N article in the works. I definitely spent more time and effort on this article that any of my previous ones. It's an article I'm quite proud of. Hopefully the editors at <a href="http://naturistsociety.com/" target="_blank">TNS</a> were kind.<br />
<br />
Labor Day weekend, as I found out, has the second-best event of the summer -- the Nude Olympics. Saturday was a Caribbean Carnival with a big parade, themed supper, and an entertaining steel drum player. Sunday was the Olympics. It was the largest group of active naked people I've ever seen. My team won Silver metals. Going for gold next year!Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-26415321565641514202012-08-29T20:43:00.000-06:002012-10-23T18:52:43.253-06:00Skinny-Dipping Country<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A List of Country Music Songs which Portray Innocent Nudity</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Background:</b><br />
Everyone who despises country music seems to think it's full of sad songs about dogs, wives, old trucks, and drinking. Sure, that's <i>often</i> the case, but there's more to it.<br />
<br />
Being a bit of a "hillbilly" myself, I often listen to country music. I like it. Pop music is full of sex, rap is full of gangs, and older music is too full of love songs. Country music is often full of clever storytelling.<br />
<br />
Part of that storytelling is of naturist interest. It's common knowledge that many of our grandparents used to skinny-dip at their local swimming hole and thought nothing of innocent nudity. (It was more common in rural areas.) Country singers, even now, still sing about memories of skinny-dipping and a healthy attitude towards innocent nudity.<br />
<br />
<b>The List:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/C/Craig_Morgan/Almost_Home.html" target="_blank">Craig Morgan - Almost Home</a>.<br />
"Drip dryin' in the summer breeze, After jumpin' into Calico creek" - Actually a memory from an older man in the song. It doesn't say he skinny-dipped, but it's a reasonable assumption since drip-drying in clothing is nearly impossible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/S/Steve_Holy/Brand_New_Girlfriend.html" target="_blank">Steve Holy - Brand New Girlfriend</a><br />
"flew out to LA for the weekend, spent the whole day, lyin' on the beach, wearin' nothin' but a smile" - He's likely talking about San Onofre Beach which has <a href="http://www.naturistaction.org/sanonofre/" target="_blank">been under fire in recent years</a>. If you're a fan of Steve Holy and think he should be able to do as his song says, donate to <a href="http://www.naturistaction.org/sanonofre/" target="_blank">NAC</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/J/John_Michael_Montgomery/Country_Thang.html" target="_blank">John Michael Montgomery - Country Thang</a><br />
"We like moonlight sippin', late skinny-dippin'." - This song is a big list of what it means to be Country, which skinny-dipping is a part.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/halfway-to-hazard/country-til-the-day-we-die-22882.html" target="_blank">Halfway to Hazard - Country 'Til The Day We Die</a><br />
"When it gets hotter, We naked in the water" - Again stating that skinny-dipping is part of being Country.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/blue-county/nothin-but-cowboy-boots-12691.html" target="_blank">Blue Country - Nothin' But Cowboy Boots</a><br />
"Nothin' but cowboy boots, sets your spirit free. That wild wild western birthday suit, is the remedy for modesty" - The song is all about the joy of nudity.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/B/Brook_Benton/Dont_It_Make_You_Want_To_Go_Home.html" target="_blank">Brook Benton / Joe South / Bobby Bare / ? - Dont It Make You Want To Go Home</a><br />
"There's a six-lane highway down by the creek, Where I went skinny-dippin' as a child" - Many parents now would freak out if their children went skinny-dipping in a creek.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/sugar-hill-lyrics-dolly-parton.html" target="_blank">Dolly Parton - Sugar Hill</a><br />
"Down in the mill pond swimmin' naked ... We were just kids explorin' nature" - Childhood memories of skinny-dipping, and still finding it appealing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/mellons-ken/dont-make-me-have-to-come-in-there-13831.html" target="_blank">Ken Mellons - Don't Make My Have To Come In There</a><br />
"When I was a boy about ten years old, I went swimmin' in the fishin' hole, Floatin' around in my birthday suit" - Another childhood skinny-dipping memory.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/B/Bobby_Bare/They_Covered_Up_the_Old_Swimming_Hole.html" target="_blank">Bobby Bare - They Covered Up the Old Swimming Hole</a><br />
"But it never can compare with the food for the soul, You could get for a dip in the old swimmin' hole. ... And I'm wishing these days I could strip to my soul, And go for a dip in the old swimmin' hole" - Society squeezing out yet another skinny-dipping area.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/B/Billy_Ray_Cyrus/I_Want_My_Mullet_Back.html" target="_blank">Billy Ray Cyrus - I Want My Mullet Back</a><br />
"I 'member packin' that ol' fishin' pole, Skinny-dippin' at a swimmin' hole" - Per the song, he misses his mullet more than the skinny-dipping.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/the-mcclymonts/kick-it-up-29328.html" target="_blank">The McClymonts - Kick It Up</a><br />
"And if you jump out in the water, You got to be naked as a breeze" - A female band who is encouraging skinny-dipping.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/duncan-whitney/skinny-dippin-29564.html" target="_blank">Whitney Duncan - Skinny Dippin'</a><br />
"I never felt more alive" - Another female artist with a whole song about a skinny-dip. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/edens-edge/skinny-dippin-36145.html" target="_blank">Edens Edge - Skinny Dippin'</a><br />
"There's no iced tea, no AC, I guess we'll just have to cool off naturally" - Yet another female with a cute skinny-dipping song.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/williams-riley/country-livin-lyrics/" target="_blank">Williams Riley - Country Livin'</a><br />
"When we get hot we just go skinny dippin'. That's what our women love about country livin'." - The men agree that everyone loves a skinny-dip.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/C/Craig_Morgan/Nothin__Goin__Wrong_Around_Here.html" target="_blank">Craig Morgan - Nothin' Goin' Wrong Around Here</a><br />
"Luther wackin' off weeds in his underwear. They go moon skinny-dippin this time of year. There's always somethin' goin' on, But there ain't nothin' goin' wrong around here" - Obviously no problem with skinny-dipping. The song continues by bragging about the low crime rate: "Only time Sheriff Lester breaks his handcuffs out, Is when his wife's been drinkin' and they're back at the house."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/B/Blake_Shelton/Who_Are_You_When_I_m_Not_Looking.html" target="_blank">Blake Shelton - Who Are You When I'm Not Looking</a><br />
"When you undress, do you leave a path? Then sink to your nose in a bubble bath?" - There's nothing wrong with going about the house naked.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O523Z8Fstng" target="_blank">The Roys - Beautiful</a> (no lyrics online, just a video)<br />
"She fussing 'cause she can't find nothing to wear, when to me she looks real good standing there." - Another reference to simple nudity in the house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/T/Trent_Willmon/So_Am_I.html" target="_blank">Trent Willmon - So Am I</a><br />
"We love the life we're livin'; It feels so good skinny-dippin'. Skinny-dippin' an' long legs kickin', In the Mississippi mud line." - This scenario is a fairly big part of the song. It starts with a hot night when they're fishing, and clearly a skinny-dip is a much better idea!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/dixie-highway-band/i-call-it-love-32025.html" target="_blank">Dixie Highway Band - I Call It Love</a><br />
"I remember skinny dipping in Lawson's Pond, And your daddy caught us in each others' arms ...<br />
He took you with him along with my clothes, And I walked naked all the way home" - Isn't this what all couples go through when they're in love?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/shelton-blake/cotton-pickin-time-14207.html" target="_blank">Blake Shelton - Cotton Pickin' Time</a><br />
"As I passed Old Johnson’s Mill, I saw Becky Morgan, skinny dippin’ nude. ... Then she gave me a come here smile ... I fell down tryin’ to kick off my jeans." - There's no apprehension when a chance to skinny-dip arises.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/shelton-blake/green-26238.html" target="_blank">Blake Shelton - Green</a><br />
"And when the summer time hits, we skinny dip in the stream. I was green before green was a thing" - A song about environmentalism (being "green") which puts a skinny-dipping reference in the chorus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/J/Justin_Moore/Redneck_Side.html" target="_blank">Justin Moore - Redneck Side</a><br />
"Went to meet her family ... Yea we were really havin fun, Til they caught me in the pool at 2am, Wearin nothin but a farmers tan" - That about sums up modern skinny-dipping -- frowned upon by the masses, but a whole lot of fun for those who partake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/B/Blake_Shelton/Playboys_Of_The_Southwestern_World.html" target="_blank">Blake Shelton - Playboys Of The Southwestern World</a><br />
"Aw but my favorite memory of school that fall, Was the night John Roy came runnin down in the hall, Wearin nothing but cowboy boots and a big som-brero" - Do country people just randomly run around naked? It sure seems that way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/terry-allen/buck-naked-385.html" target="_blank">Terry Allen / David Byrne - Buck Naked</a><br />
"They’re all naked in the land where I come from" - The song is actually a religious song, stating that everyone is naked in the eyes of the Lord. But he asks "Well, how does it feel; Does anybody know?" Yeah, I think naturists are well aware of the feeling of being naked.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/travis-tritt/i-wanna-feel-too-much-23094.html" target="_blank">Travis Tritt - Wanna Feel Too Much</a><br />
"I wanna run naked in the rain; feel it soak my skin." - He describes this like it's a good feeling. Any naturists who have been in the rain know it's quite cold and unpleasant!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/byrd-tracy/you-feel-good-2717.html" target="_blank">Tracy Byrd - You Feel Good</a><br />
"I like sleeping in the nude, When It's hot and the moon is full" - Isn't it always a full-moon when you sleep nude?<br />
<br />
If you know of other songs, please add them in the comments.<br />
<br />
Of course if you're not into country, you can instead rock out to <a href="http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/S/Screeching_Weasel/I_Wanna_Be_Naked.html" target="_blank">Screeching Weasel - I Wanna Be Naked</a>.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-50620746644337667742012-06-02T14:21:00.001-06:002012-06-02T14:21:54.517-06:00House Project: PrivacyWe knew that we would like a private backyard before even looking at houses. When we put in the offer on <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2010/11/change-of-scenery.html" target="_blank">the house</a>, we know a private backyard would be a lot of work. The property is in the shape of a triangle, with an elevated road running along the hypotenuse. The entire back yard is visible around both sides of the house.<br />
<br />
Our initial idea was a regular privacy fence. We found a good deal on panels that would make the fence 8 feet high, and constructed a small section to test them out. The test was successful, but I couldn't get over the feeling of how tacky a big fence would be.<br />
<br />
We decided that plants would be better. After a lot of research, our best bet was to try some (40) of these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lkes_CR9LIof8GIXECtCr1eBcgjR7JBPhyphenhyphen5rI_HoYVq0vjcwxqst6yirZdCFpIEPrhIP028K_I_RdYWIfewxMBa4gk88cjh7JNmgUaXzyvAwJZkq4uCxQWrig8YWqtF-h4SvMfSCnyk/s1600/tree_advert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lkes_CR9LIof8GIXECtCr1eBcgjR7JBPhyphenhyphen5rI_HoYVq0vjcwxqst6yirZdCFpIEPrhIP028K_I_RdYWIfewxMBa4gk88cjh7JNmgUaXzyvAwJZkq4uCxQWrig8YWqtF-h4SvMfSCnyk/s320/tree_advert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They were all planted more than a year ago. Here's what we got so far:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFoye7UkCMFUfct4xHIY-ns1xomEHIey7hnHv3dMngx4M9Q8D32YDkRd55thvE8DXuYFVkM09FRVdNNIF1J_kRxCB7odfjqabPcs6sxRz-pWNUNhQ6ehWhRL_RaQiRzw5meVI57JDs7s/s1600/tree_results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFoye7UkCMFUfct4xHIY-ns1xomEHIey7hnHv3dMngx4M9Q8D32YDkRd55thvE8DXuYFVkM09FRVdNNIF1J_kRxCB7odfjqabPcs6sxRz-pWNUNhQ6ehWhRL_RaQiRzw5meVI57JDs7s/s320/tree_results.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It doesn't quite match the ad, but this <i>is</i> Wisconsin after all. Plants don't thrive in Wisconsin -- they survive. And these have a long way to go before they block the view from the road (which is on the horizon in the picture).<br />
<br />
Blocking the view from the other direction was much quicker. It was a bit expensive, but after planting, it fully grew within a couple of months!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VLJRJsZbchdpagmakDKS9k3i9VXLPZjrQElkrMIVLKiWJum73G1Y8Y92zz-8HL5yl8mq7UF97j_C_spuna0EuTz0atagmAsqT-veO2Kzdta-tsva6MP52HkyVJ86kLnZ0A7I64gAgY/s1600/shed_for_privacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VLJRJsZbchdpagmakDKS9k3i9VXLPZjrQElkrMIVLKiWJum73G1Y8Y92zz-8HL5yl8mq7UF97j_C_spuna0EuTz0atagmAsqT-veO2Kzdta-tsva6MP52HkyVJ86kLnZ0A7I64gAgY/s320/shed_for_privacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-65546212336822186002012-05-06T12:52:00.000-06:002012-05-06T12:52:46.676-06:00Burning Man StatisticsAfter 3 years and 54,711 pictures, my preliminary research regarding nudity at the Burning Man festival is complete. The background, method, metrics, conclusions, and future work are detailed below.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Background:</b></u><br />
<br />
See the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man" target="_blank">wiki page for Burning Man</a> to learn about the festival itself. This festival is of interest because it has several unique qualities:<br />
<ul>
<li>It's a secluded city of around 50,000 regular people that lasts for 1 week.</li>
<li>The event is heavily photographed from all angles.</li>
<li>The event is clothing optional, and is in a climate which encourages clothing-optional use.</li>
</ul>
Also of interest is my post from <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/10/burning-man-2009.html" target="_blank">when I started</a> on this project.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Method:</b></u><br />
<br />
To collect a large sample of photos, I used a script. I ran the script from the start of the festival until the end of November. The script would check the Flickr RSS feeds for specific tags (listed in my first post but changing the year). The script would poll the RSS feeds at a minimum of <span style="background-color: white;">30 second intervals, and a maximum of 15 minute intervals</span>, depending on how many pictures were collected in the previous iteration. Any new pictures it found were downloaded. The script timing did change between 2009 and 2010, but shouldn't have an impact.<br />
<br />
One limitation that Flickr has is a maximum of 20 items in the RSS feed. If someone uploads 30 photos all at once, the script would miss 10 of them. (The same is true for 100 people uploading photos, the most recent 20 are reported.) This works to my advantage because it ends up creating a random sample of the overall pool of photos.<br />
<br />
After the pictures are downloaded, they are all evaluated for instances of nudity. The number of people partaking in the nudity were tallied. The categories that were chosen are listed below along with their general legality:<br />
<ul>
<li>Male Nudity - Illegal in most areas. Includes anything which shows the genitals (painted, shirt-cocking, etc.) </li>
<li>Nude Women - Illegal in most areas. Involves nudity of breasts and genitals and may include bodypaints. (This includes 1 instance in 2009 where the genitals were exposed but not the breasts.)</li>
<li>Top-Free (no cover) - Illegal in most states (but not all). Bare-breasted females.</li>
<li>Top-Free (paint) - Laws are mixed. Females with painted breasts.</li>
<li>Top-Free (see-through) - Legally usually same as bare breasts. Females wearing items over the breasts which still show the breasts.</li>
<li>Pasties - Generally considered legal but not always. Females wearing items which stick on, or are glued on, with the intent of covering the nipple and areola.</li>
</ul>
I should note that it isn't an easy task to classify pictures. Some are grainy or low quality, some strongly imply nudity but don't actually show it, and some are difficult to classify accurately. I did the best that I could. If any researcher wants to double-check my statistics, I still have the original pictures from each year.<br />
<br />
Secondly, I excluded pictures which would unfairly skew the metrics, like those taken during the Critical Tits bike ride. If counting nudists in a city, one would not want to include the World Naked Bike Ride participants as many don't normally go naked. Only a couple pictures ended up being excluded.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Metrics:</b></u><br />
Here are the raw metrics:<br />
<br />
<table border="3">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="86">Year</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2009" width="86">2009</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2010" width="86">2010</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2011" width="86">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Sample</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="21142">21142</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="15342">15342</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="18327">18327</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Attendance</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="43435">43435</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="51454">51454</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="53963">53963</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Nude Men</td>
<td align="RIGHT">NA</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="73">73</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="59">59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Nude Women</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35">35</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13">13</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (no cover)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="120">120</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="97">97</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="134">134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (paint)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="43">43</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="23">23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (see-through)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27">27</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20">20</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Pasties</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="41">41</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="32">32</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="56">56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
Although the raw metrics don't paint an accurate trend. The sample sizes are different, and need to be scaled to be equal. The 2010 and 2011 metrics are scaled to match the 2009. Below is the adjusted table with a couple additional metrics.<br />
<br />
<table border="3">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="86">Year</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2009" width="86">2009</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2010" width="86">2010</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2011" width="86">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Nude Men</td>
<td align="RIGHT">NA</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="100.597444922435">100.6</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="68.0623124352049">68.06</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Nude Women</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35">35</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="17.9146134793378">17.91</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16.150379221913">16.15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (no cover)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="120">120</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="133.670577499674">133.67</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="154.582201124025">154.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (paint)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="43">43</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="9.64633033502803">9.65</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="26.5327658645714">26.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Top-free (see-through)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27">27</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27.5609438143658">27.56</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="28.8399628962733">28.84</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Pasties</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="41">41</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="44.0975101029853">44.1</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="64.6015168876521">64.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17"><br /></td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Sum Top-Free</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="190">190</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="170.877851649068">170.88</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="209.954929884869">209.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">Sum Top-Free (incl. Pasties)</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="231">231</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="214.975361752053">214.98</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="274.556446772521">274.56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
Other factors to consider are:<br />
<br />
Burning Man attendees often say there is a lot of nudity. Based on the nudity appearing in pictures vs. the population, I'm seeing about 0.6% participate. Informal counts (<a href="http://www.peterman.net/burn/gallery/?y=1999" target="_blank">in 1999</a>) put the number closer to 5%. Nudists that I talked to at <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2012/02/sunsport-gardens.html" target="_blank">Sunsport</a> also guesstimated the number around 5%, with no apparent change in the nudity rate over the last 10 years.<br />
<br />
There is a big limitation with the metrics: I don't have the total number of people who appear in the pictures. Thus, I cannot find an accurate percentage of attendees who are nude or top-free. My 0.6% number above assumes everyone appeared in a picture, which is a big and likely untrue assumption.<br />
<br />
Additionally, I don't know the duration that people are nude or top-free. They could take off their clothes just for the picture, or they could go all week that way.<br />
<br />
In order for an instance of nudity to be counted in this research, it has to undergo a series of events:<br />
<ul>
<li>There must be a nude or top-free person at the event.</li>
<li>There must be a photographer nearby. (In some places, photographers aren't allowed or are strongly discouraged, like <a href="http://www.criticaltits.com/" target="_blank">Critical Tits</a>, the <a href="http://eplaya.burningman.com/viewtopic.php?t=21079" target="_blank">Human Carcass Wash</a>, and any sexual-themed areas.)</li>
<li>The photographer must take a picture. Either by accident (where nudity is in the background) or with some sort of consent (if the main subject). Sometimes photographers will take a picture even if there isn't consent, but it doesn't seem to happen frequently. </li>
<li>The photographer must share the picture on Flickr. This means they are OK with showing others nude on a public website, possibly against their consent. It also means the photographer is willing to share their pictures freely and have a Flickr account.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>Conclusions:</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
There seems to be a <b>general downward trend for photographers capturing and sharing nudity</b>. In 2009, I flagged almost 600 pictures that had nudity. In 2011, I flagged almost 350. I'm not sure why this is, since I didn't track this metric very close. It could have an impact on the conclusions below. However, since the metrics count people instead of pictures, the picture count shouldn't matter.<br />
<br />
<b>Full-exposure is on a steady decline.</b> Both men and women are less willing to be fully naked in public. It's possible that photographers are choosing not to capture/share it, but the remaining conclusions seem to prove otherwise.<br />
<br />
<b>Regular top-freedom is on a steady rise.</b> Women are increasingly willing to take their shirts off and go bare-chested, like a vast majority of men at the festival.<br />
<br />
<b>Pasties have grown in popularity.</b> Many may be part of a costume, but others seem to only be there to de-nudify. <br />
<br />
<b>Body painting</b> seems to be less popular. <b>See-through clothing</b> has remained very steady.<br />
<br />
<b>Top-freedom in general rose from 2009 to 2011.</b> (It wasn't a steady increase though, so it may fluctuate each year.)<br />
<br />
It seems like conflicting information that top-freedom is rising, but full nudity is falling. I believe that this indicates a sort of polarization. Top-equality, as an equal rights issue, is gaining support and gaining momentum. Exposure of the genitals, on the other hand, seems to be more taboo in our current sexualized culture.<br />
<br />
The increase in the use of pasties at Burning Man supports this argument. The easiest way for women to remain covered is to wear a bikini top or similar clothing. The majority do. Some choose to show more skin, but add painful-to-remove pasties to remain "covered". Pasties became popular in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasties" target="_blank">1920's</a> simply to avoid breaking the law, and are still used today for that purpose. There is no good reason to wear pasties at Burning Man since there is no law regarding nudity. Many want to be topless while still being "covered", and resort to an extreme measure to make it happen.<br />
<br />
If you have any conclusions from the data posted or other feedback, you're welcome to post a comment. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Future Work:</b></u><br />
<br />
There hasn't been much <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=burning+man+nudity&hl=en&btnG=Search&as_sdt=1%2C50" target="_blank">academic interest</a> in the "clothing optional city" of Burning Man. Personally, I believe that Burning Man is a gauge for our culture's participation and acceptance of nudity. I just wish I had better methods of measuring it. Perhaps other researchers can attend the event, poll a random sample of participants, or collect more reliable data.<br />
<br />
If there are any regular attendees who read this blog, I have an easy request. Each year, set up a video camera on a busy street during a busy day and let it record for a straight couple of hours. This way, a researcher can tally the total number of people that go by, along with their state of dress. This would give a much more accurate statistic than I can generate based on pictures. Plus, a rough <a href="http://www.peterman.net/burn/gallery/?y=1999" target="_blank">baseline</a> was already set for this in 1999.<br />
<br />
Please let me know if you're a researcher who is doing related work. I'm very interested in the results.<br />
<br />
As a last resort, if nothing better comes along, I may repeat this experiment in a couple of years to see if the trends are still holding true.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-70748168952351738272012-04-11T19:00:00.001-06:002012-04-11T19:00:00.195-06:00Still FreehikingI'm not sure if the Vernon County Broadcaster is still reading this blog. (Remember, they wrote an article about what we do. The only web copy currently is <a href="http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_2848a5dc-7b56-11df-8f03-001cc4c03286.html">on the La Crosse Tribune site</a>. The "reports" they mention are <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/09/summer-freehiking-recap.html">here</a>.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I just wanted to let them know that we are STILL freehiking on public lands</span>. With the awesome weather we've been having this year, there have been plenty of opportunities to hit the trails before turkey hunting season (April 11th). We've gone to the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife/wildlife_areas/kickapoowu.htm">Kickapoo River Wildlife Area - Wauzeka Unit</a> a few times.<br /><br />The first trip, there were several trees over the trail. There were no other footprints in the muddy areas. (Lots of animal tracks though!) No bugs, no ticks. It looked like we were the first people on the trail since deer hunting season last fall. As usual, we met nobody on the trail. Closer to turkey season, a few of the trees were moved. The bugs were still low, but the ticks were in full force. I honestly don't know how the hunters can stand it -- it would be impossible to spot ticks on camouflage, and they could easily sneak up inside pant legs and bite in places they don't belong! On bare skin they are easy to spot, easy to feel, and easy to remove. They don't get very far.<br /><br />From the article: "<span style="font-style: italic;">There is no county ordinance specifically against free hiking, but those who cause a disturbance could be cited for disorderly conduct.</span>" There were no citations issued this season, even though we DID disturb several flocks of ducks, many other birds, some squirrels, butterflies, and a pair of playful otters. (Animals are all very skittish in this area -- normally they only see people with weapons. I'd be skittish too!)<br /><br />Naturism is more that just nudity -- we have full respect for nature and intend to keep it beautiful. On the last hike, we picked up trash along the trail, including about 25 shotgun shells, a handful of cigarette butts, and a few beer cans. We brought the trash bag home for disposal after taking the following picture...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhxAf_AmN80hIMw17BgvODbQTOplfg3CTA1Si5nctDmXbwiLn-nZhdeO9C-VM89jW3C9gM-RiJ4tTKa3Ltky5Tz95edpf-eKF3XPNXH11LfNUzK5fkDxQKz35MqtpxSpij3lQDW69Gbk/s1600/wauzekaunit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhxAf_AmN80hIMw17BgvODbQTOplfg3CTA1Si5nctDmXbwiLn-nZhdeO9C-VM89jW3C9gM-RiJ4tTKa3Ltky5Tz95edpf-eKF3XPNXH11LfNUzK5fkDxQKz35MqtpxSpij3lQDW69Gbk/s400/wauzekaunit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729571870058901026" border="0" /></a><br />For more information on freehiking, I suggest an article by Mark Storey originally published in N 15.4 (and <a href="http://bodyfreedom.org/guide/essays/hiking.html">available online here</a>). In it is one of my favorite quotes on the subject. He challenges people to "hike clothed out to the middle of nowhere. When you get there leave all your clothes in a secluded spot and bravely walk naked 100 yards in any direction. By the time you return you will have had an epiphany that will change your life." I think he's right. But if anyone puts his hypothesis to the test, please add a comment to let me know how it goes.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-64083524967194104442012-03-29T20:05:00.001-06:002012-03-29T21:28:29.069-06:00Monetize!After years of Blogger tempting me with the "Monetize" option, and years of swearing that I would never put Ads on the blog for profit, I found a happy medium.<br /><br />I'm holding true to my word that I am NOT looking to profit from this blog. There are others that need all the money they can get. They are the ones who will get the cash.<br /><br />At the end of each year, I'll cash out the earnings and send a check to <a href="http://naturistaction.org/">NAC</a>. (This assumes there is enough to cash out, $100 or more.) I'll pay the tax on the income. If the taxes become too much (which is unlikely), I'll instead donate the money to <a href="http://www.naturisteducation.org/">NEF</a> and claim the tax deduction. I'll put up a post each year with the summary and proof of the donation.<br /><br />Not only is this bringing outside money into a critical part of naturism, it also encourages me to blog more and generate more buzz to increase page views.<br /><br />If the Ads become too annoying and have too little payout, I can always shut them off. What's your vote -- am I doing the right thing?Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-88895659490082958992012-02-26T16:31:00.001-06:002012-11-26T18:03:38.868-06:00Sunsport GardensAfter trying a trip to Florida twice (2010 and 2011), we finally made it this year! We attended the annual <a href="http://www.sunsportgardens.com/festivals/index.html">Mid-Winter Festival</a> at <a href="http://www.sunsportgardens.com/">Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort</a>.<br />
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We decided to drive down in a rental and tent camp for the festival. On the way down, we stayed at a wonderful little Bed & Breakfast called <a href="http://www.clearviewhorsefarm.com/lodging.html">Clearview Horse Farm</a>. When the weather is good, guests can take the houses out on the trail. For us, however, it was cool and drizzle. But it was better than the snow we battled while leaving Wisconsin.<br />
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The weather was perfect during our entire stay in Florida. This allowed us to be nude for the entire festival. Even at night, keeping covered with a sarong was enough to stay warm. Per comments made during the festival, this year had unusually great weather.<br />
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When we first checked in, we were warmly welcomed by a young gal. She never said anything discouraging. Since we wanted to do some sightseeing in the Everglades, we asked for her recommendations. "You're in it" was the first answer, but then she recommended a place that wasn't too far away. We explored and saw a wild gater and other wildlife. After that, we were done being tourists and settled in at our campsite.<br />
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What did we do at Sunsport? He's the list of the daytime workshops we attended, with a comment or two. More info on each workshop can be found in the festival <a href="http://www.sunsportgardens.com/userfiles/file/MidwinterFestivalSchedule2012.pdf">schedule</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Sexting, a Naturist Issue? - Discussion where I think we concluded it is, sort-of.</li>
<li>Valentine's Day Superstitions - A fun interactive workshop led by an energetic gal.</li>
<li>Networking for a C.O. Beach in Delray - Met Dave who has been working hard to make this a reality.</li>
<li>Speed Friending - Interesting way to meet people where each gets to talk for 3 minutes. Many found it difficult to talk about themselves for 3 minutes straight.</li>
<li>NAC Current Issues - Informative as always. Learned the difference between the yearly Gatherings and Festivals. Gathering = TNS organized event. Festival = Organized by someone else and is a NAC fundraiser.</li>
<li>Changes in Naturism Past & Future - Discussion, which was a bit boring. Decided to avoid similar workshops from same host.</li>
<li>Intro to Naturism and This Festival - Good overview of TNS, Sunsport, and how the festival is organized.</li>
<li>Henna and Body Tattoos - Possibly a new hobby for Percilla.</li>
<li>The Greying of Naturism - Hosted by the person I was avoiding. Percilla went and observed that there were a lot of grey people.</li>
<li>Privatizing a Backyard - Made us wish that our plants grew as fast as Florida's.</li>
<li>Drumming for Novices - Percilla went, apparently the host was a novice as well. Ran out of drums so they brought out pots and pans.</li>
<li>Involving Young Adults & Families in Naturism - Morley discussing why Sunsport is so successful for attracting younger people.</li>
<li>Naturist Photography 2011 - Presentation by one of the photographers with stories.</li>
<li>2 Burning Man discussions - The most experienced person (10 trips) didn't lead either of them.</li>
<li>Haulover Beach Ambassadors - Insightful discussion about how it works and how successful it's been. Finally got to meet local celebrity Richard Mason.</li>
<li>History of Florida Naturism - Mostly about Lake Como, Cypress Cove, and a few others.</li>
<li>Learn to Juggle, "success guaranteed" - Percilla went and proved otherwise.</li>
<li>Why Are You a Nudist - Discussion. One middle-aged attendee grew up in a nudist resort and was the only one in his circle of friends to stick with it, so it was an interesting perspective.</li>
<li>NAC/NEF Donor Reception - I gave them a good donation, and it wasn't as busy as I was hoping.</li>
<li>Nude Art, Naturism, and Nazis - Interesting slideshow (with real slides!) of paintings and drawings with stories.</li>
<li>Professors & Researchers SIG - Added myself to the group. See their website <a href="http://www.tnsprofessorsig.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>Where to go for Nude Rec. in Florida - Interesting review of coastal beaches. (Didn't get to lakes.) Two beaches were highly recommended and hard to get to, so I'd love to check them out in a future trip.</li>
<li>Florida Naturist Groups - Big meeting of most groups to share info and strategies.</li>
<li>Beach Groups - More info sharing between beach-related "Friends Of" groups.</li>
<li>Informing Politicians of Naturist Family Values - Paul presented his amazingly concise, research-backed, informative book <span style="font-style: italic;">Naturists: Upholders of Strong Family Values</span>. Listed <a href="http://www.paullevalley.com/books/index.htm">here</a>.</li>
<li>Sunsport Gardens: The Vision - More from Morley on why Sunsport is such an amazing resort.</li>
<li>Bipolar Bares - Percilla attended and said this was a wonderful support group and was very informational. (Some in her family have this disorder.)</li>
<li>Science, Engineering, Technology and Human Concern: Mankind is Advancing Beyond Old Ideologies - I like edgy presentations, but I had to bite my tongue a lot. More about this later.</li>
<li>Off the Grid: A Decentralized Approach to Mankind's Energy Needs - Same presenter as above, same effect.</li>
<li>Wear Clothes: Destroy the Planet, Get Sick Quicker, Die Sooner - Discussed chemicals in clothes and how they get absorbed by the skin and likely cause harm. Also covered how destructive the manufacturing is.</li>
<li>Women & Body Acceptance in Naturism - Percilla went and said they need more groups like that. It was a great support group. Nicky told a story about a woman who was screened for breast cancer and 47 lumps were found. Nicky persuaded her to not wear a bra for a month until her next checkup. At that time, she only had 3 lumps.</li>
<li>Sunsport Memoirs: A Pictorial History - One of the photographers spent a year scanning pictures from a big box maintained in the office. Showed the history and told stories.</li>
<li>Naturist Action Committee Area Representative Program - Great meeting to discuss what we're doing and how else we can help.</li>
<li>Politics of Children in Naturism - More wise words from Morley.</li>
<li>Writing for N Magazine - Learned that N is seeking more young writers.</li>
<li>No Sex Please, We're Naturists - An insider review of Caliente Tampa's newer sexy advertising. Mostly a discussion on if sex hurts the nudist industry, inconclusive.</li>
<li>Closing Friendship Circle - Everyone says a few words. Ideas and suggestions are recorded by Morley and discussed by the board for future improvements.</li>
</ul>
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After-hours or special events:<br />
<ul>
<li>Campfire and Drum Circle - The most professional bonfire setup I've ever seen, and later at night it became fairly active. The weekly ones the rest of the year may be more fun.</li>
<li>DJ Dance - A computer in the pavilion is used as a jukebox. Songs played one-by-one by request mostly. Not many people attended but it was still fun.</li>
<li>Karaoke - Fun and well-run, much more popular than the dances.</li>
<li>Bingo - Not part of the festival itself, but we played anyway the night before the festival. They have a good setup for it and they keep it fun.</li>
<li>An Evening of Peace, Love, and Joy - Music by Faerie Elane. We thought it was slow and weird, so didn't stay long. Not sure about others.</li>
<li>Armand & Angelina - We're still confused at how they developed a cult following in the naturist world. Everyone loves them.</li>
<li>Clothing Optional Fashion Show - Showing off mostly jewelry and other hand-made items from the vendors.</li>
<li>Variety Show - Entertaining show with a host who was full of good jokes.</li>
<li>Haulover Trip - Amazing place to visit, especially when we tag along with an awesome beach ambassador in a 2012 Camero.</li>
</ul>
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Outside of the workshops, we enjoyed most of Sunsport's facilities. The sauna was nice, the pool is big and warm, and the hot tub is perfect. (Heat for the water is mostly solar.) We watched the turtles and frogs in the ponds. The tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and volleyball courts were all professional quality. The food was wonderful. (And more healthful than what the restaurant normally serves outside of the festival.) Showers and bathrooms were comfortable. The playground was big and well-positioned, which is good for the many children around and the many parents that like to check in. Everything was well-designed and maintained. It seems that if they do something, they do it right.<br />
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I discovered a unique combination of outdoor facilities at Sunsport that provides the perfect recipe for a chilly evening. No other resort we've been to has this. First, I'd take a shower as required before entering the pool. Then, it's a short hop into the hot tub. Cycle between the hot tub and the pool as desired. Last, go into the sauna just long enough to dry off. You'll end up warm and dry before going to bed. At other resorts, there is usually no sauna. We need to make a special trip to trade sarongs (our usual) with towels, and we usually end up cold by the time we dry off and get into bed.<br />
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Sunsport drew a healthy demographic to the festival where all age groups were well represented. There was a healthy balance of gender. The general population seemed thinner than usual too. I've long been convinced that Sunsport is doing something right, and finally got to see it with my own eyes.<br />
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Not everyone is convinced, however. I was pulled aside by a permanent resident who wasn't fond of the noisy drum circles, thought the place was full of weirdos (partly due to a lot of holistic workshops happening nearby), and thought the festival was a rip-off for the attendees. I suspect this same person was the one who recently caused friction between Sunsport and the Florida Young Naturists. With beer in hand that morning, obviously not his first, he hinted at moving to a different state. Morley immediately came to mind. When talking about his ban on smoking, he said "Yeah we lost a few members, but we gained a lot more!" Sunsport may lose this member.<br />
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At Haulover, I got to meet the founders of the <a href="http://www.floridayoungnaturists.com/">Florida Young Naturists</a>. I also got to listen in on a lively discussion on what happened at one of the recent events, why they're avoiding Sunsport for a bit, and how they are working to resolve the issue. I hope that FYN will be back at Sunsport soon. I would love to attend one of their events.<br />
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Sunsport is on only 40 acres, but a many of these acres are undeveloped and contain a network of trails. The trails aren't as professional as those at <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2010/08/quick-jaunt-to-cedar-trails.html">Cedar Trails</a>, but they are still quite enjoyable. I believe they keep the trails a bit wild (skinny dirt paths) on purpose. Unique plants have little signs by them all around the resort including the trails. I wasn't aware that wild coffee grew in Florida, but we found some. The biggest surprise was that, in the middle of nowhere, there was a big long grassy patch. If you want some privacy for a discussion, or a meeting place for women new to naturism, that would make a great spot.<br />
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Saturday night, I was pulled in to a game of pool with a group of guys. We all were decent players and the games were all pretty close. It was all laid back and fun. Then, a person not much older than me joined in. I'll call him Mark. (Short for "Marksman" since he does have a military history.) Him and I played, and I quickly gathered that he was far more serious about winning then anyone else. I was on the edge of saying "I quit because you're taking this way too seriously." He won against me (and I was happy to leave), but lost the next round (and he also left). Little did I know, he would go on to host the two most favored workshops and be the most talked about person at the closing circle (even though he wasn't there.)<br />
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Mark and I generally share a similar background. The only big difference is that he opted for military work while I opted for a Masters degree. I was the only person at the 2009 gathering using PowerPoint and lecturing. He was the only person at this gathering doing the same. He talked about technology and how it should be put to full use to change the world. I was the only person who cringed and sunk into my chair.<br />
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Mark's presentations, which he also presents everywhere via tours, are meant to get people excited about technology. He's certainly excited about technology -- so much so that he wants to rip out everything old and replace it with something new. (He's never heard of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" apparently.) He proposes putting small wind turbines on light poles, painting cars with photovoltaic paints, replacing sidewalks with piezoelectric generators, and all sorts of other technologies which produce a small amount of electricity in small quantities. Adding it all up, he believes there will be no longer be an energy crisis.<br />
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Morley asked for his recommendation on what to do at Sunsport. Mark suggested a small-scale wind turbine. I later emailed Morley citing <a href="http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/04/small-windmills-test-results.html">this study</a> and concluding that he would lose money by buying one. The best performing small-scale wind turbine in 2009 cost about $14,460 and generated 2,109 kWh in a year. Compared with buying that much from the power company at 10 cents per kWh, it would take 69 years to break even. The turbine will not last that long. So not only will you lose money, but the damage to the environment for manufacturing these things does far more harm than good. Most (or maybe even all) of Mark's suggested technologies are like this -- environmentally damaging and not cost effective. (But I should note that large-scale turbines and solar installations do end up cost-effective and help the environment.)<br />
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After he solves the energy crisis, he believes that the world socioeconomic structure will shift. Since technology can provide plenty of food, energy, and other resources, money will disappear and everyone will share by nature. He talked about numerous studies which concluded that people are naturally willing to share fairly. If one person gets a sandwich, and another gets nothing, the person with the sandwich will split it down the middle and share. I agree that people are generous <span style="font-style: italic;">when in front of researchers</span>, but <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._List">John List</a> and other researchers, in the last decade, have proven that people aren't so generous in the real world.<br />
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I wish Mark luck with his new company, which aims to create an open-source off-grid factory to rapidly grow and harvest crops autonomously. He plans to deploy these to freely feed the hungry in poverty-stricken areas.<br />
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If there's one thing that rekindles my energy for naturism, it's a festival or gathering. I meet a lot of cool people -- "celebrities of naturism". I learn about new opportunities, get motivated to donate to NAC and help out as much as I can, and get motivated to work on my own projects that benefit naturism. I want to go back next year and host a whole bunch of workshops. I'm hooked.Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-35244241298092737562011-12-02T18:58:00.001-06:002011-12-02T20:40:28.545-06:00Busy BusyThis year has flown by. For the first 3/4 of the year, I was on a project that relentlessly kicked my butt. It's the first time in my career that I've clocked 90 hour weeks. I'm sure you've noticed that blogging frequency took a nose-dive through the summer. Our social life has done the same: NO trips to the beach, NO visits to nudist venues (except for <a href="http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2011/06/turtle-lake.html">Turtle Lake</a>, which was a working vacation), NO public lands freehiking or nude geocaching, NO trip to preview "Act Naturally" and meet some of the cast and crew, and NO nude parties.<div><br /></div><div>Although the project ended and I'm on a much better one now, the work shifted to all those things I was neglecting. We contracted a neighbor to re-roof our house, which happened in August. While that was still going on, we broke ground to build a much-needed pole building ourselves. My family has been very generous in helping with that -- the only real progress happened on the weekends, most of which they were here for. Both the roof and the new pole building look very nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>When the snow flies (any day now), I'm declaring ourselves as "settled in". There are no more critical projects that need to be done. (The roof was leaking -- I knew it would need attention the first year. And the attached garage is just big enough for two cars. We need way more than that in the garage.) Since the "needed" projects are out of the way, I can turn my attention to the projects I "want" to work on.</div><div><br /></div><div>My biggest "want" was to get the hot tub working. We managed to squeeze in time during the summer to pour a cement pad for it, and lay patio blocks around it. I bought all the "guts" for it and have them assembled in the basement. However, there is no electricity run for it. So there is no reason to install the guts. I'm holding off on buying a good cover (~$300) until I know it works. We wrapped it up good with tarps and a wooden "roof" so it'll survive the winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been slowly working some other projects as well. I've been writing up a "Future Resort Redux", which spins in a completely different direction than the previous series. It's good stuff! I've also collected another year of Burning Man photos, which hopefully show a trend. (Three years now, so I should be able to derive some metrics from it.) Most recently, I initiated building my own PC-based arcade machine -- a project I've been wanting to do for years but didn't have the room for. Hopefully by Spring we'll have a classic-looking arcade cabinet to finish off a nice rec room. Maybe we'll host a party or two when the weather gets warm!</div>Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249062629251473871.post-83150740242617171102011-06-21T18:12:00.001-06:002011-06-22T19:26:20.511-06:00Forest Hills<div>Since my previous last-minute adventure was so much fun, I decided to try it again. Same type of trip, working two weekends with the week available to do whatever I wanted. I had a couple more days to plan for it. This time, however, I'd be doing the trip alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to try <a href="http://www.foresthillsclub.com/">Forest Hills Nudist Club and Campground</a>. They are a smaller 45-acre co-op. Honestly, I prefer co-ops because I know they are not profit-driven. Any money that I spend there I know is going back into the campground somehow. They even have scheduled fundraisers where they specify what they intend to improve with the money. I like this.</div><div><br /></div><div>The place looks nice on the website. They have a large pool, hot tub, cafe, lunch stand, pavilion, clubhouse, several games, and rental cottages. All I need for my stay is a place to sleep, water, food, and internet. What about internet?</div><div><br /></div><div>Their 2010 brochure on the main page lists free wireless internet. But, I didn't see that at first, so I sent an email asking if wifi was available since I'd need to be able to work all week. The reply was "No sorry at this time WI-Fi is only available to members." This change in policy was to protect the privacy of the members.</div><div><br /></div><div>I spent a moment thinking about that... I was prepared to stay in the cottage for five weekdays, which is a good chunk of income for them when it otherwise wouldn't be rented, but only if wifi was available. And it was available to members. Were they really going to turn me away? I asked them to reconsider. They did, and they decided to allow me to use it since I was staying an extended time and needed it. There were conditions though: All the obvious stuff, and I could only use it in the cottage since many laptops have cameras and they were concerned about privacy. No problem, I'd prefer working from the cabin anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I called to book the reservation, a different member informed me that the wifi does not work from the cabins. I had to use it from the clubhouse. I suppose I could do this -- the clubhouse looks cozy and there wouldn't be many people around to distract me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwords, I took a closer look at the facilities to see how challenging the week would be. Going through my list...</div><div><br /></div><div>A place to sleep is easy, the cottage advertises a nice bed, nightstand, table and chairs, heater, and small refrigerator. The table and chairs appear to be a cheap set made for the patio. No big deal, since I'll be using the table and chairs in the clubhouse where wifi is available anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next on my list is water, which is also mentioned on the ad: "Our cabins are not equipped with bathrooms or running water, but these facilities are available in the clubhouse nearby." So I need to get dressed (if it's cold out) and walk to the bathroom? This is exactly what I do while tenting, so I guess I'm used to it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last is food. Both the cafe and the lunch stand are closed during the week, so I would need to bring my own food. What do I have available to store, prepare, and eat my food? A small fridge. There is no microwave or cooktop, and no dishes. This limits my food selection to sandwiches and snack bars unless I brought stuff. I packed my dishes for camping. Upon arrival, if there really was no microwave available, I was thinking of buying a cheap one for the cottage and telling them it's a donation.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the days got closer, I checked the weather forecast. It would be in the 60's and rainy for a large portion of the week. Their pool and hot tub are both outdoors. If I used them, I would freeze as soon as I left the water. Everyone else at the campground would probably be dressed due to the cool weather.</div><div><br /></div><div>Faced with an expensive trip to a rural location, being the only naked guy who hangs out in the clubhouse on a laptop most of the day, starving and fending for food, and having a challenging stay in a cottage, I decided to cancel my reservation. In all fairness, if there was warm weather and an event going on with food available, staying would be far easier and more enjoyable.</div><div><br /></div><div>So why did I decide to write about a place I never went to? I wanted to illustrate a point. A lot of nudist venues are completely geared towards people with RVs. Most people under 30 cannot afford a RV. Without my own kitchen, bathroom, and basic house, I need to rely on what is available from the venue. Is a bed, water, food, and internet too much to ask for? Most cheap motels even provide these things. Staying at a smaller nudist venue is often more challenging than staying at a cheap motel, which is discouraging for the younger non-RV generation.</div>Academic Naturisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187137403380281966noreply@blogger.com3